$2.1 BILLION ARMS SCANDAL: How we spent money - Northern Elders

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Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

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PHOTOSPEAK

From left:Rev. Justin Okoroji Jnr, Pa Ayomike and wife, Mrs. Utsanghan Ayomike, during Mrs. Ayomike’s 80th birthday, yesterday.

Children, their spouses and grand children of Pa and Mrs.Ayomike, during their mother’s birthday.

From left: The immediate past Conference PRO, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Aramide Tola Noibi, the Chief Medical Officer, Unity Hospital Group Ltd, Dr Michael Peters, a former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Ayo Ibidapo- Obe, a former Principal, International School, Unilag, Mrs Olusola Peters and an elder statesman, High Chief Doja Adewolu, at the 80th birthday of Sir Charles Oladeinde Williams, CEO, Unity Hospital Group Ltd, held at the Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos, last week.

Anuoluwapo Aduke Fasoranti,daughter of Prof. Dupe Olatubosun, and Efeoghene Clement Rhima, son of Chief and Mrs. Eric Rhima, during their wedding at the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan, yesterday.

Photo by Dare Fasube

APC ‘suspends’ Timipre Sylva T

BY OMEIZA AJAYI

he crisis in Bayelsa State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, took a twist, yesterday, as the state executive of the party announced the suspension of a former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, from the party.

The state Chairman of the APC, Timipa Tiwei Orunimighe, and Secretary, Daniel Marlin, announced the decision of the party in a statement in Abuja.

“After due consultations with relevant stakeholders and elders in the state, the Bayelsa State Executive Committee, at an emergency meeting, today, took the painful but necessary decision to suspend our gubernatorial flag bearer in the 2015 elections, Chief Timipre Sylva, pending the inves-

tigation of the following cases brought against him: “Anti-party activities.

We have it on good record Timipre Sylva, last week Tuesday precisely, paid a visit to one of the South-South governors of the PDP; this is just one of the correspondences between them and we find it grossly unbecoming.

This is in direct breach of Article 21, under ‘Offences’ in the party ’s Constitution which states in Section 2, ‘AntiParty activities or any conduct, which is likely to embarrass or have adverse effect on the party or bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule or disrepute is punishable.

“Attempts to form a parallel executive. This is in complete defiance

of Article 21, under offences which states, factionalization or creating parallel party organs at any level’ is punishable”.

The party also announced the suspension of the senatorial vice chairman, Bayelsa Central, Joseph Fafi, Edison Sogwe, its Publicity Secretary, Panebi Fortune and Organizing Secretary, Tonye Okio.

The statement accused them of conniving with Sylva in an attempt to destabilize its structure and publishing an illegal statement on behalf of the party.

The crisis in the APC came into the open last week when the party executives accused Sylva of giving the ministerial slot of Bayelsa to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri who they said is not a member of the party.

CBN Gov’s mother buried ...Buhari pays tribute

By Festus Ahon, Asaba

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resident Muham madu Buhari, yesterday, described the late Mrs. Alice Emefiele, mother of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, as a great mother, community leader and a peace maker.

Buhari, who was repre-

sented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal, during the burial ceremony held at Agbor, Delta State, said the deceased contributed to the growth and development of her community.

While extending the condolence of his family and the Federal Govern-

ment to Mr Godwin Emefiele and his siblings, he prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved mother.

Earlier in a sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, told the people to make impact in the society while alive.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016 — PAGE 5

$2.1 BILLION ARMS SCANDAL

How we shared money, by Northern Elders We’re still owed N16million – Tanko Yakassai

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

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N what appears to be a twist to the lingering controversy over the propriety or otherwise of the investigation into the $2.1 billion arms scandal linked to the campaign activities of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 general elections, the Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, has released the details of how his group expended the N53m disbursed to it in tranches for the elections.

The NEF Chairman confirmed that a former Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, spent his money on the assignment on the instruction of then President Goodluck Jonathan . The former presidential adviser told Sunday Vanguard, in an exclusive chat, that he was making the details available to the world to correct the information in the public domain that the funds made available to his group were part of the $2.1 billion arms money.

Indeed, many PDP leaders are questioning the propriety of the conclusions of the investigation into the activities in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, which claimed that some individuals received funds without contracts or that contracts were awarded without documentation or that some of the contracts awarded were bogus.

Names of those who allegedly collected funds from the ONSA have already been published.

It is against this backdrop – just as Anenih had made it clear that he was not in a position to ask President Jonathan where funds for the repayment of

campaign costs he had incurred would come from – that Yakassai gave an activity-by-activity breakdown of the expenditure.

In fact, the breakdown of the expenditure profile by the Yakassai group indicated that there is an outstanding balance of N16 million to be claimed.

Yakassai, who made the document of the breakdown available to Sunday Vanguard, revealed thus: “Please find below full statement of the expenses incurred during our tour of 17 northern states and the FCT, sponsored

by Chief Tony Anenih, on the directive of former President Goodluck Jonathan from January 14 to February 14, 2015”.

According to Yakassai, “States visited were Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Katsina, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Ilorin, BenueBenue, Plateau, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi and Gombe”.

He identified members of his team as Alhaji Sule Iyaji; Senator Abubakar D. Sodangi; Ambassador M.Z. Anka; Chief John Mankilik; Alhaji Sulaiman Lawal; Dr. Luka Bahago; and Barrister Bitrus Gwadah, Personal Assistant, with himself as team leader.

The elder statesman said members’ allowance @ N250,000 for eight members for 21 days came to N42,000,000.

He disclosed that return tickets for AbujaSokoto, Abuja-Kano, Abuja-Ilorin, Abuja-Yola/ Jallingo Abuja-Bauchi/ Gombe plane trips were at a cost of N50,000 and the total came to N2,250,000.

Yakassai put hotel accommodation of N30,000 per night for nine persons for five nights.

The elder statesman further said payments to

personal assistants was N20,000 per person, while the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, delegation from Plateau State, which visited Anenih, got N2,000,000.

By the standards of those involved, Yakassai suggested that the expenditure pattern was modest.

However, like the former PDP BoT Chairman said of the outstanding funds yet to be paid to him, the NEF Chairman put the outstanding claims for his assisgnment at N16,850,000.

The breakdown for this, according to Yakassai, is as follows: Car hire for seven persons for 25 days at N50,000 totals N8,750,000, accommodation at other places N6,000,000 and Plateau Special Delegation got

Hon. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left), with the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, H.E Hakan Cakil during a familiarisation visit to the Minister to discuss developmental issues on the power sector and other infrastructure at the Ministry of Power, Works and housing headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, FCT, last week

N2,100,000.

He said the idea behind the release of the details of the expenses of his committee was “just

for the record”.

Already, tongues are wagging regarding the intention behind the names published as coconspirators in the arms scandal as some PDP

Police uncover ritualists’ den in Ogun *Recover decomposing body, arrest two suspects

By Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta

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GUN State Police Command has uncovered a spiritualists’ den in Iyana-Ilogbo axis of Sango-Ota area of the state, and arrested two suspects.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that policemen attached to Sango Police State, and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad team swooped on a building, acting on a tip off from a member of the community, and arrested the two suspects.

The den was located within an abandoned Ayokunnu filling station, about 20 metres from the popular Iyana Ilogbo bus stop, along LagosAbeokuta Expressway.

The two suspected ritualists arrested in the den were identified as Babatunde Taofeek and Hammed Hassan.

It was further gathered

that inside the den were a decomposing body of a male victim, clothes, shoes, wigs, matchetes, and bags.

A resident, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that two victims in the custody of the ritualists’ escaped from the building

and an attempt by them (ritualists) to recapture them led to the discovery of the den.

Prompt response by the police led to the arrest of the suspects while two other persons suspected to be members of the gang were reported to

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ORTUNES of the Peo ple’s Democratic Party, PDP, suffered yet another setback in Delta State, following the defection of a former member of the State House of Assembly, Chief Joseph Oshevire and hundreds of his supporters defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC. Speaking at well attended political gathering at the APC ward secretariat in Okpara Inland, Oshevire, who represented Ethiope

have escaped.

When our correspondent visited the den, scores of residents thronged the building, with some recording the scene on their phones.

When contacted, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident.

Arrest of ex-PPMC MD: EFCC erred — Group

By Yinka Ajayi

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HE arrest, last week, of Mrs Esther OgbueNnamdi, a former Managing Director of the Petroleum Products and Marketing Company (PPMC), and currently Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, by the EFCC, has been described as illegal and an example of how not to fight corruption. “The arrest of Mrs

Ogbue-Nnamdi and the ransacking of her office and residence were based on a fictitious petition written by some desperate contractors who believe that her due process adherence at the PPMC has deprived them of opportunity to carry out business as usual,”a group said, yesterday.

Young Professional Alliance for Charge, through its General Secretary, Chukwudi Ifediora, in a statement, said the principal reason for Ogbue-Nnamdi’s arrest was “ falsehood con-

PDP lacks democratic tenets, says Ex-Delta lawmaker

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leaders insist that funds allocated to them were for campaign purposes and no one asked where the funds were being sourced from.

East constituency in the last political dispensation, expressed dissatisfaction with the running of the affairs of the PDP. Alleging that certain leaders of the party had killed the tenets and practice of democracy, he decried that his defection from the Democratic People Party DPP on whose platform he won election into the state House of Assembly in 2011, was a monumental mistake.

Lamenting that his so-

journ in the PDP brought a setback to his political career, he said: “It is better for me to come back to the progressive family rather than continue to stay in the wrong party where one political evolution is not in sight”.

Describing the PDP as a group of rejected politicians with certain characters, Oshevire said: “APC is made up progressive people and this is where my supporters and I belong.”

tained in the petition that she built and furnished a N1.2 billion mansion in Maitama within two months”.

The statement went on: “This is absolutely untrue because it is on record that the building in question is the official residence of the accused RENTED for her by the PPMC. It is not her personal property.

“One would have expected the EFCC on receiving the petition to take steps and cross-check with the appropriate agencies of government, including the Federal Housing Authority, the ownership of the property.

This was not done.

“It is not our duty to interfere in whatever the EFCC does but we owe a duty to Nigerians and this administration to ensure that only the right thing is done.

EFCC must not be desperate to make news. It must be desperate to do what is right in line with the law establishing it and in line with the 1999 Constitution. Arresting and detaining innocent people before carrying out the required investigation is wrong and unacceptable”.

PAGE 6—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

Stop dumping babies in waste bin — Arase

By Jimitota Onoyume

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IFE of the Inspec tor General of Police, Mrs Agharase Arase, has appealed to young mothers to stop dumping their new born babies in dust bin and gutter, saying the act is painful and deeply disturbing.Mrs. Arase, who is the President, Police Officers Wives Association, POWA, spoke in Port Harcourt, yesterday, when POWA donated food items to children at an orphanage homeRepresented by the Chairperson, Rivers State

Chapter of POWA and wife of the state Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Margaret Kimo, the wife of the IGP said the donation to Port Harcourt Children Home was part of the activities lined up for the police week.

While urging young girls to shun premarital sex, she thanked minders at the home for being there for the children, praying that God will continue to reward them for their service to the children.”Our young girls who take the risk of giving birth, it is sad to hear you dump them in

the dust bin. God should have mercy on such people. It is not easy taking care of children as a mother, I know the challenge.

God will bless you (workers at the home ) for giving hope to these children,” she said.Mrs. Arase enjoined public spirited Nigerians to identify with the home.Items donated to the orphanage included cartons of noddles and bags of rice.Matron of the home, Mrs Barile Wanko, thanked POWA for remembering the children, praying God to continue to bless them and their households

From right: Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State; Arc. Kester Ifeadi, President, Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC); and Hon. Victor Nwokolo, member, House of Representatives, at the 13th Anioma Cultural Festival, held at the Arcade Ground, Asaba.

Agatu in total ruin — UN *Buhari doesn’t need to visit crisis area – Presidency *Peace is returning – Council boss

By Levinus Nwabughiogu, Peter Duru and Abiodun Alade

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HE representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs. Angele Dikongue Atangana, says the attacks in Agatu local government area of Benue State by suspected militia left the area in total ruin.

Atangana, led on the tour of the area by Ezekiel Adaji, the Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees and North East Development Initiative, also described the damage as unimaginable.

The UN representative, who stated that the plight of Agatu people deserved national and international attention, stressed that it would be difficult for the affected people to rebuild their communities without external help.

“In my 20 years of working as a humanitarian, I have never seen such a level of destruction. If steps are not taken, the crisis can affect the country as a whole,” she said.

She noted that the damage to Agatu was similar to what was happening in the North-East, and assured that her agency would aid in the rehabilitation of the displaced persons.

Addressing the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, at the Ugbokpo camp, Atangana disclosed that the UN body had donated non-food items worth over N20 million to the IDPs, stating that the items were with the State EmergenC M Y K

cy Management Agency, SEMA, in Makurdi.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed the calls for President Muhammadu Buhari to visit Agatu, saying he needed not to be physically present to do his job.

The President spoke through the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, during a session with Osasu Igbinedion on “The Osasu Show,” aired on the African Independent Television, AIT. In any case, Adesina reminded Nigerians that the Presidency had issued a statement on Agatu killings detailing the position of Buhari.

Also, yesterday, the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Mr Joseph Ngbede,

claimed that normalcy had returned to the area.

Ngbede, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard on phone, said residents were returning home.

“I don’t stay in Makurdi. I am in Agatu. I can say there are no more attacks and the people are returning home,” he said.

He said that, although the suspected Fulani attackers come from neighbouring Nasarawa State, he is not aware of the owner of the cows.

Last week, a meeting of Benue socio-cultural groups and religious leaders had flayed Buhari, army, and police chiefs, as well as Governor Samuel Ortom for failing to visit Agatu and other besieged Benue communities after the attacks.

From left: Mr Oshunniyi Abiola, Co-Founder, Become Charge Institute, BCI; Mrs Adesuwa Ifedi, Snr Adviser Bridge International Academies; Mr Ayodele Lawal Adio,Co-Founder; Mrs Morenike Taire,Woman Editor, Mr Victor Gotevbe, Admin Mgr, both of Vanguard; Barr Efe Anaughe,Founder/ CEO, Warien Rose Foundation and Dr Otefe Edebi,Medical Director Gracehill Behavioral Services Ltd, during the BCI roundtable meeting on women in governance, held in Lagos, last week. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye

Soldiers kill nine Boko Haram terrorists, rescue 21 hostages in Borno

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja.

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HE Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that its soldiers have killed nine terrorists and rescued 21 captives from Boko Haram hideouts during clearance operations at Wulwuta, Bama,

Borno State.

A statement, by Col Sani Usman, acting Army ’s spokesman, said, “The troops of 155 Task Force Battalion, 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Thursday, during clearance operations, discovered and destroyed an

Longevity is God’s gift, says Mrs. Ayomike @ 80

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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DUCATIONIST and granddaughter of the Great Nanna Olomu of Itsekiri, Mrs. Utsaghan J. Ayomike, says longevity is a gift from God as she turned 80, yesterday.

Utsanghan, joined by her husband of 62 years and Chairman, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, Pa J.O.S Ayomike, celebrated the birthday with family and friends with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Warri.

Explaining why she looked so young at four scores, Mrs. Ayomike said, “It’s the gift of God. There’s no magic about it, it’s not my making. I come from Nanna’s family. We don’t just grow old looking fray because of the figure God gave us.

You will hardly see any fat person in my family.

“We don’t eat much. For example, after taking my tea in the morning, a little breakfast around 10 or 11, I take my food later in the evening, around 5 or 6pm. And when you

say food, it’s a handful, not a question of eating all sorts.”

The celebrant’s husband, Pa Ayomike, who will be 89 on April 7, said on the occasion, “We have been married for 62

years. Rightly or wrongly, I stick to one woman and it has been a blissful union. Like I said, it is not for me to judge whether I was right or wrong. That question is for others to answer.”

Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory and cleared Boko Haram terrorists hide out in Wulwuta village, ahead of Jere, Bama Local Government Area.

“During the operation, the troops also killed 9 Boko Haram terrorists while one of our soldier was wounded in action.

“The troops recovered one laptop, one solar panel, a pair of Nigerian military desert and woodland camouflage uniform each, as well as bandolier vest and six ready IEDs pressure plates.

“It is heart-warming to state that the troops morale remains high and fighting efficiency is unprecedented.”

Enugu set for maiden Investment Summit *17 firms for privatisation, commercialisation

By Francis Igata

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ESIDENTS of Enugu State are in a frenzy following the readiness of the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to host the Enugu Maiden Investment Summit, christened,”Oganiru Enugu State”(Progress of Enugu State), expected to relaunch the economic fortunes of the state into the

global arena.

The summit,geared towards attracting prospective investors to take over some state owned companies and corporations through the Privatization and Commercialization Council, inaugurated by the governor,will serve as a catalyst to reposition Enugu economically.

Sunday Vanguard’s visit to the Micheal Okpara Square,venue of the two-

day summit, holding 12-14 April, showed that facilities to be used for the exercise were being put in place.

It was also found that the Senior Special Adviser,SSA,Project Development Implementation, PDI, to the Governor, Uchenna Abel Nwobodo, had erected a tent where he sleeps within the premises, to ensure that the facilities were ready.

At the street leading to

the venue, new street light poles have been mounted while flood lights in the venue were being test run to ensure illumination during the summit.

Electricians from the PDI office had their hands full, trying to ensure that the 1,000KVA standby generator installed in the square was functioning optimally to serve as alternative power supply.

The flowers within and outside the square have been cut into lush green lawns.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 7

rexmarinus@hotmail.com

The Security Question

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n Wednesday, my friend and fellow old Umuahian, Chuks, came to dinner with his family at my home. He is a family doctor in Union, New Jersey, and has been vacationing with his family in Orlando for the Spring break. Our postprandial talk normally drifted to

Nigeria, our “Ogbanje nation” and old homeland. Chuks has not visited Nigeria since his mother ’s funeral some years ago, and it is not for lack of love, or interest, but from a deep phobia – a fear of getting mucked into the Nigerian criminal maelstrom of accidental deaths from robbery and kidnapping. It is a genuine fear. This fine doctor and gentleman is not alone.

There are literally hundreds of professionally trained Nigerians who are “trapped” outside of Nigeria; who cannot even vacation with their families any longer in

their ancestral homes, and Nigeria is the greatest loser in all this.

They are also possibly the last links to Nigeria as their children generally do not wish to have anything to do with Nigeria, and have little interest in maintaining any links after the first generation.

Chika, Chuks’s wife had traveled home last Christmas on vacation with their daughter, and literally had to escape into the underground, from her village in Imo state. Her cousin, a US soldier, on vacation with his family also, had been kidnapped with his family, and this had caused not only a ruckus, but the trauma is only to be imagined for this family visiting Nigeria for a holiday.

It took serious pressure by the US Ambassador in Nigeria on behalf of the US government on the Imo State government, the Nigerian Police

command, and security agencies in Owerri, to find and arrest the kidnappers of this US military personnel on official vacation in Nigeria. He was found unharmed, luckily, and it does say a few things: these kinds of kidnapping cannot happen without the highest involvement of people in government and the high echelons of the security services.

When it came down to it, the police worked: they deployed their strategic capacity apparently, and secured the release of this American soldier and his family, and arrested the gang. But without the pressure of the US government, things were mostly likely to go south for this visiting family, who had been surrounding by Ak-47 machine-gun wielding goons. The police and the security services would not work. Nigeria has become, not a place to holiday, but a place to come to die. If you wish to commit suicide, go home. This is a far-cry from the old image of home as a place where you came to, to be embraced and protected from the buffeting winds of travel and adventure.

This disappearing idea of home has both emotional and material implications. Soon,

people are going to stop investing at “home.” Why build a house where you no longer will visit, and where the inheritors are going to be some “Maiguard” from the North, who by the way is guarding and cleaning the family house currently?

Why join a Town Union,

Insecurity is returning with full force in Nigeria, and the president, and the National Assembly seem yet to take these threatening developments seriously

and send money to a town where you have no more e motional commitments

because your children will never return there even to visit, and you have been hounded out by insecurity? It is a development that people have not really given much thought to. The loss of direct funds sent home from many of these Nigerians from their bases abroad which provides significant oil to the economy will be devastating in the long run.

It is a slow development, but it is bound to be an incremental response, as people are forced inevitably to cut any direct links to Nigeria as a result of trauma and fear of personal violence, and for the security of their lives and property.

Nigeria’s increasingly

global image as a place which is too dangerous to visit is not only deleterious to its economy, it is dangerous to its capacity among nations that can compete, attract and retain strategic work force for the economy of the 21st century in the emerging global environment.

Nigeria wants to generate revenue from tourism: but tourism cannot develop where a critical component, the sense of personal security is missing. Every summer or winter, young people from wealthy nations travel, drawn by the curiosity for other places and cultures, and the freedom of the open road.

They spend money, they engage people, and they become economic ambassadors, through the stories they tell about the lands they’ve visited to their own people.

Nigeria is not one of those places that draw young visitors.

Ghana, just across the border, yes. But try telling people to go to Nigeria, and only the mentally ill might really consider such a proposition. The number of international visitors to Nigeria is thinning rapidly, especially as the oil economy, which was really about the only thing that drew foreign travelers to Nigeria declines, and I do not know if the Nigerian Bureau of National Statistics has numbers on this, but a nation that is unable to attract visitors become in-bred and nonregenerative.

This is the great risk Nigeria faces as its security situation keeps away, not only Nigerians living outside, but potential international visitors, who come not only to spend money, but also to bring a part of themselves, which

ultimately renews and keeps national culture alive. Last week, at the National Executive Conference of his party, the APC, President Buhari drew a little attention to this fact of Nigeria’s deeply troubling security situation when he described Rivers state as the “most deadly state” in Nigeria.

The president was speaking, of course, from a rather partisan position – after his party had received a drubbing at the rescheduled elections in Rivers State, which had recorded reports of terrible violence and bloodshed.

The president had, prior to the election, ordered a vast number of army, police, and security personnel to Rivers State for the elections. That did not stop the terrible bloodshed and mindless violence. A great legacy which President Goodluck Jonathan leaves behind is the legacy of peace. For the period he was president, Nigerians felt the powerful relief of peace and a higher sense of security.

Aside from the Boko Harm episodes, Nigeria was relatively secure.

Jonathan had brought an end to the spate of political killings and assassinations.

Incidents of kidnapping had largely disappeared in Nigeria, although there were still blights like the yet to be explained kidnapping and disappearance to this day, of Mr. Ihekweaba, an Architect and Permanent Secretary in the Imo state government under still suspicious circumstances which the police command is yet to explain. But insecurity is returning with full force in Nigeria, and the president, and the National Assembly seem yet to take these threatening developments seriously.

President recently announced the moves to recruit 10, 000 new police men. This will not solve the problem.

There has to be a complete overhaul of the entire security architecture in Nigeria that would reorient, reposition, retool,

and redirect the mission and operations of the Nigerian police Services and the agencies responsible for domestic intelligence and security, to anticipate, eliminate, and contain crime in Nigeria. It has come to a national emergency, and the current police and Department of State Services, in their current states and orientation can no longer guarantee the security of the lives of Nigerians. Perhaps to protect themselves, various communities must devise, in defiance of the police act, their own local policing initiatives by recruiting, training, equipping, and arming Community Police and Intelligence Services, and creating a network of patrol and emergency services. That way, for instance, some armed “Fulani Herdsmen” cannot simply come and attack a community, and when they respond, some police or military personnel cannot just simply come to arrest folk without consequence and resistance.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

Edo 2016: Why the people will vote Oshiomhole’s candidate, by Esogban of Benin

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN-CITY

Esogban of Benin Kingdom and Chairman of the Benin Forum, umbrella organisation for Binis home and in the Diaspora, Chief David Edebiri, in this interview, speaks about his group’s tour of projects executed by Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. The revered Benin chief, fondly referred as the ‘Oracle’ of Benin Kingdom, also speaks on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and the politics of Edo. Excerpts:

more than Oshiomhole, one who will be able to do something for the majority of the people of the state. Then we will advise our people accordingly. But, currently, the parties have the show because they will conduct their primaries and at the end of the day, we pick somebody we feel will do well for us. We are not restricting it to only APC alone.

has happened to change that situation if the ruling power in Edo can conduct a credible primary election. Oshiomhole is still going to be the issue whether he is contesting or not.

To their advantage, Oshiomhole has performed, so whoever is chosen by the party will rise on the back of Oshiomhole as against their opponents who will not have

I recall that you actually predicted President Buhari’s victory. Are you satisfied with the current economic situation in the country?

Definitely. I hold the same view about Buhari. As a matter of fact, the views is stronger this time than when we supported him to win election. I believe that those things most

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OUR group recently went round to assess G o v e r n o r Oshiomhole’s projects.

What are your findings?

It is true that the Benin Forum went with Governor Oshiomhole on inspection tour of some projects. From what we saw, it is very encouraging that something is happening in Edo. We would have loved to invite people from other states to come to our state and see what is happening. It is not enough to make statements on the pages of newspapers to say this man is not doing anything, it is better you come and see what is happening here. Even with the current economic down turn, Oshiomhole continues to build and construct. We were impressed and every human being who is good will be impressed with what the governor is doing. We love him, we have confidence in him and we will continue to support his government.

We went on behalf of the Benin Forum,and the BF is the apex organization of all Benin people at home and in the Diaspora. What the governor is doing is marvellous and all the Benin people at home and abroad appreciate it. Those who say he is not doing enough ought to know that there is no way one can eat his cake and have it. Oshiomhole could not have been stealing Edo money and still have money to do what he is doing. So the only thing one can conclude is that whatever penny the government is generating through IGR, is being put into the construction that is going on everywhere in Edo. The governor is doing well and the Benin people are most favoured and blessed by whatever project Oshiomhole has brought to the state. We are satisfied.

But what effort are the elders making to get a credible successor for Oshiomhole?

The process of selecting a successor is first and foremost the work of politicians. They have their own method of producing candidates. At that stage, those of us who are not politicians can only be onlookers. When they finish and a winner emerges, we will look at all the candidates, not from the APC alone, but also any one of them we feel can do

•Edebiri... Binis did not betray Oshiomhole

Now, since he assumed office, I want to say, with all the emphasis, that he has shown a very decent and civilized mode of administration

We will look at the candidates of all the parties, PDP, APGA or Labour Party. So if we find, for instance, that APGA has produced somebody we feel can work for the greater number of the people of Edo, we will support him and advise our people accordingly.

But don’t you have the fear that APC governorship primary may create crisis in the party?

My advice is that APC, if they want to retain their dominance of political power in Edo they should go in for a credible nomination process. If they can come out with a credible process, nothing has happened to change the political pattern that brought Oshiomhole to power. Nothing

nothing to show us what they have done. And from what is coming from Abuja today, how they looted when they were in power, I don’t think that is a credit card for any party. So, it is up to the APC to put their house in order and see that whosoever emerges as the candidate of that party is the popular choice. He is going to be someone that the majority of the people will accept. I am not aware that Oshiomhole is imposing anybody. Once APC conducts a credible primary, there is nothing changing the calculations or the voting pattern of the people.

But the Binis betrayed Oshiomhole during the last National Assembly elections. What makes you think that will not repeat itself?

I do not agree that the Binins betrayed him during the National Assembly elections.

Many factors went into play during the elections and many of those factors cannot be seen again. Some of those factors that affected the elections may never come back. Binis did not disappoint Oshiomhole. The question of the National Assembly elections was not a Benin affair. And to tell you that the results of those elections were a fluke, two weeks after, the results of the House of Assembly elections changed. So I disagree that the Binis disappointed Oshiomhole.

Nigerians believe he will do if he becomes President are within possibility. As a matter of fact, it was on November 12, 2013 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium that I first made it public that the party that was being formed them, that is today the APC, will form the next Federal Government. I predicted it that time and, as God will have it and because we speak with the authority of God Almighty, the prediction has come true. And on several other fora, I did say that Buhari will become President from 2015. We met severally and I told him he will become the President of Nigeria again. On a particular day when he visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, before I broke the kolanut to pray for him, I make the remark that if I knew that Buhari will not win the coming election, I would not have left my home for the palace. The fact that I was at the palace to break the kolanut and prayed for him, showed that he will be the winner of that election.

Although many people did not take kindly to it, God has vindicated us.

Now, since he assumed office, I want to say, with all the emphasis, that he has shown a very decent and civilized mode of administration. The three principal targets of his administration have been followed diligently so far. I have not seen where he has failed in the implementation of

the promises he made to the people. On security, it is now public knowledge that he has succeeded, using the Nigerian armed forces, to defeat Boko Haram. Whatever the terrorists are doing today is just to say they are still somewhere but, in the actual fact, they have been so dismantled that they can never have a formidable force any more to do damage to Nigeria.

On the economy, the way he is battling the problems is also commendable and I know we will still get to the destination.

I am surprised that many Nigerians are not showing enthusiasm as they ought to show at the disclosures coming out of Abuja, how people conspired to loot the Nigerian treasury. But for President Buhari sitting, I am not too sure that any other Nigerian would have gone so far in digging out these people who looted our money. Even those who we entrusted powers to rule us were all co-conspirators to loot the treasury of this nation. Even we did not know that many of them we had thought were genuine leaders were all partakers in corrupt practices to the extent that the money that was meant to buy arms for our armed forces was shared for political purposes. The old regime arrested soldiers who refused to go to the war front without guns, weapons and they were tried, court martialled and sentenced to death. I am happy that they have been given reprieve but as a Nigerian, I want to call on the Federal Government to further look at the issue of the soldiers with a view to discharging them without any punishment. And to bring the people who had brought this shame, untimely death to our people, bring them and try them for being cruel to humanity. And I see that while people have been dancing around the corner, the real culprits are outside. If you cannot charge them locally, charge them at the International Court for crimes against humanity. So I think the Buhari revolution is on course and I have no doubt that he will lead this country to a safe place.

But he is being accused of being selective in his war against corruption?

Any time I hear that allegation, I ask myself, will Buhari leave those who stole and go for those who did not steal? When Dasuki was arrested, he told them the people he gave money to. So will Buhari go and arrest somebody that was not mentioned? I think these are the same people, trying to derail the good work of the President.

There is nothing selective in this war against corruption.

Those who were given the money have admitted receiving the money. So I think it is all blackmail. I want to urge that this inquiry is ongoing and should not stop until the last penny is returned to the treasury of this country.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016 PAGE 9

LINGERING CONTROVERSY OVER 2016 BUDGET

Old order versus ‘change’ regime •Aso Rock Villa

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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hough it has been approved by the National Assembly, three months after it was presented, the 2016 Budget estimates can only come into effect only when assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.

But looking at the unfolding events, this appears to be a mirage. Yet, Nigerians are facing what could be called a grave economic situation. Why the delay in the presidential assent to the Appropriation Bill?

What has gone wrong? This piece tries to find answers.

They drew the first blood by not releasing the details of the approved 2016 Budget estimates.

And trust him, he would give it back to them just as he had vowed. Indeed, to think that President Muhammadu Buhari is former President Olusegun Obasanjo or the late Umaru Yar’Adua or even his immediate predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, is the high point of self-deceit and political hallucination.

Buhari is not given to flippancy or theatrical rhetorics. He is a man of action. He is man of reason and nobler ideals. He is thorough. He is Mr. Integrity. He holds onto his beliefs and convictions so tenaciously that one needs to advance superior arguments to make him shift grounds. Perhaps, when he converted from the military junta to become a staunch

democrat, only a few Nigerians understood him. When he assumed office as President, only a few persons understood that a new Sheriff was in town and so must evolve news ways of doing things. Yet, 10 months into his administration, many still think governance is business as usual.

This is preposterous and infantile.

But, to a large extent, these beliefs and convictions are climes

Moreso, having come under venomous vilifications and vituperations from critics that no visible achievement has been recorded by his administration after ten months in office, many would have thought that the signing of the budget would be given the urgency it merits. But that was not the way of the spartan Buhari

sensitive. They don’t always work in an atmosphere of tainted dreams or skewed political interest that exclusively recognizes self and divorces collectivity. And that has made Buhari a strange species of mankind in this part of the world.

Buhari, indeed, stirred the hornet’s nest when he voiced out, on Wednesday, in faraway Washington, D.C., United States (US), during a meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, on the sidelines of the just concluded 4th Nuclear Security Energy, that, come rain or shine, he would not assent to the 2016 national budget of Nigeria unless it was critically reviewed. The budget of N6.08 trillion, laid before the National Assembly on December 22, 2015, had been passed by the legislature on March 24, 2016 after it had been pruned to N6.6 trillion and transmitted to the President without the details of the minuses or additions made to it.

On the periphery, Buhari’s statement may have been seen as callous; wickedness personified; a joke taken too far; outrightly military. With the current harsh economic realities, the financial meltdown and their concomitants, one would have expected that the President would be in a hurry to sign the budget into law, having been passed by the National Assembly. One would also have expected that the President would appreciate and expressly crown the enormous work done

by the National Assembly on the budget estimates. Moreso, having come under venomous vilifications and vituperations from critics that no visible achievement has been recorded by his administration after ten months in office, many would have thought that the signing of the budget would be given the urgency it merits. But that was not the way of the spartan Buhari.

Meanwhile, the man has his reasons. And the reasons may look germane. For the first time in the history of budgeting in Nigeria, the people were treated to a drama of budget disappearance, a development that attracted public odium, national and international embarrassment. Recall also that, for the first time, Nigerians were introduced to “budget padding”, a word that suggested alteration of the figures of the 2016 Budget estimates.

Recall Buhari’s words to the Nigeria community during his visit to Saudi Arabia in February: “I have been a military governor, petroleum minister, military Head of State and headed the Petroleum Trust Fund. Never have I heard the words `budget padding’. Our Minister of Budget and National Planning did a great job with his team. The Minister became almost half his size during the time, working night and day to get the budget ready, only for some people to pad it. What he gave us was not what was finally being debated.

It is very embarrassing and

disappointing. We will not allow those who did it to go unpunished”.

Yes, the two chambers of the National Assembly must be applauded for going through the Appropriation Bill within three months of the receipt of the estimates. They must also be commended for the eventual passage of the Bill. But, to many analysts, they have created room for suspicion. For a budget that prompted a history of intrigues, disappearance and alterations, sending only the highlights of the approved copy without the details to the President to sign into law was, to some people, a big risk Buhari could not afford to take. With all these at play, it would be foolhardy not to hold everyone, everything with suspicion. Once beaten, twice shy, so goes a saying. This must be the feeling of Buhari and the reason for the statement that the budget must be subjected to review, ministry by ministry, page after page. To him, the reviewing of the budget, vis-avis the original copy, was the proper thing to do in the ‘change’ era. And that gave way to the words of the President on Wednesday in the US. Said he: “Some bureaucrats removed what we put in the proposals and replaced them with what they wanted. I have to look at the Bill that has been passed by the National

Continues on page 10

PAGE 10—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

•Saraki Continued from page 9

Assembly, ministry by ministry, to be sure that what has been brought back for me to sign is in line with our original submission”.

Other Presidents signed budget without asking for the detailsNational Assembly To make matters worse, the National Assembly, in responding to Buhari’s demand for the details of the approved copy, gave what many people considered an infantile answer to a serious issue.

One could applaud their readiness to make available the details of the budget within a fortnight but definitely not the remark that other Presidents signed their budgets using only the highlights without the details.

Besides, leaving the details behind or alluding to the old practice of submitting the details, weeks or months after the implementation of the budget had taken off, creates an impression that the job may have been haphazardly done.

Said Hon. Abdulmuni Jubril, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on the issue: “At the moment, we’re working on the details of the budget. We’ll take a week or two to work on the details. We’re doing the final harmonization. We’re looking at the various reports of the committees.

“We had instances where Obasanjo signed the budget without the details. Yar ’Adua came and he preferred to see the details. So, if President Muhammadu Buhari prefers to see the details before assenting to the bill, I don’t think we should make a big deal out of it. It’s absolutely normal”.

“This is the most difficult budget we have ever dealt with. The MTEF and the budget came late.

With all the challenges we had, I doubt if the executive would be throwing stones at the National Assembly.

“Even while we were dealing with all such realities, multiple budget details came up and we were able to manage the situation in a very friendly manner with the executive”.

Some analysts think that it was a wrong notion to liken the days of Obasanjo, Yar ’Adua and Jonathan to present day Nigeria where change and transparency are the order of the day. Should Buhari act like others, then the gospel of ‘change’ would have been half preached.

•Dogara

•PresidentBuhari

Old order versus ‘change’ regime Where two elephants fight, the grass suffers What troubles many of the analysts in the present quagmire between the Presidency and, by extension, the executive arm of government, and the National Assembly, is that the common man, who stood in the sun about this time last year, to vote for Buhari and the lawmakers, is the most affected.

Whereas the budget suffers fresh delay, the President would still be globetrotting in the guise of attending to state matters. Also, the lawmakers would continue to sit in their cozy offices and driving their earth-sized jeeps. But the common man would be left in the corner, begging for food. Infrastructures would remain in their dilapidated state. The much touted million jobs would not be created. The N500 billion earmarked to prosecute six social programmes would be delayed and the promised change would be in abeyance. Already, the first quarter of the year is gone with nothing done. Now, the question goes back to the gladiators: Without the budget signed into law, how would the common man get a

What troubles many of the analysts in the present quagmire between the Presidency and, by extension, the executive arm of government, and the National Assembly, is that the common man, who stood in the sun about this time last year, to vote for Buhari and the lawmakers, is the most affected

facelift?

Gale of reactions Sunday Vanguard reached out to Nigerians some of whom participated in the budget debate as the House of Representatives members to sample their views on the matter. Below are their submissions: It is normal to demand the submission of approved budget details before signingHon Phillips Shuiba, member representing Etsako East/West/ Central of Edo State, House of Representatives “The President has the right to demand for the details of the budget. He will be the second President seeking details before signing. It is not abnormal.

President Yar ’Adua also did likewise. But it has been the tradition to send summary first before the details. And truly, it’s the summary that is always before members during the passage of the budget at plenary. The details are captured in the summary in various ministries, and MDAs, during passage. The details are always resolved at the committee stage. The final copy of the budget is sent to members most time after signing. So I don’t know why we are making this an issue. This is a budget that the leadership and members of the House should be commended for, following the issues that came with the budget. The issues of budget padding, the inconsistencies that occurred, the time frame were all the challenges the lawmakers had, yet the budget was given the attention it required for it to be ready by now. I am of the opinion the the National Assembly deserved a pat on the back. I don’t see this as an issue. It will eventually be resolved”.

I endorse President’s decision to wait— Chief Chekwas Okorie, a former presidential candidate and National Chairman, United Progressives Party, UPP

“I fully endorse the President’s decision to wait until he has the details of the budget proposals before appending his signature to the Appropriation Bill. The controversy arising from his presentation of the proposals to the National Assembly as a result of the discovery of the padded figures and other inconsistencies which he presented out of trust that his aides, mainly the ministers and the permanent secretaries, had done a thorough job in the compilation of the budget only to be exposed to a monumental national embarrassment ought to caution him to err on the part of diligence instead of expediency. I urge Nigerians to give Buhari the benefit of the doubt to scrutinize the details of the budget before signing. If this takes addition of two weeks, it is better than committing another blunder.

What I will urge the President to do is to ensure an expeditious implementation of the budget proposals once the Bill is signed.

Nigerians expect 100 percent implementation in order to address the economic problems that we face.”

The details will take weeks to come- Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, member representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa Federal Constituency, House of Representatives “I don’t know what has transpired between the leadership of the National Assembly and the President. So commenting on it wouldn’t benefit anybody. But my position is that the National Assembly owns the budget. The budget is not a budget of the executive. It is the budget of the National Assembly where every constituency in Nigeria is represented. And, probably, with a reasonable discussion, the President wanted to sign sector by sector. The normal thing is to transmit the details, everything. But I don’t know what may have happened.

There is no problem with giving him the details. The National Assembly would give him the details. It is just that the details take time. It is not something of

one week because, as you put the details, you will be able to analyze them sectorally, agree with the sectoral amount. It takes up to three weeks or more than that.

Even if the committee is working 24 hours everyday, it takes more than two weeks. So, I think people should understand that the details take up to three weeks. It is not a week issue. And this is something that takes more than one month to couple by the executive and, if there are amendments in many areas, the executive does not expect the National Assembly to sort it out within one week.”

President has constitutional right to withhold assent- Chief Mike Ozokheme, SAN “PMB can insist on seeing the budget details before signing the Bill. A budget captures all income and expenditure, including the details, not just summary. But PMB cannot unilaterally review the budget. That is the NASS prerogative. PMB can make his observations and views known to the NASS for them to address and reincorporate into the budget and re-forward to him for assent. The President can constitutionally withhold his assent. If he does, NASS can, in turn, after 30 days, ignore him and pass the budget into law. These are the inbuilt in checks and balances envisaged by the French philosopher, Baron de Montesquieu, when, in 1748, he propounded the doctrine of separation of powers.”

Last line One thing this unhealthy development has achieved is that the cheers that greeted the passage of the 2016 Budget estimates by the National Assembly last week have disappeared overnight. The excitement is gone and the peoples’ faces have gone gloomy again. Everyone had thought that the long wait was over. But politicians are back at loggerheads. But it is still not too late for them to restore the hope of the common man. They can shift grounds for his sake. Yes, if the National Assembly, especially the House of Representatives, could cut short their holiday and hold session on a Sunday during the mass protest against subsidy removal in 2012, the relevant committees involved in working out the Budget details or, better still, the whole parliament could also work expediently to resolve whatever issues there are. By this token also, Buhari could also think of a middle ground to perch for the good of the common man.

The long wait for this budget of change is killing.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, Page 11

MADAM EMEFIELE, MOTHER OF CBN GOV, BURIED The burial of Mrs. Alice Emefiele, mother of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, took place in Agbor, Delta State, yesterday. Images from the occasion as captured by Nath Onojake

From left: The children of the deceased: Christiana Oribe Akindele,David Nwachukwu Emefiele,Godwin Emefiele,George Ndidi Emefiele,Theresa Osaremen Nnadi,Dr. Okonta Isaac Emefiele and Patience Emefiele

From left: Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Willie Obiano (Anambra); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).

From right: Mr. Nduka Obiagbena, Publisher, Thisday Newspapers; Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Abdusalam Rabiu.

From right: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Engr Babachar Lawal, SFG, representative of President Muhammadu Buhari; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and wife, Edith.

From left: Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; and Senator Olusola Adeyeye.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State (left) with Governor Ben Ayande of Cross River State.

From left: Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Chief Kola Jamodu and Chief Nath Okechukwu

From left: Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Senator Olusola Adeyeye

Mrs Margaret Emefiele, CBN Governor’s wife (right) and Engr. Chidi Nnadi (in-law)

Dr. Ibe Kachukwu, Minister of State for Petroluem Resources (right) and Senator Udo Udoma, National Planning Minister

PAGE 12—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

TINUBU, UKIWE, OBI, OTHERS CONDOLE WITH THE BRAITHWAITE FAMILY Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Senator Ben Obi and other dignitaries paid condolence visits to the family of veteran politician, Mr Tunji Braithwaite, yesterday. PHOTOS BY BIODUN OGUNLEYE

From left: Widow of Tunji Braithwaite, Madam Grace Braithwaite; National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the son of the late politician, Olumide

From left: Ambassador George Obiozor; Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe; Senator Ben Obi and Olumide

Senator Ben Obi signing the condolence register

From left: Publisher of the Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Madam Grace Braithwaite, Senator Ben Obi and Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 13

Tilla, Davido go raunchy and dangerous in ‘Oni Reason’ video

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quila Records Afro pop artist Tilla formerly known as Tillaman would be dropping the visuals to his latest hit single “Oni Reason”. The song which is a fusion of high life and new school vibes has received massive airplay since it was released.

The video was shot on location in Lagos by ace video director, Frizzle and Bizzle. Some of the scenes in the video are rather raunchy and dangerous as Davido and Tilla play with sexy girls and guns as policemen. Here are some of the pictures from behind the scene footage of the highly anticipated video.

Are Surulere girls really like Beverly Osu?

•Seyi Shay

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usic video model and actress, Beverly Osu, who stormed into fame for her exploits in the Big Brother Africa is a girl who knows what she wants and how to go for it. Her sex trysts in the reality TV show is sure a testimony that she doesn’t give a hoot what you think of her.

Just some days ago, Beverly posted a picture of herself in only pant and bra and made a cocky statement about herself, alluding it to the spirit of a regular Surulere girl. “ I am just a girl from Surulere, who decided to trust God and go for it” she captioned the picture.

•Beverly Osu

Ella Mensah shows off her tattoos in new hot photos R

Seyi Shay, Phyno serenade in Mary video

avishing beauty, Ella Mensah, a Ghanian actress, who spends most of her time in Nigeria than in Ghana certainly knows how to catch attention and she’s got the body for it. She’s done many jaw-dropping photo shoots in her time and any time she does, she is sure to get tongues wagging and some drooling.

The actress released some just days ago, showing off her tattoos boldly on her laps. “ I love art and getting one on my skin was just a satisfaction.

My tattoos are stars, just simply defining who I am” she once said of her tattoos.

•Ella Mensah

fter dominating last year with headline breaking feats and releasing her critically acclaimed début, Seyi or Shay, raving songstress Seyi Shay releases visuals to her latest single “Mary” featuring Phyno, her first video since the release of her album last year.

Seyi Shay teams up with Phyno to create history in her new video, Mary, directed by Meji Alabi for J Films.The video shot in Lagos is coupled with amazing props and captivating scenes with a brilliant use of lights and effects. The song has an Afro Trap tune originating from the south side in America aka ‘The dirty •Ella Mensah south’ it sees Seyi Shay serenade listeners with her amazing vocals, Mary was the very last song to be recorded for the album and it almost did not make the cut. Phyno delivers playful lyrics which suit the occasion perfectly and adds more colour to the anticipated club banger. Both artists looked dapper and stole the show especially at closing scenes of the video.

Seyi Shay once commented; “the song Mary was inspired by a friend of mine who always attracted major attention from everybody whenever they would enter a party or dance floor because of her bold personality and funky outfits”. Mary was produced by Otee Beats and was co-written by Phame and Jade.

STOP PIRACY NOW! STOP BUYING PIRATED MOVIE AND MUSIC CDs, DVDs. IT IS KILLING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. STOP! C M Y K

PAGE 14—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Nigeria beware, I am here to stay, says Cameroonian Ashley Stephanie W

I didn’t plan to become an actress-Jumoke Odetola

By ANOZIE EGOLE

hile her current video, Molo Molo is still enjoying massive airplays, popular Cameroon-born singer, Ashley Stephanie, who has a deep love for the Nigerian music industry said that she is back in Nigeria to have a closer link with her Nigerian fans. The talented singer who opened up on why she has finally decided to live in Nigeria said she is also here to promote her music. “I am also back here to promote my music career and also motivate the women in the Nigerian music industry to do more. I also want to use this opportunity to call on Africans in the Diaspora to come back to their roots.

We have put a lot in the international music world; we need to bring some of those goodies back home, that’s why I am here. I have been at the Calabar carnival for four consecutive years, sharing same stage with some top African music stars, like Psquare, Awilo, among others. Americans are looking up to Africans because we have good music and fierce dance moves but there is something lacking in the African music.

The males in the industry are dominating, I think it’s about time; female singers came out of their shells and fight for a position too. We have so much love and respect for our male colleagues, but we also need a better share of the attention. Nigeria should expect more of me because I am here to stay. I have devoted 70 percent of myself and time to Nigeria while 30 percent goes to the rest of the world,” she said. The French international stage goddess fluently speaks five international languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and English.

By Kehinde Ajose

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Kemi Afolabi set to shoot 1,000 all-female cast movie, ‘M’odorisa’

By TOFARATI IGE

eautiful and talented actress, Kemi Afolabi, is B ready to sail uncharted terrain with her forthcoming movie, ‘M’odorisa.’The historical movie will feature 1,000 all-female cast made up mostly of upcoming actresses, and some major faces like Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Peju Ogunmola, Tayo Odueke, Kemi Afolabi, among others. According to Afolabi, ‘M’odorisa’ is a film about Yoruba cultural heritage which encourages people to stay true to their roots.

In her words, ‘In recent times, we’ve seen that the young generation aren’t really in sync with their culture, as many of them don’t speak their indigenous languages.

Those are some of the things we hope to correct with this movie.’The fair-skinned role-interpreter also revealed that she has been on the project for two years, and that it is also an avenue to provide a platform for talented upcoming actors who don’t have the opportunity to feature in movies. The shoot of the movie, which is produced by Olasco Films, will begin in the first week of April, and will be shot on location in Ilaro, Ogun State.

•Jumoke Odetola

he name, Jumoke Odetola, might not be a household name yet, but the talented actress has feathers on her cap. The graduate of Information and Communication Technology, from Ajayi Crowther University is one of the rising stars to watch out for in Nollywood.

Jumoke surprised many movie buffs when she won the award in the Best Indigenous Language Movie category, for her flick Binta Ofege. Unknown to many, Jumoke didn’t plan to become an actress.

Hear her: “I didn’t plan to become an actress. It wasn’t something I set out to do.

When I started out, I didn’t have the support of my family. It’s a passion I nurtured secretly all by myself. I wasn’t bold enough to tell anyone. I wasn’t bold enough to speak about it to any of my family members. My sister caught me in the act one day and I didn’t know she was right behind me. She was watching me and she was overwhelmed. That was how it started. She was the one who encouraged me. “

The CEO: Kunle Afolayan dazzles top executives of Air France/KLM …As film is set for premieres, festival routing

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ed by the Senior Vice President, Africa, Air France/KLM, Mr. Frank Legre, 15 Commercial Directors of Air France/KLM flew into Amstadam from different parts of Africa for a conference with Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, whose latest film, The CEO is being greatly supported by Air France and Dutch partner, KLM. ‘We discussed film and the possibilities of taking African cinema to the next level. They wanted to know how I’ve been able to sustain groundbreaking projects and see the possibility of adopting this in other African countries,’ Afolayan told newsmen upon arrival at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. He continued, ‘I also unveiled our plans for the premiere of The CEO across Africa which they found laudable.’ It should be recalled that on July 29, 2015, Afolayan was signed as

brand ambassador for Air France, with the deal covering The CEO movie and several projects of mutual benefits.

‘I didn’t need to speak too much about the creative ingenuity in Africa.

As part of my presentation at the meeting, I showed a preview of The CEO and they were quite impressed.

In all, we had a two-hour talk about the many untapped potentials in the African market,’ he disclosed. The recent release of the thriller for The CEO, kicked off promotions for the Pan-African movie which stars top actors from Anglophone and Francophone countries, including Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, entertainer and activist from Benin, Angélique Kidjo; Haitan actor and model Jimmy Jean-Louis; consummate actor and founder of the New Nigeria Cinema movement, Wale Ojo; French-Ivorian actress and

model, Aurelie Eliam; among others.

The CEO is expected to be released in the cinemas in July. This according to Afolayan will be preceeded by a series of private screenings.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 15

My battle for Rivers, by Gov. Wike •Details alleged conspiracy of INEC, the police, military on rerun polls

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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overnor Nyesom Wike, in this interview, speaks on the battle for Rivers State. Wike alleges that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security services worked against his party, the PDP, in recent rerun polls into the National and state assemblies.

It is reported that there was an incident at Mile One Police Station between you, the police and the military. Can you throw some light on the incident?.

I was sleeping when I got a text that one of the candidates of my party, a former member of the House of Representatives, who was also a candidate in the re-run polls, Blessing Nseigbe, had been abducted and was at Mile One Police Station. I said it was not possible because I saw her the previous night with the leader of the party in Port Harcourt.

In fact, most of my workers had not even come to work because they closed very late the night before. So, I decided to drive down to see what happened. When I got there, she was there actually and they said she was upstairs. So, I went upstairs and asked about what happened. She told me there was a collation officer they had been looking for all through the night. But that they got information in the morning that the woman was at the Mile One Police Station; so they decided to find out what actually took place .

People were collating election result at Saint Andrew’s School, but they could not find the Ward 10 Collation Officer. As she was asking them the whereabouts

C M Y K

of the collation officer, the police told her to go upstairs.

She said why. They said she must come upstairs. Then before she knew what was happening, soldiers had surrounded the place. I suspected that was why they had to send me that text. So, when I got there, I saw the soldiers. I asked what the problem was, and they said they got information that people had been attacked at the Mile One Police Station. I said that if people had been attacked, was it soldiers that will come into the police

I also said the military should not play a role in the polling and collation .

Recall that I said that Ogoni is a sensitive area when it has to do with the military

station? So, I went upstairs and they now brought the woman, the collation officer. I asked her what the problem was. She said as they were coming out from the INEC office, somebody told her that a person wanted to give her a ride, but she said they were many, that she had to join her group. But the person who wanted to give the ride said it didn’t matter. So, she now entered the vehicle. As she entered the vehicle, the person was no longer going to the collation. He diverted and then they told her to switch off her phone. I now asked her: How could somebody give you a ride when INEC had provided a bus for all of you to go to the collation centre? Assuming now it is true she was kidnapped, people will now say it happened in Port Harcourt, they kidnapped an Electoral Officer. I think they organized this kidnapping. So where was the result sheet?

She said the police took it and this and that. So, I called the AIG in charge of the election.

Then, some APC people came.

I made my report and I think they took the woman to the state police headquarters for further interrogation. But we discovered that the woman is the girl friend of an APC House of Representatives candidate. So, if at all it was kidnapping, it was masterminded by the candidate. And she had already prepared a result in the spread sheet without the unit ward results collated.

You did say that, from what you saw in the field, INEC was not prepared for the elections. Having finished the elections, do you have a change of mind? And how

did your party fare in the elections?

As early as 9 a.m, on the election day, I was getting calls from local government areas. I got a call from Bonny Local Government Area that the result sheets they brought to them were not original. I said, ‘how do you know the original result?’ They said the one they saw for the Senate was different, that you could see the coat of arms, the one for the House of Assembly, you could see the coat of arms, but the one for the House of Representatives, there was nothing and it was not even signed. I said they should hold on to enable me get to the REC. I got the REC on phone and told him about the complaint. He said the problem he was having was that he told the electoral officers to countersign results that did not have codes or whatever to make them look like original.

So the problem he had was that most of them did not sign.

I told him there had been suspicion that results would be swapped, and that what he should have done, knowing that he had this problem, was not only to tell the EOs but also to tell the agents of the parties at the state headquarters so that they can now communicate to their parties’ supporters at the various local governments. As things are now, it will be difficult for you to convey that message. So, already there had been suspicions, people accused INEC of appointing ad-hoc staff who are members of a political party and that they have it on authority that people were getting result sheets and would be swapped, so that created crisis. That is what happened in most of the LGAs.

But before we reached a conclusion to tell the other LGAs to go ahead with the election, some of them had decided that they could not continue with the election. It was too late. It happened in my own LG. In the Senate segment of the rerun polls, we had original result sheets; House of Assembly, original, but House of Representatives, it was like fake. So, I said, “Okay, I am from this local government, do the election, let me see how they will bring the original that they want’. So, so many local governments agreed and went on. Some, before they could settle, it was late.

In Andoni Local Government, that was also the issue. It also happened in Gokana and Khana. It was this issue of result sheet. So, by the time they made up their mind, it was 3pm and election ought to have been conducted by 2pm, so by 3pm, they said lit was not possible to do the election.

I had warned that today’s Nigeria is not yesterday’s Nigeria. There were things done in a wrong way yesterday. Does not mean it will continuously happen?

Time will come when people will say this cannot continue to happen. I warned that nobody should make an attempt to rig the election, that people will resist it and, in resisting, it could lead to a lot of things.

I also said the military should not play a role in the polling and collation . Recall that I said that Ogoni is a sensitive area when it has to do with the military. What happened? I was the one who

Continues on page 16

PAGE 16— SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

Continued from page 15

carrier. I said I won’t call anybody, I won’t even talk to them, whatever they wanted to do with him was their business.

called the Brigade Commander that I heard that there were problems in Gokana and Khana and even in Tai. I can send my Commissioner for Information on errand. But the commissioner could go beyond what I sent him. Sometimes, the leadership of the military can send people for an operation and tell them to make sure things are done properly.

But there could be some over zealous people who will go beyond that and, in doing that, crisis may ensue. So, when soldiers went to Khana, instead of supporting the police to make sure polling materials get to the various polling units, they said no agents should be there. How can there be no agent when you are moving materials? The rule is clear, before materials are sent out, agents of various political parties must be there. So, why do you now come to say no agent should be there. Who are you favouring? So the people said it will not happen, that they must be there. My Commissioner for the Environment, Professor Roseline Konya, went there to say this was not the way to do it, that our agents must be where the materials were, so that they will see what they were sending out and follow the materials to the various polling units. They manhandled the commissioner, a woman for that matter. So, women now came out to say how could the soldiers manhandle a mother, merely because she said things should be done properly? And, of course, some youths said they couldn’t take it. That was in Khana.

In Tai, some military men, whether they were fake or original, acted illegally. In our Security Council meeting, we agreed that they would be given tags. Anybody without that tag is not a real military person. So, the materials that were in the RAC centre, the military now came in a bus and commanded the corps members, presiding officers to enter the bus, took the materials, but our agents were supposed to be in that bus. The soldiers said the party agents must not be there. But instead of taking the materials to the various polling units, they diverted to a House of Representatives candidate. So, as our agents followed the bus, the soldiers shot at them, two persons died. So, when people talk about violence, nobody wants to ask how the military killed those two people in Tai. As the elections went on, my Chief of Staff called to say they shot his PA. The gubernatorial candidate of APC, Dakuku Peterside, and his deputy went to Ikwerre Local Government collation centre, with military and police officers. They are neither from Ikwerre Local Government nor from that senatorial district. But they went there and allegedly hijacked the Electoral Officer (EO)and the result and put them in an armoured vehicle. I called the Brigade Commander to tell him what I

But what I know in life, freedom does not come easy, you must make sacrifices. What is happening in Rivers State today is not the amount of propaganda. I have told people they cannot rig election where they are not popular. If you try to rig election where you are not popular, that is the resistance you are seeing.

When we were in power at the centre, they said we had federal might, we had the army, we had the police, we had INEC. They have the INEC, they have the police, they have the army, which one do we have now? We have only the people that will resist rigging.

INEC, police, military conspiracy on Rivers rerun polls, by Wike heard. He told me that his Commanding Officer deployed some of his men to protect Dakuku, his deputy and the EO and take them to Port Harcourt. I told him I didn’t believe him. Within ten minutes, I was called from the Airport Junction to be told that the military men there retreated and then gave opportunity to the security men with Dakuku and the rest of them to start firing. In fact, a House of Assembly candidate Azubuike Nwajoku took his own

They are too desperate.

But it will come to a time when the people will say enough is enough.

We can’t continue this way

bulletproof car to hit the vehicle of the EO and pushed him to the bush. They were able to take the spread sheet result of the Emohua Local Government. The men now ran to the bush and they were firing. Why are we saying this?

When I see people making comments from one side, you don’t even ask questions.

Now, my Chief of Staff pursued Dakuku and co to the UTC area, close to the DSS office. They shot his driver and PA. I sent my security aides to the DSS Headquarters and called the Director but he said they were attacking his office. A governorship candidate, because his master lost in his LGA, they were making trouble.

They are too desperate. But it will come to a time when the people will say enough is enough. We can’t continue this way. When I voted, you were there, I commended the security arrangement. Why did I commend them? Because when we had Security Council meeting, they told me that security will be beefed up every where. And security was actually beefed up. But when we say 10 people died, 20 people must have died. Did you get to the families to know if they lost somebody?

Sometimes, it is good to go beyond and find out. I have told you that soldiers shot two people in Tai, and that no result went to the collation centre. If they had gone to the polling unit to hijack, it is a different thing. Is that how things are supposed to be

done? Throughout my political career, I have never seen the level of involvement of military like it took place in the rerun polls. What I thought would have been the function of the military was to provide security at strategic locations, know where criminals can come in from, know where they can go, so that we would not have any attack and, luckily, you can attest to the fact that, in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, apart from somebody who was shot at Rumuokwuta Junction,. what happened? The police at Rumuokwuta Junction, said there was a woman who was driving by and they stopped her. The woman refused to stop. There is a polling unit on the road there. The shots now hit a boy and the policemen immediately left that junction.

Ask the DPO of Rumuoprikon Police Station. How was my Secretary to Government arrested? He is the Secretary of Security Council meetings which the Brigade Commander attends, Airforce Commander attends; DSS Director and the CP also attend. So, he relates with the security agencies. All logistics to all the security agencies pass through the office of the SSG. So it’s not as if they don’t know him. What happened? Magnus Abe is from his local government, so you expect that there would be some kind of challenge, but he said he wouldn’t allow electoral materials to leave and the military people said no, the materials must leave. Without respect, they took him and put him in an armored personnel

Security I worked tirelessly to see how we could improve security. It had nothing to do with politics.

I have given the security agencies support all the way. I don’t appoint the CP here, I don’t appoint the Director of DSS, I don’t appoint the Brigade Commander. They have changed my CP three times; when the CP is trying to work with the government, they will call the IG to say the CP is working with the governor, remove him and the IG will remove that one. They will bring another one. That one will now stay to study the security situation in the state and start to plan; and in planning he needs the support of the state government. There is no way any police can work without the support of the state government. The army, the DSS, we give logistics. It is not a personal thing, it is the state government. So when that one is trying to settle down and they tell that one to arrest everybody that they think has something to do in his local government, and if that one does not arrest, they change that one. DSS, they change that one. This one just came, they removed the other one. So, in terms of security, how do you organize it? So who will you now say is causing all these security problems, when a CP cannot stay and strategise, when a Director of DSS cannot stay and strategise on how to tackle the issue of security?

How do you rate your party’s performance in the elections?

Since the courts annulled the elections in December, we had started preparing for the rerun.

Like I have always said, a good candidate does not prepare a day to the election, I mean the rerun. A good student starts from when the class starts. So, when the Court of Appeal annulled the elections, we met and started preparing, but those in the opposition APC were waiting because they have, according to them, the federal might. We went to the grassroots and charged our people to protect and defend our votes.

So we never had any doubt we were going to win the elections.

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL, 3, 2016, PAGE 17

The secret reason a man will never tell why he didn’t want you! head over heels for others?

wouldn’t have gotten that close to you in the first place.

It also doesn’t necessarily mean that he wasn’t at least somewhat attracted to you emotionally.

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It’s actually quite simple to give a man that powerful “gut feeling” that tells him you are

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It all comes down to understanding attraction, how it works with men, how to create it, and the difference between lasting, burning, lifelong attraction, and the kind that flames out faster than it started.

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PAGE 18—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

Now’s the time to put a halt to your lavish lifestyle!

W

e all have at least one friend like Cynthia.

The type of friend you’ve had for years but who could still drive you mad.

The last time I called at her place, her ‘bossom’ friend Yinka was around.

More of a scrounge, she always agreed to whatever Cynthia said, forever grateful for her cast-offs. We’ve all known each other since secondary school and whilst we’ve all had our stints at marriage, Cynthia’s marriage is one of the few still standing naturally. Her husband, hard working and ambitious finally moved his family to an impressive looking ‘villa’ on the smart part of the Island. It was Cynthia’s turn to host the old students’ meeting and she waited until most of us were around before she announced the family would soon be off on holidays, pointing to a new set of four suitcases she’d discreetly displayed in the lounge.

“A luggage set!” Yinka whooped, her voice dripping with envy. Most of us pretended we didn’t notice. “Why would she need four suitcases to travel,” one of us whispered with venom, “is she into smuggling?”

“Life is not fair,” Yinka groaned. “I couldn’t afford new mattresses for my last two’s bunk bed and had to be grateful for my younger sister’s handme-downs. It’s so unfair that my children are not sleeping comfortably when only one person has so much money to burn.”

It was a relief to notice she could be resentful of her ‘benefactor ’ . The rest of the meeting was spent being shown around the magnificent house by Cynthia, bragging on how much each item of furniture cost and how envious her husband’s colleagues were,

forgetting hard work usually paid!

As she laid out the afternoon lunch with a few bottles of champagne of course, I wondered how she managed to spend so much. Her contributions to the old students coffers weren’t that impressive, yet she lived a celebrity life style. As a legal officer in the ministr y, her income is predictable, yet it’s plain to see that her penchant for designer clothes, regular visits to exclusive beauty salons and socialising in expensive circles must be costing her a packet. We all assumed her dripping rich husband must be picking up her extravagant tabs. It was, therefore, a mild surprise to me when another friend who is a renowned lace merchant called me on my mobile at work. Could I please drop by at hers on my way home - she needed a favour urgently. She’s another lavish entertainer with no trace of pride in her. So I agreed to see her.

We’d scarcely dug into some small ‘chops’ she had on offer, when she

Y

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

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

DEAR FUTURE WIFE,

I don’t know when, how and where we will meet but my heart says that we are destined to meet soon

brought in this official looking ledger, opening one of the pages. She showed me Cynthia’s name and I gawped at how much she was supposed to be owing. How on earth could she owe money running into millions just by buying lace materials?

“You know I sell other expensive items,” she reminded me. “Like gold, head-ties and household items. She used to be a good customer, and I let her take things on credit. But in the last few years, she was heavily into social climbing. I am one of the outlets for most of the fabrics used at these parties, and I often allowed her to buy them on credit.

Unfortunately, she’s failed to pay anything over the past ten months. She used to answer my calls, but has refused to acknowledge them lately. I’ve sent her threatening texts and I want you to have a word with her for me, or else I’d go to her husband.”

I wasn’t really keen on the idea, I wasn’t party to their business deals, so why should I be the debt

collector? But I owed Jane a favour. She’d used her muscles with one of her customers to get a niece a good job, so I had no choice.

Besides, wouldn’t it be worth it to watch Cynthia’s reaction when the secret of her extravagant life was revealed?

Unfortunately, Cynthia is not alone - she’s one of a growing number of women who spend far more than they earn in a desperate attempt to emulate the lives of the celebrities they see every day in newspapers and on TV. It’s no longer enough to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, they want to live like their favourite celebrities when it’s obvious their salaries cannot keep up with their lifestyles.

I fixed an appointment with Cynthia, wondering how on earth I would broach the subject when she started bragging again! Shoving a gift-set of Prada products in my face, she said I could have the perfumed body lotion.

All she wanted was the eau de parfum but hubby got her the set. I wasn’t impressed. I told her why I

and I am anxiously waiting for that magical day. I want to fall in love with you from the moment I see you till the moment I close my eyes forever.

I want to see in you every hope, every desire and every dream I have ever had of my soul mate.

I want to fall in love with everything about you from the way you sip your coffee to the way you crinkled your nose and your goofy grin.

I want to go on long drives and long walks with you and spend hours and hours with you just talking endlessly.

I want to cook for you and pamper you like a baby. I want to read my poems to you

was at her place and repeated Yinka ‘s threat to let her husband know of her debts if she didn’t pay up immediately, That really threw her and she confessed she didn’t know where to get such money from since her husband never encouraged overspending. She’d tried to flog some of the expensive gold and household items she didn’t need but she still had a lot to sell. I told her to advertise the goods on the notice boards of some of the social clubs she belonged to with her husband.

Reluctantly, I allowed her to use my address as a contact so that her husband wouldn’t suspect a thing.

In weeks we were able to flog off most of the items she had on offer they were that good and some of them had appreciated in value.

Yinka got a chunk of her money back and I almost felt sorry for Cynthia - but not that sorry. I didn’t see why most of us should struggle through life trying to manage our finances honestly, while she lived in luxury on credit! With a decent amount left to pay, she approached her husband who was alarmed she was even owing, to help. To teach her a lesson, he told her that the holiday for which she had paraded her set of designer luggage was off - instead, the money would be used to payoff her debts and the left-over would be used to give the children a treat in a neighbouring country. When next I saw Cynthia, she was really contrite.

I felt relieved but ashamed I had to deprive the children of their holiday. They ’d looked forward to it for ages, I had to lie that we both had important meetings to attend and that next year ’s will be better. I’ve

really learnt my lesson though, I don’t know why I felt I needed all those things to keep up with a celebrity lifestyle.

Whenever I added up the amount I have spent on designer clothes and asoebi, I cringed. I’m glad it’s all behind me now. My peace of mind is worth more than the occasional buzz material things gave me,” concluded a relieved Cynthia.

It’s All Down To Good Hygiene! (Humour) On being seated at a restaurant table, a gentleman becomes somewhat embarrassed when he knocks, the spoon off with his elbow. A nearby waiter calmly picks it up and produces another shiny spoon from his pocket, which he places on the table.

Suitably impressed, the diner enquires, “Do all waiters carry spare spoons on them?” The waiter replies: “Indeed sir, it is in fact company policy, ever since our efficient expert determined that 17.8 per cent of our clients knock the spoon off the table. By carrying a spare spoon on our person, we save our trips to the kitchen.”

After the gentleman has finished his meal and paid the bill, he wanders over to the same waiter and says to him, ‘’You will, of course, forgive me, but do you know you have a piece of string hanging from your fly?” “Indeed sir,” the waiter begins, “our efficient expert determined that we were spending too much time washing our hands after going to the toilet. Thus, by attaching this piece of string to my penis, I avoid touching myself - I go, and then I return to work. It saves a lot of time.” “But how do you put it back in your trousers?” asked the curious diner. “Well, sir, I can’t speak on behalf of my colleagues, but I just use the spoon.”

and dance with you on love songs.

I want to share all my dreams and fantasies with you and I promise to hold your hand and stand right next to you in your good and bad days.

I want to grow old with you so that we can tell our love story to our grand children. I want us to be spiritually,emotionally and telepathically connected to each other’s soul till eternity and beyond.

I am living this dream just now and waiting to meet you soon. Your future Husband..

•Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015.

SUND AY Vanguard , APRIL 3 , 2016, P AGE 19 SUNDA

Could this boss be jealous of his steward?

B

olaji is a cherished friend I’ve known for years and he loves a good gossip. Most of all, he’s learnt to laugh at himself from time to time no matter at what cost. It’s always a pleasure to listen to him on the few occasions he finds the time to phone. When he rang recently and opened the conversation with: “Your Benny has come again o!” My immediate reaction was; now what? Benny is Bolaji’s niece who came to live with him when his wife Alice, took a break from their marriage and went abroad to ‘clear her head’. Apart from leaving Bolaji free to live the bachelor life he said he’d missed, he was able to bring in Betty, who Alice didn’t really get along with, to help run the home.

“Alice is slightly jealous of her,” Bolaji once confessed.

“The poor girl lost her mother when she was in the secondary school and I’d promised my elder brother to take care of her up to the university level. Alice saw that promise as rash, since my brother wasn’t exactly destitute. Whenever Betty came on holidays, you can see how fouled up the atmosphere was.

But I ignored both of them especially since our three children were always glad to see her. By the time she got into the polytechnic, she’d turned into a beauty.

Alice always complained her clothes were too revealing, her make-up garish and she was always running after the neighbourhood thugs.

As long as her grades continued to be good, that was all that mattered to me.

“When Alice caught me almost pants down at the office

with one of my ‘friends,’ she was livid. She said she’d had enough of my shenanigans and, as part of her ‘settlement’ she was going away for a Monteussory cause abroad to help her improve the standard of the school she ran that wasn’t even breaking even.

I gave her all the money she needed and told her not to worry about the kids, Betty would look after the home. She was in such a hurry to get away she didn’t even mind. I got the help of a good steward to make life easier for Betty and it was as if Alice never left. Except I now had the freedom to do as I pleased.

“I was coming home late one night when I saw Betty in front of the boys quarters sitting on a bench with Dan, the steward. I was surprised. Betty lived in one of the rooms in the main house, what was she doing at the boys quarters? You remember I told you all about the incident and you laughed that they were just being friends? I should expect that you said, as there was no adult company for Betty to relate to.”

I remembered the incident alright. Steward or not, Dan was a sprightly achelor who took good care of himself. Apart from his school certificate, he did a catering and house keeping course, and he was a very good steward. You could hardly call him an tlliterate. “Oh, does that qualify him now to be Betty ’s boyfriend?” he asked, then shooting daggers at me. They were not caught in any amorous clinch, so I asked Bolaji to chill - not everyone was as randy as he was! Now he was on the phone, almost burning the line with his rage.

“Last week, I went to my town

to see to the repairs of my house,” said Bolaji. “Betty is of course, at the Polytechnic and a ‘mama nurse’ is now looking after the kids. When I came back last night, the mama nurse told me I just missed Betty. I was shocked. The last time I heard of her was when I told her on the phone of my impending visit to our home town. What was she doing here knowing I was away, and why did she leave before I came back? The mama nurse had no clue but told me to ask Dan the steward. She let it drop that Betty didn’t sleep in the main house. I was livid! I summoned Dan and asked him what Betty was doing at his quarters? He needn’t lie, I threatened, because the mama nurse saw everything. He told me it was Betty who called she

wanted to come over since I was away. ‘And where did she sleep?’

I barked. With me,’ he said, avoiding my eyes;’You mean Betty left her comfortable room to spend a whole night with you in that poky room of yours? You were at it all night long with her?

No wonder you were tired when I came in!’

Now I have seen this Dan character. Quite tall and goodlooking in a rustic way, any girl would be happy to be his ‘friend’.

Why shouldn’t Betty avail herself of this good fortune which was right under her nose?

I told Bolaji this and he spluttered as he told me what I could do with my liberal attitude. “Steady on,” I said, “put yourself in that man’s shoes. A potential lover offered

to spend the night with you, would you drive her away?”

“He’s getting everything virtually for free and I’m sure she would have fed him food from the house and ply him with my booze,” he said, still livid.

“I’ve never had any girl offer me anything on a platter – most of the time, I have to cajole andpay heftily before they play ball.”

“You can afford to pay, and your ‘conquests’ know this”, I reminded him. But the only thing Dan has on his side is his physique and your niece wanted a piece of that!” “Now look here Candy ... “ “ou look here,” I cut in. “You’re just jealous of the poor guy. And you can’t hold it against your steward for knowing a good thing when he saw one.”

“If Alice gets to hear about this, I’ll be in trouble. I’ve warned Dan not to breathe a word to anybody. The mama nurse too.” And what did Betty have to say about all this, I asked? “She knew I was coming back home late last night and she hurriedly left before I arrived. I haven’t talked to her yet. I know loverboy would have been on the phone to her. Let her stew in her own juice until I’ve cooled off enough to deal with her. The trollop! Can you imagine? Spending all the money to give her a good education when all she has on her mind is sex! And with a steward! Doesn’t she have any class?”

He hung up after he’d let off enough steam and I felt sorry for him. For as long as Betty’s ‘steward’ delivers, she’ll be happy to do all the running even if Bolaji has ferocious dogs guarding her!

08052201867(Text Only)

Winding down after work E VEN the journey home has contributed its share in the overall tiredness of the work day. What with all the anxiety over the slow-moving traffic.

Once home you probably go straight to the kitchen for a snack or collapse into a chair for some television viewing. You are just too tired.

Now, just as there is the need to start off the day with energyreleasing exercises so there is the need to wind down after work.

A fruit to assuage hunger while dinner gets ready is okay. What will not do is a poor combination of food groups which will only put even more stress on your back and exhaust you even more. Another thing, digestion is not helped when eating is done while one is nervous or excited. We must always try to induce a feeling of calmness in ourselves before settling down for a meal.

For some people a little vigorous exercise does the good job of dispelling work-time worries and providing a new burst of energy.

For those not in the mood for energetic work-outs, some stretches like the plough pose, the head-to-knee pose which rely mainly on the forces of gravity such that all you do is assume the posture, take it easy and breathe.

No one is asking you to be a

Jumping Jack Flash for fifteen minutes. A little mercy on your fatigued body.

But I tell you what. You will be sweetly surprised to find out that simple mild stretching exercises like those mentioned are improving the way you look and feel. And

the practice of the dead man’s pose, for say fifteen minutes after these exercises will spell astonishing repose of body and mind.

The practice of proper winding down will even set up the body for a good night’s sleep. Or you will find you are not too tired to

tango as the case may be!

What stretching does for you * Stress relief: In a difficult situation your body resorts to the ‘fight of flight’ response, contracting muscles in readiness. The situation gets over but you forget to relax the muscles.

Gradually, this tenseness to stress becomes the norm so that you do not even notice that you are tense. With tension there is a restriction in movement and a loss of youthful agility. * More energy: In contraction muscles cost you a lot of energy.

Once you learn to replace contraction with relaxation of your muscles you save energy for better things. * Improve your digestion: Your internal organs are held in place by muscles. When your muscles are well-toned, they provide better support thereby assisting the functioning of all vital organs. * Better your body tone: Muscles work in antagonistic pains, when one is contracted the other is relaxed. When a muscle is always tensed the antagonist becomes flaccid and bulgy result-

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre

*Exercise for the small of the back

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

10.00am — 11.00am on Saturdays

ing in undesirable physical distortions such as a bulging belly and thighs and sagging bottom.

Relax tensed muscles and the flaccid ones will have a chance to tone-up and your overall body tone will improve. * Return of youth grace: With a toning up of weak muscles and getting rid of extraneous muscle tension there is an improvement in the alignment of your skeletal system. This improved posture means you move with a lot more grace and ease. Here is a ‘hump’ and ‘dip’ exercise for the small of the back.

Kneel down with the hand on the floor without moving the body forward or backward, breathe in dipping the waist till the small of the back is hollow and at the same time raise your head.

Breathing out raise the waist drawing in the stomach and dropping the head. Repeat consecutively 4 to 5 times. While you sit on the heels lean forward and support the head on the fists, placed one on the other.

Never you neglect the condition of your spine. Keep it supple and flexible - always.

PAGE 20—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016 extensive connection with Brussels. However, the "expected" attack did not happen at the time.

Terrorism in Europe: A Growing Concern For All

T

errorism has again managed “front row attention” in the international media. In the past two weeks, there have been terrorists attacks that claimed innocent lives, leaving the world and the leaders baffled and shocked with unspoken questions on their lips. They also momentarily brought trepidation to the ordinary men and women on the streets.

There seem to be no let up, no matter how “hard” the security forces around the world try, terrorism is increasingly becoming part of everyday lives. We now look over our shoulders everywhere we go, while trying to play safe. If there is an opportunity to ask those who died as a result of terrorist attacks why they did not play safe, they would tell you, terrorists are cowards, they rarely chose their victims. Precaution, is mainly effective when you know where an attack is coming from. Making it worse is the fact that terrorists do not announce their itineraries.

From the Metro Station in Brussels to the crowded park in Lahore or a village of North-Eastern Nigeria, tens of innocent victims have been murdered by terrorists. These criminals have no respect for human lives, - theirs or victims'. The religious terrorists, which are common nowadays, claim they are fighting holy wars on behalf of God. To a reasonable human being, it is hard to explain the rationale behind fighting God's war in the most violent manner. They claim they are out to "wipe out" unbelievers. However, most times (if not all the time) they are not discriminatory in their acts, as they affect men, women and children of different faith.

These terrorists brought sorrow and pain again when they struck in Brussels and Lahore. The attacks, by the so called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the Taliban were more or less similar in execution. The March 22 Brussels attack, which could as well be “revenge” attacks on the Belgian authorities, for the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, the surviving terrorist of the November 13, 2015 attack in Paris, France killed over 32 people of different nationalities and three suicide bombers leaving many injured.

In similar vein, the March 29 terrorist (park) attack in Lahore (Pakistan), which a splinter group of the Taliban had claimed responsibility for, is reported to have killed more than 70 people and many also injured. The attack, according to the group, was directed at the Christian community as they trooped out to the park to celebrate Easter. The scene of the carnage in Lahore brought back the memories of the

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recent Brussels attack, as people searched among debris for their loved ones.

Earlier on the world had celebrated with Belgium for the arrest of Abdeslam. It was joy all over the world, especially among the relatives of the victims of the Paris attack. The arrest of Abdeslam was dramatic as he had managed to evade security forces for over four months. He was said not have made much of a big effort to evade arrest, as he 'chilled out' in the Molenbeek neighbourhood where he grew up. These and many other bunglings have attracted condemnation of the Belgian authorities.

The Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, sitting alongside French President Francois Hollande was quick to play down on this lapse, when he gleefully appeared at a Word Press Conference and announced that they “got” Abdeslam.

Without prompting, we all clapped for him and his men.

The celebration was however short lived as the Brussels attack came very fast, leaving the Belgian security and intelligence agencies dumbfounded, once again. It was a slight defeat to the fight against terrorism. For a moment it seemed the terrorists “were winning”, as bodies were flung far and near from the impact of three coordinated nail bombings in

The religious terrorists, which are common nowadays, claim they are fighting holy wars on behalf of God. To a reasonable human being, it is hard to explain the rationale behind fighting God's war in the most violent manner.

They claim they are out to "wipe out" unbelievers the Belgian city.

In a show of defiance and solidarity, the citizens of Belgium and the world at large came together to denounce terrorism, as the manhunt for the surviving perpetrators began.

A terrorist attack on Belgium had been anticipated immediately after the November Paris attack. It would be recalled that the city of Brussels, and more or less the whole country was on security lock down for days. Shops, offices, schools and public transportation were all closed down. This, was informed by the fact that most of the Paris terrorists were of Belgian nationality or had

Recent terrorism activities are showing steady rise in Europe and this has brought the reality of terrorism closer than before. Europe is now increasingly becoming a play ground for young, home grown terrorists, who are either swayed by the glamour propaganda of the IS or just being plain stupid. Over a span of three years, the continent has witnessed terrorism on the scale that was unprecedented before.

From London to Paris to Belgium, residents walk with their hearts in their mouths. A look at the background of the dead and “wanted” terrorists in Europe reveal that they were mainly home grown.

The various European governments do recognise the fact that this is a serious problem. In Britain, the fear of home grown terrorism seem to be the beginning of wisdom for the government and the security agencies, that have been working round the clock to diabuse the minds of, especially young moslems to the propaganda of IS. The public have been told severally that Britain would have been subjected to various attacks if not for the vigilance of the security agencies.

Trying to understand the reason behind the rise of homegrown terrorists has not progressed beyond the excuse that the IS propaganda 'machine' has been very active and had glamorise terrorism to the younger folks. This might be true, but the attacks in France and Belgium have also thrown up the case of marginalisation of these young moslem folks.

Observers agree that there is a growing connection between terrorism, religion, social discontent and poverty.

(A topic for another day).

FOOTNOTE: In the midst of the pandemonium that followed these terrorists acts came Egypt-born Seif al-Din Mustafa. A petty criminal who decided to up his game, become a super hero and write himself into history books. Mustafa, whose real intentions are still unknown, had a brain wave and decided to hijack an EgyptAir plane travelling from Alexandria to Cairo. He commandeered the plane to Lanarca, in Cyprus, with the threat that he had a “explosive belt” on him, and not shy to detonate it.

The hijacker was said to have requested to see his exwife who, according to news sources she had not seen for so many years. Among other demands Mustafa was reported to have made was an audience with United Nations officials to avoid prosecutions, and also the release of all female prisoners in his home country.

Thank God the nightmare ended for the passengers and crew after a five hour stand off . Mustafa gave himself up, while it was discovered that his “explosive belt” was fake and only had mobile phone covers. But is Mustafa a fool for love? Or he was on a “dry run? One thing I know is he seem to be enjoying his “celebrity” status in Cyprus where he is on trial, judging by his wide grin and the victory sign he gave the cameras as he was taken away from court.

I

am starting this column this week on a joyful note.

Why? Yours sincerely was in London recently during which I visited Funmi, the mother of triplets.

Sometime ago, I wrote about her struggle and how she broke through after nine years of waiting.

How long have you been waiting? Just cling to Jesus.

Feel free to use the mother of triplets as a point of contact while praying.

After nine years of waiting, even when her closest allies had given up on her marriage, she put aside her work to find a solution.

The point to be noted is that God also takes into account our determination to have a break through. I am not suggesting that you leave your job though.

Funmi and her husband (full names withheld) left their jobs in the United Kingdom to come to Nigeria to find solution to what they had identified as a spiritual challenge.

They were determined to have children.

You will recall that in my earlier reference to this couple, I mentioned that they had tried several IVFs that failed.

Today, with her determination and consistent prayer in Laughter Foundation, God, in his mercy, rewarded her with a set of triplets: two boys and a girl.

The babies were born in England.

During my visit, I saw a different woman: joyful, radiant ,even though she had to care for three babies at a time with assistance from another person.

I simply told her what she has is joyful stress and she replied, “ This is better than being childless”.

Glory be to God, the one who begins when others have written you off.

Get ready for tears of joy with her husband.

Remember, even to receive from God, we need patience.

God is a miracle worker and not a magician.

Let’s return to the issue of child-bearing.

Challenges are not just about child-bearing alone, there could also be financial challenges.

That your husband has lost a job or is unemployed does not make the woman the head of the home

Make up your mind to overcome Anyone who is going through a challenge must make up his or her mind to overcome.

However, couples must handle this carefully.

One must not put undue pressure on the other.

Challenges are not just about child-bearing alone, there could also be financial challenges.

That your husband has lost a job or is unemployed does not make the woman the head of the home.

That your husband is broke and cannot meet his financial obligations still does not make the wife the head of the home.

My authority is found in Colossians 3 verse 18 which states: “ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband, as it is fit in the Lord”.

Ephesians 5 verses 22 and 23: “ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husband, as unto the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body”.

A Christian wife, indeed a woman working in line with the word of God, should rather pray that God should lift her husband up.

When this happens, of course the first beneficiary is herself.

One must say, however, that for a family in such a situation and many are, the woman needs a lot of patience to relate well

God’s unlimited ability I refer to Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s ( RCCG), in Open Heavens of March 5, 2016, titled, “ Living Above Natural Limits”.

He stated, “ God is always ready to do great things through the lives of those who seek Him. The moment you yield totally to Him, you will begin to operate above natural limits.

Without this supernatural ability, you will remain a common man and you will always have common results”.

Note the words,” yield totally to Him”. In other words, you cannot yield to God and go visiting any herbalist or bathing by the riverside to have children.

You cannot yield to God and heed to the advice of friends who will suggest that you go and have an affair with another man and pass on the pregnancy to your husband. Why do I say this? I know that some relations advise their daughters to do this.

The consequence of this can be very grave.

I recall that Pastor Adeboye, during one of the Holy Ghost Services at the

Redemption Camp, warned that anyone who does this is simply delaying her miracle.For the man also, there is a repercussion for betrayal.

Be warned.

I do know that many have been written off medically.

Some were told that the woman’s eggs are weak and cannot produce children; some the husband has zero sperm count; some the womb is too small to carry a baby.

Others, the womb is so scarred and cannot carry a baby. All sorts of medical reports but the good news is that I have seen many couples with these reports having children.

The truth is, whereas medical science is limited, God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth; your Creator is not limited.

Again, I refer to Pastor Adeboye, in the passage mentioned earlier. He stated, “ A medical report is not always God’s report; besides, it is whatever report you believe that will manifest in your life”.

The decision on what to believe is yours.

Mind you, no one is saying that couples should not take medical steps to have children. No. The truth, however, is that some situations need to be tackled spiritually for medical science to succeed.

In a number of cases, God has proved himself beyond science.

Or how can medical science tackle the situation in which a lady had IVF about four times and it failed because of a particular dream.

The woman, who is a mother of triplets, today, had an end put to that dream when the General Overseer of Laughter Foundation International Ministry personally prayed for her.

The dream stopped and, today, she has three, not one baby to carry.

Apart from this, I have also witnessed a pregnant woman who bled continuously and the bleeding only stopped after a prayer session.

Sisters and brothers, get ready , you will soon shed tears of joy.

Brethren, it is time to stand up and claim your right to fruitfulness.

Genesis 1 verse 28": And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’”.

Editor’s Note- Don’t forget, Laughter Foundation programme for 19,000 twins is still on. Also, every first Monday of the month, 1011am, RCCG holds Shiloh hour for women waiting on the Lord. Other churches also have similar programmes. Pray that the Lord should lead you to the right place.

Don’t be too busy. Attend.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 21

0 2 3 d e t r o I ab s e i c n a n g pre f l e s , l i a g i b –A n a m u h d e s confes m i t c i v g n i k c i traff

•Abigail Olori

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

W

hen 26-year-old Abigail Olori met Alhaja Latifat and her husband three years ago, she felt she had met an angel in human form who would turn the odds of her life for good. Considering the fact that she had lost her parents and was saddled with the responsibility of catering for her siblings, she jumped at the offer to travel to Italy to work as an auxiliary nurse for the couple. Unknown to her, however, she was making the biggest mistake of her life.

A look into the eyes of the frail looking Abigail revealed misery, pains and betrayal that she has been subjected to in the last three years.

Coughing intermittently and straining herself to be audible, she narrated her ordeal in the hands of her traffickers. “I met Alhaja Latifat and her husband in 2013 when they came to Nigeria; then I was 23-yearsold. I knew them via a relative of mine, Rofel, when I was residing in Bayelsa with my siblings.

Rofel invited me to Lagos; it was during the visit to Lagos C M Y K

that I was introduced to Alhaja Latifat who promised to take me to Italy”, she stated.

“Before the journey, they said they wanted me to become an auxiliary nurse for them in Italy but

My main responsibility was to carry out abortion for the girls forced into prostitution.

By my calculation, I would have aborted 320 pregnancies in the process

unfortunately I found myself in Libya. They took me via the desert. We were about 30 that were taken to Libya from Nigeria.

“Since I didn’t have parents, I was only able to raise N10, 000 which the alhaja claimed was for the passport she procured for me. The agreement was that I will work and pay her N2.4 million once I get to Italy which included the amount she spent to take me abroad and the return on her investment.

“Before we left Nigeria, they took us to a native doctor called Ewe in Abeokuta, Ogun State where we were made to swear an oath. It was after the oath that we were taken to Libya instead of Italy.

“Initially when I got to Libya and found out that my responsibility was to abort pregnancies for young girls, I refused but Alhaja Latifat and her husband locked me up in a room and beat me severely with a mop stick I had no option but to bulge.

Each time I refused to perform abortion for any of the girls, they will lock me up and beat me.

“That was how I started assisting them to terminate unwanted pregnancies for

the young girls who were working as call girls for Alhaja Latifat.

“We had girls within the ages of 10-15 working as call girls, sleeping with all sorts of men unprotected. Most of the girls were forced to sleep with elderly men as old as 60 years-old. Some of these girls confessed to me that they were hairdressing apprentices and fashion designers before they were deceived to come to Libya to work as prostitutes. “Any of the girls who refused to work, they will beat her up.

Some of the girls who attempted to escape got into more trouble as they were resold to other traffickers in Libya.

“My main responsibility was to carry out abortion for the girls forced into prostitution. By my calculation, I would have aborted 320 pregnancies in the process. They built instrument which I used to perform the abortion on the girls. If a pregnancy was about a month, and the girl in question notified Alhaja Latifat about the development, the Alhaja Alhaja will not allow me to abort the baby till the pregnancy was about four or five months old.

“Apart from carrying out abortions, I also performed the job of a physician to the girls.

“They had about three houses which were used as brothels to house the girls who worked as call girls. I resided in one of the brothels called New York. The second was called White House. I can’t remember the name of the third one.

“I worked for the alhaja for about three years and I was able to raise the amount from the abortion I was

performing on the girls and the money I got from my male friends who were into armed robbery in Libya. Like the call girls, I was not allowed to operate a bank account. Since I didn’t operate any bank account, the money I earned was kept with Alhaja Latifat. Within two years I was able to pay the N2.4m agreed amount on the contract and also give her N1.5M which I kept with her as my personal savings.

“Meanwhile, trouble started after I demanded that she gives me back my N1.5m which was with her as I wanted to return to Nigeria.

Immediately after I demanded for my money, this strange sickness started.

I began to grow thin and lose weight. And then skin rashes began to appear all over my body. Look at me I am now a shadow of myself.

I don’t know what is wrong with me. I feel very weak too.

“I was rescued alongside two other girls weeks after Basirat and Omobolanle were rescued through an NGO, Alliance for Rights Defender, owned by human activists and lawyer, Mr. Ojay Akinwale. Mr Akinwale has been the one working with operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Since I was rescued and brought back to Nigeria, Alliance for Rights Defender has been instrumental to providing medical care for me. I want to get well first and I also want the Federal Government to investigate Alhaja Latifat, her husband and others running this human trafficking as a family business by taking advantage of young girls from indigent families”.

PAGE 22—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

THE KACHIKWU NO-HOLDS-BARRED SESSION WITH SENATORS

How, with Nigerians’ help, we will fix oil sector complex problems — Petroleum Minister

BY HENRY UMORU

W

ORRIED by the pains Nigerians have been going through in the last couple of weeks following the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol, which has led to long queues at filling stations and panic buying, the Senate, last Tuesday, played host to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

After the Senator Jibrin Barau Committee on Petroleum Resources( Downstream) carried out an oversight visit to some filling stations in the Abuja metropolis, the committee decided that it was imperative to ask the Minister to appear before it and explain why there was no end to the fuel crisis.

During the visit to the stations, members of the committee, however, expressed anger when they discovered that many of the stations were not selling petrol due to alleged lack of supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Depot in Suleja.

The committee’s Acting Chairman, Jibrin Barau, who had said that the Petroleum Minister must appear before the committee to explain what led to the situation and possibly proffer a lasting solution, however, described the situation as pathetic.

Barau had said: “ This situation is very bad and unacceptable, hence, the need for the Minister to appear before us and unveil his plan on the way out to us. Even if he doesn’t have any plan yet out of the lingering problem, the Senate President and the entire members of the committee are more than ready to rub minds with him for that needed purpose. “ Last Tuesday, Kachikwu appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resouces (Downstream).

With him before the Senate Committee were the Acting Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, Mrs Sotonye Iyoyo; Group Executive Director, NNPC Ventures, Dr. Babatunde Adeniran, among others.

Before that Tuesday, the Minister had, after leading the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to a

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•Kachikwu (2nd right) at the Senate Committee hearing

He revealed that NNPC’s import rates had moved form 50 percent to all- time high 100 percent, saying that the 445 barrels allocated to crude swap now service 50 to 55 percent importation of refined products

meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said that motorists would continue to remain on long queues at filling stations till late May. Kachikwu, who doubles as the Group Managing Director, GMD, of NNPC, said he was not a magician to make the queues disappear overnight, adding that it was even a “magic” that the stations were still getting the volume of products they dispense to the public, judging from the prevailing circumstances at the NNPC. He revealed that NNPC’s import rates had moved form 50 percent to all- time high 100 percent, saying that the 445 barrels allocated to crude swap now service 50 to 55 percent importation of refined products. “One of the trainings I did not receive is that of a magician but I am working very hard to ensure some of these issues go away .

And let’s be honest, for the five, six months we have been here, NNPC has moved from a 50 percent importer of products to basically a 100 percent importer. And the 445 barrels that were allocated was to cover between 50 and 55 percent importation,”Kachikwu stated.

“So, it is quite frankly sheer magic that we even have the amount of products at the stations. We are looking to see how to get foreign exchange

imput. The president and I discussed extensively on how to get more crude directed at importation. His excellency will rather have less crude but have individuals in the society suffer less with inconveniences than have more crude and have them continue to suffer ”.

The interactive session with the senators was an apple opportunity for the Minister to explain to Nigerians what the issues were and apologise to the people on his position that he is not a magician in his statements to reporters at the Presidential Villa.

Kachikwu, who assured Nigerians that the long fuel queues across the country would disappear by April 7, apologized for saying that the scarcity would remain till May. He said, “We expect that between now and about the 6th to 7th of April, the fuel queues will disappear. The refineries will be working and the volumes they would be producing will be sent to the strategic reserves to address difficult times.

“In April, we are expected to get 150 percent of the volumes that would be needed. A lot of that will go to storage tanks. Hopefully, that should sort out the problem.

“I share the pains of Nigerians. I feel that pains every day. I walked the streets and those who are following

my trajectories since I assumed duty would see that, even on Christmas day, I was at the refineries. On Easter day, I was in Lagos, monitoring fuel distribution at the depots. I have given 24/ 7 attending to the problem in this industry which are unbelievable. I have continued to work with one purpose in mind, which is that every problem will have a solution.

“I do apologise if a comment I made jocularly with my friends in the press about being a magician offended some Nigerians, it wasn’t meant to be. It was a side jocular issue and I did go ahead to explain what needed to be done. I didn’t intend to create this kind of hyperbole that it did. Let me admit that I am not a typically experienced politician. I am a technocrat, I came to work.”

The Minister, who blamed the scarcity on pipeline vandalism, faulty refineries and lack of foreign exchange, said, “We were faced with the challenge of ensuring supply of petroleum products without the need for a subsidy regime.

As of January 1 this year, the country is no longer paying subsidy, saving us a cumulative of over N1tr in a one year period. That was the first major issue. The second major issue was that once the

Continues on page 23

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016 PAGE 23

Continued from page 22 N600bn subsidy money was paid, the ability of marketers to import the product became a challenge because they could not raise letters of credit and up to this point that still remains a major issue. So even if they wanted to import, they needed letters of credit and adequate foreign exchange cover.

“The third issue is that of pipeline vandalism. We met pipelines that were in comatose, for instance Mosimi was not working. This morning (Tuesday) after a three month intensive work with private partners, we were just been able for the first time, to recover the Escravos to Warri pipeline and about a month ago, we recovered the Brass to Port Harcourt pipeline. For the first time, we will be able to pump crude to the refineries without the need to use vessels which are extremely expensive and which I stopped as soon as I came. For the first time in six years, we are trying to recover the pipeline.”

He told the committee that 90 percent of the country ’s depots were not in use and had not been maintained, saying, “They have been abandoned for years. Money was needed to work on them. But we have advertised for joint partners to come in and work with us to put in the required facilities to get depots working and get pipeline repaired.

“NNPC was losing N40bn every month when we came, but this has been reduced to

'How, with Nigerians’ help, we will fix oil sector complex problems'

N3bn by December last year. We met a company with a debt profile of N4trn and with that of NPDC which is about N1trn. The access to open up letter of credit continues to be a challenge.”

Kachikwu, who told the committee that he was coached on what to say when he appeared before the Senate Committee, said: “ I was thoroughly coached before coming to this meeting. But

there is a potential answer to this question, first is a political answer which says we are doing our very best to go away from this situation but the training in me never attempts to be very exact because I set the goal post.

“All I can say as an amendment to that is that in the month of April, within the first two weeks of April, we would have this issue

completely resolved and you will not have this problem anymore. I am working very hard to make it the first week in April, it’s not going to happen in March and all I am doing right now is logistics arrangements to try and cushion the pains as much as I can and Nigerians can help me by not double buying.

“But, once we begin to get into the 5th, 6th of April you

will see a dramatic change in all this. Sometimes it is difficult to change your skin at an old age so I tend to tell the truth the way it is even if I get into trouble in the cause of doing them.

“But the reality, distinguished senators, is that we are doing everything humanly possible; nothing is out of the table; no solution is thrown into the trash bin and we have gotten to a point where we can confidently say we are bound to see the last days of some of these occurrences in our history. ‘’ Many Nigerians hope that with the Kachikwu promise, it will not be a replay of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist play, Waiting for Godot, where two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, waited in vain for the arrival of another character named Godot.

It is also hoped that, with the assurance of the Minister and, given the terrible development, Nigerians will no longer continue to live, work and sleep under pressure, just as the productivity level in every sector of the economy, which has been systematically reduced, would pick up.

We watch as events unfold ahead of April 7.

FUEL SHORTAGE: Beyond the diction, sentiment

BY EROMONSELE IMAFIDON

T

HE mixed reactions that had trailed the statement by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, to the effect that the current fuel scarcity would end in May, offer an opportunity for constructive introspection.

It is so considering the critical nature of the issue and the far-reaching effects in the system.

Understandably, the assertion which could perhaps pass for sideline comments begot emotion and sentimental response. While the merit of the outrage, from various divides, is somewhat contentious, it comes gratifying that the nation has been taken out of the dark regarding the dialectics of the problem.

At least, it was a clear departure from the norm of systemic denial, which is responsible for the failure of governance in the country.

Without bias to the pains that trailed the hard truth, most of us in the oil sector consider the massage an opportunity to commence confronting the bottlenecks. That it offers the traction needed to comprehend the anguish unleashed on Nigerians, by the shortage does not hyperbolical.

My thinking also finds corroboration in the words of Dapo Abiodun, the Managing Director, Heyden Oil and Gas and Chairman, Depot C M Y K

•Kachikwu and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, who said the minister was clearly misunderstood.

He said: ‘’Basically, what the minister was trying to explain was that when he said the issue of supply of petroleum products will linger for a bit, he didn’t mean that what you see today will linger for a very long time. He was referring to a point when the problem will be resolved in the entire country, in every nook and cranny of the nation. This means that from Lagos to Port Harcourt, to Maiduguri and just resolving them in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna only but for the problem to be resolved in every village where there is a filling station. ‘’ That was what he was referring to, but you will find out that over the next two week, about 80-90% of these

problems will be solved.

The reasons for what you see presently are very simple; there is what we call the summer and winter months in petroleum template. The government also has tried to shift from what obtained in the past to something that identifies with the change that the president promised us, which is predicated on prudence.’’

In view of this, it was not surprising that the minister did not deviate from the aforementioned realities while taking questions from the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) that had summoned him.

Apparently aware of sentiments that was provoked by his statement he offered apologies and as well said to the satisfaction of Nigerians that fuel

scarcity would end in April.

He said: “I share the pains of Nigerians, I feel that pain everyday when I walk the streets: on Easter day, I was in Lagos monitoring fuel distribution and the depots, I had given 24 hours attention to the problems. I have continued to work with one sole purpose, which is that every problem must have a solution and I think that is the reason I was picked.

“I do apologise for the comment that I made jocularly with my friends in the press about being a magician and it offended Nigerians; it was not meant to be, it was a side jocular issue. I did go on to explain what needed to be done, I did not know that it would create the kind of hyperbole (exaggeration) that it did. “Let me first admit that I am not a typically experienced politician, I am a technocrat: I come to work.

“Some of the phraseologies that I may use, while being acceptable in the arena in which I play, obviously will not be acceptable in the public political arena. So, if any body’s sensibilities were offended by those, I totally apologise.”

In addition, he added that: ‘’Refineries in Nigeria are old and dilapidated but with appropriate funds and retooling, they will be revived to full capacity. It is one of the solutions to the problem at hand,” he noted.

He proffered another solution thus: “The ultimate

solution is the computerisation of the structure where every product that goes into the depots is tracked when it is loaded, it is tracked when it gets to the filling station, and then vehicles in this country must carry scanners and trackers. Once you do that, it will record where a truck landed ultimately and we are working on those solutions.

“We have finished the first, where we can track our products from the depots in Lagos into the depots in states. What we have left not done is begin to track from the depots straight into the filling stations and we are working on that and hopefully, in the next couple of months, we should get to that point and once you do that, then you can actually leave a very serious sanctions on those who are actually getting themselves involved in diverting products.

“Most fuel products come into Nigeria from Europe and it takes 14 days for fuel to land here,” he said, adding that the government intended to solve the situation by engaging consultants to manage the depots across the country.

In all, the latest outing was no just tied to the current fuel scarcity, it proffered the need workable solutions on the matter. *Imafidon is a Lagos based oil and gas expert.

PAGE 24 — SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

Isis warlord, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi' with his ex-wife, Dulaimi

Ex-wife of terror leader: I want a new life in Europe B

orn in Iraq to an up per-middle-class con servative family, Dulaimi was married off to Baghdadi. He was not a bloodthirsty terrorist back then, she claims.

“I married a normal person, a university lecturer,” she said. “He was a family man.”

She wasn’t his only bride; she had to share him with another wife. “He went to work and came home to his family,” Dulaimi said.

“He was great. He was the children’s ideal father. The way he was with children ... he was a teacher — you know how teachers are. He knew how to deal with children, better than how to deal with the mother.”

But the two did not talk much like others couples do.

The reason? He had a “mysterious personality,” Dulaimi answered.

C M Y K

And it was difficult being the second wife. “It’s hard for two wives to live together,” she said. Their union, she said, ended seven years ago.

Dulaimi said she ran away from Baghdadi after she became pregnant. She wouldn’t say exactly why, but explained, “I wasn’t happy.”

She told Expressen TV that she did not love him. “The fact that I got out is proof of that,” she said.

He tried to get her back several times. “But I’d already made my mind up,” she said.

They last spoke in 2009, Dulaimi said, when Baghdadi again tried to get her back.

She didn’t tell him that she bore him a daughter. But he found out a while later, she said. “He said he’d take her when I remarry,” Dulaimi said.

‘The entire world’s disaster on her shoulders’ Dulaimi is worried for her

Dulaimi said it makes her sad to think she will always be thought of as Baghdadi’s ex-wife.

“I’m branded a terrorist, but I’m far from all that

daughter ’s safety. “I’m scared of everyone; that’s what’s happened,” she said.

She is very concerned for the girl, who says she hopes to get an education abroad.

“She’s the one who now ... suffers,” her mother said.

“She has the entire world’s disaster upon her shoulders.”

Now the young mother dreams of a life with her daughter in Europe. She wants the girl to go to school.

It will be a better and safer life, she believes.

“I want to live in a European country, not an Arab country,” she said. “I want my children to live and get an education.”

“Even if her mother was married to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, a terrorist ... what is the child guilty of there?”

Dulaimi said it makes her sad to think she will always be thought of as Baghdadi’s ex-wife. “I’m branded a terrorist, but I’m far from all

that,” she said.

Europeans should accept her, regardless of her past relationship with Baghdadi, she said. “No bearer of burdens shall bear another ’s burden.

“I mean, where is my guilt if I was married to him in 2008? We’re divorced now. I was the one who left him, not the other way around.”

“I’m a woman who’s been through a lot and had to suffer in prison,” said Dulaimi, who was arrested in Lebanon in December 2014 as she was trying to enter the country from Syria. “Now I want to settle down,” she said.

“If I’d wanted to live with him, I’d have lived like a princess,” she said. “I could have moved in with them and had loads of money. But I don’t want money.”

She wants something more.

“I want to live in freedom, [to] live like everyone else.”

.Culled from CNN

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 25

A

FTER a long wait for its birth in Nigeria, Mercedes Benz Maybach SClass has finally settled in Nigeria.

Automobile enthusiasts who witnessed the unveiling of the all new Maybach, agreed that the waiting was worth it as the new Maybach is not just a car but a super-machine in its own world.

The Mercedes-Maybach SClass combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity and features distinctive characteristics that set the Maybach apart from its standard production model, which include more space, special seats, lavish designs and prestigious interior.

Unveiling the newest addition to the Luxury family, Mrs. Elisabeth Itegbe, General Manager, Weststar Associates Limited, explained that the much anticipated Mercedes-Maybach finally made its first appearance in the Barbedos Showroom in Abuja.

She described it as a very powerful and safe car that has no rival in luxury and performance . The model has a number of innovative assistance systems that make driving more comfortable and safer. The PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, Adaptive High beam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus are part of the Intelligent Drive systems.

In her words; “The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is truly in a class of its own; rugged yet with class and luxury.”

In his remark, the host, Alhaji Kashim Shettima described, the new MercedesMaybach S-class as the first in its segment. “There is no doubt that passengers of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are enveloped in lounge style modern luxury. “ T h e Mercedes-Benz brand stands for the aspiration to deliver the best in terms of products, technology and services.

In the S-Class segment in particular, customers have very high expectations with regard to exclusivity and individuality and MercedesMaybach enables us further to fulfill these desires in the exclusive top segment of the market”. “With the new Mercedes-Benz Maybach, it is clear that Mercedes made a strategic decision for its newest Maybach badges.

The Mercedes-Maybach SClass extends the range of SClass Saloon models with the addition of a vehicle in the luxury segment: the generous interior and extended wheelbase, which fully benefits the rear compartment, create maximum spaciousness and the use of fine materials and quality appointments makes the MercedesMaybach S-Class an impressive chauffeur vehicle for demanding customers C M Y K

The return of Maybach

throughout the world.

Maybach Motorenbau was a German manufacturing car company founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach and his

son. It was, however, acquired

by Daimler Benz in 1960, and now the Maybach is a luxury car brand of Mercedes-Benz.

Expanding the current range

of S-Class Saloons and setting a new benchmark for exclusivity that meets even

the most discerning of requirements in terms of its appointments, the MercedesMaybach S-Class was born.

More firms confirm participation for Lagos Motor show M

ORE firms are confirming their participation for the forthcoming 11th edition of Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo Nigeria. Over 70 indigenous and foreign firms have confirmed their participation at the show scheduled to hold at the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island from April 28-May 4, 2016.

Giving an update on the event, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Chairman Organizing Committee of the event assured visitors to the event that all their automotive needs will be met at this one stop show by reputable globally acclaimed manufacturers and dealers that would be showcasing at the fair.

According to the Chairman “virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part at this year’s fair.” He further noted that the growing number of exhibitors confirmed for this edition can be attributed to the importance

attached to it by the participants.

“We cannot but attribute the increasing number of participants for the show to the strategic importance attached to it by all the stakeholders in the industry who have been hardworking and consistent with us. It has been a collective effort and all hands have continually been on deck, starting from the private sector to the various agencies of government both at the state and federal level.”

He disclosed that FBN Insurance, Michelin Tyres, Cornerstone Insurance, Old Mutual are among the

Virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking, insurance, regulatory and policy making agencies and bodies are taking part at this year’s fair

additional firms from Nigeria which are taking the best in their stables to the event.

According Mr Agwu; responses from Nigerian and overseas firms so far are encouraging despite the challenges in the global and the nation’s economy and business environment.

The Chairman noted that the beauty of trade shows is that they take organisations beyond their supposed dreams and into the expected ground of realities. This they do by taking participants to higher levels by consistently keeping them in the minds of their target audience.

On the “Autoparts Expo segment of the event he stated that. Close to 23 African Countries have shown interests in this edition which aims at using the window of the event to reach the autoparts markets in these countries and cities.

According to him, letters of invite were extended to organized secors in the automotive business in those countries through their Chambers of Commerce as well as the National

Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture [NACCIMA], Nigeria foreign missions in those countries and the foreign missions of the countries in Nigeria. BKG Exhibitions he said is aiming at using the Nigerian Autoparts markets as the hub of the sectors business in Africa. The intention is to make players from the other countries to be buying from the Nigerian markets”, adding that the two major autoparts markets in Nigeria ASPAMDA and Ladipo are supporting the event.

“In conjunction with our foreign partners: SENEXPO International Fairs Inc of Turkey, we have reached out to many of Original Equipment Manufacturers of Autoparts and happily they are responding positively,”he added. Our aim at bringing them is to enable Nigerians and neighbouring West Africans engaged in auto spare business work out rewarding and lasting business relationships with the main companies engaged in the manufacture of auto spare parts.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

Michika: A town divided over Boko Haram I

n our series of letters from African journal ists, novelist and writer Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani travels to a Nigerian town split along ethnic and religious lines by Boko Haram’s Islamist insurgency.

Long after the last militant has been annihilated and the final suicide bomb exploded, the effects of Boko Haram’s terror tactics in Nigeria’s north-east will still be seen and felt. And not just in the bodies maimed or the properties razed or the offspring of rape.

The insurgents are leaving behind in some communities a dense cloud of internecine hatred and suspicion.

Last month, I travelled to Michika on a mission organised by the Adamawa Peace Initiative (API), an interfaith attempt to reduce violence and build peace through a collaboration of local religious, community and business leaders.

Since 2012 it has been engaged in a number of joint peace-building programmes in the north-eastern state of Adamawa, working with the American University of Nigeria (AUN), and Michika is currently top of their list.

The town, one of the largest in the state, has a mixed Christian and Muslim population, with the former in the majority.

It borders Borno State, the heartland of the Boko Haram insurgency.

A divided community Although tensions have always existed between the two

religious groups, they have managed to live in peace.

“When we were fleeing Boko Haram,” one Christian woman in Michika recounted, “I saw two abandoned children who were about seven years old and took them with me to Yola. They were Muslim but it didn’t make any difference to me.”

But all that has changed.

Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani: “The Christian and Muslim children exchange insults in the streets and in public transport, calling one another names and making hateful or snide remarks” Boko Haram overran the town in September 2014. For the next seven months, Michika was part of the militants’ socalled caliphate, where they hoisted flags and defaced government signboards with Arabic inscriptions announcing the greatness of Allah.

After the Nigerian military liberated the town, the thousands who had fled gradually began to return.

But these days, the Christians and Muslims are at loggerheads.

“Because our Christian religion tells us to treat people well, the other side decided to take advantage of us,” said one Christian man.

While a Muslim woman complained: “I heard two women whispering about my hijab, then one of them asked me to tell them what I had hidden underneath.”

After the Nigerian military liberated the town, the thousands who had fled gradually began to return.

But these days, the Christians and Muslims are at loggerheads The Christian and Muslim children exchange insults in the streets and in public transport, calling one another names and making hateful or snide remarks.

The two religious groups now have separate market days - the most important day of the week in this agricultural community.

The Christians have chosen Saturday as their fixed big day for buying and selling produce from their farms, while the Muslims have theirs on Sun-

days - when the Christians are in church.

As a result, customers who used to come from far and wide to buy from Michika market now prefer to go elsewhere, leading to a further plunge in the fortunes of a town already economically devastated by the militants whose presence interrupted the yearly planting and harvesting cycle.

The different groups accuse each other of showing favouritism when relief materials donated by NGOs are being distributed, saying that who gets what, when and how is determined by the group to which the person in charge belongs.

With the poor agricultural output and the loss of other means of livelihood abandoned during the period of Boko Haram occupation, these relief materials are a major source of survival for the people.

“Christians in this town are in the majority so they deprive us of our rights,” a Muslim man said.

But another resident complained: “There are no Christians holding top positions in the local government or House of Assembly.”

The suspicion in Michika sometimes goes a little bit beyond religion.

For example, the professional game hunters and vigilantes, two groups that have taken upon themselves the role of protecting the community from further attacks, have been shooting one another dead, each accusing members of the other of being Boko

Haram sympathisers.

The head of the hunters is Christian and that of the vigilantes is Muslim, but both groups memberships are a religious mix.

All these sordid experiences were recounted in detail by the residents of Michika, during dialogue sessions organised by the AUN-API initiative.

The town’s leaders, women, men, youths, hunters and vigilantes, met in classrooms of the government secondary school, with academic staff and a respected imam and priest acting as mediators in a community where people no longer trust their own local leaders.

It was the first time that the people of Michika had been given the opportunity to discuss these deep issues openly.

Many described their experiences and regrets in tears.

Others spoke with passionate anger and bitterness.

At some point while the chairman of the hunters was speaking, the vigilantes stood up and stormed out of the meeting.

But, overall, the consensus from the various dialogue sessions was the same: The people were glad for the opportunity given them to finally talk about these issues and begin the healing process.

“We had been carrying these grudges instead of tabling them,” a man said. “We had been pretending as if they did not exist.” .Courtesy: BBC

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 27

Kaduna’s anti- preaching bill is like fighting God — Apostle Suleman

By Olalekan Bilesanmi

T

he President of the Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, last week, took his mission to Lagos where a crusade, tagged, Raw Power, was held. Also, the preacher will be celebrating his birthday this week with a plan to touch lives. In this interview, he shares his plan with us, including his views on the Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s’ anti-preaching bill. is supposed to be a Congrats on your will soon join spiritual network with forthcoming birthday. Can him and this God? could turn you Share with us how the We were called for different Nigeria into a event is going to look like mandates. I am not a religious war. this time...? politician and I can never be Let me ask a The most important part of one. I am not totally against question. my birthday celebration is business advertisement in the Between special thanks to God who church but this pulpit should Christians and has been so faithful and not be used for campaign Muslims, who made things the way they because there are members of caused air are. different political groups in the pollution more church. This may tear the In the past, as we thanked with the use of Him, He released blessings church apart if the man on the loud speakers? pulpit takes sides; at the same to mankind in physical and Christians used time, the church needs to spiritual dimensions. In a loud speakers regulate politics from the realm three times a nutshell, it’s a time to of the spirit because the bible week mostly on appreciate God and be a says in Isaiah 9:6-76, “ For Sundays. blessing to lives. unto us a child is born, unto us You are one of the most traveled men of God evangelizing across the globe. How do you get inspired and where do you get the strength?

No man can use physical energy or ability to do spiritual work. It takes divine ability and inspiration to divine work.

Whatever you see us do that is amazing in the sight of men are orchestrated divinely to the glory of God. That is the reason. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” God works in us both to will (willingness to travel for evangelism) and to do (power or strength to get result) for His own pleasure.

Whatever we see now is the product of the grace of God. Tell us about wonders at your Lagos Raw Power Crusade...

Lagos State had been on a high expectation of our visit and God didn’t disappoint us. The crusade held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, and it saw approximately four percent of the Lagos population attending over the two days. At the crusade, many made decisions for Christ and thousands received baptism of the Holy Spirit on the final day. Healing and miracles also happened.

Apart from the fact that we were able to feed hundreds of families during the programme, insanity in persons was banished and demonized souls delivered from the power of darkness and prosperity restored. It is always our desire to impact positively on the poor and the less privileged.

How do you respond to the fact that business advertising and political campaigns are voiced from the pulpit, yet the church

C M Y K

a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

7 - Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and

with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. After God (Church) is government, we need to intervene to prevent political decay not in campaigning but in controlling from above.

You recently spoke about alleged political discrimination and persecution of the Church in Kaduna State. Does this have any link with the side the Church allegedly supported during the last general elections?

It could be. Early this year, the Lord revealed the persecution of the Church from government and this has taken off from Kaduna State.

I don’t have personal issues with any governor but I think there are better things for the governor to do in the state instead of fighting Christianity through the law banning the public use of speaker, issuing licence, etc, which are against divine order and the Constitution that is

supreme to the laws of any state.

People are living in poverty which appears he is less concerned about. If all he can do is to use his first one year in office to fight God, it is very clear that he won’t go far. I am even disappointed that men of God keep quiet at this ungodly manifestation. If we do not stop him now, other northern states

Muslims pray with loud speakers five times daily, meaning 35 times a week. All we have said is no threat but from the Presidency to the Local Government, whoever stands in the way of the Church will go for it. All we are telling Kaduna State government by divine order is to revoke the law or it goes for it because most people that put him in power through voting are Christians believing that his tenure will put things right for the state.

You counsel and preach to the rich and the poor. What is unique or challenging about both experiences?

There is no too much difference between the poor and the rich

I don’t have personal issues with any governor but I think there are better things for the governor to do in the state instead of fighting Christianity through the law banning the public use of speaker, issuing licence, etc, which are against divine order and the Constitution that is supreme to the laws of any state

Apostle Johnson Suleman

except for the opportunities maximised or rejected. Both of them are created by God. Counselling and preaching to the poor and the rich take the same word of God but different approach. Most times, the rich that are not born again believe they don’t need God until they are in difficulty. And the poor keep hoping on the Lord for a better tomorrow.

Your dress style is loud, you wear expensive suits and shoes, yet ,you are noted as a humble servant of God. How do you reconcile that?

The 95% of what I wear are gifts. I can’t imagine myself saving money for expensive clothes and shoes. My major concern in life is for the needy. I live my life for them because I was once under privileged.

You prophesied that 2016 is the year of reckoning for public thieves, and that Buhari would almost be stoned after six months, which are all manifesting.

What new things do you see for the nation?

When God speaks, no matter how it is interpreted, it will come to pass.

Truly, it is the year of reckoning for public thieves and the love the public have for Buhari is fading because of the present economic conditions. It is the will of God that the thieves should be caught but this should have a positive effect on the economy. Looted funds recovered should reduce the hardship of the masses.

Concerning the new things

seen for the nation, let us wait on the Lord.

Your are involved in mega charity activities which happen through your personal efforts. Do you have a plan for a separate foundation to take care of this?

Having separate foundation for running mega charity activities is not the major need of the people but to be cared for. The only thing that is constant in life is change.

When the need for separate foundation arises, we would harness the privilege but, at the moment, let’s continue the way it

is to make mankind happy and let God be glorified.

You have written books that deal spiritually in almost every aspect of living. What have been the challenges writing books and do you have a new book coming?

Writing books has its own challenges especially if one is a young writer. However, at my present level of writing, I don’t think there are challenges again. As regards new books, I have some that would soon be out for men’s edification.

Are you also planning to have a jet considering the increasing demand of your global evangelizing?

Having a private jet for evangelism is good as it enhances movement but that is not part of the ministerial agenda at the moment. As the Lord holds the future, if He wants a private jet for me, it will come.

PAGE 28—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

Black market thrives, petrol goes for N280

BY UDEME CLEMENT

A

s the scarcity of petrol bites harder, some marketers said the move by Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to implement a new pricing template for petrol to be sold at N88 per litre at stations controlled by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and N88.50 in other retail outlets will not end scarcity of the product.

Also, many stakeholders stressed that deregulation is the solution to recurring scarcity of fuel.

When Sunday Vanguard visited some depots in Apapa, it was observed that many of them were out of petrol, while some marketers, who came for loading, even bought from third parties. It was also observed that while many filling stations in Lagos were out of fuel, black market operators took over the business. A litre of petrol now

sells as high as N280 at the black market rate.

One of the black market operators, who gave his name as John, said he buys the product at night from a service

outlet. He explained that some petrol stations we see under lock and key during the day, often sell at night.

In a chat with Sunday Vanguard, the National

President, Constance shareholders Association of Nigeria (CSAN), Mr, Shehu Mikail, said, “Government should encourage the use of

modular refineries like what obtains in developed countries.

He added, “ Currently, we have over 26,716 service outlets and more than 100 depots in the country, so only NNPC can not meet the demand of fuel supply to these depots.”

However, the NNPC’s Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Mr. Garba Deen Muhammed , disclosed, “Some of the depots would be nominated as strategic reserves while we take possession of a strategic reserve vessel in the next three months. This is in addition to our initiative of increasing the combined capacity of domestic refineries through co-locating smaller but cost efficient modular refineries within the existing refineries premises of between 12 and 24 months”.

Buhari’s business is to make his team buy into his vision – Olugbodi

BY YINKA AJAYI Peeved with the call for another economic conference in Nigeria, Yinka Olugbodi, the chief consultant, Team Building International (TBI), a training and development organisation, in a chat, reiterates the need for President Muhamadu Buhari to engage his presidential team through management retreat in order to achieve the change he envisages. Excerpts:

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ow would you rate the impact of Team Building from inception?

The impact has been wonderful.

We have been doing this since 2009. As a pioneer, we have built a strong foundation which has spurred other organisations into the industry. In the past, people were ignorant of the importance of team building, but presently, it is perceived as the basic requirement to grow an organisation effectively. It is becoming more established, more organizations now find it as a force to be reckoned with.

People are presently inculcating Team Building strategy into their program quarterly .

It is an inevitable intervention in any organisation or any system of government in Africa, in the sense that you have to build your team always. Our job is to make people work together as team.

You can have all the talents and

qualifications as well as the knowledge or be the best in the world, but yet lack the ability to work with a team. Some weeks back, I was with some guys in the energy sector, basically, to make them work together through management retreat that we infuse in team building. Usually, even geniuses have problems with interpersonal skills. Our task is to see how to make these people work together. It’s inevitable for any organisation that aims for the sky. You have to know how to work with your partner as a team.

Can this be the reason for epileptic power supply in Nigeria?

I don’t think so. I think the problem with the power sector is in generating enough megawatts that would be distributed nationwide. With my interaction with some of our clients in the energy sector, I think they are one of the best in the world. Through team building, we have impacted multi-national organisations outside Nigeria, and these are Nigerians that are qualified.

So what is the reason for the fall in megawatts ?

Considering my interaction with these guys, I think, we have not been upgrading our infrastructure for almost 50years. So, it is a problem of foresight from past administrations. There is need to have foresight and operate green

•Yinka Olugbodi energy. It is only clean energy that can sustain us presently.

Basically, our expertise is to get brilliant guys all over the world to work together.

What makes European countries different from Nigeria, in organisational trainning and development?

In terms of best practices, Team Building is the major training you have to go through in organisations across the world.

And we in Nigeria is just inculcating that into our system.

In the United Nations (UN) Organisation mandate, staff go through training like Health Safety and Environment training (HSE), after that is Team Building. For the energy and oil sector, most indigenous organisations in Nigeria are

presently inculcating that. In the UK, SouthAfrica, they are more advanced in team development training than Nigeria.

It is a compulsory training in the western world. They train their staff every six months. And Nigeria is beginning to have a headway too in that regard.

Some international organisations in Nigeria are our clients. The local content in oil and gas industry have made them focus more on us. Our task is to cover the larger part of the African continent to be abreast of the importance of team work for the development of the African continent.

How did you infuse management retreat into Team Building?

We observed a vacuum in the area of top management retreat in Nigeria and Africa, so the need to infuse management retreats in order to equip organisations and governments arose. It is shocking that some quarters are yet calling for another economic conference instead of management retreat.

We decided to facilitate management retreats and strategic sections for organisations and government in a style that is unique from other organisations. To break the monotony, we even translate strategies into games and activities.

How does such training help in curtailing corruption in organisations with regards to

President Buhari’s zero tolerance of the menace?

We usually itemise the main objective of every program. We also buttress integrity in the work place with games and activities.

It is a training that would make participants know that it is wrong to be dishonest in the work place, its emphasised at particular learning points. So it is strategically packaged to discourage leaders from getting involved in corrupt practices and you can relate with what happens in the work place. The feedback and evaluation we get from our client is always encouraging.

What should be the focus of African leaders in this regard?

What our leaders need to focus on presently, is the principle of unity and team work. Their emphasis should be on common goals, communication, vision and unity. For skills, we should focus on interpersonal skills. The problem with organisations in Nigeria is not our lack of skills but combining people with technical abilities to make them work together. The core reason for the retreat is to make people be on the same page in achieving organisational objectives. There is need to imbibe the moral value of President Muhamadu Buhari as an exemplary leader worthy of emulation. Although there are still friction on the change mantra which is normal. There is always noise before the final solution.

assorted general merchandise like used textile materials, new and used footwear’s, hand bags, tyres, electrical pad, fridges, furniture, soap and detergents. Also on display was a truck load of 1,198 fairly used tyres, intercepted by the Controller’s Monitoring Team ‘B’ Idiroko Axis, led by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Jatau Micah.

Speaking during his facility tour of the warehouse and the

workshop area of the Unit where seizures were displayed, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller, Umar Mohammed Dahiru, said that the Seizure came as a result of the painstaking effort of the team and their renewed vigour towards enhanced surveillance.

He confirmed that the goods with DPV ofN6.4million had been

FOU Customs arrests 34 suspects

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

he Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made an outstanding performance, as the Command arrested 34 suspects and effected 268 seizures within just two weeks. The goods intercepted at diffferent operations were estimated at the monetary value of over N360.1million, as they were

displayed in the government’s warehouse. Some of the goods seen in the warehouse include, 79 different seizures of rice, making a total of 3,374 bags, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N22million. 70 seizures of foreign poultry products of about 11,854 cartons, with DPV of N64million. 13 seizures of vehicles of about 23 units and 12 buses, as well as 2,003 gallons of vegetable oil. Others were

•Hammed Ali

Continues on page 29

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 29

‘Those blaming FG for naira depreciation are ill-informed’

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE

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orried by the prevailing hash economic situation in the country, the Managing Director of Kuka Consumer Healthcare Limited, an indigenous pharmaceutical company, Chris Ukah, has appealed to Nigerians to support efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari - led government so as to put the nation’s economy on the path of sustainable recovery.

During a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Ukah noted that the current administration has left no one in doubt about its commitment and passion to courageously establish concrete programmes and policies that will speed

up the process of jump starting the Nigerian economy in record time.

Similarly, Adesina who commended the board and management of PharmaTimes Limited during the visit assured that the Federal Government under the watch of President Buhari is committed to improving the health and living standards of Nigerians. He however, recommended PharmaTimes publication to the reading public.

Ukah, who is also the Publisher of PharmaTimes Health Newspaper, also noted that those who are blaming the current administration for depreciation of the Naira may have been ill-

informed, as he explained that the current import (tariff) regime on pharmaceutical products such as the ECOWAS Common External Tariff Policy is a welcome development. He commended the policy which places a zero percent import tariff on finished drugs, stating that this should be applauded. ‘’With the slide in oil prices nations across the world that are dependent on it as a major source of income are currently facing difficult times and Nigeria is no exception. In the Nigerian case, oil accounts for about 85 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings with high import dependence.

Describing Nigeria as an

investment destination with high potentials, Ukah, expressed the hope that the change mantra of the present administration manifesting in the courageous implementation of the current ban on certain products should equally be sustained.

The on-going efforts of President Buhari to rid the country of corrupt practices, he noted, will ultimately enhance the stimulation of the much needed Foreign Direct Investments into Nigeria which he said was imperative in aiding the country to break-away quickly from the present poor state of affairs.

He explained that his team was in Aso Rock to support the present administration in its determination and commitment to better the lot of Nigerians through the initiation of an

all-inclusive health policy.

The PharmaTimes publisher used the occasion of the courtesy call to intimate Mr. Adesina on the rationale behind the publication which he said aimed at stimulate a knowledge-based and enlightenment driven health communication attitude among majority of the reading public especially on aspects of health needs that are of concern and importance to them and also at the forefront of agenda setting for health regulators and promoters in Nigeria.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of copies of PharmaTimes to Mr. Adesina by Pharm Chris Ukah.

Cabotage law is not really helping maritime — Akonye

BY DOTUN IBIWOYE

The dwindling oil prices and the depreciation of the naira against the dollar has been the most trending issue in Nigeria and the maritime industry is also adversely affected. A chartered shipping practitioner, with twenty two years of shipping experience, Christopher Akonye, Chairman, Monica Marine Nigeria Ltd, bares his mind on the issues confronting the imbalance of trade, other factors that is impeding the cabotage law and other issues. Excerpts

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ith the credit crunch in the country, can you give an insight and how the maritime industry is affected and what solutions will you proffer for a more effective maritime industry?

We have a lot to do the improve the maritime industry. Most of the government policies should be based on us exporting not importing. We behave as if we have only one commodity in Nigeria and that is crude oil. We don’t produce outside. The only trade we have

is tanker trading. Can you imagine this scenario? As a ship, is coming from Nigeria and you brought refined petroleum, rice, wheat, iron produce to be discharged. The ship goes back to where it is coming from empty.

The cost of freight in Nigeria is very high. Lets say I have a truck now and I drop at Uyo, I will calculate the cost of fuelling to and from to the freight, but if we have any other thing to export, it will be to the advantage of the country and the others countries.

This will even help increase the value of the naira to the dollar.

What the government should do is to provide absolutely export commodities like coal,cocoa etc.

We should all think of what we can export. The freight cost of bringing goods will be cheap, when we do something to provide export of our goods. The price of oil is going down, it is affecting us even in shipping industry. We need to encourage investors in our country.

•Christopher Akonye What are the challenges in the shipping industry?

The major problem they have is finance and government policies.These areas are affecting the shipping industry. What we have is the Cabotage law, which is really not helping Nigeria.

Cabotage law means Nigeria owns the territory. The Act was enacted to encourage indigenous companies’ participation in shipping, increase capacity building and

provide employment for Nigerian seafarers. It would also help to develop the domestic maritime fleet, create employment opportunities for trained but unemployed seafarers, and leading to optimal exploitation of the currently under- utilised facilities.

So the maritime industry can improve the economy when we export more goods?

The shipping industry showcases your country. The transportation of goods within the industry is just an aspect of it.

That is where you communicate within shipping. If you export goods from here to China, from here to the United States, either by air, water or road all the three major interfaces are all in transport. The three of them are called shipping. If you go by air, water or road it is still called shipping not just basically for water, transportation alone. It is when we come to maritime transportation, that is when we classify it as shipping transport, that is through the sea. You are sending dollars to buy something, you give it through the banks you may not pay it is through our country’s currency.

Our country operates what is called

cash economy. When you operate cash economy it limits you. That is, if you don’t have cash you cannot do your business. Most of the countries in the world, the western world operates on credit cards. This cash economy pays us also in a way. As for the average man, you know why it does not pay? Because if you don’t have money you cannot purchase anything. The credit facilities are not there to go and buy. How many of us are using credit cards? Only few banks give credit cards because of security and investment.

But for the few wealthy Nigerians, cash economy is goods for them because they have a lot of money to spend. You know if you are buying on credit, you do not what to spend more. If actually you are given the credit, you will spend more but when you have the cash you spend less. So it is not really helping the economy.

Credit cards should be encouraged in the country. It is debit cards we use here.

Business can deliver value without cost to society—-BAT report

B

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

ased on the premise that business can deliver value for its shareholders without coming at a ‘cost’ to society, the 2015 British American Tobacco’s sustainability report has shown the company ’s commitment to shared value.

Showcasing the company ’s strategy on how it continues to invest in a sustainable future for the business and the society, the report provided updates and progress on three key areas: harm reduction, sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods, and corporate behaviour. Within each of these three key areas, the report sets out clear commitments to research, develop and commercialise less risky products to regular cigarettes, work to enable prosperous livelihoods for all famers who supply our tobacco leaf and operate to the highest standards of corporate conduct

and transparency.

BAT’s commitment to openness, collaboration and engagement has been underscored with the inclusion of an expert view introduction from three w e l l - r e s p e c t e d independent external stakeholders: Scott Ballin, health policy advisor and key opinion leader on tobacco harm reduction; Tony Juniper, a leading British environmentalist, campaigner and sustainability advisor and Simon Webley, Research Director at the Institute of Business Ethics.

Nicandro Durante, Chief Executive of British American Tobacco, said: “The concept of shared value is one that I truly believe in – this is why it forms the foundation of our

approach to BAT as a sustainable business, and has done for many years.

As a business working in a complex industr y, operating in over 200 markets around the world and with an agricultural supply chain, we face many different challenges and issues.”

Speaking further, he added that “What this report demonstrates is our continued commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate conduct and transparency wherever we operate, and how we are working to address these challenges in order to grow our business for the shared value of both shareholders and society.” The entire report, which is open to public view.

From left: Waidi Akanni, Ex-Nigerian International and former Head of Lagos Football Association; Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group; Joseph Yobo, Former Super Eagles Captain and Organiser of the Joseph Yobo Testimonial Match and Centenary Celebration; Olowo Isaac Kayode, associate and friend of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi during the courtesy call by Joseph Yobo Foundation on SIFAX Group.

FOU Customs arrests 34 suspects Continued from page 28 deposited at the warehouse of the Unit. “The concerted war on antismuggling took a new dimension in recent weeks with the latest approach of all inclusiveness adopted by FOU towards tackling smuggling. The latest approach aimed at strengthening surveillance on various methods adopted by smugglers in their desperate attempt to circumvent government’s policy on trade. The latest approach became necessary in

view of the fact that there is a compelling need to design appropriate templates to fight smuggling, due to its devastating effect on the Nation’s economy”, he said.

He added, “ The Customs management under Comptroller-General of Custom, retired Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali, is fully committed to ensuring that the Service does not renege in its core functions of revenue

collection, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade among other assignments. The CGC and the management have been holding regular meetings with selected Controller ’s of FOU, Eastern/Western Marine Commands, the Customs Intelligent Unit as well as Valuation Unit.

The meetings were usually convened to find practical

solutions to some infractions, which do not augur well for socio-economic development of the Nation. The Service more than ever before is looking inward in conjunction with critical stakeholders, to find a lasting solution to areas where revenue is suspected to be lost, with a view to blocking it. Despite the efforts of the Service, it cannot claim to have all the solutions, because no country in the world can claim to have completely eradicated smuggling.

The good news is that the Service is

not relenting in its intelligence driven operations, especially in realisation of the fact that Customs has a responsibility to live up to expectation”.

“FOU has raised the standard of its anti-smuggling campaign. This is evident from the quality and quantity of seizures made in recent times. It is instructive to note that our Key Performance Index (KPI) is on seizures, being an enforcement arm of the Service and we are not relenting”.

PAGE 30 — SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

How Obasanjo’s Govt Looted Abacha Loot “Justice Mohammad Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered President Muhammadu Buhari to hold all successive administrations since the return to civil rule in 1999 to account on the spending of the recovered loot" - a national newspaper. re you aware that in addition to the four refineries in Nigeria – Portharcourt I and II, Warri and Kaduna, this country also had a 30 per cent interest in West African Refinery, Sierra Leone which was handed over to President Obasanjo’s government in 1999? Are you also aware that has Obasanjo so far failed to account for that national assets and its disposal, he was handed a list of assets forfeited by Abacha to the Federal Government on May 26, 1999 – in the last decree – Decree No. 53 – which was the last signed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar as Head of State, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria? Are you also aware that other Abacha loot, returned between 1999 and May

A

2007, when Obasanjo was forced to step aside, remain unaccounted for and might have been re-looted?

Prepare yourself for a shock – if it is still possible to be shocked in Nigeria by anything done by leaders of the PDP who had access to the corridors of power – especially the self-righteous Obasanjo.

His a d m i n i s t r a t i o n established the template for looting Abacha loot.

But, permit first a diversion – a necessary one.

Obasanjo had since made a caustic comment about the court order. He called Justice Idris “stupid” for daring to ask Buhari to ask Obasanjo to account for OUR money and other assets. That shows Obasanjo in his true colours. A honest man if asked to account for other peoples property which he held in trust does not resort to abuse. He would open the records for all to see that he had integrity.

But, not Obasanjo. It is in his character. Back on April 8, 2012, three individuals who knew Baba Iyabo better than most Nigerians had the

Asiwaju of Yoruba is 64!

By Kola Animasaun

‘’Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them”- John C. Maxwell he air has been full of felicitations for his birthday from the 28th and up to now as I write this. It covers the radio, television and then newspapers. Bola Ahmed Tinubu was 64 years old on the 29th of March. Akanbi, has not been a common manas an Accountant and a Politician of note. He was senator of the Federal Republic and two-time governor of uncommon Lagos State.

I have not read any of the Bola Tinubu’s biographies and I bet, there are a few of them around. Some would be best sellers from the point of view of his admirers and others from his distractors. But I have experienced Bola Tinubu first hand.

My views may be mixed from the point of view of a reporter and from the political view point. And largely from his philanthropy. For Bola rubbed me on all sides.

However, what I can say is

T

• Tinubu that Bola has been a progressive all the way. He either joined directly or went into alignment with those who had the progressive bent. And he was one of the directing minds.

Bola was a senator of the Federal Republic in SDP and went into exile after MKO, espousing the virtues of the progressives. He and his party held the banner aloft and suffered for it. Rather than join the PDP, Bola and his team held out alone and struggled to free the South-West and wherever possible to preach the gospel.

As an Accountant, Bola knew that Lagos was sitting on a pot of gold and it took him to mine it. And the states including the Federal Government are following his

following to say about the man.

First, former Senate President Ken Nnamani: “He personally authorized the disbursement of N50m each for 109 Senators, as well as other sums of money, which amounted to an excess of N8bn to pass the third term bill into law.”

Then, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila: “He spent over N10bn on the agenda.

His aides came to me to solicit support for third term. He also attempted to enlist the support of a former US President, Mr Bush, for the project, but it failed.”

Finally, read what Honourable Halims Agoda had to say. “It was Obasanjo’s personal agenda. He sought the support of the National Assembly, but it was thrown out..”. In the front page report of a national newspaper on the day under reference, titled “Obasanjo a joker, liar, he was behind third term – Nnamani, others”, Nigerians and the entire world were presented with the man Obasanjo. From what Nnamani alleged, he was involved in bribery and corruption – spending funds whose sources were undisclosed.

Readers will begin to get an idea of where the money came from by reading my book – PDP: C O R R U P T I O N INCORPORATED. Obasanjo created the PDP as we know it today.

Jonathan just took the party to the next level.

Now, let us examine some indisputable evidence to support Justice Idris’ call on Buhari to ask Obasanjo and others to account for example. Bola showed that Lagos State can stand with or without statutory allocation from the federal government.

He demonstrated it when he created the local government development authorities and the federal government stopped his allocations.

Bola demonstrated his tenacity and won .Many other states now see that it could be done. He brought to bear his training as an accountant and he showed how to hold on. We cannot tell the Bola story if we forget the beginning. In the beginning there was a man who called himself G.O.D. He wanted to be the Lagos Governor but he failed. He tried to pass on to a man who he thought would be amenable. But that failed.

Bola gave him everything he possibly could which included a cabinet position to the G.O.D son. He would not be placated, but Bola triumphed!

There was the case of the deputy who thought she was everything God ordered. She had to leave the position because she suffered indiscipline. Bola’s two terms as governor of Lagos were memorable. He set examples of how to work and being a man who does not believe in half measures, he went for an unknown man called FASHOLA. Little known Fashola had no antecedent in politics and no money to prosecute a political campaign. And I, personally, asked Bola why he should do that. Bola told me he saw what many did not see in him. He said he was honest. When he was in charge of his estate when he was in exile, he dealt

are not aware of it. Among the few is available at Unijankara kept under lock and key. Below however is the summary of all the assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the FORFEITURE OF ASSETS, ETC. (CERTAIN PERSONS) DECREE 1999.

Properties/Assets Belonging To Late General Sani Abacha.

Plot 135(A6), House No. 12, Zaire Crescent, Maitama; Plot 574 (A4), Yakubu Gowon Crescent near ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro; Plot 2824 (A6), Block No. 17, along Danube Street, Maitama;

Plot 650 (A6), Rhine Street, Maitama; Plot 1487 (A4), Justice Mamman Nasir Street; Plot 2480 (A6) Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama; Plot 636 Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island (Cowry House).

Finally, 30 per cent shares valued at $420,000 USD, in West African Refinery, Sierra Leone (Purchased from UNIPETROL).

In addition to the properties listed there were the following cash items: $625,263,187.19; 75,306,886.93 pounds sterling and N100,000,000. In those days with the US dollar exchanging for N130 per dollar and a pound fetching N250, the total Abacha loot alone Abubakar handed to Obasanjo’s government was about N100 billion.

That was just from the first set of loot found in Nigeria. Wait util next week to find out how much was forfeited by Abacha’s National Security Adviser, Ismaila Gwarzo, Mohammed Abacha, Abdulkadir Abacha, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu and Chief Tony Ani. Then you will begin to understand why Obasanjo does not want a probe of the Abacha loot…..

NEXT WEEK: “If he [Obasanjo] is claiming that he never initiated the idea, who then initiated the release of more than N8bn from CBN coffers? Is it not the President that has access to CBN vaults?” Senate President, Ken Nnamani. Raiding CBN

by Presidents pre-dated Jonathan. Baba started the civilian version in

1999.

CBN GOVERNOR: CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS ARE BLAMING THE VICTIM. “Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, thou shalt not escape calumny.”

William Shakespeare, 1564-1616. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTES).

If there is one public official who has earned my total sympathy these days, it is the Governor of Central Bank, CBN. There must be occasions, these days, when poor Mr Godwin Emefiele must be asking if there aren’t easier ways to make a living.

Personally, I admire his guts, his tenacity, his patriotism and his courage under the constant bombardment of attacks – mostly defamatory. If he is not accused of selling dollars to unnamed beneficiaries below official rate, he accused of conducting secret recruitment unknown to the Presidency. All the critics, without exception argue from narrow perspectives of the CBN’s challenges and options available.

They are like so many blind men each holding a part of an elephant and thinking he knows what an elephant is. Nobody has offered a c o m p r e h e n s i v e alternative to what he is doing.

Yet, I can state authoritatively that if there is any official most closely watched by government, it is the CBN Governor. He had made no important decision without approval from Aso Rock. Those asking for his sack are wasting their time. Bet on it. The guy is smart.

with it honestly. And he pledged: I will spend all the money that needed to be spent. Bola was true to his words. He spent all the money and followed him to all the campaigns.

Fashola (SAN) was true to the pledge: he worked hard and brought Lagos State a notch higher. No wonder, Buhari needed a good man and an honest one and a good worker.

So, he (Buhari) hired him-in three positions! And that was one up for bola!

Akinwunmi Ambode is also recruited in the same manner.

An accountant like himself, he is shaping up like his predecessors. After the election that gave Bola the first term, I went to see him. After felicitations, he asked what I could do for him. I told him I would want him to put some constituents in employment. He asked me to name them. I mentioned about seven and intrigues, not from Bola, and he is not capable of that, set in.

His so-called brother, Rafiu, told me why this people, not being Lagosians, should not be given jobs. And I told him this people did vote for the governor and did not do it because he (governor) represented clannishness. Bola gave five of the seven jobs.

Again in his second term, I asked him to employ seven more and he obliged me with five more. The ten spread over Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, and Oyo. They form the brigade of honour for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

They are in level 10 or 12 now.

When I meet them, I am always happy and I know the Asiwaju is always happy too.

How many thousands more jobs he had offered, and many more he is offering in his many

openings in Lagos and across the length and breadth of this country. ‘’On his inauguration, Bola made this declaration: ‘’Bola Tinubu’s speech would rank impressively high when compared with the Obasanjo one. I particularly expected nothing less given Bola’s antecedent.

The tone carried the concern for the people of Lagos, appropriate for the occasion. Bola might have used the prompter but the delivery said so much for his education and literacy. He touched on all of our problems and he promised to do something about them.

There was a ring of honesty in his delivery and there was a feeling of confidence that he would deliver.

Like the federal boss, Bola did a few things after to leave us in no doubt. He renamed the Mohammed Abacha Press Centre to Bagauda Kalto Press Centre.

Mohammed (Abacha) had no place in our life. He was never a nationalist, journalist or publisher. It was one aberration that did not jell with the many good works of Brigadier – General Buba Marwa. I understand the dictation of self-survival and no one may do less with commission on his life.

So we not forget the hero of June 12, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola , Bola named the extensive Ikorodu Road after MKO.—— Sunday vanguard 6th June 1999.”

The philanthropy of Bola is unmatched. When I had a

motor accident near Ogbomosho, Asiwaju came to our office in Vanguard (in 1999). He did not see me at the meeting and he asked for me. When told I was in my office, he came down to see me -all concerned. When I was also not well he arranged for me to see his doctors in London and paid the bills. He was the launcher of my book in 2012. He could not come but sent along a good man.

That has always been the way of the Jagaban Borgu.

At the 8th colloquium in Abuja, the cream of society was present. The president of the Federal Republic, Muhammed Buhari, his Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) was also there. All the notable governors and functionaries of APC were also present. They looked at the position of Nigeria and thought Nigeria must do something about her agriculture. Considering their seriousness, they mean to attack headlong! That is another good turn the Asiwaju has done us.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was unanimously accepted as the leader of the Yoruba; after him was Chief Micheal Ajasin. Following was Chief Micheal Adesanya and I was privilege to be present on the occasion of his unanimous declaration at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan. The Jagaban Borgu has done all to deserve the tittle of the Asiwaju of the Yoruba nation.

So let us endorse him. This would make him work for us more.

Many more returns of the day.

our resources. Please notice the word “ resources” because what is missing is more than money – as will soon be demonstrated shortly.

Decree No 53, as earlier stated was the last decree signed by General Abubakar, who after it was placed in the Gazette, wanted it withdrawn for reasons still unknown. A desperate but failed effort was made to retrieve all the copies. Consequently, few copies of the Decree are in existence and most people

If there is one public official who has earned my total sympathy these days, it is the Governor of Central Bank, CBN. There must be occasions, these days, when poor Mr Godwin Emefiele must be asking if there aren’t easier ways to make a living

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 31 Government House, Ado Ekiti. But coming out of Kaduna was a bit of a surprise although we hear religious leaders are having a brush with APC’s Governor El Rufai.

Anyway, to be sure that the Bishop was not misquoted I went in search of the details.

How selective is Buhari’s anti-corruption war?

D

uring the 2015 electioneering period, it was easy to see how corruption was established as Nigeria’s most intractable problem. Hence, the then opposition party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) vowed to deal with it head-long, if voted into office.

Many people believed that the party could in reality fulfil its promise because of the antecedents of its flag bearer, General Muhammadu Buhari. In fact, many of those who opposed Buhari were ignored because they were seen by the public as corrupt officials who feared the likelihood of the exposure of their corrupt practices.

Having won the election against that backdrop, one would expect that Buhari’s anti-corruption war would be fierce and that it would in turn be appreciated by all. Today, the situation is inexplicably shifting as those being interrogated have succeeded in convincing some people

that the war is selective.

Almost on a daily basis now, the criticism is getting louder as corruption is fighting back with groups being mobilized to condemn the policy Is Buhari’s anti-corruption war really selective? If so, who are those being selected and who is doing the selecting?

These were the questions which agitated this writer when Bishop Timothy Yahaya of the Kaduna Arch Diocese last week joined those condemning the selective prosecution allegation.

Yahaya, who spoke at an Easter service to commemorate the resurrection of Christ, reportedly said the fight against corruption was lopsided, selective and only targeted at members of the opposition party. If the statement was credited to the Bishop of Ekiti, I would have imagined that it was probably an after dinner speech in response to a toast by Governor Ayo Fayose in PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758

An unbeliever's interpretation of Easter (3)

N

ow, before sketching a very brief and plausible phenomenology of the character of Jesus I would like to make some remarks about the evolution of the Holy Bible, drawing heavily from the highly informative essay, "The Bible: So Misunderstood It's a Sin," written by Kurt Eichenwald, and from other scholars that have written on the subject.

Charitably, the Christian scripture can best be described as a chronicle of myths, legends and historical facts blended together to project a certain religious worldview cobbled from GrecoRoman and Hebrew civilisations. The Holy Bible in circulation all over the world now, irrespective of the version, is a bad translation from the original documents from which it was copied. As Eichenwald correctly observed, "it is a translation of translations of translations of handcopied copies of copies of copies of copies, and on and on, hundreds of times."

It took a long time, about 400 years, before the first Christian manuscripts were compiled into the New Testament. Then, high-tech information storage and retrieval systems were nonexistent. For example, there was no printing press,

no vacuum-sealed technologies that can preserve paper for centuries. The bulk of biblical materials were laboriously written on clay, papyrus and parchment.

But these materials are very perishable; clay broke, parchments crumbled away, just as the primitive ink used in writing on them faded, meaning that the information they contained may have been irretrievably lost. Thus, the Holy Bible as a whole cannot be, and did not claim to be, the inerrant word of God Christians worship. In putting together what eventually became the Holy Bible, writings from one era were transmitted to the next by copying them by hand. And although professional scribes were available who devoted themselves to that excruciating task, they did not commence copying the testaments and letters about Jesus' time until hundreds of years after they were written.

Before that, amateurs handled the job. Now, the manuscripts in question were written in Koiné, a version of the Greek language, and a sizeable number of the amateur copyists copied the scripts without understanding the words, because they were neither fully literate nor spoke the language.

President Buhari should be encouraged to expand the scope of his anti-graft war by looking into more sectors in search of those who looted or aided the looting of our treasury Luckily, I found that the preacher was well reported and that he wants all those (not some of them) involved in the looting of our treasury to be brought to justice irrespective of their party, According to Eichenwald, Koiné was written as scriptio continua, meaning that there were no spaces between words and no punctuation marks. Hence, an expression like "Heisgoingtoeatfather" could be understood as "He is going to eat father" or as "He is going to eat, father."

Likewise, depending on where spaces in-between words are placed, a proposition can have different meanings. For instance, "Jesusisnowhere" could be "Jesus is nowhere" or "Jesus is now here." It requires little imagination to grasp and appreciate the level of mistranslations that the copyists inadvertently brought into the materials they were copying.

All this did not matter for a very long time because Christians were convinced that God inspired the original writers and copyists and guided their hands. However, since the beginning of the 20th century, thousands of New Testament manuscripts have been discovered, dating back centuries.

Experts in Bible research now realise that later versions of biblical texts vary significantly from the ones written earlier. Bart Ehrman, a scholar at the University of North Carolina, puts this point in proper perspective by stating that, "There are more variations among our manuscripts than there are words in the New Testament." Majority of these discrepancies are the equivalents of typographical errors, which were then imported into the texts by the scribes who copied from the original documents. Again, changes were made by professional copyists centuries after the manuscripts were written as a result of what they considered flaws in the accounts they were

religion or ethnic affiliations.

He similarly condemned impunity and the abuse of human rights in the course of the fight.

While the call for the anticorruption war to be fought with the rule of law in mind makes a lot of sense because of occasional show of exuberance by our security operatives, there is a big question mark on the allegation of selective prosecution. Each time that point is made the impression created is that President Buhari received from wherever, a list of corrupt persons from which he chose those to fight while letting others off the hook. But we seem to forget that majority of those being prosecuted now, that we call members of the opposition party, were the powerful men of yesterday who ought to account for the nation’s resources squandered under their watch. Some other persons who are also being called for questioning now were either implicated by those arrested or were found to have been involved in some suspicious transactions. Of course APC members do not feature prominently among those being questioned not because they are saints but because until a few months ago, they were a hungry lot like the rest of us who have nothing to account for. If the then ruling PDP, in line with our winner takes all political culture monopolized the looting, who else should be made to

refund diverted public funds?

To seek to attain balanced prosecution being advocated now is by far more dangerous than the selective prosecution that is being condemned. This is because government is being inadvertently prompted to find a way of convicting some APC members whether or not they did any wrong so as to balance the numerous PDP suspected looters that are facing trial now. To do that is to establish clearly that the nation is not ready to fight its greatest cankerworm because the political affiliation of a man facing corruption charges is irrelevant. Therefore, if those condemning selective prosecution are not accomplices, they should stop their irrational argument which if taken to its logical conclusion is the same thing as saying that no thief or armed robber should be brought to book until all criminals are apprehended!

Perhaps President Buhari should be encouraged to expand the scope of his antigraft war by looking into more sectors in search of those who looted or aided the looting of our treasury. In so doing, many people among them traditional rulers and religious leaders will be made to account for their roles in the fall of our economy. The acclaimed men of God in particular have questions to answer. Last year, one Pastor Kallamu Musa Dikwa, described as the Executive Director of the Voice of Northern Christian

Movement, alleged that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave huge sums to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to support him during the 2015 general elections. The Pastor named the amount; seven billion naira (N7b). He named the exact date the transaction allegedly occurred; January 26, 2014.

In response, CAN disowned the pastor, so the man called a press conference in the same Kaduna where he urged the media to show him to the world while reiterating that the CAN leadership disbursed N3million to each state chairman and kept a huge fraction for itself.

We have no proof that Dikwa’s allegation is true but no one appears to have successfully debunked it.

Indeed, Bishop Peter O. J Imaseun Chairman of CAN in Edo state was at the time publicly commended by a political group for allegedly rejecting his share of the loot.

Thus, while in line with the rule of law all those named by Pastor Dikwa remain innocent until proven otherwise, the matter ought to be properly examined because if the allegation is true, the amount involved is government money making the subject fall squarely within the anti-corruption war. Not to extend the searchlight into Dikwa’s allegation could give ample credence to the criticism that the war is indeed selective.

copying. To illustrate this, consider an early version of Luke 3: 16 that stated, "John answered, saying to all of them..." but nobody asked John anything; but a 5th century scribe dealt with the problem by changing the words to "John, knowing what they were thinking, said..." This is a relatively minor matter, an inconsequential

Pharisees took a woman allegedly caught committing adultery to Jesus. Under the law laid down by Moses, the Mosaic Law, the woman must be stoned to death. The Pharisees intended to put Jesus in a dilemma by forcing him to choose between validating Mosaic Law and his doctrine of forgiveness of sins. Jesus answered, "He that is without sin let him cast the first stone." The group dispersed and Jesus asked the woman to go home and "sin no more."

Unfortunately, New Testament scholars have unearthed solid evidence which establishes that John did not write the story: it was invented by scribes sometime in the Middle Ages. The literary style for that story differs from the rest of John's gospel, and the section includes phrases that do not appear anywhere else in the Holy Bible. Indeed, there is consensus among experts that they are words more common many centuries after John's gospel was composed.

Again, consider the gospel of Mark 16: 17-18, which claims that those who believe in Jesus will be rewarded with glossolalia and supernatural powers to perform miracles.

Christians use this story to justify the emergence of noisy and boisterous Pentecostal churches. As in the previous example cited above, the texts were not in the original document; an imaginative scribe inserted them into the gospel long after the gospel of Mark was written. The earliest Greek version of Mark ended at chapter 16 verse 8, which narrates how three women who had gone to Jesus' burial tomb met a man who informed them that Jesus had resurrected and that he would see them later in Galilee. But the

additional 12 verses in modern bibles detailing how Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and the disciples and then ascended into heaven where he sits on the right hand of God are not there.

Added to the problem of deliberate doctoring of the original documents by scribes is the vexed challenge of accurate translation, which every professional translator encounters all the time.

Numerous expressions in the early Greek versions of the New Testament do not have precise equivalents in English language.

Consequently, translation of the New Testament into English throws up issues of sentence structure, idiomatic expressions and stylistic differences so that the translation would capture the exact meanings of the original texts. As already noted, the bulk of the earliest versions of biblical narratives were written in Koiné, an extinct variety of Greek language.

Therefore, different versions of the English bible reflect the views and guesses of modern translators, which do not always render accurately the real meaning of the original manuscripts.

Centuries after the crucifixion of Jesus, different groups adopted conflicting narratives about his life and the meaning of his ministry, and killed those that disagreed. For hundreds of years, according to Eichenwald, corroborated

by Joachim Kahl in The Misery of Christianity, Christianity was first a battle of books and then a battle of blood, partly because there were no universally accepted manuscripts stipulating what it meant to be a Christian.

To be concluded.

Different versions of the English bible reflect the views and guesses of modern translators, which do not always render accurately the real meaning of the original manuscripts. interpolation when juxtaposed with the fact that scribes added whole sections of the New Testament and excised words and propositions that contradicted emerging orthodox beliefs which constitute the core of Christianity. In this connection, Alfred Loisy, a catholic priest excommunicated by the church in 1908, argued that whatever Jesus may have taught and whatever he may have been, his story has been doctored to fit in with the ideas of the Pauline Christian churches whose scribes re-wrote the accounts of Jesus' life to justify their rituals. A classic example of biblical fabrication is the moving story recounted in John 8: 3-11. The scribes and

PAGE 32—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

C

ivil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), recently, petitioned the Presidential Advisory Committee on AntiCorruption to investigate Justice Ibrahim Auta, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for allegedly contravening the Code of Conduct for Judicial Oficers.

The Chairman of CSNAC, Olanrewaju Suraju, in a letter addressed to the AntiCorruption Committee Chairman, Itse Sagay, wanted the committee to investigate the introduction of Chief Lucky Igbinedion to Auta, at a book launch in honor of the justice as well as a donation of N8m made by Igbinedion, who was standing trial at the Federal High Court, prior to the donation.

Though the authorities of the Federal High Court had vehemently denied that the donation was for the court, Caleb Ayansina & Funmi Olasupo met the writer and one of the directors of the publishing firm that launched the book, “Encyclopaedia of the Rules and Practices of the Supreme Courts in Nigeria”, dedicated to Auta, Mr. Kolemartins Aduloju, to clear the air on the program which has been causing ripples in the social and print media since April, last year. Excerpts: We understand you authored the book that has been raising dust since last year?

I compiled the lexicon and published same on the platform of Pensbury Publishers Limited.

But some opportunists and speculators have decided to twist the true story behind the successful public presentation of the book and turned it around against Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta (CFR). It is sad and unfortunate.

But is it true that the program was organized by the Federal High Court?

That is one of the unfortunate misinformation carried about by some speculators concerning the program, even including some very senior legal practitioners. How would a judicial institution organise the public presentation of a book compiled by a private individual? Or how would the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court condescend so low to organize such a program?

Should anybody believe that story? I authored the book, it is an encyclopaedia of more than 2,000 pages and it took me more than three years to compile, I travelled to all the 36 states of the federation to collate materials for the encyclopaedia.

After the completion, I approached other directors in our publishing firm and our official printer, Ceenai Multimedia. We brainstormed on who we should dedicate the book in honour to, and how to organize the public presentation. After some time, we decided to dedicate the book to Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta, for the simple reason that, since the book contains the practice and C M Y K

•Justice Ibrahim Auta

•Igbinedion

Justice Auta, Igbinedion and N8m donation controversy: Our connection, by publishing firm procedures of superior courts in Nigeria, the Federal High Court CJ, being one of the most ardent observant of the rules of court among judges of trial courts in Nigeria, should be the best person to dedicate the book to. We then wrote him officially in 2013 to seek his approval. We did not get his approval until September, 2014.

In fact, he sent for us in 2014 and that was the first time I met

I compiled the lexicon and published same on the platform of Pensbury Publishers Limited. But some opportunists and speculators have decided to twist the true story behind the successful public presentation of the book and turned it around against Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta (CFR)

him. I can remember what he said when I entered his office, “You men are too young to start writing law books, why didn’t you practice well and gather experience before venturing into writing books?”. We were disappointed and about to leave his office when he called us back. He encouraged us and commended our efforts on the book and then asked us to bring the final copy for him to see before his approval. We did not return to him until six months later because the binding materials did not arrive on time from Italy. We eventually returned to him and he gave us his approval. We thereafter organized the whole program.

We bore the entire cost and consequently took all the profits. The book was only dedicated to His Lordship. It is quite unfortunate that some speculators have decided to screw the entire story to our disadvantage.

Is it true that Chief Igbinedion was given a role to play in the program?

That is not true. Chief Igbinedion was invited to the program like other people. We keep records of our courier delivery notes. The program

•Itse Sagay

was public presentation of the book. We did not have chairman, chief launcher, etc., the book was presented to the public by ten Senior Advocates of Nigeria who also paid to pick two copies of the book each. I can show you the invitation card to the program. I don’t know where the unfounded insinuation is coming from. We sent letters to about five hundred invitees; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Justices of the Court of Appeal, Justices of the Supreme Court, heads of para-legal institutions, law school, law faculties, etc. Some honoured our invitation while some did not.

Justice Auta; rather it was paid to us. Justice Auta did not take any monetary benefit in the program at all.

So, if Chief Igbinedon bought the book as you claimed, for what purpose?

I cannot speak for him… but I know he has the right to purchase any book in Nigeria.

Moreso, I know he has a university which has a Faculty of Law. Would it be out of place to purchase for the faculty’s library? I do not hold his brief anyway.

Now that there is a petition before the Commission led by Professor Itse Sagay to investigate this issue. What is your reaction?

I am happy that the Commission has someone like Professor Itsey Sagay at the head, someone who I have much respect. He is like my distant mentor whom I have longed to be like over the years.

I write law books because I love academic, but I have not had the opportunity of being engaged to provide service. I do not think Professor Sagay will allow such petition to even fly because it is not worth the time of the Commission. In this era of change where the Federal Government is fighting real corruption, you think the Commission has time for this unfounded allegation that is based on speculation and is illmotivated. Because a process was filed in court in a case against a counsel who came to a book presentation, therefore such deposition should form the basis of a petition? That is the height of it. However, if the Commission decides to clear the air, our publishing firm will gratefully appear before it to clear our honouree.

Did Chief Igbinedon donate N8 million at the book launch to the Chief Judge?

That is not true. I recorded about nine journalists in the program and they reported what really transpired in the program. It was only one reporter who was not even at the program that reported this inaccurate story and caused this unfortunate insinuation. The N8million Chief Igbinedon announced in our program was for about 50 copies of the book.

As I have told you, the book is an encyclopaedia of more than 2,000 pages, the money is for the purchase of our book, not for Justice Auta or the Federal High Court. Our publishing firm takes the value and share.

The money was not paid to

You are aware of NJC decision following the program that no serving judge should henceforth allow a book to be launched in his/her honour. What is your take on that?

I am very much aware of the decision. It came after the story created by some speculators on our program, and the NJC made that decision. It is a policy statement to ward off speculators from black-mailing the judiciary.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 33

M

r. Pius Okigbo, Jnr. is the President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON). In this interview with Emeka Aginam, he said that pricing is among the biggest challenges facing local software companies in Nigeria.

While insisting that Nigeria must use the best resources available to develop solutions for the local market, he said that we cannot afford to pay for services from abroad any longer when we can get it locally.

Excerpts: Addressing software local content Well, there are burning issues.

The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON has tried as possible as possible to bring together some key policy and decision makers and other key stakeholders, whom we feel can help to influence major policy decisions.

We invite them to speak to our members regarding the burning issue of the day! One such forum that we use to dialogue some of these issues is the annual ISPON President’s Dinner and this year’s edition centred around local content. I am a very strong believer in and advocate for local content and the reason is very simple: If you want me to hire, then, there must be a way in the scheme of things to enable me hire the right quality of talent, who have gone to good schools, worked very hard, have with good grades and that I don’t have to re-educate for them to deliver innovative solutions to

Pricing, biggest challenge facing local software developers — ISPON President my clients.

But if I have to be condemned by a mindset that anything Nigerians do is inferior, then that means I will never have an opportunity to hire, create, use the skilled talent to develop solutions and deliver to the clients, especially the customers here in Nigeria. I am not even talking about exporting our solutions and expertise.

Meanwhile, given the state of the economy presently we cannot afford to pay for services from abroad any longer, not as we used to do in the past. So, what we have to do is to find a way to use the best of our resources in Nigeria to develop solutions for Nigerians.

Software policy The policy is still in place but it has not been addressed. What we need to do now is to wake up the community and when I say the community, I mean the larger ecosystem so that we can begin to address the local content policy.

Encouraging development of locally-relevant solutions for Nigeria We are indeed collaborating with other stakeholders in

pushing local software that is tailored towards solving Nigeria’s peculiar problem.

Why should we be calling in Indian companies? If this ugly trend is not discouraged, the time will come when Indian companies will dominate our markets, repatriate their proceeds abroad and local software companies that should be encouraged and protected will be out of business.

Market potential of Nigerian software industry

We have local solutions tailored towards solving Nigeria’s peculiar problem

•Mr. Pius Okigbo The potential is very high.

Currently, there are over twenty to twenty-five thousand MDAs across all three tiers of government that require local software solutions in just about everything. The challenge we have is that our software firms came into this space late in the game but even then, we have developed some excellent and brilliant solutions that some foreign vendors/OEMs cannot match. Meanwhile, you see a local software and you want to pay for it for just N1 million.

How can you possibly build a software business on the sale of software for N1 million or even N5 million? So, pricing is another problem facing local

software companies. They are lowly priced because it is a “Nigerian solution” and yet, you want me hire Nigerians and pay them well. What goes around comes around!

If we don’t begin to appreciate that you can call a Nigerian software company and give it, for example, a N70 million software development contract and tell me that over three years I should improve the system from, say, its current 80 per cent requirement level to 100 per cent, before you know it, I can become a software house employing 3,000 developers. In Indian, it is common for an organisation to hire 3,000 developers and more.

BlackBerry begins new song with PRIV, redefines android experience

I

nnovation is endless as Original Equipment Manufacturers, OEMs, in mobile phone ecosystem battle for market supremacy with the introduction of new products with unique features that boost user’s experience.

But one thing is clear.

BlackBerry has changed the music with android operating system running in PRIV , creating a new market opportunity for users. This development has redefined android experience for users, while meeting the the expectations it set for itself.

Although the device is not for average income earners as a result of the price tag, the new product is head to head , competing with other brands that have close price range.

But because of the new android experience and freedom to choose between a virtual keyboard and a physical keyboard for speed and accuracy, BlackBerry PRIV, based on user experience and market findings is the toast of many consumers.

Even with missing links like

non-redeemable battery, modern protection options, like a fingerprint reader or iris scanner., among others , Priv is well crafted with state-of-arttechnology. Meanwhile, the promise and assurance of Martin Fick, Senior Product Manager, BlackBerry South Africa were in doubt.

He had earlier told Nigerian Technology Journalists in a telephone interview while talking about the unique features of the device recently that privilege and privacy stand BlackBerry out from other devices available in the ecosystem.

“The PRIV has best in class security and privacy. It has features to compete and differentiate from other brands. It is our first android phone with ecosystem of a p p s .

Running

in android is the big message in PRIV”, he explained.

Picture password With this app, users can unlock PRIV by placing a finger anywhere on the screen and sliding a pre-selected digit in a moveable number grid over top a pre-selected location within a stationary picture.

Life simplified with BlackBerry Hub BlackBerry Hub brings all of your communications into one place. This enables users view and respond to all their messages in one location, including email, SMS, calendar or phone calls, among others.

Tough and beautiful screen A stunning 5.4-inch immersive dualcurve OLED display offers plenty of room to work or play with rich colors, deep black levels and less power consumption.

Along the screen’s curved edge is the Productivity tab that provides an “at a glance” view of the most pertinent info from

BlackBerry Hub, Calendar, Task, and Contacts.

Battery life While crafting the device, BlackBerry may have considered power challenge especially in Nigeria. The device, if fully charged has capacity to take you all day no matter. PRIV has a 3410 mAh battery with enough power to work up to 22.5 straight hours of mixed usage.

Camera Engineered to deliver professional looking photos with minimal effort, an 18MP camera, certified by SchneiderKreuznach , integrates technologies commonly found in DSLR cameras.

Performance and expandable storage PRIV is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, a premium-tier chipset designed to offer consumers a superior and compelling user experience along with peace of mind with Qualcomm SecureMSM technology and Qualcomm Snapdragon Studio access content protection.

With 32 GB of onboard storage and support for micro SD cards up to 2TB, the new PRIV gives users the flexibility to add affordable and hotswappable storage to download, install, capture and share as their needs evolve.

Security and privacy PRIV was designed with security at its core, building on BlackBerry’s legacy of security and keeping private its customers’ data.

With this, users can know at a glance when their privacy could be at risk so they can take action to improve it.

Verdict: In as much as Priv is just as exciting as it is unique, running in android platform was a great cheering news for phone users. With PRIV, BlackBerry stands the chance to take over the market and maintain its lead position again and turn things around. For users seeking greater productivity, design, excellent display, decent camera, among others features while enjoying powerful privacy features, PRIV is the right device.

PAGE 34—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

We have transformed Abuja into a vibrant art city---Jeff Ajueshi

By JAPHET ALAKAM INTERVIEW

Thought Pyramid Art Gallery is one of the biggest galleries in the country, and definitely the biggest in Abuja. The gallery which has changed art history of Abuja is the brain child of Mr Jeff Ajueshi, who incidentally is the curator and Director. A native of Oghara, Ethiope West Local Govenment Area of Delta State, Jeff who did not study art, but is now one of the greatest art promoters in the land, in this interview reveals the motivation for establishing the gallery, the challenges, the choice of Abuja and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

Y

ou are not an artist, why arts among other business and what inspired you?

Since I was born, I have always been fascinated and almost obsessed with visual images and bright colours. And ever since I left school, I have been engaged in the art business and I have been involved in extending the frontiers of art in this country in my little way, and I have also been living by it, in economic terms. What actually drives my passion is that I see art beyond money making; I view it as a way of life which should be sustained, for my survival and my pleasure. In order to survive, I realise that we need to be able to tell the difference between different objects.

Art for me offers a moment frozen in time that is available to the ages, as it takes on the form of a touchstone for those who follow; something to visit along the way and to hold in common with others in their culture; something that will allow us to see how we hold ourselves relative to the object beheld and relative to our contemporaries, as well as something to feel. What you see as beautiful, wonderful, spectacular, astonishing or nauseating supplies you with a kind of cultural pulse rate, a way to measure your relative metabolism.

Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria where art

By PRISCA SAM-DURU CULTURE

I

n its renewed efforts towards addressing the vaccum created as a result of the removal of history as a subject from the school curriculum, the management and staff of Cyndees International Schools, Ewu Owa Gberigbe, Ikorodu, Lagos, took a practical step recently,when it took the children on an excursion to the Badagry Slave Centre.

The excursion had the primary objective of ensuring that the students and pupils are equipped with historical knowledge about Nigeria.

The visit to Badagry, a small coastal town located between Lagos and Seme Border, Benin Republic with an atmosphere so serene, was an amazing experience for the children who were perhaps, enjoying for the first time, the opportunity to learn some of the events that shaped Nigeria’s history as well as some of her beautiful culture and heritage.

Badagry is truly home for the most educating blend of stunning art and history and as the local tour guide took the students from one point to the other, their excitement grew. Children love story telling and the guide cleverly

business thrive, why the choice of Abuja?

Of course, we knew that Abuja was not a city where people were interested in the art. But, do not forget that it was not as if the Abuja people had an offer for visual art interface that they turned down, in terms of where they could have a good art gallery to see and appreciate art.

We had to set up here, in order • Jeff Ajueshi, CEO Thought Pyramid Art Centre, Abuja to help communicate that if a work of art intrigues you - any question; we can strongly tell that competing with the big money art - no matter how much or how there is hardly anything that we stores and cheaply made items little you know about it, just ask like better than talking art with brought in from other countries. questions. The answers to your anyone who shows any interest Another challenge for me is questions might intrigue you whatsoever. Believe it. We as a reserving uninterrupted creative even the more, and your gallery are in business because we time as the cornerstone of growth increased understanding of art love art, and we love sharing our and success for my business, since may well evolve into an knowledge about art, welcoming the vibrant nature of art is what exceptionally enlightening people into the realm of art, and differentiates art from other experience. We cannot be any putting art into the hands of things. At the same time, I am happier and delighted than how people who genuinely appreciate happy to see that it is important we responded to this particular it. We have patiently been doing to be creative in finding nonthis in Abuja, and it is paying off. conventional ways to keep my So, gradually, Abuja is becoming work visible to the public. I also a vibrant art city, and I can assure think that with the way marketing you that in a very short while, is trending, it is wise for us to Abuja would give Lagos very stiff make a constant effort to stay on We opened to cater for competition, in terms of art top of traditional as well as social and digital strategies to broaden the art lovers here in patronage.

How has it been since the our audience.

Abuja, we have so far In just few years, your gallery establishment of the gallery? achieved the feat that our Well, it hasn’t been a smooth has hosted high class exhibitions customers talk about us ride. There has been an and have made name as one of avalanche of challenges at the best in the land, what is the and our environment different points. I think that one secret behind the success story?

We were able to manoeuvre and our location has of the biggest challenges of my could have killed us from become a unique selling continuing on full scale, and of what my being in a full-time art the onset because we knew that point business now is the pressure of there were a handful of risks

Cyndees in amazing walk through Badagry Slave Centre utilised this method to drive home every point. They were taught history in a very entertaining style.

The tour kicked-off with a visit to Badagry Heritage Museum which habours comprehensive collection of slave trade history and relics. There, the children viewed images that vividly describe what really happened during the slave trade era.

Welcome to Badagry Heritage Museum, the place where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria, the slaves drinking pot, Henry Townsend’s statue, Brazillian Baracoon Building, Art Work displaying the sorrowful tears of a slave in the Barracoon are some of the

Children love story telling and the tour guide utilised this method to drive home every point

as pots, umbrella, mirror, wine, etc.

After that, they saw the first story building in Nigeria and the first Bible that the missionaries brought to Nigeria. They proceeded to the Aquatic jungle where many of them enjoyed the privilege of seeing an aircraft live and also entering into it.

“Education of the children is not meant to take place only in the classroom”, the Headmistress Admin, Cyndees Montesorri School, Mrs Flora Olika began explaining. According to her, the excursion became necessary • The Children at Late Chief Seriki because “Sometimes you find out Williams tomb and slave museum that children just grow up within notable signs and features of the the confines of their immediate environment. They do not have the centre.

The students were taken to see opportunity to know how life the tomb and Slave Museum of outside their environment looks Chief Seriki Faremi Abass like. So, it was a great Williams, the slave who later opportunity for them to see what turned a merchant after his Badagry looks like. In most of freedom. They were shown the their text books, they ’ve read place that served as room where about slave trade in Nigeria so, the slaves where kept for about for them to see things real in forty days before they were sold Badagry, makes more sense to them. The aquatic jungle was to foreign slave masters.

The visit to Late Chief Seriki more than fun to them. The Williams Abass’ Museum largely knowledge about something is relived the ugly memory and the better registered when children mind-boggling account of how are taken through practical some of the forefathers of Nigeria things that was the major reason were traded for commodities such for taking them to Badagry.”

ahead of us. What we did was to identify and as well mitigate those risks. We started promoting art in this Abuja when the economy was seriously looking down. Though such a period was unforseen for us, we had already taught about that from the beginning. So, we had to pay more heed to our peculiar risk management principle which I hold dearly to heart and we were able to spot the flip side of risk which is an opportunity for survival.

Art buying is no longer on the weight of the very wealthy people.

I have observed that the gallery is for everyone, and that is a great thing because now I can speak to the whole world as an art promoter. We opened to cater for the art lovers here in Abuja and even beyond. We have so far achieved the feat that our customers talk about us and our environment and our location has become our unique selling point.

Our highpoint this year was the visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Centre, last month.

A look at the building, the art works and other infrastructures that adorn the centre. Its clear that you invested much on it. Why did you invest such in art knowing that it is not all that lucrative?

I invested a lot in the centre because I have a passion for promoting art and have always dreamt of having a space that will house and promote art works and artists.

How is the centre coping in this period of economic recession?

Now is a difficult time for many people in the world. The current economic trends have not favoured the art market. Selling art is never easy, even in the most robust of economies, and at times like this, it can seem nearly impossible. But confronting adversities is a fact of life.

Therefore, we have adjusted to prevailing conditions in order to survive. We are very flexible, particularly with respect to selling prices, realizing that art prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. So we monitor the health of the art market on an ongoing basis in order to respond appropriately to changes as they occur.

You established the Foundation for Arts and Creative Talent (FACT) in Oghara, how is the facility impacting on the youths?

The establishment of the Foundation for Arts and Creative Talent in Oghara is one of my efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity among the youths of the Niger delta and create a positive energy diversion. Although this centre is still being developed, it will have among other things a residency space for visual artists and writers alike. The Visual artist in residency programme will provide opportunity for the youths in the community to work with a selection of professional artists to receive informal training. Programmes like craft and textile workshops will go a long way to provide entrepreneurship opportunities and alternative income for locals.

It is our hope that with this project, youth restiveness in the region will be curbed to a large extent.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 35

BY MOHAMMED RAJI

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fter the Supreme Court decision that the Code of Conduct Tribunal, as presently constituted, has the jurisdiction to try Senate President Bukola Saraki, the case has continued.

Since then, several legal luminaries including Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN; a former justice of the Supreme Court, Samson Uwaifo; and Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, have faulted the apex court judgment on the grounds that it established a wrong precedent as the CCT was not meant to prosecute criminal matters. However, it appears that those legal opinions have been treated as mere academic and, therefore, do not really matter. The decision of the Supreme Court is final and anyone who seeks a redress would have to turn to God. And so, the trial of the Senate President has returned to the tribunal where it all began. But what manner of justice should Saraki expect to get from the tribunal? Given what has transpired so far, I don’t think the camp of the Senate President should expect any dramatic turn of fortune. This case is crystal clear, and it is certainly not about corruption.

If anyone ever thought that •CCT-Chairman, this case was going to be Justice Danladi Umar determined by sound interpretation of the law, what happened at the last sitting of the tribunal must have cured that illusion.

This case is not about law. It is an act in the ultimate drama of the ‘game of thrones.’ The plot may thicken, it may twist and turn, but it inexorably leads to only one predetermined outcome: the script has been written. Like anyone who has followed that TV series would recall, in a game of thrones, there is no middle ground; you either win or you die!

The defence team had asked that the case against Saraki be dismissed on the grounds that he was not invited to clarify issues raised over his asset declaration before he was dragged to the tribunal.

Their argument was based on the provision of Section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which states that on receiving “complaints about non-compliance with or breach of this Act and where the Bureau considers it necessary to do so, it refers such complaints to the Code of Conduct Tribunal established by Section 20 of this Act in accordance with the provisions of Sections 20—25 of this Act: provided that where the person makes a written admission of such breach or non-compliance, no reference to the tribunal shall be necessary.”

In a layman’s term, this means that the Code of Conduct Bureau is required to invite a public official to clarify any suspected breach or non-compliance before he or she may be charged. In fact, it was on the basis of this that the CCT dismissed the charges against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and one of the leaders

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Saraki, CCT Trial and the Game of Thrones If the CCT Chair was not the judge in the 2011 Tinubu case, it would probably have been easy for him to depart from the ruling.

But fate is a terrible thing.

And like the late Uthman Dan Fodio famously declared, ‘conscience is an open wound, and only truth can heal it’

of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in 2011.

However, while delivering his ruling on the Saraki case, Mr. Danladi Umar, the CCT Chairman, said, to the utter astonishment of everyone present, that his decision in the Tinubu case was made par incuriam, that is, made in error. To any dispassionate observer, this is not only distasteful but in far more serious, a mockery of Nigeria’s judicial system.

This willful abnegation is, till date, the strongest indication that Umar may himself be an unwilling pawn in a political chess game that he himself probably does not fully understand.

If the CCT Chair was not the judge in the 2011 Tinubu case, it would probably have been easy for him to depart from the ruling. But fate is a terrible thing. And like the late Uthman Dan Fodio famously declared, ‘conscience is an open wound, and only truth can heal it’. The Umar that I saw deliver that infamous

ruling is still a good man.

But it takes a conscience that is still alive to torture its owner so much whenever he decides to act contrary to its dictates.

Marked man The gospel truth is that those who are determined to get Saraki down would not relent until they have accomplished their insidious mission. Saraki is a smart politician. He has survived many battles. But, this time, it appears he has taken on too many enemies who would give him no quarter.

The moment he became the President of the Senate on June 9, 2015, contrary to the wish of some ‘principalities’ within his party, he became a marked man. Dragging him before the CCT was just a way of giving his career a decent burial.

Saraki’s legal team has the opportunity to appeal the ruling of the CCT on jurisdiction based on Section 3 (d). They probably will. It

is ordinarily within the discretion of Umar to continue with the case, while the appeal is pending or waits for the appeal to be decided. My guess is that the CCT would rely on the Administration of Justice Act to continue the trial. Saraki’s lawyers would speak all the laws they know, act all the drama they have mastered, and apply all the tricks in the legal bag, but, ultimately, there would only be one outcome: Saraki will likely be convicted. And once convicted, whether rightly or wrongly, the judgment will be executed.

Yes, Saraki and his lawyers would appeal the judgement, and they would probably most certainly get the ruling upturned, but by then, the job would have been done. Truth, they say, would eventually catch up and overtake a lie. But truth’s victory would only be puerile, because by the time it catches up, the lie would have done its damage.

Those who are after Saraki do not have even the slightest interest to punish him for the crimes they claim he has committed. His real crime was the seat he won without their permission. Once he is shot down from that seat, he could as well go home and enjoy whatever they now claim he has wrongfully acquired.

Dirty fight However, like they say, when you leave a man with no options, you leave him with no choice. It appears that the only option left for Saraki now is to fight back.

This is where the generality of the APC as a political party should be worried. I believe those who are hell bent on cutting Saraki down now are well aware of what he is capable of. They know he can give as much as he can take, almost in equal measures. That is why they won’t blink until they see his back. However, sometimes, wisdom lies in leaving that small room of escape for your enemy. No one should underestimate a man whose only way of staying alive is to fight to the end.

No matter what happens to Saraki in the end, this period would go down as a dark chapter in our judicial history. It would be remembered as the time, when powerful politicians tried to conscript the court to fight their battle for power.

The ultimate loser in the dirty fight is our democracy and the rule of law. *Raji is resident in Ikoyi, Lagos.

PAGE 36—SUNDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

08116759757

Violence, ethnic mistrust: JODER launches nationwide campaign

Bedridden mother of five begs for N12 million lifeline

BY BUNMI OWOEYE notable rights group has embarked on a nationA wide campaign to stem age-long differences often fueled by ethnic, cultural and religious disputes

•Sends SOS ttoo Go or oc ha, Govv. Ok Okor oroc ocha, public spirited Nigerians

BY AKOMA CHINWEOKE & YINKA AJAIYI

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42-year- old petty trader, at Isolo market, Lagos, Mrs. Ifenyinwa Amakonze, from Eziani Mgbidi, Oru-west local government area of

Imo State, is bed ridden due to chronic kidney disease. More pathetic is the fact that as an antihypertensives patient, she requires regular iron injections ahead of kidney transplant. She urgently needs over N12 million to undergo the transplant to save her from death, In a chat with Sunday Vanguard, the once pretty woman, now a shadow of herself, confessed that she was going through hell “ I am too weak, I can no longer breath well. Every night, I stay awake having being confined to a chair since I can’t lie down to sleep.

This strange illness started in April 2005 and the situation grew worse between June and July last year.

Since then, my health has grown from bad to worse. I am appealing to good spirited Nigerians to save my life.”

Ify, as she is fondly called, has been on haemodialysis three times every week to stay alive. The woman is desperately in need of financial help from kind-hearted individuals, organisations and government to enable her undergo a kidney transplant.

A Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Department of Medicine report said the patient was presented on August, 17, 2015 when she was admitted and first diagnosed to have chronic kidney disease, secondary to hypertension.

The report went on: “She was subsequently discharged to the kidney clinic and has been on maintained haemodialysis which she needs to continue three times weekly. She is also on antihypertensives, iron injections and

being worked up for kidney transplant, which is capital intensive. Please give all necessary assistance”.

The man who Ify has been married to since 1990 and blessed with five children, four girls and one boy, Mr. Augustine Amakonze said, “ This illness is like a nightmare to me. We observed she was emaciating last July. We went to Igando General Hospital, Lagos.

From there, we went to Gbagada Hospital, then LUTH. She has done dialysis more than 25 times and each cost about N60,500 per week.

Any week we can’t afford money for dialysis, she goes into coma.

Each time, we spend hundreds of thousands of Naira to revive her. I am just a trader at Ladipo Market, Lagos and a member of the Lord’s Chosen Church . Members of my church have been helping me with money for drugs, but the doctor said her two kidney have been badly damaged and it will cost us a minimum of N12 million for the transplant in a reputable hospital in India.

“My wife is just 42 years old and I don’t want her to die. As I am presently, I cannot boast of N50 as a family man. All my life saving is gone on dialysis”.

According to him, Ify used to be a petty trader at Isolo Market, but for eight months now, her shop has been under locked key due to the illness.

“My townsmen were able to help us with N70,000. I even went to see the local government chairman at Oru-West where we hail from, but I was told that there is no provision for free health care. The only help I want from kind hearted Nigerians is to assist my wife to leave a normal life again. I cannot afford money for drugs”.

Pleading with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo, his home state, and kind hearted Nigerians to come to his aid, the husband said: “Although we have been made to

Court order stops Emevor community’s election

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BY FESTUS AHON

OURT injunction granted by Delta State High Court sitting in Oleh restraining the Emevor Progress Union from conducting its election has thrown the community into confusion.

The interim injunction which was granted on the eve of the election which was slated for 26th March upon the application brought before the court by one Mr Sylvester Ifode, scuttled the election which the people collectively fixed over two months ago.

The said injunction granted by Justice C.O. Emifoniye led to the stoppage of the election which delegates had travelled from all parts of the country to attend.

Delegates and other indegenes expressed mix feelings and wondered why the injunction was grant-

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ed on the eve of the election.

A prominent indegene of the community, Chief Michael Ogwilaya, expressed dissatisfaction with the entire process which led to the granting of the order of injunction without the applicant giving the respondents a notice to have a balance hearing before such an order was granted.

A delegate from Lagos branch complained of several postponements of the election thereby making delegates to spend money unnecessarily .

“The Emevor election is our internal affairs but some Asaba based politicians have hijacked the process that is why we are in this mess”, he said.

Effort made to reach the applicant Mr Ifode for comments on the matter proved abortive at press time.

•Mrs. Ifenyinwa Amakonze

understand that, she can continue with a dialysis only to stay alive without having to live a normal life while the kidney problem remains unresolved but I want my wife to live a normal life again. I want her to look after our children and not to be a liability to us.”

Public spirited people can contact these phone numbers, 08034415454, 08032231608, to reach the Amakonze family or donate money through Augustine Amakonze, Zenith Bank Account Number 2002463320.

in Nigeria. The project is aimed at preventing further violence and blood-letting apart from deepening democratic culture in a country of over 250 ethnic groups whose over 100 years of nation-building is dotted by unending conflict and a bloody civil war.

The project involves training, advocacy visits and campaigns that will draw community-based groups, ethnic associations, security operatives and exceptional stakeholders including but not limited to leaders of nomadic people.

In a statement, the Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), established in 1996, said the programme involves a nation-wide constructive engagement with ethnic associations, community-based groups, the media and other stakeholders who will undergo training and skill acquisition on peace-building and conflict management. It also involves a series of actions like advocacy visits, campaigns and interactive and expert-on-conflict meetings. The project is being supported by the Ford Foundation West African Regional Office.

“Our country is constantly sprinkled with the dew of hate, suspicion and despair, sometimes arising from religion, ethnicity or creed. This trend is promoted daily in the social media with daring consequences on peace and sustainable livelihood.

We have the capacity to take off this divisive lid by creating a new abiding faith of peace among Nigerians from their rainbow of values, opportunities and an amazing history of rich culture,” the statement signed by JODER’s Executive Director, Mr Adewale Adeoye, and the Asst.

Programme Officer, Mr Obafemi Kasali, stated. The group observed that in Nigeria, the seed of conflict is planted mostly during electioneering campaigns, but that the consequences of violence and ethnic conflict often come long after elections have been held. The group stated that the recent conflict at Mile 12, Lagos which led to loss of lives could have been prevented by the people themselves if conflict resolution standards already existed.The group said ethnic faith-induced violence are sour points that continue to pull Nigeria back from the tower of greatness, adding that every year, thousands of human lives, including women and children are lost in avoidable conflict traced to ethnicity and differences in values. “This situation can be brought under control by an action-driven by the people. Most of the times these conflict arise from lack of communication, stereotyping and complete ignorance of mechanism for conflict resolution. These are the challenges we intend to address.”

JODER said.

The project will deepen Nigeria’s fledgling democracy and strengthen peaceful co-existence among Nigeria’s sometimes fractious social formations”.

Edo APC youths petition IGP over investigation of ex-PCC commissioner

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

oncerned APC youths, Edo C State have petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP,

Solomon Arase, over alleged plan to stall the investigation of a former Commissioner representing the state in the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, Mr. Bamidele Balogun.

The youths have, in a letter to the IGP, entitled ‘Attempt to coverup investigation by the Nigerian Police Force, Abuja,” alleged that one Denis, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, had boasted that he will ensure that the report of the police investigation on the matter did not see the light of the day.

The Concerned APC youths, in the letter signed by Omorodion Osayade, Elighiator Ehinoman and Isreal Okomayin, Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations Officer, PRO, respectively,

alleged that the said Denis boasted that he was going to use his connection with the police hierarchy to ensure that nothing was heard of the police investigation.

According to the letter, the former Commissioner with the PCC and candidate of the PDP in the 2015 House of Representatives election for Akoko Edo Federal Constituency of Edo State was alleged to have been collecting salaries from the Commission up till February 2015, when he had claimed that he resigned from the PCC in 2014. This the group stated necessitated a petition to the Force Headquarters in 2015 as, according to the youths, the alleged action of the PDP candidate in the election ran contrary to the provisions of the laws. The letter stated, “After the presentation of the petition to the Nigeria Police, proper

investigation was carried out with the Public Complaints Commission as well as the bank where the salaries were allegedly paid. “This ought to have necessitated the interrogation of Bankole Bamidele Balogun, but, he was issued a letter of request to come in person to the Force Headquarters and was let go after police had allegedly recovered from him the government property in his custody. “However, we are authoritatively informed that a certain Denis, a stalwart of the opposition party in Edo State who claimed to be very connected to the top police hierarchy, has vowed to kill the case.”

“It is against this bacdrop that we call on you (the IGP) to kindly intervene to ensure that justice is done as you have demonstrated in several other cases.”

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 37 08116759757

12YR -OLD GIRL EXPOSES FFA ATHER 2-YR YR-OLD

‘He serially raped me, aborted my 4-month-old pregnancy’

BY EMEM IDIO, YENAGOA

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HE people of Immringi community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are in shock following the allegation of incestuous relationship between a middle aged man, Bamekpa, and his 12 year old daughter (names withheld).

Bamekpa allegedly started having canal knowledge of the girl at the age of 11. The girl allegedly took in, before the father reportedly aborted the four-month-old pregnancy that is now threatening her life.Relatives accused Bamekpe of a history of incestuous behaviour as he was alleged to have slept with his biological sisters, while also having carnal knowledge of his cousin’s daughter who he allegedly forced to commit abortion five times.

In the case of his daughter, the lid blew open when the victim ran away from home to seek help from her uncle, one David Apigi, following her deteriorating health condition as a result of complications from the abortion.Sunday

Vanguard gathered that it was the girl’s stepmother that discovered she was pregnant and informed the father who then handed her over to a lady who took her to a doctor for an abortion.Then the girl returned home to discover she was bleeding from her private part, and ‘again’ the father took her to the same doctor who then took her to other places.

The uncle said: “My niece told me the trauma she had been passing through in her father ’s house and how the father had turned her to his second wife.“She said he had sex with her to the extent that he aborted her four-monthold pregnancy. She ran to me and begged me not to allow her to return to her father’s house because she was tired.

I decided to accommodate her. The father started looking for her without knowing she was with me.”

In her statement to Operation Rescue, OPER, a human rights group, the embattled girl she ran away from home since there was nobody to help her as she

could no longer bear her father’s abominable acts.

She narrated: “There was nobody to help me. He (father) kept doing it despite my efforts to stop him. It was a painful and violent experience. I ran away from home because there was a time I bled so much from my private part.“When I became pregnant and he heard about it, he handed me over to a lady doctor who took me through an unsuccessful process of abortion. I have been suffering series of health issues since after the abortion.”Her uncle, who claimed to have reported the matter to the Kolo Police Station in the area, disclosed that, through the help of his cousin, one Rex Ogboku, in Abuja, the matter was reported to the Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA. However, he said he decided to contact the Operation Rescue, OPER, as FIDA was slow in handling the matter but regretted the manner the police were also going about with the case following the arrest of the

Reviv al coming ttoo Nigeria — Rev. (Dr.) Ezekiel vival T

he National Coordinator of the Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM), Rev. (Dr.) Mercy Ezekiel, says a revival is coming to Nigeria, asking the people to pray to God to use them for the revival.

Addressing participants at the 2016 edition of the Back II Bible Conference, held at the CPM Headquarters, Lagos, Ezekiel stressed the need for the development of spiritual capacity.

Speaking on the theme, Divine

Nature at the four-day conference, which drew participants from across Nigeria the National Coordinator stated that every Christian should strive to be a partaker of divine nature.

“To be a partaker of divine nature, you need to escape the corruption in the world, be a covenant child and let God register your name for the great promise”, she stated.

Apart from divine nature, Ezekiel listed two other types of nature to include human nature and money nature.

“Divine nature is

borne of the Spirit, it is the life of God, it is righteousness, it is the new nature. Meanwhile, the human nature is the nature of sin, nature of lust, while money nature emphasises the power of darkness, the wicked spirit, the demonic spirit”, the National Coordinator said.

“Divine nature is the seed that enters into you when you are born again through the incorruptible word of God. The seed is for transformation, renewal. To have Christ is to have divine nature because in Christ dwells the whole fullness of God (Col. 2:9)”.

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police to thoroughly investigate the matter and get to the root of the case, stressing that all those involved should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. The OPER head called on the society to protect the girl-child.

The spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswatt, could not be reached to confirm the incident.

No vvacancy acancy in Delt vt Deltaa Go Govt House — Urhobo group N

ational Chairman of Urhobo Solidarity Forum, USF, Chief Smith Asohro , has said there is no vacancy in Delta State Government House come 2019. Asohro, who made the declaration shortly after a meeting of the group, maintained that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was doing well and needed to be given second term in office.

He sa id Okowa was touching every critical aspect of the needs of all Deltans and “should be encouraged with another term in 2019 to enable him achieve his goals for the state”.

He added: “He is carrying every part of the state along in terms of political appointments and building of infrastructures”. Commending him for his youth empowerment through his SMART agenda, he said over 700 youths have been trained and given starter packs to set up their own businesses in the last 10 months. Speaking further, he told those warming up to run against Okowa in 2019 to wait till 2023.

Ijaw women congratulate Dickson

T •Rev. (Dr.) Mercy Ezekiel

suspect, adding that the suspect had been begging him for a soft landing while in police detention.

The head of OPER, Mrs Elizabeth Egbe, who also lamented the condition of the girldisclosed that investigation showed that she had been perpetually raped impregnated and had an abortion that had left her with health problems as the abortion was performed by a quack doctor. She urged the

he success of Governor Seriake Dickson of Baylsa State at the polls was joy to the Ijaw people. In a statement by Comrade Rosemary Graham Naingba and Comrade Ebisidor Bribebe, President and National Secretary, respectively, on behalf of Ijaw Women Connect, (IWC) Worldwide, the group said the victory of the governor was well deserved.

The group said: “This victory is the

reaffirmation of the trust and confidence that Bayelsans have reposed in the governor’s ability to deliver as exemplified by his sterling qualities, his enviable performance and profound commitment to the development of our dear state and the entire Ijaw Nation”, adding, “We pray that God Almighty shall continue to guide, direct and protect you in the onerous task of serving our people”, it said.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

Relax your brain this holiday N

ow that you are on holiday, relax your brain while praying for your parents to pay your third term school fees early. When I said you should relax your brain, it does not mean you have unlimited freedom to watch cartoons or play football all day. You can still relax with story books that will help you increase you vocabulary. Second term holiday is a short one and requires little play and little learning. So, plan to read at least a story book before resumption.

For some time now, it has been advocacy for children to protect

SHORT STORY

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frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped, the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law

them against all forms of abuse and I want to assure you of better environment to reach your goals in life, as the world is bent on achieving the goal of a better world for children.

As we expect the manifestation through the UN 17 Goals of Sustainable Development, keep safe on the road, don’t walk alone, don’t go out at odd times on errand, keep away from strangers and, most importantly, tell your parents everything that happens to you because they are your best friends.

Have a wonderful Easter holiday

Grandpa’s Table became irritated with the mess. “We must do something about grandfather,” said the son. “I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.”

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since

grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eyes as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old

watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-old smiled and went

MORAL: C

ABUSED?

hildren are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes observe, their ears listen, and their minds process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently providing a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child’s future.

Let’s be wise builders and role models. “Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference.

Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ...today, ... and everyday!”

•Culled from islamicoccasions.com

back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.

Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the rest of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Numbers to Call: Aunty Funmi - 08027342044 Lagos State Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) -01- 7617508, 01-7308112 Lagos Education And Resource Network (LEARN) - 07027950412 Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Welfare - 01- 7433669

•World Poetry Day Celebration at Caleb British Academy. Dr. Funmi Oboye decorating the participants with medals as Mr. Ugofure urges a participant to move forward.

Lagos State Office of Public Defender –01- 7926928

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016 – PAGE 39

Rumblings in Ekiti: Lawmakers'

loyalty versus DSS invasion

•Gov Fayose ... Critical comments pit him against FG

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HEN the news broke on March 4 that operatives of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) had stormed the Assembly Complex of Ekiti State, and allegedly whisked away four lawmakers to Abuja, mixed reactions trailed the development.

Those who sympathized with Governor Ayodele Fayose and the lawmakers decried the alleged illegality of such action while others held that Fayose and the lawmakers deserved the treatment, arguing that the governor’s critical comments on the Federal Government were responsible for the clamp down on the state functionaries.

The remaining members of the House, led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, addressed a press conference to declare their loyalty to Fayose. They alleged that 18 members of the parliament had been penned down by the Federal Government and All Progressives Congress (APC) with the aim of coercing them to sign an impeachment notice against the governor.

The lawmakers who alleged that the DSS men, who stormed the Assembly Complex, shot sporadically into the air, warned that no acts of intimidation, harassment and coercion would make them betray Fayose. They urged those allegedly using the DSS against the governor to perish the thought of coercing them to impeach him and immediately release the arrested members.

They said: “The plot is to harass, intimidate and embarrass top officials of the Ayodele Fayose government because of his critical stance on the Buhari’s government.”

The lawmakers recalled that the Federal Government had used the same tactics 10 years ago to truncate democracy in Ekiti and alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is using the head of the DSS, Mr Lawal Daura, from his state, (Katsina) and his men, who are playing exactly the same role played between 1984 and 1985 by the National Security Organisation (NSO) under Lawal Rafindadi, also from Katsina, to

By Yinka Ajayi muzzle the opposition.

They therefore asserted: “This reign of brute force over constitutional democracy will fail. Nigeria is not a banana republic that can be ruled anyhow by anyone”.

Prominent legal practitioners also reacted to the development, some condemning DSS’s alleged invasion as reckless, others alleging that it was an act of intimidation from the FG which the lawmakers must resist with the last drop of their blood. Yet, others charged the lawmakers to seek legal protection against the alleged infringement on their fundamental human rights by the DSS. One of the lawyers and a rights activist, Mike Ozekhome, described the alleged invasion as curious and condemnable and an affront on democracy, adding that the hallowed chamber had been desecrated.

The state Commissioner for Finance and Business Development, Mr. Toyin Ojo, was also picked up, but regained his freedom a few days after.

He spoke with reporters shortly after his release, and described the DSS’ interrogation as based on mere rumours and unfounded allegations.

On March 9, the Federal High Court, sitting in Ado-Ekiti, ordered the DSS to release one of the detained lawmakers, Hon. Afolabi Akanni, with immediate effect.

The court gave the order while ruling on an exparte motion filed by Akanni’s lawyers, Obafemi Adewale and Bunmi Olugbade, seeking the enforcement of the lawmaker ’s fundamental human rights in line with Section 35 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

In the alternative, the court, in its ruling delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo, ordered the DSS to produce Akanni in court on Wednesday, March 12 and show cause why he should not be released.

Taiwo agreed with the applicant that the enforcement of fundamental human rights is a case of urgency, which should be treated expeditiously, citing the cases of Beko Ransome Kuti

Vs SSS and Tunji Abayomi Vs SSS. The judge ordered that the respondent should be served with all the court processes on or before March 16 fixed for hearing.

However, DSS turned deaf ears to

Those who sympathized with Governor Ayodele Fayose and the lawmakers decried the alleged illegality of such action while others held that Fayose and the lawmakers deserved the treatment the court order and refused to release the lawmaker.

According to the lead counsel to Akanni, Adewale, officials of the DSS at its state office on New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, refused to allow the bailiff sent by him entry into the office and therefore prevented him from serving the court order notice on the office.

Adewale later filed an application from the High Court, empowering Akanni’s legal team to publish the court order in two national dailies, an application which the court granted.

Akanni’s legal team published the court order in a national daily on Wednesday, March 12, the day the court had mandated DSS to bring the lawmaker to court and show cause for his continued detention.

Responding to the court’s order, Fayose lashed out at the DSS, saying they were taking on issues beyond their brief. The governor, who declared that the DSS had taken on a wrong customer for attempting to coerce

members of the state House to impeach him, wondered why the DSS, saddled with the statutory function of protecting the country against threats to internal security, would be involved in arresting lawmakers over alleged criminal offence, a duty he said belongs to the police.

The governor said: “Beyond this judgment, I have always said that the DSS are taking on more than their brief. They have become an instrument of oppression. They are now taking up the job of the police, the EFCC and all other security agencies.

“You would recall that they were at the Akwa Ibom Government House to harass the governor. They came to Ekiti too to do the same thing. But this is Ekiti, they are taking on a wrong customer.”

Unperturbed , DSS still held the lawmaker.

A drama played out some days later when a press conference was called at the Exco Hall of the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti. Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi, in an emotion laden tone, disclosed that there were fears that Akanni slumped and died in the DSS custody that morning. Therefore, the state government demanded that the DSS either deny or confirm the claim.

DSS ate the humble pie and showed Akanni to journalists to debunk the claim.

An official of the DSS, Abdullahi Garba, said at the occasion: “This press conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti by some mischief makers to the effect that Hon. Afolabi Akanni has died in custody. Nigerians and Ekiti people, in particular, are convinced to see that Akanni is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the press today,” He noted that Akanni and others were invited for interrogation over issues relating to security breaches, which, he said the service had a statutory mandate over.

“The fact is that one of the members of the Assembly, Hon. Afolabi Akanni was duly invited by the service over some serious breaches bordering on state security and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate,”Garba said.

“The DSS will, therefore, warn all those who have planned to make a meat out of this to desist from it and stir clear from trouble as the service will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against anyone or persons that may engage in violent actions of any kind.”

Responding to the DSS, the Ekiti lawmakers reiterated their support for Fayose and demanded again that the detained lawmaker be released.

They alleged that the FG and APC allegedly offered them $1 million, as well as juicy positions in the House as compensation for them to impeach the governor, an offer they claimed was turned down to protect their integrity and show their commitment to Fayose. They also queried alleged visitation to the alma mater of some members of the House by persons who introduced themselves as officials of DSS to verify their academic qualifications.

The lawmakers further took the battle against the DSS to embassies

of United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and the National Assembly to press home their demand for the release of their colleague.

The development heightened to the point where the two chambres of the National Assembly, Senate and the House of Representatives, commissioned a panel to look into the alleged invasion of the state Assembly.

On March 22, 18 days after he was arrested, news broke that Akanni had been dumped in a private hospital in Abuja where he was receiving treatment for an alleged illness he developed while in detention.

On March 23, Ekiti was agog for the lawmaker, who was brought to the state by Fayose in company of another detained and released aide to the governor, Mr. Ropo Ogunjobi, aboard a chopper which landed at Christ’s School playing ground, Ado Ekiti, where they were welcomed by mammoth crowd, comprising members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon Kola Oluwawole.

Akanni, while addressing the crowd said his arrest and detention had further strengthened his loyalty for Fayose , describing the governor as a reliable leader.

On his own, Ogunjobi revealed that the DSS, during interrogation, accused him of laundering N22 billion, being the amount paid on federal roads to Ekiti by the Federal Government into Fayose’s accounts, which he described as a blatant lie.

“They even said I helped Fayose to launder another N1.3 billion out of the N2.5 billion ecological fund released to the state. I said all these were lies. I can’t lie against Mr Governor”.

Fayose regretted how past military dictators were endangering Nigerian democracy, urging Nigerians not to vote them into any sensitive position to preserve Nigerian democratic values.

Apparently to reward Akanni for remaining loyal to him in the face of his ordeal, the governor, during a gettogether for the state lawmakers, presented a car gift to Akanni, describing him as a loyal and patriotic citizen of the state.

Fayose, who expressed confidence that the House is solidly behind him and cannot be bought to betray Ekiti, lashed out at the DSS, saying they have only succeeded in tarnishing their image with their alleged attempt to coerce the lawmakers to act the script to impeach him.

Just as it appeared that the storm was over with the release of Akanni, Ekiti State government, through the governor ’s Special Adviser on Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, on Wednesday, raised the alarm that policemen in Abuja were in the state to arrest 11 lawmakers and some government functionaries.

Some of the lawmakers have since gone underground, relocating to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, and vowed that they would never betray Fayose.

Given the latest development, an end to the stormy atmosphere the alleged DSS invasion had created in Ekiti doesn’t seem near. What is however crystal clear is that the lawmakers have proven to be unrepentant loyalists of Fayose.

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016

I'm leaving CAN after my divine mandate--Oritsejafor

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HE National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Helen Oritsejafor had just played host to delegates from across the globe for this year's Daughters of Sarah International Convention and a two-week trade fair where business men and women and companies gather to tell the world about their businesses. The theme of the event was; "The God of my tomorrow" with Jakie Talena from Abuja, Abiola Omobode from Benin City, Ayuk R. Ayuk from Cameroon ministering. To expatiate on the theme, our SAM EYOBOKA managed to get the CAN president who had just finished a meeting with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, to speak thus: So what do we do?

"Any state or nation that doesn’t plan or think of tomorrow, does not have a right to exist because if whatever you exist for is for now, then you have missed everything about life because there’s much more in the future than what you are seeing today.

"I think the theme of this con-vention was very apt and timely. It is coming at the right time. And I would want to encourage Deltans and Nigerians in general to understand that the future is there; tomorrow is there; God has already made it available, but as as a people, we must prepare for it. And in preparing for it, first, we must make contact with God because God is the owner of the world.

"If you don’t know the God who owns tomorrow, then how do you hope to go into tomorrow? I was saying it inside the church at the end of the service that tomorrow is for everybody but not everybody will get tomorrow, because some people are not prepared for it. So, we must first know God who owns tomorrow.

Secondly, we must also under-stand that tomorrow is for people who are ready for it. When tomorrow comes, if you are not ready, it moves to the person who is ready. If Nigeria is not ready, other nations may be ready, so tomorrow goes to them.

That is why you will see a nation that has existed for 200 to 300 years with nothing to show for it, but then you see another nation that has existed for 50 to 70 years and it has gone very far.

Why? Because they prepared themselves for the future, for the tomorrow and when tomorrow came, they were set for it and they were able to go into it. Nigeria is a nation with great potentials for tomorrow but we must tap into those potentials by preparing ourselves.

Lazy people don’t get tomorrow. We must come out of the fact of just depending on government alone to do everything. We must become creative, innovative and must be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that tomorrow brings to us by preparing for it.

When is Word of Life Bible Church going to branch out?

The moment God gives an okay, we will. I’m willing, but I just want to get a clear word from God But you have teach-ing centers all over the place, why can’t they be turned to parishes and branch-es?

Because God has not said so. The moment He says so, we will do it.

We pray and talk about it. We want it, but we must wait and listen.

Nigeria is a very religious country but are we really close to God? So that’s a question on its own...I think it’s a question we need to answer as individuals, collectively as a people

*Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor National President, CAN Because if God does not tell you to do something, don’t do it because when the time comes when you need God, He will not be available. He only backs what He instructed you to do. If you do what you think is good, a day will come when what you think is good will need help because we will all need help at one time or the other, but when you go to Him for help, He may not respond because the question is did I tell you to do it? If He told you to do it, when the challenges come, He will back it and find a way out for you. But if He never told you to do it, you are on your own. And I will hate to be on my own. Not in this dangerous world we live in now where brothers are betraying brothers and people are destroying each other. If you are on your own, it’s a very big problem. So that’s the only thing.

What effect does the just concluded convention have on the nation Nigeria?

First of all, tomorrow is for everybody. Tomorrow is made available for every nation, for every people. Like Mama preached today, among so many things she said, I think the major one is the issue of preparation. A nation that does not pre-pare itself for tomorrow, when to-morrow comes, then tomorrow will go. It will come and it will go and you will look at the nation and you will not be able to see the effect of tomorrow because the nation was not ready for it when it came.

Tomorrow is not complicated if you prepare today. It only becom-es complicated if you have not prepared. For me, Nigeria and Nigerians, must begin to take the time to prepare. And we must begin to also understand that everything we do is preparing us either positively or negatively for tomorrow. And I heard her say something that is a popular saying; if you don’t prepare, you have already prepared to fail. Whatever attitude we have today, the way we handle what is going on with us as a people, as a nation, as individuals, will only manifest itself in a certain way, either positively or negatively when tomorrow comes. It just depends on what we do today.

Preparation itself is a very funny thing. Sometimes it’s not as if you

sit down and say what is my plan, it may just be attitude, it may just be mentality, it may just be relationships. So all these form part of the preparation which also lead to her third point, who you listen to; who are your advisers; who are those that speak into your life? Nigeria has the potentials for a great tomorrow but the point is, what are we doing about those potentials today, because that is what will determine what tomorrow will be.

As a nation, are we preparing for tomorrow?

To be honest with you, if you ask the average Nigerian, he will say yes we are. But I don’t think we are preparing. I don’t think we fully comprehend the fact that tomorrow is actually coming. That’s the way I look at Nigeria right now. It will come whether we like it or not. When you see our attitude to each other, the way we treat and relate with each other, a lot of things make everything look so negative. If everything to the left and right and everywhere is negative, then what do you expect tomorrow to be? For me, I don’t think we are preparing.

What we must do is what many people have said and continue to say. First of all, we must move closer to God because your knowledge of God affects your mentality; it affects your relationship with others. Some people may not understand this but there’s a difference between being religious and being close to God. You can be very religious and yet you are far away from God. Nigeria is a very religious country but are we really close to God? So that’s a question on its own. I think it’s a question we need to answer as individuals, collectively as a people.

If we are not, then the foundation is not very good. We need to be close to God. To me, that’s the number one thing. If we are close to God, then we have the most important ingredient that will propel us for tomorrow. If we are close to God then it sharpens our minds and capacity to handle things that will come up tomorrow. I was saying in the church, I went to Israel, and I met a Jew. We were in a bus together.

My question to him was; God said I will take you to a land flowing with milk and honey. So I said I’ve come to Israel several times and I’ve found out that this land is a desert. So where is the milk and honey? And he said to me, it is here (pointing to his head). He said the milk and honey that God was talking about is not necessarily the land, He was saying that is a location where I will want you to settle down and I will use your mind to change the location.

My point is what will make Nigeria manifest its greatness is in our minds because wealth is not money but mental capacity. God did not make any human being without giving him the capacity to think and create. Look at what they have done with a desert; turned a desert to a blossoming land. Most of the flowers that are supplied around the world today come from Israel. A lot of agricultural products today come from Israel. Talk about technology, computer; if all these can happen from a desert, imagine what will happen from a land that is this fertile.

What we need to do is to cultiva-te what is in the brain in the mind first and use what is cultiva-ted in the mind to cultivate what is in the land because if the mind is not activated and brought to a certain level to produce, it will not be able to handle

what is in the ground. That’s why we’ve had oil all these years and it hasn’t done much for us because it is not the oil, it is the man that handles the oil.

So it’s not about the land, it’s about the people. God’s greatest investment is always in people and He has already invested in us. That’s why I said the first thing is God. We must reconnect properly and from there, we must begin to pray and ask Him to help activate what is in the mind. In Deuteronomy 8:17, thou shall say it is my strength and the might of my hand that has gotten me this wealth. But thou shall remember the Lord thy God for it is He who gaveth this power, the mental capacity, to produce what you now call wealth---money, influence, success. When we connect with Him, then He activates the mind. He created every human being and put things in every human being's mind that will not only change his/her life but help change his environment. So that’s why I said I don’t know if I can confidently say we are preparing or we are prepared. We have a long way to go as far as the tomorrow of Nigeria is concerned. The funny thing is that it is coming anyway whether we like it or not. God help us.

In a few months, you will relinquish your post as President of CAN, what is the preparation?

There’s nothing I have to prepare than to do my handover notes.

You will agree with me, Sir, that if there’s one institution in this country that has been so un-united it’s Christendom. What is on ground to wedge the broken walls?

You are trying to get me to talk but I will not talk because I decided not to talk. It’s my decision. The only thing I will say to you is by the grace of God, in a few months time, I will have finished my mandate from God and from man to lead the Christians in Nigeria. By the grace of God, I want to also believe that CAN will still be there as an organization that has five blocks, five groups of Christians and it will continue from there. I think I have done my best and played my part and I’m sure others will come and take it from there and I pray for them that they will do better than I did in Jesus name.

From Right: Mother of Nigeria Vice President, Mrs. Olabisi Osinbajo, District Superintendent, West and Central Africa (WECA), Apostolic Faith Church, Revd. Emmanuel Adeniran, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria CBN in charge of Operation, Mr. Babatunde Lemo and one of the executives of Apostolic Faith Church after 2016 Easter Concert at the church headquarters in Anthony Village, Lagos.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 41

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HEN Jesus multi plied loaves to feed the multitude, many concluded he was just the pastor they needed. As a result, they went to great lengths to relocate to his “church.”

Some got into boats and crossed over from the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum in order to see him. But these people were not hungry for God. They came because they wanted bread. They came bringing their own five loaves and two fishes as offering in order that they might be multiplied.

But Jesus is not one to encourage vain worship: “Jesus answered them and said, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him.’” (John 6:26-27).

For good measure, Jesus then preached one of the most spiritual messages in the bible. He told them he is the bread of life and insisted they must eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to obtain eternal life. When he said this, he lost the church. Virtually the whole congregation left. Even many of his disciples concluded he was no longer the type of pastor they were looking for: “From that time many of his disciples went back and walked with him no more.” (John 6:66).

Attracting the crowd How different Jesus’ position is from that of many pastors today. Rather than discourage those who only

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF CHURCH-MARKETING see godliness as a means of worldly gain, many pastors are determined to attract such people by even claiming they have a special calling or anointing to make people rich financially.

Why would Jesus preach a message knowing full well many would not understand it and leave? Jesus tells his audience they would have to eat his flesh and drink his blood in order to have eternal life. Many found this unacceptable. But instead of simplifying his message, Jesus compounds it by telling them he is going to ascend to heaven. (John 6:6162). When many of his disciples left in protest, he then turns to his core 12 disciples and invites them to leave also. (John 6:67).

In short, Jesus adamantly refuses to sugar-coat the gospel. It might sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow; nevertheless it has to be swallowed because it is the only way to spiritual healing. The gospel is inevitably offensive to the world. Jesus himself is described by Isaiah as a “rock of offence.”

(Isaiah 8:14). But pastors repackage the gospel to make it attractive to the world. They see Jesus himself as a commodity to be marketed. As a result, they end up with a self-serving

The world is sold on worldliness, so how can it be attracted to godliness? Moreover, godliness cannot be marketed gospel.

Made-to-measure Christianity Churches now do telemarketing surveys, asking: “What would you like in a church?” In effect, many churches are made to measure, according to the greatest demand and not according to God’s prescriptions.

They even have surveys now asking church-members what kind of messages they would like to hear. This is standard operating procedure in the world of business marketing where you find out what your potential customers want and give it to them. But it is totally inappropriate with regard to the kingdom of God which is based on the will of our Father in heaven.

Churches have become the jack of all trades. They use such non-spiritual activities as gymnastics, rock n roll, comedians, and a host of other gimmicks to entertain their congregation. The church service is often a carefully crafted and choreographed production designed to please and impress man and not God.

CONTROVERSIAL RELIGIOUS BILL:

Catholic Church cautions el Rufai

By Caleb Ayansina (Abuja) & Olayinka Latona (Lagos) BUJA - THE Catholic Church, has sent a strong warning to Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir elRufai over the move to enact a religious bill to prohibit preaching of religious sermons in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Director of Caritas International, a department under the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey said the peoples' will is sovereign and must be respected, noting that the bill had enormous potential abuses, therefore, it should not become law, because it would be misused against one religion by ambitious state officials.

Fr. Bassey said: "The danger in Nigeria is the manipulation of structures and institutions by strong individuals. Thus, the fear is that even if the proposed bill contains good aims, the proposed restrictions would play into the hands of officials of state who have a hegemonic mentality and would allow them the freedom to persecute one religion in favour of another.

"The principle of separation of state and Church/Mosque which springs from the supposed secularity of the Nigerian constitution would

A

be severely battered if this bill is pursued in the way it is. Gov. el Rufai, who is quite dogged in the pursuit of anything, given this tool, would pursue ardently both what is good and what may be divisive. We therefore advise that Kaduna State rely on existing laws and existing state instruments of law enforcement, to maintain religious harmony in the state instead of reinventing the wheel.

"The majority of Kaduna people appear not to want this law, and their wishes should be respected, as no governor is an emperor but an elected official who should defer to the people's will. The people's will is sovereign; because of the potential abuses this bill could bring when it becomes law, we opine that it is not necessary."

On the last National Conference, the Catholic Church called on President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the report and institute measures which should stand Nigeria on the pillar of justice and peace, arguing that "Nigerian citizens should continue to engage political and state structures to become institutions which are guided by the rule of law.

"Presently, our constitution is like a hermaphrodite, neither completely secular nor religious. A secular constitution guarantees the rights and dignity of all under the law," the Church said.

In a similar development, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins also frowned at the legislation, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution makes provision for freedom of worship.

Speaking during a Chrism Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, Martins stressed that any law that will restrict freedom of worship, should certainly not see the light of the day.

"I hope the governor will seriously listen to what the people are saying because democracy is about the people and the good of the people. There may be good intentions behind the law but it is important that in making laws for the people, the laws can only be effective and just if the people have an input."

Calling on government to take the welfare of Nigerians more seriously by enacting policies that will benefit the general populace, Martins lamented that Nigerians are facing numerous challenges which, according to him, is very worrisome.

"The government should take the welfare of the people more seriously; there is a lot of suffering, poverty, problems among the people.

Government should put in place policies that will indeed help ordinary citizens feel a sense of belonging in the nation," the archbishop appealed.

Many churches put on shows with worldly celebrities to increase their numbers.

Now we see the next logical step in the process of marketing the church to the world: offer a free inducement to get them into your establishment. Put on a show, offer a free trial, give away something of value, and entice them with things to get them in the door. Today it is a regular practice for churches to offer some sort of inducement for newcomers.

In one American church, they offered to pay for a portion of the visitor’s petrol in exchange for visiting the church. Another preacher offered non-members a certain amount of money for just sitting through a Sunday morning service. I suppose you might call this “avantgarde evangelism.”

The worldly church The modern-day pastor is determined to change man’s perception of God and to make him more desirable and appealing; all in the interest of expeditious church growth. The flesh hates holi-

F

ORMER Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, (Operations), Mr. Babatunde Lemo has urged Nigerians to co-operate with the current Muhammadu Buhari administration, explaining that the prevailing adverse economic situation in the country is not peculiar to Nigeria but a global phenomenon.

Speaking at the 2016 Easter Concert of the Apostolic Faith titled: “Behold Your King” at the Apostolic Faith Church Campground (WECA Headquarters), Anthony Village, Lagos, Mr. Lemo is of the opinion that for the economy to turn around, Nigerians must be sacrificial and shun all forms of selfishness and greed in all they do so that there can be a better country for everyone.

"We should emulate the life of our Lord Jesus Christ---life of sacrifice and commitment, which is the essence of living.

Looking at the members of the church Choir and Orchestra, whose performance we have just witnessed, we can deduce that nothing but output of rigorous preparation was what we saw. We can

ness therefore many pastors do all they can to make the church more like the world.

Frankly, holiness is hard on the numbers and it has a way of offending the profane.

The choice is now towards promoting a casual, even cavalier, atmosphere in churches so as to make people feel more comfortable and relaxed. The truth, however, is that we cannot entertain men into the kingdom: but we can convict them.

In this regard, the “purpose-driven churches” are true to their names. They are purpose-driven but their purpose is neither Christ nor the gospel. Their purpose is to fill the pews. Their purpose is to collect as much money as possible. Therefore they sacrifice the gospel on the altar of pragmatic purpose. Since they are keen to attract the world, inevitably they become worldly.

As a result, we have today “church for people who don’t like church.” That is like saying “Jesus for the people who don’t like Jesus.” What is the point of a Christ-less church? A lady spelt out the evangelistic objectives of her church. She said: “We want to attract the world but in an unworldly

Counter-productive evangelism It is counter-productive to try and attract people to church. The question is for what purpose would we want them to come? God warned Isaiah that no matter what he does, the people would not listen to him. (Isaiah 6:9). Jesus also confirmed this. He says the people will not hear and they will not understand. (Matthew 13:13-15). Indeed, according to his teachings, God is not in the churches but in our hearts. (John 4:21-24).

Therefore, true evangelism should not be embarked upon in order to bring people to church.

Churches have been more effective in misleading people by showing them the highway leading to destruction instead of the narrow way leading to salvation.

Today, pastors are the blind leaders that Jesus railed against. All they do is lead people into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14).

The objective of true evangelism is to bring people to Christ, and no man can come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit draws him.

(John 6:44).

Lemo tasks Nigerians on hardwork, prayer ...as Apostolic Faith re-enacts Christ crucifixion

By Olayinka Latona infer from this that if Nigerians can be dogged and be hard working and give their best in their respective vocations, there would be a new vibrant Nigeria," the ex-CBN deputy governor stated.

Also speaking, the District Superintendent, West and Central Africa (WECA) Headquarters, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran called on Nigerians to stop blaming one another for the present economic situation, but rather be determined to work towards the restoration of the nation as truly the greatest economy and giant of Africa.

Adeniran also urged Nigerian citizens to embrace the love and mercy of God and turn from all vices, adding that nothing but corruption

Fountain convention 2016 opens

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way.” This is a contradiction in terms.

The world is sold on worldliness, so how can it be attracted to godliness?

Moreover, godliness cannot be marketed. Once we try to market a church, we go off the rails. Somebody out there needs to spell it out to Pastor Zerubbabel that the building of Christ’s true church is not by power or by might but by my Spirit says the Lord. (Zechariah 4:5).

HE 2016 Word Explosion Conference of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos begins today at 10.00 a.m. and daily at 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, while the grand finale will take place on Sunday, April 10 with thanksgiving services at 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Theme: "Supernatural Manifestation" at Industrial Estate Road, Off Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, Lagos. Speakers include Bishop Mike Okonkwo of TREM, Lagos; Dr. Randy Clark, USA; Dr. Bill Johnson, USA; and Blaine Cook, USA. Hosts, Pastors Taiwo and Nomthi Odukoya, will also be ministering.

has ruined the economy of the nation as it is today, affirming that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians "if we all can look up to God to heal our land."

“God said, if my people that are called by my name will humble themselves, pray and turn away from their wicked ways, He would answer from heaven. This places responsibility on the shoulders of Christians at this time to approach the throne of Grace for God to turn the tide of this country and the nation would rise again. I believe seriously and confidently that God can raise up Nigeria again irrespective of the situation we have found ourselves."

At the concert, the Apostolic Faith Church Choir and Ochestra treated guests to brilliant performances of classical and local pieces meant to highlight the true essense and reason for the season.

The concert was an admixture of several genres of music laced with dramatisation of events leading upto the persecution, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ with both young and old members of the church choir playing Jesus Christ, just as different persons did the narration.

Page 42—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

VIEWPOINT

BY TAJUDEEN KAREEM VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF VIEWPOINT Honour for a foremost legal luminary and educationist

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HE best of Africa was celebrated in Johannesburg, South Africa, where American Congressmen recognized one of Nigeria’s foremost investors in education, erudite lawyer and founder of the country’s fastest growing private university, Aare Afe Babalola.

The occasion was the induction of the legal luminary into the African Leadership Hall of Fame by African LeadershipMagazine,forfoundingand nurturing the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, into a leading and perhaps most flourishing educational institution in Nigeria.

At the well-attended event, the US Legislative Black Caucus also gave him

VIEWPOINT

By Kola Ojuolape

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Adding service

value

to

pay-TV

T is clear to everybody of I cognitive age that Nigeria is going through a storm

economically. Inflation hit 11.4% in February and growth has fallen to 2.1%. At the start of the year, financial pundits projected that businesses will need to brace up and devise means of hedging the inevitability of a weaker naira in 2016. As at the time of writing this article, the naira has continued its unprecedented free fall in value against the US Dollar, trading at N352 to USD1 on the parallel market but remains pegged at N197 to the dollar by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Still, President Buhari has remained adamant in his resolve not to devalue

VIEWPOINT

BY LUKE OBASUYI

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Need to make the right choice

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s the 2016 Edo gubernatorial election day inches closer by the day, the atmosphere in the Edo State APC is showing feverish signs of internal rumblings with the passion to win and to drive the appropriation of the State’s resources, leading to the emergence of lies to draw the wool over the eyes of the electorate. The lies flying around is that His Excellency the Governor of the State Adams Oshiomhole has endorsed a candidate for the gubernatorial election.

VIEWPOINT

By Christopher Alao-Akala

TRIBUTE IN BRIEF

The life and times of a former Inspector General of Police

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HOW me a man whose entire life rubs off on yours, leaving positive marks and I will show you a boss who was a mentor and a father who cannot be forgotten forever. That is ASIWAJU SUNDAY ADEDAYO ADEWUSI,CFR,GCON. Inspector General of Police Retired (1981-1983) and the Asiwaju of Ogbomoso Land; The best Inspector General of Police ever that lived.

I was stunned in the evening of 26th January 2016 when a friend, Dr Akintunde called me on phone from Abuja to break the news of his passage. It was like a dream because it was exactly a month after we met at Chief L.A Gbadamosi’s 80th birthday celebration in Ogbomoso.

I first came in contact with him in

Another feather on Afe Babalola’s cap the Special Congressional Commendation for “pioneering excellence and innovation in tertiary education in Africa”, on a platform which brought together institutions, leaders, mentors, philanthropists, businesses, and major think-tank.

The Editor-in-Chief of African Leadership Magazine, Dr. Ken Glami said the Ekiti High Chief was listed having been meritoriously selected and unanimously endorsed by the board of advisers of the magazine for pioneering “a legendary precedence in Africa’s formal education and academic landscape.”

The organizers said the recognition of Aare Babalola is premised on his doggedness and determination for excellence in tertiary education amidst stiff competition in the global learning space which has endeared him to many and accorded him respect and

admiration among its team of researchers and numerous followers.

It also acknowledged the place of Babalola as a frontline educationist, mentor and leader; a shining light among many for pioneering legendary precedence in Africa’s formal education and academic landscape.

The Leadership Hall of Fame is the platform for great African leaders and achievers who have uniquely distinguished themselves in various aspects of human endeavors. It provides visibility and networking opportunities for key African leaders to link with the exalted class of diplomatic, business and political leaders from other parts of the world.

Past Nigerian honorees of the magazine include former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and now Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammadu Sanusi

II and Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Chief Oba Otudeko.

OthersaretheLiberianPresident,Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Ghanaian President,JohnKufourandFounder,Mo Ibrahim Noble Prize for Leadership, Dr. Mo Ibrahim among many other distinguished African and global leaders.

The latest recognition is coming exactly one year and four days after Babalola was conferred with the Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University ofLondon;makinghimatripleAlumnus of the university having obtained B.Sc. (Econs) in 1959 and LL.B in 1963 from the same famous institution.

The award, attended by representatives from 92 countries on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, made Babalola the first African to be so honoured with an LLD in the 179-year history of the university.

MultiChoice’s silver lining behind a dark economic cloud the naira but instead will make dollars only available for certain trades considered critical to the economy.

The situation in the country has led to an unprecedented hardship on the average Nigerian, who has had to ditch certain ‘luxuries’. So, when MultiChoiceannounced that it would not be increasing subscription fees on its DStv bouquets this April, many heaved a sigh of relief. That would be one less cost to worry about in light of the present economic strain.

However, some wondered why MultiChoicewould make such a decision knowing fully well that most of the company’s costs are incurred in dollars and high inflation rates have put enormous financial pressure over the past months.

According to the statement issued, the company is quick to admit that it has been a tough year for them but

has magnanimously decided to absorb some of the pain and not impose a price increase this year. It cited its subscribers as the reason for its decision and as such is committed to bringing them the best possible content at the most affordable price.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “We are extremely pleased to announce that there will be no price increase on DStv subscriptions this April on any of the bouquets. Barring any further external economic shocks, we do not anticipate a price increase in 2016.”

This declaration comes on the heels of its announcement in February on the scaling down of top football leagues - the Barclays Premier League (EPL) and La Liga - to their mid-range bouquet, Compact, at no extra cost!

Not only that, they also made a big price slash on its Zapper and Explora

decoders. At the time, many wondered if this decision was as a result of the Senate and CPC’s move to investigate MultiChoice’s operations. but Ugbe explained that it was a major businessdecisionthathadgonethrough months of careful planning and implemented in other regions without any pressure from regulators in those markets. “These have been tough economic times for everyone, we realised that our subscribers could use some good news”, Ugbe stated.

Over the years, MultiChoice has touted itself as a customer-focused company with its products and services designed with the subscriber in mind. Looking back at a number of initiatives rolled out by the company, one can invariably see an underlying thread of customer focus and service.

An example of such ways is the self service options. In its over 20 years of

OBASEKI: The governor Edo needs in 2016 We must say that this is not true, because it is impossible for any individual to impose a candidate on the party. Nevertheless, Gov. Oshiomhole, like other citizens has the right to support any aspirant of his choice even though that right would be exercised in a manner that also respects the right of other people to freely choose who will govern them.

Ordinarily, we the Concerned Edo Citizens would not have dignified, with a response, those who are peddling the lies in the hope that it will ruin the very bright chance of the patently best candidate amongst the motley crowd of aspirants.

Former Nazi propaganda Chief Josef Goebbels said, “A lie when repeated a thousand times becomes

the truth”. There is therefore need to deflate the balloons of lies that have been making the rounds across the State by those desperate to win power.

Godwin Obaseki is the chief executive adviser to the Governor, Comrade Oshiomhole and the chairman of the economic and strategic team of the state wears a peerless and unassailable reputation.

In the course of his professional and public service engagements, he was exemplary. He is credited with numerous philanthropic gestures. It is remarkable that he never forgot his roots.

As a chairman of the economic and strategic team, he isn’t treading on an unfamiliar path. His career was scandal-free. Thus, he belongs to the

Prime Roses of Edo all-time greats whose aspiration to serve in a higher capacity should be supported by the good people of our State.

Like gold which glitters after passing through the furnace and other processes of refining, Obaseki’s service experience has adequately prepared him for the higher role of governor of the State since he has passed through the art of management, administration, due process and governance.

Obaseki stands head and shoulders above all the other aspirants, because of his intimidating credentials and unblemished record of service.

First, we can count on him to build strong institutions capable of delivering the much-sought after

Sunday Adewusi: A boss, a mentor and a father 1976 when I was transferred from Jos to FORCE CID (FORCID) Alagbon, Alagbon close, Ikoyi Lagos at a time he was about moving to “B” Department Force Headquarters. I moved with him to Force Headquarters,At that time, he was not even aware that we were both from Ogbomoso. Ever since, he took me as his brother and son.

He was an inspiration to all officers who served under him . The principle of leadership, courage and dedication to duty which I learnt from him provided the sure ladder that made me accomplish effectively, all duties assigned to me and this made him appoint me as his Personal Assistant and ADC when he eventually became the Inspector General of Police in 1981.

He was a rare gem, a quintessential Police Officer, bold and fearless with an exceptionally “ can do it spirit “ . He made me to be aware that any challenge or difficulty

can be overcome in one’s way if one would work and try harder. He was an incurable optimist who stopped at nothing, in making sure that seemingly impossible tasks are carried out, by supervising every bits of details that is required for every Police Operation or any job.

I remember with nostalgia how he personally led us in an operation that saw to the end of “ Maitasine” in Kano in December 1980.

On his way up to the peak of his career, he busted so many crimes that earned him the nickname “ SUPER COP”. He brought POLICING to enviable height, no wonder he became an Inspector General of Police at an enviable age of a little over 44years. Indeed he was the youngest person to ever become an Inspector General of Police in the history of Nigeria Police Force,. He was also the first cadet Inspector to be the Inspector General of Police.

He was endowed with many virtues, and he was always many steps ahead of his generation in his visions, thoughts, decisions, working processes and as well as his relationship with officers and men working under his supervision. He believed in people’s ability in attaining success in life. He was a man of the people as he relishes seeing people around him, even when it crept into his private resting moments.

He was a genuine giver who touched many lives. A very meticulous boss whom we often saw as extreme perfectionist. He knew how to make people run by constantly throwing challenges at them in a way that will be fun, believing that they will eventually achieve their desired goal. He encouraged the subordinates and children to bring out the best in them, thereby giving them self esteem,

Previous African awardees are the former South African President, Nelson Mandela who received honorary Doctorate Degree, Economics in 1996 andArchbishopDesmondTutuwhowas conferred with the Honorary Degree in Divinity in 2008.

In his response, the ABUAD’s proprietor thanked the African Leadership Magazine for its noble role in recognizing and promoting qualitative leadership on the continent and for its impressive list of past awardees.

Reacting, the Vice Chancellor, University of London, Sir Adrian Smith, expressed delight on the induction even asheeulogized“thesuccess,recognition and commendation” of Aare Babalola.

Emeritus Professor and Nigeria’s former ambassador to UNESCO, Prof.

Michael Omolewa described the recognition as well “deserved, like other good things that have been inspired by the many years of the commitment, toil, courage, drive and vision of the founder of ABUAD.”

operations in Nigeria, MultiChoice, has improved payment options, introducing self-service account management platforms such as mobile and online payments, bringing ease of mind and convenience to its subscribers.

Also, the company recently announced that it is embarking on technological and operational upgrades which include a revamped billing system, software enhancement to improve decoder and better case escalations.

Summing it up, Ugbe said: “MultiChoice is hinged on three important factors; one of the being people, that is our subscribers, the other two are our content and technology. We believe that all three factors must interact seamlessly to provide the world class service that we stand for as a business.”

*Ojuolape writes from Jos dividends of democracy. This is the political talisman needed to move the state greater height. Secondly, we can look up to Obaseki to enlist kindred spirits like him to handle these institutions for the advancement of democracy in our dear state.

We need to be extra careful about how we handle our choices at the governorship election in Edo State later this year. In Obaseki we have a strong personality who by virtue of his antecedents, towers above those currently pretending to be governor after Oshiomhole.

All of us in this state should remember that the cry at the moment is for Edo State to recover its lost glory. At a time like this, history does not go for the average or for the mediocre, it looks for those who are outstanding.

when the best has been achieved.

All through the years I have known him, he was involved in all the major events of my life and he stood as a rock for me through happy and sad moments. He made his immediate family to believe that my family and I are his. For this, I am grateful and I do solemnly promise to keep and guard the relationship jealously.

He served his communities both birth place Mada in Nassarawa State and his ancestral home town Ogbomoso dilligently and with all his God’s given endowment.

To mummy, his wife, Mrs Ameenat Funsho Adewusi, only the Almighty God can reward you for what you have done in the life of Asiwaju, your husband. You kept the HOME FRONT while he was in service and after retirement. You gave him PEACE until his demise. I promise you will not walk alone. I met a strong willed man, a boss, a mentor and father outside my family. *Alao-Akala, a former governor of Oyo State, was ADC to IGP Sunday Adewusi.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

VIEWPOINT

By Augustine Avwode VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Prosperity for all in Delta

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T a lecture he delivered in BeninCity, Edo State, on Saturday, September 19, 2015, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa talked about the relationship between public office holders and the promises they made to the people ahead of election.

The lecture was part of the activities to mark the 83rd birthday of a twotime governor of the old Bendel State from which Delta and Edo were carved out, retired Gen. (Dr) Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.

Okowa, in the course of the lecture, titled, Towards Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: The Role of Political Parties, declared that democracy will be an incomplete concept if politicians or office holders fail to keep their promises.

For those privileged to listen to

VIEWPOINT

By Damilola Akinyele

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Addressing public school challenges

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NDO State is reshaping how public education is being done in Nigeria. As of 2016, the state has built over 50 model primary schools. The schools are categorized into 2 types: A & B. Type A can accommodate 1,050 students while type B can accommodate 525 students.

Babatunde Fafunwa, a former minister of education in Nigeria, in his book New Perspectives on African Education, calls for a reappraisal of African education: the structures, the curriculum, the teacher quality— all issues that are being addressed in Ondo’s mega schools. The teachers in these schools have signed up to be lifelong learners, as teacher training is a priority of the education ministry in the state. In a global context, and in the

VIEWPOINT

By Victor Eneh

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF VIEWPOINT

Issues in the prosecution of a PDP leader

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ANY Nigerians have followed the trial of the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh closely.

Interestingly, the court trial has now been subjected to media trial.

Justice Okon Abang is in the eyes of the public on how he intends to wriggle out of the accusation that he is out to settle old scores with Metuh, being his old classmate at the Lagos Law School, or he is under pressure from forces outside the judiciary to jail the PDP leader for reasons other than the charges brought against him by the EFCC. The curious thing here is that,

VIEWPOINT

By Lekan Bilesanmi

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Support the petroleum minister requires to address VIEWPOINT challenges

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he reality appears to be dawning on the Minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu,that there is difference between being blunt and factual and merely playing to the gallery – that is saying what the people want to hear. Rather than playing to the gallery, Kachikwu wanted to say it the way it is.

Rather than be expectant, Kachikwu was probably of the opinion that while the expectation, and any expectation for that matter, was legitimate,it should,however, be situated within the realm of logic.

The expectation should follow

Okowa : Keeping faith with electoral promises Okowa deliver the lecture, or those who read the report, the obvious question must have been whether, in the last ten months, the governor has been “faithful” to his agenda?

Put differently, has the Delta State Chief Executive been fulfilling the promises he made when he campaigned for office?

The answer is a resounding YES, notwithstanding the fact that the administration had to contend with distractions that came its way in the form of electoral litigations for eight months.

The record so far indicates that for each of the five points that form the S.M.A.R.T agenda, Okowa has kept faith.

Of course, it goes without saying that the job and wealth creation is the bedrock of the S.M.A.R.T agenda with the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurial Programme (YAGEP) and Skills Training and

Entrepreneurial Programme (STEP) as flagship programmes.

Okowa has through this initiative set the stage for the transformation of the lives of thousands of unemployed youths in Delta between the ages of 18 and 35.

The wealth and job creation scheme has been tailored not just to tackle youth unemployment but to also raise a new generation of entrepreneurs, who will be job creators and employers of labour themselves, thus giving meaning to the idea of prosperity for all.

When the scheme was launched on August 26, last year, at Songhai, Amukpe in Sapele, pessimists probably thought it was one of “those programmes”. But by mid-January, 2016, the first set of 771 youths from across the three senatorial districts of the state graduated from the scheme.

How about Okowa’s Relevant Health and Education Policies? Today,

three technical schools in the state, Agbor, Ofagbe and Sapele, one from each senatorial district, have undergone unprecedented renovation and facelift preparatory to launching full-time into this vision.

Okowa, during the state’s education summit in January, this year, in Asaba, had this to say: “Our goal is to provide the best education available for every student with strong emphasis on science, vocational and technical education, as we hope to harness the power of technology to empower our children with rigorous, high quality, customized education necessary for them to thrive in today’s dynamic market place”.

The health sector has also witnessed massive re-construction and rehabilitation works in the General Hospitals at Patani and Abavo. Early in February, Okowa, as part of efforts to ensure universal health coverage (UHC) for the people, signed into law

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the Delta State Health Insurance Commission (DSHIC) bill. This is one sure way to provide support for the majority to access qualitative healthcare without the attendant financial burden.

In terms of infrastructure, Okowa is building new roads and rehabilitating old ones across the state. Worthy of note is the fact that there has been a reasonable peaceful atmosphere across the state. Skirmishes are often addressed before they escalate.

Importantly, as a firm believer and advocate of politics of unity and inclusiveness rather than a show of power, Okowa has significantly reconfigured the political atmosphere in the state in such a way that all sections have a sense of belonging and consider themselves as critical stakeholders in the realization of the Delta Project through the S.M.A.R.T agenda as a result of his even appointments and distribution of projects across the three senatorial districts.

Avwode is Special Assistant on Media to Governor Okowa.

Lessons from Ondo Mega Schools age of knowledge, these schools are equipped with functional computer rooms, and libraries supplied with diverse content- international, and national.

In a study released in 2014, researchers found that the lack of infrastructure can shape the outcome of students. Minor things such as air quality in buildings can profoundly Influence learning. The mega schools are structured so that students have access to playgrounds, rooms for art expressions, power generators for when electricity cuts off during the day, sick bays for when students are ill, good desk tables, chairs, and boards for students learning. For children around the world, a challenge to attending school is the distance to home factor.

School buses have been provided for every mega school in the 8 local governments, and students are being

picked up before and after school, increasing their chances of attending school, and keeping them off the streets after school.

The schools are also working with the mandate of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which means that poverty and lack of money are not a barrier to the students attending the schools: the schools are free of fees and the libraries are overflowing with learning materials that the government supplies to ensure that students or teachers are nothing short supply of materials to learn or materials to prepare lessons.

Although much has been achieved in recent years in the public education sector, and in Ondo, there is still more that the nation needs to address: the why, how, and what of the education system in Nigeria.

Public schools in Nigeria must also

address issues such as the lack of education funding, accountability for how the education budget is being distributed and spent, the lack of teachers, untrained teachers, the classroom structures- school infrastructure, adequate and relevant learning materials with provisions for students with disabilities.

Other issues to be addressed include gender, conflict-ridden areas, and the plan for education, hunger and the expense of education (informal feestextbooks, school uniforms).

In Ondo, as with Nigeria, it is critical that there is a sustainability plan for these schools, even after the current governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who has championed this cause leaves office. In the words of Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania “we must run while others walk.” In addition to

How did Metuh’s trial turn into media trial? somehow, it was the learned judge himself that started the brouhaha of externalizing court procedures as related to the Metuh case and making them subject of media and discourse.

I was indeed surprised reading on the pages of the newspapers the response of Justice Abang to the Chief Judge of Abuja Federal High Court over Metuh’s petition asking the CJ to transfer his case to another judge, when the petition is still before the CJ. I recall that Abang had, in the open court, declared Metuh’s petition to the CJ and his response as public documents, open to the media and the next day, the media went agog with his response. I then wondered how the trial shifted from court room to the news room. The

question is, what does Abang want to achieve by shifting the trial to the media? What actually is the interest of Abang in this trial?

I am aware that whenever an accused standing trial alleges bias, the jury usually disqualifies itself from such case to save the integrity of the judiciary and the bench. Why is it that Abang wants to try Metuh by all means despite the position of the defendant and the already simmering public debate regarding the ability of a judge that has already joined issues with the accused to deliver justice?

In the same High Court , Abuja, Justice Ahmed Muhammad, recently, disqualified himself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu,

the leader of IPOB, and returned the case file to the Chief Judge to be re-assigned to another judge because Kanu raised an objection on the sincerity of the Federal Government to give him a fair trial. Muhammad did not want to be seen as a tool in the hands of the Federal Government in the case, so he handed off the case.

Just last week, Justice Abdul Kafarati of the same Abuja Federal High Court disqualified himself from presiding over the charges against Senate President Bukola Saraki over a media report of compromise.

Another curious issue is that Abang, in open court, as well as in his response to Metuh’s petition, denied knowing the PDP leader even after one of their classmates at Law School, Lagos,

The support Kachikwu needs normal and natural process. Perhaps, that was why he said he was not a magician in tackling the challenges confronting the oil sector. He was not a magician to bring about the expectation to fruition immediately.

He was not a magician to bring about solution to decades-old problems in one day. To him, it is only the normal process of resolving issues that would bring about the disappearance of queues in our filling stations, not a wishful thinking which is common with the magic world. That fact, unfortunately, appeared too bitter for some Nigerians to swallow.

Kachikwu, shortly after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, together with some members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Petroleum and

Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), had told the press corps at Aso-Rock: “One of the trainings I did not receive is that of a magician but I am working very hard to ensure some of these issues go away”. That was the truth some Nigerians didn’t want to hear. That is the reality some Nigerians do not want to live with. In other words, the statement was politically incorrect.

As expected with every action that is well intended, there was a barrage of criticisms to the statement. In fact, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress leader ’s criticism of Kachikwu over the comment made headlines.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the opposition party, hit back at Tinubu, saying he needed

not complain, as he had no legitimate right to do so.

In order to assuage the feeling of aggrieved Nigerians and, perhaps go with the tide, Kachikwu came out, apologizing to the country that though what he meant by the statement was misconstrued, he nevertheless felt remorseful.

The Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) invited him to explain the reason for the persistent queues arising from the lingering fuel scarcity. There, he explained how he feels, saying he shares the pains of Nigerians due to the fuel shortage. His words: “I walk the streets and those who are following my trajectories since I assumed office would see that even on Christmas day, I was at the refineries. On Easter day, I was in

educating for social capabilities, intrinsic reasons, education is an investment in the human capital.

Educating every Nigerian is critical to our national development. Quality education for every child regardless of ethnicity, socio economic status, gender, geographic location, is a human right.

I look forward to a Nigeria where our public school systems are not only for children of a low socio economic status, but every Nigerian, because it is good education- an education that fosters development, social responsibility, critical and analytical skills, productivity, innovation, artistic expressions, and change.

*Akinyele is an education consultant and social researcher

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the immediate past Chairman National Human Rights Commission, confirmed same.

The confirmation from Odinkalu is enough for Abang to stop wasting the time of the court and disqualify himself from the case. If he has scores to settle with Metuh, he can exploit other means, but not in this case unless he is under pressure from external forces to deal with the opposition spokesman.

His insistence on continuing this trial will indicate he has special interest to jail Metuh for whatever reason best known to him. The best thing for him at this point is to save the judiciary and himself further embarrassment and disqualify himself from the case. If he does so, he will be hailed for showing a level sense of fairness and as a judge. *Eneh is a rights advocate Lagos monitoring fuel distribution at the depots. I do apologize if a comment I make jocularly with my friends in the press about not being a magician offends some Nigerians, it was not meant to be. We expect that between now and about 6th to 7th of April, the fuel queues will disappear”.

The apology from Kachikwu, to me, shows there is a listening person in the minister. It must be said, however, that if indeed, we want Kachikwu to take the petroleum sector out of the woods, we must give him total support. It is only when and if we support him that the various challenges bedevilling the sector can be surmounted. The magic to revamp our economy will not come over night, neither will criticisms bring about the desired results. The petroleum minister appears willing to give his best; we must not only believe him, but also support him so that his best will translate into the prosperity we are hoping for.

PAGE 44—SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

Edo 2016: Oshiomhole should be father to all contenders — Ogiemwonyi *‘My Stella Oduah affair’

BY MIKE EBONUGWO His name may not have been ringing bells as politicians jostling to succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State intensified their campaigns for that purpose. Indeed it was not until recently that Chris Aigbovbiosakueku Ogiemwonyi cranked up his political machinery and stormed the campaign trail to sell his candidacy to delegates in the various zones and wards in the state. The former Minister of Works (state) and retired Group Executive Director of the NNPC, says that as a law-abiding party man, he decided not to jump the gun but chose this time to kick-start his campaign following an earlier appeal by the governor.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain who is reportedly ranked among the political first eleven in Edo State, is convinced that he remains the best candidate to take over from Oshiomhole. And after assessing his chances in the up-coming June primaries, he had declared that he is confident of picking the APC ticket, adding that when the chips are down his records of outstanding performance in the public service will speak for him.

He also said he will not be swayed by distractions and insinuations bordering on his marital life, alleged corruption-tainted past and the possible imposition of an anointed or handpicked candidate.

Excerpts:

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he campaigns by politicians jostling to succeed Governor Adams Oshiom hole appear to be getting more frenzied by the day. And the impression in some quarters is that you are yet to fully get into the fray, an indication that you are a late starter. Why is that so?

I am never late; by my character I am always on time. But in this particular case, there was a superior directive asking that all aspirants give time to the governor to carry out his statutory responsibilities in terms of governance. So, after the elections of 2015, in May, we were all invited to Government House where the governor pleaded with the aspirants not to heat up the polity and make the environment inconducive for him to work. In compliance with that, I shut down my office and subsequently went back to my love, which is engineering consulting. I waited. I remember when he said during his 7th anniversary that he would make a statement. But those are history now, and since the big boss gave that directive, I have complied. And I think this is the appropriate time to go to the field, that is why yesterday (March 15, 2016), I commenced my real consultations with the people of Owan West, Owan East and Akoko-Edo and today (March 16) I will be visiting our people in Etsako.

How do you rate your consultation with the delegates in the areas you have visited?

Are you confident that the warm welcome they reportedly accorded you will translate to votes during the APC governorship primaries in the state?

From what happened (during the visit), I give thanks to God; it is not my making but it is the way God decreed it. That was my first time of getting to Igarra and my triumphant entry into Igarra is something I will not forget quickly; the way we were received at Sabogida-Ora, Afuze all these I owe to my creator who gave me life. It’s a humbling experience that reawakens in me the desire to stick to my core values of humility, hard work, respect to fellow human beings, love and help when you are placed in a top position just like when I was at NNPC, at NAPPIMS. I marked a man at Igarra who said even as a minister I helped.

All these I have forgotten but it keeps on reverberating. ‘Oh, you helped me when you were in either NAPPIMS or NPDC or NGC or even as Minister’. At a point, I was almost crying. I thanked God that what I sowed, I am reaping.

I left NAPPIMS in 2003, almost 13 years ago; people are telling me ‘you did this or that for me’. The lessons from these is whichever position you are placed, render service to your people and that is what I advise the younger

•Chris Ogiemwonyi

I have studied our manifesto and the first priority in the manifesto is job creation. Our party at the centre harps on creating three million jobs in a year. My first assignment, as my priority in Edo State where unemployment is at the region of 65% today, I will strive for job creation to take the youths away from the streets ones who are now holding public offices; don’t neglect your people because a time like this will come when your people will score you and what I saw yesterday is like giving a man eight or nine over ten.

But there are complaints in some quarters that the contract for the Benin-Abraka road construction which was awarded when you were Minister of Works for State was abandoned. And that the contract for Benin-Ofosu road which was awarded under your stewardship was not completed. Your reaction?

Life is like that. While some are saying you are on a positive path, others who are a bit negative will start projecting negative thoughts. Some people cannot imagine a man who went through the public service for 34 years and served one year as a minister will live above board; it’s not something too common in Nigeria.

Now on the Benin-Abraka road, everything about my involvement is purely political. The much I knew about that road is that I accompanied the then Minister of Niger Delta, my brother, Elder Peter Orubebe to flag off that road. As the only Minister then, though I was a Minister of State, I was the only minister from Edo State during the last year of President Jonathan, and it is customary, when there is a major project like that in your constituency, you accompanied the minister coming to flag it off. However, I was equally there in Council the day that contract was awarded to RCC and it was something to last for about three years. The first one year we were in office, it was funded to the tune of about N10b and I left after one year. The second year and the third year, if they were not funded and we

know in Nigeria there is paucity of funds. Why are people dragging me into it? The signboard of the commencement of the project at Idogbo is so clear: “This contract was awarded by Ministry of Niger Delta”. I was junior minister in the ministry of works.

On the Benin-Ofosu, again it was awarded before Daggash and myself came in as a Minister. But I made a promise to the Benin people that in one year we would be Ministers, me and Daggash, the Ministry of Works released N98 billion out of the over N350b. If you divide N98b by 36 states in Nigeria, every state should get between N2b to N3b on the average. However, because I am from Edo State, I had to lobby for the release excess fund to the tune of about between N9b to N10b that one year I was a Minister to RCC to accomplish the promise they made to carry out a full reconstruction of the Benin-Ofosu highway and thereafter did some palliatives between Ofosu and Ore. It is on record that that was what we did.

Some of your critics, including your fellow aspirants, have continued to make references to your marital status, raising questions over it and arguing that if you cannot manage your home you cannot be trusted to be able to manage a state. What do you have to say to that?

I try not to discuss my family life in public but now these issues are in contest. I tell you one thing: my family records are very straight.

I remember I left UNIBEN at 24 in 1974, and in 1976 after my NYSC I got married at 25.

And I tell you, today my first child is celebrating her 40th birthday April 11, that is next month. I will be 65 years this month but my first child would be 40 years old next month; my son is 38 years old. I have two other beautiful girls who are in their 30s. As at today, I have a grand-daughter who is 15 years old, that is my first grandchild. I have a grandson who is eight years old. These are records. They are there and today we have no control about what happens to us. True, I lost my first wife, my first love, a beautiful and wonderful lady. I got married to her a month after my youth service; I think November 1976. We married, she gave me four beautiful kids, she died of cancer in 1994. I mourned her for six to seven years; she was really my wonderful wife, she was good to me. Out of respect for her, I vowed I was not going to remarry, that was until her mother put pressure on me and said ‘my son, you can’t stay alone’. So after six years I remarried, today I am happily married, my wife is Lady Joy Ogiemwonyi, a beautiful lady, a strong believer in the faith and she equally gave me a beautiful daughter, Nosa. So when people talk about what they don’t know, I keep on praying for all the aspirants. I don’t want to talk about their family lives, they have their problems but God has been faithful to me and I keep on giving Him thanks. I will not pay evil for evil but I’m praying for them that we should show love to each other.

I am sure there are many people who will want to know what happened between you and Stella Oduah?

For Stella Oduah, again this is my family life. I met her, you know, men, we will always stray. The truth was that the time I got to Lagos in 1999, Joy my wife was a student, was just finishing from the university and I met Stella, a pretty lady. We were friends and had

a relationship that didn’t go too far. I think I saw Stella last in June 2011. But I keep on praying for her because she has a child for me; I pray for her every time, there is no animosity, we are friends. As a Christian I have no enemies, I wish her well. She is in the Senate now, I am proud of her. I asked that God will grant her her heart desires. Some marriages succeed, some fail, the relationship just faded and we became incompatible, that is all.

Back to the governorship race, some people claim that Governor Oshiomhole has possibly anointed a candidate to succeed him and that there are pressures on the other aspirants to step aside for this favoured candidate. How does that make you feel?

Nigerians do so much of rumour mongering. I have known the Comrade-Governor for a long time. Let me tell you, I was with this man three weeks ago, we sat on the same sofa, he didn’t tell me, Chris, step down for anybody. We talked, we are friends and brothers. I respect him as a governor, I respect people but I don’t fear anybody. I respect Comrade Governor, we sat, we discussed. I went to him and said, ‘Your Excellency, I heard you have a preference for somebody which is allowed’ (if you have four, five or six kids, you have a preferred child though you don’t show it to the others. I asked the Governor: ‘I heard you have a preferred candidate and he said yes Chris’. I said why don’t you make me equally your second preferred candidate, he told me he would consider it. This is pure politics. The man has the right to have a preferred candidate; yes all I did was just to go to him and plead my cause to him, we have been friends since 2007, that he should equally check me out, try me, don’t just have one but two preferred candidates.

He said he is considering it and as I am here now campaigning, I am sure he is watching me, he is listening and I will never speak ill of the governor because he has done well and we are brothers. When I heard that word ‘anointed’, I never believed it and I don’t want to believe it because Comrade Oshiomhole popularised the one-man-one vote mantra. Before his coming, the issue of godfatherism was in vogue in Edo State. He fought against it. I think it will be too early for him to change his dancing steps. He is dancing well now and I am sure he wants to dance well till November so that we will continue to praise his legacy when he is out of office. Don’t forget people will not talk of him now until when he leaves office. So I pray for Oshiomhole everyday for him to leave a wonderful legacy and one of the legacies he should leave in this state is this one-man-one vote mantra and I pray he should be strengthened to ensure there is a free and fair primaries because that will be what will preserve the name Oshiomhole. I pray he will not derail, I pray he should be like a father to all the aspirants and let the best candidate emerge.

If you are nominated and elected as Governor of Edo State, what are the three key areas you are going to tackle in your first one year in office?

You know my background as a civil servant.

I am so proud I went into the public service and later into government. I am now in politics. The question is what is my party, APC’s vision? I have studied our manifesto and the first priority in the manifesto is job creation.

Our party at the centre harps on creating three million jobs in a year. My first assignment, as my priority in Edo State where unemployment is at the region of 65% today, I will strive for job creation to take the youths out of the streets.

So I will try to industrialise Edo State and as I am touring now we have carried out a feasibility study of the various natural resources in the LGAs and I am calling on my friends who are investors to come to Edo State. Priority number one will be job creation and security; priority number two is education; I want to educate the people not just to have a degree but to educate their minds for them to be aware of who they are because once you are educated no one can undermine you.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016, PAGE 45

EDO 2016: Why people’s will must prevail – Imansuagbon

•Oshiomhole

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

O

NE of the leading gover norship aspirants in Edo State, Barr Kenneth Imansuagbon, has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to ensure that a level playing field is provided for all aspirants at the party’s forthcoming primaries.

Those aspiring for the APC ticket include the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu; former governor of the state, Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbor; Oshiomhole’s Works Commissioner and political son, Osarodion Ogie; former Minister of State, Works, Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Chairman of Edo State Economic Team, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and General Charles Airhiavbere, who was the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate in 2012.

Imansuagbon, a lawyer and philanthropist made the appeal following Governor Oshiomhole’s alleged backing and plans to impose Obaseki as APC candidate and recent comments that he could not remain neutral over who emerges as his successor.

I won’t impose Obaseki but I’m entitled to my rights – Oshiomhole Governor Oshiomhole, recently, declared that he could not remain neutral in the choice of his successor in the 2016 governorship election in the state even as he assured that APC would create a level-playing ground for all as-

•Imansuagbon pirants at the party’s primaries.

Denying the insinuation that he was backing Obaseki as his successor and arm-twisting party members to support his preferred aspirant at the forthcoming primaries, he however, added that he is entitled to exercise his fundamental human right like every other member of the party and politicking is all about contestation and negotiation.

“The governorship candidate of this party will be produced through primaries. The last elections in Edo State we had primaries in each of the election. There were states in a part of this country (South-South) where candidates were imposed and heaven did not fall,’’ Oshiomhole reportedly said at an enlarged meeting with the APC leaders from the three senatorial districts of the state.

Oshiomhole must walk his talk Commenting on the issue, Imansuagbon said though the governor has a constitutional right to have a choice candidate, it should not be to the detriment of the people, whose will must be allowed to prevail.

According to him, Oshiomhole came in with a populist ideology as a labour leader fighting for the welfare of the people and against godfatherism, virtues he said the governor should sustain.

Already, some Edo politicians claim the governor is sponsoring delegates to favour his anointed candidate and has morphed into a capitalist and in his actions, is not walking the talk as he now sees

•Obaseki

The governorship candidate of this party will be produced through primaries. The last elections in Edo State we had primaries in each of the election.

There were states in a part of this country (South-South) where candidates were imposed and heaven did not fall himself as alpha and omega and political god father in Edo State. that has a say in who succeeds him.

For the good of the society, Imansuagbon said the governor ‘’should allow people’s will to prevail and should not truncate the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari.’’

He wondered if President Buhari and the APC national leadership would tolerate imposition of candidates. He also recalled that Oshiomhole called some leaders of the state such as Chief Anthiny Anenih, General Samuel Ogbemudia (retd) and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion godfathers and Edo people believed him and urged the governor not transmute into a godfather.

Cautioning against suspending and intimidating party chairmen and APC chieftains in the state in order to get the anointed aspirant chosen as candidate, he said ‘’the projection is that if there is no free and fair election in the primaries that will throw up a popular and accepted candidate for the main election, PDP is likely to take over.

What it means is that PDP can now wrest power at the centre in 2019.’’

Imansuagbon, fondly referred to as ‘The Rice Man’ following his adoption of the late Moshood Abiola’s style of meeting the people at the point of their needs, came to political limelight in 2007, when he co-founded the defunct Action Congress, AC and became the party’s Edo State governorship candidate in the build up to the 2007 election.

He, however, was persuaded by the party’s elders to give up his mandate for the governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle, who was then the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

With free, fair primaries APC ‘ll retain Edo Stressing the need for APC to retain Edo, Imansuagbon, who is into agriculture and education and owns the Pace Setter Group of schools in Abuja, expressed fears that the primaries might be manipulated. ‘’Quiet honestly, I have my fears.

That is the Nigerian factor. But I also have my hope and faith in the Buhari factor. The Buhari factor will help to checkmate the Nigerian factor. I don’t think Buhari will watch and see wrong primaries done in Edo State. Never! At 73, one time head of state brought back to power by his people after many years; he suffered what I am suffering now. Thrice he was robbed but by twist of fate and strong will of the Nigerian people he came back to power. I think Buhari will allow for free and fair primaries. ‘’My prayer for the party chairman, governor and the party is for them to have the courage to organize a free and fair primaries. We will not negotiate a credible, free and fair primaries in Edo State.

We cannot have anything less than a free and fair primaries. It will help us to defeat a formidable opposition like the PDP.’’ Why I want to serve Asked why he is running for the governorship, he said: ‘’I want to

serve because I bring hope to the ordinary Edo person. The governor has done well and given his best but we can do better by creating jobs. The younger generation needs to be taken care of. Young school leavers leave school and there are no jobs. ‘’When you create jobs, you address the issue of insecurity because when people are engaged you cannot see them loafing on the streets. The insecurity situation in our state today is as a result of unemployment. When I become governor this year, by God’s grace, attention will be on how to create jobs, to take the bad boys and girls off the streets.

Our schools will take my focus.

I am from the private sector. In Abuja, through the Pace Setter group of schools, we have been able, through the help of my wife and others, revolutionized the school system in Abuja. I will bring my experience in Abuja to bear in Edo State when I become governor. ‘’The governor has done his best, I will improve on what he has done. Is it possible to have free education from primary to university in Edo? Yes, it is possible. If I am governor this year, I will give free education from primary to university levels. ‘’You will ask, where will I get the money? I will get the money from blocking leakages. When you block leakages, you push the savings into the benefit of the people. We will ensure that internally generated revenues and taxes don’t go into the pockets of individuals. ‘’ My experience in the private sector will help the position of the state, for example, agriculture.

What I will do in my first 100 days in office is we will all go back to the farm. Edo is blessed, you don’t need fertiliser to plant anything in Edo State. I will turn Edo State into farm plantation where every young school leaver instead of being on the streets doing nothing, will go to the farm.

I will open up Edo, and we will have farm plantation in each senatorial district. That takes me to rice plantation. I have been sharing rice in the past 10 years using my hard earned resources to buy rice and share in all the nooks and crannies of Edo State. When I am governor, we will have three rice plantations where we will have enough to eat, enough to sell and enough to export. Edo will export rice when I am governor.’’

Ogiemwonyi'll guarantee victory for APC — Yesufu

BY ABEL KOLAWOLE BARRISTER Abubakar Yesufu is a former President, Students Union, University of Benin and current Chairman, League of Patriotic Lawyers. In this interview, Yesufu, who currently heads the Resource Group of the Chris Ogiemwonyi Movement for Edo State (COME), speaks on the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

W

ould you say that there is a level playing field ahead of the governorship election in Edo for all aspirants?

Candidates must be given an opportunity to sell their ideas.

The best way to win an argument is to present a better argument.

No undue use of instrumentality of government to leverage any candidate. No deployment of unbridled cash to cajole or to “overpower the delegates’ volition without convincing their judgment” to use a popular legal parlance. Chris Ogiewonyi Movement for Edo State is not

C M Y K

just a campaign office, it is a resource centre where ideas compete for attention. If you come to the resource centre a lot of conditions are simulated. For instance, we talk about Edo without Abuja monthly handout, how to reawaken the middle class and turn same to an effective engine of change, how to ignite the tourist potentials of the state, how to create an enabling environment for investors to make Edo State a preferred destination. We need a level-playing field to foster these ideas.

What informed your thinking that Ogiemwonyi is best suited to drive these ideas in order to sustain the legacies of Governor Oshiomhole?

You will realize that Chris Ogiemwonyi at every opportunity during his campaign opens by paying glowing tributes to Governor Oshiomole’s legacy. Sustaining this legacy requires a man with very vast reach and experience. It is a big job that requires education, experience and exposure. Being an economic whiz kid is important but it’s

We need a corporate oracle to move Edo State to the next level of commerce, to enable the state become an active participant in the global village •Yesufu not sufficient to drive this growth. Being in government whether in legislative or in executive capacity for donkey years is not enough. You need a man with the drive and mission, a man that will open Edo State to the business and commercial world. A man with the necessary cutting edge. We need a corporate oracle to move Edo State to the next level of commerce, to enable the state become an active participant in the global vil-

lage. Chris Ogiemwonyi has these sterling qualities and robust credentials.

On his capacity A glimpse of this will surprise you. He was the Project Leader and Petroleum Engineer from 1982 to 1999. He was also at NAPIMS between 1999 and 2001 after which he became the Group General Manager of NAPIMS in 2001. After that assignment in 2003, he became the Managing Director, National Petroleum Development Com-

pany and was there till 2005.

Chris also served as Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company Limited from September 2005 to September 2007 and also worked as Group Executive Director September 2007 to April 2009. If there are any of the aspirants with a more robust credentials and exposure we are ready to switch loyalty and pressurize Chris Ogiemwonyi to step down. There exist none.

What makes you think that this boardroom experience can translate to electoral victory at the polls?

The surest way to lose an election in Edo State is to cast aspersion or deny Comrade Oshiomhole’s achievements. The man has done well. It is visible.

Move round Edo State especially across the Senatorial districts.

His achievements dot the landscape. That’s why we need a successor without blemish, a successor without baggage. That is why Ogiemwonyi otherwise known as “Mr. Integrity” is the talisman the APC requires in Osadebe House in September 2016.

46 — S UNDAY Vanguard SUNDAY Vanguard,, APRIL 3, 2016

Iwobi gives Ozil credit for rising profile A RSENAL youngster Alex Iwobi said his current rise in profile was down to teammate and German international Mesut Ozil.

Iwobi scored in yesterday’s 40 thrashing of Watford at the Emirates Stadium. It was his second goal for the Gunners in back to back Premier League matches. Iwobi broke into the Gunners first team over the past fortnight and scored his first senior goal in a 2-0 victory over Everton.

“Whereas I’m in the same position as him, I’m learning each day how to play, how he gets a lot of space and assists his goals and gets goals,” Iwobi told Goal.

“Each day at training he’s helping me and I’m learning from him just by watching him.”

Ozil has also provided 19 assists in the Premier League – the highest in the league – and also has seven goals in all competitions this season.

Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticized Özil for recent remarks made about the Gunners’ title chances this season.

The German claimed that Arsenal had “screwed” themselves out of the title race and that they would need to rally together to have any hope of winning it.

Wenger has moved to distance

Eagles flop: NFF must take responsibility Y friend and colleague, M Victor Iroele of the Silver Bird Group and former Chairman

•Iwobi... Gunning for Arsenal himself from his star player’s comments, insisting that his attitude is not a shared one at Arsenal.

“The statement is not welcome, I agree with you,” he

told the press.

“Because we have to believe, no matter if it is just one chance in 100, we have to believe. We only have a real chance if we believe.”

I almost abandoned swimming pool renovation — Ojez

S

WIMMING facilities at the National Stadium Lagos are gradually coming back to life, but the contractor handling the renovation complex Joseph Odebeatu, revealed that he almost abandoned the project he was given till March to complete.

Odebeatu, popularly known as Ojez said that work on the project is almost completed, even as it has been a daunting task because of the layers of decay due to many years of abandonment.

“We ran into problems which made the job so difficult. The complex have been lying fallow for years and the rot was enormous.

“All the pipes were rusty and leaky, they had to be changed.

If not for God and encouragement by the sports minister, I would have walked away.

•Pacquiao

“But we thank God that we are almost done here. What we have done will last for a very long time,” said the entertainment entrepreneur.

He added that the Sports ministry should not allow the complex to fall into disrepair again as he called for prompt

maintenance and security of the complex.

“There has to be regular maintenance and security for the complex so that it does not get vandalised. For now we have arranged for security that will protect what we have installed so far.”

RIO 2016: Pacquiao eyes gold medal

M

ANNY Pacquiao said he is thinking about fighting for his country in the Olympics this summer, if the boxing competition is open to professional fighters.

The head of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) has proposed allowing pros in the Olympics, though it’s doubtful the plan would be implemented

by Rio because qualification tournaments are either underway or have already been held for boxers in most countries.

Pacquiao, who fights Timothy Bradley next week in his first bout since losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in May, said Friday that the idea of boxing for a gold medal intrigues him.

“I’m not saying I’m going to fight or saying I’m not,” Pacquiao said. “I’m not closing the door. I’m thinking about it.”

Pacquiao is running for the Senate in his native Philippines,

and a win in the elections next month could put an end to his boxing career. But the possibility of fighting for his country in the Olympics could also be used to help him win votes in the campaign.

No Filipino has ever won a gold medal in the Olympics, though boxers have won a total of five silver and bronze medals. A gold medal for Pacquiao would, if anything, cement forever his status as the country’s greatest sports hero.

Trainer Freddie Roach said he believes the 37-year-old Pacquiao has been reenergized in training for Bradley and still has fights left in him. Pacquiao previously said he planned to retire after fighting Bradley, but he has since wavered.

“He asked me if I would train him if they let pros in the Olympics,” Roach said. “I said of course I will.”

of the Abuja Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) wrote this “Am surprised that my constituency is so silent on the back-to-back failure of Super Eagles to land at the Nations Cup?” on his facebook wall.

I am not surprised because the sports writing fraternity no longer speaks with one voice or with any voice at all. Everyone wants to remain in the good books of administrators because of one favour or the other.

Is it not shocking that these days, sports writers, rather than ex players, retired referees and former coaches populate the list of match commissioners appointed as Match Commissioners by the Nigeria Football Federation?

I was shocked when I overhead two of them at the National Stadium in Abuja blaming one of these two clubs (Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars) for failing to ‘see’ them to help them fix a replay there last season for who gets a continental ticket.

If Sports Writers are really living up to expectation, they should be calling for the head of someone or a group of people by now after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for a second consecutive Africa Nations Cup and the third in four years.

Everyone is aware the way sports writers swooped on former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association, NFA, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima when the Eagles failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, especially after he tried to explain a word put to him that he has failed to qualify the country for a competition that has become our birthright.

Rather than seek reasons why the team couldn’t qualify, those who wanted Galadima out more because he refused to open the NFA vaults for them to feed fat on than for the failure of the Eagles, championed his removal and some sports writers were used to effect it.

This mentality was carried on to the era after German Berti Vogts fumbled at Ghana 2008 and the sports authorities wanted a local coach to handle the team. Opinions were sought but again, the cabal in football infiltrated the sports writers selected to advise then NSC and rather than advise the authorities well, they voted on sentiments and Shaibu Amodu got the job ahead of Stephen Keshi and Samson Siasia.

Amodu and his technical crew couldn’t do much at the Nations Cup hosted by Angola in 2010 and again, the NFF in their usual fire brigade style rushed to Europe to get a ‘sound’ technical adviser in Lars Lagerback who was also a disaster at the first World Cup on African soil in South Africa in 2010.

Lagerback’s exit paved the way for Siasia who was cruising right until the 2-2 draw against Guinea at the Abuja National Stadium which ended the Eagles qualification dream for the Nations Cup hosted by Equatorial Guinea in 2012. This caused the sack of

Siasia and so Keshi was hired in his place for the Nations Cup in South Africa in 2013.

The romance Keshi had with the NFF under the leadership of Aminu Maigari was not a smooth one from the word go. The NFF Board were not comfortable with Keshi’s ‘arrogance’ and plotted right from the venue of the Nations Cup to replace him, win or lose the Cup. The players protest in Namibia on their way to Brazil for the Confederation Cup in 2013 and another one before their second round match against France at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil were what the NFF needed to nail Keshi. So they refused to renew his contract after the World Cup. Keshi’s return at the heat of the NFF election crisis at the behest of then sports minister, Dr Tammy Danagogo didn’t go down well with Maigari, who had lost out of the NFF but still had control over the Amaju Pinnick-led Board remotely.

Rather than let sleeping dog lie, Maigari and his henchmen, prodding the new Board, ensured they worked against Keshi and Nigeria by extension. They wanted Keshi not to qualify for the 2015 Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea.

They began by making sure things worked against Nigeria when they hosted Congo in Calabar and lost 2-3. They took the battle to Congo but were unhappy when the Eagles surprisingly pulled a 2-0 away win.

That victory put the Eagles on same point with Congo and they needed a win against South Africa, the group leaders, in Uyo to pick the second ticket ahead of Congo on goals in case they both end at 10 points apiece. So many things happened behind the scene but rather than think of their own image, the new Board played along with the Maigari group and their plot worked. Even though the Eagles rallied from 0-2 to a 2-2 draw, the damage was already done and the saboteurs popped Champagne to celebrate Keshi’s fall that day.

Pinnick and his Board needed no other reason to ease out Keshi after the crash. But instead of seeking a genuine solution for the way forward, a powerful group forced Pinnick, an apostle of foreign coaches, to give the job to a green horn in Sunday Oliseh, better known for his television punditry.

Over hyped from day one, Oliseh started by destroying the fabric of the team, quarrelling with and dropping his captain, Vincent Enyeama, dropping another player, Emmanuel Emenike before picking holes with the NFF over unpaid allowances after his CHAN debacle.

That was the beginning of the disaster and Siasia is now a bate given to the sharks to tear apart.

No one must blame Siasia or any player for what happened. No Board in the history of Nigeria football has failed to qualify for two consecutive Nations Cup. So Nigerians should ask the Amaju Pinnick-led Board what happened to our football. And someone or people must take responsibility for that and do the needful. Resign now!

SUNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 3, 2016 — 47

Ribery’s wonder goal keeps Bayern on track FCC 30TH anniversary: Akinwunmi, Tinubu, others for honours

F

RANCK Ribery’s spectac ular bicycle kick sealed Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday as the Bundesliga leaders warmed-up for their Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Benfica.

The 32-year-old Ribery rolled back the years by drilling his over-head kick into the top corner of the Frankfurt net with 20 minutes gone at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

It was the French winger’s 70th league goal for Bayern and came after Bayern’s Germany midfielder Mario Goetze had his shot blocked.

Bayern claimed a league record with their eighth straight clean sheet against Eintracht Frankfurt — no other club has managed the feat eight times in a row against the same opposition.

Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer, had a quiet afternoon, failing to add to his tally of 25 Bundesliga goals this season and came off with 19 minutes to go.

Frankfurt, who are second from bottom, gave Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who missed Germany’s win over Italy with illness on Tuesday, an easy afternoon with barely a shot on goal.

Pep Guardiola’s Bayern host Benfica on Tuesday and took the chance to go eight points clear in Germany’s top flight with second-placed Borussia Dortmund at home to Werder Bremen later.

Bremen will be without their top scorer Claudio Pizarro after the Peru international picked up an injury during a World Cup qualifier in Uruguay.

Dalung Continued from backpage speech, he seem to have backed coach Siasia for the job of leading the Eagles.

“The hiring and firing of coaches is a problem, when shall we have an end to it?

In my view, we place personal interest above national interest.

“You don’t access a coach with one match. You give him ample opportunity and generate correct data to access his performance.

“The hiring and firing of coaches just on one performance speaks volumes of senses of judgement and it does not augur well for our football. It must stop now,” said the sports minister.

Meanwhile the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick is expected to meet with the minister on Tuesday and top on the agenda is the issue of hiring a foreign coach for the national team.

O

Franck Ribery celebrates his wonder goal

Amosun charges Gateway FC to win Federation Cup

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GUN State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has charged the state owned team, Gateway United Football Club to win this year’s Ogun State Federation Cup otherwise known as the Challenge Cup as a dress-rehearsal to doing well at the National level and possibly win the competition.

Governor Amosun gave the charge when he addressed the management, technical crew and the players of the team at the training camp in Sagamu

ahead of tomorrow’s Ogun State Federation Cup final billed for Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Moruf Afolabi Afuape, Governor Amosun said the state final against Almar of IjebuOde should be seen by them as a must-win duel as Challenge Cup matches are always full of surprises as several top clubs in the state have fallen by the way side during the competition.

NE of the foremost cricket clubs in Nigeria, Foundation Cricket Club, (FCC) of Lagos is set to mark its 30th anniversary on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The club, which was founded in 1985, has been in the forefront of reviving the noble game in the country. It clocked 30 at the end of 2015.

As part of activities marking the event, Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode, the chairman, Lagos state sports commission, Deji Tinubu are among those to be honoured by the club.

Speaking in Lagos, the club’s coordinator, Akin Denton, said that “ to commemorate this landmark achievement in the history of the club, two T20 friendly cricket matches will be played against a visiting Greater Accra Team from Ghana on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the home of cricket in Nigeria, the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, Race Course, Lagos”.

Other activities planned to mark the club’s 30th anniversary celebration will include the presentation of cricket kitbag to Atlantic Hall School, Epe, pre-

sentation of the club souvenirs to some distinguished friends of the club for their unalloyed support over the years, launching of a commemorative anniversary photo book, a unique compilation of the club’s activities over the years and Social events to be attended by stakeholders of the noble game.

Speaking further, Mr., Akin Denton disclosed that those to be honoured with the club’s souvenirs, plaques as friends of the club are: Akinwunmi Ambode (Governor of Lagos State), Deji Tinubu (Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission), Ade Abisogun, Chief Demola Edu, Basil Eteri, Farouk Musa, Dr. P.C. Egbe and Andrew Jedras. Others are- L.S. Balogun, Group Captain (Rtd.) Gabriel Esho, late Sam Ahuchogu ( posthumous), late Vanderpuye Orgle (posthumous) and (Hon., Engr.) Gbolahan Yishawu. He also disclosed that another category of those to be honoured is some idenfied Cricket Clubs and Institutions that have contribution to the development and sustenance of cricket in Nigeria.

Yakmut Continued from backpage nouncement has taken it back.

I did not see the NSC because I was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports.”

Also reacting on the controversy that trailed the renewal of the contract of the two American High Performance Directors, Angy Taylor and Eric Campbell, Dalung said he saved Nigeria a huge embarrassment following the manner the former DG, Yakmut Alhassan relieved them of their duties.

According to him, Alhassan did not tell Nigerians the actual reasons he took a unilateral decision to sack the expatriates without even consulting him as the minister in charge of sports.

“Shortly after I was appointed minister, I was in my office and the DG went and sat with the directors and sacked the High Performance Director without even referring to me as a minister. The only thing I knew was that I saw an American citizen approach me that she wanted to see me. Even when I resumed as a minister, directors were introduced to

me and I didn’t see her. So I was taken aback why a foreign national claiming to be a director wanted to see me, I allowed her in.

“She explained to me that they were recruited by Nigeria and that their contract had been terminated in serious breaches and she itemized from the contract document those things that were supposed to be done which Nigeria did not and has proceeded to terminate their contract and then I invited the DG and asked him who was that lady and he introduced her as a former director and I asked when she became former and it was that morning. The coaches they fired wanted to go to their embassy and complain and what could have happened was that the President would have called me that I had terminated the contract of the coaches without due processes.”

Dalung however, revealed that due to the rising exchange rate, he was able to renegotiate the payment of the foreign directors from about $15,000 dollars to $10,000 dollars each month.

Group photograph of pioneer members of FCC

Iwobi

Pato

Continued from backpage

Continued from backpage

the fun bit at the end of a training session. Which, in some ways, they are.

At the centre of it all was Nigerian international, Alex Iwobi, whose appearance for Nigeria was limited after he recovered from food poisoning on international duty last week, struck after 38 minutes courtesy of an assist

by Alexis Sanchez, who laid the ball into the path of the youngster who only had to slide home from inside the box.

It was the 19-year-old midfielder’s second goal in the Premier League.

The impressive Iwobi was later substituted in the 74th minute.

Ighalo, on the other hand, was replaced after 46 minutes when he failed to add to his 15-goal tally.

Ighalo had a torrid time throughout the period he stayed on the

deflected in off a defender.

The lead was doubled three minutes into first-half stoppage time when Pato was dragged down in the area by Aly Cissokho, and the striker picked himself up to score from the spot.

It didn’t get any better in the second half as the third goal came just 48 seconds after the restart.

Oscar cut a pass back for Pedro who had the simple task of sidefooting past Brad Guzan.

Pedro grabbed his second just before the hour, tapping into an empty net after Guzan made a hash of saving a Pato shot.

Villa were reduced to 10 men in the 85th minute when Alan Hutton received his second yellow of the match.

It was a dismal day for Villa with the fans protesting against the running of the club throughout.

SUNDAY Vanguard, APRIL 3, 2016

Iwobi outshines Ighalo as Watford go down IGERIA youngster

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Ighalo

Alex Iwobi outshone fellow Super Eagles star Odion Ighalo after he scored in Arsenal 4-0 win to further endanger Watford’s survival hopes in the Premier League.

Arsenal put on a show.

They toyed with Watford.

They humiliated them.

They passed and they passed and they passed.

They let Watford chase shadows and drove them to distraction. They played as if they were in

Iwobi

No to foreign coach, Dalung insists

By Ben Efe

Pato scores on debut as Chelsea hit 4 at Villa

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PORTS Minister So lomon Dalung has disagreed with the Nigeria Football Federation’s quest to get a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, after they were eliminated from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

National Under-23 coach, Samson Siasia took charge of the Super Eagles for the crucial tie against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Though the Eagles had more of the ball possession they failed to score more than one goal in the two legged tie.

This prompted the NFF president Amaju Pinnick to declare his desperation for a foreign coach.

But Dalung who was speaking in Abuja refused to toe the line of the NFF, and with his Continues on page 47

Continues on page 47

A

LEXANDRE Pato scored on his debut and Pedro bagged a brace as Chelsea thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 at Villa Park.

Chelsea handed U.S. international Matt Miazga his bow, and Pato then became their second debutant of the day when he came off the bench to replace the injured Loic Remy in the 23rd minute.

There were few early chances, but Chelsea took the lead in the 26th minute.

Cesar Azpilicueta provided the cross from the right flank, and Ruben LoftusVICTORY DANCE: The Chelsea squad celebrate after an emphatic 4-0 victory Cheek’s low drive at relegation threatened Aston Villa. In the middle of the pack is Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi Continues on page 47

I didn’t sacrifice Yakmut — Sports Minister

By Jude Opara, Abuja

Dalung

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Yakmut

INISTER of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung says contrary to speculations in certain quarters, that the former director general of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut was sacrificed, that he only car-

See solution on page 5

ried out a government directive.

Briefing journalists in Abuja last weekend, Dalung noted that with the merging of Sports with the Ministry of Youth, that there was no way the office of the director general should have remained because there was no single law of the country backing the NSC. “The DG was never sacrificed, the National Sports Commission was only a presidential creation, there is no single law backing the NSC. The only law we had was the 1971 decree and that decree was never updated when law reforms took place in 2004 and in law any legislation that never received the attention of the legislature is par-excellence dead.

“So if the legislature did not even update the National Sports Commission decree of 1971 and

there is no legislation now designating it as a parastatal of government, so President who created the NSC in a pro

Continues on page 47

Pato

RESULTS Aston Villa Bournemouth Arsenal Norwich Stoke City Sunderland West Ham Liverpool

0 0 4 3 2 0 2 1

EPL Chelsea Man City Watford Newcastle Swansea City West Brom Crystal Palace Tottenham

4 4 0 2 2 0 2 1

BUNDESLIGA Bayarn Darmstadt Hannover Ingolstadt Mainz

1 2 0 3 4

Leicester City Man Utd

v v

Eint. Frankfurt VfB Stuggart Hamburger SV Schalke Augsburg FIXTURES Southampton Everton

0 2 3 0 2

1:30pm 4pm

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