Presidency: My conditions to support Jonathan - Gov Lamido

C M Y K

PAGE 2 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 3

C M Y K

PAGE 4 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014 — PAGE 5

PDP HOUSE OF REPS PRIMARIES

Mixed fortunes for incumbent lawmakers *Some retain tickets, others lose out *Thugs hold officials hostage in Bayelsa *Anambra NASS primaries hold today *Igbinedion's daughter wins in Edo *Ondo PDP hold parallel primaries

By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Gabriel Enogholase, Anayo Okoli, Dapo Akinrefon, Simon Ebegbulem, Dayo Johnson, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Samuel Oyadongha, Peter Okutu, Daud Olatunji, Boluwaji Obahopo, Marie-Therese Nanlong & Emem Idio.

F

OR serving members of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday's nationwide primaries of the party were bitter-sweet. It was sweet for a number of them that were handed re-election tickets and obviously bitter for those who lost out.

The exercises were hugely peaceful, free and fair apart from initial violence that was experienced in Bayelsa and the parallel primaries that were held in Ondo, prompting Senate President David Mark to say that in spite of challenges preceding the 2015 general elections, a free and fair election is all that is needed to sustain the country's democracy.

The primaries in Anambra were rescheduled for today by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. So, both the House of Representatives and senatorial primaries will be conducted today.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh urged all House of Representatives and senatorial aspirants in Anambra to take note of the postponement.

Among incumbent Reps who retained their tickets are Daniel Reyenieju (Warri, Delta), Sodaguwo Adega FestusOmoni (Ogbia, Bayelsa ), Ezekiel Adaji (Otukpo/ Ohimini, Benue), Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejiocha (Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Abia), Chief Uzo Azubuike (Aba North/South, Abia), Nnena Ukaeje (Bende, Abia) and Mr Uzona Abonta (Ukwa East/ Ukwa West, Abia) and Tajudeen Yusuf (Kogi).

Incumbent legislators that lost out include Patrick Ikhariale and Friday Itulah (in Edo) and Simon Mwadkon (Bakin Ladi/ Riyom, Plateau), Edo: Igbinedion’s daughter Omosede picks ticket, as Ikhariale, Itulah lose Three House of Representatives aspirants in Ovia Federal constituency of Edo state boycotted the exercise yesterday, accusing the leadership of the party in Edo South of manipulating the delegate lists in favour of the daughter of the Esama of Benin, Omosede Igbinedion.

The aspirants, Etinosa Onaiwu, Osayemwenre Edosa and Kelvin Aigbe said they decided to boycott the primaries when they

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

EMPTYING YOURSELF—4

By Richard Eromonsele

… Yes, the one talent servant refused to apply the talent he was given, so, even that one was taken away from him and given to the one with five. Many of us are like this one talent servant. Since we have refused to use this gift to us, He has no choice but to take it from us and give it to those who will use it. Stop complaining about the rich getting richer while the poor gets poorer. Use what you have to get what you want. Any man (woman) that has ever made it and any man that will ever make it have to begin from within. Nothing is too small to be given to the world. Ask yourself what can I do so well that the world will beat a path to my door?

discovered that the leader of the party in the South and former deputy Governor, Lucky Imasuen had directed delegates to vote for Omosede. Their boycott paved way for Miss Igbinedion to become the sole candidate. Surprisingly, Patrick Ikhariele representing Esan Centrai/Esan West/Igueben Federal constituency lost to Mr Joe Edionwere. Other results indicated that EJ Agbonayinma picked the ticket for Egor/Ikpoba Okhai Federal constituency, Larry Ogieva picked that of Uhumwonde/Orhiomwon Federal constituency while Ogbeide Ihama won that of Oredo Federal constituency.

Parallel exercises in Ondo

Parallel primaries were held yesterday in five of the nine House of Representatives’ federal constituencies in

L-R Lagos State Governorship candidate of APC, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode;National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC),Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu;Speaker of House of Representatives,Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the governorship candidate of Sokoto State, during a visit to the National Leader (APC),at his residence in Ikoyi,Lagos Ondo state.

In Akoko North East/North West, the primaries were disrupted following allegation that one 75year old Deni Akerele was to be imposed.

In Akure south/ Akure North a parallel primary was held with the emergence of Dare Aliu and Omolafe Adedayo of new and old PDP. However, INEC officials

and five PDP National Assembly Electoral Committee members from Abuja led

by Hon Adewale Afolabi witnessed the election of Dare Aliu of the new PDP. Federal constituencies where parallel primaries were held include Akoko South West/ Akoko South East, Ondo East/ondo West, Okitipupa/ Irele/Odigbo and

Owo/Ose. Both factions (old and new PDP) were able to harmonise in Ifedore/Idanre, Ile-Oluji/ Okeigbo/Odigbo and Ilaje/ Ese-odo federal constituencies hence they produced one candidate each for the election.

Continues on page 7

10 soldiers die in battle as army repels Boko Maduguri, Yobe, Ad- alty of the Army to the demoHaram from Ashaka town Kano, amawa and Bauchi, etc have cratic principle were reasons *Over 70 terrorists killed *Fashola commends armed forces

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & BASHIR ADEFAKA

T

HE Nigerian Military, yesterday, put up a brave fight against hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists who attacked the dynamitemanufacturing town of Ashaka in Gombe State.

Their plan was to overrun the town. After several hours of fighting, the Nigerian Army lost 10 soldiers while over 70 Boko Haram terrorists were killed with scores of them sustaining serious gunshot injuries - most of the terrorists fled the town.

While running away from the town, the terrorists carried most of their dead members in three trucks.

Confirming the development in the Defence Headquarters twitter handle, Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, noted that the terrorists invaded the town in a convoy of 30 vehicles and many motorcycles.

His words: “Terrorists fleeing Ashaka on Thursday managed to retrieve three truckloads full of their dead members following the defeat and heavy casualty they suffered after a fierce battle with troops in the area.

“The terrorists, who had come in large number with heavy equipment and convoy of over 30 vehicles and a number of motor cycles, were on a mission to take control of Ashaka town, after they had operated in Bajoga and environs in Gombe State.

“Troops who got wind of their intention to overrun other towns and pursued the terrorists while some also laid ambush for them. The terrorists were forced to abandon the mission when the troops

proved unyielding. Most of the vehicles and equipment used by the terrorists for their mission were destroyed before they chose to flee the location.

“Over 10 soldiers however died in the battle while those who were wounded are being treated in military hospitals.

About a month ago, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the Ashaka Cement Company where they made away with a truck load of dynamites used for manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS) and since then, several bomb attacks in

been carried out with female suicide bombers. The military succeeded in thwarting some of the suicide bombing plots.

Military's discipline reason Nigeria hasn't exploded Fashola Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has commended the military for its discipline and dedication to duty, which he said have kept Nigeria from imploding. Speaking at the formal decoration of two officers of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp, NAOC, recently promoted by the Army High Command from the rank of colonel to brigadiergeneral, Fashola said the resilience and continuous loy-

the country has not exploded.

Represented by Dr. Adeyemi Idowu, the governor said Nigerian Army had moved beyond what it was in the colonial era and that they were now a more formidable institution.

The two Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp officers were Brigadier-General Martin Obiora Enendu, who is Director of Equipment, HQ, NAOC, and BrigadierGeneral Adamu Mama Dauda. Decorating the officers, Commandant, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corp, HQ, Major-General Adekunle Abdullahi Martins described them as fine officers.

2015: We’ll kick PDP out of Aso Rock – Oyegun, Oni welfarist and people-oriented programmes. But let me say

* Oni thanks Fayose for restoring his privileges, says no strings attached

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

T

HE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigwe Oyegun and the party ’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr Segun Oni have boasted that APC will kick out the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and form the next government at the centre.

They said that the 2015 general election is the appointed time for the PDP to be defeated at the polls.

Indeed, Oni, a former governor of Ekiti State, who expressed his gratitude Governor Ayo Fayose for restoring his privileges recently, said his party will trounce PDP in spite of what he described as Fayose’s rare show of brotherliness.They spoke at Ifaki Ekiti, yesterday, during Oni’s 60th birthday service held at the Methodist Church, Cathedral.

Those at the event include: Governor Fayose, exgovernors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi; immediate past Ekiti First lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Deputy Governors, Modupe Adelabu and Abiodun Aluko; former Acting Governor, Tope Ademiluyi; Speaker, Ekiti House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin; and former Chief of Staff to Oni, Mr Segun Ilori.

Oyegun, who described the PDP administration under President Goodluck Jonathan as misfit urged the electorates to vote out PDP during the 2015 general election.

According to APC boss, Nigerians are already disillusioned with the sufferings the party brought into the country, saying Nigerians should use the opportunity of the general election to effect the desired changes.

“APC is a party whose time has come. APC is a party with

here that youth employment will be priority on our agenda, apart from the fact that we will do everything possible to protect the lives of the Nigerian citizens. Whatever it will take us to end insurgency, we are going to do it. We are not going to steal public money the way the PDP is doing. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar ’ Adua and the present President Goodluck Jonathan expended over 68 billion dollars on power but nothing was realized in terms of power generation.”

Speaking in the same manner, Oni said: “It is not an easy thing for political parties to sacrifice their privileges and come together to form APC. God Himself has ordained the APC to rule in 2015.”

The former governor used the forum to appreciate the gesture displayed by Fayose for restoring his privileges and for attending the birthday service, saying it was a “brotherly gesture that has no political strings.”

PAGE 6 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Russian cargo plane impounded in Kano, Security agencies begin investigation

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI & ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

S

ecurity operatives in Nigeria have impounded a Russian cargo plane with registration n u m b e r AN124100RA82038 conveying arms and ammunition from Bangui, Central African Republic, to Ndjamena, the capital city of Chad. The plane was impounded at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The Russian plane flight number TFT9042 had seven crew members and was said to have landed at the Airport at about 9.00am to refuel.

Security sources at the Airport told Sunday Vanguard that “the security operatives at the airport sought to screen the manifest of the Russian cargo, and ''it was in the process that we discovered that the cargo was laden with assorted weapons of war ”.

The manifest obtained by Sunday Vanguard indicate that there were about 24 packages of assorted weapons weighing 19,707 kilogrammes.

The weapons also include, a steel box weighing 2600kg, 6 Bulk also weighing 597kg, 22 pallets 10000Ibs weighing 2746kg, two number blade7.31m, also weighing

680kg.

Other items in the manifest titled: JSC “Kun224” includes 6 AKN weighing 720kg, 1 vehicle weighing 4050kg and 2 pallets 10000Ibs also weighing 2800kg.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the seven crew members have been taken into custody for interrogation on the order of the Airport Commander, Wing Commander Imoke.

Commenting on the development, the General Manager, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr. Yakubu Datti, revealed that “ the pilot of the seized Cargo plane sought for permission to land at the airport following technical hitches.”

Indications emerged yesterday that security agencies have swung into action to unravel the destination of the arms.

Security sources said the interception and arrest of the suspicious Russian made Antonov aircraft at the Aminu Kano International airport was made possible by a super sensitive security alert system which revealed that a helicopter was tucked in it.

Military sources further disclosed that the investigation which is intense, involves the use of diplomatic means to unravel the mission of the aircraft, its origin and destination.

Boko Haram: Why the US is in Nigeria, by envoy

BY FUNMI AJUMOBI

T

O clear the bitter ness against Unit ed States of America for not being able to help stop insurgency/ terrorism in Nigeria, Mrs Maria E. Brewer, Deputy Missioner, US. Embassy,Abuja, says his country has come to work with Nigeria and not for Nigeria.

Brewer spoke while responding to audience question at the Hubert H.Humphrey 2014 Annual Lecture held at the NigerianInstitute of International Affairs, Lagos.

Earlier in her keynote address, the diplomat, speaking under the theme, Managing Down Insurgency:The American Experience, affirmed that Nigeria is theUnited States’ most important strategic partner in Africa and wants Nigeria to win its war on terrorism. She said that the United States haslearned that

defeating terrorism requires more than just militarypower, saying it requires economic development in impoverished areaswhere extremism takes root, accessible education opportunities forall and a free and fair press that can report openly and without fearof reprisal.

Brewer said, “Fighting terrorism requires civilian and militaryleaders to work together to both defeat the enemy on the battle fieldand address the root causes of conflict. Focussing primarily on thepopulation, rather than the enemy, and reinforcing the legitimacy ofgovernments at the local, state and federal level, reduces theinfluence of terrorists. This can often only be achieved in concertwith political reform to improve the quality of governance andaddress the underlying grievances of the community, many of which maybe legitimate”.

Amb. Gbenga Ashiru’s body arrives Nigeria today

T

HE body of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru who died recently in South Africa, will arrive back to Nigeria today.

According to family sources, the corpse will be flown in aboard a special flight from South Africa, that is expected to land at 3.00pm at the presidential wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

The body of the Diplomat, who died on No-

vember, 27, 2014 will be accompanied by family members and key staff of the ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Late Amb. Gbenga Ashiru

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 7

From Right: Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Lagos State First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Pastor Sam Adeyemi and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Jimi Agbaje at the Experience 2014 in Lagos.

From left: Chief Financial Officer SEPLAT, Roger Brown, General Manager External Affairs & Communications SEPLAT, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, Chairman SEPLAT, Dr. Bryant (ABC) Orjiako and Chris Walcott, Founder of Progressive Systems, during the Oil Council World Assembly, Awards Of Excellence in which SEPLAT emerged winner in the "Mid-Cap Company of the Year" Category.

PDP GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARIES David Edevbie emerges as dark horse in Delta; gets UPU aspirants pledge to respect outcome endorsement •Guber •Confusion in Akwa Ibom PDP

By Emma Amaize, Festus Ahon, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Gab Ejuwa

A

HEAD of t o m o r r o w ’ s governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), five governorship aspirants in Delta State, weekend, said they would not dump the party if they lost the primaries provided a level– playing field is provided for all the competing aspirants.

The aspirants: High Chief Mike Uwaka, Chief Godswill Obielum, Dr. Festus Okubor, Mr. Anthony Obuh and Ambassador Gabriel Oyibode, gave the assurance at a dialogue convened by Chief Sonny Odogwu, the Ide Ahaba and member, PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, with the governorship aspirants at his country home in Asaba.

Meanwhile, one-time Delta State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, David Edevbie, yesterday emerged as a dark horse that may upturn calculations.

Sources disclosed to Sunday Vanguard that that powerful Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU, and loyalists to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in Delta Southare poised to line up behind Edevbie.

This is consequent upon a meeting held in Wrri yesterday where the UPU directed the five other Urhobo aspirants to step down for Edevbie.

The new thinking, the source said, is that the numerical strength of the UPU-inspired Delta Central delegates as well as the coalition coming from Delta South would likely tilt the scale in Edevbie’s favour.

Chief Odogwu, who

briefed newsmen at the end of the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the maturity of the aspirants, saying some aspirants from Delta North, who did not attend the meeting called him to explain they were engaged elsewhere and expressed their commitment to the outcome of the meeting.

In the communique read

by Dr Udu Yakubu, the participants urged the party and those charged with the responsibility of organizing the primaries to discharge their duty with fairness, openness and justice, all of which have been the guiding principles of the PDP. They thanked Chief Odogwu, CFR, for his thoughtfulness in convening the dialogue and for his fatherly advice for the good of both the party and Delta State.

Participants highlighted the supremacy of party interest over personal interest and ambition, and pledged to abide by the decision of the party.

Speaking at the meeting, one of the aspirants, Chief Uwaka, said, “Delta State will not be the same after Monday’s primaries, but I appeal that if anybody does not make it, he should not go to another party, you can be disgruntled, but do not go to another party. Only one person will fly the flag.”

Dr. Okubor said, “We will go to the primary and conduct it peacefully and we will accept the verdict of the delegates; I anticipate a decent primary, if the delegates don’t choose us, it should not cause quarrel, I assure you (Odogwu) that you will be proud of our conduct.”

For Obuh, “There is no need for acrimony, the delegates are going to decide, if we are not favoured, we will accept

the result and give our ideas to whoever wins.

Only one man will win, if I am not favoured, I will support whoever wins.

Delta is our state; we need a peaceful state for development.”

On his part, Chief Obielum said, “Nobody who aspires to rule the state wants to run it down,” adding, “We have come a long way in the campaign without violence and no trouble, we pray for the remaining days to be peaceful. Let us cooperate among ourselves.”

Ambassador Oyibode, the youngest aspirant that attended the meeting, said, “My take is that a free and fair primaries should be conducted and a levelplaying field provided for all the aspirants, if this is done on December 8, anybody that wins will win gallantly and any person that loses, will also see that he lost gallantly.”

Choose your best candidate now, Okonma advises Delta North Meanwhile, a Delta State politician, Mr. Dom Okonma, has called on Anioma opinion leaders to choose the best Delta North aspirant as candidate based on intellect, political pedigree, integrity and past performances.

Okonma noted that the Anioma people should not assume it is Uhuru because the governorship slot has been zoned to their Delta North. He said with the number of aspirants from the district, if urgent and critical measures were not taken, the other divides will grab the opportunity on account of their disunity.

Confusion in Akwa Ibom PDP over governorship primary

There is confusion in Akwa Ibom State PDP as some of the governorship aspirants and their supporters have expressed worry over alleged existence of three lists of party delegates for the exercise.

Already, some of the angry aspirants have pointed accusing fingers at the state governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, for being behind the existence of three separate lists in a bid to create confusion during the primary to favour his alleged

‘anointed’ candidate, Emmanuel Udom.

The multiple lists of party delegates is contrary to the provisions of the existing PDP guidelines for the conduct of the primaries, which stipulated that an authentic list of delegates for the primaries must originate from the official congress committee set up by the national secretariat.

The guideline further stated the list must be approved by the party headquarters, published in the national newspapers and also publicly displayed at the headquarters and respective state offices of the PDP. Some of the aspirants

protested that these rules were not observed by the leadership of the state PDP. Contacted yesterday, the state PDP Chairman, Paul Ekpo, said he said he was not able to give any explanation at the moment as “we are still holding our elections (House of Reps Primary) now.

One of the sources that spoke on the condition of anonymity accused the governor of ‘abducting’ all the delegates he wants to use for the governorship primary on Monday and secretly quartered them inside the Government House lodge so that nobody would have access to them.

Mixed fortunes for incumbent lawmakers Continued from page 5

Ogun: Bankole, Daniel's loyalists boycott primaries

The PDP in Ogun, yesterday, held it primaries amid tight security in nine different locations across the state. The exercise was boycotted by loyalists of both former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

The primaries were held by Buruji Kashamu group which controls the structure of the party in the state.

In Abeokuta North/Odeda/ Obafemi-Oqode federal constituency, four aspirants participated while three withdrew.

The primary was won by Olaleye Ibrahim who polled 56 votes while Rahman Abiola scored 45 just as Oyekunle Zacheus and Abiodun polled 21 and 10 respectively.

At the primary which was held for Abeokuta South Federal constituency, Abayomi Ajayi won the election as he polled 33 while a former Speaker of state House of assembly, Titi Oseni abruptly withdrew at the last minute.

Other aspirants at the primary who were defeated

included a former lawmaker, Fasiu Bakenne scored four votes and Dada Oduntan who scored four votes.

Reyenieju retains ticket in Delta

Incumbent Hon. Daniel Reyenieju won the PDP ticket for the Warri Federal Constituency in the primary held at the Warri Township Stadium.

Reyenieju in the delayed voting scored 70 votes to edge out hard fighting Val. Areyinka who got 56 votes while daughter of late Hope Harriman, Ete Ayida scored two votes with 1983 Rep member for the constituency, Olivia Agbajoh polling one of the 129 votes of accredited delegates.

Thugs hold officials hostage in Bayelsa

Sporadic gunfire by policemen rented the air yesterday as youths suspected to be political thugs invaded the Bayelsa State Secretariat of the PDP ostensibly to hijack materials for the conduct of the primaries in the state.

Not even the large presence of security operatives could deter the thugs who held hostage, members of the electoral committee of the party deployed to the state for

the conduct of the primaries.

The PDP Election Committee led by Idi Adamu were held hostage at the PDP Secretariat for hours as security men tried to dislodge the youths that besieged the place.

Some journalists who had been positioned in the area to witness the distribution of materials for the exercise were forced to run for cover. The incident, according to eyewitnesses, occurred at about 12 noon.

The suspected armed thugs reportedly arrived the PDP Secretariat in a White Siena Space wagon and armed with dangerous weapons including guns.

"We were all held hostage for hours. It was fearful. All of us including, the State Working Committee members of the Party were trapped inside the Secretariat, the source said.

The youths it was learnt were eventually dispersed and the hostages freed when security reinforcement were deployed to the complex.

Party faithful from the Yenagoa and Sagbama/ Ekeremor Federal Constituencies of the state nonetheless held the primaries in Yenagoa and Sagbama respectively.

PAGE 8 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 9

Let me also say that I do not always agree with Pastor Ayo Oristejeafor, largely because I think that like the Muslims, Nigerian Christians, particularly of the evangelical extreme, have for years stoked the fire of religious intolerance too in Nigeria which has led to hypnagogic fear of the other. Nigeria has become a nation of religious fundamentalists who see their daily battles with Satan as the height of

their human existence. To these folks, their task is not about creating a humane, just and equitable society.

They choose rather to fight spiritual wars between Satan and a distant God whom they recreate in miracles.

The sad and dangerous thing however is that as a result many of these Nigerians are now zealots, who see Satan in the faces of their neighbours: their neighbours are the witches and wizards; the incubi; the infidels who embody haram, against whom Imams and Pastors like Oristejafor have preached and retailed to them for years. They have chosen to pitch their battle tents for their gods “that answereth by fire.” And fire now rages in the land. Add them to the fascist crusaders of ethnic fundamentalism, and you’d have the full picture of a disintegrating Nigeria.

However, I do agree with Oristejafor on the occasion of his lecture at Nsukka, that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s nationalist humanism is the only means by which Nigeria can hope to regenerate itself. Let me therefore restate and summarize the core principles of Zikism and his idea of a Risorgimento: All humans are born free and equal and deserve to enjoy equal benefits of freedom, liberty, and the good fare from the abundance which nature endows man. There is no human inferior or superior to the other, since all humans are endowed by their “Chi” uniquely. To Zik – and to the likes of me – there is no fundamental difference therefore among Nigerians: Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik, Igbira, Fulani, Berom, Tiv, Ogoni, Nupe, Kanuri, and so on.

Nigeria’s rich human tapestry is its greatest strength, and might also be

its major downside, if improperly managed. The Igbo themselves say, “:Umunna wu Ike; Umunna wu kwa Oria Ukwu!” A man’s kinsmen are as much his strength, as they are his waist pains.

In the Zikist context, the Nigerian problem is a class question, rather than the problem of ethnic difference. This was confirmed to me two weeks ago in Indianapolis, when I met a very remarkable Nigerian; Idris Abubakar, a young Hausa man who is currently in his doctoral program at Michigan State University, studying Education Administration.

Idris was a former “Almajirin” – a street urchin, running around in the streets of Zaria.

One day, a Lecturer at the College of Education, Zaria, accosted him with his friends: “You live here in Zaria, with a University and a College of Education nearby, and you young folk are not curious about the great civilization inside those closed walls?” The next time he came, he brought them forms to the College of Education, Zaria. Of all the people he spoke to, Idris was the only one who felt touched and curious.

He took the form and later read English/Education at the College of Education, and later on at the Ahmadu Bello University.

In due course, he found his way by providence to Michigan, and long story short, he is today pursuing his doctorate, and committed and passionate about freeing the Almajirin. That is a long way from the streets, for a former street boy, who came to know that he is more than a street urchin.

He is a leader of men too, and his kingdom is on that very spot where he stands.

“For years” Idris told me,

“I was taught to fight, and about the 72 virgins waiting for me in Paradise.

These days I say, I don’t want 72 Virgins, give me only one here today!” Zik taught that by harnessing the strength of the likes of Idris, everywhere in Nigeria, we could build a great, united, and prosperous nation. Azikiwe believed in a broadbased coalition of all Nigerian ethnicities united by common economic and political interests. Nigeria drifts today from that vision of economic determinism, spiritual balance; social regeneration; mental emancipation; and Political resurgence. In its place has triumphed Ethnic particularism; religious fundamentalism; fascism, and dependency. The future of Nigeria now depends on the rise of Zikist ideas to be led by a new generation who must be taught revolutionary Zikism: the idea that Nigeria as a nation is a radical imperative and that those who wish to dismantle it are the enemies of the people.

That Nigeria’s problem is not the problem of “tribalism” but of elite greed, because the challenges that face the workers and peasants of the North are the very same that face the workers and peasants of the South. For these, the common enemy is political greed not geographic difference.

Those who send the Almajirin to kill, Idris said, have all their children in London, Cairo, and Dubai.

He knows now because he was shown the light and he found his way out of the darkness of fundamentalism. Indeed Zik did say: “show the light and the people will find the way.” It is about time we showed more light.

earth could be the problem?

When she started talking and eventually weeping, I was touched by the depth of her despair, this would be the fifth time she would be bridesmaid in three years and the latest bride was even younger by three years!!

“I really am happy for her and I love her fiancée but I feel like a joke” she said.

group of friends got married? Attending those weddings were often times painful but I was genuinely very glad to share in their happiness, I remember my best friend’s husband telling everyone during his toast that he got two for the price of one! I am sure he didn’t mean to hurt my feelings but I was not laughing with the rest of the party. It seemed everyone had resigned themselves to me being the single one. I snapped out of my reverie to answer a question I barely understood in my usual manner; I threw it back to her. I have a theory

sunk deep enough into the mire of self pity to actually answer in the affirmative.

“I think I am a good person, attractive and I have a really good job, so why can’t I get married?” she asked “You are very pretty and I know you to be very kind, so what’s stopping you from getting married?” I asked.

“I don’t know, I haven’t met the right person yet, I don’t want to settle for someone out of desperation” she replied.

“So why are you crying?

Would you rather be the one getting married to someone you can’t stand?”

I asked.

“God forbid”!!! She exclaimed.

"There really is some truth to the saying that God's time is the best". Even to me that sounded very cliche but life has confirmed that saying to be very true and I needed to encourage my young friend not to give up on God. By this time the water works had stopped and there was a hint of a smile, I told her I had gone through pretty much the same and pointed out to her that my case was magnified a thousand times over by some not so very nice press coverage. She wanted to know how I coped and I told her I didn’t, at least not at the beginning, initially I was a reluctant bridesmaid before I began to just

celebrate all that I had and not just dwell on the things I didn’t have. I can actually pinpoint the time my change began and it was when I started thanking God for all I have and surrendering to him all I did not have yet. It was as if by giving up my hopes and dreams I was telling God that I would remain grateful and faithful even when those hopes were dashed and those dreams were fast fading.

The year is drawing to a close and it's a time for families to share love and many pleasures. It can be a very difficult time for matured singles, the holidays are a painful reminder of all they don't have and it is to them I address my closing words.

Being single is not a sentence or a curse, it's just a phase, you are only in your waiting period and it doesn't mean that life is to be put on hold till marriage beckons. I would propose finding joy in God and not give in to despair, volunteering time and even substance to charities and those who need it at this time. I personally believe that we were created in pairs and that finding the right person takes time and that we all will by God's grace. There really is a time for every purpose under heaven and at God's time the solitary will be settled into their own homes.

Zikism: Nigeria and Risorgimento and Board of the Center For Igbo Studies and the administration of the University of Nigeria, for finally rising to the occasion of Instituting the “Zik Lectures” at Nsukka.

It is about time. I still think that the Institute of African Studies and the Leon Hansberry Center of the University of Nigeria should be the proper place to organize the “Zik Lectures,” to give it its proper international dimension.

This was the core of my discussion, I remember in

All humans are born free and equal and deserve to enjoy equal benefits of freedom, liberty, and the good fare from the abundance which nature endows man. There is no human inferior or superior to the other

2000, when I met in his office at Nsukka, with the Nsukka Historian, P. Olisa Esedebe whose book on Pan Africanism, the subject of his doctoral thesis at Kings College of the University of London in 1968, is now considered a classic of that discourse.

I was on a brief fellowship at the time at the Institute of African Studies at UNN on the invitation of the Director of the Institute then, the late Ossie

God's time

I

T is a bit difficult to celebrate with others when one is not so joyous, it can be a little trying to be happy for others when one is anything but that. I like to engage people in often painful and truthful arguments, the truth can be very bitter but it is also liberating; misery likes company and happy is not always best of friends with sad. I was sitting down listening to the heartfelt angst of a young friend and it took me back to the years when I was in the group of “misery likes company ”, you know that group, all of us have one time or the other been active members.

The group is defined by friends who move together because they have things in common, mostly these things are challenges and hopes and the bond is strengthened because no one has achieved any. They lament together, support each other and become very close as they share their struggles. The unifying bond is the “struggle” and

Enekwe. The University was in a dreadful torpor. But it seems that new things are happening, and I should say, perhaps it might not be a bad idea after all, to have a joint interdisciplinary Committee of the Center for Igbo Studies and the Institute of African Studies to organize and give fuller weight to the Nsukka “Zik Lectures” series. It is imperative that Nigeria’s centers of knowledge rise to the plate and begin a public re-engagement with the nation as a renascent project.

member ship is easily lost or relinquished when it is achieved. In the case of young ladies, it is almost always boyfriends/ husbands, followed by the kids and of course a successful career, in the case of men, it is always the careers, great cars and homes, closely followed by the trophy girlfriend/wife and kids. The group gets smaller as success beckons to some and the rest are left feeling hard done by life; mostly the jealousy seething beneath the surface leads them in different directions and in some cases turns very bitter..

So back to my friend, she was pouring her out to me because she felt trapped in a no win situation, her best friend was getting married and she did not want to be her chief bridesmaid!! I was a bit surprised as I know weddings to be a lot of fun, plus she was getting a free dress and accessories, so what on

,

,

I

T does seem clear to many of us who still have, and are guided by a sense of history that Nigeria derailed from its historical course, and drifts, when it abandoned Zikist ideology as its foundational myth. Much of Nigeria’s history, particularly since the civil war, has been shaped by a cynical disregard and disinterest in nationbuilding. The rise and triumph of the ethnic and regionalist tendencies in Nigeria from 1967 has spiraled into its current headache, bred and led by her sons of Anarchy. But Zikism provides Nigeria an alternative to national miasma, and on the strength Azikiwe’s renascent and humanist philosophy many of us believe in the imperative of a Nigerian Risorgimento. It is in Nigeria’s interest.

It is in the interest of the future generation. It is in the highest interest of black people on this earth, that one of its potentially greatest nations with its agglomeration of peoples survive in strength to offer refuge to her children. This was the crux of the statement by Pastor Ayo Oristejeafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who was this year’s guest lecturer at the Inaugural “Zik Lectures” Series organized by the Center for Igbo Studies, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. First, let me commend the Director

,

The year is drawing to a close and it's a time for families to share love and many pleasures.

It can be a very difficult time for matured singles, the holidays are a painful reminder of all they don't have and it is to them

“What is wrong with me?”

She asked.

Her question caught me off guard and opened a few painful wounds as I had been in her shoes not so long ago. How could I forget all the countless family meetings and vindictive gossip I was subjected to when every body in my

,

that people already have an answer to most of their problems you just need to help them articulate and affirm it.

“So what is wrong with you?” I asked.

Her head rose sharply and she answered with a quick “nothing”.

I was relieved; she hadn’t

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Goodbye Okonjo-Iweala

reported as follows: “Don’t blame me for naira devaluation – Okonjo-Iweala.” In the report, the Minister of Finance, was quoted as saying that “Nigeria has what it takes to manage its way through.

Benchmark for the budget 2015 had been lowered to more realistic $73 per barrel. Never in the history of budgeting in Nigeria had a Finance Minister been so often wrong as Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had been this year. But before presenting the irrefutable evidence, a quick remark is needed about her self-acquittal from blame for the devaluation. Certainly, the Finance Minister cannot be blamed for devaluation. However, Dr Ngozi, like a serial offender, had simply addressed the one matter on which she will be exonerated. She had left the other charges of incompetence, self-

Laying dangerous precedents "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants-" Isaacs Newton

D

ECEMBER 1st is an important date.

If it doesn’t ring a bell it is understandable.

Civil rights or segregation seems to be consigned to the background nowadays.

Imagine, not been able to sit where you want and told that you should sit at the back of the bus because the front of the bus is reserved for white people. Schools and other public places were segregated. It was a very horrid time for African Americans living in America then. Black people lived parallel lives. Racism and oppression was very much alive. So on December 1st 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus so a white person can sit. Fifty nine years ago, Rosa Parks made history and changed the course of segregation that reverberated beyond America. Her brave stance that day led to her arrest and a year-long bus boycott

led by a little known Martin Luther King Jr. The act of defiance led to the civil right Act and the dismantling of segregation in the United States. Her act of defiance changed the lives of many and gave opportunities to many blacks.

Sometimes we forget that some people sacrificed so much to attain our way of life. Independence did not happen overnight but people take that for granted these days.

Freedom is very precious and sometimes we take it for granted and we only value it when we no longer have it. Sadly, the freedom we enjoy in Nigeria eludes most African Americans; they are still fighting for equality. Despite the fact that the blacks make up 13.3 % of the population, there is a disproportionate amount of black people in the penal system and they are more likely to be stopped and searched by the police. They are more likely to be poor and disadvantaged than their white counterparts.

it. On Friday, November 28, 2014, the price of Brent crude, Nigeria’s light crude went below $73 and it is expected to fall further.

The consequences of the difference between $78 and whatever will be the final destination for Nigeria are extremely grave. Yet, the Minister of Finance is downplaying a global, as well as, a national catastrophe about to occur. That is the

Nothing is more untruthful than the

Ngozi either believes that statement, in which case she should go for refresher course in basic economics or doesn’t believe it, which is worse; and she should just go.

Trend analysis and forecasting become very valuable tools for economists during periods of dynamic uncertainty. For close to a year, we had been drawing attention to economic disaster which is now at our door step.

At this time, we need a Finance Minister who can be realistic and manage poverty; Okonjo-Iweala is living in dreamland.

P.S. Is it not curious that nobody in the Federal Government or Nigeria ever asked me how I could be so accurate with the predictions?

Certainly, the Finance Minister cannot be blamed for devaluation. However, REQUIEM FOR Dr Ngozi, like a serial offender, had DR EKWUEME’S – PDP (3) simply addressed the one matter on BABY “Where did Obasanjo which she will be exonerated get N130million from?”

,

reason she should pack up and go or be shown the way out. Certainly, no Chief Financial Officer of First Bank, Shell or Nestle S.A could have been wrong so often in a matter of days and survive the embarrassment to the company.

“If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will soon find

declaration that “Nigeria has what it takes to manage its way through.” That is pure drivel and she must be the only person who believes that. Even a market woman whose main product is no longer in demand, without a credible alternative, knows that disaster is at hand. Dr

It is well known that blacks are more likely to be shot or maimed by the police. From Rodney King, Eric Garner and recently, Michael Brown and Trayvon. In the last couple of days, the New York grand jury had failed to indict the officers for killing Eric Garner. This is one of many of the injustices felt by the African Americans that make them feel devalued and oppressed by the institutions. It seemed that more black people die in the hands of the police. There have been protests against injustice. This is what happens when one race is valued over another. In our case, we cause mistrust and resentments by pitting one religion against the other or tribe against another and so on.

America might be a world away it is relevant in terms of tribal and religious discrimination.

There is great concern that the present administration is using the police to brutalise and intimidate opposition and ordinary citizens. This government is laying down dangerous precedent and the safety of the people are at risk when officers who are meant to protect and serve the people are systematically groomed to do the direct opposite.

Nigeria deserves better. The worry is we are fast becoming a police state.

The fiefdom is recruiting the police to do its dirty work intimidating ordinary citizens and oppositions.

This is not right and

definitely not acceptable.

Yes, Corruption is a Problem Everywhere?

"History shows that it does not matter who is in power or what revolutionary forces take over the government, those who have not learned to do for themselves and have to depend so keep eye on others never obtain anymore right or privileges in the end than they had in the beginning"-Carter G.Woodson

,

O

serving public utterances and subordination of the national economic interest to the political ambition of her boss. In that regard she had done severe damage to the economy and to President Jonathan himself. Her departure, either through resignation or dismissal is a matter of time. And the reasons are not hard to find.

First, she sent a budget to the National Assembly, with $78 as benchmark, at a time when the price of crude oil was already sliding downwards. We told her $78 was unrealistic; she stuck to her guns.

Second, when crude came down to under $80 per barrel, she sent her “more realistic” budget based on $73 per barrel.

Again, we cautioned that the figure is still unrealistic. As fate would have it, the price of crude oil fell below $73 per barrel the day after she was beating her chest about presenting a “more realistic” budget. That second budget is again on its way to the trash can – after millions of naira had been spent on

,

“Nobody steps into the same river twice.”

Chinese Proverb. n Thursday, November 27, 2014, the PUNCH , on page 14

sorrow near at hand.”

Confucius, 551-497 BC. (VANGUARD BOOK of QUOTATIONS, pp70-71).

It is not just a man; a government and its Ministers, who take no thought to the future soon find themselves in a situation in which three budgets are presented in three months. The signs of our present problems were there for those who cared, like me, to see as early as last year. The Finance Minister, had abandoned planning and forecasting for mere allocation of revenue and (mis)management of the Excess Crude Account, ECA. She had led the President, who will be the first to suffer the consequences of her unpardonable errors, into a fool’s parad ise.

Nnana Ochereome, VANGUARD, November 20, 1998. (See my book PDP: CORRUPTION INCORPORATED p94)

Unfortunately, the composition of the G-34

group and the principles enunciated by the party, at its inception, could, at best, be regarded as a “salad bowl of illusions” (apologies George Santayana, ) prepared by too many mindless cooks. with relish. Sometimes you feel all Nigerians are corrupt home and abroad.

I know this is not the case but we operate a system that is open to bribery and corruption. It seems it is the given and majority, become common place. Our institutions are built on corruption.

In the index, countries like Denmark and New Zealand are least corrupt.

The chair of the T r a n s p a r e n c y International, José Ugaz

Freedom is very precious and sometimes we take it for granted and we only value it when we no longer have it

Good news is in order as Nigeria moved couple of notches higher in the corruption perceptions index that measures perceived levels of public corruption in 175 countries.

There is a slight improvement for Nigeria having ranked 144th most corrupt nation in 2013,139th in 2012 and 143rd in 2011.So in 2014 it now ranks 136 most corrupt country alongside Somalia, North Korea, Sudan.

Yes, corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria but in Nigeria it is blatantly done openly and menacingly

,

said" the 2014 corruption perceptions index shows that economic growth is undermined and effort to stop corruption fade when leaders and high level officials abuse power and appropriation of public funds for personal gain" and he mentioned " Corrupt officials smuggle ill-gotten assets into safe hands havens through off shore companies with absolute impunity". He added that having poorly equipped schools, counterfeit medicine and elections decided by money are just some of the consequences of public

Rotation and zoning, two principles hotly denied in 2011 in order to make Jonathan eligible, were there clearly …

To begin with the original 34 included individuals who should not ordinarily walk together in the dark. The highly principled people, Ekwueme, Ige, Adebanjo, Attah, Otegbeye, Balarabe Musa, Ango Abdullahi, for instance, went into bed with opportunists (AGIP, Any Government in Power) like Professor Gana. It was a disaster waiting to happen. Very quickly, the principled people left as more opportunists came into the party. Ekwueme and Attah, among other founding fathers must have assumed that a well-crafted party constitution would take care of the dangers ahead; the constitution would prevent the predators from hijacking the party and turn it to what it is today.

Predictably, none of the principled founding fathers is now in the corridors of power; only Gana remains – which says all there is to be said on that.

The first turning point on the road to Armageddon occurred when Obasanjo, the man made destitute by Abacha, was released from jail in 1998, he joined the party, a few weeks after and donated N130million; and no questions asked by men ordinarily presumed to be honest… sector corruption and bribery that steals resource from the most vulnerable they undermine justice and economic development, and destroy public trust in government and leaders".

It seems the man was describing Nigeria's situation to the letter.

Sometimes it is important to compare our standing in the world. From the list, it doesn't look good and for the apologists, who are quick to defend our appalling standing in the world, they should understand this; not been the worst is not something to boast about. We should always strive to be better.

We weren't always like this: we were once honest, hardworking, dignified and with integrity and we had better standards.

I know poverty brings out the worst in people. It is the greed that has marred Nigerians the most. This is not bashing Nigerians but our leaders and some Nigerians are so corrupt already, and the problem is, other nations tar all Nigerians with same brush.

I hear that the FG's PR machines are pumping their chest that the president's anti-corruption campaign is working! They can take the credit for this one as there is nothing to be crowing about.

Yes corruption is a problem everywhere but a wide spread corruption is a sure sign that nothing works as it should and it is the citizens of that country that suffer.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 11

S

enate President David Mark is scared”. That was the title of a media report that caught my attention the other day. I could not immediately fathom what could scare the nation’s 3rd most powerful citizen until I read the story. It was only then I realized that despite the immense power of his office characterized by his retinue of aides as well as his background as a former military commander, there is not much difference between Senator Mark and my defenceless self who can shiver merely because the end of the year ’s harmattan season when everywhere is cold has set in. I then imagined that if their President is scared, then our Senators must all be shivering now. I am however still at a loss as to why any Nigerian politician should be scared. After all, if there is unrest in the land, credit it to them; if private armies are installed to maim opponents-real or imagined, our politicians are the exponents.

Politics which in other climes operates as a game is war in Nigeria in which the end justifies whatever weapons are employed.

There is thus nothing wrong with electoral violence in the form of snatching ballot boxes or the misuse of law enforcement operatives to clinch electoral victory.

Any opponent can be silenced by any means because there is nothing

,

“

Politics which in other climes operates as a game is war in Nigeria in which the end justifies whatever weapons are employed

the politician cannot do; hence by consensus, we all believe that even the dreaded Boko Haram is the creation of our political class.

Interestingly, their expertise in instalmental amendments to our c o n s t i t u t i o n notwithstanding, it didn’t

PhD, Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos,

Characteristics of agbata ekee democracy (1)

I

N the last series of articles of this column, I tried, albeit briefly, to determine the electability of two major frontrunners in next year's presidential elections, namely, President Goodluck E. Jonathan and former military head of state, Muhammadu Buhari. From the analysis, I concluded that despite the egregious failings of the incumbent President and the anti-corruption reputation of Buhari, Jonathan who has been chosen by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its presidential candidate will defeat Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 if the latter emerges as APC's presidential flag bearer.

That conclusion flows from two undeniable facts.

One, Buhari's fourth attempt is riddled with inconsistencies between his dictatorial legacy and unconvincing attempts by Buharists to present him as a disciplined democrat capable of navigating the treacherous and muddy waters of Nigerian politics.

Two, APC, the opposition party, is too similar to PDP in terms of ideological hollowness and questionable antecedents of its prominent members that for most Nigerians the

occur to them to smuggle in a new constitutional provision which grants themselves immunity against calamities like ar med robber y, kidnapping and insurgency. If what appears clear now is that we are all afraid, then the high and the mighty and those who have the muscle to sponsor anarchy and chaos are not smart. Otherwise, what is

difference between the two parties is like the difference between six and half a dozen. These, coupled with the incumbency factor, will work in favour of President Jonathan during the elections.

It must be remarked that entrenchment of the incumbency factor in the DNA of Nigerian politics implies that genuine democracy in terms of Abraham Lincoln's definition as "government of the people, by the people and for the people" is yet to evolve in Nigeria and, indeed, in most African countries. Of course, there can never be a perfect democracy in this world.

But in Africa what obtains mostly is a caricature of democracy that subordinates the interests of the vast majority to those of the political and economic elite.

The kind of governance in Nigeria since 1999 cannot really be characterised as genuine democracy, principally because of the selfish, primitive, immature and myopic attitude of politicians and Nigerians generally to important issues of governance and leadership.

The best description for it is agbata ekee democracy, which is aptly captured by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's poignant notion of

,

new now to induce fear in the polity?

Of course it is not new that last week, some insurgents allegedly attacked Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital towns of Borno and Yobe states respectively and killed several people. In the Damaturu attack "democrazy" or "demonstration of craze."

But what is agbata ekee democracy? Logically, before one can grasp the concept of agabta ekee democracy, a prior understanding of the expression agbata ekee is necessary. Agbata ekee is an Igbo expression that connotes the practice of sharing things obtained through theft, fraud, deceit, and other immoral means.

Hence, armed robbers sharing what they had forcibly taken from their victims, police officers distributing money collected from motorists during illegal roadblocks, and legislators scrambling for their own share of bribes paid either by the executive to get a certain bill passed or by a multinational company to secure favourable contracts and concessions from government - all these belong to the category of agbata ekee behaviour.

From the foregoing, agbata ekee democracy is a debased form of civilian administration in which members of the ruling elite manipulate the mechanics of power and law to appropriate resources of the country and distribute same among themselves, thereby alienating majority of the populace from the benefits of organised society and community life. Crumbs that manage to reach the masses from the master's sumptuous table barely keep the masses alive and primed for further e x p l o i t a t i o n , marginalisation and pauperisation by the ruling class.

One of the essential attributes of agbata ekee

tedious task of fighting back to protect their principals. It is the ordinary people that would have as usual had no hope.

Being in Abuja is thus the political leader ’s delight.

It is the place to be not only because it is the most fortified against attacks, it is the place for those who carry on as if nothing else matters except politics. It is a place where the purchase of political delegates is hatched, stage-managed and packaged. Not to be in Abuja is almost like planning to commit political suicide. Indeed, the endorsement of Governor Gaidam as his party ’s gover norship candidate for the 2015 elections a few days after coming to Abuja would not have happened. This is probably why our politicians keep moving on no matter how many of our people get killed by the day. They therefore have no time for fear or remorse. If so, why is our Senate President scared?

The answer from the media is that he was frightened by the magnitude of bomb blasts carried out by the insurgents as well as the bravery they displayed in their bid to capture Damaturu. Mark stated this while commenting on the motion brought by Senator Ahmed Lawan representing Yobe North in the Senate on the development.

For us, whether the insurgents threw no bomb

and had no cause to display any gallantry before entering Chibok, the capture of over 200 girls from their school several months ago remains a major failure of government. The attack on the Kano Mosque the previous Friday and all other fatal attacks in several parts of the North East leading to the death of several Nigerians negate the main purpose of government which our constitution says is the welfare and security of the people. The Federal Government has failed, so have all our States and Local Governments for not recognizing what we have today as a national calamity that calls for national cohesion. In other words, all our political parties would have been united, the way the nation often stands together in an international football match involving our national team.

In a nation where the people are the subject and not the object of democracy, our politicians who form government would have mobilized everyone into the war on terror. They would have made the subject the overriding issue of the moment; they would have had the conscience of ensuring that the battle ends before partisan politics finds its way to the front burner again. Alas that is not to be so; our fate now is that while some of us are dying, others are into party primaries!

democracy is the culture of inverted leadership. In a genuine or mature democracy, people go for power after prolonged soul searching, because they are interested in giving service to improve the living conditions of compatriots.

Consequently, the most influential politicians in such a setting are successful professionals or businesspersons desirous of giving back to the

corruption by top political office holders is relatively low if compared to what obtains in Nigeria and other fledgling democracies in Africa.

In Nigeria, a sizeable percentage of those engaged in politics are either jobless people trying to survive or unsuccessful professionals who believe that politics is the quickest way of rehabilitating their dwindling economic and social standing in the society. So, it is not surprising that Nigerian politics is rapidly being dominated by greedy and unscrupulous ruffians coarse in both mind and intellect who do not understand that democracy, according to my friend, Obi Nwakanma, is a slow and graceful dance of ozo titled men, not the aggressive surugede dance of roughnecks. Generally, our politicians have not grown beyond the mental age of schoolchildren who maltreat a colleague whose opinions differ from their own. This explains the pernicious continuation of politics-with-bitterness, which has prevented the emergence of authentic democratic culture in Nigeria.

Those who denigrate Nigerian politics as a dirty game hardly consider the role of education, both informal and formal, in generating the kind of mentality politicians manifest either in the pursuit of their political ambitions or in carrying out their duties as public officials. In a developed society, education inculcates two mental dispositions conducive to democracy, namely, the

willingness to back one's judgment and readiness to submit to the decision of the majority even if one disagrees with it.

Unfortunately, our educational system has failed in this respect.

Recently in Ekiti state, minority lawmakers removed the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Omirin. Similar scenario is playing out in the House of Representatives after Aminu Tambuwal refused to resign as Speaker after defecting from the PDP to the minority opposition party, APC. All this stems from obdurate refusal of the minority to conform to the democratic practice of submitting to the majority.

An essential feature of agbata ekee democracy is prevalence of the spirit of ferocious dogmatism and megalomania in some of the most prominent politicians. Shortly before the 2011 presidential elections, two presidential candidates made highly inflammatory remarks and threatened violence if they lose the elections. Threat and actual use of violence to win elective political positions is a negation of true democratic practice.

Nigeria has had a chequered history of political violence instigated and engineered by power-hungry politicians intent on capturing power at all cost, since politicians for whom public office is an avenue for power and primitive accumulation tend to see violence as a legitimate means of acquiring and retaining power.

,

Now that our Senate is shivering, whither Nigeria?

alone, not less than 33 policemen and six soldiers were said to be among the casualties. The administrative block of the Yobe State University and that of the state radio corporation and the Police Mobile Base, located along the path of the imbroglio were all reportedly set ablaze. In the case of Maiduguri, six persons were reportedly killed; among them were two female suicide bombers who detonated explosive devices at the popular Monday Market.

Whereas the attempt by the insurgents to capture the government house in Damaturu may look novel, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State was expectedly away from his duty post at the time of the attack. Why would he have been there? It is true that he was elected to govern Yobe State from Damaturu but a government statement issued on the day of the attack said “official” duties took him to Abuja where every other Governor is always found these days. If he had remained in Damaturu would he not have been left out of the high political networking for which Abuja has become an epic centre? Put differently, it can be said that if the insurgents had gone to other states, highly placed politicians with lorry loads of armed escorts would probably not have been around thereby saving their defenders from the

Those who denigrate Nigerian politics as a dirty game hardly consider the role of education, both informal and formal, in generating the kind of mentality politicians manifest

,

community that gave them opportunities for successful life. Largely, when such people take up the reins of political power, the urge to engage in primitive accumulation would be low. Bulimic corruption is antithetical to genuine democracy: it leads to massive misappropriation of public funds. In a genuine democracy, political leaders recognise that they hold power in trust for the electorate and willingly step down when it is necessary to do so in the interest of the people. That is why in the mature democracies of Europe and North America, the level of

To be continued

PAGE 12 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 13

Atiku Abubakar....The Turaki Adamawa is very optimistic that come December 10 when the primary election will hold, he will emerge the flag bearer of APC

Atiku: I won’t give up on Nigeria N

o matter what any body tells him, he says he will never give up on Nigeria. Read and know why former Vice President Atiku Abubakar loves Nigeria and wants to occupy Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“How can I be discouraged?

You are just asking me to give up on Nigeria. I have no other place to go. I don’t. So, why should I give up on Nigeria. I cannot give up until I can no longer or do not have the capacity or the strength. There is no way I can give up on Nigeria.”

Those were his responses to a question put to him by a journalist during a press conference in his Asokoro, Abuja residence on September 16, 2014.

The journalist had sought to know why he won’t give up on his presidential bid after two unsuccessful shots in 2007 and 2011.

But by his candid answers, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar showed passion, faith, determination and opti-

mism that, someday, the Nigerian nation would be great again.

Indeed, it is called the Giant of Africa, but this is one appellation that many people now struggle to defend. Even the present administration led

by Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan won’t bat an eyelid in acknowledging that Nigeria is yet to get out of the woods and, for this reason, has asked Nigerians to renew his mandate in the 2015 general elections.

But this is where his critics get worried. To them, a government that has not tackled insecurity which has claimed thousands of lives, has not built social infrastructures and failed to fix a bleeding economy after four years deserves to be shown the way out. One word which has continued to resonate for a long time now suffices: “clueless”.

But even as Jonathan’s numerous critics, seemingly domiciled in the nation’s main opposition political party, the All Progressive Congress, APC, would parade those propositions, there is also another school of thought.

,

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

By his candid answers, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar showed passion, faith, determination and optimism that, someday, the Nigerian nation would be great again. Indeed, it is called the Giant of Africa, but this is one appellation that many people now struggle to defend

,

The view posits that of Nigeria former presidents did not have a vision or mind of their own. In any case, they were mostly hand-picked by godfathers or the elites who used them for selfish gains and so, throughout their reign, the country remained in doldrums.

But there is this man who has spent the greater part of his life diagnosing Nigeria’s problems. He has equally been at the corridors of power before where he garnered the requisite experience that will sure catapult the country from

its economic and political quagmires once he is given the opportunity in 2015. He is Atiku.

Going by a chieftaincy tittle—Turaki of Adamawa, conferred on him in his home Adamwa State- Atiku has long declared his intention to run for president on the platform of APC. To tell how serious he is, he has since started enlightenment and sensitization campaigns to old and young, rich and poor across the country. Every day, he is in one town or the other meeting people.

The result of this manifested when his state chapter of the APC unanimously endorsed him for the presidency. Even though he is vying for the ticket with at least three other eminently qualified and influential personalities in the party which included former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, Kano State governor, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Publisher of Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Atiku’s chances of grabbing the ticket eventually are as large and wide as the sea.

Therefore, the Turaki Adamawa is very optimistic that come December 10 when the primary election will hold, he will emerge the flag bearer of APC. Below are snippets of his promises for Nigeria if voted president in 2015 as contained in his policy document: • An economy that creates jobs and banishes poverty • A government that listens, cares and plays by the rule • Security that guarantees peace and national harmony • A society that abhors corruption and nepotism

PAGE 14—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Edo: PDP cannot afford the mistake of 2012 again — Ex-Gov. Osunbor

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

H

Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor these conflicts and for arriving at a common position. And that is through appeal. So if you have conflicting judgments from state High Courts or Federal High Courts, you can appeal to the Court of Appeal. Of course the Court of Appeal also has different divisions across the country. If there are conflicting judgments from different divisions of the Court of Appeal, then the Supreme Court is there to resolve the matter once and for all. Once the Supreme Court has decided, that now represents the position of the law in Nigeria. So it should not worry anybody that there are conflicting judgments or decisions of the court. But what should worry people is the question of the integrity of the judges themselves. The issue of corruption, the issue of some judges not deciding, in accordance with the law as they ought to but deciding according to some other extraneous considerations, influence or factors, that is really what will threaten the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

The view that I have always canvassed is that this will threaten the very foundation of our democracy because the courts, as they say, represent the last hope of the common man. So if the common man and the general public cannot trust the court to deliver justice in accordance with the law, the next thing you see is that people will take the laws into their hands. And I have always urged that those judges who are compromising may not be the ones to suffer it, it may be other generations of judges. So it is the collective duty of all of us, to impress it on the judges that they must respect their oath of office. They must continue to sustain the integrity of the judiciary. Some people say, after all, judges are Nigerians and if there are corrupt policemen, corrupt lecturers, corrupt Customs officers, we should expect corrupt judges. I don’t buy that argument. Judges are a special set of people. They have power over life and death. Like I have always said, not even the President of Nigeria can condemn some body to death. Not even the Chief of the Army Staff

or the Inspector General of Police can say that this man has to die.

Only a High Court judge or judges of superior courts can pronounce a death sentence on a human being and his life can be taken. So, do you equate that kind of person with a corrupt Customs officer or a corrupt lecturer or police officer? They are a different kind of people and they must uphold that integrity. Even the Holy Bible expects certain standards from judges and pronounces a curse on judges who compromise. There is no where in the Bible where a curse is placed on corrupt police officers or corrupt lecturers as far as I

,

Since the legal battle of 2008 which ousted him as Edo State governor and saw the emergence of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as his successor, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor has been calm on the political scene of the state. Even though he lost the governorship, Osunbor, also a two-time senator when he represented Edo Central, has not stopped serving his fatherland, as he is the incumbent Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.

Penultimate week, some youths from the three senatorial districts of Edo State, under the aegis of Edo Visionary Network, honoured him with an Award of Excellence at his Iruekpen country home.

After the ceremony, where the youths equally called on the former governor to make himself available again for the 2016 contest, he broke his silence on his next political moves and some national issues.

Excerpts: ow has life been since you left Osadebey Avenue as governor of Edo State?

It is many years now since I left Government House but life has been good. As you know I am currently the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. So there has not been any dull moment. I am still very useful to the country, useful to the society courtesy of the role I am playing as Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission. We thank God for the opportunity to serve.

Nigerians, most times, seem to get confused about court judgments and counter judgments. Again, we have been talking about the constitution’s amendment. How long will this take?

Let me say that no constitution is perfect, that is why, in every part of the world, people continuously strive to improve on their constitution.

You known that the constitution of the United States of America has been amended 27 times since about 1873 when it first came into force. The constitution of South Africa came into force in February 1994 I think, already it has been amended 16 or 17 times.

In Nigeria, we have had the 3rd amendment, the 4th amendment is hopefully going to come about soon. So it should not worry us that we are amending the constitution in Nigeria.

Constitutions are amended to reflect current realities. Society is dynamic, that is why the constitution itself in Section 9 recognizes that it can be amended from time to time, it can be altered.

And this is not going to be the last; in future, Nigerians, if they feel there is the need to revisit the provisions of the constitution for the purpose of amending or altering them, that will happen.

Secondly, on judgments of court, again in a federation like Nigeria, this is expected. You may find conflicting judgments by state High Courts for instance, even the Federal High Courts in different parts of the country. The constitution has in-built mechanism for narrowing down

insurgency to an end. It is very disturbing, almost a shame that a country as big as Nigeria, that as many as 15 local governments are now under the control of militants. I urge government, security agencies in particular, to bring this insurgency to an end.

Since judges were beaten up in Ekiti, Nigerians have not heard about any sanctions against the perpetrators. Don’t you see this endangering our democracy?

The only thing I can say is to reiterate that when things are going wrong in our society, it behoves on all of us, particularly the elders, the mature people to recognize that and stop it because, if you don’t, you never know who will be the victim in future. When some judges decide to compromise and do some thing which is not in accordance with the law, they may not be the ones to suffer the consequences, it could be some other persons.

Some of you particularly in the media, when you see some thing going wrong, check it, let it be corrected. You never can say whether five, ten years from then, you will be the victim of impunity. That is all I can say.

Defections First of all, the constitution has something to say about one leaving his party under which platform he was elected to another party. There are situations where it is permitted, there are situations where it is not permitted. For the executive, there is no such provision as far as I know. But the court has since pronounced on this matter before, I think in the case of Gov.Yuguda.

When things are going wrong in our society, it behoves on all of us, particularly the elders, the mature people to recognize that and stop it because, if you don’t, you never know who will be the victim in future

,

know. But judges have a special responsibility. So judges should not be equated with others.

It is by choice that people decide to be judges; so once some body has taken up that responsibility, he must ensure that he does justice to all.

On 2015 general elections There is a lot of activities across the political parties. The various political parties have rolled out their programmes and agenda.

So at this stage of our democracy, every four years, you expect this heightened level of political activities. And what we see now is really not different from what we have seen in the past. It is only unfortunate now that we have added the problem of insurgency and insecurity; I think that is the only thing that I see that is different. It is worrisome and very disturbing and we do hope that our security forces will do every thing within their powers to bring this

I also know that with respect to governors who changed parties recently, the matters are also in court. So let us wait for the judiciary to come with a clear position. I don’t think the Supreme Court has had occasion to decide on this matter.

Perhaps when the Supreme Court does get the opportunity to pronounce on this matter, then we will know, once and for all, what the position is. As I said before, both the cases of the National Assembly members who changed parties and the governors are before the court. So the opinion I may offer now may not carry any weight when the courts make their pronouncement. So let us just wait and hope that the process hastens up.

We heard you say you are joining the Edo governorship race come 2016. What do you want to accomplish?

As I just mentioned to this Edo Visionary Network that paid a

courtesy call on me, I have been getting a lot of calls from people both within Edo and outside the state saying they want me to run for governor again, to complete the things that we embarked upon but didn’t. I have been quite reticent to the request particularly when 2016 still appears distant but not quite distant anymore. Very soon, we will be in 2015 and, in another year, we will be having the governorship election in Edo. So I think the time is now appropriate for me considering all the calls that people are making, that I should make myself available to serve the people of Edo. So, yes, I will run by the grace of God for the office of governor of Edo in 2016.

What I want to accomplish Governance is all embracing and it takes the personality to make things happen in the various spheres of governance. But the people of Edo will determine the priority of government, and you will recall that when I was there, the priority of the people was road development and, as soon as we came in, we decided to tackle it.

First of all, the roads in Benin City, we started carrying out emergency repairs within the first month or two; at least they became motorable and, subsequently, we improved on them and extended the development to other senatorial districts of the state. I am happy that, today, you can drive across the various parts of Edo and see the legacies of what we were able to achieve in the area of road development then. The area of human capital development is another matter. First of all, the civil service was revamped, for the first time offices had computers.

I supplied the first computers to offices because when I came in, they were bringing memos to me typed with manual type writer which was quite a shock. We supplied motor vehicles to civil servants. Edo Line was revamped, Bendel Brewery was producing again, students got bursary; school renovation and development commenced. Yes, we did a few things with the Ministry of Education budget because, at that time, we could not access the UBE funds because we did not have SUBEB in place in Edo. But I constituted the SUBEB about six months before I left.

Grass roots development through local government councils is also something we did.

I charged the local government councils through their chairmen to ensure that whatever allocation came to the councils was utilized for physical development.

I believe that across all the local government areas in the state, you will see projects executed during my time. In Esan West, a lot of roads were constructed, the local government council secretariat, the new one was started during my time and completed subsequently. And through the local government councils, allocations reached traditional rulers. If you go to the palaces of some traditional rulers across the state, you will see what they were able to do with the allocations that reached them through the councils when I was governor. So I can continue going on and on.

Like I said, we will bring to bear the kind of zeal, the kind of determination and vision which we demonstrated between 2007 and 2008; and I am sure the people of the state will be happy that the days of Edo for Excellence are back again.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 15

Gunmen attack Minna Prison, set inmates free

By Wole Mosadomi, Minna

G

U N M E N numbering about 10 stormed the state Maximum Prison along David Mark Road, Minna yesterday evening and set the prisoners free.

Before forcing their way into the Prison, they were said to have shot the warders on duty.

The situation at the prison was however

brought under nomalcy after exchange of fireworks between the gunmen and the police for about 15 minutes.

An eye witness told Sunday Vanguard that the warders who were injured were immediately rushed to the Minna General Hospital for treatment.

No death was recorded at press time.

It was gathered that the gunmen accompanied the freed prisoners through a

foot path to enable them escape.

The gunmen it was also gathered stormed the bye pass after leading the prisoners to escape and snatched vehicles from unsuspecting owners to ferry them out of danger.

The Prison’s Spokesman, Rabiu Shuaibu Muhamned, who confirmed the story could not however ascertain the number of prisoners that escaped and those injured.

By Gbenga Oke

T

HE Ilaje in Lagos State have lamented "the politics of exclusion" playing out in the state.

They described the situation as unfortunate as no Ilaje person is holding any position of authority in Lagos despite their large numbers in every local government area of the state.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ilaje community, held at Mainland Hotel, yesterday, they said it is time to take their rightful position in the politics of Lagos.

Present at the event were two prominent Ilaje sons, Dr Olu Mafo and Dr Bode

Ilaje laments exclusion from Lagos politics Kalejaiye, among others.

Sakeholders from the community took turns to explain why the Ilaje community has not taken its rightful position in the scheme of things in Lagos.

According to one of them, "it is very unfortunate that today in Lagos, go to places like Ikeja and Apapa, you will realize that Kwarans are the ones controlling their party politics, a situation that further confirmed we have been sidelined in the scheme of things in the politics of Lagos State".

EXPERIENCE 2014 Don Moen, Adefarasin, Odukoya, others make case for divine restoration in Nigeria

By Charles Kumolu

I

NTERNATIONAL gospel musician, Don Moen was among gospel artistes of global repute, who gathered in Lagos at the 2014 edition of the annual music concert of the House on The Rock Church to seek for divine intervention in Nigeria.

Tagged: Experience 2014, the event was an avenue for both foreign and local gospel artistes to

C M Y K

appreciate God and beg for his mercy ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Described as the biggest gospel concert in Africa, the forum which was held at Tafawa Balewa Square, attracted hundreds of worshippers.

Those who performed include: Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, and Chevelle Franklin, Micah Stampley, Midnight Crew, Freke Umoh and Frank Edwards, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey,

Angella Christie, Onos Ariyo and Chioma Jesus.

Also in attendance were Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship aspirant, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani Kayode and Lady Maiden Ibru.

The Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Community Choir opened the event alongside Sammie Okposo, and thereafter came ministrations from

Freke Umoh, Onos Ariyo and Midnight Crew.

There were also moments of prayers for the state of the nation led by several Christian leaders such as Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church, Rev Sam Adeyemi of the Daystar Christian Centre, Bishops Mike and Peace Okonkwo of the TREM Church, among others intermittently .

Speaking on the theme of the event titled: One Voice One God, founder of House

on The Rock Church, Pastor Adefarasin, said: ‘’In the course of nine years from inception, the Experience Lagos has become arguably the largest gospel concert in Africa and indeed one of the largest gospel music concerts in the world with a recorded significant infusion into the Lagos State Economy. This year our theme resonates with our prayers as members of the body of Christ for unity in our great nation Nigeria.”

Another stakeholder stated that the Ilaje community has erudite scholars qualified to take positions but unable to do so because of lack of cooperation.

Another participant said, "Things can only get better if we come together.

Enough is enough. Ilaje community cannot continue to live like a second class citizen in the politics of Lagos where they have large numbers". Some of the participants who spoke on the condition of anonymity after the event maintained that the meeting might not be unconnected with the emergence of Mr Akinwumi Ambode as the flagbearer of the All Progresives Party (APC) who is considered as one of their own.

According to one of them, "we are going to give all our support to ensure Mr Ambode emerges the next governor of Lagos at the forthcoming elections and that is why this gathering is necessary for us to rub minds and see how we can move forward".

Another participant decried a situation whereby one of the aspirants that contested with Akin Ambode stated that "one son of Ilaje cannot come and rule Lagos".

PAGE 16— SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 17

bb pin: 20C37A25

Tracy Obonna lands New York TV host job

F

I

t’s got to happen sooner or later for Tracy Obonna, the New York City based Nigerian actress and model. Tracy who is known as ‘The Nigerian Bombshell’ on account of her killer curves has glamourised the covers of too many top notch magazines not to have caught the attention of some people who pull some strings in the entertainment world.

She landed the TV host job, Videocity Productions, some weeks ago and one of the first people she shared the good news with was Potpourri,. Well, so I guess!

Tracy has done some jaw-dropping bikini shoots in her career that would get many Nigerian models gawking in bewilderment or perhaps even wondering if they would ever get a shot at the big times.

Her latest Nollywood job is Dance in the Storm, a film shot in Florida, USA, featuring Mama G. Other films she’s done back home are Lost, X-Class and Temperamental.

I can watch movies from morning till night

How I almost got stark naked on set

— Chizzy Alichi

— Cynthia Okonkwo

B

efore your mind starts running wild with all sorts of imaginations, this is a girl that would never go nude on set at any price. At least that was what she told Vanguard a couple of years ago. The idea of nudity or going stark naked crept in to her story as a result of what you may call occupational hazard.

Every job has it, isn’t?

Beautiful, with a cherubic kind of vulnerability, you wouldn’t have thought Cynthia has a strong streak in her make-up. But Nollywood isn’t a place you pick roses as you walk through the path. It’s a damn cut-throat game that requires your dealing the cards with guts and blood.

“Well, I haven’t really gone through so much stress in getting roles in movies. But that does not mean I haven’t been attending auditions and facing my own challenges. I attended auditions after auditions but I never gave up any hope. It wasn’t so stressful for me even though I got my first role, while attending audition.

Since then, I haven’t looked back” she once smugly said of her journey into the movies.

But has any picture a story as squeaky clean as the picture?

Not a chance!

Everyone has that moment of dread, that moment you want to jump out of your skin for either doing too much or doing too little.

“There was a day •Cynthia on set I almost got Okonkwo stark naked. What happened? I w a s playing a character that was supposed to be fighting a rival for a man. I was tying a towel over by bosom to my waist and somehow mistakenly, the towel went off and it was just my bra and underwear that were left. That was really embarrassing because my director and crew members were all there to see me like that.

What happened was a mistake, not part of the script. The movie was Girls Turn Men and the girl I was fighting with was Linda Okoro” she said C M Y K

AST rising sultry Nollywood actress, Chizzy Alichi found herself in the acting profession because she has always been nuts about movies. “I have a l w a y s wanted to be an actress.

O n e day, I was passing by and I saw Actors Guild of Nigeria banner at New Berries Park, Enugu, I went in there and made some inquiries. The next day, I registered and started going for auditions. That was in November 2010. I got my first role the same day I went for an audition.” she once declared in an interview.

But that was not the big chunk of cake Chizzy was hoping for but the crumb she got at the start set her appetite aflame with passion to do more and have her name being mumbled in every household as a made actress.

“A female friend informed me about the audition, so on getting there, they were almost rounding off. When I got there, the director called me and they auditioned and cast me immediately. Though I was so nervous because naturally I am a very shy person, I tried my best to perform well. They gave me the role principally because of my height.

The title of the movie is Magic

•Tracy Obonna

Money. I was paid N6,000. I acted alongside Mercy Johnson and Bob-Manuel Udokwu. I was so happy, nervous and excited” she blurted out.

But that basically got the wheel rolling for the leggy and beautiful Chizzy who is now holding her own in the makebelieve world. In a recent chat with Potpourri ,she said she had never had a crush on any actor. To her, all she wanted was to get in front of cameras and act.

“I love movies and I have always wanted to be part of it.

Even as an actress, I still watch movies from morning till night or till the next morning” she told Potpourri

Obesere, Ayuba, Pasuma, others unite for Late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister L

EGENDS, they say live forever. To immortalise late Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, there is Felabration.

Now the Barry Wonder Fans Club, a non political, non profitable Facebook group formed about two years ago to promote the legacy of the late Fuji music icon have come up with ‘Barrybration’.

The group on December 21st is setting Ibadan alight with a carnival-like music concert with an assemblage of top and upcoming Fuji artistes to mark the 4th year remembrance of Alhaji Ayinde Barrister. Top on the bill are Obesere, Pasuma, Ayuba, Osupa, Merenge and Taju System.

Highlights of the day include presentation of award to some eminent Nigerians like Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Alhaji Adisa Osiefa, Alhaji Mufu Lanihun, Chief Hamidu Ajibade, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, Alhaja Aminatu Abiodun, Iyalode of Ibadan and radio presenter, Olalomi Amole among others.

According to the president of the club, Alhaji Kamila Lediju, this array of programmes will be preceded by a keep-fit rally kicking off from the Barrister family home at Dakeja Compound Ayeye enroute Bere and terminating at KS Motel, Total Late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister Garden.

PAGE 18 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

DATING PALAVA:

Between Ejiro Okurame and Shirley Igwe T

WO Nollywood divas, Ejiro Okurame and Shirley Igwe should absolutely have no reason to get at each other. They live in different worlds even though they are in the same trade. Ejiro is doing fine by herself and has the paraphernalia of Igala kingdom as Omi-Akele of Igala kingdom.

Shirley on the other hand has a cozy job as the Principal Protocol Officer to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. So, why should they have an axe to grind?

Shirley actually fired the first shot when she reported on her blog that a Nollywood actress is in sizzling romance with an Imo State commissioner. As a careful blogger, she didn’t mention any name but she painted enough picture of the alleged person in her story to get something as good as a mug shot. According to her, the actress in question is in the cast of Clinic Matters and very close to Mama G. Now, who doesn’t know that person is Ejiro Okurame !

It is the biggest joke of 2014 – Ejiro Okurame

W

hen Potpourri ran the story by the Omi-Akele of Igala kingdom, the beautiful actress just smiled and said; “That is the biggest joke of 2014. I actually thought Shirley was doing fine by herself with her blog but this one is a little over

her head. There’s absolutely no truth in what she has written” quipped the actress who is not ashamed to tell anyone that cares to listen that Mama G is her godmother.

I have my facts – Shirley Igwe

S

hirley on the other hand would not back down and eat her words as she maintained that what she wrote about the actress was true. “At that point, the ‘Clinic Matters’ crew were in America, I couldn’t reach any of them.

But I did a lot of investigation, called people and the story was confirmed, so I put the news out” she told Potpourri in a recent chat.

Even when Potpourri reminded her that the actress in question has squashed the story, that what she wrote was a big lie, the former Face of Delta soap fired back : “Most times, people don’t confirm stories especially when it’s something that’s meant to be kept secret. If it leaks, most of them won’t accept it, so they deny it. I made my investigation and it was true. I wrote it when I couldn’t reach her and if you read the story, you’d notice that no name was mentioned”.

Princess Halliday shoots new series of Empower Africa Initiative F

RESH from hosting Miss Commonwealth UK, the CEO and host of Princess Halliday Show (PHS), Princess Halliday has commenced the recording of new season of the internationally acclaimed TV programme, Princess Halliday Show.

Princess, as she’s fondly called, produce, finance and host Empower Africa which shows on Sky Channel 182 in UK, Africa Magic, 48 countries in the world and now syndicated nationally on Silverbird Nigeria platform.

The Princess Halliday Show is an Empower Africa Initiative that showcases people who have demonstrated positivity against all the odds. These are individuals whom through tenacity and determination have accomplished something great or have been a catalyst for others to follow Guests of the show have included political figures, business leaders, global players, popular stars and ordinary people who C M Y K

have done something extraordinary. For Princess Halliday, the heart and soul of the show are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

The show’s mantra: ‘real people, real stories and real situations’ ensure that The Princess Halliday Show is and always will be inspirational, motivational, educational and entertaining.

Empower Africa Initiative is a charity organisation aimed at showcasing positivity to the world.

Princess Halliday is petroleum engineer, Harvard communication expert, international business consultant and founder, Empower Africa Initiative. At age 3 she is been a radio host for Kiddies World.

At 15, Princess was in her first year at the university. She would often refer to herself as a young girl with an old soul.

Meanwhile the U.K based Nigerian celebrity Princess Halliday has taken part in a new movie as she debuts her acting career in Obi Emelonye’s new TV series, The Calabash.

•Ejiro Okurame

•Shirley Igwe

h t e n n e K n o s a e r l Rea Okonkwo lost political ticket E

ntertainers are learning the hard way that the world of politics is anything but make-believe.

They are dazed: ‘I have a dream’ sleepwalk is leading nowhere but the cold and rude waters of wakefulness. The bunch of Dayo Adeneye, Kenny St Best, Julius Agwu, Tony Tetuila, 9ce and Funke Adesiyan have all lost out.

Just like Desmond who won his ticket, all were looking bright for Kenneth Okonkwo until the eleventh hour when he backed out. Kenneth Okonkwo backed out of PDP primary slated for the 6th of Dec, 2014 as the state chapter of the PDP jettisoned zoning in Nsukka/Igbo Eze south Federal Constituency.

Following the Nsukka/ Igboeze south stakeholders meeting at the Governor’s lodge on the 3rd of December, 2014 where the Governor of Enugu State openly endorsed the former chairman of the party, Vitta Abah, who is from Nsukka East in contradiction to the zoning arrangement which ought to zone the House of Reps ticket to Nsukka west. Barr.

Kenneth Okonkwo (Andy) who is from Nsukka west withdrew from the PDP primary election. He thanked all his fans, friends and family for their support during his campaign.

•Kenneth Okonkwo

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014PAGE — 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

MI blasts Saeon over Wizkid’s collabo charges S

EUN Oni known as Saeon by music fans has a thing going for her as a singer. Her hit single ‘Boogle Down’ is a good proof of what she can do. But it seems the beautiful lady has the mischievous streak in her genetic makeup.

Recently, she drew the ire of fellow music makers for disclosing in an interview how much Wizkid collected from her to do a collaboration with her.

MI was particularly pissed and blasted the young singer for being a loud mouth. Saeon claimed Wizkid collected N1.5 million from her but this to rapper, MI was uncalled for even though he defended Wizkid’s right for collecting the collabo charges.

“Business is business but Saeon has no right going to town to broadcast it” the

•MI

rapper said.

But Potpourri has found out the two singers haven’t been true to their fans as they have made contrary statements to what transpired between them in separate interviews before their alleged deal. In an interview with Vanguard months ago; (Excerpts of interview) What did it cost you to feature Wizkid in the song?

We just expressed it to his camp, and I guess he did some researches on me, came back to say, yes, and that was it.

Did you have to pay?

I am just going to laugh. That will be my answer Wizkid on the other hand, also in an interview with Vanguard had stated “ I do not charge people I love for a collabo but when somebody is on my neck, I can charge like N10 million for it.

• Saeon

•Wizkid

Wild side of the Channel O Awards C

hannel O awards by DSTV is strictly an African affair but the tempo and temperament these days are courting everything bloodily Western. One observer has captured this year’s red carpet attitude ‘Bum is the word’ as most of the female celebrities came brandishing dresses that had their bums screaming ‘Hey, I am here too’.

Maybe Seyi Shay and Tiwa Savage are just as well on the loop but you have to give it to the guts of other African celebrities who gave us more than a sneak peek of what it must have been like at the Garden of Eden. Watch out, for adults eyes only:

•Seyi Shay

•Tiwa Savage

• Pam Andrews

Why I wore what I wore at Channel O award – Emma Nyra

T

riple G First Lady knows what she is about, not only in her music but also on how she looks. At the just concluded Channel O award that held in South Africa last weekend, she was one of the few divas that got heads turning – for all the right reason.

When her peers were taking fashion to the extreme, taking mother nature to the cleaners, Emma got herself together, looking respectable yet ravishingly sexy.

Sharing with Potpourri what inspired the blue dress, Emma gushed; “The dress was custom designed for me by my stylist Chyna Bee from her new BEE Collections which I am the face of! I decided to launch the first BEE Collection dress at the Awards show. Chyna Bee also created my entire look, hair, and makeup for the Channel O Awards in South Africa”

•Denise Zimba

•Emma Nyra

•Boity C M Y K

PAGE 20 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

How many movies have you done this year?

I’ve featured in so many movies but my own movie, the first one I produced, was Ife Okan 1 & 2 What was the first movie you did?

That was Kamadupe in 2011, a film produced and directed by Odunlade Adekola What are the titles of the movies you’ve done?

I featured in Sokofun, Alalubarika, Kamadupe, Dabira, Asake Oni Bread, Adura mi ti gba, so many, I can’t even remember What do you look out for when you see a script, or you just feature in any movie?

I get so many calls to feature in films and each script I get I scrutinize it to see what my character is like. Sometimes when I am not okay with my character I call the producer to say I am not comfortable with it. But as a good actress, any character given to me, I should be able to act it How daring can you be in a movie, can you do something that would shock people?

You know this thing is acting. If I get the script right, I’ll try and sit down, cool myself, go through the script and I’ll think okay, let me do it this way, let me do it that way. I don’t know how to put it but I can play any role; just try and watch Ife Okan, you’ll see what I’m talking about Did you do any raunchy scene in it?

Nothing of such, but I guess I did a little more than that. My character went crazy, like mad, all those stuffs.

I don’t want to tell you everything, just go and watch the movie What is your greatest fear in acting?

When I was on location at Ife Okan and my director told me that I was going to go mad, I was like “Ah, mad, me? I don’t want to run mad o” and my director was like “Bukky, you are an actress, you have to do it” because I bear my real name Bukola in the movie, it was a bit spooky for me to play that ‘mad woman’ role. The thought of Bukola going mad in a movie was a bit hard for me to do but as a good actress I did it and did it well.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far since you got into Nollywood?

There have been lots of embarrassing moments. Sometimes a girl comes to you on location to accuse you of dating the boss, who’s producing the film and questions you, and even attack you for dating her boyfriend. This happens sometimes and you may not even have any idea of what she was talking about because you are not dating anybody on set.

Has any fan ever done anything strange to you?

Yeah, it happens sometimes. Some fans come to really appreciate you for what you do as an actress while C M Y K

I ran mad shooting my latest movie — Bukola Ogundare Bukola Ogundare is one of the fast rising stars in the Yoruba movie industry. She recently told Potpourri that she is in the acting business not just for the money but for the love of the job. Her latest movie `Ife Okan’ is out and doing very well in the market. In this interview with Potpourri she talks about her career and more.

By Damilola Sholola others come to provoke you. There are many who have expressed their desire to date me but I have been able to turn them away nicely because I am engaged.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

That was the day I was presented an Award as the Most Fast Rising Female Actress in Ogun State. I think it was in November or so this year, at Ogun State All Stars and Recognition Awards What do you consider the sexiest part of your body?

I like my stature; I have a very good stature, I like my set of teeth, I’m okay.

Your set of teeth?

My set of teeth Which one do you get compliments more for, is it your boobs or your ass?

You know some guys are funny; some people would be like “Are you Bukola Ogundare, I saw you in this

movie, I like your stature, I like your ass, I like the way you act”, you know, they say all sorts of things. As for me, I have to play along with them, so I don’t seem rude. But sometimes I want to ask: “Why are you telling me you like my ass?” instead I just play along because they are all fans. If they are not fans, they wouldn’t have watched my films at all.

What is your greatest desire on earth?

I want to have a happy home, long life. I want to be a role model to others, most of all, have a happy home.

How many kids are you planning on having?

Just four.

Who inspired you to become an actress?

I have always wanted to be an actress. When I was in Primary School, I was a member of the drama group and we did cultural dances, stage plays and all those stuffs. It was from there I picked an interest in acting. After that so many people told me to go into acting because they thought I was very good at it.

Who do you look forward to working with in the industry?

I’m looking forward to working with Funke Akindele, Toyin Aimakhu and Mercy Aigbe

I want to have a happy home, long life; I want to be a role model to others, most of all, happy home.

What do you want to tell your fans?

I want to tell them that they should keep watching our movies.

•Bukola Ogundare Nobody is perfect but as time goes on, we will try to correct some things we’re doing. anything about it. I plead with them They should keep praying for us not to buy pirated copies, they and they should help us plead with should try and buy original copies Government to help us. Piracy is and I’m also thanking them for killing us big time, even my first buying our movies because if there movie I saw a pirated copy with my are no fans, we won’t be here. two naked eyes but I couldn’t do

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 21

How to tell she is in love H

I

Women are not particularly vocal about their feelings early in on relationships as men are. This is because they usually don’t want to put themselves out there too early and risk “scaring off ” a man, or appearing too "cheap or easy".

I think this may be a bit silly considering that this is not the 18th century, women are supposed to be more sure of themselves and confident in their relationships today.

Nonetheless, it's still happening. If you tell a guy you love him and it scares him off, I think you did yourself a favor and saved yourself a lot of trouble right from the beginning.

However, just as it is with the woman, it can get pretty uncomfortable for a guy too if he has to keep guessing if the woman he loves feels the same way about him. It's a gut feeling that can tear you up inside.

Every day, your doubt will grow and if it does not, it seesaws back and forth or merry-go-round.

Quite frustrating and might cause unnecessary friction and doubts between the lovers.

Because love is different for every couple, there is no owner's manual that you can check to figure out if the person you love loves you back.

Physical chemistry is the first thing many people look for or identify in a relationship.

N e t w o r k i n g / Sponsorship •Favour, 34, a graduate and resides in Lagos, needs well meaning Nigerians to sponsor her business.07038975532 •Martins, needs a kind heated person to sponsor is education.08149938843 Friends Searching Female •Ebere, tall, fair in complexion, a student and from River state, needs caring and lovely male and female friends.

08131577290, 07067176151 •Princy, 21, chocolate in complexion, a student, God fearing and faithful, needs a good looking, elegant and a financially stable man for friendship.07068087329 Lovers Searching Female •Helen, 28, hot and romantic, needs a guy, for a r e l a t i o n s h i p .

08064325305 •Joy, 25 and employed, needs a man who is good, nice and

Though being physically attracted to each other is important, this kind of attraction can vanish with a poof, if the relationship is not based on other subtle, and not so subtle, qualities as well.

Physical attraction doesn’t always translate as love.

If you want to solve the mystery of love and put your

day, week, holidays, career, or future, she does not hedge you off. She will call you often to know what you are doing and she wants to share her day with you too. She will be upfront with her answers. Honesty between you two will help to build trust in a long term relationship.

No conflicting message: When there are conflicting

When a girl falls in love, she may not find it easy to keep it to herself.

Love is a beautiful feeling that radiates all around you and all over you when you find it doubt to rest that your girl loves you, here are some behaviors that may assist you in your findings.

Keep in mind that these are in general, and this information assumes that your girl is not: addicted, abusive, married, living with someone else, or an outrageous flirt. Once you are clear about those facts, even if she does not sum up her feelings into the three precious words, her actions can speak louder than words.

Communication: This is one of the important keys to a successful relationship. How your girl communicates with you is very important. It is an indication that she wants to be open and forthcoming with you. When you ask about her plans, either for the

messages in a relationship, it can drive one crazy. You will feel like the rubber ball attached to the paddle by a slim rubber string, batted back and forth. She does not profess her love for you and desire to be with you, then in another bre ath begin to fantasize about the things she used to do with an ex. The real message that is being sent is "come here.....and go away, you can't win". A lady who is in love with you will not dish out conflicting messages to you. Her language will be plain and simple. She will make you her one and only love interest. Her words and thoughts are straight forward and you will not feel batted

can take care of her, aged 2935, for a relationship. who is good.08063347209 •Esther,, resides in Abuja, needs a God fearing man, who is caring, loving and trustworthy for marriage, aged 35-38. 08117863833 Searching Male •Chuma, 37, a doctor, tall and dark in complexion, needs a decent lady, for a relationship, that will lead to marriage.07061090051 •Jose, 34, a graduate and resides in Benin, needs a lady, aged 30-40, for a serious relationship.07035825807 •Dan, 32, 5.5ft tall, dark in complexion and resides in Anambra state, needs a lady, aged 25-27, for a relationship.

08162650385 •Monday, 35, needs a mature woman for sexual satisfaction. 08117649344 •A man, 50, educated and from Imo state, needs an Ibo, Urhobo or Isoko decent Christian lady, aged 30, for a relationship.07013761771 •Eche, resides in Lagos, needs a tall, pretty God fearing Catholic lady, from Anambra state for a relationship.

08128195856

•Emmanuel, 26, fair in complexion and from Anambra but resides in Lagos, needs an employed lady for a relationship that can lead us to marriage.

08168113379 •Jay,34,dark in complexion, good looking, neat and well behaved, needs an intelligent and plumpy, lady, aged 39-58.

08053366657 •Martins, tall, dark in complexion, loving and has good sense of humor, needs a cool and pretty lady, aged 20 and above, for sexual and healthy relationship.

08039405476 •Ono, 50, and loving needs a loving and friendly divorced lady of 40 for romantic r e l a t i o n s h i p .

0 8 0 9 5 7 1 3 6 8 0 , 08061147400 •Sanchez, 28, a graduate, needs an employed lady.

08164924556 •Tony, 27, educated, handsome and smart, from Delta state, needs a beautiful, fun loving and influential lady for a sexual relationship.

0 7 0 3 8 6 7 8 5 4 7 , 08182828871

DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking.

Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636

around.

She wants to know: If a woman is attracted to you, then she would likely ask a lot of questions. When she asks you questions about your past, your desires, (not just sexual), your needs, how you feel inspired, what you love or anything about you that relates to your thoughts intimately as an individual, you can be sure that she wants what is best for you. She would also demand further explanation if she feels that your answers do not satisfy her curiosity. However, it is important to keep in your mind that you should always be honest with your answers. Don't lie just to impress her, as it has bad impact in the long run.

You become a part of her other relationships: When a girl falls in love, she may not find it easy to keep it to herself. Love is a beautiful feeling that radiates all around you and all over you when you find it. For many of us girls, it is not very easy to keep as a secret. Our friends are usually the first to know that we have struck gold. A girl who is in love with you will want to share her discovery with her friends and family. She will make plans to introduce you to them.

When you meet them, you will realise they already know a lot about you because she has obviously talked about you. They are already familiar with your job, your hobbies and even some of the little intimate things you do together. This may be linked closely with the next point, affirming.

She is affirming: Whether privately or publicly, your girl will

•Femi 31, resides in Lagos, needs an hardworking and God fearing lady, who is Yoruba aged 24-27.07058937217 •Justice, an undergraduate, needs a loving and caring lady, who is financially buoyant,for a serious relationship.

08164083078 •Ime, 35, tall, handsome, a graduate from Akwa Ibom, needs a pretty and employed lady, for a relationship.

08066700412 •Ekene, 36, average and fairly built, needs a willing and employed dark in complexion lady, aged 22-30 for courtship.

0 7 0 5 0 4 6 6 1 9 3 , 08034139298 •Darlington, 29, employed and resides in Warri, needs a romantic and busty lady, who is independent, aged 21-24, for a serious relationship.

07037122210 •Mike, 29, tall, chocolate in complexion, average height, good looking and resides in Delta state, needs a good looking, sexy, romantic and honest lady, for fun.

07015321764 •Ashiri, 55, needs a lady who is still at the stage of child bearing as second wife.

0 8 1 0 5 3 5 1 6 5 0 , 08063534323 Sugar Cares Searching Female •Flora, 24 and pretty, needs a rich sugar daddy.

08099531391 Searching Male •Dayo, 40, resides in Ibadan, needs a sugar mummy.

08038646461

often speak of how she is proud of you. She thinks the work you do is the most important thing in the world and loves for you to tell her about what you accomplished during the day. She is happy to help you with your work in any way she can. A woman in love will not "stab and run," making little negative comments that name the things about you she would like to see "fixed.". Once you know this, you will not have to worry about what she might say to your friend, mother or boss about you!

Gifts: Love is usually present even in the little gestures we make.

When a woman is in love with you, she will notice all the details about you, what you like, read or admire and her gifts will reflect her observation. The quality of her gift will show the level of her perception about what you like.

Her gifts do not have to be expensive or match those you have given her, after all, you are not in a competition. If she is not rich and sends you pricey gifts, then there is a problem and you too need to talk.

As I have mentioned earlier, there is no love manual and all relationships are different from each other. If you love a woman and sense that she loves you but is not saying it, make her feel comfortable. Sometimes, it might take just a few days to have her singing your name to the high heavens, other times, it might take months or even years. The bottom line here is what she truly feels about you and how you are able to interpret it. Love does not usually come so easy, just as it does not always end up in "happy ever after". So, embrace it when you find it. It is better to have tried and fail than to have never tried at all.

Do have a lovely Sunday!

•Kelly, 25, needs a sugar mummy, for an affair.

08051109257 •A guy, gentle, humble and neat, needs an honest and neat sugar mummy who is busty.

08085061712, 07035685279 •Clement, 31, resides in Abuja, needs a hot, sexy and rich sugar mummy that can take care of him.

07037776827 •Obinna from Imo state needs a sugar mummy, for a serious relationship, in Lagos.

08067635096 •Davidson, 25, from Delta state, needs a financially stable sugar mummy.

0 8 0 6 5 5 0 0 4 5 2 , 08167696605 •Emma,35, 5.7ft tall, from Anambra state, needs a wealthy and sexy sugar mummy, who is either Yoruba or Hausa, aged 4050. 08038331143 •Adams, 29, chocolate in complexion, handsome, needs a decent, rich and good looking sugar mummy,aged 30-55.08063411390 •Frank, 25, chocolate in complexion average height and from Bayelsa state, needs a caring and pretty, sugar mummy.08137170733, 07017386019 •John, 32, needs a sexy romantic sugar mummy, aged 25-50, for a relationship.

08037038098 •Michael, 29, needs a pretty sugar mummy, for a frelationship.08080523192

PAGE 22— SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Email: vanguardwoman@gmail.com

I'm obsessed with beauty and wellness —Evelyn Okere, Rose di Omimi boss

Y

ou have been organising beauty and fashion shows within and outside the country, with another one coming up this month; what's the inspiration?

I love fashion and I am very passionate about blending health, beauty and fashion. Fashion is a trend that evolves and revolves everyday. Since I was a kid, I have always loved creating new trends and making new fashion statements. So it’s a passion I have always had.

About the fashion show, I had one last year. It was the maiden event which was tagged “Fashion on The Terrance”.

This year, we are taking it a step higher and expanding our opportunities by calling it "St. Eve West African Fashion Week" and the event is tagged “Fashion in the Savannah”. It will be taking place on the 13 and 14 of December, 2014, in Lagos.

You also run a wellness outfit, what's the attraction and how do you combine this with fashion?

A

N amazon who passionately strives for excellence in whatever field she steps into, Evelyn Okere has always had a knack for fashion and even her long years in the banking and telecommunication sector could not take that away. A long history of reading fashion magazines and following stylish trends saw to the creation of her fashion label, Rose di Omimi, in 2009. Evelyn who is also currently the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at Jevkon Oil & Gas Limited is cofounder and Managing Director at St. Eve Concepts Limited, an enzymatic health therapy/weight management company in Lagos.

Enjoy our chat with her.

Yes, this is because I believe so much in enzymes.

You see, they help in the breakdown of foods in the body. They are very potent and help in health improvement. Enzymes particularly provide nourishment to over 100 trillion cells in the body, thereby providing energy for our system because a malnourished cell will eventually malfunction. That was what inspired my enzyme health therapy/ weight management compa-

ny.

We use these enzyme supplements to achieve weight loss for clients.

Many of our clients have countless testimonies of the success of these enzyme supplements.

Having worked in the banking sector, telecom and your present status, as a woman, do you consider venturing into politics?

Yes. I can decide to go into politics. In the past I have assisted and supported

*Evelyn Okere

several market groups and traders resolve some challenges they had with state government at that time. It is something I can do but before I make that decision I would have to pray about it and discuss with my husband and members of my immediate family.

Sometimes it is not easy to build a business empire,

what has been your experience?

Indeed, it is tasking for women, especially if you are starting from the scratch to build a business/brand or career. The big banks do not support small-scale businesses but women always have a fighting spirit and they always succeed in anything they set their mind to.

How Lagos Fir ty’s dilapidat ed complex Firsst Lady rebuilt Blind Socie Society’s dilapidated

By Josephine Agbonkhese

T

EN years ago when the only vocational training complex that had for 49 years helped the visually impaired regain economic and psychological independence at the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, FNSB, Lagos, finally deteriorated beyond use, the entire process of vocational skills acquisition became rigorous for the already physically challenged citizens.

This was as students of the vocational centre, according to Mrs.Biola Agbaje, Council Chairman, FNSB, had to hold classes even under the shade of the many trees in the compound housing the FNSB. “Rescue mission

L-R: Mrs. Ebun Onabanjo, Trustee, FNSB; Chief (Dr.) Eniola Akinsete, Life Vice President, Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady, Lagos State; and Mrs. Biola Agbaje, Chairman, FNSB, at the commissioning of ultra-modern training complex in Lagos . immediately began with the very slow because we wanted Cathedral Church of Christ, a state-of-the-art workshop for Marina, and MTN giving us quality special education,” some financial grants to begin she said. renovation. But the pace was According to Mrs Agbaje

who spoke during the recent commissioning of a new, equipped ultra-modern vocational training centre eventually facilitated by the Lagos State Government in replacement of the former, luck finally came when, two years ago, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, visited the centre.

“She arrived quietly, noted what we do here, only to get home and begin work on her husband, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. On his birthday in June 2012, the 1st couple spent part of their day here with us and that marked our change of fortune.

“The governor pledged completion of the building project and took over the payment of tuition fees for all our students, through the

State Scholarship Board.

“Today, the workshop is completed and set for teaching various skills such as weaving, tie & dye, music, and many more. We greatly appreciate our new music recording studio which doubles as a practice venue for our students and as a commercial venture. Not to mention the beautiful gym we now have here,” Mrs Agbaje said estatically. owever speaking in response to the outpour of praise, both from students at the centre and members of the FNSB Council present at the event, which climaxed with the conferment of honourary membership of the Council on her, Mrs Fashola simply said, “I believe one mantle I have in life is to uplift.”

H

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 23

08112662589

The Nightmare of an irate ex-lover’s bedroom attack!

I

T’S never been wise to leap into a relationship on the rebound. This Samantha found out the hard way.

“I was in love with my fiance Mike. I met him when I started work at the company we both worked with. He had such a warm personality that we’d hit it off straightaway. He treated me like a princess from the word go and took me on dates to very interesting places and when he asked me to marry him, I agreed”, recalled Samantha.

“It was shortly after that we started rowing over money. I thought we should start saving for the wedding but Mike didn’t want to let go his independence and social life. The arguments went on and on – silly arguments but enough to come between us. In the end we decided to cool things until we were both clear as what we wanted.

“It was weeks after that a friend told me Pious, with whom I’d had a casual fling years ago, was asking after me. He would be a bit of fun, I thought, a welcome distraction. So, I texted him and we agreed to meet at his flat. We were a bit nervous as we chatted about old times.

I couldn’t help but notice that Pious, now in his late 30s, was drinking a lot. He had a slight menacing look on his face now, but after a pleasant evening reminiscing, I didn’t see any harm in giving him a chance.

“But it wasn’t easy. He was a computer analyst and I was a matron in a teaching hospital, so it was hard for us to arrange convenient dates. On top of which his boozing got worse and he could be nasty and menacing when he’s drunk.

“We were at a friend’s party one evening when I glanced his way and saw him giving me a murderous look. What’s the matter with him now?

I thought. What have I done and got myself into? As soon as we got to his place, I got out of his car and made for mine. `Where do you think you’re going?’ he snarled, leaping out of the car and dragging me roughly across to his flat. I stared at him, shocked by what he was doing. He grabbed at my boobs and squeezed hard. `You want sex, right?’ he taunted. `I saw you lusting after that jerk you were talking to at the party. If you want

sex, I’ll give you plenty!’

“I broke away from him and luckily, some of his neighbours heard the commotion and came out.

I dashed into my car and sped off. Mike would never have dreamt of laying a finger on me, I cried sadly as I drove home.

Pious was definitely in my past now, I resolved. He pleaded and promised to change, but those menacing looks he always wore when he was drunk helped make up my mind to give him a wide berth. He bombarded me with abusive text messages, calling me a slag and a whore and I had to report him to the police so he could be warned to keep

the peace.

“Meanwhile, Mike had started texting me again.

After the nightmare of being with Pious, he was like a breath of fresh air.

I couldn’t contain my delight. I invited him round to my flat and all of my old feelings for him came flooding back.

We talked for hours about giving our relationship another go. Much later, it was too late for him to go home. Since the next day was a Saturday, he slept over. I was trying to get breakfast the next morning when he came into the kitchen and started kissing me passionately. It felt so good after all the stress Pious had put me

fear, I looked at Mike.

He leapt into action, covering up my naked body. As he bent down to pullup his trousers, Pious lugged at him, swinging the stick he had with him at Mike. I screamed as Pious started whacking him, his eyes cloudy with rage. It was as if he’d been possessed by the devil. `I saw you, you sex maniac’, he raged, `you were shagging my girl!’

“I continued screaming and tried to separate them but it was no good. My small frame was simply swamped by the two big burly men fighting in my kitchen. Mike started to fight back. He was hitting Pious blow after blow, trying to save us from this maniac. My screams must have attracted my cotenants as a few of them rushed in to subdue Pious.

The thug ran off like the coward he was.

“I made a full report at the police station where I’d earlier reported him and he’s currently facing assault charged. Mike and I are stronger than ever. Only, whenever I run into any of the neighbours who came to our rescue, I cringe.

Thanks to that monster, they now know how I look like naked!”

though.

We were suddenly taken over by the passion of the moment and we started having sex right there in the kitchen.

“When it was over, Mike lifted me up and sat me on the work top. The next thing I knew, there was a terrible ear-splitting noise. Heart thumping, I turned to the window. The glass had been shattered and I knew instantly it was Pious – he was coming for revenge. What on earth would he do when he saw Mike here with me? Seconds later, he smashed his way into the flat. He was clutching a stick and I froze in terror.

It was like something out of a horror movie! Wide-eyed with

08052201867(Text Only)

Reduce that excess fat this Yuletide

F

AT is a necessary component of the human organism. It serves as source of energy; you need it to maintain proper body heat when the surrounding atmosphere takes a dip in temperature; it serves as a carrier for Vitamins A,D,E and K and it is also a source of energy.

It is the excess of fat that is dangerous. With too much of fat, there obtains the situation where there is not enough skin area for the body to regain its optimum temperatures when there has been some vigorous activity.

The fatter the person, the quicker it takes for the body’s temperature to rise and the longer it takes it to cool off.

While the lean individual can race up a flight of stairs with very little effort, the same activity at the same peace will almost kill the fat person.

The fat person pants too quickly in the body’s attempt to maintain the correct body heat.

The action of the lungs is tied to that of the heart.

When you have to breathe C M Y K

faster, the heart naturally beats faster. Too fast a heart rate and the heart itself is denied of enough oxygenated blood for its own upkeep.

The picture is clearer now as to why the fatter the person, the worse a state his heart will be in.

Now you think you need to cut down on the amount of fat you’re carrying around. Good.

But,the problem must be approached with caution.

You must have a weight loss programme that your body can tolerate. Too great a pace and the attendant exhaustion might discourage you from trying anymore.

The sensible thing to do is to modify the diet and introduce the kind of regimen that the body can take and not leave you feeling totally wiped out, as it were.

As far as diet goes, I favour a breakfast of fruit and a lunch and dinner that has a lot of vegetables.

Fruit being predigested leaves very little residue in the system. When you eat fruit, you save enough en-

Single Leg Raise

The Triangle ergy, that way your body has enough power of its own to start dealing with all the toxins that have come about on account of an improper eating pattern.

The practice of deep breathing will enable you cut down on a runaway appetite.

When the appetite is unbridled, you can almost eat or feast to death. Come to

think of it. The human being is about the only animal on earth that does not wait to be hungry before eating. Little wonder we seem to be the only creatures with weight problem.

Animals fare much better as regards food. They only seem to have problems when we domesticate them, turn them into pets. That way we spoil them and soon they become affected with all kinds of conditions.

We should heed Hippocrates device that our food should be our medicine.

So, you have resolved to deal with your excess fat. In that case, here are some exercises that will really help you achieve your goal of a sleek and efficient machinery of a body. * Parsvakonasana: Technique: Standing with feet about three feet apart bend the left knee to the same level with your hip. Keep the right leg straight with the foot placed horizontally to the left foot which is facing left ward. Leave the left hand open and placed next to the left

foot. Straighten the right hand and bring it down so that your bicep touches lightly your right ear.

Stay in the posture for some 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Benefit: The parsvakona-sana posture firms the thighs. It reduces fat on the sides and upper arms. * The Single leg raise: Lying flat on your belly place the hands by your side. With your chin on the floor, raise up the left leg to an angle of about 90 degrees from the floor.

Hold the posture for about 10-15 seconds. Change legs and repeat.

Benefits: This posture tones up the muscles of the legs. It firms the buttocks by reducing excess fat. It is also very helpful for people with backpain.

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

P AGE 24 — SUND AY Vanguard , DECEMBER 7 , 2014 SUNDA

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk 08056180152, SMS only

Why widows should never rush into new relationships

L

ess than a year after my brotherin-law’s death, I rang my sister, Beverly and was surprised to hear her giggling down the line”:, said Tope, herself widowed at age 48. “When I asked what was going on, she told me she had a `gentleman visitor ’.

This was around 11 am, so I told her I’d call back in the afternoon. When I did do, the girlish coyness continued.

‘He’s staying for lunch’, she whispered excitedly. So I called back at 9 p.m. ‘He’s staying for dinner’, she said.

“She later confessed the man didn’t leave until well after midnight. Two months down the line, he’d moved in with her!

Their relationship lasted almost ten years until her death at age 70.

Many children dislike their newly bereaved parents finding new love. Beverly my sister, was like a other figure for me. I became very close to her when we lost our mother and I knew Bev had found being alone very hard. So, I was pleased to hear her sounding so upbeat.

Sadly, her new relationship soon became less idyllic – but rather than leave a man who turned out to be a charmless bully, she stayed with him, desperately afraid of being alone again.

“Sadly, a lot of single women are prepared to `settle for less’ because it beats being alone – the stigma of being single is very powerful, especially in later years. I do not condemn my sister ’s decision, particularly as her generation believed there was a shame in not having a man. Also, her house was twice broken

into after she was widowed, making her fear of being alone even more understandable.

But I think it’s a pity she didn’t take time to grieve, push through the difficulties and learn the ultimate happiness and liberation of being truly self-sufficient. I speak from experience because I too was widowed in the same year as m y sister!

“Although I found myself dating and, subsequently in a shortlived relationship, I son realised it is far lonelier to be in a destructive relationship than to be single. One of the difficulties for my sister was that her husband, for all his faults, had been such a lovably eccentric and sociable character. I couldn’t help but compare her new man unfavourably with him.

Bev and her husband were married for over 30 years and she was treated like a princess.

Her husband died of a heart attack at 72 and shortly after mine was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sadly,

he had to endure an unimaginable painful end.

“I too felt desolate. I couldn’t eat or sleep as I mourned as much for my lost future as for the man with whom I’d shared my life for 23 years. Of course, I empathised with my sister ’s loneliness and bewilderment at suddenly having to manage a house and finances all by herself. I too felt the same. But because of my relative youth and the fact that I had a career and other interests, I was never as desperate to find a replacement man. It was about six months after my husband’s death that Bev found her `wonder’ man. I only discovered he’d moved in with her after my daughter went to spend some time with her. `Guess what?’ she said after her return,`there’s a man living with aunty Bev …

“At first, I didn’t believe her. It seemed so quick. How could she go through the grieving process properly with

another man sitting in her dead husband’s chair, eating the same meals she’d cooked for him? I met him weeks later only for my concern to be intensified. He was rugged and wellpreserved, but had this faintly menacing demeanour. Far from being good-natured like her husband, Jide (that’s his name) looked slightly threatening – like he’d stepped out of a Nollywood casting for a gangster film! Bev on the other hand, was all smiles – she was obviously relishing the attentions of a presentable man, so I didn’t want to spoil her happiness.

“Within a few months, I noticed a different atmosphere in my sister’s house. She was a wonderful cook and was never happier than when entertaining her children, grandchildren and her siblings’ offspring – but Jide objected to this. `Your mother’s been on her feet all day!’, he’d say accusingly, implying

bathe in your tenderness and rejoice to drown in the sea of your affection and float in bliss listening to your voice Sometimes I miss you and want you here wishing for much more, wishing for you.

Will you come to know or ever come near and hold this heart of mine that longs for you?

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"

Sometimes I just wish...

To be lost in you and in your passion,

Innocent Oluku profprof2010@yahoo.com

In your arms In your arms, I want to lie, And share with you, How I feel inside.

rather obviously that perhaps we shouldn’t visit them at all. In time Bev was always moaning that Jide had threatened to leave or had bullied her in some way or the other. It pained me to see her manipulated in this way and I found myself advising her to kick him out.

Though she sometimes agreed with me, she never found the strength to see it through. `Jide drives me around everywhere’, was her main excuse.

Other times, she’d say: `It’s better than being on my own’.

“She stayed int his abusive relationship for ten years when she suffered a fall. Jide had always been good at playing chauffeur – he was very proud of his car, the only price possession he brought to the relationship and he’s been helpful taking her to doctors’ appointments toward the end of her life. But had she enjoyed the tenderness of real love, with him? I don’t think so. When I’d asked her whether she really loved him, she’d said: `It’s different at my age – it’s not so much about love’.

“The real clue to her feelings was the fact that she didn’t leave Jide anything, not even a memento in her will.

Bev ’s three children however gave him a few photographs and a modest cheque to tide him over until he met another sucker, but he sent them back with a nasty letter. I cannot pretend living alone is absolutely wonderful – it would be nice to have someone with whom to share life’s pleasures – but it is far better than being constrained by a damaging relationship as my poor sister was –

whatever the fears that kept her chained to it”.

Sweet Revenge!

(Humour) A husband and wife are getting all snugly in bed.

The passion is heating up. But then the wife stops and says: “I don’t feel like it. I just want you to hold me”.

The husband says “WHAT???” The wife explains that he must not be in tune with her emotional needs as a woman. The husband realises that nothing is going to happen tonight and he might as well deal with it.

So the next day the husband takes her shopping at a big department store. He walks around and had her try on three very expensive outfits. And then tells his wife: “We’ll take three of them”. Then he goes over and gets matching shoes worth N100,000 each. And then goes to the jewelery department and gets a set of diamond earrings.

The wife is to excited (she thinks her husband has flipped out, but she doesn’t care). She goes for the tennis bracelet.

The husband says, “but she doesn’t even play tennis, but OK if you like it, then let’s get it”.

The wife is jumping up and down. So excited she cannot even believe what is going on. She says, “I’m ready to go, let’s go to the cash register ”.

The husband says, “nono-no, honey we’re not going to buy all this stuff ”. The wife’s face goes blank. “No honey – I just want you to HOLD this stuff for a while”.

Her face gets really hot she’s about to explode and then the husband says, “you must not be in tune with my financial needs as a MAN!!!”

Your hand so warm, You hold me tight.

Your eyes have got me, Uncontrollable Love and emotion, Only with you, I feel such devotion.

Sensual Love Exceeding the limit, Not a moment goes by, Without you in it.

In your arms, I want to lie.

Knowing our love will never die!

CENT OBAMA +2348061379003

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 25

‘Why, at 42, I am in JSS1’

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

M

RS. Juliana Godwin, a 42-year-old Junior Secondary School I (JSSI) student of Junior Secondary School, Gosa, Abuja, has become one of those persons with strong will to change her condition.

Mrs. Godwin, who hails from Riyom in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, had her education stalled by lack of sponsorship, a situation that made her to drop out, in 1983, of LEA Primary School, Riyom.

“I had to leave for Jos in 1983, since my father could no longer sponsor my education to secondary school because he had no money. While I was with my cousin, I enrolled in a tailoring shop to learn dress making. I completed it within a year and six months”, she told Sunday Vanguard.

In 2001, she and her children left Jos to join her husband in Abuja, where they live at Gosa village, along Airport Road.

An industrious woman, Godwin became the bread-winner of her family. Since had skill in hair plaiting, that became a source of livelihood for her and the family. Later she ventured into hawking of water in a basin in Gosa market to boost the family’s income.

“In 2003, I was able to save some money from water hawking. I started pepper and tomato business with N1,000 from the savings. I also went into corn roasting business, but my husband stopped me from the business in 2007,” she said.

In 2008, Godwin decided to go into vocational training with a non-governmental organisation called Refocusing Nigerian Talents Organisation, RENITO, where she was trained in soap (liquid, medicated and bar), pomade and disinfectants production.

“Now I can produce and sell the products I was trained on, and I started with N1,500”, Mrs. Godwin narrated.

“I came to realise that the business was lucrative and helpful to me and my family. I decided to make savings towards going back to school after I dropped out in 1983.

“My husband was against my decision and quarrelled seriously with me. But I didn’t give up on my decision. In 2013, I went on to enrol at Junior Sec-

C M Y K

ondary School, Gosa, Airport Road, Abuja, where I started in JSS I F. I was able to raise N10, 000 to pay for admission expenses.

“Why I decided to start from JSSI was because I had never in my life stepped into the four walls of a secondary school. I told myself I will start from JSS I, as it will help me to have the foundation of secondary school education and to understand what I would be taught.

“My principal was surprised and asked me whether I could cope with secondary school education as an adult and a married woman. He and the staff also encouraged me to continue since I had made up my mind. But my husband continued making trouble to stop me”.

She wants her teachers and principal to treat her just like other students notwithstanding her age or as a mother, because she wishes pass through the school system, and is ready to accept every academic and moral discipline that will shape her future.

“I am the oldest person in the class of 80 students. I participate in every school activity, and I am happy with that. Even when I come late to school, the teachers do punish me just like other students, and I have no problem with that, but I do behave myself as an adult.”

She is a mother of four children, who she sponsors to the tune of N9,700 in a session while she also takes care of the family’s upkeep.

“I have seen great changes in my life, and I am coping seriously. My aim is to study marketing in the university after I would have completed my senior secondary education”, she added.

•L-R: Mrs. Juliana Godwin with her son, Sam Godwin, in front of Junior Secondary School, Gosa, Abuja signboard

'Robbers who killed Ondo cops wore police uniform'

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

RMED robbers who shot and killed three policemen in Akure, Ondo State capital last week may have been wearing police uniform.

Two of the cops were killed at Oloko junction, Okuta Elerinla in Akure and the other along Ikare/ Owo expressway.

The three victims were police corporals.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that the robbers ambushed the deceased, shot them at close

range and fled.

Sound of gunshots reportedly attracted policemen at Okunta Elerinla police station and there was an exchange of fire with the robbers who later fled.

Some of the robbers were said to have been injured but were carried away by their colleagues.

It was learnt that the same robbers, who reportedly came from neighbouring Edo State, came in a bid to rob some

banks when intelligence report got to the state police command.

Following the report, the state command deployed some policemen to strategic points in Akure, the state capital.

The Ondo State police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said the policemen died on duty.

Ogodo pointed out that the same gang of robbers shot the three policemen.

According to him, the deceased were shot when they were deployed to the area following an alleged robbery report.

He said there was a report that some robbers had invaded the state from Edo. Speaking on the four policemen that embarked on illegal duty with a bullion van that was robbed, Ogodo said the command was still investigating the matter.

According to him, there ought to be a shot out between the policemen and the robbers when they robbed the van.

He added that the affected bank cash officer and two drivers were also in police custody.

PAGE 26 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Mothers have abandoned traditional role of bringing up children properly,

teachers are misfits who can’t deliver what good philosophy of education is all about.

says gudoro,UK based educationist

BY SIMEON NDAJI

R

ape and ritual killings are aberrations people condemn all over the world, but when it has to do with rape of minors and ritual killings involving children like what is happenin g in Nigeria it is

absolutely despicable.

The situation is worrisome because it is continually assuming a profound dimension daily. Even a cursory look into the root cause of this malady is traceable to the lapses in the home-up bringing of children by parents; and mothers play pivotal roles…

In an interview with a UK-based educationist/counsellor Peter Ogudoro spoke on this issue.

Excerpts: Should parents be held responsible for incessant cases of rape of minors and ritual killings of children?

The truth of the matter is that the economic challenge and changes in social environment have made all of us to come to conclusion that all we need to be happy today is money. This is a wrong notion for money does not guarantee happiness; and the effect in this wrong assumption is that parents especially the mothers have abandoned their traditional role of bringing up their children properly, and preparing them for leadership in search of money through the pursuit of career goals. The evidence we have states clearly that most successful people who have balance are individuals who were brought up by mothers who created time for them. The absence of effective fatherhood as a result of special economic challenges are wrong assumptions promoted largely by Western culture has worsened the situation. Our children are getting all their learning from television which in the case of Nigeria is delivering how the West live life, and not the way life should actually be lived.

The western society have themselves come to the realisation that they have made mistakes with respect to many aspects of family values and are now working hard to effect damage control.

African societies are oblivious of this, and have continued to copy what the West has abandoned in search of all profitable values.

For example, in Sweden, a woman and her husband officially get a whole year to sit at home and take care of their new born baby. This replicated in other Nordic countries like Norway and Denmark. But in Nigeria, women have only three months of maternity leave .when they put to bed. What it means is that the baby gets only six weeks of attention — and the parents make alternative arrangement to

take care of the baby when the mother resumes work.

The government of Sweden gives the couple officially one year to take care of the baby.

Why are these anomalies on the increase?

We have not put enough protection in place at different levels of the society including giving a girl child the type of education that gives her enough confidence to say ‘NO’ to what she does not like, and report her abuses to law enforcement agents. There is the angle of provocative dressing on the part of young girls which takes us back to the influence of Western culture. These are basic problems. Note also that our law enforcement mechanism is week—which only protects the high and might, not the underdogs.

Parents were inculcating the right values in their children in the olden days, but the reverse is the case today. Why are they failing in their roles?

In those days parents and children shared together and learned together. There were exposed to the same communication signals. It is not the same today. Poor people, market women, taxi drivers have DSTV at home and their children are exposed to all kinds of things—nudity, sex, music, immorality, blue films etc. Some of these things are not quite favourable to children upbringing. In fact, Satellite television has made a mincemeat of African culture because wrong cultures are promoted through DSTV, Laptop, PSP etc., and the internet has made the world a global village.

In the light of the challenge what are the educational institutions, churches, mosques, NIPR, counsellors and other stakeholders doing to curb the anomaly?

We don’t have a good philosophy of education as a country—meaning that we don’t even know what purpose our educational system should serve.

The second major problem is the so-called stakeholders who have the responsibility to promote progressive culture in Nigeria lack understanding and skill needed to make helpful contributions.

My colleagues are not adequately equipped because they have not been assisted by their employers to acquire the resources they need to help the society optimally. Imagine you are professor of Guidance and Counselling, you don’t belong to any global association and you don’t attend international conferences and you depend on the books you wrote 20 years ago, and you have made that the Bible students need to pass their exams. You have not updated any

•Peter Ogudoro knowledge in your field.

As a professional counsellor if l depended on what l studied in the university l will not operate at the level I’m operating today.

What is the essence of our education?

One of the courses you study abroad is School and Society, and such course deals with

society and parents. My father taught many things through proverbs, and such knowledge is quite relevant in life. There is no university in the world that teaches proverbs.

A good philosophy of education should incorporate competent skillful hands to run our educational system. Most of our

Why is our Government not taking any step to proffer solution to the societal ills?

Government has a lot of issues to grapple with; they are distracted to face the challenges.

So the days of our salvation is far.

Where is the way out of the woods?

The way out is reorientation that must begin from our educational system. We have identified that we don’t have the right philosophy of education.

The education we offer today lack the capacity to be of much help. The right philosophy of education will develop courses/ curriculum that will deal with our peculiar challenges as a people.

How will the right education rub off on the parents?

Our understanding of education is to pass exams and get jobs in the bank and oil companies. Such education cannot deal with our problems.

Abroad they have moved away from such educational philosophy. They are rather developing curricula that will meet their challenges that will proffer lasting solutions. Any problem that arises they create the course that will address it and people apply to study them.

The education we offer must address our peculiar challenges as a people.

G.R.A.C.E: Okotie’s one million naira cash reward

•Rev. Chris Okotie

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

K

aris Award, instituted by

Rev. Chris Okotie’s Household of God International Church, Oregun, Lagos, holds during its yearly God’s Riches At Christ Expense, G.R.A.C.E. every last Sunday before Christmas. This year’s G.R.A.C.E. comes up on Sunday, December 14, 2014.

Situating this programme, at this time of the year helps in conveying the Christmas spirit of the grace of Jesus Christ “in concrete terms”, as Okotie often says. It ushers in the celebrations on a joyous note.

In fact, except in the case of the post-humous award, recipients personally attend to receive the honour, which cash prize is now one million Naira.

This is not because of the financial tag, but for the prestige it has gained over its more than two decades of high profile conferment on deserving Nigerians.

The Household of God looks beyond the gospel enclave to reach out and touch others who do not even share the Christian faith.

This ecumenical spirit is exemplary at a time when certain individuals say unless you

embrace their extremist faith, you are an infidel who must die by the sword, or bombed out.

Okotie’s church is sending a clear message, ‘you don’t take a life for the sake of God’, rather, as the now famous G.R.A.C.E. song says: “We need to love them, we need to touch them, we need to serve them, cause we know that Jesus cares. We need to bless them, take away their sorrow.

Who knows tomorrow, it may be you or it may be me”.

According to the organizers, although the beneficiaries of the charity include Pacelli School for the Blind, Sunshine Foundation, The Strong Tower Mission, and The Spinal Cord Injuries Association, which got one million Naira each, the church has never raised funds externally or instituted a special fundraising to meet this obligation since the programme was launched in 1996. The Karis award started to give a more

national coverage to the church’s charitable activities, but was subsequently subsumed in the G.R.A.C.E. programme. It is now the biggest attraction of the G.R.A.C.E. night. There’s also the Queen Esther Bible Costume competition. The pageant, which initially drew questioning comments as to its spiritual relevance, has become understood and accepted within the context in which the church organizes it. Participants are clad in costumes that depict famous Bible women, and the participant with the most creative and realistic design that best interprets the character she represents emerges Queen Esther, with a cash prize of one million Naira. As G.R.A.C.E. 2014 approaches, attendees can expect the usual acmes like the red carpet, musical renditions and displays, and the increasingly popular photo-shoots on Christmas lighted street and more.

GCUOBA annual luncheon

G

OVERNMENT College, Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), Lagos Branch holds her annual luncheon party today at the Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement by GCUOBA Secretary, Luncheon Party Committee, Akintomiwa Akeju, said the association planned to build a befitting secretariat at their property at No. 22, Mc Neil Road,

Yaba. The association has committed over N150 million to the development of their alma mater through direct rehabilitation of infrastructure, provision of modern day educational aids and sporting facilities.

Prof. Oyewale Tomori will be guest speaker at the luncheon and he will speak on the topic, ‘ Ebola lessons for the future of Nigeria’ .

The chairman of the occasion is Mr. Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State.

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014,

Page 27

All letters bearing writers' names and full addresses should be typed and forwarded to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, Kirikiri Canal, P. M. B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E-mail: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com

The need to revive Inter Action Council

O

UR global village is being con tinuously bedraggled and be mused by conflictual vortexes and counter-vortexes, and it has now become fundamentally imperative more than ever before to institutionalize instrumental actions of crises management and schism resolution to backpedal mankind from the epicenter of this anarchical entropy.

We need consultative initiatives, all-embracing strategic repositioning and synergistic altruism to enable us forestall the global tentacles of despotism, harrowing poverty, intellectual indolence, horrors of climate change and economic regressionalism etc. The United Nations, African Union (AU), Organization of American States (OAS), ASEAN, ECOWAS, COMMON WEALTH ORGANIZATION etc are pregnant with laudable ideas, but bereft of action in solving our political , socioeconomic problems.

We call for a global renaissance that will revive these bodies from their anachronistic and somnambulistic dungeon. The political massacre in Guinea, Kangaroo referendum by the authorities in Niger Republic, the unrepresentative govern-

ment of Sudan, Eritrea, the pirates in Somalia, corruption in Nigeria, terrorism in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, political stalemate in Honduras and the return of political tyranny to Equatorial Guinea etc should be addressed. The climate change issue should go beyond the Kyoto protocol and the Copenhagen declaration. All hands must be on deck.

We call for the rekindling and resuscitation of the Inter Action Council (IAC): a gathering of former Heads of State and Government. A brain child of the late Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Takeo Fukuda.

It was established in Vienna, Austria in

1980 to assist in conflict resolution and crisis management in the world. The original members of IAC included Fukuda, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, late Leopold Seder Senghor of Senegal and Chancellor Helmut Schmidt of Germany.

It has about 40 members.

The Inter Action Council (IAC) is an informal pressure group with a lot of influence throughout the world, and has intervened in several crisis situations and was instrumental in bringing international pressure to bear on the Abacha’s Government to release Obasanjo from jail in 1995.

We therefore call on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to orchestrate actions and fine-

I

n this nation today, it is almost impossilble to find a genuine product in the market. lt is fake products everywhere. No sector of the economy is spared, Health, Electronics, Electrical, Building, etc. Innocent Nigerians perish daily by reason of the use of fake products. Houses collapse daily and people are buried alive, because of fake cement and other materials used for building. Homes are destroyed by fire disaster on account of fake electrical appliances. We can go on endlessly; yet there is a body charged with the duty of a watchdog, to ensure that goods of acceptable standard are available to us. Nigerians have forgotten the existence of any organisation called Standard Organistion of Nigeria, S.O.N., because we

CHIEF BOBSON GBINIJE MANDATE AGAINST POVERTY (MAP) WARRI.

Why Osagie should represent Edo South at the Senate Dear Sir, t is disheartening that there is so much fuss and furore about the deci sion of Barrister Samson Raphael Osagie, the Honourable member of the House of Representatives from Edo State,to go to the Senate to represent Edo

I

South in 2015.Having delivered on his promises to restore dignity to his people by offering selfless service and erecting structures and projects that had been denied them in the past,it is only natural and legitimate that Osagie should move up in order to put up more visible performance

SON, fake products, and the rest of us Dear Sir,

tune logistics aimed at bringing back the IAC and make it start performing its statutory role.

Obasanjo, given his political antecedents means many things to many people.

Hence the cry, crucify him! Crucify him!!

But we cannot take this one from him. Let him make moves to rekindle the IAC for we cannot throw away the baby and the bath water. The world is sinking into a tenebrous oubliette and a drowning man must hold on to the straw.

have been abondoned at the mercy of heartless agents of death who go to any length to enrich themselves, even if it means destroying the lives of others.

Rather than being ashamed of themselves, SON's staff are busy organising street walk that makes no sense to the people of this nation whose precious lives are endangered daily. Of what use. is a street walk? To create awareness of fake products in the market and discourage us from buying them? And where do we find the genuine ones? They went on to insult us by asking us to come and report to them if we find any fake product., Let the idle SON workers tell us they don’t know any country called CHINA, and others. Let them tell us they don’t know how to get to these coun-

tries and deal with the issue right from the root. Let SON tell us they don’t know the importers of fake products into this country. Why would they ask us to come and report fake products to them when they can locate the very people responsible? They trivialise the serious issue of fake product by asking us to come to their office and report to them, when they go to the same market and see the products themselves. The late Prof. Dora Akunyili of the blessed memory showed the way to fight fake products which SON have refused to emulate, rather they are busy with street walks. What is needed is action, not street walks. The issue has gone beyond useless street jambouree and funfare.

Nathaniel N. Ngerem ngeremnath4xt@yahoo.com

in the interest of his people and the nation.

Unfortunately,we are witnessing a situation where Osagie is being attacked for attempting to help improve the lot of his fatherland.I do not believe(and there are thousands of our compatriots who think like me)that Osagie should be supported.

That should be our attitude to Osagie's patriotic quest.Osagie is worthy of the Senate.His voice as the Minority Whip in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Congress has proved invaluable.His contribution in a cumulative 16 years legislative experience in Benin and Abuja has paved the way for democratic governance and respect for the rule of law.Needless to say,this is the result of Osagie's passion for effective representation of his constituency.This is the unassailable record that truly qualifies Osagie for the Senate.He deserves to be supported and encouraged to climb up higher on the law-making ladder so that Nigerians can have him join the distinguished Senators contributing their quota to set the stage for enduring legislative work for Nigerians.Why should Osagie be an exception when it is experience that is working in favour of others like Senate President David Mark and Senator Ita Enang who are being called upon by their people to do more term in the Senate?

Charles Afe Ikhaghe, Ogun State

PAGE 28—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

OH! SULEIMAN ABBA

Twice as bad •Why the embarrassment in high places must stop

BY JIDE AJANI DC to the wife of a late A dictator: That is the only nugget in the profile of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba.

When on August 1, 2014, he was appointed as acting IGP, the only, perhaps, notable accomplishment in a manner of speaking, was his service as ADC to Mariam Abacha, wife of late maximum dictator, Sani Abacha. Those who appointed him would have seen in him something unique. That he was chosen to do that job speaks volume of his person. Without prejudice to competence, maturity and good sense of people in the military and the Police, being appointed to serve as an ADC to a state governor or the President and Commander-inChief in Nigeria, is not as straight forward as appointing the CEO of a blue chip multinational firm using a global best practices grid of performance or competence quotient.

Therefore, when Abba came on board as acting IGP, many attempted to place him since there was really nothing of note before the appointment.

Yet, consider. Before the appointment of MD Abubakar as IGP, many in Nigeria had known him as a disciplined, no nonsense police officer – intellectual even.

One, just one, in a long list of accomplishments, was his disguised visit to Panti Police Station in Lagos, during his time as Police Commissioner for the state, to ascertain the quality of policing his men were providing for the people of Lagos. He was arrested in the typicalmanner shambolic malicious the and police is known for; and then dumped at the station like a common criminal. He allowed the officers and men to exhaust themselves (you know, saying all the nonsense about helping you procure a soft-landing or being treated the hard way) before revealing his identity as the police commissioner. Some of the officers present actually jumped through the window while trying to escape. That was just one exploit. And when, in the very first days of his tenure as IGP in 2012, Abubakar ordered his officers

and men to stop the erection of the notorious checkpoints used for extortion, many found the order too difficult and complicated to appreciate as executable. He persisted and virtually all Nigerian roads were spared the menace of checkpoints. But he was merely acting true to type as per professionalism.

Another example: for those who were around in the mid and late 1970s, a certain Mohammadu Gambo was Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. His war against pick-pockets, kidnappers and armed robbers was very successful that his rise to the top was just a matter of time.

And when Gambo became IGP, a time when notorious Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini, popularly known as Anini The Law, terrorized the people of Benin, it was within months - less than four months - that Anini’s terror was reined in. He was arrested; along with his gang members. Gambo built on a legacy. He is alive and still respected.

Now, in what can best be described as a barbarous application of raw power, Abba’s men, acting in utter contempt and disdain for the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the principle of separation of powers and the sanctity of the legislative arm of government, elevated the abuse of power to an art.

They locked out legislators under what has now turned out to be a spurious intelligence that thugs were going to invade the National Assembly complex; and for added fear, that a bomb may have been planted there. But all these fell flat because other legislators were allowed into the assembly complex.

By allowing other legislators easy access, it is either the police deliberately opened a select group of legislators to the dangers of a possible bomb explosion or it had an agenda it was pursuing.

But all of these amount to nothing in the face of what a legislator described as a decidedly contemptuous Abba who stood logic on its head the day he appeared before the House of Representatives’ Committee.

When he referred to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal as an ordinary citizen and the

•IGP. Suleiman Abba

Like other bad things that have happened before, this bad thing will pass away; and it would become another instance in infamy but with a name tag members attempted to caution and correct him, the all-knowing Abba said “commenting on a matter before the courts is subjudice”.

Because because fallacy of thought breeds fallacy of speech, Abba either conveniently forgot that his position, which was the nonrecognition of Tambuwal as Speaker, was in itself contemptuous or he just chose to be selective in his understanding of what constitutes an act of subjudice, he totally missed the point. His position, that Tambuwal was no longer the Speaker, a matter before the courts, is the mother of all subjudicial acts. And as if driven by a certain spirit, Abba declared that those who scaled the gates of the National Assembly were thugs. He may have succeeded in extracting a pound of flesh by saying so; but interrogating his statement further would demonstrate that Abba may have bitten more than chewable.

The members who scaled the fence suspected, and rightly so, that if they did not make up the numbers in the House that day, another Ekiti episode would have happened – seven members in an

assembly of 26, escorted and aided by Abba’s policemen to the Ekiti State House of Assembly, sat, deliberated and sacked the Speaker.

Abba may also have been right to describe, as the Holy Bible did, that an individual who ignores the door way to a house but opts to come in through the window or jump over the gate, shall be called a thief or a thug. But the Bible did not reckon that a certain Inspector General of Police would have his own unique idea of law enforcement, by stopping owners of the house from coming in.

Yet, after all the condemnation on the floor of the Senate the previous day, Abba, brimming with confidence, perhaps misplaced, refused to acknowledge Tambuwal as Speaker, but went a step further to say the legislators who scaled the gate were thugs. In so far as they scuttled the intendment of those who planned another Ekiti, Nigeria can best be described as a nation thuggery is the antidote for executive reckklessness.

Well, thugs were the ones who mounted the staunchest opposition against the maximum dictator whose wife Abba

served as ADC – perhaps, a hangover of that era exists in certain mentalities. Thugs were responsible for the fight to earn Nigeria its hard-earned democracy. The BRINGBACKOURGIRLS’ crusaders are thugs because they are demanding that the abducted Chibok girls should be rescued - an abduction that was partly due to the incompetence of the Police are thugs. because they are asking that the government do more to get the abducted girls released. Yes, this is a nation of thugs. Michael Tabman, a former Fairfax County, Va., police officer and former FBI agent, said people attracted to police work often have personalities that are “machismo-oriented” and “comfortable with a lot of authority,” among other traits.“A lot of that is a type of personality that in a perfect storm … can morph into antisocial behavior,” said Tabman. In Kenya, after the killing of inniocent mine workers by AlShabab, the Police Chief promptly resigned. Never so in Nigeria.

Abba should not be stopped from doing his work by any individual. People in high places should not drag the Police into purely constitutional matters that should be handled by the courts. But by the same token, Abba should know the limits of his work. Providing security for the real thugs in Ekiti should be condemned in its strongest terms.

The consolation? Like other bad things that have happened before, this bad thing will pass away; and it would become another instance in infamy but with a name tag.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 29

C M Y K

PAGE 30 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014PAGE — 31

C M Y K

PAGE 32—SUND AY 32—SUNDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

By HENRY UMORU, ASSISTANT POLITICAL EDITOR

S

INCE the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, conducted its ward congresses on Saturday, November 1, 2014 across the country, all has not been well with the national leadership, following protests from the states.

The PDP also, on November 8, conducted congresses in the 774 local government councils for the nomination of national delegates to the national convention slated for December 10/11.

During the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms, the PDP national secretariat was a beehive of activities, but it became dull after the closure of filled nomination forms. The secretariat again has come to life weeks after the congresses with protesters besieging the place almost on a daily basis.

According to the PDP’s guidelines for primary elections 2014 and for the purpose of nominating, the party’s candidate for the offices of governor of a state, member of the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives), member of the state House of Assembly and election of national delegate, each ward chapter of the party shall elect three ad- hoc delegates at a special ward congress, at least one of whom shall be a woman and the same delegates shall participate in the special congresses for the nomination of the candidates mentioned above.

To say the least, the ward congresses, rather than solidify the party ahead of its primary elections and the 2015 general polls, are creating discontent within the party, just as, since the exercise ended, accusations and counter accusations, laced with complaints of widespread irregularities in the conduct, doctoring of delegates’ list have pitched many of the party’s chieftains, stakeholders, leaders and members against one another across the states.

From Akwa Ibom to Oyo, Cross River, Adamawa, Taraba, Enugu, Ogun, Ondo, Abia, Ebonyi, Benue, Delta, among others, the case remains the same.

THE ENUGU DEBACLE In Enugu, the fight has been between the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and Governor Sullivan Chime and their supporters with complaints from the governor that the number five citizen has hijacked the process to his favour. The faceoff has since divided party loyalists in the state. The two factions, each led by the Chime and Ekweremadu, are laying claim to the leadership of the party in Enugu. It was reported that Chime’s loyalists accused Ekweremadu’s group of “hijacking” materials, claiming there were no primary elections. But the Acting C M Y K

•Ike Ekweremadu

•Alao Akala

•Sullivan Chime

•Godswill Akpabio

•Nyesom Wike

•Liyel Imoke

PDP CONGRESSES OF CRISIS AHEAD OF 20 15 201

The looming implosion in the PDP? Chairman of the party in the state, Mr. David Aja, insisted that the congresses not only held, they went well under his watch as approved by the national secretariat. The quagmire reared its head following the resignation of the former state Chairman, Vita Abba.

While the Chime-backed PDP State Executive Committee is insisting that Ikeje Asogwa remains the party Chairman, the group loyal to Ekweremadu has been backing the Deputy Chairman, Elder David Ajah, who was also endorsed by the National Working Committee, NWC, as the Acting Chairman.

Rivers State was a hot bed of crisis as it was reported that not less than 16 governorship aspirants of the party boycotted the congresses in protest against an alleged attempt to foist exMinister of State, Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, on the PDP during the governorship primary election RIVERS OF TROUBLE Rivers State was a hot bed of crisis as it was reported that not less than 16 governorship aspirants of the party boycotted the congresses in protest

against an alleged attempt to foist ex-Minister of State, Education, Mr Nyesom Wike, on the PDP during the governorship primary election.

According to the aggrieved

aspirants, the rotation of the governorship position in the state should be strictly upheld, adding that Wike as an Ikwerre man, who hails from the incumbent’s place, was not qualified to run. Some of the aggrieved aspirants who shunned the congresses were: Prince Tonye Princewill, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Becks Dagogo Jack, Gabriel Pidomsom, Senator Lee Maeba and Dr Silva Opusunju. Others were Prof Dan Baridam, Samson Ngerebara, Paweriso Samuel Horsfall, Nimi Wilson Jack, Major Lancelot Ayanya rtd, among others.

In a communiqué endorsed Continues on page 33

SUND AY SUNDA

Continued from page 32 by the 16 aspirants, they demanded that the ward and local government congresses in Rivers State be postponed until the crisis in the party is resolved to allow fair and equitable participation of all aspirants.

The aspirants, who accused the President’s wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, of meddling in the party’s affairs in the state, and kicked against the alleged endorsement of Wike by the First Lady, said, “We have restrained ourselves from addressing the unacceptable and unfortunate interference of the First Lady in the affairs of the Rivers State PDP because of the enormous respect we have for our son, President Jonathan, but we want to say enough is enough.”

The problem in Rivers did not end at the congresses. During the screening of governorship aspirants, many were screened out to the pave way for Wike to have smooth ride to becoming the state PDP’s governorship candidate for the 2015 election. The aspirants screened out stormed the PDP national secretariat to complain with some of them later cleared by the NWC. But the state Chairman of the PDP, Felix Obuah, who described the aspirants that boycotted the congresses as desperate politicians, accused them of doing everything to frustrate the party’s efforts in the state.

THE OYO STALEMATE In Oyo State, the three leading governorship aspirants laid claims to victory, just as the leading aspirants, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Senator Teslim Folarin and Mr Seyi Makinde, all claimed to have won the congresses.

HIJACK CLAIM IN AKWA IBOM Akwa Ibom State was not left out as some aspirants alleged that Governor Godswill Akpabio hijacked the process to enable him actualise his senatorial ambition as well as install his preferred successor, Udom Emmanuel. Other aspirants were schemed out which culminated in the dumping of the PDP for the All Progressives Congress, APC,

by Umana Okon Umana. PDP elders like former Governor Victor Attah, Chief Don Etiebet, among others, raised the alarm over the congresses, saying nothing like that took place.

The situation in Akwa Ibom degenerated to the point that two factions of the PDP from Eastern Obolo Local Government Area engaged each another in a brawl, leading to the death of one person, while two others were beaten into coma.

Pandemonium was said to have broken out when some hoodlums from a faction of the party attempted to hijack election materials and were

Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 33

The looming implosion in the PDP? In Ekiti State, it was a battle for control between Senator Ayo Arise and Governor Ayodele Fayose with the former accusing the latter of under hand dealings in the compilation of the list of the ad hoc delegates.

He alleged, “Fayose did not allow any congress to hold here in Ekiti-North Senatorial District. He (Fayose) had already compiled the list of delegates in favour of my challenger, Duro Faseyi. As I am talking to you, the chairmen of all the wards and local governments have been summoned to Ado-Ekiti by the governor to sign the forged lists.”

•Barnabas Gemade

•Ndoma Egba

•Ayodele Fayose

resisted by another group. The police later moved in and restored calm. Delegates at the party secretariat, venue of the congress, were said to have scampered for safety, with several fatalities and many injured in the process.

IMOKE, NDOMA-EGBA BATTLE FOR C-RIVER Since the congresses in Cross River State, the fight has been between the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba, and Governor Liyel Imoke And their supporters, with NdomaEgba controlling the delegates, but the leadership of the PDP bowed to pressure and complaints from some elders, stakeholders, leaders of the party and cancelled the earlier conducted congresses in three states, with Cross River State as part of it.

Other affected states were Lagos and Oyo. A former Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Shu’aib Oyedokun, chaired the five-member Committee for Cross River State with Senator Emmanuel Anosike, Rabiu Bako, and two others as members.

OGUN: ITS OLD VS NEW

•Sen. Chris Anyanwu

•Ayo Arise

Akwa Ibom State was not left out as some aspirants alleged that Governor Godswill Akpabio hijacked the process to enable him actualise his senatorial ambition as well as install his preferred successor, Udom Emmanuel MEMBERS Ogun State was also not spared as the state PDP Chairman, Adebayo Dayo, complained bitterly over permutations by members who were newly readmitted from other parties, fighting to take control of party structures through the congresses.

Though the congresses were generally reported to be peaceful, some delegates protested at the party secretariat over inability to submit their forms which led to the deployment of the Mobile Police to forestall crisis.

Dayo, while calling for the

review of the exercise, alleged that the returnees got separate forms for delegates, different from the ones legally obtained by the contestants at the party’s secretariat.

BENUE: SUSWAM, GEMADE AT WAR In Benue State, it was a battle for the soul of the state between Governor Gabriel Suswam and Senator Barnabas Gemade as both chieftains accused each other of purchasing delegate forms for undue advantage in the elections.

EKITI: FAYOSE SQUARE UP TO SENATOR ARISE

TURMOIL IN IMO In Imo State, 11 PDP governorship aspirants threatened to work against the party in 2015 if the congresses were not cancelled, just as they called for the cancellation of the November 1 ward congress held in the state, adding that the election of the ad hoc delegates did not follow laid down procedure. Addressing journalists in Abuja on behalf of the 11 aspirants, Chief Mike Ahamba requested that the congresses be cancelled due to irregularities, adding that Section 7.3 (c) of the PDP Constitution guarantees adherence to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness.

According to Ahamba,”the ward congress elections should be cancelled and new nes conducted in transparent and accountable manner”.

He explained that they were committed to restoring PDP to power in the state, adding that only a credible and transparent ward congress election can lead to a primary election that will produce an acceptable candidate of Owerri Zone extraction.

He said, “We therefore strongly advise the leadership of the party that any candidate that emerges from this current fraudulent process will not enjoy our support”.

According to him, since the return of democratic governance in 1999, the office of the state governor has rotated between the two senatorial zones of Orlu and Okigwe to the exclusion of Owerri Zone, adding, “It is therefore equitable, just and fair that governorship of Imo State be zoned to Owerri Senatorial Zone come 2015.”

The aspirants who signed the statement were Senator Bright Nwanne, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Bethel Amadi, Professor Jude Njoku, Ken Njemanze and Lady Clara Njoku. Others were Charles Onyeagbako, Dr. Charles Amanze, Chief Charles Onuoha, and Humphrey Anumudu.

C M Y K

PAGE 34—SUNDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Children of two political bigwigs wed in Lagos

L

.

From left: Hon. [Engr] Adesina Muftau Adegbenro, bride's father, Mrs. Adeonike Durosinmi-Etti, groom's mother, Mr. Eniola Abdul-Gafaar Adegbenro, groom and his wife, Ifedayo Khadijah, Chief Dapo DurosinmiEtti, groom's father and Barr. Bola Adegbenro, bride's mother.

ekki and environs were thrown into a bit of razzmatazz when the families of Hon. Adesina Adegbenro and that of Chief Dapo DurosinmiEtti pulled all the stops to give their children a befitting super deluxe wedding. The couple, Mr. Eniola Abdul-Gafaar Adegbenro, groom and his wife, Ifedayo Khadijah, Chief Dapo Durosinmi-Etti, were united as man and wife at the Lekki Central Mosque. High-profile dignitaries inlcuding Governor of Kano State, top government functionaries and frontline politicians witnessed the union.

Photos by Alhaji Bunmi Azeez

From left: Prince Bode Osinusi, Alhaja Modupeola Animasaun and Alhaji Kola Animasaun.

From left: Mrs. A. Durosinmi-Etti (groom's mother); Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Barr. Bola Adegbenro, bride's mother and Alh. Bimtu Fatimah Tinubu.

From left: Hon. [Engr] Adesina Muftau Adegbenro, bride's father, Alh. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor and Special guest of honour, Prince Bola Ajibola, Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and Chief Dapo Durosinmi-Etti, groom's father

From left: Alh. Bashir Dalhatu, Alh. Amadu Haruna Zago and Alh. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Kano State Governor.

From left: Alh. Femi Okunnu, Prince Bode Osinusi and Aremo Adeniyi Ogunsanya

Awala’s son called to Bar K OK Awalas, Ebijuwa and husband, Velly, were at honoured THE International Conference Centre, Abuja to rejoice with their son, Oritsemone who was called to Bar

O

High Chief E. Egwim(l), Malachy Ekechukwu, HRH Eze Julius Amaefule, Prince Kanayo O. Kanayo MFR, Emeka Chinedu, Cally Odoemenam, Chief Pat Onyekwere.

boama Ezinihitte M b a i s e community residents in Lagos under the auspices of Oboama Development Union (ODU), Lagos, honoured Nollywood actor and Chairman of the National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Studies,, Chief Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK)

November, 25 2014.

Mrs Ebijuwa Awala and son, Barr. Oritsemone Awala, recently called to Bar

From the left; Mr. Azuh Arinze (Publisher/Editor in Chief YES International Magazine), Emma Nnadozie, celebrant and well wishers.

C M Y K

From right; Barr. Iyke Ukadike and wife, celebrant, Kanayo O. Kanayo MFR, Hajia Bola Muse, and other friends and well wishers.

Mr Velly and Mrs Ebijuwa Awala with their son, Barr. Oritsemone Awala

SUNDAY, Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 35

Oba TTejuosho’s ejuosho’s Oloris’ moment of honour

Behold the new priests

T

he installation of Oloris of Oba Dapo Tejuoso, Osile, Oke-Ona Egba, as the life Patronesses of African Cathedral Church St. James, Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, took place last Sunday at the church Cathedral

L-R: Olori Olabisi Tejuoso, Olori Omolara Tejuoso, Mrs. Funsho Amosun and Olori Yetunde Tejuoso.

Oba Dr. Dapo Tejuoso, his Oloris with Oba & Olori Gboyega Dosunmu, Olowu of Owu and others.

St. Daniel Dikeji Miyerijesu, Founder G.G.M, Inc,Worldwide,consecrating Rt. Rev. Evang.

Samuel Jesutekevwe Miyerijesu.

The officiating bishop in a group photograph with newly installed Oloris as life patronesses of the church.

Oba Dr. Dapo Tejuoso, his Oloris and Omobas in a group photograph.

New council leaders

Bailey rewards Rt.Rev. Evang. Samuel Jesutekevwe Miyerijesu and his brother, Ven. Matthew. A. Miyerijesu.

R-L: HON (Chief) Mrs. Beatrice Igogo-Oyibotha signing the oath of office as the Leader of the Legislative Arm of Isoko South Local Government Council, Delta State with Rev. Augustine Ovie.

Executive Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Sir Constantine Ithiako Ikpokpo (right) with the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Chief (Mrs.) Beatrice Igogo-Oyibotha

L-R: Eyitemi Taiwo, Customer Marketing Director, Diageo Nigeria presenting the keys to a brand new KIA Sorento 2014 model to Nonso Okonkwo, winner of the October Star Prize at the Baileys Wholesalers Promo.

L-R: Anugwu Ebuka Peter, September Star Prize Winner of KIA Sorento 2014 model; Udjah Ufuoma, Brand Support Manager, Diageo Nigeria; Kayode Oluwo, Commercial Planning & Activation Manager, Diageo Nigeria and Nonso Okonkwo, October Star Prize Winner of KIA Sorento 2014 model at the Baileys Wholesalers Promo

Bishop of Pentecostal African Church,Warri, Archbishop and wife, .V. E. Ariko (left) with the Bishop of Beloved International Christian Centre Warri, Bishop and wife, V.J.Willy.

Evang. (Mrs.) Miyerijesu and her daughters Inlaw in joyous mood.

C M Y K

PAGE 36—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

I

t is no longer news that top actress Ini Edo’s marriage to Philips Ehiagwina has collapsed. So much has been written mostly by writers relying on third party sources as to why the marriage failed.

The widely speculated reason has been the issue of infidelity that the husband alleged.

But was that the main reason the couple went their separate ways? According to a source close to the couple and was there when the romance started in 2008, and remained close to the now divorced couple, the media has been scratching the surface of what indeed was a story of irreconciliable differences the actress endured for over six years of her marriage to her estranged husband; and why she gave her all to sustain the marriage. It is a story as told by an insider who knew the couple way back from New York, where Philips once lived, before moving to Texas, then to Atlanta and now Ghana.

“I think Ini Edo was badly in love. Philips was a charmer and, as a human being and deeply in love, she followed her heart. It is so sad that a woman blessed with such a good heart could be treated in such a hurtful manner. Most people may not know, but Ini Edo is a dedicated and totally committed spouse any man could hope to have. That’s why she endured all she did, for six years without letting the world know the pain she was going through in her marriage,” the source stated.

“Most people do not know that Ini Edo gave up a lot of acting jobs to be with her husband in America and, unlike the widely peddled story that the actress was involved in romantic relationships with other men, for the six years that Ini was married to Philips, she never cheated on him. Ini Edo adored and loved Philips; she was very fond of him, cooked his meals personally, and was practically splitting her time between two continents, all in her efforts to be a good wife. “ There is no doubt that Ini was madly in love with her exhusband. In a 2009 interview she had with my newspaper, The Diasporan Star in New York, she effusively declared her fidelity to Phillips and debunked all the stories of her liaisons with other men. “I am usually at a loss when I read stories about my sexual relationships with phantom figures and personalities. It is really astonishing when people just manufacture stories, give them legs and let them fly when they know the stories are absolutely false,” she had said.

“It is perfectly legitimate for men to have designs and desires on stars. I was recently voted by the public as Nollywood’s Sexiest Actress. So it comes with the territory that men would want to date me.

The question then becomes: do you fall prey to every man that comes your way? The answer is absolutely “no”. I was raised well by my parents and I have always been a one-man lady.

All the sexual shenanigans that C M Y K

•Ini Edo

Romance Exclusive!

Revealed at last:

Why Ini Edo’s marriage failed: The shocking details the media have associated me with are all false. The problem with our journalists is that if they saw you at a coffee shop with a man - just any man even if that man is your cousin or brother, they will automatically assume that that is your new lover, and without asking questions, will rush to publish that you were seen at a coffee shop with a new lover.

“I have lost count of the number of such innocent outings with family members, friends that the media misconstrued that I was dating.

What the media failed to understand was that I had not

I demanded to know if he was still married to her, and Philips said “no” and produced a divorce paper to back up his claim. It was after that that we began dating allowed stardom and celebrity to becloud my values. What they did not realize was that I wanted to be married, and start a family, and that the notion that I was some kind of a sexually crazed hormone

raging young woman, was totally false and a bad reading of who I am.

“Did I have friends in the past? Of course, just like any other young and single woman out there, I had friends. Did

that make me an out-of control sexual goddess? Absolutely not! It has been very painful for me each time I read all the stories written about me, stuffs that are patently false. I have, however, come to accept it as part of the price you pay for stardom. I just wished they could do a little investigation before rushing to publish.

“One story that pained me a lot is the notion that I snatched Philips from his ex-wife - Ruth Okoro - while she was recuperating from cancer treatment. Nothing could be further from the truth. The exwife said I was callous and mean-spirited to have done so.

Initially, I had wanted to ignore what she had said about me.

But I would like to use this medium to state that I did not take Philips from Ruth Okoro.

“When Philips came into my life, he was a single man, with no marital encumbrances. •••• Philips was divorced from Ruth at the time we began seeing each other. So, I do not understand what she is talking about. I remember asking Philips to come clean with me, and tell me everything that had happened between him ‘and his ex-wife. I demanded to know if he was still married to her, and Philips said “no” and produced a divorce paper to back up his claim. It was after that that we began dating. “ There is no way I would have dated him if he was still Continues on page 37

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 37 Philips were not successful, but we hope someday to get his own side of the story

Continues from page 36 married to Ruth. My values would have been in conflict with that. There is no way I would have dated and agreed to marry Philips if I knew that he had abandoned his wife in hospital while she was recuperating from cancer treatment. “ That would have been a huge turn-off. The Philips I met and got married to is a perfect family man - a dependable, God-fearing man who treasures his family. Philips was there for his ex-wife throughout her hospitalization, and she knows it. Let me also add here as a piece of advice to our fellow women: If you had a home, one that you truly love and appreciate, treat that home as a prized possession. Treat your husband well.

“There is nothing to gain if you maltreat your husband, and make his life miserable.

Men do not like that. I hope Ruth understands and appreciates the depth of what I am saying here. That will be my response to everything she has said about me - all the negative things she has written and caused to be written about me.

“Philips and I met during one of his many visits to Nigeria, and I realized I had met the man of my dream. When that special person who excites the passion in you comes along, you begin to do things that are out of range - you begin to be consumed by his thoughts you begin to send text messages, call him all the time and just feel so much in love. That was the way I felt when Philips came along. I knew that he was the man for me.“I realized that we had the same outlook about life, that I could start a sentence and he would finish it for me, and would convey the same thoughts I had in mind. When I took him to see my parents, they wholeheartedly accepted him, even though he is not from my part of the world -that is a testament to Philips’ humanity that is very, very transparent. “Philips and I have the same ideology, and I am excited and happy to be his wife. Our attraction is mutual, our focus is interlocked and what a great family man he is!

Philips calls my family even more regularly than myself. He would just call to find out how they are doing. He has such good heart and kind spirit that is just a beauty to behold.

“That is the man I met and agreed to marry. All other depictions are borne out of malice and hate, and we do not even want to dignify their hate with a response. Our marriage is a celebration of love borne out of deep sense of mutual attachment, trust and abiding companionship. The machinations of the naysayers will not hold”. Perhaps one should ask, what happened to a marriage that appeared to have been made in heaven as attested to by Ini Edo in her interview. Our source stated that the marriage began to experience challenges months

•Ini Edo

Why Ini Edo’s marriage failed after the wedding that took place in Houston, Texas.

“Philips financial stability was still a work in progress but as a dedicated wife, Ini was determined to support and encourage her husband. She wanted him to be more frugal and to invest whatever resources he had in things that will yield some dividends. But things did not quite work out, “ the source said. “ Ini Edo is very industrious and wanted combined efforts from her husband to get things done. Eventually fights began to occur. The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the house Ini bought in Lekki, a beautiful edifice.“Philips wanted it to be a joint property, but Ini vehemently said no, that she would have none of that. Philips was said to have threatened to move out of their home if Ini refused to put his name on the deed. She stood her grounds and Philips also made good his threat. He moved out of the house and took up residence with another lady in Accra, Ghana which has been his home for the past six months.

All entreaties by family members for Philips to return home were rebuffed; he wanted his name on the deed or no marriage. For three months, Ini Edo did not set her eyes on her husband and he had started flaunting his new girlfriend to spite Ini. Scheduled appointments by her father inlaw to resolve the issue amicably were rebuffed by Philips and ini was shocked.

Ken was the sweetest and unpretentious guy I had ever gone out with. Unlike those highly sheltered and overfed sons of the rich and mighty who thought they had it all, and were doing you a favor by even talking to you “ There is no truth to the story that was peddled that Ini Edo was involved in extra-marital affairs. It was Philips who actually did not respect the sanctity of his marital vows.

While still legally married, he left his matrimonial home and moved in with another lady in Ghana”. When I contacted Ini Edo and asked her to conform what our source had told us, she said she was done with that chapter of her life and was looking forward to new possibilities.

“Ekerete, you were there when we started dating and eventually got married. Does anything that has been written about me, remotely resembles who and what I am about? I wish Philips the best in life”, she said. Efforts to contact

STORIES THAT TOUCH THE HEART As promised when this column made its debut three weeks ago, that every other week, I will publish gripping true-life stories that shine the light on the mountain and valley of marriage and relationships, I begin today with this story that will sure touch your heart.

Remember, this was a genre that I started in today’s Nigerian media, so even though there are over a dozen of such columns currently running in major newspapers and magazines (and I thank God for giving me the vision and the talents to have started this genre in 1986,) you can’t replicate the original, you can only copy, so straight from the pioneer, I present you one of the longest lasting columns in contemporary Nigerian media “Stories that touch the heart” One night of wrong judgment and one hell of painful experience: why every woman must read this story (1) Ken was the love of my lifeuntil my husband came along.

We had met in our sophomore year in a political science class and took to each other instantly. Ken was the brightest student in our class, and most student s gravitated towards him. He had women who practically offered themselves to him, but he chose. Ken unlike me, was not from a privileged background. Father was a taxi driver while mother did janitorial job in a multinational company. But what he lacked in material terms, he had plenty in smarts and good looks and it was those qualities that all came back together on that night that my life changed forever. As I stated above, Ken was not materially comfortable but he had an infectious ‘swagger’ about him that you couldn’t fail but notice. Above all, his brilliance and general demeanor was all too evident. I can still recall vividly that afternoon when our eyes met, and we smiled affectionately at each other, and my heart beat was racing at a rate I thought it would just burst open. I knew from the way I felt that I would be defenseless if Ken were to make a move on me, and that was exactly what had happened when, at the end of the class, Ken walked briskly towards me, and displaying those charms that made him stand out in spite of his austere material circumstance, he told me “hi pretty, I think you are indeed a great specimen of God’s creation. You are absolutely stunning and if you don’t mind, I would like to get to know you better. As I am sure you already know, my name is Ken, and here’s my number. Please feel free to call me anytime you have the chance”. “Have a chance”? I had asked myself. Of course, the chance was now! And I wasted no time in calling Ken later that evening, and we met and went out for coffee.

Ken was the sweetest and unpretentious guy I had ever gone out with. Unlike those highly sheltered and overfed sons of the rich and mighty who thought they had it all, and were doing you a favor by even talking to you, Ken was down to earth and was totally

comfortable in his skin in spite of the paucity of the material things around him. I fell hopelessly in love with him, and as I went back to my room that night, one thought occupied my mind: how to love Ken and use some of my family’s material blessings to help him whenever things were rough with him. We started dating soon afterwards, and we were soon known all over the campus as the inseparable lovers. Apart from when we went to bed, Ken and I were together all the time-we had the same classes and also the same major.

Convinced that Ken would be the man I would end up getting married to I had brought him to see my parents and there, I realized that our future together may have some challenges. I am what you would describe as ‘daddy’s little girl.’ I love my father so dearly that I can walk on broken bottles to show my love and affection towards him. My daddy in my estimation is the best father anyone could hope to have. He had showered me with love and anything I wanted that was within his range, he would provide without questions. I was the apple of his eyes, and he always told me that though he won’t interfere in my choice of a life partner, but if he felt such a choice would not guarantee me happiness and a sense of stability, he would object to it, and prayed that I would understand should such a moment arise in future.

My mother on the other hand was completely liberalwhatever floats my boat was ok with her. She trusted my sense of judgement.

When I brought Ken to our home, I could see that all was not well, when my father gave me the ‘look’- whenever he started down and suddenly looked up, with his eyes squinting, I knew the coast was not clear on my demands. That was the look he wore that day, soon after he received Ken and had asked him some questions.

My father, unfortunately, is big on pedigree, which in and of itself is not a bad thing, and would always wish for her daughters to marry equally into money like he had done himself. To him, Ken may not be able to guarantee me the kind of lifestyle I was used to, and he didn’t want to be meddling into our material affairs, by providing us with everything we wanted. “That may bring resentment from your husband, and signalthe beginning of marital crises you may not come out intact emotionally.

Why go into it in the first place if you could help avoid it now”? My dad had counselled.

As we went back to our school, there was no denying the fact that Ken had realized he had not been completely accepted by my father, and he felt hurt and bruised by that. And on my part, there was no doubt that I love my father, and was therefore, not willing to dismiss his concerns simply because I loved Ken. I was torn between two extremes.

Needless to say that our love, though still solid, was showing signs of stress and stress. It was during this time that on a summer trip with my parents to Houston, Texas, that I met a man who in a short six months later would become my husband.

• TO BE CONTINUED

PAGE 38 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

By Josiah Idowu-Fearon

H

istory, it is often said, “repeats itself ”; on the contrary, it is people who refuse to learn from history who repeat the past.

Nigerians are being prepared to face another round of elections in February 2015 in order to usher in a new government that will be in place for another period of four years. How prepared are we, what do we need to do in order to avoid the carnage that was unleashed on the northern parts of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom immediately after the results of the presidential election were announced to the waiting nation?

Nigerians must learn from the mistakes of the very last general elections and do all possible to avoid those mistakes. As we await 2015 – the wounds from 2011 are yet to heal. From what we gathered: • Hundreds of the lives lost will never be brought back and the wounds never fully healed.

• Thousands of businesses lost are yet to be re-started.

• Hundreds of residential buildings destroyed are yet to be rebuilt.

• Most of the places of worship that were destroyed are yet to be rebuilt due to inadequate assistance from both the State and Federal Governments.

While these are personal losses that will never be fully replaced, Nigerians must all come together and learn lessons from the findings of the Presidential Committee – Sheikh Lemu Committee. I was privileged to have served on that committee as well as the Kaduna State committee of 70 members that focused on the 2011 crisis. These reflections therefore are made to draw the attention of the various stakeholders to their role in making the forthcoming general elections violent free.

Politicians We draw the attention of all our politicians in this country to the following observations from the findings and recommendations of the two committees mentioned above that investigated the crisis that erupted during the last general elections.

Internal democracy: All political parties are called upon to allow for internal democracy. The following should be avoided in order to prevent implosions that will certainly affect all Nigerians.

• Imposition of candidates by party leadership – candidates should emerge democratically through a process that involves all cardcarrying members of each political party.

• Agreed modalities by each political party membership for sharing political positions must be adhered to and respected by all members.

For example, where there is an agreement on which zone is to fill which political office, we plead that our politicians should honour that agreement. This was a major cause of 2011 post-presidential and gubernatorial elections in

2015: How to avoid a repeat of the 2011 post-election crisis one particular state.

• Our politicians should resist the temptation to force themselves on the electorate, we plead that they resist the temptation to remain in power or come to power at all costs!

• To all politicians seeking election or re-election, remember, leadership is a trust from God. The Arabs say: la haula wa la quwwata illa billahi ( there is no power but God). Delegates and therefore all leaders will give an account to this God eventually. The desire to be in power at all costs brought about the deaths of 943 lives and 838 injured Nigerians following the 2011 postpresidential election riots! This time round, this must be avoided.

Lemu’s Committee came across a state where lives were lost and property worth millions of Naira destroyed because politicians refused to abide by a previous arrangement. This must never be allowed this time especially as parties go into their primaries. We plead with our politicians to abstain from inflammatory language and the campaign of calumny, they must not see an opponent as an enemy that must be exterminated. Political campaigns should and must be based on issues and promises that can be fulfilled. We call on those who have money among them to use their money to develop their areas and refrain from sponsoring unpopular candidates seeking political power. This has always resulted in the deaths and destruction of the properties of innocent Nigerians to the exclusion of members of sponsors of such wicked schemes!

Unfortunately, no government in this country has ever either fully compensated for or given enough assistance to victims of these avoidable crises.

Religious leaders: We plead with religious leaders to refrain from the negative use of religion as a way of getting their members elected into political positions. From our findings, this is a way many religious leaders in this country today have amassed so much wealth to the point of competing with their members in every facet of materialism. This practice, unless stopped, will continue to pitch one religious community against the other, simply because a political leader who owns his/her being in power to his/ her religious community will always give preferential treatment to that community.

For the electorate to be rightly guided, religious leaders should call for honesty, integrity, transparency on all politicians irrespective of their religious

should be above ethnic and religious sentiments. A traditional ruler who is Muslim is not the traditional ruler of the Muslims in his domain alone, he is the leader of all Muslims, Christians and those who do not belong to either of these two major religions. Traditional rulers are, therefore, called upon to resist the temptation to side one politician against the other. When traditional rulers are seen to be fair and just to all, those being led or governed will follow suit.

As the individual politician visits our traditional rulers, we plead with them to be sincere in their counsel, put the needs of their subjects to each and admonish them on the failure to carry the electorate with them on getting to power. Our traditional rulers are respected as the voices of their subjects, they are therefore to represent their subjects to all seeking their support without discrimination. When our traditional rulers play this father-for-all role without discrimination either on religious or tribal grounds, their subjects will obey and cooperate with them.

•Most Rev. Idowu-Fearon

We plead with religious leaders to refrain from the negative use of religion as a way of getting their members elected into political positions. From our findings, this is a way many religious leaders in this country today have amassed so much wealth to the point of competing with their members

leaning. Nigerians are a religious people. I am pleading with our religious leaders to avoid a religious war erupting in 2015 by resisting hate preaching and divisions among Nigerians along religious lines. Our religious leaders are called upon to encourage the electorate to vote according to their convictions and not to sell to the electorate any candidate on the basis of being Christian or Muslim.

It is rather unfortunate that some of our senior religious leaders are today pitching one tribe or section against the other within the same geographical area. This has become very pronounced in the last few years. Various tribal and ethnic compositions that had lived and respected each other are today strange

bed-fellows as a result of the use of religion to divide tribal and ethnic groups. The Muslims preach ummatun wahidatun ( one community) while the Bible talks about ( one faith,one Lord, one baptism) irrespective of tribe or ethnic origin. We plead with these religious leaders who, for selfish and pecuniary reasons, are fanning the embers of racial superiority to please desist as we prepare for the next general elections. Like the politicians, when crises break out, neither they nor their families suffer.

Traditional rulers On the side of our traditional rulers, we call for sincerity, honesty and fairness.

Traditional rulers are to see themselves as fathers to all within their domains – they

Media The members of this sacred profession have a major role to play as we pray and plan to avert the disaster that visited 15 states following the 2011 presidential election. We affirm the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that guarantees every citizen the freedom of expression.

However, we would plead with the media to help avert a repeat of 2011 by displaying responsible news dissemination. We urge the media to avoid false or malicious reporting and adhere to factual reporting. We would even go as far as pleading that while reporting, the security of our nation; peace and peaceful coexistence must be their criteria.

Nigeria seems to be at another crossroads as she approaches 2015 general elections. The vibes are ominous. But, if suggestions in this article to these selected stakeholders are taken seriously and implemented, we may just survive and not have another blood-letting experience like we had in 2011.

The current situation calls for sacrifice from these selected segments of our country. These groups must let go their ambitions for the well-being of this nation. Who knows, the Lord may give them a better and rewarding positions or opportunities to be relevant in the future.

Most Rev. Idowu-Fearon is Bishop of Kaduna Diocese, Anglican Communion, Kaduna.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 39

Gator Meat, Killer Cops and a Town Called Ferguson

By Femi Fani-Kayode he decision by a grand jury T in Ferguson, Missouri not to indict police officer Daren

Wilson for the murder of Michael Brown, a young black man, has caused quite a stir.

It has not only sparked off a vicious cycle of violence in Ferguson itself coupled with protests all over America but it has also sparked off a heated debate about race relations and racial violence. Some of the assertions that have been made are interesting. Permit me to share a couple of examples with you.

On November 23, during a heated debate on NBC with Professor Michael Dyson, Rudy Giuliani, A former Mayor of New York City, said ‘’white police officers would not be there (black communities) if you were not killing one another’’.

Again on November 25, during a discussion on CNN, he went further by saying: ‘’93 per cent of blacks are shot by other blacks in America. Blacks kill blacks seven times more than whites kill whites. 75 per cent of murders in New York City are committed by blacks’’.

Few would dispute the fact that these assertions are not only truthful but also pertinent and relevant. I have no doubt that Giuliani is right when he expresses the view that the black community in America has far more to do when it comes to curbing crime in their own communities.

He is also right when he says that it is perfectly justifiable for the police to put many more officers into black communities where violent crime is rife and high than in white ones where violent crime is relatively low?

The question is whether the fact that Giuliani expresses these uncomfortable truths and bitter facts makes him a racist?

I don’t think so but whatever our thoughts about the former Mayor may be, one thing remains clear: the growing rage over what is perceived as the most insidious and profound manifestation of callousness, insensitivity, cruelty and racism by the American police is building up throughout America and indeed throughout the world.

My sister Miss, Toyin FaniKayode, made a pertinent and instructive point about the Ferguson affair when she made the following observation on her facebook page on November 25. She wrote: “Nine of the 12 jurors, in a prominently black area, in a state where you need nine votes for something to happen, were white. Let that sink in.

The statistics show that 0.01% of all grand juries fail to indict

a cop. Firing six shots into an unarmed black teenager is apparently that 0.01%”. The fact that this sort of thing is still happening even when America has a black president, a black attorney-general and a black Director of Homeland Security proves that something has gone drastically wrong. There is undoubtedly a Jekyll and Hyde aspect in the psyche and character of American culture and society that few can comprehend.

On the one hand, America is ‘’God’s own country” and ‘’the home of the brave and the free’’ whilst, on the other, she is a cesspool of institutional racism, racial injustice, double standards, doublespeak, gunviolence, godless secularist and humanist philosophies and sheer hypocrisy.

‘Black Friday’ Like millions of others throughout the world, I feel a deep sense of disgust and outrage about what happened to Michael Brown. This is especially so because we expect so much more and so much better from America. Yet the question is whether we ought to be surprised. American history is replete with the most horrendous examples of man’s inhumanity to man and the most graphic manifestations of racial injustice.

If anyone doubts that, they should consider the historical origins of ‘’Black Friday’’, which is a day that is celebrated in the United States after ‘’Thanksgiving Day’’ and find out what it represents and stands for. The historical experiences of people of color from all over the world (whether they be red, brown, yellow or black) in the white hands of the self-acclaimed ‘’masters of the earth’’ and the western colonial powers of both the old and new world have been very unpleasant.

Black babies fed to alligators Permit me to share just one example in order to illustrate the point. 140 years ago, live black babies in the southern ‘’confederate’’ states of America were fed to alligators for sport and for bait. The screaming of the babies after they were placed and tied up in a chicken basket at the end of a long pole just above the water attracted the alligators who would swim towards them in a rabid frenzy, jump out of the water, pluck them whole from the air and eat them raw. This is where the derogatory and insulting term ‘’gator bait’’, which is often used to describe black people in America, comes from. Today,

•Fani - Kayode was Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration.

Black babies fed to alligators Permit me to share just one example in order to illustrate the point. 140 years ago, live black babies in the southern ‘’confederate’’ states of America were fed to alligators for sport and for bait 140 years later, young black men are shot to death by American police officers at will and for fun without any fear of sanctions. Clearly not much has changed.

America remains the most violent nation on earth and it is a place where young black men are treated as objects for target practice and blood sports by unstable, trigger-happy, paranoid, wicked, psychopathic, sociopathic, indisciplined and sadistic police officers who believe that they are still living in the ‘’wild wild west’’ of Colonel George Armstrong Custer and David ‘’Davy’’ Crockett. They believe that they are still living in the southern ‘’Dixie’’ plains of ‘’Gone With The Wind’’ and ‘’Uncle Tom’s Cabin’’. They secretly yearn for the days of the Ku Klux Klan, large southern mansions and plantations, cotton-picking negroes and summary lynchings. So much for God’s own country.

Every man and woman of color ought to feel a deep sense of outrage by the evil that took place in Ferguson and by the scurrilous attempt to cover it up and every white person ought to feel a deep sense of shame.

Heavy price Let the history of the ‘’masters of the earth’’ be told and, though we must forgive, like the Jews, we must NEVER forget. They wiped out the red man, they drugged the yellow man, they enslaved the black man, they robbed and humiliated the brown man, they conquered the world and, today, in the United States, they kill our sons and brothers with impunity. Worse still, when we complain, they treat

us with contempt and disdain.

Yet, let them hear this loud and clear: as long as there is no justice in the world, there will be no peace. As long as the heartless killing and indefensible slaughter of young black men by the American police continues, that nation will pay a heavy price for her insidious and deep-seated racism and her inherently racist institutions.

The latest example of this obscene and obsessive barbarity and it’s latest victim is a young 12 year old black boy by the name of Tamir Rice who was shot to death in Cleveland by two white policemen on November 26 simply for carrying a fake gun. Unluckily for the officers involved, the whole thing was secretly filmed. Let us hope that the grand jury indicts them for murder and let us pray that, in this case, unlike that of Ferguson, justice is done.

Permit me to end this contribution with an interesting perspective to the whole episode from Mr. Joe Thorn, a respected and distinguished Englishman that has lived in the southern state of Louisiana in the United States for many years. Joe is a white man and an old school friend of mine. I have known him for almost 30 years and I have immense respect for him.

On November 25, in a writeup titled, ‘’From Louisiana 140 Years Later”, he made his own contribution to the heated debate by writing the following in response to my observations about Ferguson on my facebook page: ‘’Anyone using innocent babes to catch alligators would receive the death penalty.

Everyone knows the best gator

bait is a whole chicken. Store bought, free range, fresh or frozen, does not seem to matter.

But it does matter that you have a license and a tag for that gator, or you will be in big trouble with the law. Today, black men commit crimes and murder on other black men at record rates. Sometimes for sport and with complete disregard for the law or their fellow man. American urban black youth is an extremely dangerous demographic to be born into. Young black men treat each other as objects for target practice and bloodsports for other young black youth.

Adopting a “gangsta” culture reminiscent of the early 20s where life was cheap and you take what you can by force mentality prevailed. They have abandoned God and family, instead serving gold and gang: preying for the most part on their own community and peers. Occasionally this spills over into the general population. Just recently, a man, suspected of a felony strong-armed robbery minutes before, commits a felony assault on a police officer and is shot.

The stepfather was later filmed calling for his fellow community members to ‘burn their town to the ground’ which they did, thereby ensuring the black on black slaughter and destruction may continue.

America has indeed come a long way in 140 years.

Through hard work and God’s blessing, you may indeed prosper here regardless of color or ethnicity. Some 50 years ago, Evers, King et al: rallied around ‘we shall overcome’ but sadly many in the black urban youth have yet to take the first step. Overcoming your fellow man by killing them was not what they had in mind”.

Joe has painted a dismal yet truthful picture of the black American condition and it confirms the veracity of Cassius’s famous assertion in Shakespeare’s celebrated play ‘Julius Caesar’ when he said ‘’the fault is not in our stars Brutus but in ourselves”. I am still reeling from his words.

Fani Kayode was one time Aviation Minister

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014 sam.eyoboka@gmail.com

08023145567 (sms only)

Adeboye welcomes all to HGC 2014

BY SAM EYOBOKA & OLAYINKA LATONA HE annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, starts tomorrow and runs till Saturday with different events slated for morning, afternoon and evening sessions. The event began in 1998.

According to the programme of this year's spiritual fiesta billed for Redemption Camp, the theme is; "The Great Sherpherd", and it will feature several gospel ministers from across the nation and overseas including Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, CAN president and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, a dynamic preacher, pastor, evangelist, teacher, prophet, apostle and an author, with a unique anointing of God upon his life.

Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Rev. Joe Olaiya, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos.

Others include Pastor Stephen Rathod, Revd.

Moses Aransiola, president/ General Overseer of the Gethsemane Prayer Ministry. He is also the national director of Nigeria Prays, a national prayer body initiated by the former Head of State of Nigeria,

T

DAY 1 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS: OPENING SESSION 6.00 - 7.00 PM

PRAYER & INTERCESSION

7.00 - 8.00 PM

PRAISE & WORSHIP

8.00 - 8.10 PM

OPENING PRAYER

8.10 - 8.30 PM

CHOIR MINISTRATION

8.30 - 9.00 PM

TALK ONE – “HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED”

9.00 - 9.20 PM

GREETINGS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

9.20 - 9.40 PM

THANKSGIVING FOR PAST CONGRESSES

9.40 - 10.10 PM

OFFERING

10.10 - 10. 40 PM

CHOIR MINISTRATION

10.40 - 12.00 AM

TALK TWO – “DEFENDER OF THE DEFENSELESS“

General Dr. Yakubu Gowon.

President/founder of Christ Life Churches under the umbrella of The Sword Of The Spirit Ministries, Bishop Francis Wale Oke is also on parade.

Dr. James “Bamidele” Sturdivant is known worldwide as a blessing to the body of Christ. His unique style of simply – yet powerfully – conveying Biblical principles has drawn millions to the Cross and set

the stage for massive deliverances and healings in the lives of God’s people.

Pastor Adeboye is expected to minister every evening.

Available information to Vanguard reveals that facilities in the sprawling camp have undergone upgrade in expectation of the huge crowd of people expected from across the globe for the end of year spiritual exercise. A source close to the church

...Vanguard intensifies preparation to welcome him

M

ANAGEMENT and staff of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers have intensified prayers in anticipation of the visit of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to the c ompany for this year's end-of-year praise and thanksgiving service of the Vanguard Media Christian Fellowship.

The event is scheduled for 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, December 18 at the corporate headquarters of the best read newspaper in the country at Kirikiri Canal in Apapa, Lagos.

Theme: "Divine Success and Prophetic Breakthrough" with inspiration from II Chronicles 20:20.

Arrangements have reached feverish point with several committees inaugurated to handle specific aspects of the programme for a hitch-free thanksgiving service.

There was general excitement in Vanguard Media Limited premises in Apapa, Lagos on Monday when a huge banner announcing the programme was hoisted at the entrance of the company.

Since then visitors to the company daily spend a great deal of time wondering if it is true that Pastor Adeboye would really spare time from his busy schedule to grace the occasion.

Reports from Kirikiri Town, a densely

*Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye

populated neighbouring community, where a similar banner has already been hoisted, also indicate that commercial drivers, motorcyclists as well as traders in that axis have been making enquiries on how they would attend the event.

A doubting okada rider who makes his living by ferrying staff and visitors from the Berger Yard Bus Stop to Vanguard, found it difficult to believe that Daddy Adeboye expected to conclude Holy Ghost Congress on Sunday, would be able to visit Vanguard the following Thursday.

maintained that water supply capacity has been increased just as regular power supply is assured.

The General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye was quoted as appealing to motorists coming for the programme to make use of the numerous parking lots within the camp ground and make way for free flow of traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He maintained that there are enough parking lots within the camp ground to accommodate participants, noting that the church will as usual secure the services of Policeman from Lagos and Ogun States to complement the efforst Federal Road Safety Corp, Nigeria Security and NSCN as well as a detatchment of church vonlunteers known as Team Nehemiah to control traffic on the highway.

In a welcome address to participants, Pastor Adeboye said: "We welcome you to a special encounter with the Great Shepherd at this year’s Congress. We are highly delighted to see you again, knowing that you made it to this congress despite all the devil had

planned and done. The One who promised you more abundant life is ever willing, ever able and ever faithful to keep you.

"We give Him all the glory for what he did over the past one year in your life, family, work, the church and the nation. May He be highly exalted in Jesus’ name!

"This year’s Congress promises to be quite remarkable as we celebrate the Great Shepherd Himself –--His goodness, His love and His faithfulness. He guides, protects, provides and sustains. Whatever your situation, He is present and ready to meet you at the very point of your need. Just put your faith in Him and come before Him with prayer and thanksgiving. You shall not ask in vain in the mighty name of Jesus.

"Do not miss any session and do not let anyone distract you. As you come before God and look up to Him, He will single you out of the crowd. The reason you are here is to meet the Almighty, Great Shepherd Himself. Give Him all your attention and He will give you all He has in store for you," he appealed.

Christian group advocates abolition of death penalty

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

T

HE Comunita d Sant’Egidio, Nigeria and the European has advocated the abolition of death penalty, lynching and extra-judicial killings in the country, arguing that capital punishment violates the right to life which happens to be the most basic of all human rights.

The group made the call through its country representative, Ezike Henry Prince at the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos, during a campaign highlighting the dignity of the human life.

Ezike explained that the only deterrence to crime is increasing the possibility of apprehending offenders and not in the severity of the punishment, noting that violent crimes especially armed robbery have remained on the increase since the introduction of death sentence for the offence in early 1970s.

He said: “The death penalty is not a tool to deter crime and violence, because perpetrators are often people who deal with death more than life. They are not scared by any death. On the contrary capital punishment may encourage acts of violence against law enforce-

ment agents even inside prisons, because no hope is in sight and no rehabilitation permitted”.

He therefore appealed to the Federal Government to pronounce an official moratorium on death sentences and executions.

Also speaking on behalf of the organisation, Jan De Volder stated that the call for the abolition of death penalty, lynching and extra-judicial killings is not for evil doers to be left unpunished, but that the justice system must take a process that does not violate human rights.

He maintained that death penalty is a violation of human rights and does not serve as deterrent but harden criminals.

A representative of the Human Rights Law Service, Barrister Collins Okeke, maintained that it is in the interest of all to abolish death penalty, arguing that some innocent Nigerians had been wrongly accused and punished with death penalty.

Okeke called on the Nigerian government to adequately fund the Nigeria Police and addressing the problem of corruption in the force, instead of encouraging bloodletting through death penalty.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 41

M

Unbelieving believer I did not always believe in such impetuous prayers. I was an unbelieving believer for 41 years. I grew up in the Anglican Communion; got married in church at the age of 25. But I remained skeptical of churches and of church processes. There are too many charlatans in the churches to hoodwink a cynic like me.

As a result, when the Lord finally apprehended me, he did so outside the mainstream of the church. He reached me where I lived. He dazzled me with my own “burning-bush” experience.” (Exodus 3:2). He answered the heartfelt prayer of this “doubting Thomas:” “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

(Mark 9:24). If he can make a believer out of me, he can surely make a believer out of anybody.

Elijah the Tishbite Sometimes you read something in the bible and it amazes you. Don’t be amazed: be challenged. The bible is designed to

Receiving power from on high

,

Y niece was getting married. The recep tion was planned as a grand open-air affair. But at the very onset of the event, thick rainclouds formed, over-shadowing the location. It was clear that it would not only rain, it would pour.

I motioned to a pastor friend and held out my hands to him.

“Come,” I said, “let us cancel this rain in Jesus’ name.” Immediately, I observed naked fear in his face. He probably thought I wanted to make fun of him. But I quickly held hands with him and prayed, asking God to turn back the rain.

No sooner had we done this than the thick clouds broke and moved away; to the surprise and delight of my pastor friend. It rained in other parts of Lekki, Lagos that Saturday afternoon; but there was not even a drizzle where we had the wedding reception.

Lock God into a room with you and pocket the key. Sit him down in a chair and pour out your heart to him

provoke a call to action. The first time I read about Elijah, I was flabbergasted. It said: “Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.’” (1 Kings 17:1).

I thought: “Wow! Where did this man get this audacity?” Elijah boasted that it would not rain unless he said it would. True to his word, it did not rain for over three years. Now that is power!

But before you copy Elijah, or become too impressed with him, you need to understand this: “Elijah was a man just like us.

He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”

(James 5:17-18).

Before Elijah decided to make his outrageous pronouncement, he first sorted out the matter with the Lord. He not only prayed, asking for God’s approval; he prayed earnestly. At some point, God must have given him the goahead; otherwise, his decree would have failed. James says:

“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

(James 5:16).

Cynics ask why charismatic Christians don’t lay hands on Ebola victims today and heal them. The answer is simple: the Lord has yet to give us the authority to do so. Peter did not presume to walk on water; he waited for the Lord’s instruction.

Kingdom authority Jesus brought the kingdom of heaven down to earth. He demonstrated that the power of God is now available to men. This is his promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

It is our privilege as disciples of Jesus to receive from the Lord: “the power to become the sons of God.” (John 1:12). This power is vested in the Holy Spirit.

When we hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God, we are filled with the Spirit of the living God. Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened

,

to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.... If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11:910/13).

But it is not enough to receive the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is necessary to insist on the mighty manifestations of his power. This is not in order to impress men, but to validate effectually our witness of Jesus our Saviour and of the kingdom of God. For this purpose, we need to wait on the Lord in “Jerusalem” until we are clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49).

Renewing strength Your “Jerusalem” can be anywhere you can seclude yourself in adoration and worship of the Lord. It can be your bedroom. It can be your living-room. It can be your prayer-room. It is best to be a place where you are less likely to be disturbed.

If you want the manifest power of God in your life; renew your strength by waiting upon the Lord. Fast food. Fast the television. Fast the radio. Fast your

GRACE 2014 dedicated to Chibok girls*Beatrice Ibeneme is Karis Awardee

T

HE annual benevolence event of the Household of God Church, the G.R.A.C.E programme, will this year be dedicated to the over 200 adopted Chibok schoolgirls who have spent over 220 days in captivity.

Senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Chris Okotie, who on Sunday, December 14, will host the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society at the programme, said, “the connotations of the dedication of this year ’s event to the missing girls was to keep the fire of their remembrance and #BringBackOurGirls alive, as all efforts to secure their release continues to be uppermost in our minds”.

To make a resounding signification of this, Okotie said the dresscode for the event would be black, while admonishing attendees to secure rechargeable or battery powered type table lanterns for the significant ‘lights-out’, when attendees will be expected to switch on their lanterns to imply that the search is still on.

The main attraction is that the Karis Award goes to late Mrs. Beat-rice Ibeneme (nee Okebugwu)---the first woman to be enlisted in the

Nigerian Police with serial number 001.

She receives the award on the heels of another ex-service woman; the 2013 recipient, Air Commodore Habiba Ruth Garba (rtd), who interestingly was also the first female onestar General in the Nigerian Air Force.

LAGOS GUBER:

L

Divine resistance Once you are resolved to seek the face of the Lord, expect the heavens and the earth to be ranged against you. Even the Lord himself might become your adversary and make things more difficult for you. Don’t be discouraged; he just wants to know how determined you are. On one such occasion, the Lord said to me: “I don’t want you to talk to anybody but me for the next three days.”

My Jerusalem experience yielded dramatic results. When I finally opened my mouth to talk, the anointing was electric. If I merely breathed into a microphone, my listeners would fall to the ground. When I decreed healing, God established it.

I stood in front of an elderly man at Pentecostal Assembly and knew instinctively he was covered in juju. I gave him the microphone and he confessed that he had been to a babalawo seeking protection. The Lord told me to remove this false covering with my bare hands and warn him never to return to the juju man.

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2:8).

Lagos Catholics fete oldest priest

C

*Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu and Father Julian Egwuatu pose with parishioners of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Lekki after the Corpus Christi procession.

CAN denies endorsing any aspirant

AGOS State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has denied reports that it has adopted Dr. Leke Pitan as its candidate for the 2015 governorship election in the state.

A statement by CAN's media consultant, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, explained that “the exercise that took place at the Dr. Akinola Maja Memorial Gospel Baptist Church was simply a forum to interact with all those who have shown interest in the exalted office hence the letter of invitation written to them to formally invite them to the event.”

The cleric said “the programme was put together by the foremost Christian body to create a platform for the

cell-phone. Fast your friends and acquaintances. Fast your wife or husband. Some spiritual tasks require the release of greater power than others. Jesus says: “As a precious prize- a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion.” (Matthew 11:12).

Lock God into a room with you and pocket the key. Sit him down in a chair and pour out your heart to him. Don’t even bother to “pray;” just talk. Read the scriptures aloud to him from chapter to chapter. Build up your inner man by speaking in tongues at length. Take a hymn book and sing as many songs as you know in it to the Lord. Dance the ridiculous dance of David in his presence.

aspirants to outline their vision and mission to Christians in the state.

"As stakeholders in the sociopolitical space, Christians deserve to know their leaders before they are chosen and it was in this spirit that they were all invited. It would be unfair for anybody to conclude that the purpose of the gathering was to endorse or adopt anyone of them as our candidate," the statement added.

Continuing, the media consultant maintained that "It is possible that such conclusions were arrived at because of the public outcry within the Christian community in the state that we want a Christian governor come 2015. However, it is

untrue that any of the aspirants was endorsed at the forum."

According to Daramola, if the motivation was to endorse any aspirant, all of them would not have been formally invited in the first place.

*ORDINATION

A

SENIOR member of VANGUARD Family, Pastor Samuel Eghagbaifo will on Sunday, December 14, be ordained as an Apostle. The event is scheduled for Saviour Restoration Ministry, 75D, Moradeyo Street, Kuje Amuwo, Lagos at 9.00 a.m. with Rev. I.A. Anyanacho as the guest speaker.

A T H O L I C Archdiocese of Lagos will on December 8, 2014, celebrate her Oldest Priest, Rev. Msgr.

Patrick Adedokun Somide, who has been a priest for 60 years, alongside nine other priests who will clock seven years in the priesthood.

Chairman Planning Committee, Barrister Vincent Otiono said the occasion will hold at the Catholic Church of Resurrection, Magodo, Lagos where Rev. Msgr. Somide is still actively serving in the Lord’s Vineyard at 10.00 a.m.

Msgr. Somide was ordained at the grand finale of the Marian Congress on December 8, 1954 by Cardinal James Robert Knox.

He obtained a Bachelors Degree in Anthropology, Religious Ethnology and French from France.

In 1964, Msgr. Somide returned to the Archd-iocese of Lagos, where he was assigned to St Peter’s College Abeokuta, to teach French; he has achieved great milestones till date such as being conferred with the title of Monsigor by the late Holy Father, Pope Paul VI.

PAGE 42 —SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

.....CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY

By Tony Nwankwo

Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei (MON) is immediate past chairman, Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, president emeritus, Aka Ikenga and board member, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. He was recently honoured as Member of the Order of the Niger, MON, by the Federal Government. In this interview, he takes a look at the issues affecting the country. Excerpts: ou were recently honoured by the Federal GovernY ment. Tell us about it?

The government of Jonathan decided to honour me with MON – Member of the Order of the Niger, this year, because of my contributions to the society, in sports and in health care delivery and in academics.

They looked at my profile and my contributions to the nation, and said I am eminently qualified to be there. I am not a governor, a minister, an ambassador, or in the military, but just an ordinary citizen who has contributed positively towards the emancipation of this nation. They found me worthy. Out of 170 million Nigerians, to be among 300 people, to me, it is the greatest honour. It is beyond money, it is beyond anything, especially when I am from a very humble background.

This cat and mouse game between the Nigeria military and Boko Haram.

What do you think?

It is very embarrassing that the almighty Nigeria Army is being disgraced by the rag tag army of Boko Haram. It is unbelievable.

Nigeria Army is well funded and they have armament beyond the capacity of Boko Haram people. So, why are they losing grounds? To me the government should probe what is happening in the North-east. It is very disgraceful when we hear this community has been taken, that community has been taken. That Nigerian soldiers run away leaving all their arms and ammunition, including APCs. What sort of thing is that? First and foremost, the Federal Government should probe and possibly bring some intelligence agencies from abroad. Let them probe what is happening in that place.

Even if it is politics, bring those people to order. No President of a nation will like to lose part of his territory to a rag-tag army.

Let them set up a high powered probe involving intelligence agencies like the CIA, MOSSAD, M15, put them together with Nigerian intelligence people. That is the way tto know how to check Boko Haram. Then Cameroun, Niger and Chad, because we can see that these people are coming and getting their arms across the borders.

Why should Cameroun border be so porous, for instance?

C M Y K

We need fforeign oreign int elligence intelligence ser vice tto o ffight ight Bok o Haram service Boko — Ebigwei You have visited other democracies around the world. Should Aminu Tambuwal remain Speaker after defecting from PDP? He shouldn’t, because the position of the Speaker of the House constitutionally should be the special preserve of the majority party who are in control of the House. So, to decamp to the minority party and still hold to the position, granted him by the majority party, I think there is no justification. It is politically immoral. Tambuwal, should make himself a statesman by resigning so that he can retain his credibility and political relevance in this country. If I am in his shoes, I would throw in the towel. Afterall, how many months is remaining for him in that position. If he did, he will go with a greater glory than all the crisis he is generating.

He must relinquish power to the ruling party. Look at the U.S. Look at England? Those who hold such position are the majority. America just had their mid-term election, and the Republicans took control of both Houses. Imagine Speaker Boehner joining the Democrats, will he still remain in that position? He cannot. He will resign, as a mark of honour and political decency. But in Nigeria

It is very disgraceful when we hear this community has been taken, that community has been taken.

That Nigerian soldiers run away leaving all their arms and ammunition, including APCs. What sort of thing is that? here, anything goes.

There are people who say, Northern leaders are not well disposed to democracy.

Do you agree?

The problem is that they don’t want power out of their hands. And democracy means that every functioning group within a geopolitical entity, such as Nigeria, is entitled to power. The southerners believe and maintain that the North has spent more than 30 years and the South has not held power for up to 20 years.

And this rotation is not between North and South. If it is between North and South, it is not between certain oligarchies of south, it is between nations that form the federating units of this country. So, the federating units of Nigeria must have access to power also.

For example, Jonathan, is from a minority area. Now is it fair that people will be up in arms to ensure that he does not return to power again? How about the Igbo, how about the people in the Middle Belt? What of the Urhobo, the Efiks, and so on? All those who make up this country, has any of their sons or daughters tasted power at the centre. What we are saying is that the northerners should allow Jonathan the opportunity to govern Nigeria and serve out his full terms. Now you have to think, how about the Igbo, East and West of the Niger, have they ever tasted power? No! Ironsi’s regime was less than six months and he was killed. Can you call that a stay in power? How about people in the Middle Belt, who also form the bulk

of this nation? What we are saying is that the Northerners should give opportunity to other ethnic groups to have a taste of power at the centre. And that is the only way that Nigeria can have peace. But if the people feel that they are the only people who have been destined by God to rule this country, to me, to is not fair.

There is the coming of Tony Obuh as governorship aspirant for Delta North.

You have been in the forefront agitating for the position for North North in 2015. How do you react to this?

Since the creation of Delta State, Delta Central has been in power for eleven years.

Delta South through Uduaghan has controlled the state for eight years. A tripod cannot stand on two legs.

Because of this, people believe that for political equity, Delta North should be given a chance to control.

Unfortunately, our political class in Delta North, have come en-masse to vie for one seat. Delta Central and Delta South have aspirants for that seat. So, what Anioma people (Delta North) did was to try to harmonize the interest of our sons and daughters who were questing to become governor of the state.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 43

.....CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY

B

emigho Reno Omokri is the Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on New Media. In this interview with ABIODUN ALADE, he poohpoohs what he terms the propaganda and lies of the opposition about his principal.

O

n President Jonathan and his achievements President Goodluck Jonathan is the best president Nigeria has ever had and I am backing this with facts. I am not moved by opinion, I am moved by facts. Let me corroborate my stand with five facts. Number one, according to the United Nations record, Nigeria life expectancy was 47.5 years in 2009, a year before President Jonathan took over. As at today, according to the same United Nations Human Development Index, which is released annually, Nigeria average life expectancy is now 52 years. Since record has been kept, this is the largest life expectancy in Nigeria.

When President Jonathan took over power, the World Bank listed Nigeria as a low income country, but, today, Nigeria is a middle income nation.

In 2010, Nigeria was the second largest economy in Africa but it is the largest economy in Africa today.

Also, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute which undertakes research on global hunger index annually, Nigeria is improving. Prior to President Jonathan assuming office, the country has been sliding on the global hunger index but since he took over Nigeria has been improving.

In 2005, our index was 16.1 but in 2013 it reduced to 15 and this year it is 14.1.

On the final score, President Jonathan, during his declaration speech, said he is proud there is no political prisoner in Nigeria; as a matter of fact, Nigeria has become so free under President Jonathan that those in exile were able to return home. Some chose to attack him, others chose to support him but the obvious thing is that there is no consequence because we have a God- fearing and philosophical king as president.

Insecurity The issue with insecurity can best be answered by the military. But I will say that

Special ffor or ces tto o tac kle orces tackle Bok o Haram under way Boko underw — Omokri, Presidential Aide

• Says the opposition is built on lies, propaganda.

•Omokri, Presidential Aide

Let us look at facts and not opinion. In this country, one of the greatest avenues of corruption is the procurement of fertilizer for farmers but today, the Jonathan administration has addressed that and ensured that farmers get fertilizer directly from the source never in the world has a conventional army been used to destroy terrorists. Nigeria has had high success in peace-keeping all over the world because we have been meeting with conventional war. Terrorism is a new threat and we have to develop special forces to deal with this threat and, to the best of my knowledge, that is going on at a very advanced stage and, very soon, we will see the effect of that. I am very confident that in no distant time, Nigeria will overcome the Boko

Haram insurgency. Our soldiers are already being trained in special operations so we will, in the near future, bid farewell to insecurity occasioned by Boko Haram in the country.

Impact of largest economy on the citizens It is an opinion to say that the transformation of the economy is not impacting on the lives of Nigerians. There are seven billion opinions on earth and if you are going to live by that, you will be an

unstable person. Facts support the notion that the economic progression Nigeria has made under President Jonathan is trickling down to the citizens. For the first time in the history of this country, we have 14 million farmers registered with the ministry of agriculture. They received fertilizers and seeds directly from the ministry. Of the 14 million, two million are women. It has never been done anywhere in the world; other nations like South Africa and India are coming to learn how we did it. Now we are talking of 14 million farmers which is clear evidence that Nigerians are benefiting from the economic progress made under President Goodluck Jonathan.

The per capital income of Nigeria, which was 1090 dollars in 2009, is 1800 dollars today. Today, you can take a train from Ido terminus in Lagos and be in Kano at the cost of N2,250.

You can charge your laptop on that train. You can move within Lagos with airconditioned fast trains.

These are facts but obviously, the opposition will not want to paint the president in his true colour because they are desperate for power.

President Jonathan has ensured that every state that did not have a university now has one, he has ensured that almajiris who did not have school before now have 150 schools of which he planned to build 400. This is a man who has impacted on the lives of the everyday average Nigerians.

In the rural areas, there is a conditional grant given to women that attend post-natal care in health centres. Over 80, 000 graduates have been able to find internship through the Graduate Internship Scheme. 4, 000 Nigerian youths have been given grant of between two million and ten million naira to start up businesses which have empowered and employed tens of thousands of people through the YOUWIN (Youth with Innovation Nigeria) scheme.

These are brilliant initiatives

that have never be done before to impact the lives of Nigerians.

Sadly, some people with no record to show will speak negative of the president.

For 34 years, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been left dormant but today, it is witnessing one of the fastest constructions on earth- Julius Berger starting from the Lagos side and RCC starting from the Ibadan side which will ensure they meet at a point to complete the work on time. Where has that been done before in Nigeria? It used to take nine hours to travel from Lagos to Benin but President Jonathan ensured that the Benin- Ore Road was reconstructed not repaired. Today, that same journey takes three hours and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Okonjo Iweala, took that journey herself to verify it. So President Jonathan is impacting on the lives of everyday Nigerians.

Corruption and the president’s body language Let us look at facts and not opinion. In this country, one of the greatest avenues of corruption is the procurement of fertilizer for farmers but today, the Jonathan administration has addressed that and ensured that farmers get fertilizer directly from the source.

There is no middleman, thus the country is able to save over two billion dollars annually which was in the past frittered away.

Over 50, 000 ghost workers have been weeded out of the civil service, the FG is saving over three hundred and fifty billion naira annually by that singular act. These 50, 000 have been there over the years.

This administration is not interested in show trial where you arrest people, do a trial with the media having sensational stories but in fairness, how many people that went through this show trial are in jail?

You fight corruption at the root and weed it out.

I can state categorically that there is no anti-corruption president like Jonathan but being a philosophical king, he will not dance to the gallery; he will fight corruption accordingly. The opposition has saturated the media with negative information.

PAGE 44 —SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

.....CRIME AND NATIONAL SECURITY

How opposition leaders are fuelling Boko Haram insurgency – Udenta Udenta

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI

Following the accusation by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) fabricated facts about President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s re-election bid , Dr. Udenta O Udenta, a former Publicity Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and currently the Director of Communications and Strategy, TAN, bares his mind on the issue. Excerpts:

F

ollowing the formal declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term ambition, how do you describe Gov. Babatunde Fashola’s and the APC’s comments that the President’s re-election bid in 2015 is a farce?

The Constitution is very clear on freedom of expression, enabling every individual the right to express his views, even when those views are intolerably cast without facts and not elegant. Gov. Fashola has the right to his opinions even when such views are quite unnecessary. For a start, President Jonathan has done incredibly well and TAN has demonstrated not just through advocacy but with facts, figures and numbers. We have over 100 television jingles and broadcast 7,000 times. Not one single counter program from Gov. Fashola and his APC cohorts to discredit all the President has done. They merely indulge in high falutin, inconsequential noise making. You must be deep, sound and strategically equipped to confront a phenomenon like TAN to even discuss President Jonathan in the course of his campaign. If they don’t have the right tools and intellectual skills, then they should keep their mouths shut!

What Nigerians expect from the opposition is counter media programming, to prove that there is nothing going on in virtually all the sectors TAN is showcasing to Nigerians instead of their idle rattle.

Gov. Fashola is indulging in idle prattle. It is clear they are grooming him to be something in APC but should not be to the detriment of TAN. TAN is not a faceless structure, we have people with deep knowledge of

the Nigerian system and I am one of them. I had paid my dues through struggle, detention, advocacy and patriotism, fighting for democracy.

They are merely people that were nowhere pre-1999 history insulting the symbolism of Nigeria’s honour by humiliating the President. We will never allow such to happen. Fashola should hold his peace and go take the back seat because he has nothing to offer in terms of his criticisms.

APC should set up a civil society like TAN to give us a run for our money and resources, time and intellect. If they cannot do that in any sustainable manner, they should shut up for good.

What about Fashola accusing TAN of fabricating achievements for the President to deceive Nigerians, for instance, in the power sector?

They are used to empty talks, not presenting graphical pictures to buttress their arguments. For instance, in 2011, Nigeria generated certain capacity like 5,000 MW and when GEJ came on board it now dropped. You consider what it used to be and the reformation of the sector before casting aspersion. President Jonathan took the bull by the horn by transforming the power sector. Although it may take time to click, he has privatised and constructed partnership with a foreign body to manage the transition of the power sector without stress down the line.

He (Gov. Fashola) further said that lack of power supply has increased the rate of unemployment among the youths.

He should come up with specifics. Increased unemployment from what percentage to what percentage?

From what year to what year?

How many are employed today? We need facts and figures! You don’t just wake up to make empty statements because they are pleasing to the ears of those who sent you out to do it! Fashola should be careful the way he talks in 21th century Nigeria.

Unemployment attributable to President Jonathan should be spelt out. Such accusation to the President is not what is expected from a governor of a state like Lagos. He should

•Udenta Udenta know better.

There is need for BRF to be very serious the way he speaks as a leader! Because leadership is earned through years of hard work. Not somebody that had no pre-1999 history. I subject Fashola into pre-1999 history in terms of political consciousness and exposure.

Then you will know what you will get.

The opposition, according to reports, also accused TAN and President Jonathan of not being sensitive to the plight of Nigerians in the North-east that has been ravaged by suicide bombings that killed about 50 students and injured many more prior to his declaration.

There is need to know when this was said, were the reports issued when the blast occurred or they knew he would declare

environment, and while we duly get information across to security agencies in record time, for them to use such information and data to keep on preserving our lives. We must live our lives normally.

The President’s declaration is welcomed by millions of Nigerians as an act of courage.

If he had not done so, he would have changed our value system to accommodate the tragedy of the terror situation. We are proud of his courage. That was why he started with security challenge. He called for minutes of silence to honour the injured and those who lost their lives. But as a leader, he must press on; as President George Bush, pressed on, Barack Obama is pressing on, combating ISIS, Talibans and Al Qaeda. As the British people are pressing on all over the world, because they can’t just

APC should set up a civil society like TAN to give us a run for our money and resources, time and intellect. If they cannot do that in any sustainable manner, they should shut up for good the day after? Is Boko Haram that sophisticated to know that President Jonathan will formally declare his ambition the next day? Maybe they are aware and they decided to disrupt the occasion. The war against terror is not just a physical war, neither is it a military campaign nor a holistic approach to peace building.

When Americans and the British were being hit by terror, their leaders told them to stand up tall, going about their daily businesses because they didn’t want their people to live under fear. Our security agencies are risking their lives to curtail insurgency. If Mr. President did not declare prior to the bombing, he would have played into their hands. His declaration is a sign of victory that we will win the war against terrorism. Our ways of life must remain our ways of life, while we remain eternally vigilant and conscious of our

allow their lives to be changed because of bombings. I was in London during the 2007 bombing, the people were living their lives normally even in the station where it happened. For you to abandon the environment completely, for you to leave the area, is to say terrorists have won psychologically. Which is the first line of victory and the President says no!, they cannot win the psychological war. We have to remain resolute, firm and as proud and patriotic Nigerians. We have to encourage our armed forces and the security agencies for doing sometimes what they are not trained to do. We must recognise that this is not a typical conventional warfare, where you fight with people in uniform. It is a new kind of warfare unknown to mankind 20 years ago, so they have to adapt to the change in circumstances to accommodate the dynamics of revenge

seeking task forces cutting across all our borders who are foreign fighters from the collapse of the regime of the Gadaffi and his death after he employed thousands of Africans to protect himself. When Americans and the rest of the world bombed them out of Libya, what happened to the thousands of these militants?

They left for northern Mali, took territories there. Why do you think it is North-east Nigeria borders, not in the North-west or North-central?

Because that is where they are strong, where they can infiltrate our borders, move in materials and rebuild their lives. The President recognises that, and said we must build sustainable relationships with our neighbours as brothers and with the international community in terms of sharing strategies and data.

You said earlier that terrorism is an on-going combat. Why should Nigerians trust President Jonathan winning the war against terrorism if he wins reelection?

Nigerians should trust him because he has demonstrated the capacity, the required skills and tools to defeat. He has the calmness and maturity and does not buckle under pressure.

That is the mark of a leader that is thinking. It may take time but we will surely overcome.

Do you see President Jonathan winning the war again insurgency ?

Very well. He will, just the way Obama is still battling terror, not only in his home front but across the world.

Nigeria will surely win this war and at the same time help our neighbours who may be afflicted with similar scourge.

That terror will overcome Nigeria will never happen. If it does, we can then say to a great extent that our forces have been seriously degraded.

With the lingering terrorism, how do you react to the view by the opposition that President Jonathan does not deserve second term?

Like I said earlier, it is an indolent approach. It screams to high havens about Nigeria’s insensitive opposition.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014PAGE — 45

C M Y K

PAGE 46—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

My conditions to campaign for Jonathan — Gov Sule Lamido *’Why President must call Edwin Clark, others to order’

By OCHEREOME NNANNA

C

ongresses for the nomination of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates for the Houses of Assembly election in 2015 took place nationwide on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Governor Sule Lamido joined his fellow delegates to participate in the exercise in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State. Lamido later spoke to Sunday Vanguard on some political issues. Excerpts: Your contemporaries – some governors finishing their second terms in about six months – are heading to the Senate and you have decided not to. What is your political future?

I have been around for a long time. In all modesty, I think I have acquired the status of a father who should be guiding the children in this very difficult period of our history. I am in the last group of public office holders linked to the old order playing roles in the new generation. I am like a bridge with which people can cross over to the new generation of leaders in Nigeria. The old order fought for Nigeria’s independence which we got in 1960. Then there was military intervention and an unfortunate civil war. In 1979, we returned to civil rule and the founding fathers were again part of our democracy.

That was when I came into politics. Those who plotted the military coup against our country in 1983, psychologically, did not see themselves as leaders. It was a defining moment in our history. They tried to wipe out our history. They sought to literally destroy, rubbish, terrorise, distort and obliterate the vision of our forefathers.

They felt that was the only C M Y K

•Gov Sule Lamido way they could stand. While some of us remained with the founding fathers, the rest of them who went to the military college and fought the civil war decided to topple the very institutions that made them.

For them to be seen as leaders they must wipe out the legacies they met in place.

I do not think there is anyone who was in office in 1983 still occupying elective office today. I was in the House of Representatives in 1979. I was a very young man, but I enjoyed the mentoring and support of the founding fathers.

Being the last man standing from that generation, I think the best I can do is to help the younger generation to capture some values one of which is the value of seeing public office not as an industry but service. So, I am going to be much more in the political arena than the government arena. I will be active, politically, in my ward after I leave office. I will also be very active in Jigawa State. I will be vigorously active at the national level in the party. I will be mentoring, influencing, guiding and advising. I will add more value outside government. My involvement in politics will not be seen as a

Let me correct you, and I want to underline it: I have never, ever said I am gunning for the presidency. Never. Some Nigerians just thought I was good enough to be Nigeria’s president means of employment or a sanctuary for me. I must not occupy a political office to be seen to be relevant. I am already relevant. I don’t need to be in the Senate to be relevant. I don’t need to be in an office for protection. So, it is only fair for me to allow the younger generation to play their roles in government while I act as a guide. I will be seen as father to all. I will be seen as the property of the people, whom they own. They will be coming to me as a father, friend, brother and mentor.

You were running for president. You were warming up for it. Then suddenly you withdrew for President

Jonathan. What made you withdraw? And what role will you play in your party? Will you be active or merely passive during the presidential campaign of the PDP? Let me correct you, and I want to underline it: I have never, ever said I am gunning for the presidency. Never.

Some Nigerians just thought I was good enough to be Nigeria’s president. They started promoting the idea, and it caught on, and people thought it was me. I feel flattered that some people find me worthy of being asked to run for president, and I thank my Creator, my Allah, for giving me that standing. I thank them, but it was not me

who was running for president. Secondly, as a party man, I strongly believe in party culture and party tradition. I have to take cognisance of the peculiar political culture of Nigeria, where occupiers of political office tend to transform into political leaders. A councillor who was nobody before being elected becomes the political leader of that ward while in office. He begins to lord it over the ward chairman and executives. The same thing happens at the state level. A governor who was not being noticed before as an individual uses that office to also become political leader of his state. At the federal level, a president who was not even known before uses the huge office he occupies… the aura of the office, the power of the office distorts his thinking, and therefore the person becomes the political leader not only of his party but also of the whole country.

But these are public offices, under certain rules and regulations, conferred with some powers to function within a defined period. When President Obasanjo was in office, he radiated the power and glory of the presidential office. But when he left and handed over to the late President Umar Yar’ Adua, he was almost eclipsed by the new man on seat. That public office, from top to the bottom, should not be confused for leadership. It is transient.

Leadership is not transient, but political office, within its powers, is. But in Nigeria, elected office now combines the power of service and leadership in the hands of the current occupant of the office.

So if I run against such an incumbent, with the enormous powers he wields under our constitution and political culture, he will certainly defeat me. There is no way a governor can beat a sitting president to the presidential ticket of the party. The same thing applies in the states.

There is no way in a party arrangement that an outsider can come and defeat a governor seeking re-election at the party primaries. He can go to another party, collect his ticket and he can win at the general elections, but certainly not within the party. If, for instance, I go with the yearnings of my supporters, I will only cause them more heartache and pain because I will be defeated by the president. There are some facts which cannot be ignored. It will also give my opponent some credibility and legitimacy because he will say: ‘I contested with Sule Lamido and I defeated him’. I will end up becoming frustrated because the process is not going to be transparent. If I want to hurt my party, or

Continues on page 47

SUND AY SUNDA

Continued from Page 46 perhaps hurt Nigeria, I will say I will run. They will bring EFCC, ICPC after me, but no problem. I will raise all the sentiments, North, South and what have you. I know the areas I can touch if I mean my party and my country ill-will. At the end of it, I will be defeated.

Then, I will refuse to concede defeat; I will say there were no level grounds. I will storm out and address a press conference… I refuse to do that. I love my party, PDP. And I love my country, Nigeria. I can never allow my personal aspiration to blind me to the dangers it can bring on my party and my country. I will ruin my party, I will put my country in danger, but I will also be crippled politically. Why should I willingly go through that? A country that made me what I am, gave me space to grow? I will do everything in my power to pay back Nigeria for what Nigeria has made me.

I will work hard to see that Nigeria is stable, united and strong, so that as Nigeria has enabled me to grow, other Nigerians will also have the opportunity to grow to the best of their potentials, to be governors, ministers, parliamentarians, academicians, captains of industry, scientists, professionals and what have you.

To answer your question, it was people who felt I had the qualities that were promoting the idea that I should run.

Having opted out of the race, it should not in any way dilute my commitment to my party and the progress of the country.

It will not.

Will you support the president fully during the campaigns, or will you play ‘siddon look?’

What we are going through today in Nigeria should go beyond partisan politics. Only yesterday, there were bomb blasts in Kano. How many people died? How many were injured? People in their place of worship. No matter how you see it, sometimes there are difficult situations. My party and my Federal Government must assist me in ensuring my safety. Right now, we are overwhelmed by grief.

Government must be seen to have the political will and commitment to confront this insurgency. Even though I believe in Nigeria, I am also coming from a political environment. And when a certain arrangement seems to be undermining me, ignoring the circumstances under which I live in my environment, it becomes very, very difficult for me to give the required political support. Government should also be willing and able to encourage me to support it. It should be able to provide me the comfort I need. Immediately after the Kano mosque bombing, text messages began to circulate.People are saying, ‘the North should not forgive Murtala Nyako, Shehu Shema,

Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 47

‘Why President must call Edwin Clark, others to order’ Sule Lamido and Isa Yuguda’, they listed four governors for supporting President Goodluck Jonathan to be president in 2011.

Are they saying that the president is connected with the bomb blasts?

You see, as human beings, when you are going through frustration, and you are literally overwhelmed, you can get disoriented and over-react.

Otherwise, what do the bomb blasts have to do with the 2011 election? I am coming from a tribe, from a region and from an environment, and these types of things drain me of all moral authority, all political authority. And, therefore, when things are not working very well, I am one of those people hold accountable. I am part of the leadership of the country and so my people hold me accountable. When people like Edwin Clark say people of the South-South are angry with the North for being against their son, it diminishes my contribution to the making of the Jonathan presidency.

When people are overwhelmed by hopelessness, they can take it out on anybody who is around, and people will now be making reckless statements.

I must be given the moral authority, and things must be decisively checked. And people should not be making reckless statements. We need to work towards a Nigeria for all Nigerians, not northern Nigeria or southern Nigeria.

People should be defending the interests of Nigeria, not just the interests of their regions and abusing people who are from the other side.

There seems to be a slow descent to anarchy as we move towards the 2015 general elections. What is the way out?

The way out is to give Nigerians security. The insurgency in the North should not be seen as a northern thing but as a challenge facing the whole nation. It should not be seen as a gang-up of the North against the Federal Government or the President.

There has to be a clear political will to confront this thing headon. Every Nigerian, from North or South, must come together to confront this problem. Today, if you go to the bus station to travel to Enugu, you could become a victim of bomb blast.

Even though it is happening in the North, the victims can be from anywhere, they could even be expatriates. We are living by the second. How can you feel happy living in a country where you don’t know what will happen to you the next second? We must live in a

secured country. That is the principal reason for having a government. This notion that Boko Haram is something being used to undermine someone, as being posited by people like Edwin Clark and the others, will not solve the problem.

He must be publicly admonished. We should restore confidence in the citizens. Nigeria must be seen to belong to all Nigerians. When you see government as ours and not theirs; ours as in tribe or group, not as the whole nation, as the whole citizenry of Nigeria, then you are part of the problem.

Recently, the police invaded the National Assembly. I am putting this question to you as a former member of the House of Representatives.

When the legislators managed to get into the chambers, some of them started signing impeachment notice against the president. How do you see that incident? Were the police action and impeachment move justified?

What is the National Assembly? How do you get there? It is an assembly of political leaders elected from their constituencies. It is not an assembly where you always pat each other’s back and hug

•Gov Sule Lamido

police were wrong. Even if the police had reasons to take action, the way they went about it created the problem. They should have closed the gate, allow members to get in and keep away nonmembers, even if it means keeping away some categories of staff, at least for that day. Let them go in there, fight and box, it is not the business of the police.

So, you are saying they can be lawless on the floor, they can kill each other and police will just watch?

I was once a parliamentarian, and the late Edwin UmeEzeoke was our Speaker. A fight erupted when we were trying to unseat the Speaker.

This notion that Boko Haram is something being used to undermine someone, as being posited by people like Edwin Clark and the others, will not solve the problem. He must be publicly admonished each. It is a place to contend and canvass interests, so conflicts will naturally arise from time to time. It is not unusual to have fisticuffs there, and this happens in every parliament. It is not the business of government that there could be anarchy there.

They created the impression that some people were allowed to get in while the gate was shut on some people. That was wrong. It is their office. It is not for the police to begin to anticipate that there could be crisis. It is an assembly of disharmony and harmony, of crises and peace, of idiocy and anything. It all depends on the issue in discussion. That is not the police business. So the

It happens in every legislature, even in America, Russia, everywhere. It is a human institution, and there is no perfection. It is an assembly of contending interest, values, and cultures and not to mention political camps. So, what the police did was wrong.

And it was also wrong for the House members to say they are impeaching the president because two wrongs cannot make a right.

We witnessed the congress for the election of the PDP candidate for the House of Assembly in your ward in Birnin Kudu today. We saw you queue up like other delegates and you voted. What

was the significance of the way the process was conducted?

Parties have processes and traditions. There is a difference between a party function and a government function.

Government functions are full of officialdom and red tape.

When you are in a party function, such as congresses and conventions, whether you are the president, vice president, senator, member of the legislature or governor, you are there first and foremost as a party man. Therefore, you should be able to bring the power, aura and charisma of the office down to the level of the other party men and women and youth, the party grassroots, in such a way as to make them feel this is mine.

The party grassroots must feel today is my day. You must connect to them because it was from there that they sent you to your high office, and when you finish your tenure, you must return to them. When you appear among them they feel elated, that that thing which is up there, which I sent up there is now among us today. It gives the party a lot of cohesion.

Many people make the mistake of erecting too many barriers and subject the ordinary party members to hardship just because the people they produced in public office are around. That is wrong. If you annoy the people, they can walk away. In fact, they should walk away if they are harassed too much. I make sure that fellow party members are respected. I give them their due courtesy, and I give them a sense of belonging to the party and to me. I see it as a family reunion. And that is why at the end of the function, there was no rancour. Rather, everybody went home happy and feeling part and parcel of their party.

What you saw today was part of the tradition of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and that is what we have entrenched here in Jigawa State.

C M Y K

PAGE 48— SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

RITA LORI-OGBEBOR

Life as a serial protester!

BY IKENNA ASOMBA & EDIRI EJOH

T

he name Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor is synonymous with humanitarian works. The Igba of Warri (Irojowo) and Chairman/CEO, Rita Lori Hotels, in this interview, speaks on his life as an unrepentant protester against the ills of the society.

For sometime now, you have not been commenting on national issues, as you were some years back. What are your reasons?

In those days when I was younger, we used to protest for our children. We protested when there was strike in the education sector, we protested for our children to go to school.

But those children we protested for to go to school are now the ones in various offices of leadership. They saw us when we were on the road protesting for them. But they got there now and have forgotten what we fought for. So are you still saying, as a grand mother and a great-grand mother now, I should still be on the road protesting? No, I have handed them over to God. Governance is what we don’t have and that is what has brought us to this level.

Governance is not politics.

They are two different things entirely. Politics only helps you to get to where you can govern, but what you do with it when you are in elective position is governance. We lack good, selfless governance in this country today. Today, people like us are tired and frustrated.

Recently, some persons came to me to ask why I have not been talking for some time and I replied, ‘what should I say now that I am old?’ I have been talking over the years and have led by good example with my contributions to a better Nigeria.

You witnessed the days of the C M Y K

founding fathers. What was Nigeria like then?

When we were younger, we prided ourselves as Nigerians before the international community. Like in the United Kingdom then, we had the Nigerian House. The Western Nigeria also had their liaison office where their children go to when they had problems. We also had the Eastern and Northern Nigeria House where the children from the eastern and northern extraction go to when they had problems. Is there anything like that today?

No. If you have problems today in the UK as a Nigerian and you get killed, Nigeria is not going to take any action. That is the kind of government we have today, and it is a pity.

It is unfortunate that people like us worked so hard to ensure our children get the best of education; now, they are the ones at the helm of affairs, but are governing badly. Today, one who claims to be a doctor is not behaving like one, but behaving like a thug. The profession we have today is politics. Old ones like us don’t know what to do again, but just to keep quiet and watch.

The Federal Government just announced austerity measures. What is your take?

Since this announcement, the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been trying to defend government’s actions. I am sure she had wished she was defending the country truly and sincerely the way the country is. According to her statement, Nigeria will not crumble due to the falling oil price in the global market, because Nigeria had some money in reserves to cushion the austerity measures. What I was expecting her to say is that Nigeria will not have a free fall or the austerity measures would not sink the country because we have other resources outside crude oil.

In my younger days, during the days of Azikiwe, Awolowo,

•Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor

It is unfortunate that people like us worked so hard to ensure our children get the best of education; now, they are the ones at the helm of affairs, but are governing badly Sardauna of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa, among others, there was no oil, but we faired better.

Those structures that gave us stability and life are still existing today. Timber in the then Mid-west, which is today’s Edo and Delta, is still there. The trees still grow, as we cut them down.

Unfortunately, with the advent of the regime of oil dependence; people no longer plant roots, everybody wants his share of the national oil cake.

The rubber trees have been left to grow and wither away.

My father had one of the biggest rubber plantation inside the Niger Delta and you would be surprised, it is surrounded by swamp when you go there.

Also, taking a look at the amount of money we spend importing fishes, whereas our

waters are still there and there are fishes in them, you will marvel. We have quite a good number of elephant schools of fisheries and yet we have not developed that sector. It is sad that we don’t invest in that sector. It is sad that the amount of money used in importing fishes is quite equivalent to our oil proceeds. If our seas are left to be ravaged by foreign vessels and then brought back to the country to be resold to us, it means we don’t have hope. I believe if that problem can be tackled, government would not be relying on the money in its reserves to cushion our problems. I don’t expect her (Okonjo-Iweala) to forget the cocoa seasons when Lagos used to be blocked. I remember when trailers moved cocoa from the West and the North to Apapa port. The outrageous gridlock witnessed

in Apapa today, as a result of petroleum transportation, was peculiar to cocoa and groundnut, transportation back then.

I had wished she remembered these resources that are in this country. If that has been developed, we would not have been speaking about money in the reserves to sustain the country. Our ports today are congested and the Apapa port is the greatest commercial port in this country and yet we have nothing to show for that.

Also, if we had looked at these resources including our minerals, we would be confident even with the problem with crude oil. I had wished, government was able and confidently say that the resources are able to sustain the country.

Specifically, I don’t think that speaking is what we need now, but affirming to ourselves the position we are today, while forging a way forward in these trying times.

The way out?

Good governance is the way out.

Good governance can only be exercised by people who are selfless. How do you call a bricklayer to come and build a house, when he cannot differentiate between a six and nine inches block? If you are eager to build a house, your first port of call is an architect, then the second is to ask how it is done. But if you don’t have the money to build a house, you will be disinterested in discussions of building a house. So, the problem with Nigeria today is that those people leading are people who don’t have the interest of the people at heart. They don’t have the interest of the country at heart. The politics they are playing is how to take the resources the country has and convert it to theirs. They believe when they get there, the permanent secretaries are there to teach them how to go about things. They believe the civil servants are there who will tell them what to do. The fact remains, if you don’t have the interest of the people and the country at heart, you cannot govern. Politics is different from governance. Ability to govern takes in everything. You must have the experience to deliver, the power of implementation must be there. All of us in this country, we talk a lot without the vision, interest and power of implementation.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 49

Residents at the scene of bomb blasts in Damaturu

BLOODLETTING IN BATTLE FOR DAMATURU, MAIDUGURI, LASSA

We could no longer run from insurgents — Locals

BY NDAHI MARAMA MAIDUGURI, AND BALAAJIYA DAMATURU

A

T least 100 people in cluding civilians, ter rorists and security operatives lost their lives, while several others sustained gunshot wounds in three separate attacks on Damaturu, Yobe State capital, Maiduguri Borno State capital as well as Lassa village, Borno State. The attacks lasted three days.

In Damaturu alone, about 60 people lost their lives last Monday morning when over 100 suspected members of Boko Haram in a convoy of Toyota Hilux vehicles, laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and motorcycles, attacked the Yobe capital, torching some buildings at Bukar Abba Ibrahim University (BAIU), the state owned radio station, telecom masts, a police mobile base and a primary school, sources said.

On Tuesday, at about 11:25am, 22 people were feared killed while 48 were others injured when two female suicide bombers detonated IEDs at Layin Yankaji gate of the Monday Market, Maiduguri.

The blasts came about one week after twin explosions C M Y K

hit the market in which over 70 people, mostly traders, were killed and about 98 sustained serious injuries.

In the attack on Lassa village in Askira/Uba local government area of Borno State, 11 residents died while churches and houses were burnt.

Sources said vigilante youths in the village confronted the attackers, leadingto the killing of 41 suspected Boko Haram members while 17 were captured.

Confirming the Damaturu incident, the Yobe Police Commissioner, Markus Danladi, said soldiers and policemen repelled the insurgents with casualties on both sides, saying the battle lasted over four hours.

Speaking on the Maiduguri attacks, Borno State police spokesman, Gideon Jibrin, said in a text message to journalists that " two female suicide bombers detonated explosives in Monday Market in two different locations, killing 16 people, and injuring many".

The Damaturu incident started at about 6am and left many residents trapped in their houses, while thousands of others fled into the bush.

A resident, Mallam Yakubu Aliyu, while narrating the incident, said, "The early morning attack which started at about 6am in Damaturu was targeted

at police and military formations as well as selected houses, a situation that left many people dead.

“The police mobile base in Damaturu was one of the security formations that came under attack and was razed by insurgents".

Another resident, Mallam Usmanu Iliya, said, “As I am talking to you now, there are explosions in the southern part of the city and people are fleeing.”

He claimed to have been woken up by gunshots and blasts at about 6am, and suspected Boko Haram may be attacking.

Another resident told our reporter, “We were running for our lives…we were under attack… We didn’t know whereto hide, the shooting was all over….”.

The locals at Lassa reportedly resisted the attack by engaging the attackers with locally made guns, bows and arrows.

Lassa is predominantly a Christian community.

Ali Mamza, a resident and member of the vigilante group in the village, told reporters, “If we flee today, tomorrow, we will continue to flee and these murderers will continue to kill.

I think our decision to fight yielded fruit as it is better that

If we flee today, tomorrow, we will continue to flee and these murderers will continue to kill. I think our decision to fight yielded fruit as it is better that few people are killed than for hundreds to be killed few people are killed than for hundreds to be killed. We will continue to encourage ourselves, because they will keep coming, we cannot run any longer.”

The Damaturu attackers detonated explosives along Gujba Road before they advanced to the police mobile base and set it ablaze. The gunmen shot their way indiscriminately into the base but the casualty figures could not be ascertained.

"I was performing ablution preparatory to saying my ear-

ly morning prayers when a loud blast went off and shooting started,” one of the residents said.

"We all ran into the bush but we could see the mobile base in flames amid the shootings ."

Students of Yobe State University told our correspondent that they managed to escape to the bush from their hostels but could not confirm if the school buidings were torched.

One of the students, Mr. Modu Alhaji Isa, said, "The gunmen burst into the state capital through the Gujba axis of Damaturu-Biu road; and commenced shooting sporadically and torching buildings before soldiers and policemen confronted them in a fierce battle that lasted over four hours".

A fighter jet from the Nigerian Air Force soon arrived to provide aerial support for the troops to repel the insurgents.

At 9:am, reports indicated that shootings were subsiding after the military plane dropped explosives on the invaders.

It was gathered that before the attack, insurgents had captured nearby Buni/Yadi and Bara towns in Gujba and Gulani council areas of Yobe State, and continued to control them.

PAGE 50 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 51

Analysis

LAND MINES ON THE ROAD TO 2015

Nigeria’s dangerous mix of terrorism and political power struggle, by US Prof.

Richard Joseph Militant Islamism has expanded in northern Nigeria over decades. Its trajectory can be traced because of the central role played

by Wahhabi religious institutions in Saudi Arabia in the propagation of Salafist Islam. This process has included the training of clerics, the funding of mosques and schools, and the cultivation of dynamic leaders. The gifted scholar and preacher, Ja’far Mahmoud Adam, became the prime propagator in this network in the mid2000s. He was killed on April 13, 2007 after virulently denouncing the more extreme views of his protégé, Mohammed Yusuf. When Yusuf and hundreds of his followers were killed by Nigerian police forces in July 2009, the movement went underground. It re-emerged in 2010, popularly referred to as Boko Haram, ready to wage jihadist war against the Nigerian state, Western education, and national and international institutions. It has since adopted every tactic available to contemporary insurgent and terrorist organizations. There are no limits to its brutality as it has targeted school children and very ordinary folk. Its vociferous leader, Abubakar Shekau, taunts the Nigerian government for its inability to crush his movement.

New and sustained reflections are needed about a movement that now poses a dire threat to the Nigerian nation, its federal democracy, and neighboring countries. It has become part and parcel of militant global Islamism. To this end, AfricaPlus makes available the second and final part of a November 3 interview of Richard Joseph, a professor of international history and politics at Northwestern University, the United States, US, by Jerome McDonnell of WBEZ, Chicago, followed by responses from Akin Osuntokun and Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi.

W

HAT do you make of the situ ation in Nigeria?

Nigeria is in a very critical situation and Americans and others need to pay closer attention. The Obama Administration is very focused on Iraq and Syria, and on combating the Islamic state.

But there is now an avowed Islamic state in Africa.

And this is the Boko Haram “state” in northern Nigeria?

Correct. They have declared a caliphate, with Gwoza as its capital. They control an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 square miles of territory. That would be equivalent to the American state of New Jersey,

or Massachusetts. They’ve not only kept the Nigerian military at bay but many Nigerian soldiers are terrified of their fighters. It seems increasingly clear that the Nigerian military is not able to defeat Boko Haram on its own. Nigeria is in pre-electoral mode with national elections coming up in February, so this is a very critical period for the nation.

It seems that Goodluck Jonathan is not the candidate you would want to back if you sought a change in the situation in northern Nigeria. He’s not from the region. The country used to take turns with

Nigeria is in a very critical situation and Americans and others need to pay closer attention. The Obama Administration is very focused on Iraq and Syria, and on combating the Islamic state. But there is now an avowed Islamic state in Africa

leadership, with people from the North and South. Now it seems like that tradition is busted.

That is right. America has been fortunate with wartime presidents. We had Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Second World War. When he died, his vice-president, Harry S. Truman, took over. Truman turned out to be a darned good president, and also superb in international affairs.

Goodluck Jonathan, like Truman, is an accidental president, who follows an ineffective president, Umaru Yar ’Adua.

Yar ’Adua was not only politically but physically weak. The person responsible for their elevation to high office was Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo was twice Ni-

*Prof. Richard Joseph .. Talks on Chibok girls evaporated geria’s head of state, as a military ruler in the late 1970s and as an elected president from 1999 to 2007. He spent most of his second term trying to get rid of the two-term constitutional limit. When he had to leave, he ushered in Yar’Adua from the far North as president and, for the vice presidency, Goodluck Jonathan, from the South-south, that is, the Delta oil-producing region. Yar’Adua was critically ill for several months in 2009-2010 but wouldn’t hand over power to Jonathan. He was finally forced to do so on February 9, 2010 and died shortly thereafter, on May 5.

Jonathan completed his term and then ran in 2011 and won. Following that election, violent and highly destructive rioting took place in northern Nigeria.

The North has been in decline and its residents are generally disenchanted. It must be understood that the Boko Haram insurgency is taking place in a region of about 80 million people in a country about twice that size, about 170 million.

Goodluck Jonathan is looked upon by many in the North as having taken over the North’s term in office. Because of Yar’Adua’s weakness and his uncompleted first term, they feel their “turn” in the presidency was usurped. Jonathan stated that he would only run for one term. To no one’s surprise, he has recently announced his decision to run again in 2015. He is competing for the presidency at a time when oil prices have dropped sharply.

Nigeria doesn’t have much financial reserves. The Excess Crude Oil Account is largely depleted. Reserves from petroleum revenues have been drawn to maintain political support. Nigeria is therefore entering a period of great uncertainty.

The United States seems to have taken a serious interest in Boko Haram and put them in its security framework. I was surprised when I heard the Head of Central Intelligence talking about Boko Haram and drone strikes. It’s a situation that they appear to take very seriously.

Yes, they take it seriously, but there are a number of problems. The first is that it’s difficult dealing with the Nigerian government and also the Nigerian mili-

tary. There is also the disturbing fact of publicized atrocities, human rights abuses, conducted by Nigerian security forces. This makes it difficult, given American law, to cooperate with them.

The other problem is that Nigeria is a very nationalist country. Nigerians consider their nation to be a major one. It is not like Sierra Leone, where the British intervened in May 2000 and drove back the militias. Or Mali, where the French did the same to the jihadists in January 2013. So the question is: Will Nigeria be able to work with external help, and will it accept that help? It does not appear able to defeat Boko Haram on its own, in the same way that Iraqi forces cannot defeat the Islamic State. So how is Nigeria going to get the necessary external assistance? What the US and coalition forces are doing in Iraq and Syria is what is needed in Nigeria. Nigeria needs a higher level of intervention, and I don’t see how that will happen.

Is there a non-military way to do it?

Everybody looked at the military solution in Iraq and said “this isn’t really going to work, but we’re going to do it anyway”. It would seem that there would be a political avenue to take in Nigeria with the coming presidential election. It presents an opportunity to create more political space for people in the North to feel included in what’s going on..

Let me touch on the military aspect before moving on to the political. As President Barack Obama said in his speech at the U.N. on September 24, there has to be a military response to violent jihadists.

The same is true with regard to Boko Haram in Nigeria. A month ago, there were supposedly talks taking place in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena. We were told that the release of the Chibok girls and a ceasefire were imminent. All that evaporated and the warfare has intensified.

Getting to the political side, you do have a point. There is an opening for Nigeria.

Discussing this opportunity puts me in an odd position. I have no intention of seek-

Continues on page 52

PAGE 52 —SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

Terr or should ne pel concession of po wer — AKIN OSUNTOKUN error nevver com compel pow

M

r Akin Osuntokun, a former political adviser to erstwhile President Olusegun Obasanjo, responds to Prof Joseph’s interview: I try to refrain from commenting on a forum like this for two reasons. First, I write a weekly column for Thisday newspaper prominently displayed on the backpage every Friday-it provides a regular opportunity to pour out my thoughts. Second is the fact that i advertise myself as a member of the pdp and a sup-

*Osuntokun .. Curious suggestion on terrorism

porter of President Jonathan.

Respondents to my interventions find it difficult to resist the temptation to predicate their rejoinders on this identification.

The individual who interviewed Professor Joseph whether deliberately or inadvertently - asked some quite biased and leading questions.

I will limit myself to the most tendentious-which was to tie the resolution of the Boko Haram to the prescription of a ‘ northerner ’ replacing Jonathan via the coming elec-

tions. Joseph himself had partly made the point I would have included in my response - which is the fact that the evidence of the predominance of northerners at the highest level of governance in the history of Nigeria does not support the suggestion that a northerner is better placed to address the problems of the region.

The aspect I find curious is the suggestion that terrorism should compel the concession of political power. The argu-

ment over the vexed issue of zoning and power rotation is far more complex and complicated than the casual inference and deference of the interviewer seem to suggest. I don’ t believe it is wise for Nigeria to accept and defer to the instrumentality of terror in seeking political power. And it is this kind of suggestion that has radicalized supporters and even non-supporters of Jonathan (outside the Muslim North region) against the possibility of a regional displacement in 2015.

Irritating comments fr om America should st op, b of Akin from stop, byy Pr Prof Akinyyemi Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister, also responds:

Dear Richard, hank you for sharing this piece. I have also bene fited from following the debate that had ensued.

Perhaps I should from the beginning establish my credentials. Apart from being a Nigerian, I also was a member of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue (hereafter called the Boko Haram COMMITTEE).

My contribution is going to be largely restricted to laying facts on the table.

Firstly, the amnesty agreement with the Niger-Delta militants was concluded under Yar ’Adua and not Jonathan. In fact, the only militant group, which held out, intensified its bombing campaign under Jonathan.

This clarification is relevant to the issue raised as to whether the Boko Haram will respond favourably to a northern President overture. There is no evidence of that. Apart from the fact that the insurgents are virulently against the northern establish-

T

ment as evidenced by the attacks on several Emirs, there was an attempted assassination targeted the leading northern presidential candidate, Gen M. Buhari.

Continuing references to human rights violations by the Nigerian military will carry more credibility if they come from the Vatican which gave up fighting wars centuries ago, than from the United States whose favourite weapon, the drone, makes no distinction between civilians and combatants. I believe the term “collateral damage” was coined by Colin Powell to justify the often appalling civilian casualties that resulted from United States military activities abroad.

The Nigerian military has been fighting with one hand tied behind its back as the northern establishment was until recently opposed to a military solution to the Boko Haram insurgents.

Long after the objectives of the Boko Haram had been spelt out

*Akinyemi .. BH wants pure Islamic state by them, there was still plenty of self-denial in appraising the Boko Haram.

My understanding of BH objectives is as follows: BH wants a purely Islamic state in the North, complete with a system based on the Sharia and a Quranic educational system to the exclusion of a Western educational and judicial system.

In addition, it does not want

Christians or Christian institutions in its Islamic state.

It also does not accept Moslems who do not embrace the strict Wahabbi Salafist Islamic faith.

It will be an error to regard the BH as copy cats of the ISIL. As far back as April 2013, information was available that the BH was planning to set up an alternative caliphate in the North-east part of Nigeria.

The military action that followed the 2013 declaration of emergency put that announcement on hold.

As far back as April 2013, I had seen tapes of BH cutting the throats of its captives, long before ISIL popularised it.

Of course it is possible that such methods were taught in ALQUEDA training camps.

Finally, the socio-economic programme, which the Boko Haram COMMIT TEE pro posed to the President and which is now being implemented, seems to have fallen under the

radar of commentators.

The programme has three components: a Victims Support Programme, an infrastructural rehabilitation programme and a Marshall Plan to rehabilitate industries nationwide and a national massive employment programme.

Any international involvement should target strenghthing the socio-economic programme.

The Nigerian military will eventually degrade and destroy the BH. Any military which has had to fight against a guerrilla movement knows it is a messy and unpleasant task.

The insurgents always enjoy the advantage of the initiative.

That is the lesson of Vietnam, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Iraq, Colombia to name a few examples.

What the United States needs to do is to cut Nigeria some slack and stop irritating comments whether by scholars or diplomats.

’Nigeria no w has 3 7s now 37 sttates’ Continued from page 51

ing to influence Nigerian electoral politics. A few major parties enjoying control of state governments have come together and formed an opposition coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Its likely candidate for the presidency, unless for some reason he decides to step aside, is Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari has run for the presidency a number of times and also served as a military head of state, 1984-85. Assuming he is the APC presidential candidate, and has a respected southerner as his running mate, the APC could mount a major challenge to Jonathan and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Nigeria has a highly presidential system, but this is combined with a sub-regional or zonal approach to national

politics. When Goodluck Jonathan moved from acting to official president on May 6, 2010, his presence helped tamp down the long-running armed insurgency in the Niger-Delta.

For the combatants, and regional politicians, their man was now in control in Abuja, with access to abundant government resources. It would be understandable if some Nigerians, especially northerners, believed that the only way to mobilize the needed forces to defeat Boko Haram would be to bring a northerner to power.

There are two further relevant points. One of the greatest failures in Nigeria has been the failure of northern political (including military) leaders to enact a modernizing project for their region. They did not develop the North when they had privileged access to enormous financial resources. The second point concerns the military establishment. What are senior

Nigerian officers thinking?

Earlier, matters would not have reached this point. Nigerians would have already heard martial music on the radio and television, followed by announcements that the military had resumed control. During his term as an elected president, Obasanjo, as a military man and former coup-leader, succeeded in weakening the military’s threat to civilian government. But how long is the military going to allow this situation to persist?

Do you have any advice for the United States and what it should do? It rushed into Liberia at the pleading of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to combat Ebola. You would need to drag the United States into serious military involvement in West Africa. But could it play any kind of role here that would be beneficial?

If I had to imagine an American role, it would look as fol-

lows. We are dealing with African geopolitics and global geopolitics. The African geopolitical situation concerns a band of insecurity, instability and insurgency from the Northeast to the North-west of the continent. What is taking place in northern Nigeria connects with what occurred in Mali and southern Algeria. The Boko Haram insurgency also involves northern Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. This is the regional African geo-political dimension.

Second is global geo-politics in terms of global Islamism.

Goodluck Jonathan went to Paris in May 2014 to attend a meeting convened by the president of France, François Hollande, of regional African presidents. It seemed a little odd because, why couldn’t Jonathan just invite those leaders to Abuja for such a meeting? But it gives a sense of what we’re dealing with in terms of regional

leadership. What the U.S. must do is work more effectively with the French, the British, and other European partners. They need to put together a coalition, because coalitions have worked well in support of peace efforts and democratic transitions in Africa. We’ve seen this in Mali, Niger, the Ivory Coast, and even Somalia. There’s a need to put together one of these coalitions, bring together African leaders, executives of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and others and sit down with Goodluck Jonathan and his advisers. He has to be told, if he doesn’t acknowledge it, that Nigeria is not winning the struggle. It had thirty-six states; it now has a thirty-seventh, a rogue state. Is Nigeria going to accept this loss of sovereignty? If not, a Western and African coalition must work with Nigerians to reverse this alarming situation.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 53

HOW AMERICAN EXPERTS ALLOWED GROWTH OF BOKO HARAM

Why islamis t group is not the problem, by Jean Herskovits

G

OVERNMENTS and newspapers around the world attributed the horrific Christmas Day bombings of churches in Nigeria to “Boko Haram” — a shadowy group that is routinely described as an extremist Islamist organization based in the northeast corner of Nigeria.

Indeed, since the May inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the Niger Delta in the country’s south, Boko Haram has been blamed for virtually every outbreak of violence in Nigeria.

But the news media and American policy makers are chasing an elusive and illdefined threat; there is no proof that a well-organized, ideologically coherent terrorist group called Boko Haram even exists today. Evidence suggests instead that, while the original core of the group remains active, criminal gangs have adopted the name Boko Haram to claim responsibility for attacks when it suits them.

The United States must not be drawn into a Nigerian “ war on terror ” — rhetorical or real — that would make us appear biased toward a Christian president. Getting involved in an escalating sectarian conflict that threatens the country’s unity could turn Nigerian Muslims against America without addressing any of the underlying problems that are fueling instability and sectarian strife in Nigeria.

Since August, when Gen. Carter F. Ham, the commander of the United States Africa Command, warned that Boko Haram had links to Al Qaeda affiliates, the perceived threat has grown. Shortly after General Ham’s warning, the United Nations’ headquarters in Abuja was bombed, and simplistic explanations blaming Boko Haram for Nigeria’s mounting security crisis became routine. Someone who claims to be a spokesman for Boko Haram — with a name no one recognizes and whom no one has been able to identify or meet with — has issued threats and statements claiming responsibility for attacks.

Remarkably, the Nigerian government and the international news media have simply accepted what he says.

In late November, a subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security issued a report with the pro-

•Jean Herskovits.....All Nigerians — are desperate for a government that responds to their most basic needs vocative title: “Boko Haram: Emerging Threat to the U.S. Homeland.” The report makes no such case, but nevertheless proposes that the organization be added to America’s list of foreign terrorist organizations. The State Department’s Africa bureau disagrees, but pressure from Congress and several government agencies is mounting.

Boko Haram began in 2002 as a peaceful Islamic splinter group. Then politicians began exploiting it for electoral purposes. But it was not until 2009 that Boko Haram turned to violence, especially after its leader, a young Muslim cleric named Mohammed Yusuf, was killed while in police custody.

Video footage of Mr. Yusuf ’s interrogation soon went viral, but no one was tried and punished for the crime. Seeking revenge, Boko Haram targeted the police, the military and local politicians — all of them Muslims.

It was clear in 2009, as it is now, that the root cause of violence and anger in both the north and south of Nigeria is endemic poverty and hopelessness.

Influential Nigerians from Maiduguri, where Boko

Haram is centered, pleaded with Mr. Jonathan’s government in June and July not to respond to Boko Haram with force alone. Likewise, the American ambassador, Terence P. McCulley, has emphasized, both privately and publicly, that the government

The United States should not allow itself to be drawn into this quicksand by focusing on Boko Haram alone.

Washington is already seen by many northern Muslims

must address socio-economic deprivation, which is most severe in the north. No one seems to be listening.

Instead, approximately 25 percent of Nigeria’s budget for 2012 is allocaated for security, even though the military and police routinely respond to attacks with indiscriminate force and killing.

Indeed, according to many Nigerians I’ve talked to from the northeast, the army is more feared than Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram has evolved into a franchise that includes criminal groups claiming its identity. Revealingly, Nigeria’s State Security Services issued a statement on Nov. 30, identifying members of four “criminal syndicates” that send threatening text messages in the name of Boko Haram. Southern Nigerians — not northern Muslims — ran three of these four syndicates, including the one that led the American Embassy and other foreign missions to issue warnings that emptied Abuja’s high-end hotels.

And last week, the security services arrested a Christian southerner wearing northern Muslim garb as he set fire to a church in the Niger Delta.

In Nigeria, religious terror-

ism is not always what it seems.

None of this excuses Boko Haram’s killing of innocents.

But it does raise questions about a rush to judgment that obscures Nigeria’s complex reality.

Many Nigerians already believe that the United States unconditionally supports Mr. Jonathan’s government, despite its failings.

They believe this because Washington praised the April elections that international observers found credible, but that many Nigerians, especially in the north, did not.

Likewise, Washington’s financial support for Nigeria’s security forces, despite their documented human rights abuses, further inflames Muslim Nigerians in the north.

Mr. Jonathan’s recent actions have not helped matters.

He told Nigerians last week, “The issue of bombing is one of the burdens we must live with.” On New Year ’s Eve, he declared a state of emergency in parts of four northern states, leading to increased military activity there. And on New Year’s Day, he removed a subsidy on petroleum products, more than doubling the price of fuel. In a country where 90 percent of the population lives on $2 or less a day, anger is rising nationwide as the costs of transport and food increase dramatically.

Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, many politicians have used ethnic and regional differences and, most disastrously, religion for their own purposes. Northern Muslims — indeed, all Nigerians — are desperate for a government that responds to their most basic needs: personal security and hope for improvement in their lives. They are outraged over government policies and expenditures that undermine both.

The United States should not allow itself to be drawn into this quicksand by focusing on Boko Haram alone.

Washington is already seen by many northern Muslims — including a large number of longtime admirers of America — as biased toward a Christian president from the south. The United States must work to avoid a self-fulfilling prophecy that makes us their enemy.

Placing Boko Haram on the foreign terrorist list would cement such views and make more Nigerians fear and distrust America.

* Herskovits, a professor of history at the State University of New York, Purchase, has written on Nigerian politics since 1970 and this piece was written before Boko Haram as designated a Foreign Terror Organisation, FTO. NEXT WEEK The letter from 15 experts to the US House of Reps on why Boko Haram should not be lumped with terrorists

PAGE 54—SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014

OPEC and Alison-Madueke’s development agenda

BY SUFUYAN OJEIFO

T

HE news of the election of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, as President of the global oil cartel, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), came unexpectedly, but forcefully, from Vienna, Austria, on Thursday, November 27, this year, amid the increasing tension occasioned in some parts of northern Nigeria by Boko Haram’s bombing activities.

On-line publications and online versions of the print media celebrated it on Thursday night.

The electronic media made a feast of it before the newspapers ran with the story on Friday, November 28, which coincidentally was the day the Central Mosque in Kano was bombed and scores of Muslim faithful were killed while many of them sustained varied degrees of injuries.

Indeed, the bombing cast a pall on the general security outlook of the nation and imposed restraints on men of conscience who should have celebrated the refreshing development that rubbed off positively on Nigeria at the 166th meeting of the OPEC meeting in Vienna. Truth is, Mrs Alison-Madueke’s election deserved pomp, especially for being the first female oil minister of a member nation of OPEC to step in the saddle as its president.

Regardless of the situation back home, she will assume office in January 2015 to succeed former Libya’s Vice Prime Minister for Corporations, Abdourhman Atahar Al-Ahirish. Before stepping in the saddle as President, Alison-Madueke started out earlier in year as the alternate president of OPEC. Her election is very significant , coming at a time that her principal and President Goodluck Jonathan is heading for the polls on February 14, next year, to seek the renewal of his mandate by the Nigerian people. The prominent and pre-eminent position into which AlisonMadueke has launched the Federal Government and Nigeria will count a lot in the critical assessment and performance rating of the Jonathan administration.

This, perhaps, explains why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not fail to seize the moment by quickly appropriating the feat recorded by the Petroleum Minister, describing it as a confirmation of the increasing global confidence in the Federal Government under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. The party, in a statement by its

National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, expressed confidence that “ with Mrs Allison-Madueke’s election, Nigeria is now, more than ever before, advantageously positioned to contribute to and influence major decisions in the global oil market.”

Just like the PDP, many watchers of the global oil market and Alison-Madueke’s trajectory are not, at all, surprised at the decision by the OPEC member nations to hand the task of presiding over their affairs to a prominent cabinet member in the Nigerian government, who has defined her commitment as a champion of progressive reforms in the all important oil and gas sector, which is the critical hub around which our national economy revolves.

Back home, AlisonMadueke’s stewardship in the petroleum ministry has produced landmark achievements in the oil and gas sector. The consensus in the industry is that she has demonstrated capacity and exemplary leadership at the domestic front even as she has the capabilities to provide the OPEC with sharply-focused leadership.

Her impressive development agenda in the critical oil and gas sector of the national economy has put the sector on the path of irreversible progress. Consider some of the achievements: the Petroleum industry under her watch, as of March, this year, ensured annual average crude oil production of approximately 2.3 mbopd crude oil and increased gas production from 6.3 to 8.1 bcf/ d by year-end 2013, despite incessant pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

The administration commissioned the Usan Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel with a processing capacity of 180,000bbls/day operated by Mobil. The Usan field, as of March this year, was producing 103,000 barrels a day. It is on record that the participation of indigenous oil and gas companies in the industry has increased, leading to the commissioning of several critical infrastructure projects by Nigerian companies including: the establishment of Ebok terminal by an indigenous company, with current daily crude oil production of 7,000 bpd and a plateau production of 50,000 bpd at full capacity; commissioning of Africa’s largest vessel, christened Akpevweoghene, an Offshore Pipe-laying/Derrick Barge, in May 2013; and commencement of the landmark Egina FPSO vessel platform integration in Nigeria In line with the transformation programme, in terms of Gas-to -Power,

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke

If the poser by those who are still in doubt about her capacity is: how will Alison-Madueke fare in her new office?

The answer, even though embedded in the womb of time, is certainly positive Allison-Madueke’s leadership has continued frontier exploration in the Chad Basin and signed agreements for the aeromagnetic survey of other hinterland basins. It is pursuing the implementation of the Gas Master Plan even as it has completed over 450 km of critical gas backbone pipeline infrastructure, including: Itoki – Olorunshogo, Escravos – Warri – Oben, Imo River – Alaoji, and Oben – Geregegu. According to reports, the Ministry has kicked off 1,860 km of ongoing gas pipeline infrastructure comprising: Oben – Lagos, Obiafo – Obrikom – Oben (Ob3), and Calabar – Ajaokuta – Kano.

The administration has reportedly commenced FrontEnd Engineering Design (FEED) of the 850mcf/d Gas processing facility, to support Domestic supply of gas to power and the Ogidigben Industrial Park. In line with this, the Ministry of Petroleum had, with the assistance of the Ministry of Finance, raised US$450 million dollars in Eurobonds in support of pipeline extensions for the Calabar – Ajaokuta – Kano Pipelines Project.

Indeed, President Jonathan called on and reiterated some of the achievements in his 2015 presidential election

declaration speech at the Eagle Square on November 11, this year, wherein he said that “in our determination to encourage much greater participation of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry, one of the first action I took, was the enactment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act. As a result of this law, indigenous Nigerian participation levels in upstream and downstream activities of the oil and gas industry have increased by over 45 percent, thereby increasing employment opportunities for our youth.”

Jonathan said that the Federal Government also succeeded in eliminating the long queues that previously characterized fuel stations in the country through regular and sustained product supply, which ties with the report by the Ministry of Petroleum that it has been able to maintain unprecedented stability in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

It is also significant to note that under the watch of AlisonMadueke, the Petroleum Ministry, through the NNPC has been able to aggressively pursue the plan to emplace gas infrastructure to ensure adequate gas-to-power and gas-to -industry, with over 450km of gas pipelines already installed over the last

three years and another 2000km being planned for installation over the next four years.

In her first task of bringing knowledge to bear on the developments in the sector, Alison-Madueke said in Vienna, Austria, shortly after her election, against the backdrop of the current fall in global oil price, that Nigeria was now left with no choice other than to embark on an aggressive development and domestic utilization of its gas.

President Jonathan also spoke about this at the Eagle Square declaration: “in terms of gas supply, we have grown from less than 500 million cubic feet per day, four years ago, to about 1.5 billion cubic feet per day currently. Our goal is to attain 4 billion cubic feet per day over the next four years.”

These are enviable records of performance. Having now been given the onerous responsibilities to preside over the affairs of the oil cartel and define its development agenda, she is expected to, in her characteristic manner, break the glass ceiling. And speaking with journalist at the end of the Federal Excutive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Alison-Madueke said as OPEC President, she would ensure that before anything else, necessary steps are taken to stabilize global oil prices.

Going by her dispositions, Nigerians should also be rest assured that their country would not bear the brunt of the fall in oil prices. Nigeria, according to her, has to be much more competitive at this time and going into the future, pointing out that “ we cannot continue to do business as usual; we must ensure that we have the right enabling parameters and indices in this country to attract the right end-user markets, to attract the right end-user demand for our products because there are so many other countries that would be competing for those end-user markers and to get that end-user demand. So we will have to sit down and reformulate our entire approach over the next month or so, in fact, immediately to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of competitiveness; we have to make ourselves competitive in the market and we have to ensure we are able to garner and take those end-user markets.”

Therefore, if the poser by those who are still in doubt about her capacity is: how will Alison-Madueke fare in her new office? The answer, even though embedded in the womb of time, is certainly positive: she will excel once more. * Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, can be reached via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 55

TROUBLED ECONOMY

‘Nigeria will pull through’

BY UDEME CLEMENT

T

HE dwindling crude oil price at the international market from over $100 to about $70 per barrel causing panic in Nigeria may be no threat to the nation’s economy after all. While some economists have expressed the fear that Nigeria may experience recession and double digits inflation, should the trend continues, others said the nation would pull out of the crisis.

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard in Lagos, the Chancellor, Akpabio Centre for Leadership Development, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), established over seven years ago for entrepreneurial development and capacity building in Nigeria, Mr. Bassey James, stressed that the tumbling oil price would not cripple the economy, calling on all tiers of government to invest massively on entrepreneurial development in order to create wealth and sustainable growth.

The Chancellor explained that the best way to sustain the indices of economic growth recorded in the last three years is to put more emphasis on entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and capacity building in various sectors, to make the economy technology driven like what obtains in advanced countries.

“Entrepreneurship is the key to rapid economic transformation.

This is imperative because it enhances self relevance and wealth creation for the economy.

This is the time for all agencies of government to invest sufficiently in entrepreneurship to boost the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sub-sector.

For example, middle income countries like Hongkong, South Korea, Singapore and India focus more on entrepreneurship and industrial development. We can do the same by using practical approach to capacity building in various fields, skills acquisition for young Nigerians and human capital development to increase productivity in our economy. There are many countries that are doing well even without oil, so Nigeria would pull out of the crisis soon”, he stressed.

On what technique he thinks should be adopted to fast track entrepreneurial development, he explained, “Partnership is paramount in capacity building.

For instance, the Centre has trained over 1,000 Nigerians on various skills and some of them include Masters Degree holders.

So, if other agencies of government partner with us, we can train over 100.000 artisans on new skills and empower them on small scale enterprises. To ensure that Nigerians from every region benefit from this training, we formed the Southern Youth Development Forum, as another platform to train young Nigerians from that area. We have a world class training centre in Uyo, and we are making effort to open another centre in Lagos State.

President Goodluck Jonathan

Mr. Bassey James

The training is also moving to the northern region because we are going to organise another economic summit slated for December 12, in Abuja. The theme is, ‘The Next Generation of Leaders: Impact, Strategy, Enterprise and Legacy ’. The summit would have speakers like Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of

Lagos, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Director General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Jude Imagwe, Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Matters, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Interior, Comrade

The declining oil price is no threat to our economy like I said earlier. Though it has affected us in some ways, it would not cripple the entire Abba Moro, the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof.

Michael Adikwu and Chairman, RITMAN Group of Companies, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien.

Others include representatives from National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS), entrepreneurs and youths.”

He stressed, “We want President Goodluck Jonathan, to be part of this concept. Look at China, Japan and other advanced countries they are building their economies through technology and innovation, which is exactly what we need in Nigeria.

Entrepreneurship would change the concept of our economy by giving us a new strategic framework for nation’s building in skills training, human capital

development and capacity building at a larger scale.

Capacity building would boost Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for industries to spring up in different places across the country. Skills acquisition is a good strategy to tackle unemployment because it enhances sustainable development. This is what our Centre stands for.”

On the uncertainty in the economy and the Vision 20: 2020 target, he maintained, “The declining oil price is no threat to our economy like I said earlier.

Though it has affected us in some ways, it would not cripple the entire economy. That is why government is calling for austerity measures for us to be prudent with our resources.

Currently, Nigeria is among the 25 top economies in the world, and has the potentials to still be ranked among the top 20 economies by 2020. We can still achieve the Vision if appropriate measures are put in place to fast track development. That is why we are calling on Mr. President and other stakeholders in various sectors of our economy to key into the economic concept of entrepreneurship, where the people could be trained to be employers of labour rather than job seekers.”

Seplat Petroleum wins Oil Council World Assembly award

I

t was a great night for one of Nigeria’s foremost independent oil and gas company, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc which emerged winner of the “Mid-Cap Company of the Year” award, in London. The company beat three other competitors: Detnorske, Noble Energy and Soco International Plc to emerge the over all winner of the prized award The annual award usually organized by the Oil Council, World Assembly with over 1,000 guests in attendance, is one of the most respected gathering of Oil and gas operators around the globe. To emerge as the winner of the award, Seplat was adjudged by a team of sixty industry, finance and investment community experts to have a market capitalisation of between $1 billion and $25 billion.

After an exciting two days of networking at the Oil Council, key figures from the oil, gas, investment and finance industries gathered recently at Embankment, London, to celebrate what they called the international triumphs and successes of the oil and gas industry in 2014.

Receiving the award, the Chairman of Seplat Petroleum, Dr. Ambrose Bryant C Orjiako said he was dedicating the awards to the leadership team, the board and staff, who had worked very hard to take the company to its current heig ht.

In a statement by Seplat Management, an elated Orjiakor was said to have explained that he called out the Seplat team at the dinner to join on the stage, “because the success of the company is due to the work of the entire Seplat family, stressing that the company is very fortunate to have a very competent and committed management team that is stirring

it on the path of growth”.

He cited that the implementation of the Seplat model of community engagement and corporate social investment has helped to maintain the strong partnership with its host communities. The company has been in the forefront of providing succor for the surrounding communities where and around their production zones.

During the awards of excellence, which arguably represent the world’s largest oil and gas award ceremony, awards were presented in 10 categories.

The award winners were judged on many criteria, including overall leadership as an industry benchmark of excellence; performance in the area of finance against peer group; operational performance; recent market transactions and dealsvalue creation, size and impact.

Others include size and value of recent exploration discoveries; strength of industry partnerships and strength of market reputation as well as corporate governance.

Seplat was named finalist in two categories – “Mid-cap of the year” and “Deal of the Year ”, while Orjiako was shortlisted in

the “Executive of the Year ” category.

The Executive of the Year category focuses on market reputation, company performance and growth, deal/ operation success and leadership qualities.

Also, Ian Wood was presented with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Winner.

Seplat is one of the few Nigerian companies whose stocks are trading on both the Nigerian and

British Stock Exchange.

It is one Nigerian oil and gas company that is reputed for industry order and strict adherence to professional ethics.

The statement maintained that the World Assembly is the global meeting ground for oil and gas companies “looking to identify new M&A targets, raise capital, network, exchange cognate industry experiences as well as meet new JV partners and OFS providers.”

Cadbury Nigeria appoints new Managing Director

C

ADBURY Nigeria Plc., maker of brands such as the Bournvita food drink and TomTom sweets, has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director to lead the snacks group as it seeks to tap expanding markets in West Africa, and deliver consistently strong and profitable growth.

Roy Naaman succeeds Emil Moskofian, who leaves the company to explore

From left: Mr.Shi Weiliang, Vice President of Huawei West Africa, Prof. Chinedu O. Nebo, Minister of Power and others, during the 11th annual West African Power Industry Convention (WAPIC) 2014, held in Lagos.

opportunities outside Mondel– z International, Cadbury Nigeria’s parent company and the world’s leading snacks group.

Naaman joins Mondel–z International from the Diplomat Group, a global distribution company representing leading brands.

With a bachelor of arts in business, majoring in finance, Naaman has held a number of positions in the Diplomat Group in several countries, including Georgia, and most recently as a General Manager of its largest market. He joins Cadbury Nigeria 1st January, 2015.

“Emil Moskofian’s commitment and leadership have made a valuable contribution to the success of Cadbury Nigeria over the last few years,” Romeo Lacerda, President, Markets, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mondel–z International, said in a company statement.

“This includes commendable strides and solid achievements in sales volume, profitability and point-of-sales coverage, as well as brand innovation, compliance and control,” a statement from Cadbury said.

Page 56 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

VIEWPOINT

BY LIMAN ABDULLAHI USMAN

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

Putting the records straight on controversial marriage

F

or some time now, marriage vis-a-vis the Nigerian constitution has been a controversial issue.

Feminists and other activists, acting under the guise of protecting the female child, have lampooned Muslims over the institution of marriage.

I will like to set the records straight before more damage is done to the polity. Islam is a complete way of life and its institutions (marriage inclusive) are based on divinely ordained and well documented rules. It remains the only religion with unadulterated scripture in the world.

Therefore, whosoever is given the opportunity to legislate must have adequate knowledge and documentary evidence.

Anything short of this will earn lawmakers and commentators disrespect and contempt for

Girl-Child Marriage and the Constitution Islam.

The debate in the National Assembly was misunderstood.

It was not about child marriage per-se, it was about renunciation of citizenship. The provision of section 29 of the constitution says “any Nigerian of full age can renounce his or her citizenship” and some conditions were set such as 4a under section 29 which says 18 years and above and 4b which narrows it down to a married woman. Now, what is the definition of a woman? The constitution says a person who is not a child. A woman, according to Wikipedia, is an adult female human being.

Now, let us look at the issue from Islamic perspective as well as the perspective of common sense (logical perspective). Islamically, there are four pre-requisites for marriage: Proposal and acceptance (Al-ijaab wa alqubuul), approval by both parents (Ridaa alwaalidayn),

payment of dowry by the groom (Al-Mihr) and the presence of at least two male witnesses at the ceremony (Shahidayn aadilayn).

Being a complete way of life, Islam has its rigid as well as its flexible parts depending on the circumstance, as the case may be. As explained above, age is not part of the conditions which must be met before marriage can be solemnized in Islam. Where the bride is a “minor ”, Islam prescribes protective solemnizing of marriage without consummation. This means that the girl who is deemed to be of tender age is left untouched until she attains puberty. Another condition for child marriage is that the girl has the right to repudiate the marriage once she attains maturity if she doesn’t like her spouse.

Now, looking at it from the common sense (logical) perspective and according to the

constitution, a woman is an adult human being. When we look at Europe, since we copy them in most things we do, we see them as developed in every aspect of life. In UK, Italy, France, a girl can give her consent for sex at 13. But in Nigeria, as far as the constitution is concerned, there is no specific age of consent.

The constitution only says marriage is 18. With due respect to other religions, I don’t know if they accept pre-marital sex, but, in Islam, sex is synonymous with marriage and, by implication, pre-marital sex is an abomination and absolutely unacceptable for any Muslim.

Going by their (Westerners) definition, they are saying that at the age of 13, a girl can go to a pharmacy to purchase contraceptives, which implies having sex. What they don’t accept is the child giving birth.

On this score, I say thumbs up for Senator Ahmad Sani

The Ogiemwonyi factor in APC VIEWPOINT

By Efe Amadasun VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF Fresh air to a party

T

he event of November 28, 2014 has put to rest the speculation that former Minister of Works (State), Engr.

Chris Ogiemwonyi, was dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC. The big masquerade himself made this known at an elaborate defection ceremony in BeninCity which had in attendance all the bigwigs with a mass of party supporters including Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

TRIBUTE

BY MARTINS E. EZE

O

kezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D, a renowned biochemist, teacher and a highly acknowledged Public Servant, was born on October 18, 1964, to the family of late Pa Ishmael and Deaconess Bessie Ikpeazu of Umuebere in Umuobiakwa Village, Isialaukwu, Mbato Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria.

Having spent about 19 years in politics as a home baked politician in Abia, Ikpeazu understands the sentiments of the average Abian and he also represents the middle class- He has spent these 19 years in the trenches with people, fighting and battling alongside the present governor for the elevation of Abia State. The greatest challenge in the country is that the economy is in shambles and the middle class has disappeared. He knows that there are two classes of

Coming at this time, Ogiemwonyi is, without doubt, a big catch for the APC in Edo and a great loss to the PDP. He is of immense value to the APC which, of recent, lost some remarkable leaders like Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Chief Tom Ikimi to the opposition PDP. Ogiemwonyi’s cross over is a salutary development in APC’s quest to regain balance and maintain its hold on the governance of Edo after the 2015 House of Assembly and National Assembly elections and the 2016 governorship election.

The former minister comes with integrity and demonstrated competence. He has an unblemished record of service to the nation. For over

30 years, he rose through the ranks at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, the nation’s most significant investment, where he retired as Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production.

This was after holding sensitive positions demonstrated competence.

Straight from retirement, he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as a minister between 2010 and 2011.

In the course of his professional and public service engagements, Ogiemwonyi made tremendous impact in the lives of many people who came across him and had need of his assistance. He is credited with numerous philanthropic gestures. And, remarkably, he

never forgot his roots.

Therefore, Ogiemwonyi is very popular among his people. His popularity among his people is one great value that he brings to the stable of the APC. The party can really significantly gain from the goodwill he commands.

Ogiemwonyi’s rumoured gubernatorial ambition come 2016 cannot be held against him since he is eminently qualified to rule the state if given the opportunity. In fact, if true, this is a welcome development because the state is in dire need of the best it has to take the lead in giving direction after Oshiomhole’s exit in November 2016. With his vast experience and proven pedigree, Ogiemwonyi would bring the highest value to the

who, despite criticism, rose to the occasion and, with the help of some law makers, defended the Deen.

We, as Muslims, believe that dignified child marriage is better that child prostitution which is rampant in our cities red light zones. Meanwhile, homosexualism, lesbianism and same sex marriage is a direct challenge to the Creator ’s divine order, whereas child marriage involves two proud, legitimate and happy persons.

The activists who claim to be defending the rights of the Muslim-girl child should stop shedding crocodile tears because nobody can love our daughters, our wives, our mothers more than us. *Usman, SUG president, Bayero University, Kano, is also a 400-level mass communication student of the institution. He can be reached via Limanabdullahi30@gmail.com or 07036915884

quality of electoral contestation, first in the APC and second in the general political setting of Edo . He may yet be the most credible option in the ultimate choice of who governs the state from November 2016.

For a territory with palpable internal conflicts due to the quest for the governorship ticket, Ogiemwonyi would definitely bring fresh air to the APC. As a candidate of the APC running against other parties, with a background of tremendous goodwill and unassailable reputation, he should be the one to beat. And for a state that is in desperate need of the right successor to an impressive Oshiomhole, Ogiemwonyi may prove an irresistible choice. *Amadasun is a Benin-Citybased public affairs analyst

ABIA GUBER - Profiling Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu people; its either you are rich or poor. So, the middle class is what he represents and the class knows that their pain is his pain and their joy his joy. His mission is to restore the middle class in Abia State and give it a pride of place.

Dr. Ikpeazu attended Amaise Central Primary School, Umuobiakwa. In 1973, while in Primary five, he gained admission into Eziama High School, Aba and letter moved to Ihie High School, Isiala Ngwa where he took his school certificate examination in 1979. In 1980, at the age of 16, he gained admission into the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) to study Clinical Biochemistry and graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons.) Second Class Upper Division in August, 1984.

From august 1984 to August 1985, Dr. Ikpeazu served as a clinical biochemist in the medical laboratory of the Rivers State

University of Science and Technology (RUSUT) Port Harcourt for his national youth service. He returned to the University of Maiduguri for an M.Sc degree in Biochemical Toxicology and graduated in 1990.

In 1994, at the age of 30, he obtained a doctorate degree, Ph.D in Biochemical Pharmacology from the University of Calabar.

Dr. Ikpeazu served as a GraduateAssistant, in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Maiduguri from 1986 to 1987 while studying for his M.Sc degree. He also taught at the Clabar Polytechnic from 1990 to 1992 during his Ph.D programme.

Between 1994 and 1996, he served as Administrative Manager with Cash Bond Investment and Credits Ltd, Lagos. In 1998, Dr. Ikpeazu joined the services of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) as Lecturer 1 in the

Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, and rose to Head of Department by 2001. He was also an Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Ebonyi State University College of Basic Medical Sciences, between 2000 and 2002.

Between 2003 and 2004, he was a Master ’s Degree External Examiner, to the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria.

In 2002, Dr. Ikpeazu served as the Transition Committee (TC) Chairman for Obingwa Local Government area. This marked his entry into politics. He also served as Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State. He was appointed General Manager, Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS) from 2007 to 2009.

Within the period, he turned around the fortunes of ASPIMSS, and made

it a revenue yielding agency of government. In 2010, he was appointed Chairman, Governing Council of Abia State College of Health Technology, Aba. During his tenure, he facilitated the accreditation of three critical courses in the institution by the NBTE. In 2011, he was reappointed General Manager, Abia State Passengers integrated Manifest and Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), a position he held till 2013 when was appointed the First Deputy General Manager, Abia State environmental protection Agency (ASEPA) Aba and Environs; an assignment he creditably discharged to the admiration of not only the Aba populace, but also the entire Abia State and beyond, interpreting the vision of Chief T.A Orji on environmental and waste management.

Learned Martins E. Eze sent this piece from Aba.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014,

VIEWPOINT

Oil price slump and the next Delta governor

By Onyema Dike VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The attributes of the next chief executive

T

HERE was palpable anxiety in the land as oil price dropped to USD70 per barrel, before climbing to its present $73 per barrel.

Economic analysts went to town screaming that Nigeria was suffering because the government has increasingly refused calls to diversify and cease operating a mono-product economy.

They also pointed to the fact that years of arrant profligacy has led to the depletion of the Excess Crude Account leaving nothing, as it were, for the rainy day.

As the nation’s drivers of both fiscal and monetary policies as well as sundry financial experts tinker with ideas on how to stave off the looming financial crisis, Dr.

Emmanuel Uduaghan is increasingly looking like a prophet because, a few years back, he had launched the initiative, tagged ‘Delta Beyond Oil,’ which anticipated a day just like this, when oil revenue would no longer be as abundant as it has always been.

In explaining the rationale behind the project, Uduaghan said the”Delta Beyond Oil’ Initiative was conceptualised as a means of ameliorating, not just the effect of oil on the polity and people, but also ensuring the continued survival of Delta when oil runs out. In the wake of the current shrinking oil revenue, only states like Delta, with well-articulated and implemented policies that ensure alternative revenue sources beyond oil will survive. Which is why it is imperative that whoever takes

over from Uduaghan must continue with the ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ policy.

As the PDP gubernatorial primary in the state holds tomorrow, it is instructive that we look at the field which has narrowed significantly to identify who amongst the lot will carry the vision through into a new dispensation. So, what does the next governor of Delta have to possess in order to ensure the state continues on its trajectory of self-sustenance outside oil?

The next governor must be more of a technocrat than a career politician. He must be a man who understands governance and policy making. One who has the educational qualifications and experience needed to make an impact from the get go.

The next governor of Delta must be forward looking and,

Why the odds favour Kwankwaso VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The bridge between the North and the South HOOSING a presidential C candidate among high caliber aspirants can be tasking. It

is for this reason that I wish to warn our great party (APC) members to be painstaking and objective in deciding who carries the flag of the party at the next presidential election. Our leaders should know that the name of the game is not in just picking a candidate that they think will listen to them, but in winning the election in 2015. Any discerning mind would have known that the PDP and its Federal Government know which candidate can give them the greatest challenge at the election, and that is Rabiu Mohammed Kwankwaso (RMK). It was also for this reason that they denied him access to all facilities he wanted to use for the declaration of his presidential ambition. It was not until he threatened to do it on the streets of Abuja that he was allowed the use of the Old Parade Ground.

The PDP and the Federal Government know that he is a dogged, fearless and skillful strategist who can stand up to the PDP’s rigging machinery; hence the relentless effort to stop him in his tracks at all costs.

Besides we should field RMK for the wonderful job he has done in Kano if we sincerely believe in rescuing this country and put it on the path of growth and development without having a bloody revolution in or hands from restive youths who are questioning why the present generation of leaders are stealing our collective patrimony.

RMK has made education free at all levels in Kano State because, as they say, if you think education is expensive, try ignorance. He is building the permanent site of the second state owned university in Kano State (the North West University). He believes education is what has helped him to where he is today; consequently he wants all Kano indigenes to have access to quality education so that the issue of Almajiri, Boko Haram etc can be stopped by engaging the youths early. He has over 200 students in the Crescent University, Abeokuta and the Bells University Ota on full scholarship.

His government also has over 12,000 students in universities abroad pursuing courses on full scholarship. If he can do this in Kano, he can replicate it as throughout the country as president. Any visitor to Kano will obviously notice that the state, particularly the capital city, has changed dramatically with street lights, pedestrian walk ways, well

maintained township roads, traffic lights etc. The skyline of Kano at night is a beauty to behold.

Certainly this country needs a young, dynamic and visionary leader like RMK to give to Nigeria, what he has given to Kano State.

Again a visitor to Kano will notice the massive infrastructural development going on in the state.

Bridges are being constructed everywhere, old roads are being dualised while fresh ones are being constructed.

An RMK government at the federal level will not only bring his experience in Kano to bear on his administration of the nation but will also plug the leakages and ensure the country is truly modernized in aesthetical development.

RMK is one of the very few governors who have declared their assets. He has ensured that corruption is stopped with severe consequence for anyone found wanting. This has been fully instilled in the members of his cabinet who have imbibed the culture. The bane of our national development is corruption. It is only a man who has been at the helm of affairs as governor and has designed and executed a formula to fight corruption successfully that can replicated same in a national government and that man is RMK. I know for a fact that RMK’s government in Kano has

The plot against Kwara PDP

By Sola Olorunleke HE tenor of Kwara T politics is well defined. Curiously, however,

the tunes are discordant; constantly changing to the chagrin of ordinary folks who are waiting for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to harvest a groundswell of goodwill and turn round the table.

The reality on the ground today is that whereas President Jonathan’s party has all it takes to sweep the polls in 2015 , the ruling

Page 57

party seems well determined to throw its chances to the dogs owing to wrong prognosis already sold to the seat of power. Ask an average voter in Kwara today, the answer you get is ‘ we are tired of the Saraki hegemony, let us try something new.’ Something new, we hasten to clarify, is to reject the Saraki political family as personified in the immediate past governor and his successor, the incumbent governor who has tied himself inexplicably to the apron strings of Dr. Bu-

kola Saraki.

The seeds of poison were sown on March 3 when Jonathan visited Kwara to gauge the tempo of his support base in the state after a few key former prominent members of PDP found their way to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Many Kwarans believe that the departure of Saraki and his co-travelers from PDP was a divine intervention. That is history anyway.

We had warned that rather than working together to

I dare say, prophetic in his visioning and planning. But in outlining a long term vision and crafting his strategy, the next governor of Delta must be a man of action, a thinker and a doer, someone akin to a philosopher king who is at home with planning and implementation. A close look at the field, in my humble opinion, points to Sir Tony Obuh as the man who best fits the bill, the gubernatorial aspirant with the most experience and expertise to ensure continuity and a new era. His resume presents the picture of a consummate technocrat and well-versed civil service operative who has worked and been exposed to all areas of governance from personnel issues to economic planning, transportation to climate change, public service matters to research and statistics.

And it is easy to see why.

Obuh retired as a civil servant after 32 years of meritorious service in the Delta civil service. He functioned as Director of Personnel in the Governor’s Office, which saw him overseeing the cocoordination and management of the careers of the Senior Management Group of the entire Public Service. He retired as Permanent Secretary. A man like Obuh would not only be at home with politicians, he can engage with civil servants, negotiate with labour, talk policy with multilateral institutions and finance with bankers and fund managers.

As Delta (and Nigeria as a whole) enters into a new era of life with oil as alternative revenue source, we need men who understand not just politics but policy to handle the reins.

established almost 20 technical institutes to train youths in various vocations and it is also helping with grants and tools for sell employment and development.

This is helping the youth to be selfengaged and stay away from crime. Nigeria needs RMK to rebuild the social structure and give peace a chance to reign once more in our country.

Kano is an agricultural as well as commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. In recognition of this, the RMK government established 44 micro finance banks one in each of the 44 local governments of the state to allow farmers and traders access to soft loans for optimal production.

RMK was Minster of Defense in the Obasanjo administration. He also served as the then president’s representative in the war-torn Dafur in Southern Sudan. The experience gained in these two positions will help him to confront the Boko Haram menace headlong and return Nigeria to the path of peace once again.

I remember his efforts during our struggle in 1993 to re-validate Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s mandate, when he stood with everyone on the side of the struggle inspite of the fact that Abiola’s opponent was Alhaji Tofa, an indigene of Kano State. Also when General Sani Abacha seized power in 1993, his friends in the National Assembly were really afraid for his life because of the open support he gave to MKO’s cause. Kwankwaso is a totally detribalized man who

believes that our people should live together as brothers and sisters.

While establishing his cabinet in 2011, he appointed a Yorubaman, an Igboman as well as a SouthSouth man as SAs and they are still functioning in his cabinet till today. Long after we left the House of Reps, he has been associating with his colleagues and he had always extended a hand of friendship to everyone irrespective his or her state of origin.

To our delegates, I say it is not about presenting a candidate who the PDP will be comfortable with and whose defeat through rigging will not raise any dust. It is about discerning what changes (APC! Change!) we need in the polity and finding the man who has identified these changes and has provided them in his executive capacity in his state. It is about finding a man who believes that whatever position of authority one has been placed by GOD, it should be regarded as a position of trust never to be betrayed. My fellow delegates to the APC national congress, I present to you this young man (RMK), a man who is a bridge between the North and the South, and who is also a bridge between the old and the young.

Kwankwasiyya! Amana! Must we drive PDP out of government and recover our country? We MUST.

keep the party united, prominent leaders of Kwara PDP were more interested in building their individual nests, creating small empires in anticipation of pursuing their political ambitions to the detriment of forging a cohesive alliance that will put the party on a solid base to withstand the power of incumbency enjoyed by the APC government. One smart aspirant who desires to become the governor, rather than contribute funds to the common purse to take care of necessary expenses like publicity, transportation and preparation of venue, chose to

* Dike is a political analyst

• ADEGBENRO was a member of the House of Representatives and can be reached via 08033075954

print large number of Tshirts that were distributed freely to enthusiastic but unsuspecting party members. The outcome of that seemingly deft move was the ‘orange revolution’- depicting, albeit erroneously, one dominant colour at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square during the President’s visit. That dummy was sold to Jonathan and members of his team.

Now the chickens are coming home to roost. The orange revolutionaries have failed to win the hearts of delegates in their home base. They have no appreciate structure on ground but they have a god-

mother in Abuja who has access to the Presidential Villa and can hoodwink those who cannot appreciate the stoic resolve of Kwarans to snatch their freedom from political hegemony; to take control and determine their destiny. The battle ahead will be a straight fight between the ‘power of the people’ and the ‘tyranny from high places’.

It is becoming increasingly worrisome that the original owners of the house under the umbrella are now being supplanted by wanderers who have been jumping from one political party to the other.

PAGE 58—SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505

Transforming Africa through culture, CBAAC experience in Bayelsa ByCHRIS ONUOHA FESTIVAL

W

hat is the place of culture, how can it be used to drive the transformation of Africa and its Diaspora in a new global order, these were some of the topical issues that brought many cultural enthusiasts and practitioners, royal fathers, top government officials and Nollywood stars to the city of Yenagoa for the 2014 edition of the International Cultural festival and Conference organised by The Center for Black and African Arts and Civilization CBAAC,held at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

It was indeed a potpouri of cultural performances and display of colours and parade of stars as the centre welcomed guest to this year ’s International Cultural Festival and Colloquium with a theme: “Using culture to Drive The Transformation of Africa And Its Diaspora In A New Global Order” to the fast growing tourist destination of Bayelsa State amidst pomp and pageantry.

This year ’s event which was segmented into 3 days affair had an entertaining cultural and masquerade dance from Enugu and Anambra State, music and dance presentation by selected schools from Bayelsa State, royalty parade in a carnival style by the Actors and Actresses from Nollywood and others.

In attendance were the Chairman of the occasion and the Traditional ruler of Opume, Obigbo Mikimiki, His Royal Majesty, King Amalate Johnnie Turner, Bayelsa State Governor ably represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affair,Dr. Felix Tuodolo, the Chairman Governing Board of CBAAC,Senator Brimmo Yusuf, CBAAC DG,Mr. Ferdinand Anikwe,Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof.

Joseph A. Ajienka represented by Prof. Onyee Nwamkpa of the Department of Music, members of Uniport Alumni Association , Pete Edochie and Chika Okpala of the Nollywood and a host of other Nollywood stars.

The second day followed with a colloquium from the academic community at the Ijaw Hall, Yenegoa discussing various issues of cultural interest with key note address by Prof. Sule Bello Suleiman, Chairman, African Research and Development Agency, Kano, Kano state, with a site seeing to some famous tourist sites in Bayalsa State on the 3rd day signaling the end.

In his address titled A Dynamic Insight into Culture as an Index of Power,The Director-General, CBAAC, Sir Anikwe Ferdinand, who described culture as the power base from which the sum total of the existence of a people derives, stated that culture presents itself as both the foundation and the root of human development, whether as individuals or groups.

Anikwe used that opportunity to give insight of the heavy presence of the Nollywood stars in the event. He said these stars have contributed immensely to the growth of our economy and what they are doing is more powerful for the image of Nigeria than the oil and any other thing we choose to empower. He said

•A procession by Nollywood stars led by Pete Edochie during the festival these great characters and actors Yusuf, the chairman Governing have created a chance for us in Board of CBAAC, commended the the whole world and in the map Centre for organizing the event, of the country and called on noting that, “No method appears Diaspora Nigerians and Africans more effective in tackling the to endeavor as much as possible continent’s numerous challenges to promote African fabrics and than using culture and making a food. culture of the He also examples set by the commended the administration of No method exploits of the President Goodluck fathers of African Ebele Jonathan appears more Literature such as through the Chinua Achebe. transformation effective in Wole Soyinka, J. P. agenda specifically Clark, Ngugu Wa tailored at tackling the T h i o n g o , addressing the Chimamanda problems our continents Adichie, and a host country Nigeria numerous of others for faced before his pioneering African assumption of challenges than writers series with office.” its robust cultural In his opening using culture background, that remark, His Royal capture the minds Majesty, A. J. Turner and attention of our represented by one of youths,” he said. his Palace chiefs who On his part, expressed his joy of Senator Brimmo

been honoured by CBAAC to chair the august stated that the theme is in tandem with the federal government’s transformation agenda which continue to impact positively on our lives. Drawing attention to the success recorded by the programme which informs the Centre’s decision to build the theme around culture as a transformation tool, he believes, the agenda, no doubt has corrected the problems of growth and development of Nigeria.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affair who declared the 3 day event open said, “Time has come for African countries to begin to use the platform of culture as a veritable instrument of a socio-economic development and international diplomacy.” He said, “African nations must begin to perform this using their nationals in Diaspora to propagate their culture abroad and also contribute to national development in their respective countries.”

While commending CBAAC as government agency in the cultural sector who has propelled to drive and coordinate this in various African continents, he said that Culture and language have been defined as an essential ingredient for national development.

Speaking further, he said, “Nigeria with over 250 ethnic groups should utilize this unique ethnic diversity to foster peace meaningfully for the progress of the nation. We

should deploy available cultural practice to meet the challenge of social integration, peace, unity and national development. He opined that at the international level, we should begin to deploy our famous Nollywood actors and actresses as cultural ambassadors given their level of popularity and acceptability.

Dr. Anthony Onwumah, Director of Research of Publication, CBAAC in a chat with journalists said you cannot drive the economic development outside of culture. If you look at the Asian Tiger, you find they have built big financial empire because they paid attention to their culture. He said we should remember that we are a monocultural economy where oil almost controls everything and that we have failed to incorporate culture into account in everything we do especially in our economic development. “We are neglecting our culture to our own peril” he said.

It was indeed a parade of colours as His Royal Majesty, King Diette Spiff gave the arena the most adequate royal grandeur in company of other monarchs. Not left out are the actors and actresses from Nollywood Movie industry who arrived at the arena in a chauffeur driven motorcade dressed in various ethnic royal regalia with great cheers from the crowd. Among them are Pete Edochie, Ejike Asiegbu, Alex Osifo, Keppy Ekpeyong, Yakubu Abubakar, Patience Ozokwo, Ejiro Okureme, Chika Okpala (Chief Zebrudaya alias 430) of former National TV drama series “The Masquerade”. Others are Jibola Dabo, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Charles Inojie, Francis Duru and host of others stars making the scene more culturally alluring.

The masters showcase class at Distinction 2

By JAPHET ALAKAM VISUAL

HE Lagos culture home, Terra Kulture, Lagos welT comed unusual visitors espe-

cially art patrons and collectors who has followed development in the art circle to the unique art exhibition organised by eight distinguished Nigerian visual artists tagged Distinction 2. The artists who has distinguished themselves in their different callings in the art industry and with pedigrees as some of the best artists of their generation are doing this for the second time after their last outing last year which received critical acclaim and was highly rated, an action that made the sponsors and even the host to demand for another one.

Co- curated by Abiodun Olaku and Fidelis Odogwu, the exhibition which opened at the L agos culture home, Ter ra Kulture, Lagos, on December 7, and will run till December 15 features works by the seven artists that participated last year, Abiodun Olaku, Bunmi Babatunde, Alex Nwokolo, Fidelis Odogwu, Edosa Ogiugo, Duke Asidere , Reuben Ugbine and a new entrant Olusegun Adejumo.

Speaking at a briefing for the show, one of the curators Abiodun Olaku said that it

promises to be one of the best in town as artists who has practiced for twenty something to thirty something years will bring in their diligence to bear as they present their works to the public.

He stated that the project is a multipurpose driven, a commercial as well as an intellectual venture that will keep the people going.

A look at the credentials of the artists portrays the picture of a set of artists who believe in perfection; artists whose impeccable approach to style and attitude to their profession have been considered luminous and extraordinarily flawless and brilliant over the years.

Continuing, he stated that the exhibition is a means to present their brands in a more modest way and also to elevate the quality of practice.

The exhibition which is supported by Trojan Estate, a dependable ally who the chairman is also a good collector, will feature over 50 works by five painters and three sculptors, who will in their usual way bring the mastery of their work to display.

Some of the works displayed includes: Golden bath; L ingerine memories and The Trade delegations by Abiodun Olaku, Bata dance, Beyond limits and Omo Oge by Bunmi Babatunde, Crystalli-

•The Trade delegation by Abiodun Olakun, one of the works for the show zation, Who Am I and Shine your Eyes by Fidelis Odogwu, Picyure perfect, Badagry blues and Six Kilometers by Segun Adejumo. Others are Another perspective, Pe r fect shot,Marketing Sauve and My Neighbour

by Edosa Ogiugo, Duke Asidere,s work include Before Night fall, The Syndrome and Not a straight night.

Reuben Ugbine had Contortionism, Ecstacy and Masquerade while Alex Nwokolo’ s workm include Celestial visitors.

Morning light and Transition. In all the artist presented some of their

best, expressing their creative acumen and mastery of the their works, which will be a bonus for art collectors and lovers who will visit the exhibition hall for the show.

For the new entrant, Adejuwo who confessed that he was attracted because of the fact that the first outing was well packaged and branded said, “last year ’s exhibition was one of the best I have seen in terms of display of works, so I felt like joining them.”

Alex Nwokolo on his part said that it is a privilege to be part of Distinction 2, describing it as a collection of very interesting artists who has made their marks in the art industry.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 59 japhdave@yahoo.com 08066625505

DAPO ADELUGBA — Remembering…

ByPROF WOLE SOYINKA

Ibadan has again turned violently ‘penkelemessy’. The rampages of the past few days grimly echo the political environment of those nineteen sixties which called into being Orisun Theatre, its mission to puncture social afflatus, gore sacred cows, call power to order, and warn against the turbid present Before the Blackout. Those

TRIBUTE

A

ND thus, near furtively, he left, the last of the vintage links to Ibadan of the Penkelemes Years.

He left quietly, as he lived his life - fusslessly. Slight and willowy, he exuded an irrepressible optimism in the social therapy of theatre, and its autonomous but vulnerable existence as a community in itself, for which no personal sacrifice is excessive.

Dapo Adelugba – “Uncle D” to many - embodied, and lived that credo. He taught it and infused a younger generation with its spirit both by example, and through mentorship. His slight frame belied his energy and intensity in pursuit of this all- consuming mission.

Dapo’s unobtrusive presence was a mask for his creative capacity, loyal to an idea, even to a fault. My mind leaps instantly to a thankless burden he undertook when he pioneered the weekly television drama series after I was thrown into detention during the civil war. Dapo flogged himself nearly death to generate new scripts, edit, adapt and present play upon play - Wale Ogunyemi among his stalwarts.

In between lecture commitments he would rehearse and tape,

•Dapo Adelugba sometimes late into the night, determined that Orisun Theatre would not go down despite my absence, and despite the depredations of the civil war.

When I emerged and watched him at work, ensuring that the next play would go on as scheduled, I could only marvel at his dedication. It seemed a heartless decision to terminate the series, but quality had suffered from the sheer pace and volume of production. Dapo did not demur, though he was pained.

What a sadly nostalgic note on which ‘Uncle D’ has chosen to take his final bow, and exit.

When I emerged and watched him at work, ensuring that the next play would go on as scheduled, I could only marvel at his dedication

were the days when parents were threatened, even dismissed from positions, for permitting their children to participate in sketches that ‘abused’ – that is, criticized - the establishment, while the performers were themselves physically harassed and assaulted.

‘Uncle D’, who at the time lived at the opposite end of Ibadan from the university, refused to be intimidated. After rehearsals that often went late into the night, the day was only beginning. It was the turn of night haunts of Ibadan – Agoji Mayor, Seven Sisters, Risikatu, Total Gardens with their night-song avatars - Black Morocco, Tunde Nightingale and company. But they were hangouts also of the mercenaries of establishment power – still, there it was there that Dapo was equally at home, like a wall gecko stuck into the interstices of the deep night warrens of Ibadan. There we eyeballed and/or engaged the sponsored thugs in light banter till the early hours of the morning.

Sometimes it did erupt into violence but today, how “civilized” it all appears!

I can never forget the day Dapo tracked me down to one of my hideouts and left me open mouthed in bewilderment. I had never known him so angry, so angry that he could not get out the words. Then the strangest transformation – as he tried to splutter out what had so agitated him, he burst into tears. That was

even more unsettling. Finally, it all came out. I had just been released after my trial over charges of holding up a radio station, following the government’s announcement of brazenly fictitious electoral results. The general mood – from which I had taken refuge - was all celebratory, yet here was Dapo in a rage, then tears. His grouse?

That I should have placed myself at risk in the first place!

How tame those seasons of fascist thuggery now appear, beside the present culture of executive thuggery and impunity.

Uncannily, Dapo Adelugba appears to have quietly responded to his own admonition of the sixties - he has taken himself beyond menace, rage and frustration, leaving us memories, the imperishable asset of humankind….

Dakar, London, Paris, Germany, tours from one end of Nigeria to the other - workshops, sketches, improvisations, adaptations and rounded performances…. in pursuit of the elusive, the magical moment of sheer revelation that commences with “Lights Out”, when the numerous elements that go into a dramatic performance hover around an auditorium, then fuse and light up humanity ’s darkness. Afterwards, a quiet exit for Risikatu, Agoji Mayor and the restorative sounds of the Tunde Nightingales of the Great Beyond…..yes indeed, ‘Uncle D’ the Show Must Go On.

Fagunwa, Ogunde, Tutuola: Mythic imagination and national rebirth BYTUNJI OLAOPA

W

E have previously cel ebrated in this series such Nigerian literary heroes like the late Chinua Achebe, the Nobel prize winner, Wole Soyinka and other cultural vanguards whose literary interventions constitute significant touchstones of the collective efforts at decolonization, as well as the confrontation of our nation’s post-independence struggles. I wrote earlier that Nigeria’s political predicament was matched by several attempts at a literary depiction of our collective situation.

The imperative of progress from colonial to postcolonial status was the occasion for the formation of those literary heroes and heroines whose creative energies kept the national project in constant literary ferment. While a number of options are available to these writers, their utilization of mythic resources particularly makes the effort at a literary engagement of sociopolitical crises very pungent.

Myth occurs in the history of all human traditions and communities and it is a basic constituent of human culture. Using myth as the basis of a rethinking of collective political existence becomes a unique literary ingenuity. It is from this perspective that it can be said that Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, Hubert Adedeji Ogunde and Amos Tutuola represent a unique trio of mythmakers who deploy significant aspects of oral tradition not just as a flowery tribute to literary distinctiveness, but as a culminated contribution to the Nigerian literary space with both a didactic and functional signature.

D. O. Fagunwa and Amos Tutuola are known for novels that chronicle tales of marvels and magic, while Hubert Ogunde cuts across the Nigerian cultural landscape as an actor, playwright, theatre manager and musician. In particu-

lar, encounters with the writings of Fagunwa give the impression of a writer deeply steeped in the folkloric tradition of Yoruba storytelling. Besides being a major precursor to many Nigerian writers, Fagunwa made a choice of an indigenous language as the medium for his creative outputs.

This fact requires some elaboration.

First, at a time the British hegemony had imposed English as the colonial language of administration in the country, it took a lot of courage for Fagunwa to insist that his works remain in Yoruba. Secondly, Fagunwa’s linguistic choice is also evocative of a cultural pride that is often missing in the modern narratives of many African countries currently being overwhelmed by the ravaging forces of globalization. Consequently, his Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale (1938; The Forest of a Thousand Daemons ), became the first full-length novel published in the Yoruba language. His second n o v e l , I g b o Olodumare (‘The Forest of God’) was published in 1949.

H e a l s o w r o t e Ireke Onibudo (1949; ‘The Sugarcane of the Guardian’), Irinkerindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje (1954; ‘Wanderings in the Forest of Elegbeje’), and Adiitu Olodumare (1961; ‘The Secret of the Almighty’); a number of short stories; and two travel books. One marked distinction of Fagunwa’s works is the vividness of language usage and a picaresque which resonated with profound moral insights. Again, this last point needs a brief explanation. In an age in which government is massively recruiting different op-

tions to combat moral anarchy, a plethora of moral gems can be found in Fagunwa. It may not be far from the truth to say that Achebe’s famous ‘ writer-as-teacher ’ dictum was partly inspired by how his predecessor wrote to teach morals and to bring his audience to a level of moral awareness. Fagunwa’s imagery, humour, wordplay and rhetoric, which all reveal an extensive knowledge of classical Yoruba, is not just an embellishment of literary devices. They serve thematic concerns.

Amos Tutuola’s stories equally incorporated Yoruba myths and legends into loosely constructed prose epics that improvised on traditional themes. Unlike Fagunwa, Tutuola wrote largely in English and is also a major reference point in the canons of Nigerian Literature in English. One of Tutuola’s greatest charms was his language. He wrote in a way that made his language appear uncorrupted by western literary gimmicks. The words read quickly like some terse, simple narratives, but the impact sinks almost as original and poetic. The Nigerian professor, Molara Ogundipe-Leslie noted of Tutuola’s language: ‘He has simply and boldly (or perhaps innocently) carried across into his English prose the linguistic pattern and literary habits of his Yoruba language, using English words as counters.

He is basically speaking Yoruba but using English words.’

His works articulate a unique example of a hybridized interface between Nigeria’s pre-colonial oral

folklore and literary modes of discourse. The Palm-wine Drinkard (1952) is obviously his most famous literary work, a classic quest tale that was the first Nigerian book to, in a sense, achieve critical acclaims and international fame. The story tells the mythological story of a man who follows a palm wine tapster into the land of the dead or ‘Deads’ Town.’ Here, the man encounters the familiar elements subsumed in the folktale narrative: the world of magic, ghosts, demons and supernatural beings.

Some of his other works include: My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (1954), Simbi and the Satyr of the Dark Jungle (1955), The Brave African Huntress (1958), etc. The relevance of Tutuola seems obvious considering his important contributions to the preservation of the structure of the oral tale in modern Nigerian Literature Hubert Ogunde, often described as ‘the father of Nigerian theatre’, was a theatre doyen who, like Fagunwa and Tutuola, deployed the mythic imagination in the mobilization of literary works for the goals of national rebirth. The Ogunde Concert Party, a company which he founded in 1945, was Nigeria’s first professional theatrical company. It travelled around Nigeria, West Africa and the rest of the world performing plays such a s Garden of Eden, Strike and Hunger, Herbert Macaulay, Slavery, Police Brutality and Princess Jaja (which celebrated the richness of the country’s indigenous cultures while also shedding light on the ills

plaguing its government and society). Ogunde’s theatre ensemble was a committed one; it constituted an ample chance to contribute to pressing social issues and dialogues in the public domain.

He passionately spoke of his theatre production as the mirror dictum of what literature should be all about. He once said, ‘I must reflect the image of the society we live in.’

Hence, his social vision was exposed through the opportunity theatrical performances afforded him in interaction with the public. So, for him, theatre goes beyond the sheer pleasure of the lights and costumes; it was a tool for social engineering and popular interaction. It was a medium to register, first, displeasures at certain socialpolitical and economic realities, and to articulate solutions to them. This was the highest point of his theatre experiences.

Why are these legendary pioneers significant for our contemporary national project?

There is only one reason: they saw in the context of folklores and mythological narratives a possibility of narrating the experiences of what we used to be and what we can recreate ourselves to be.. In the magical realities they presented to us, we can hear the birds sing, the roars of the waves and the lush grasses that portend that we can still dream of what we want to be as Nigerians. By looking at the past, they present us alternative imageries of what we desire to be as Nigerians.

•Tunji Olaopa is Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Abuja.

PAGE 60, SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

FIFA Women World Cup: Super Falcons get tough draw Continued from back page

AFCON 2015:

Grant grants Ghana bad boys pardon B

LACK Stars coach Avram Grant has said he will consider an international return for Sulley Muntari and KevinPrince Boateng who were sent home in disgrace from the World Cup in Brazil. Muntari struck a member of the Ghana management committee after a row over money in Brazil, while Boateng clashed with former Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah.

“It’s open for every player that is willing to give everything for his country and to understand that with all the developments in football, money etc, the main competition is for the national team,” Grant told the Ghana FA website (www.ghanafa.org).

“Any player that will be proud to wear the national jersey and give all his passion to the team and have the quality, of course, the doors of the Black Stars are open to him.

“I think when you are going into a new situation you don’t need to look at the past. You need to look for a new beginning, but to see the good things and the bad things from the past and learn the things that we can do better.”

At the same time Israeli Grant cautioned players that he would not accept poor discipline.

“I will not choose a player just because he is disciplined, but the players that will not be disciplined cannot be in the team.

It’s a way of life, so I will be disciplined and they will have to be disciplined too.”

•Rough Riders... Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari Grant, who led Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final where they lost to Manchester United, has been mandated to “do well” at the 2015 African Nations Cup and win the 2017 edition.

The Black Stars have been drawn in a difficult Group C at

the tournament in Equatorial Guinea next year that runs from Jan. 17 to Feb. 8, where they face top-ranked African side Algeria, South Africa and Senegal in their first round pool.

The 59-year-old Grant, who has never coached in Africa before, said the tournament

would not be a completely new experience for him.

“I followed the African (Nations) Cup because I’ve had players playing in it in some of the clubs I’ve managed, like Michael Essien. So I have followed the last four editions closely,” he said

Our game plan stopped Chelsea — Newcastle boss

N

EWCASTLE United boss Alan Pardew has praised his sides character after their shock 2-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea at St James’ Park yesterday.

The Magpies took the lead through Papiss Cisse in the 58th minute and doubled their lead 20 minutes later before having Steven Taylor sent off and being forced to hold out against a

rampaging Chelsea attack.

Before the match, Mourinho had claimed that Newcastle only turn up when they play Chelsea and don’t do much else in other games, but Pardew praised his side

Arrest Electoral Appeals C’ttee chairman — Prince Oduah Continued from back page the elections that brought in Mr. Pinnick was legitimate, but chairman of the committee, Barrister Ajunwa in a minority report called for the cancellation of the election.

“Ajunwa should be arrested because it appears there is more to it than meets the eye. How can the chairman of a committee disagree with all the other members to the extent that his own report would be the direct opposite of the majority report?”

Oduah asked, adding, “that man has some questions to answer.”

He blamed the problems facing Nigeria football on the absence of a board for the National Sports Commission.

“If there was a board in place for the National Sports Commission, I doubt if the issue of regular government intervention in the affairs of the NFF would have been common because it is the board that would have been interfacing with the NFF and not the ministry,” he said.

Speaking on the controversial contract being prepared for underfire coach Stephen Keshi, Oduah argued that whoever was pushing for Keshi’s return was simply asking for trouble.

“Whoever is pushing this case

for Keshi to return as Eagles coach should be prepared to face the wrath of Nigerian football fans. They have said Keshi’s time with the national team is up and whoever is trying to force him on Nigerians should be prepared for the backlash,” he said.

Continuing, the former Vice Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association said, “I foresee a revolution by Nigerian football fans. Keshi’s case should be closed so that he can take a walk. Nobody should force him on Nigerians.”

Speaking on BT Sport, Pardew said: “Ware in it together and pulling one way. Our tactical plan to stop Chelsea worked quite well. We’re delighted to have given a little gee up to the Premier League. I’m sure Jose won’t agree.

“That was about character and discipline against probably best team in Europe at the moment.

At the start, I thought we stood off Chelsea a bit, but we stuck at it. Pardew believes the added time was too much: “I’ve never had six minutes of stoppage time at home before. We’ve heard of Fergie time, but that was about Mourinho time! It’s a special day for us. At the end we had players flying in blocking shots and that summed us up.”

Mourinho has slammed Newcastle’s time-wasting “strategy”.The Portuguese boss was furious with the home side’s ball boys and their delaying tactics, even suggesting that the match officials should have awarded more than the six minutes of stoppage time that was added on"

will contend with Japan, Switzerland and Ecuador.

Certainly, any follower of women football will conclude that the African teams have work to do.

Host country Canada, a rising force in women football will play China in the opening match on 6 June, before taking on New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Reigning champions, Japan will kick off their World Cupdefence in Vancouver, as will section rivals Switzerland, Cameroon and Ecuador. United States and Germany, who have both previously lifted the trophy twice, will be regarded as favourites to win Groups D and B respectively, although the Americans/Europeans will likely be wary of the threat posed by dark horses Sweden and Norway.

France, serious challengers for the title, will first need to negotiate duels with England, Colombia and Mexico in a group that will be based in Moncton.

Of all the draw, the hardest one to predict appears to be Group D, and the most highlyanticipated clash of the first round is likely to be USA-Sweden.

Speaking on the draw former Super Falcons player Maureen Madu said that there was no need to panic; she added that Nigeria can go through from the group with the USA. “The group is kind of tight but we have a chance. For me there is no need to panic.

“I think USA and Nigeria will go through because Sweden is not doing well now. I have four Swedish players in my team and two them in the national team,” said Madu who picked up a grade C European coaching license in Norway.

Oshoala Continued from back page tion.” the U-20 World Cup revelation enthused.

The Rivers Angel forward who won gold with the Falcons at 2014 AWC also voted as MVP in her maiden appearance in the continental showpiece has hinted, that the Edwin Okon-led team will commence preparation towards the fiesta after the draws are concluded. “ We will commence preparation towards the World Cup now that the draw has been made,” she said.

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 61

C M Y K

PAGE 62 — SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014, PAGE 63

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 7, 2014

We’re ready for anyone, Oshoala boasts UPER Falcons player, Asi the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Ssat Oshoala has expressed Cup. Oshoala, who scored the confidence in the nation’s AWC final goal that sealed the women national team ahead of

7th championship title for the

Falcons said that the Edwin Okon-led team is ready to face any team regardless at the moment.

“The team is ready for any opponent and I don’t think we’re scared of any opposi Continues on page 60

FIFA Women World Cup: Super Falcons get tough draw

By Ben Efe

T

HE draw for the 2015 FIFA Women World Cup have handed the Super Falcons a tough group, where they have been paired with the USA, Sweden and Australia in group D. The Super Falcons returned to winning ways at the 2014 African Women Championship in Namibia where they won all their games to clinch the trophy for the seventh time after two years of relinquishing their strangle hold on the African continent. But the draw yesterday, suggested that they will have to do better than that to make an impact at the World Cup starting June 6 2015 in Canada. The other African representatives Cote’d Ivoire have Germany, Norway and Thailand, while Cameroon Continues on page 60

GOAL....Cisse’s sixth of the Premier League season that ended Chelsea’s unbeaten run. Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-1

Arrest NFF Electoral Appeals C’ttee chairman — Prince Oduah

By Jacob Ajom

A former board member of the Nigeria Football Asso-

ciation (now NFF), Prince Isidore Oduah has called for the immediate arrest of Okechukwu Ajunwu, the chairman of the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee who gave a minority report that annulled the election of Mr. Amaju Pinnick as President of the NFF on September 30.

Oduah who was speaking on the recurring crisis at the NFF observed that the bickering by football officials over who occu-

pies the top chair of the NFF was inimical to the development of football in the country. Last week the appeals committee of the NFF looking into election petitions filed by aggrieved football officials submitted two conflicting reports. Three members of the committee had ruled that

N

Continues on page 60

•Pinnick

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. House of Reps Speaker (8) 5. Assistant (4) 7. Praise (5) 8. Upright (4) 9. Lantern (4) 11. Tradition (6) 13. Lagos masquerade (3) 15. Exclamation (2) 16. Pig’s nose (5) 18. Agent (3) 20. Glitters (6) 24. Forward (5) 25. Nigerian state (6) 27. Boring tool (3) 29. Ghanaian fabric (5) 31. Perform (2) 32. Oshiomhole’s state (3) 34. U.S. currency (6) 36. Vow (4) 38. Musical quality (4) 39. Inclination (5) 40. Eager (4) 41. Damages (8)

DOWN 1. Sample (5) 2. Niger state town (4) 3. Observe (5) 4. Lecture (6) 5. Everyone (3) 6. Use (6) 10. Inquires (4) 12. Carpet (3) 14. Colour (6) 15. Resistance unit (3) 17. Coax (4) 19. Rollicked (6) 21. Hatchet (3) 22. Satisfied (4) 23. Nigerian state (3) 26. Cry of derision (3) 27 . African country (6) 28. Endure (4) 29. Child (3) 30. Spoke (6) 31. Adorn (5) 33. Baking chambers (5) 35. Asterisk (4) 37. Possessed (3)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8

9 11

13 14

10

12

15 16

20

21

17

22

Newcastle terminate Chelsea’s unbeaten run

18 19 23

24

EWCASTLE have be come the first team to beat Chelsea this season after putting up a spectacular display in their 2-1 defeat of Jose Mourinho’s side at Saint James Park.

It was remarkable for Alan Pardew’s team, after playing the last 20 minutes with ten men following Steven Taylor’s red card.

Prior to the match,Chelsea had played 23 matches unbeaten and were on the cusp of making it the 24th, which would have been their best ever start to a season.

CANADA 2015 WOMEN WORLD CUP Group A Canada China PR New Zealand Netherlands Group B Germany Cote d’Ivoire Norway Thailand GroupC Japan Switzerland Cameroon Ecuador Group D United States Australia Sweden Nigeria Group E Brazil Korea Republic Spain Costa Rica Group F France England Colombia Mexico

25 26 27

28

29

R E S U LT S

30 31

34 36

37

38

39 40

32 35

41

See solution on page 5

33

Newcastle Hull City Liverpool QPR Stoke City Tottenham Man City

2 Chelsea 0 West Brom 0 Sunderland 2 RESULTS Burnley EPL 3 Arsenal 0 C/Palace 1 Everton

1 0 0 0 2 0 0

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Advert Dept: :01- 7924470; Hotline: 01-4544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. Email website: sundayvanguard@yahoo.com, editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com. Advert:advert@vanguardngr.com.

Internet: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: JIDE AJANI. 08111813023 All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K