EFCC raids Dikko's house

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How selfish leaders hinder Nigeria’s growth — Obasanjo

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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O R M E R President,Olusegun Obasanjo, yestetrday, said selfish leaders have hindered the growth and progress of the country.

Obasanjo, who advised that every leader to make the interest of the governed paramount in his policies, spoke when the leadership and members of the Scout Association of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit and decorated him as

Messenger of Peace Ambassador for Africa at his Presidential Hilltop mansion in Abeokuta.

Noting that the decoration had rekindled memories of when he became Queen’s Scout, Obasanjo said for a leader to succeed he must always be prepared at all time to face challenges, especially unexpected challenges.

“We need a Scout spirit in our country not just for individual benefit alone but also for services to the nation. Work collectively and provide the

leadership that will make us get progress”,he emphasised Obasanjo further noted that the nation needs to work collectively which the leadership that would make the nation progress in all spheres should be provided.

He assured the group that he would help it inform President Muhammadu Buhari to fix a date for his decoration as the Grand Patron of the association which is automatic in line with the association’s constitution.

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OLLOWING the expiration of the tenure of 17 council area chairmen in Enugu State on January 4,Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Thursday evening, swore in Caretaker Chairmen to run the affairs of the third tier pending the conduct of local government election later this year.

He equally gave a charge for them to live within their respective council areas.

It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi had summoned an expanded stakeholders meeting last December, where he sought their approval to constitute Caretaker Committee given the on-going local government staff audit.

Ugwuanyi swears-in 17 Caretaker Chairmen •Directs council bosses to live within respective domains

BY FRANCIS IGATA T h e request,however,received wide acceptance as Deputy Senate Presi-dent,Ike Ekweremadu,Enugu-West s e n a t o r i a l constituency,Prof. Barth Nnaji,Enugu-East senatorial constituency and Chief Nnia Nwodo,Enugu-North senatorial constituency led other stakeholders from the three senatorial zones in the state,to approve the

setting up of a Caretaker Committee.

The governor also directed all the newly inaugurated Local Government Caretaker committee Chairmen and their deputies to be prudent on fiscal matters.

Funds transfer policy affects returning students

BY ABAYOMI ADESHIDA

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new clearing policy for funds transferred to accounts among banks in the country might affect the smooth resumption of educational institutions across the country as the new academic calendar opens next week in most states in Nigeria.

Saturday Vanguard investigation in the Federal Capital Territory reveals many of the parents and guardians who remitted their children and wards’ tuition and other fees through banks other than the banks where their own accounts are domiciled are likely going to have their dependants returned home if they try to resume with the others earlier than on Monday.

One of the affected parents, Mr. Ibrahim Sumaila narrated his ordeal to Saturday Vanguard, “my son is a student of one of the missionary schools where parents are mandated to pay fees before students are returned to the school.

“I was at my bank yesterday to transfer his fees through the normal banking process that I have used since he was admitted to the school but up till the close of business yesterday, I have been told that the school account has not been credited.

“I really don’t know what next to do now because the school is very strict on rules and would not allow any student to cross the gate once the name is not on the list of those who have paid to resume school,” he said.

When Saturday Vanguard cross-checked the facts in the man’s bank, it was explained that a new clearing system which mandates all funds transfer among customers between banks might be responsible for the delay.

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EFCC raids Dikko, ex-Customs boss’ residence •Searches for cash, other items •They came without search warrant – Dikko’s relative

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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PERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, yesterday, raided the Abuja home of immediate past Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Inde Dikko, in search of cash and other suspected items.

The former CGC is said to have presided over an organisation, which is believed to have generated huge revenues but also made the Federal Government to lose heavy revenues through import duty waivers for top politicians and their cronies.

The EFCC is said to be working on the allegation that the yearly revenue declared by the NCS was grossly lower

than what was actually collected while some of its top officials were living far above their means. During his time, Dikko was always commended for the revenues the customs raised.

It was gathered that the suspicion of fund mismanagement and other forms of wrongdoings that had short-changed the nation, were responsible for the immediate sweep of the top echelon of the NSC by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the appointment of a nononsense military officer, Col Hameed Ali, retd, to clean up the mess at the top revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government.

Although no specific allegation has yet been levelled against Dikko, it was learned that the raid in his house was a

prelude to moving against him by the anticorruption agency.

The EFCC, however, declined to speak up on the invasion of the house when Saturday Vanguard called its spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwajaren around 7pm, yesterday.

Mr. Uwajaren said he had no information on the development.

Saturday Vanguard learned that the search party made up of no fewer than seven tough operatives, stormed Abdullahi Dikko’s home located on 6, Ahmed Musa Crescent, Jabi, at about 7 am but did not meet their target at home.

It was gathered that Dikko from the same state of Katsina with President Buhari, who voluntarily retired from office as soon as the president won his election, was out of the country at the time the

visitors invaded his home.

Competent sources said that the commission was acting on a tip-off that a large amount of cash had been stored in Dikko’s homes.

It was learned that the operatives had earlier in the week raided a mansion in the Maitama District of Abuja, which they thought the huge cash was being kept but hit the rock and decided to swoop on the Jabi

residence of the former CGC. It was not clear if the raid yielded their expected result as at the time of going to the press, but a reliable source said that not much was found at the end of the search, which was concluded late in the evening, yesterday.

The abrupt search of the man’s house, took his children and other family members by surprise, as some of them broke down and wept in the presence of

the armed men.

Mohammed Usman, a relative of Dikko, who was taken aback by the action of the operatives, said it was alarming that the armed men could just break into the house and search without any notice or presence of the owner.

Usman said: “From the information available to me, no search warrant was presented before the commencement of the search. “As I speak to you, they are currently in my uncle’s bedroom carrying out the search in his absence.”

N82 million dinner: Wole Soyinka’s reaction is disappointing — Rivers commissioner

By Jimitota Onoyume IVER State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr Austin Tam-George, has described as disappointing and depressing Professor Wole Soyinka’s reaction to attempts to confirm from

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the Nobel Laureate if he shared in the N82 million allegedly used by former governor Chibuike Amaechi to host a dinner for him on his 80th birthday at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner in a statement, yesterday, said he had expected

Soyinka to condemn what he described as unconscionable misuse of public funds in his name since he had come to know that such outrageous amount was used to organize a dinner for him by a government that was owing civil servants salaries and pensioners.

Glo CAF Awards as captured by Gbemiga Olamikan L-R: Guest, Mr. Adohm Djibrine, winner (Coach of the Year), Herve Renard and Chief Commercial Director Globacom Ltd. Ajay Mathur.

L-R: CAF Executive, Kwesi Nyantakyi, Winner (Woman Player of the Year), Gaelle Enganamouit, Chairman House Comm. On Sport, Hon. Goni Bukar and head operations Glo Ltd, Mr, Olabisi Koleosho.

From right, Former Director of Media CAF, Suleiman Habuba discussing with Engr. Aliyu Hammam at 2015 GLO CAF Award held in Abuja yesterday.

L-R: NFF president, Ahmadu Pinnick L-R: CAF President, Issa Hayatou with and winner, Most Promising Talent, winner (Youth Player of the Year), Victor Osimhen.

Etebo Oghenekaro.

From right, Special Adviser on Media to the President, Femi Adeshina chatting with NFF Chairman Amaju Pinnick and Director General Sport Commission, Alh. Alhassan Yakmut at the event yesterday.

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Oshiomhole carpets PDP on ‘rice and garri’ politics

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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S controversy rag es over alleged diversion of Goodluck Jonathan campaign rice meant for distribution to the people of Edo State in the last general election by a gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Friday, took a swipe at the said aspirant and the PDP, saying the people of Edo State will no longer be swayed by rice and garri politics.

A chieftain of the PDP, Mr Okharedia Ihimekpen had alleged that bags of rice released by former President Goodluck Jonathan to sway votes in favour of the PDP in the last general election were not distributed.

Speaking at the 2016 Auchi Day celebration, on Friday, Governor Oshiomhole said politics of rice and garri was out

of fashion as the people now prefer politics of development which his administration has introduced to the state in the last seven years.

Giving his scorecard to the mammoth crowd of natives of the town who thronged the palace of the Otaru, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, Ikelebe 111 and some invited guests at

12,000 Nigerians in Cameroun want to return as VSF team visits Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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HE Victims Support Fund (VSF) assessment team to Borno state, was to “comprehensively assess” the security situation and accessibilities in the border areas of Gambouru and Ngala towns, before the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Cameroon could be repatriat-

Obasanjo, Asiodu, Joda, others storm Lagos for Okotie-Eboh Jan 15

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O mark the 50th memorial of First Republic Finance Minister, Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh, a battery of eminent Nigerians and leaders will storm Lagos on January 15.

Expected at the twinprogramme to honour Okotie-Eboh are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who will chair the event; Chiefs Mbazulike Amaechi, Philip Asiodu and Brown Mene, Alhaji Ahmed Joda and Senator Ben Obi. Billed for the Nigerian Institute of International C M Y K

the Auchi Day celebration, Oshiomhole said: “the PDP Federal Government awarded the Auchi erosion contract to one of their own; in the name of Auchi erosion, they enriched themselves and abandoned even the tractor in the erosion site, compounding the erosion problem.

You wrote petitions and those letters were read and ignored but we thank God for using me.

“We thank God that today, in the Auchi Erosion site, we can now locate two, three football pitches of Olympic standards in those areas that erosion had claimed.

“We have shown that government needs not lament, that government can listen and when contracts are awarded, they are meant to be done, not to provide avenue for them to deepen their pockets and use out of it to buy rice once in two years.

Affairs, the programme consists of a colloquium titled: ‘’Chief F.S. OkotieEboh’s Politics and His Times’’ and the launching of the book: ‘’Chief F.S. Okotie-Eboh, His Time and Space.’’

Chief Okotie-Eboh was killed in the first military coup of January 15 along with then Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa; Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello and then Premier of Western Region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola among others. He was 54 years.

ed and resettled in any camps, its Executive Secretary, Prof. Sunday Ocheche has said.

Ocheche disclosed this Thursday at Fotoko, Cameroon, when the VSF five-member team visited fleeing residents of Gambouru and Ngala at three resettlement areas of Mura, Amchide and Fotoko districts. The administrative officer of Fotokol, Mamoudou Umaru Sarki also said

that over 12, 000 Nigerian residents are taking refuge in the camps with 225 households to be repatriated to Nigeria.

Prof. Ocheche however noted that the displaced persons in Cameroon, could not be relocated and repatriated, until the security “situation and accessibilities” identified by the VSF team, are addressed by the military and Borno state government.

Abia gov tussle: Arewa youths fault Appeal Court judgement

By Dapo Akinrefon

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HE Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, has faulted the recent Appeal Court judgement which sacked Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as Abia State governor, describing it as heart breaking and unjustifiable.

In a statement by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the Arewa youths said: “It is unthinkable that the five Judges showed such high level of unethical behavior, lack of judicial profes-

sionalism on the bench, and no remorse and respect for the rule of law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Describing the verdict as an aberration of justice, the group’s president said “for these five Appeal Court Judges that sat in Owerri, Imo State on 12/ 31/2015 to render this unconscionable and inhumane judgment against Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu government contrary to the national electoral laws of the land is an aberration of justice and rule of law.

Lawmakers back Ambode over Oshodi demolition …Say action necessary, timely

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OME lawmakers yesterday defended the demolition of Owonifari Market within the notorious loop of Oshodi by the State Government, describing the development as necessary step towards the actualization of Oshodi transformation plan.

The government had relocated traders plying their trade in the market to a newly built ultra-modern Isopakodowo Market in nearby Bolade before the demolition exercise.

A lawmaker representing Agege federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Taofiq Adaranijo, in reactiontothedevelopment,saidcontrarytothecriticismstrailing the action, what Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration has done was a wonderful development aimed at bringing sanity to the area.

He said: “When you go round other parts of the world, you will hardly see a market in such a place and constructing a bus terminal there will beautify the place and change that environment for good. It will add colour to the megacity that will are dreaming for Lagos and this is bold step towards achieving the transformation plan.

“Those are the things we want the Governor to continue to do. Although it is going to be hard and it will be a difficult decision to take, at the end of the day, people will appreciate it. They may not see it at the beginning but at the end of the day, they will appreciate it and that is a good step in the right direction,” Adaranijo said.

Lagos to take security to grassroots ...Counsels parents on adequate monitoring of their wards

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HE Lagos State Government on Thursday vowed to improve on the dominance of the security space and move a step further by taking security to the grassroots, just as it counselled parents and guardians to be extra vigilant on the movement of their children and wards especially at nights.

Briefing the State House Correspondents after the monthly Security Council Meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni said in a bid to improve on the successes recorded during the 2015 yuletide, government has resolved to take security to the grassroots to protect the residents, and reduce fear as well as threat of insecurity drastically.

Owoseni, who briefed journalists in company of heads of other security agencies in the State, said the Council reviewed the measures put in place in 2015, and strategized on how to improve on the successes so far recorded.

He said: “One of the main issues that the Council looked at is an after-action review of all the measures put in place in 2015 especially during the yuletide that culminated in us having a peaceful celebration.

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Lassa fever claims one life in Plateau

Continued detention of Metuh, moves by FG to gag opposition L *It’s not healthy for democracy —Ekweremadu *Says Nigeria fast descending into authoritarianism

By Henry Umoru

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EPUTY President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has warned that continued detention of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh was designed by the Federal Government to gag the mouthpiece of the opposition.

Ekweremadu who stressed the need for the All Progressives Congress, APC led government to be cautious against the trampling of the opposition and Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria South West Zone in a peacetotal disregard for the rule ful protest for the release of their leader, El Zaky Zaky in Ibadan, recently. of law in the guise of anticorruption war, said that with this development, the where such crusade be- mouthpiece was an atcountry was fast descend- comes a calculated attempt tempt to gag the opposition resist the prevailing situaing into authoritarianism, to decimate and silence the and therefore unhealthy for tion where people are held in custody against the diadding that it spells doom opposition, while members democracy.”

Warning against the correctives of the courts and on the nation’s democracy. of the ruling party with seIn a statement signed rious corruption allegations ruption of the anti-corrup- laws of the land, insisting yesterday by his Special go about their businesses. tion war, he argued: “An that there would be no jusThe Deputy President of anti-graft trap that catches tice without the rule of law.

Adviser, Media, Uche AnIt would be recalled that ichukwu, Senator Ekwere- the Senate who was speak- only members of the oppomadu who reaffirmed the ing in the light of the con- sition and those with axe officials of the EFCC on PDP’s support for a genu- tinued detention of to grind with the govern- Tuesday invited Olisa ine anti-graft crusade, how- Metuh, Senator Ekwere- ment of the day is compro- Metuh for interrogation and ever, decried a situation madu said,” the continued mised.” He called on the he has since remained detention of the PDP nation to denounce and there.

I lost my cousin to Boko Haram — Dogara •As pregnant women die in IDP camp over lack of healthcare

By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

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PEAKER of the House o f Representatives,Yakubu Dogara has recounted how he lost his first cousin, a Divisional Police Officer, DPO, serving in Borno State to the Boko Haram sect in one of the attacks in the area.

Dogara who disclosed this when he visited the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, resettlement camp at the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, with food items and clothings said majority of them from the North East had been victims of the Boko Haram onslaught in the zone.

The items donated by the Speaker to the four IDP camps in the FCT were 250 bags of rice, 550 bags of maize, 600 bags of millet, 80 cartons of sugar, 250 bags of beans, 100 Jerry cans of vegetable oil, 100 bags of salt, 200 cartons of Indomie Noodles, 700 pieces of Super wax print and 700 pieces of Guinea Brocade.

Speaking after donation,

Dogara told the victims who were begging to be taken back to their various communities in the North East that it would be irresponsible of the government to allow them go home where there were still pockets of attacks by the insurgents.

He said that the Nigeria Armed Forces had made appreciable efforts towards combating terrorism in the

area,that it would only be wise to release the IDPs to go to their various communities when calm had finally returned to the area.

The Speaker also assured the IDPs that he was championing the creation of North East Commission through the the enactment of law in the National Assembly and that the Bill, if

By Marie-Therese Nanlong.

ASSA fever has been detected in some local government areas of Plateau state including Jos North, Mangu, Langtang South, Pankshin and Shendam and the disease has claimed one life, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kuden Kamshak disclosed.

Speaking in his office in Jos on Friday on the measures put in place to curb the spread of the disease, the Commissioner said the state government has established Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNO) in each of the 17 local governments in the state to monitor and manage the health challenge.

He added, “We are also working with medical experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) who are assisting the state to curb the spread. The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed that the country has been experiencing Lassa Fever outbreak in the past few weeks in some states including Bauchi, Nassarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo and Oyo states respectively.”

NSDC arrests 20 suspected pipeline vandals

By Dayo Johnson Akure

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WENTY suspected pipeline vandals have been arrested by the officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Also, ten illegal refineries have been destroyed while twenty-two trucks loaded with adulterated petroleum products have been seized.

The petroleum products which include Automobile Gasoline Oil (AGO) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) according to information were siphoned from vandalized Oil Pipeline.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that majority of the arrest were made in the Ondo Southern Senatorial District.

In addition, ten pumping machines, three speed boat engines, 330 meters of BEDC cables, and 16 prepaid meters were also seized from Vandals.

Contacted the state commandant of the corps, Commandant Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla confirmed the arrest.

Ayinla said the Corps is committed to free the state from illegal bunkering activities and other forms of criminality.

Police kill 2 robbers in Delta, arrest 3 cultists

passed into law, would take care of the devastation that had been done in the area.

According to him, “To be

By Perez Brisibe very frank with you, even if I don’t come here I know the situation already. I come from ECURITY agents attached to the Agbarho Divi zone and my own life is tession with some members of a vigilante team have timony to the kind of devas- killed two suspected armed robbers who were opertation we have witnessed in ating with a motorcycle around Urhobo Progressive that place.”

Union secretariat junction, Uvwiamughe-Agbarho.

Giving details of the incident yesterday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu stated that the hoodlums on New Year ’s day eve at about 4:45pm, were waved to stop for questioning by the patrol team when they (suspects) opened fire on the team.

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Crisis: Ajaero faction of NLC threatens to pull out of reconciliation with Wabba’s

•Issues January ending ultimatum to reconciliatory Madam Ediagbonya (Nee Esemude) committee’ s chairman dies @ 85

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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FFORTS at reconciling the two factions of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, appear to be heading for the rocks as the Joe Ajaero led faction has petitioned the Chairman of the reconciliation committee, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, giving him up to the end of January, 2016, to complete his assignment or it will no longer participate.

In a petition to Sunmonu

by Mr. Ajaero titled “The

reconciliation effort-Our worries and urgent need for action”, the faction claimed among others, that emerging developments tended to portray that the ongoing reconciliation framework might have been reduced to a construct to “dialogue the issues to death”.

The faction lamented that while the sad development was going on, socio-economic and political trends in the country needing labour’s responses had been relegated while Nigerian workers and masses were walloping in pains and sufferings. The

petition reads: “It has become imperative at this time that we write you to express our worries on the seemingly convoluted reconciliation effort which may have unwittingly turned into a framework along the line to frustrate its original objectives. Rebuilding solidarity and cohesion within the Congress and the movement which broke down as a result of some less than comradely actions of certain individuals within the family we are sure were the real intentions of the various conclaves towards reconciliation.

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HE death has occurred in Benin City of Madam Rose Ediagbonya Osaghae (Nee Esemude) at the age of 85.

An amiable personality with great community spirit, Madam Ediagbonya Osaghae lived a highly moral life based on Christian religious principles.

Burial arrangements as announced by the Family commence on Thursday 14th January, 2016, with Christian Service of Songs at the Family residence, while Socials and Entertainment of guests and well-wishers will hold on

•Late Madam Osaghae Saturday 16th January. A Thanksgiving Service the following Sunday will round-off burial activities.

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B-R-I-E-F-S I’m committed to wealth creation, industrialisation — Gov Emmanuel

Lassa fever claims 40 lives in 10 states •FG warns Nigerians to avoid rodents and rats

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HE Federal Govern ment on Friday confirmed the death of 40 people out of 86 reported cases of Lassa fever outbreak in 10 states.

Prof. Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, said this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever.

Adewole advised communities to improve on their hygiene, including food hygiene and food protection practices.

He also urged the public to avoid contact with rodents and rats as well as food contaminated with rat’s secretions and excretions.

“Avoid drying food in the open and along roadsides, it is also important to cover all foods to prevent rodents contamination,” he said.

The minister said affected states have been advised to intensify awareness creation on the signs and symptoms of the disease.

According to him, the affected states are Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo. “The public is hereby assured that government and its partners and other stakeholders are working tirelessly to address the outbreak and bring it to timely end,” said the minister.

He said the ministry had ordered for the immediate release of adequate quantities of “ribavirin”, the specific antiviral drug for Lassa fever, to the affected states for prompt treatment of cases.

Adewole added that the ministry deployed rapid response teams to all affected states to assist in investigating and verifying the cases as well as tracing of contacts.

He said also clinicians and relevant health care workers had been sensi-

tised and mobilised in areas of patient management and care in the affected states.

Besides, he advised family members and health care workers to always be careful and avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons infected by the disease.

He also directed health facilities in the country to emphasise routine infection prevention and control measures and ensure that all Lassa fever patients are

treated free.

Adewole said Nigeria has the capability to diagnose Lassa fever, adding that “all the cases reported so far were confirmed by our laboratories”.

“The ministry would not impose travel restrictions as a form of control measure ‘from and to’ the areas currently affected by the outbreak,” Adewole said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the first case of the current outbreak was reported from Bauchi in November.

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GBO youths on the ban ner of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM and South East Democratic Coalition, SEDC, have flayed legal icon, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN over his comments that those clamouring for Biafra are doing so in order to intimidate President Muhammadu Buhari into giving the Igbo positions they don’t deserve having rigged themselves out of contention in the present administration.

According to media reports, Sagay said the Igbo occupied 50 per cent of Federal positions under former President Goodluck Jonathan, and did everything to get him re-elected to no avail including rigging and as such were not deserving of the positions they are seeking from President Buhari.

Describing the comments as ‘’Blanket Abuse of the Igbo Nation’’, the Igbo youths said they were shocked by ‘’the unprovoked vituperations from Itse Sagay. The horrible

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OVERNOR Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated his commitment to creatively harness the resources of the State to achieve his vision of wealth creation, employment generation and industrialization.

The Governor stated this at a Solemn Assembly organised to usher the state into the new year and re-dedicate the State to God at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo. “My administration is on course to achieving sustainable development through industrialisation. The convocation of the Solemn Assembly is to seek divine guidance and invite God to superintend over the affairs of the State for successful implementation of the programmes of the administration.

The state Chief Executive used the occasion to announce the continuation of the free and compulsory education programme with a touch of class for quarter and implementation of vocational training programmes for youths.

NDDC Warns contractors against shoddy jobs

By Jimitota Onoyume

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CTING Managing Director, Niger Delta De velopment Commission, NDDC , Mrs Ibim Semenitari has warned contractors against doing shoddy jobs, insisting that the commission will only pay for jobs delivered to specifications.

The acting MD who handed down this warning yesterday while addressing management and staff of the commission in Port Harcourt charged staff to ensure they monitored contractors to do quality jobs, stressing that they should all play their part in the drive to achieve the vision of the commission as an interventionist agency in the region. “We will ensure that we put the people of the region first. For that reason, we must make sure that contractors are not allowed to get away with shoddy jobs as we must insist on getting value for money spent on projects and programmes.

Film Institute moves to curb piracy

By Marie-Therese Nanlong.

POVERTY: Children eating leftover food at burial ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

BIAFRA: Igbo youths flay Sagay over attacks on Igbo structure is shockSay: It’s blanket abuse of Igbo nation unitary ing. That he manufactures

By Clifford Ndujihe

*Says no vacancy in govt house

vitriolic based on lies and ethnic prejudice is probably designed to endear Sagay to Aso Villa, and also deepen ethnic hatred in the land.’’

In a statement by Evangelist Elliot Uko, IYM founder, they said it was not true Igbo leaders were sponsoring the Biafra agitation rather, ‘’the Biafra agitators are more angry with Igbo leaders than with any one else. The younger generation of the

oppressed people of Eastern Nigeria are merely reacting to decades of oppression. The Biafra agitation came about as a result of the continued refusal of a powerful group in Nigeria to enthrone true federalism which has been agreed by Nigerians at all the national conferences ever held in Nigeria.

“That Sagay claims ignorance about the choking and suffocating effects of the current unworkable

a reason (accommodation into Buhari’s dinner table) for the Biafra agitation without bothering to hear from IPOB, MASSOB and other youth groups behind the agitation is idiotic.’’

Uko, also dismissed as false Sagay’s claim that Igbo occupied 50 per cent of Federal positions under Jonathan, arguing, ‘’the Igbo have never occupied up to 20 per cent of Federal position of any government in Nigeria.’’

Bayelsa supplementary poll:

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N order to improve on the quality of film produc tion, curb piracy and create jobs for youths in the country, the National Film Institute, NFI has expended N300 million to purchase critical film equipment and train students on quality film production which would compete favorably in the international market.

The Managing Director of the Institute, Engr.

Danjuma Dadu disclosed this in Jos while declaring open a two-week “Entrepreneurship Film Training Programme” for 30 youths from Kogi state, sponsored by the member representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Umar Jubril.

He explained that students of the Institute are also trained in film duplication as 100 computers with animation software have been installed with the aim of developing the capacity of film makers in the country.

Youths attack shopping mall in Delta

By Emma Amaize

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ANDEMONIUM broke out at Effurun, Delta State, Friday, as suspected thugs Friday invaded the Shoprite Shop-

Police bar personnel from escorting VIPs to polling units

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

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HE Bayelsa State police commandhasthreatened to sanction any personnel who escort their principal to polling units during supplementary election in Southern Ijaw council area and in 101 units across six local government areas of the state.

Spokesman of the command Asinim Butswat, a Deputy Superintendent of

Police yesterday in Yenagoa said the fresh warning concerning movement of VIPs during the poll was due to the realities on ground.

He said any violation of the order amounts to indiscipline and disobedience to lawful order, adding that any officer caught will be dealt with severely. According to him, “VIPs, political appointees are advised to desist from using security men to escort them to poll-

ing units. By Godwin Oghre “They should equally restrict themselves to their polling units after voting, as movement to other locations will amount to intimidation, campaign and a gross violation of extant electoral laws.”

“Police officers, i.e SPU, PMF, Counter Terrorist Unit among others, are hereby warned to desist from escorting their principals to polling units

on election date. Any violation to this order will amount to indiscipline and disobedience to lawful order. Any officer caught will be dealt with severely.

“The affected electorates are advised to go and cast their votes for candidates of their c hoice without fear as adequate security measures have been put in place to curtail the activities of miscreants.”

ping Mall in the oil city, molesting, robbing customers and sales personnel.

The hoodlums also inflicted injuries on a number of persons.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the attack on the shopping mall, said, “On 8/1/2016 at about 1100hrs, one Akume ‘m’ (surname unknown) the Operations Manager of Shoprite Shopping Mall, Warri, informed the DPO Ekpan Division on phone that some persons invaded the shopping Mall, beat, robbed and injured customers and sales personnel.”

She said, “Based on the report, patrol men were quickly mobilized to the scene and arrested one suspect, while others took to their heels.”

SATURDAY

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Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—11

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

BUHARI TOO SOFT

— ACF CHIEFTAIN

•Says those agitating for Biafra are simply looking for money

•Nnamdi Kanu working to undermine the Igbo entrepreneurship record

BY AGAJU MADUGBA

A

lhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman was a member of the Northern Elders Forum which later transformed into the Arewa Consultative Forum under which he once served as Secretary of the group’s Politics Committee. Abdulrahman in this interview describes the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as underrating the capability of the Igbo people who he says are a force to reckon with in the survival of the nation’s economy. He also speaks on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration warning that some of the President’s men are not comfortable with the change initiative of the All Progressives Congress government.

Nobody can restrict the Igbo to a geographical location The leader of IPOB and Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, is not responsible enough or adequately equipped to discuss the Biafra issue. Under what context are they discussing Biafra? He is completely lost.

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We do not want a country where people just wake up, put on fine clothes and use an NGO to try to make money and begin to tell us about indigenous people. The Igbo are my people because I have children who are Igbo as I am married to an Igbo woman from Enugu. The issue is that these people used Jonathan to steal Nigeria black and blue and they never expected that that government will lose the presidential election. They thought the stealing was going to continue.

When they lost the election, it became a little confounding for them and the only way they wanted to protest was using the IPOB. It didn’t make sense to me. In Jonathan’s government, if you look at the list of appointments and those who called the shots, the Igbo people were more than any other set of people from other parts of the country. Almost everything in Nigeria then had the imprint of the Igbo. So, how can they be talking about the Indigenous People of Biafra when they were in charge of Nigeria then? What did not happen that time was changing Nigeria’s name to Biafra. What

do they want, to enslave Nigerians? That is not how to go about it, not by violence.

The Igbo people own houses all over the place. They are the main brain behind the Nigerian economy today. From the market women who sell ugu (vegetable) to the men who sell spare parts and vehicles. They own industries.

So, what else do they want?

What is Biafra? Do they know how Ojukwu got the name?

These people are just looking for ways to raise money. I think they have been reading too many story books. Even Karl Max did not behave this way. The Igbo are responsible people. They are the brains behind the development of the African economy. They are all over the place, in all the nooks and cranny of Africa, from Gabon to Equatorial Guinea, The Igbo people are everywhere. Why should one young man, because he can wear suit and trousers start telling us about indigenous people. Does he know the

•Mohammed Abdulrahman

The IPOB people are irresponsible, unlearned young men who do not have any work to do and trying to pull some other people into a death trap, in order to make money

United Nations more than the other Igbo people? We have the record of Igbo people who hold first positions in so many areas of life throughout the world, in Science and Engineering and so many other fields. That is the real Igbo life and not the crudity of armed robbery. What does Biafra offer them. The Igbo already have the brain. The Igbo are the Israel of Africa. They are enterprising and virtually the best. The IPOB people are irresponsible, unlearned young men who do not have any work to do and trying to pull some other people into a death trap, in order to make money. The Igbo will not accept that. I am an Igbo parent because I have many children who are Igbo. Nnamdi should go and sit down and eat akpu because I believe he has not eaten enough of it. At a time when people are talking about the internet computers and Information Technology and development in the world, you cannot compress Nigeria into a

Continues on page 13

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

should be allowed to squander it.

Continues from page 12 small place. The Igbo people have gone too far. If he is talking about IPOB, it means he wants to restrict the Igbo and other people have the right to react. What of the houses and other property owned by the Igbo all over the place? The Igbo are too intelligent to be restricted to one place. The world as they say has become one global village. The real Igbo are the business people.

You do not have to have a university degree but the brain is what matters most. This Nnamdi Kanu’s brain is flawed. The IPOB people are in the wrong market.

From the production alone that can take place in Igbo land and exported to other countries, they can turn into an African Japan and Taiwan, all from Igbo land.

Biafra should not be a boundary.

Countries are no longer about boundaries. It is about the people. For the Igbo people, Nnamdi Kanu is a nuisance. We know what treason is and if he gets himself into the treason issue, he will be in for it and nothing will happen. Murtala was killed and nothing happened, Abiola was killed, nothing happened. Yar ’Adua was killed and nothing happened.

Abacha was killed and nothing happened. All of them died and people who thought that Nigeria would come to an end must have known better now. Nothing of such happened. If Nnamdi Kanu is convicted for treasonable felony and he is killed according to the law, nothing is going to happen.

It will not spark off a civil war. He is wasting his time. We should all be concerned with the Nigerian enterprise. The oil we depend on is virtually going into nonexistence. For the people who say they have oil, the oil is almost finished. The price of oil is heading towards $15 per barrel.

Agriculture is going to be the mainstay of the economy. That is what everybody in the world wants. People want food to eat.

Why Buhari government may fail The issue of Nigeria has changed. Of course, Buhari brought this bandwagon, the change initiative which he told God that he wants to implement and Nigerians decided to follow him. But Buhari should be very careful because some people do not want him to go into the implementation stage of the change mantra. Change has many stages. You cannot remain a good egg forever. You either hatch as a chicken or you get eaten as a good egg. So, Buhari’s change has to be implemented and he should note that there is a bloc within the National Assembly that wants to undo him and they can go to any length because they do not want Buhari to continue. That is treachery.

Members of the National Assembly were put there to represent the people but where it is discovered that they are not there to represent the interest of the people who elected them, then the relevant laws should be applied to deal with them. They should be dealt with when they begin to jeopardize national interest for selfish interests. We cannot afford to continue to use tax payers’ money to protect the C M Y K

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—13

•Mohammed Abdulrahman

Buhari should understand that. The promise of change has made Nigerians impatient because the goodwill given to Buhari is much and nobody should be allowed to squander it

Why Buhari government may fail lawmakers and they continue to behave like kings and queens. Buhari should face his job and come up with immediate results and he has to drop politics and go straight into what brought him into power.

The first thing the National Assembly did was that phoney election they held at the inception of this administration. They did that to show Buhari that he was not in charge and the second one is the recent issue over the purchase of vehicles for the National Assembly, at these times of austerity when they have all been given money to purchase vehicles.

The National Assemble is trying to tell Buhari to his face that that they are going to work against him. Some people are not comfortable with the change initiative and they will do everything possible to frustrate the President’s efforts. What happened in Jonathan’s government was official banditry, from the Ministry of Finance to the Customs. All ministries and parastatals that

provided money for government were all composed of bandits. We should have no time for that now because the people who put Buhari there have eyes to see and they have ears to hear. It should no longer be an administration of sirens and bodyguards.

Nigeria has to work and he has to allow everybody participate to make Nigeria work. The privileged few who are there in government should not only be seen to be working but they should actually work. We are fed up with rhetoric. Buhari has the goodwill and no other President had the goodwill as Buhari has and he should not squander it. There is limit to the patience that Nigerians have had over several years.

There are groups under the President waiting for him to fail. It is like watching soldiers on a drill. If the commander notices anyone who is too weak to go on, he pushes him aside and Buhari should understand that. The promise of change has made Nigerians impatient because the goodwill given to Buhari is much and nobody

Buhari, too soft Fuel and electric power are the twin issues that may bring this government down if the President fails to crush the activities of some people who do not desire the needed change. If Buhari cannot deal with issue of fuel distribution when the refineries produce and the marketers have become government on their own then Buhari does not have a government. If people generate electricity and power and they decide to sell it the way they like and at the same time put service charges and start making free money, that is fraud and corruption. It was when some people in the Jonathan government were looking for where to steal money that every service provider started talking about service charges. What service are they talking about? The electric power is never there and they charge you for that. If they want to increase electricity tariff, they should do so and stop talking about service charges. It is stealing and corruption.

The privatization process was dubious and it is reversible.

Government has to revisit the power privatization thing. Those are the people who want Buhari to fail, along with the fuel cartel.

Buhari should look internally into his administration. There are people working with him who want to undo the President. If some people refuse to accept the change in certain sectors, they should be done with.

The distribution network of the NNPC should be checked and the President has to call the oil cartel to order because nobody has the right to hold Nigeria to ransom.

We must get results within 12 calendar months and that is the change Nigerians want. We do not want a change where the President is said to be carrying out certain changes and nothing tangible happens at the end of the day. The issue of Dasuki should be handled swiftly and if he is supposed to end up in prison then let him be there. If Saraki’s case will earn him a prison sentence then it should be done now so that we can move ahead. The rules of engagement must be followed.

Those who looted our money should proceed straight to prison until they return such money. They must have invested the money they stole and they must have made some profit out of it. So, they should return the capital and take the profit. Buhari is too soft and it is the people around him who want to ground him, these are the people making him to be soft because they are more interested in seeing to the President’s downfall. Nigerians will continue giving him the goodwill if they see results. We know it may be hard and difficult at the beginning but it should not be hard all through the period. Government has not started doing things to give Nigerians a hint that the situation will be better. Government is not dealing with the people are killing the system. They are likely to become the problem for government to perform. Buhari has just one year to prove that he can deliver because the people who want him to fail also have one year to execute their plot.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

Bayelsa polls:

Battle in the creeks

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA & EMEM IDIO

T

HE rerun governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Council and in 101 polling units across six other local councils of Bayelsa State will no doubt determine who occupies the Creek Haven, the state seat of power in the next four years.

It is a contest the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and its main rival, the All Progressive Congress, APC cannot toy with.

While the PDP is confident of emerging victorious due to its lead in six of the seven councils result so far released, the APC is banking on the Southern Ijaw council area vote to upstage the ruling party.

This is perhaps the only election in the history of the state that is being fiercely contested aside that of 1999. Other elections in the state had started and ended more in the ‘board room’ and than at the polling booths.

It is the expectation of Bayelsans that this time around election materials will get to the various units across the council area as against the botched December exercise where materials and electoral officials were hijacked by political thugs.

An exercise that was supposed to be civic and civil turned out to be a bloody war of attrition, C M Y K

territorial conquest and supremacy.

So far, the campaigns have been laden with hate speeches, mudslinging and acrimonious attacks on supporters and bill boards of rival parties, heightening fears that it may not be a rancour free exercise.

While the PDP is confident of having the day due to its lead the APC is also confident of having the last laugh, describing the council areas its stronghold ostensibly because its running mate, Elder Wilberforce Igiri and the state APC Chairman, Tiwei Orunimighe, are from the area.

However, it would be illogical and misleading for any of the two leading political parties to claim Southern Ijaw as its stronghold because the PDP and APC have strong presence and supporters there.

The running mate to the APC governorship candidate Elder Wilberforce Igiri and the state party chairman Chief Tiwei Orunimighe are from the council area. Others include former secretary to the state government, Gideon Ekeuwei, ex-agitators - Eris Paul aka Gen Ogunboss, Africanus Ukparasia aka Gen Africa.

The PDP also boasts of some

Gov. Dickson

There is

•Sylva

top politicians including the Speaker, Benson Konbowei and three other members of the state House of Assembly.

Southern Ijaw has four state constituencies and one federal constituency which are currently occupied by the PDP. The first executive civilian governor of Bayelsa state and Governor General of the Ijaw Nation, Late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was also a staunch PDP chieftain whose political structures are still alive and afoot in the area.

The PDP also has Chief Patrick Osunu, a former chairman of the council area.

There is also Steven Diver also a former chairman of the council area, Ezekiel Youngbo, a former chairman of the defunct Ogboin North council and several other political appointees whose influence in their respective communities cannot be ruled out. Also, there are some ex agitators rooting for Dickson’s return such as Joshua Maciver and Pastor Reuben Wilson among others.

also the incumbent chairman of the council area, Remember Ogbe who before now was the state coordinator of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Scheme. He was rumoured to have fallen out with the governor, a claim that was rubbished when he appeared at the governor ’s world press briefing and dismissed the claim as the handiwork of the opposition.

If the people of Southern Ijaw were to cast their votes on the basis of performance, Dickson would have gotten it, due to his resuscitation of Central senatorial road project designed to link the predominantly riverine council to mainland Yenagoa. Already, the road project has reached Ayama in Southern Ijaw before it was stalled due to dwindling allocation accruing to the state from the federation account.

But the complaint is that the governor is not paying as much attention to stomach ‘infrastructure’. The governor has also been criticized for not giving more jobs to indigenous contractors. However, Dickson has said that he does not want to compromise on the quality of jobs. Thus, Dickson has been banking on his performance to return to the Government House.

Also Dickson community to community meet the people tour may turn out to be the game changer for the ruling party as the tour afforded the governor the opportunity to interface with the communities in all the nooks and crannies of the council to sell his agenda to the locals The APC may have captured power at the federal level but the PDP remains a formidable party in the state where money, to a large extent, plays a major role in swaying the vote.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—15

Who killed

Ibrahim

Abubakar?

•Ibrahim Abubakar BY: JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

S

ince the dastardly murder in cold blood of the Head of Protocol Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Ibrahim Abubakar, many people who knew this amiable gentleman before his untimely death have been asking one question; what could have made anybody to want to kill him even in his own house?

Ibro, as Ibrahim was fondly called by his friends and associates, joined the Protocol Unit of the NFF in 2006 from where he rose to become the head of that unit, a position he held until gunmen suspected to be hired killers snuffed life out of him in the early hours of Wednesday, January 7, 2016.

A visit to his residence in Kado Estate revealed an environment that was greatly subdued by what they experienced when the men of the underworld came calling.

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Neighbours and other sympathizers were seen discussing the ugly incident in hush tones.

Though the widow was said to have been taken to Kaduna State where the remains of her husband were laid to rest on the same day according to Islamic rites, some neighbours who though refused to be named told Saturday Vanguard that the incident looked like a sponsored assassination because the assailants did not even bother to get access into the house as they only shot their victim through the window.

According to the source, the attackers invaded the residence of Ibrahim after climbing the fence that enclosed his apartment from behind. This perhaps accounts for the inability of the security operatives at the entrance of the estate to spot them as they entered.

And to underscore their determination to carry out

their evil plot, they immediately shot and killed the local security who probably identified one of the attackers.

“From what we gathered, the gunmen came in from behind this compound overlooking the express road to Gwarimpa. They must have scaled the fence because from the entrance of this estate, there is security and since they didn’t see them, it only suggests that they jumped the fence from the rear.

“We also heard from the widow of Ibrahim that when they heard the noise around 2 am, they thought they were armed robbers and at that point, Ibrahim left his bedroom to his sitting room and immediately they called his name from outside and as he was trying to know who was calling him, they immediately fired the gun from outside and the bullet hit him on

the right eye and they fled the compound immediately through the same way they came in.”

Also speaking to our reporter, the visibly dejected General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said he got a call immediately the incident happened and that was around 3 am when they were rushing him to the hospital, Ibrahim gave up the ghost as was confirmed by the medical doctor who examined him.

He further explained that the deceased lost a lot of blood probably due to the fact that the bullet hit him from a very close range.

Sanusi however expressed confidence that the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will find the killers. He said the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Wilson Inalegwu after visiting the crime scene assured that every stone would be upturned to expose the killers.

It was further learnt that sometime last year, the residence of Ibrahim was bugled while he was away with his family and that he was even contemplating leaving the area by the end of this month before the incident. Ibro, a committed staff was also said to be a car dealer who bought and resold cars, as a means of taking care of his responsibilities including taking care of the family of his elder brother who was said to have died some years back. He was survived by his wife, three children; the eldest son aged five while the twin brothers are just three years old.

16—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

INCREDIBLE:

Lagos suburb where cult groups conscript children •10-year-old boy in killer group •Arrested teenage says it takes killing of three persons to be promoted to the next level

approached right from the age of 10 to join the Eiye confraternity group.

According to him “ When the pressure was too much, I had no choice than to give in . My father was an okada rider (motorcyclist). He was never at home. There was no one I could approach when the pressure to join Eiye was much on me . Even if I had approached my father, he would not have done anything because everyone is afraid of the cult guys. He would be forced to pack out of the area and he didn’t have the financial strength to do so.

In one of the occasions, one of them, Samuel seized my phone and my shoe. I went home barefooted. As if that was not enough, I was beaten to a pulp by members of the cult group, for committing no offence. I eventually joined Eiye confraternity in 2013, shortly after I finished my secondary school eduction.

BY EVELYN USMAN

S

tanding among forty other suspects arrested over various crimes ranging from robbery, rape, impersonation and cultism, at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters, Ikeja , Wednesday, was an under-aged boy whose appearance struck this reporter. Judging from his fragile frame to his malnourished looks, coupled with an expression of fear on his light skinned face, nothing would have passed him for any of the offences listed against him.

But during an interaction with Crime Guard, 16-year-old Babajide Akiola, as he later identified him, confirmed that facial looks could be deceptive, following his admittance to belonging to a dreaded cult group that has been terrorising Satellite Town, in Amuwo Odofin local government area of Lagos.

He further opened a can of worms on activities of members of various cult groups in the area. Most startling was the revelation that children as young as ten years old are initiated into the various cult groups in Satellite Town. By the way, Sattelitte Town was set up by the Lagos State government in early 1960 to help low income earners own their own houses, with some of the areas allocated to oil workers and private buyers .

Along the line, illegal structures were built in the area, which unfortunately have turned the area which was once known to be an estate into a slum, with the prevalent activities of cultists holding sway. In this interaction with Akiola, a Secondary School Certificate holder, he revealed that , primary school pupils and secondary school students , including artisans in the area were forced into cultism. Attempt by anyone approached to put up resistance according to him,

Initiation After my secondary school education , my father said I should go and work as an apprentice under a vulcanizer. On the day of the initiation, I was taken to a lonely area around waterside,where I was blindfolded. Thereafter, they beat me and poured alcohol in my eyes . My position in the group is called ‘Tender’ . This is the least position.

My job is to spy on rival group members, particularly during fight and give their location to our members before they would strike. At first, no one knew I was a cultist because I was not moving with the known members. But later, my boss got to know and dismissed me”.

•Babajide Akiola

meant the out right relocation of the child’s parent from the area.

He further disclosed that children between 10 and 13 years who were initiated into major confraternity groups such as Arrow Baga popularly known as Arrow, were sent as spies on their rivals. The children as gathered were also sent to survey places like the massive Navy barracks before their ‘masters’ would strike.

How I was forced into Eiye confraternity Giving an instance with his case, he revealed that he was

Graduated to robbery Along the line, I lost my father. By the way , my mother was separated from my late dad. She abandoned me and my two siblings with my father. When my father died, I travelled to the village in Ondo state to see my mother but she never welcomed me as a mother would welcome a child she had not seen for long. Rather, she called me names and sent me away, saying it was impossible for me to stay with her because she had remarried .

Thereafter, I went to my grandmother who told me to join my two other siblings with her to farm.

But I refused because of the hardship there. She gave me N3000 to rent an apartment in Lagos . When I returned to Lagos, I went to stay with a friend who is also member of same cult.

Most robbery cases in Satellite Town and its environs were carried out by cultists. I only participated in the morning raids ,where those leaving for their respective business places are attacked and dispossessed of their cash, phones and other valuables. At the end of each operation, I usually got between N1500 and N3000. I have never handled a gun because I am only a ‘Tender’ .

Killings enhance promotion Akiola , further disclosed that series of fight in the area were caused by rival cultists. He gave names of some of two major volatile cult groups in the area as Eiye and Arrow .

“We usually had problems with the Arrow boys, over supremacy . So many persons have died during such clashes in both camps.

Our hit men are refereed to as flyers and Adaba . To graduate from the position of ‘Tender’ to ‘Flyer’ or ‘Adaba’ , it requires human blood. Anyone that can kill three persons at a go during fight with rival cult groups automatically becomes a ‘flyer ‘ or an ‘Adaba’. But I don’t have the mind to kill. The day I was tempted to ask what else can be done to graduate to the next level was when I saw a 10 yearold boy who was already an ‘Adaba ‘ .

He came to where I was standing with other members and cleared me off from the ground simply because I did not pay him homage . He ordered me to lie flat and used my back as a leg rest.

That was to show me that he was senior to me in rank”.Asked what the name of the 10 year-old boy was, he said he never dared to ask him.

Continuing he said “I was told that the alternative way to rise to the next level was to undergo another round of initiation which involved payment of N15,000. Aside that , I was told that a herbalist would be invited , who would mix cassava flakes otherwise known as garri with rice and would ask me to sort out the rice like a bird. Thereafter, I would be taken to Ibasa, a river bank where the real initiation which include severe beating would be done. I was told that several persons did not pass that stage as they died in the process and their bodies thrown inside the river.

I decided to remain in my position as a ‘Tender ‘ because I didn’t have N15,000 to pay and I was also not ready for another round of beating”.

He revealed that areas prone to cult activities included Tambolo village, Ibasa, across the river, Bale, Ijegun, Egba, waterside, Fire Service around barracks,among other places.

Arrested Akiola further stated that members of his confraternity group usually attended parties whether invited or not, adding that on their way back, they would accost unsuspecting persons who were going to their respective places of work.

Luck however ran against them on December 29, 2015 , following the arrest of four suspected members, while operating at Chemist bus-stop.

Akiola said “ Bolaji was with weere((gun ) on that day. He used it to scare our victims. But we did not know that policemen were around. I regret joining a confraternity group. In fact, I feel like dying because I am not prepared to go to jail . If I am let off the hook, I will return to my grand-mother in the village and join my siblings in farming. Crime Guard gathered that some leaders of the cult groups were killed by policemen during shoot-out while operating.

The suspects, according to the Commissioner of Police , Mr Fatai Owoseni would be charged to court.

SATURDAY

•Chidiebere Didiugwu, victim

•Engr. Samuel Didiugwu, victim’s brother

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—17

•Chidiebere Didiugwu, victim, and wife during their wedding in 2012

Police nab man, wife, native doctor over mysterious disappearance of Enugu bizman

BY CHINENYEH OZOR, NSUKKA

T

he mysterious disappearance of an Enugu State-born businessman based in Minna, Niger State, Chidiebere Didiugwu, 37, eight months ago, has continued to raise dust. In fact, anxiety, confusion and apprehension are common words expressed by indigenes of Umushere, Abbi Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, following the ugly incident. The business tycoon who embarked on a journey, last May 2015, to Kogi State, in an effort to collect debt allegedly owed him for over a year ago, reportedly disappeared into thin air.

Concerted efforts made by his relations and friends to locate him either dead or alive have woefully failed.

However, efforts by the police in Niger State paid off early December 2015, with the arrest of two native doctors based in both Kogi and Enugu states. That of Kogi was arrested with his wife whom police suspect collaborated with her husband to perpetrate the evil act. Unfortunately, efforts made so far to extract information from the suspects over the whereabouts of the missing businessman have failed.

Family anguish The younger brother to the missing businessman, Engr.

Samuel Didiugwu who narrated their bitter experiences in a bid to locate their missing brother told

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Crime Guard that all they are pleading is for him to be found either dead or alive. His words: “We are begging these suspects to tell us where he is because it is obvious they met with him before he disappeared. If he is dead, let us bury him. If he is alive, let us help him.”

Giving a vivid account of their heart-rending story, he continued: “My brother left his house in Kaboji, Meshegu Local Government Area, Minna, Niger State, in the early hours of May 11, 2015, to Kogi State on a mission to collect certain amount of money owed him by one Danjuma Hassan. He met me at Katangora and informed me of his journey and assured that he would soon be back. Then around 7pm that same day, his wife put a call across to him to inform him that one of his apprentices was not feeling fine and to find out if he had got to his destination, to which he replied affirmatively, directing the wife to take the sick boy to the hospital, and that he would be back the following day.

“Then at about 8pm on that same day, his wife called his lines over seven times without response. Worried by the development, she was compelled to put calls across to other brothers and friends who equally started trying his lines to no avail. The following day, we continued while the mobile network provider said that the phone had been switched off.

At that stage, it became obvious

that something was wrong somewhere. We quickly held a meeting and started searching for him, lodged complaint at Niger State Police Command, Minna and equally reported the matter at Enugu State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

The police quickly swung into action as soon as the entry was made at Minna which yielded fruitful result but Chidiebere is yet to be found, even when police have arrested his alleged abductors.

“Then on May 17, 2015, I called his bosom friend Isaac, who hails from Nrobo, a neighbouring community to Abbi, both in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, to inquire from him if he had seen Chidiebere recently as both of them normally travelled to Kogi State together. I also inquired whether he was aware of anybody indebted to him in Kogi State. It was then he told me that one Danjuma was indebted to him but that he did not know the way to his (the Danjuma’s) house. Later, he called Danjuma but the man flared up, shouting that he was not Chidiebere’s keeper.”

Strange call to apprentice Engr. Didiugwu, younger brother to the victim continued: “On May 20, 2015, our eldest brother Festus Didiugwu, called to inform me that one of his apprentices, Denis, said a private number called around 3.48pm, saying

Then on May 17, 2015, I called his bosom friend Isaac, who hails from Nrobo, a neighbouring community to Abbi, both in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State, to inquire from him if he had seen Chidiebere recently as both of them normally travelled to Kogi State together

that Chidiebere was in the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja over a drugrelated offence, but the caller refused to answer further questions nor to give Chidiebere the phone. The private number caller also told Denis that the drug officers might be coming to Minna for a search at the shop as Chidiebere is a patent medicine dealer.

“Later the next day, I reached out to Danjuma on phone with a different number as he had marked my number, and he picked the phone and told me that he was not owing my brother neither did he know his whereabouts, saying that he had relocated to Awka, Anambra State in February 2015, and that he last spoke with Chidiebere two months earlier. Then on May 22, 2015, Danjuma called the same Denis again, saying that he did not know it was Mecassa (the nickname of Chidiebere) that was missing, and assured that he would commit his native doctor friend who specializes in seeing hidden things to trace him. He equally told Denis that Chidiebere was caught by his cult group for disobedience, beaten to pulp and his phones were collected so that he would not reach out to anybody. Upon these developments, we moved to mobile network providers and

Continues on page 18

18—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

Akanna, Nsukka native doctor connection Continues from page 17 we were able to unravel the private number used in calling Denis. Equipped with this discovery, we proceeded to Niger State Police Command and informed them.”

Akanna, Nsukka native doctor connection The younger Didiugwu continued: “On further interactions with Danjuma, he introduced a native doctor called Akanna who hails from Alor-Uno Community in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, and who told me and my cousin when we went to him that Chidiebere did not tell us the truth, that he embarked on a ritual trip, having tried it before but the deity in our place could not allow him succeed. Akanna stated that he was alive but a lot of incantations and sacrifices have to be made before he could be released. He asked us

to provide a ram and a cash of N10,000 as a pledge for a cow which shall be provided when he is released. He gave four days for him to be released, yet nothing happened. It was later discovered that Akanna was the person that introduced Chidiebere to Danjuma at Ajaka, Kogi State, for the first time in life.”

Demand for ransom The worried brother continued: “My elder brother Festus called and told me that he received a text message demanding N5m as ransom for the release of Chidiebere. The message read in part ‘Yamen, if you love your brother Godwin Didiugwu, you are bailing him with the sum of N5m. You are more than that; do that. Save my time; don’t tell anybody about this message. If you do, forget about your brother. Do not call this number.

SMS is allowed.’

“While pondering on the text message, my cousin and my

younger brother Christian, went back to Akanna, the native doctor who in turn told them that Chidiebere was dead.”

Niger State Police Command unveils the truth The younger Didiugwu continued: “The Niger State Police Command spread its dragnet on intensive investigations, tracked down the private number that had earlier called Denis, claiming that Chidiebere was in the custody of NDLEA, Abuja. The police through discreet investigations discovered that the call was made at No. 44, Umuchi Road, Ajaka, Kogi State. The police was able to trace the private number to be the number of Danjuma’s wife.

When the line was called, Danjuma’s wife picked the call, but she later switched off the phone completely on the instructions of her husband, and who also instructed her to

break the SIM card. But police was able to trace the woman after which her husband was arrested on December 2, 2015.

“The Nigeria Police did a very good job that needs to be commended, to have arrested Danjuma and his wife together with Akanna, the Nsukka native doctor. They are simply wonderful and thorough in their investigations. For the past eight months, we have been looking for our missing brother. The police were bent on getting to the root of the matter, tirelessly trotting from Minna to Kogi State weeks to months till they were able to strike the target and arrested the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime. The police were also able to discover that both the number that demanded for ransom and the private number belonged to Danjuma and his wife. We are appealing that more need to be done as Chidiebere is still missing even when the three suspects have been arrested and remanded in prison custody.”

Awgu, Aninri turn oil pipeline vandals den in Enugu State •Security officials arrest 210 suspects •Police recover truck,drilling equipment

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—A total of 210 suspected oil pipeline vandals were arrested by the Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,NSCDC, in 2015,out of which 23 cases are currently in court while 19 others are still being investigated. The Command also apprehended 25 suspects involved in human trafficking and 54 illegal miners.

This is even as the Aninri Division of Enugu Police Command last Monday,arrested a notorious pipeline vandal whose activities have disrupted the flow of Premium Motor Spirit,PMS, otherwise known as Petrol, in Aninri,while drilling a pipeline filled with petroleum product.

The State Commandant, NSCDC,Mr. Stephen Z. Lar disclosed this while reinstating the commitment of his command to improve on it’s performance in 2016. Mr Lar said that the oil pipeline vandals were arrested at Nenwe in Aninri council area of Enugu State, at different operations based on tip off by public spirited individuals.

He lamented that the vandals commenced the illegal deals of pipeline vandalisation soon after C M Y K

the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,NNPC,resumed pumping oil to the depot at Emene,Enugu.

His words, “The oil pipelines passed through Nenwe and

there is teeming population of youths there. They have teeming population of youths in the area who find it a hubby to engage in the act. It is prevalent in that place because the NNPC oil pipeline passes through that area,”

•Suspect,Okechukwu Okeke ,the recovered truck and drilling equipments.

Meantime,a suspect,Okechukwu Okeke who hails from Umuhu, Awgu in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State who owns the get-away truck with registration number XF 312 PHC was nabbed during an operation at Umurah,Ndeaboh,Aninri council area at the wee hours of last Monday by the Police.

It was gathered that the suspect alongside those now at large, had, allegedly stormed Umurah Ndeaboh bush where petroleum pipeline is said to have passed with their pipeline drilling equipment, two pumping machines,pipeline sealants,generator,some spanners and a Leyland 13,800 litres truck with registration number XF 312 PHC and had already started siphoning product into their waiting truck kept at a long distance before the eagle-eyed operatives apprehended them.

Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO,Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident in a statement to newsmen, revealing that his operatives got a tip-off which ensured the arrest of the suspect with a truck,half-filled with petrol.

“The suspect, Okechukwu Okeke who is the owner of the truck revealed that he gave it to Ejike as its driver but have not seen him(Ejike) for the past one month.

Operatives of the anti-vandalism unit have commenced investigation to unravel remote circumstances with a view of protecting the culprits.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—19

“I lost over N20m as police refused my offer of N200,000 bribe” *‘Govt doesn’t want Igbo traders in Lagos’

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN arly last Wednesday, Oshodi made E the news again, with a bulldozer at work. On orders of governor

Akinwunmi Ambode, it rumbled through the Owonifari market,Oshodi, Lagos, crushed and flattened everything on sight within the market.

But cries of traders at the market, roared louder than the bulldozer which pulled down the market. “I am finished, I just arrived from China with over N20million goods, they have crushed everything. Where will I start from?” It was a cacophony of noise, curses, abuses mixed with rage and anger. Even by-standers and onlookers did not spare the authorities, as some of them muted abuses on the Ambodeled government for destroying the market with goods worth over one billion naira. A few others said: Traders in Lagos are stubborn, they will never hear, that is good for them!

Kenneth Madu, a trader in the market told Saturday Vanguard that he had been extremely brutalised as he lost everything he had laboured for in the market.

Battling emotion, Madu stated: “I just stocked my shop with new items I brought in from China a few days before the Christmas holiday. When I

heard that they have sealed up the market, I rushed down to see if I can evacuate all my goods from the shop.

They denied us access into the market and chose to demolish the market with all our goods. I had more than N20million goods in my own shop.

Others had more. All attempt to remove our goods failed. I even offered to give the police N200,000 just to allow me remove my goods, they refused. I have been brutalised and traumatised. This is murder, they have killed us.”

He gazed again at what used to be

his small shop that contained his over N20million goods leaned back to clear his over-burdened brain of the confusion and said: “This government is wicked and inhuman.” Asked whether there was any notice to that effect. He stated that there was no notice of the demolition, “they only came to serve a 21-day quit notice that Isopakodowo in Bolade has been provided. But the 21-day quit notice has not expired. Even where they said we should go at Bolade is

uncompleted, small and cannot contain all the traders in this market let alone attract the patronage we receive here,” Madu stated.

Another trader, Mr Sunday Obi said: “I heard the government had sealed up the market while I was at home for Christmas, I quickly rushed down, but I got here on Wednesday. They have demolished and destroyed everything I had in the market.

I had over N10million worth of goods. I sell wires and electronics in my shops.

This morning I came to see if I could pick up a few things from the rubble, but I saw fire everywhere again. Who set fire on what was left? We don’t know. But, it means, there was a deliberate attempt for us not to pick up anything from here. If they (governments) don’t want the Igbos in Lagos, they should come out to tell us.

How can they demolished the market without allowing us to remove our goods?

It is inhuman,” he said.

Obi stated that over 2000 traders had their goods trapped in the demolished market, with huge loses that run into over a billion naira. “About 2000 traders had different goods in the market. I really can’t estimate what we have lost but a modest estimate will be over a billion naira. At a time when people have spent all what they had to re-stock preparation for business in a new year, it is wicked,” he said. In 2009, Ambode’s predecessor, Babatunde Fashola, was praised for clearing Oshodi, ridding the areas of miscreants and easing traffic gridlock in the area. Following this development, Ambode who after inauguration said his government will govern with compassion, is perhaps set to conclude the unfinished job BFR started on Oshodi seven years a g o .

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BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

A

mid controversy trailing the demolition of the market which was predominately, Igbo traders, Lagos State Government has insisted that the market was demolished in order to transform the state to African modern Mega city and “build a world class bus terminus” irrespective of its biting effects on the affected traders. Already, the state government had expended over N1 billion on construction of the new Market at Isopakodowo, also located in Oshodi.

Speaking at a press briefing addressed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Steve Ayorinde, and his counterparts in Physical Planning and Urban Development, Environment and Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe, Dr. Babatunde Adejare and Muslim Folami respectively, said the uproar generated by the demolition was uncalled for.

According to him, the issue of the market has been on for over ten years, adding that the Lagos State Government has been engaging with the leadership of the market on the need to sanitize the axis and the way the market is being used.

“The last administration built Isopakodowo Market close to Bolade and not far from the main Oshodi.

Isopakodowo Market has almost 600 shops without counting the K-clamps, which will bring the number of people the market will accommodate to over 1,000. “Satisfied that we have provided a befitting alternative, we started another round of engagement with the leadership of the market. Ultimately, Governor Ambode appealed through the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs to invite the leadership of the market to the State Executive Council meeting.”He added that the leadership of the market met with the governor on December 16, 2015 at the EXCO Chamber where the governor again pleaded with them and reiterated his plan to transform Oshodi.

C M Y K

Wh Whyy we demolished Oshodi Mar Markket— LASG Says: arms, ammunition were recovered in the market.

•Lists more marked structures for demolition

“He asked them to relocate to Isopakodowo Market, which has been ready by that time. A few of them expressed certain misgivings. But largely, if their interests are accommodated at the Isopakodowo Market, they expressed their readiness to relocate. We all agreed that discussion should continue, particularly on how much they pay for each shop at Isopakodowo Market.

“After that, Governor Ambode went on tour of the area in company of some members of the State Executive Council.

We had a meeting with the leadership of the market. Based on the proposition from their leadership, they said they were willing to pay N5, 000 for each shop. “There is no market in Lagos or anywhere in Nigeria where N5, 000 will be paid for a shop monthly, in such a place like Oshodi. But the governor agreed with them. After they agreed, we served them quit notice from the loop where they have been.

“As a result, a good number of the traders packed their wares before the market was demolished. Our New Year

project was to relocate them to Isopakodowo Market. We got intelligence report that a lot of criminal activities are going on there.

“The place was habouring criminals and a number of untoward activities happening there necessitated that the state should move to safeguard life and properties. It was meant to ensure that there was no breach of public order.

That was what led to the demolition exercise that took place on Tuesday evening.”The commissioner explained that the intention of the government was not to destroy any goods, noting that goods were not destroyed because almost all of them had moved out.

Ayorinde, however, said while markets would always be in Oshodi, some illegal structures already marked by the state government would have to be demolished to make way for traffic free-flow and crime-free Oshodi axis.

He added that a bunker was discovered during the demolition exercise where a number of arms and ammunition were recovered.

“What we have done is in public

interest. The aim of the government is to ensure that the area conforms with the type of image we want for Lagos; restore sanity to Oshodi; beautify the market; construct the world class bus terminus and ensure that people who use that place enjoy what it means to go to market in a megacity.

“The design is already for execution. We also believe the exercise will largely reduce the gridlocks associated with the area. It will reduce the criminalities that are rampant around Oshodi. What we have done is in the interest of the generality of Lagos residents. There was nothing hidden about what we did. There was no casualty. There was nothing untoward about our discussion with them. they all agreed to relocate, “ he added.

We are yet accept govt. relocation plans — traders executives

However, some of the traders at the demolished Owonifari Market, Oshodi have rejected Lagos State Government plans to relocate them to Oshodi Resettlement Market (former Isopakodowo Market) over obvious reasons. They added that the available space in the market cannot accommodate the displaced traders.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the market, Obinna Nwosu, said that the executives of the market were yet to meet on the State government relocation plans, saying “It is after our meeting that we can decide if we will accept it or not.”

He however lamented that there was no notice, no official letter except oral messages that they were coming.

According to him, “There is a court injunction that the government shouldn’t disturb traders in our market because since its renovation in 1999 where the market got burnt, traders voluntarily re-built the market with N750million and every shop was decked. Does a seal order look like a quit notice. They assured us everything was going to be settled that was the reason most of us returned our goods. “

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

Buhari’s flaws of passion *It is difficult to fight corruption aggressively without a few excesses but disobedience of court orders under any guise is a naked dance in the market square.

T

he ascension of Buhari is a lucky break for the country. Everyone , including the judiciary, must support the current efforts to bring treasury looters to book, make crime expensive and restore order The president , we are told, is entitled to his opinion. But opinions can be wrong, very wrong. An official’s suitability for a public position can be assessed by the quality of opinions he holds. The president thinks that a certain man who has been granted bail by a high court is a flight risk.

So the court has to be disobeyed or disregarded, somehow? An expressed opinion of the president is not the opinion of a barber in Oshodi. It’s unhealthy to imply that the courts are lenient on corruption. It is ridiculous to suggest they can’t do their job well. The president is perhaps well intentioned but certain safeguards must remain sacrosanct, inviolable. A president’s expressed opinion can make what was once viewed as a wave of overzealousness or tactlessness look like state policy.

The constitution thinks that all accused persons are innocent until the state can prove its charges against them.

If they are innocent then I think they possess same citizen rights as the president. The rule of law is meaningless if the president , like all citizens, isn’t subject to the law. Being subject to the law entails legal obligations , and rights in legal protections. And the constitution thinks that the president should defend and promote the rights and freedoms of all citizens including the liberties of accused persons even as the government insists that treasury looters must not be spared.

But because the law suspects that there may be accused persons whose admittance to bail would jeopardize public safety or the judicial process , it has room for judges to refuse bail to a small category of accused persons . That exception doesn’t change the character of bail as a right , after all most rights recognized as rights aren’t absolute.

Powers have been separated for good reasons, monarchies were tyrannical. So when a judge trained to sift facts and apply the law grants bail to an accused he thinks the accused does not pose significant threat to public security and to the judicial process regardless of what the prosecution may C M Y K

believe. In granting bail , the judge exercises powers vested in him by the constitution to protect citizens from the presumption of guilt, from the exuberance and tyranny of prosecutors/executive.

Constitution democracies think that a judge is better suited to decide who should be granted bail than a president. The idea that the president in being elected has a mandate that entitles him to shove obstacles posed by the law aside while seeking perceived common good is erroneous. The powers of a judge are given her by the people.

But ordinary citizens are allowed to disagree with judicial decisions. The president is a citizen , we have been reminded, and he has expressed displeasure with bails granted some persons.

But the ordinary citizen is not permitted to disregard the decision of a judge. The constitution forbids the president , and his officials, that prerogative. He has to abide by judicial pronouncements while he seeks judicial redress, if available. He is not permitted to hold the decision of a competent court in contempt.

The president can hold a negative personal opinion about the decision of a court but he is charged by the constitution to uphold the law and promote justice. The law is what the judiciary says it is.

Promotion of justice entails not just submission to court decisions but the mobilization of the citizenry to obey the courts and respect judicial pronouncements as a matter of high civic duty.

When crime fighting agencies and their prosecutors in Nigeria find zeal they dwell on dramatization of arrests and investigations. They play to the gallery, display coarseness and humiliate suspects .

They trample on rights of accused persons by placing real and imagined evidences before courts to seek their remand in prison custody.

They often

lack the painstakingness to investigate diligently and lack the resilience and stamina for proper determined prosecutions . So when a suspect is granted bail they literally expire and the case stagnates, drifts and dies. They feed the frenzy by their sensationalism but undermine real efforts to restore order by their ineptitude. The judges are not saints but when prosecutors come with commotion and no substance what can they really do?

This is the season of anticorruption. The season when rights of accused persons can be trampled and any moans drowned by cheers. The treasury has been looted. The public is incensed and baying.

Some have suggested that the niceties of rights and rule of law can be dispensed with to deal with looters and other trouble makers , to banish impunity. Some of them are those who haven’t stopped referring to our president as a dictator. The president must be careful.

Against the background of existing defects in our criminal justice culture and the mood of the public and the zealotry of

•Buhari

crime agencies , that president Buhari’s opinion on bail is particularly dangerous. The president whose body language, we are told, moves mountains, has, in voicing this opinion , inevitably nudged the judiciary in the direction of punitiveness and circumscription of the rights of accused persons. It could prove telling because our judiciary is fairly pliable. The repercussions can be wide.

Prison inmates live in unspeakable conditions. Our prisons are choked. The majority of inmates are accused persons on trial, yet innocent, who haven’t been granted bail.

The president’s opinion will not send a message of prison decongestion to the judiciary.

When a judge grants an accused person bail he emphasizes the innocence of a yet to be convicted person.

When prosecutors seek the remand of persons on trial in custody they must shoulder the enormity of the duty to show why the freedom of an innocent man must be curtailed. When a president publicly disagrees with the decision of a judge to grant bail to an accused person he must worry about the consequences of holding judges in contempt and of precipitating a rash of bail refusals. If his opinion has the potential of validating the roguishness of some agencies that have disregarded decisions of high court judges , then it is especially dangerous.

If the president’s opinion is read as support for agencies that have flagrantly disobeyed orders of court , then those visibly worried about about the return of tyranny are not paranoid.

When law enforcement agencies in broad daylight disrespect decisions of judges every right thinking citizen should show concern. When the president tacitly endorses the rascality of these wayward agencies by suggesting that the decisions of judges may sometimes not be worthy of respect then disaster looms.

The president must clarify his position.

It is true that when crime has taken control of the street due process concerns give way to crime control ethic. It is true that where the criminal justice structures are weak and where impunity is entrenched a few excesses would be tolerable for the restoration of order. It is true that the people elected Buhari because they wanted someone tough on corruption and crime. But if there is any one president with whom disobedience of court order should not be associated then it should be Buhari. Haunted by a certain past and surrounded by skeptics and wary believers, Buhari should be fleeing from all appearances of tyranny.

“Didn’t they say he is born again?”his opponents have started mocking.

An alcoholic desirous of proving his redemption stays away from everything green, and

far away from green bottles.

The president is determined to stem corruption but he should also be interested in foreclosing tyranny. It is difficult to fight corruption aggressively without a few excesses but disobedience of court orders under any guise is a naked dance in the market square.

When prosecutors know their onions and discharge their duties dispassionately , they will focus on getting quick convictions; they will rely less on remands as punishments. I do not support the activities of Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB. I think that there exist in public domain sufficient evidence to charge him for serious offences.

I think that his investigation should have been concluded before his arrest and there was no need to keep him detained for months before bringing him before a high court. In disregarding orders of courts to let him out on bail, in keeping him detained for so long, in feeding his supporters with excuses to cause needless commotion in many parts of the country agitating for his release , the government politicized a straight forward , simple case.

There is another worrisome trend. A suspect is charged and granted bail. He is then rearrested, charged again for new offences, and granted bail.

And he is re-arrested again on ‘fresh charges’ . It is legally acceptable that a suspect can be charged for many offences and every time he is charged he may be arrested and has to seek bail afresh. But justice ought not to be persecutory.

Justice should be fair to the accused. Any bunch of offences can be split into a multitude of charges if malice is the motive.

The prosecution can decide not to consolidate a 50 count charge and rather take them singly, separately , one every month; the accused can spend the better part of 12 years being arrested and securing bail.

That may not be illegal but that would be persecutory. Criminal justice must seek to punish quickly and reintegrate.

Criminal justice is societal moral lesson.

When Ribadu, imbued with patriotism, ran EFCC with vigour and determination, he trampled on rights and freedoms in his effort to change the society. Because the EFCC was not founded on values, it routinely flouted rules and broke laws. It failed to evolve into anything enduring but remained a pliable tool fit for good and bad purposes. When circumstances changed, as circumstances often do, and Ribadu became prey rather than predator, he could not submit himself to the justice he patented. He sought refuge in rights and rule of law and fled into exile. Under Ribadu, EFCC kept some Nigerian youths in illegal detention for upwards of 2 years without trial. If Ribadu was certain he would be tried quickly and fairly he may not have fled to exile. When institutions are founded on solid values everyone benefits , ask Nuhu Ribadu.

The ascension of Buhari is a lucky break for the country.

Everyone , including the judiciary, must support the current efforts to bring treasury looters to book, make crime expensive and restore order.

But rights and freedoms of no citizen must be sacrificed on the altar of ‘anti-corruption’.

The anti corruption war is best fought lawfully. Our institutions must be built on sound values.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JANUARY 9, 2016—21

Y

ou have to be courageous to make predictions of any sort. Or foolhardy. I don’t consider myself to be either. But as a journalist and a Nigerian, I have seen predictions come and go. I have seen some that are very vague and ambiguous. One revered man of God once predicted ‘All is well that ends well’ at the onset of Ebola and the raging Boko Haram insurgency. Was that really a prediction or edging a bet? It reminds one of the story of a native doctor who told a pregnant woman that was brought to him that the pregnancy would produce a healthy baby. When prodded further to name the sex of the baby, he merely added that he had ‘spoken’. I have seen some predictions that are so obvious that you wonder why anybody would call them predictions. A prophet once said to an incumbent governor for example that he has to work very hard and be prayerful to avoid being unseated in a coming election. That sounds more like common sense than a prediction. Yet should the man lose the election the prophet would come out to say he had predicted the loss.

The predictions for this year have pretty much followed the same pattern. Many ‘men of God’ have foretold economic hardships this year with many states finding it difficult to pay salaries. But they claim that it would be a year of abundance for those who follow God and are obedient to the will of God. Some have predicted that President Buhari needs to pray for good health and foretold vicious attacks from powerful forces of corruption. One predicted that the Vice President and his wife should also pray for good health. One predicted that some of those who defected from PDP to APC would go back come 2019. Some are even more vague and general than these.

Predictions like ‘it’s a year of sowing and reaping’ – whatever that meanshave been attributed to some prophets.

My new year predictions So buoyed up by the ingenuity of poverty, despite government’s promises, some of these predictions and the fact will bite even harder unless we go back to that nobody holds you responsible for the farm. I do not see any rallying of the oil failed predictions, I now dare to make price this year. Instead, I see the marketers my 2016 predictions….. fighting hard for relevance and despite The best place to start is with the men sabotage, I see the refineries working this of God. I hereby predict that there is a year. I predict a genuine attempt to diversify need for us all to tighten our belts while the economy through solid minerals but obeying the men of God as many many of the activities of some of the prophets will warn us of dire Ministers will be more of motion than real consequences if we don’t. I predict that movement. the churches will be fuller and richer in Some of the Governors are going to have 2016 despite economic a tough time with their hardship with many state unions and seeking solace and professional bodies over miracles in the sacred salaries and allowances.

I predict that the halls. I predict the rapidly Some of the Governors will approaching end time churches will be fuller make a real attempt to and the coming rapture. reduce the cost of and richer in 2016 On politics, I predict governance but many will despite economic that the APC will get more want to continue the hardship with many powerful with many extravagant lifestyle of the people defecting in a bid seeking solace and past. I do not predict any to avoid the EFCC. I change in the Local miracles in the sacred foresee a hard time for the G o v e r n m e n t halls APC Chairman as he administration. It will still strives for internal democracy and be a drain pipe; unaccountable to no discipline. I predict a major face-off one really. between the legislature and the And speaking of drain pipes, our executive. I predict that the corruption congress – Senate and House of war will get nasty as some untouchables Representative – will just be marginally will be implicated. I predict that many better than its predecessor in terms of of the lofty programmes of government probity and extravagance. I don’t will be stunted by incompetence, greed foresee it doing more than chasing and yes, corruption. I predict that

D

o you want to live long? If yes, read the secrets of longevity from his Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro 1, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, Delta State: “First and foremost, the secret is God Almighty; it is a special gift from God to be alive till this moment. I cannot say because I am a king, hence I have long life…I take good care of myself, I don’t eat anyhow, I regulate whatever I eat and avoid any food that would have negative effects on my health.

“I try to avoid all forms of stress by not overreaching myself in achieving a lot. I don’t compete or compare myself with others, because I know all that I will achieve in life is not by my strength, but by the mercies and favours of God. That is why I sleep like a baby all the time; I do not need sleeping pills to be able to sleep soundly.” Hmmm, the Ohworode sleeps “like a baby all the time” in a world where more than half of the people suffer from one form of sleeping disorder or the other, and where pharmaceutical companies rake in trillions of naira every year from manufacture and sale of sleeping pills.

If you are wondering why you should take the advice of the Ohworode serious, he will be 99 years on January 20, 2016, just a year and 11 days shy of his centenary birthday. But that is not all; God has blessed him with tremendous health of mind and body.

At almost 99 years, he reads without glasses and travels all over the world unaccompanied and unassisted. His dentition is still intact, not a single tooth is missing.

The secrets of Ohworode’s longevity are really open secrets. For instance, our lives, like the Kings heart, are in God’s hands. He numbers our days and nobody dies without His knowledge. We are also what we eat.

Many of the health problems and

C M Y K

Ohwor ode’s tips ffor or longe vity Ohworode’s longevity

If you are wondering why you should take the advice of the Ohworode serious, he will be 99 years on January 20, 2016, just a year and 11 days shy of his centenary birthday

challenges we face today are outcomes of our life styles, what we eat and drink. The monarch’s meals are measured and contain a good proportion of fruits and vegetables.

Many people literally and actually eat and drink themselves to death.

However, the unspoken secrets of Ohworode’s longevity are uncommon discipline and strength of character. These are what many people lack.

At the beginning of every year, people make New Year resolutions.

Some are well thought out and in sync with their core, while some are just mere wishes that beggars would ride if they were horses. But whether well thought or haphazard, your resolution will end up unrealized, unless you have the Ohworode kind of discipline and strength of character to

go with it.

Many resolve year after year to stop smoking, avoid drunkenness and other vices that are detrimental to their health. But barely days or weeks into the year, they go back to their bad habits. Some have died in the process while others have done irreparable damage to their health. But hear the Ohworode, “I neither smoked nor took alcoholic drinks right from my youth.”

The Ohworode tries to avoid stress by not overreaching himself. Many people today are the exact opposite. Many live like Mo Farah (current World and Olympic 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres champion) doing the last lap of his race. He constantly looks over his shoulders to see whether or not his opponents are closing the gap. But Farah’s is only momentary, about 20 seconds only and only during competitive races, which are not more than 10 races every year. So, it has no long term effect. But for the people in question, it is a way of life. They worry about what the other person is doing, how many children he is going to end up with, the size of his new house, the size of his bank account, the brand new vehicle he just bought. The list goes on and on and by the time they are done, they have a mountain of foolishness and nothingness to give them sleepless nights.

We might live in a competitive environment, but in life everybody has his unique race. Once you find your tracks, run your race well; what manner of race your neighbour is runs is not

shadows - and allowances. I predict more Nigerians getting disenchanted with the National Assembly.

A lot of Nigerians will want an end to impunity and the disobedience of court orders. But I don’t see that happening in 2016. If anything, I predict that more court orders will be flouted as EFCC gets more powerful.

I see more media trials than real investigations and more names being dragged through the mud. I see the judiciary not living up to its name as the last hope of the common man.

Many of the judgments will still be influenced either by geo-political considerations or simply money – raw cash. I do not see the judiciary elevating itself in the eyes of the people by its actions.

The press will continue to be lazy and aggressive. Real investigative reporting will continue to be in short supply in 2016. Its role as the fourth estate of the realm will be compromised by the antics of its front runners. Many of the publications will struggle to survive and several months’ salaries will be owed the staff. This notwithstanding, I foresee that at least two newspapers will be launched this year.

But it is not all gloom and doom. In fact I refuse to be labelled a prophet of doom so I will predict some silver linings. The country will gain international respect because of the effort of the President to fight corruption. Electricity will be stable and will even improve marginally.

Lagos- Ibadan Express road will be completed. The second Niger Bridge will commence. The Naira will get worse before it gets better and more people will take agriculture seriously.

If you don’t agree with my new year predictions, you are welcome to make your own. And please don’t refer to any of these predictions on the other side of 2017. God has the power to change any of the predictions. For now, I have ‘spoken’. much of your business. Your fulfillment and accomplishment are defined by your personal goals, not another person’s. How do you compare the success of Aliko Dangote, the entrepreneur, and Wole Soyinka, the writer? That is why the Ohworode (and purpose-driven people) says, “I don’t compare myself or compete with others.” Life is not always competitive sports or elections where there are winners and losers. You can be interested in what people around you are doing, but your race must be personalised.

Anyway, next Saturday, all roads lead to the Palace Ground, Ogoni-Olomu where Urhobo Social Club, Lagos, is holding a grand reception in honour of the monarch. In the thinking of the club, heroes should be recognized and celebrated while they are alive, not after their demise. The club is also thanking God for giving the highly revered monarch health of body and mind into old age. The Ohworode was born on January 20, 1917. He attended various teacher training schools and institutes before commencing his teaching career on January 1, 1944. He retired as a principal assistant education officer on December 31, 1980. On March 12, 1988, he was installed and crowned as th the 12 Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom.

The Ohworode has the rare honour of simultaneously being a traditional ruler and an ordained priest. He is a Royal Canon of the Anglican Communion, Ughelli Diocese, and the only Royal Canon worldwide. He converted to Christianity in 1936.

He is a recipient of many awards among which is the Officer of the Order of the Niger, conferred on him by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He is currently the chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council.

22—SA TURD AY Vanguard , JANU ARY 9, 2016 22—SATURD TURDA JANUARY *This page started its life at its first coming under the title of Bisi Lawrence. It was later known for short as Biz Law, and eventually settled for the descriptive title of The Passing Scene, all over a period of nearly three decades. The last handle, The Passing Scene was considered descriptive in the sense that it was meant to reflect and recount events of some currency both at home and abroad, across a broad spectrum of interest, since politics and personalities had increasingly taken over the minds of Nigerians. We seem to have even forgotten to laugh at ourselves except through the instigation of stand-up comedians. This column here and now reverts to its original intention, to wit, to ramble over various events as they come, except when a particular news item is so important that it fills the entire horizon of our consideration. So, let us begin to have fun…even when it is not about what you would call funny.

L

*The Passing Scene

ike the visit of the Chief Executive Officer of the International Monetary Fund to Nigeria. That is one item that is not splitting my sides with laughter right now.

What is she doing here—and at this time? Or has she got the right to just bump in on us? We are a sovereign nation yet, aren’t we? I saw how our high officials were tripping on one another’s heels to welcome her, and I wondered what has happened to our sense of propriety.

That is not the proper way to welcome the agent of an institution that has seen this country on the way to ruin.

Could we deny that we had not forgotten the ravages of SAP—the Structural Adjustment Programme that proficiently “sapped” our blooming prosperity beginning with the Babangida years? We are•yet to fully recover from the devastation it wrought on our economy and the opportunities for our development.

You see, the SAP strategy was not a scheme that went wrong. It was designed to bring our economy to ruin, and it did. When the Western powers opened their eyes to the potential that fortune had thrown into our laps with the discovery of oil, they quickly held a meeting to •Christine Lagarde,IMF CEO evaluate the meaning and the effect to the world economy. They estimated that a country What is Madame IMF doing here if not to institute like Nigeria would emerge some other forms of deviltry... from the status of a supplier of raw materials to their a gripping deposition on We should however be destination, and shuddered “structural adjustment” by done with bewailing our at the concomitant none other than Fernao past. I believe that President interchange of economic C,B.Bracher, who was Buhari knows the score in power. That was the spur Director for International this particular game. The that led to the invention of Affairs of the Central Bank Federal Government should SAP, a cruel machine of Brazil. And he ought to swiftly dispose of any form fashioned to destroy the fibre know as his country was of discussion with the IMF of our growth as a affected directly by the and give every indication developing country. awesome phenomenon of that it would be the last for a The prevailing situation, their own SAP. long time to come. Rather, it bolstered by the It is important to add that should vigorously pursue, disadvantages of colonialism, the devastation which took steadily, the trail of those had ensured an enduring place in Nigeria could not who have almost stolen us status quo of international have happened without the blind. The figures that are monetary system that would active participation of being quoted make one’s restrict the raw materialNigerians who were in a stomach turn. But the providing countries from position of trust and who Federal Government should being able to develop their knew what was happening, let there be no let on. The raw materials. The prosperity but had their hearts and only way to stop, or at least of oil portended to change all minds fixed on the filthy curtail, these crimes in that. The utter dependence lucre which rolled into their future is to arrest and on the vagaries of world personal coffers at the punish those who are found market fluctuations would be expense of the nation’s guilty now. And that is severely removed, but it prosperity. Those who going to happen. would not matter so much in succeeded them are now the case of the economies being reined in to face the here are those who that have no more than one music of their misdeeds. would find the steps or two raw material sources. any loan under There were very many of being taken unwelcome.

The danger would be in the “conditionalities”, which is them, and so it was no mere One of them is Femi Fanicase of a country like the chief weapon of vindictive stance on the part Kayode, the former Minister Nigeria, a former vibrant destruction they brightly of those who feel that the of Aviation, who was himself member of the OPEC— that employ to trip up probe that now has Nigeria charged to court in had an abundance of raw developing nations. They in thrall should have been connection with his conduct materials it could develop on extended backwards to call it “facility”—as while in office. Of course, it its own but, furthermore, facilitating as a ball of iron involve those who wrote the is on record that he was offer a development base and book for the monumental fastened to the ankles! freed and may now inspiration to other When I was travelling to misdeeds of the NNPC. It pontificate as a lawyer on developing nations.

New Zealand for the was systemic felony, finethe limits of innocence and Christchurch Games in tuned to a rigid design to other matters. The ordeal of his is no moonlight 1976, I changed one naira steal, and steal from the his trial was in no way fable, though it had for more than two pounds nation’s treasury, relieved by the fact that it somehow been shoved into sterling. You can’t change comprehensively, freely and was followed by an outright the background of our one naira for any even gleefully. rejection of his membership predicament. But there are mentionable negotiable So what is Madame IMF by the Peoples Democratic documents to support these amount of pound sterling doing here if not to institute Party to which he had sworn facts and the part played by today. The naira has not some other forms of deviltry, an allegiance, and on the the IMF. One, of such is a just lost value; it is almost now that the former streams grounds of which he had publication by Friedrichtotally lost! That is “facility” are drying up? She says she found a reason, even where Ebert-Stiftung which features does not wish to give out for you. there was none, to criticise

You see, the SAP strategy was not a scheme that went wrong.

It was designed to bring our economy to ruin, and it did

T

T

President Buhari, his party and his government. His latest fuming, after a deserved hibernation, is that Buhari’s tyranny is “government-sponsored”.

His definition of “tyranny”, however, might be slightly off-course with the normal proceeding of the misrule known as such, because it suggests that it could exist without the exertion of governance, or a governor.

The point, in short, is that every kind, any kind, of tyranny has to be tied to government.

One had to pursue the issue that far to underline the fact that the man from Cambridge no longer seems to care for the meaning he is making out of what he desires to put out. That is sadly becoming a trait of the Buhari critics who desire to grab some notice as political analysts, or social critics.

How can a SAN, for goodness sake, argue that a bail granted for a case should cover the plea for a fresh case?

And then there is the accusation against the EFCC that those who are being arrested for the mismanagement or actual stealing of government funds are mostly members of the PDP. But they formed the Goodluck government, and they were in the position to commit the crimes. They are therefore the people to answer for their deeds and misdeeds.

And, in any case, there is the promise of more names to be called out. We wait, especially for the unexpected ones. All the same, we must plead that each case should be beyond the stage where a prima facie had been established before anyone was arrested and brought to court.

Let us wind up this session with the removal of the petrol subsidy. It is the unimaginable episode of a situation in which one got into debt from selling one’s own wares to the profit of buyers who sell the commodity back at a disadvantage to us the owners. It will take some time yet for it all to sink.

Maybe one day I will be made to believe in the realty of this thing called subsidy.

Till then, I may not be able to stop talking about it.

Have you had fun?

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—23

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

The Headies 2015:

Beyond the controversy!

By Kehinde Ajose For fun seekers who thronged the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Lagos, venue of the 2015 edition of the Headies, which held on January 1, the event would go down in history as one of the most controversial music awards in Nigeria.

But beyond the dramatic war of words between two of Nigeria’s top musicians, Olamide Adedeji and hit-maker, Don Jazzy that almost ruined the well-attended event, it was indisputably another memorable outing for the organizers of the yearly event.

It is not only that the event lived up to its reputation, it also featured electrifying performances by the legendary Mashek Fashek, 2face Idibia, Vector, Reminisce,Timi Dakolo among others.

The sound, stage props and the atmosphere that pervaded the night were intense as comedian Bovi and popular choreographer, Kaffy who anchored the event thrilled the audience. Bovi gave the audience pleasurable moments of humour. His parody of D’banj and Denrele literally took the shine at the event. Just as Bovi, Kaffy was at his best, thrilling the audience with her animated opening dance steps.

But the night took a new twist when Olamide and his crew stormed the stage after YBNL act, Adekunle Gold was announced winner of the ‘Best Alternative Song of the Year ’ award. While Adekunle Gold gave his acceptance speech, thanking God, and dedicated his award to his YBNL label and

black suit, the suave dude walked up to her while the performance was ongoing, went on one knee and popped the big question: “Will you marry me?

A bewildered Eva said yes! with a hot kiss.

Timi Dakolo’s dark moments exposed!

Timi Dakolo who clinched plaques in the Best Male Performance category as well as Best R&B Single and Recording of the Year, exposed a hidden part of him that stunned the audience. While picking the award for the Best R &B single, he revealed that a music director once told him that music wasn’t for him, advising that he should join the Drama Department of his Alma-mater.

But the celebrated singer did not give up as he held on to his dream.

The rain maker, Mashek Fashek resurfaces!

Everyone was shocked when Nigerian reggae legend, Mashek Fashek mounted the stage to give an exhilarating performance of his evergreen song, “Send down the Rain.”

The brilliant music veteran held the audience spellbound with his delivery and coordinated dance steps. Everybody literally stood up, cheering and taking snapshots of this music general. The performance created a nostalgic feeling.

Lil Kesh, Olamide took the microphone from him, flipped the script, and went into a profanity-filled rant. He didn’t leave the stage until he smashed his glass drink cup on stage and threw his cap into the cheering crowd.

Events took another turn when Don Jazzy was ushered onto the stage to pick his ‘Special Recognition’ award for his contribution to the growth of Nige-

ria’s music industry. Don Jazzy dropped a bombshell hinting at a lengthy beef between the two music superpowers saying “Egbon Olamide, if you want the car come and collect it. God bless you.”

Victoria Kimani on fire!

Seductively beautiful Chocolate City singer, Victoria Kimani, was the first artiste to set the ball rolling. Her performance was

full of energy and got the audience cheering. She rendered the song, Show with a sex appeal similar to that of Rihanna.

Eva’s shocking engagement proposal While Victoria Kimani was performing on stage alongside rapper Eva, Eva’s boyfriend a TV presenter known as Caesar did the unexpected. Clad in a

Vector’s moment of glory There was a time Vector had legal issues with his former record label. This affected his music career in no small measure but at this year’s Headies, the King Kong sensation clinched the award for the Best Rap Single. He also had an amazing performance that transformed the hall into dance when he performed the song King Kong. Before mounting the stage, talking drummers played melodious rhythms welcoming him like a monarch. The audience couldn’t resist his

Continues on page 26

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

DA VIDO , BAB Y -MAMA DRAMA:

Who takes custody of t Ent er Enter erttainer ainerss and st ak eholder akeholder eholderss react

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI and KEHINDE AJOSE

N

baby-mama, Sophie and her baby

igerian pop star, Davido and his baby-mama, Sophie are presently involved in a feud over the custody of their child, Imade. The story has taken various shapes, starting from the airport incident to the petition written against Davido by Sophie to Davido’s lengthy open letter. The issue is on everyone’s lips and we sought out entertainers and stakeholders on who should take custody of the child.

Davido’s family took custody of the baby following allegation that Imade had been infected by marijuana which was said to have been passed to the seven month old baby through breast-feeding. Sophie is claiming that Davido’s family abducted the baby and planned taking her abroad but Immigration officials helped her stop the trip.

•Davido

How I handle my male fan E

legant and beautiful, Judy Austin is one of the rising actresses that is tipped to rule the big screen in future. In fact since she debuted in the nation’s movie industry few years ago, the Umuoji, Idemilli North Anambra State-born actress has not looked back in quest to stay on top of the game. In this engaging interview, she talks about what the future holds for her as a rising actress and why she delved into acting....

Why did you choose to pursue a career in acting?

Show business is one thing I have always wanted to be part of. And I have an undying passion for acting. That was why when I had the opportunity to make my dream come true, I grabbed it. In fact, I’m so happy to be part of this big industry.

•Judy Austin C M Y K

Can you tell us how it all started?

I actually started as a model at the age of 16, from where I delved into acting. Though acting is taking much of my time now, once in a while I find time for it.

How long have you sojourned in the movie industry and what were the challenges you ‘ve faced?

The challenges weren’t much, except that of finding your voice in the industry.

You know as a rising actress, I tried to create my own kind of style. I even went as far as making it a unique one. It’s actually a challenge. At first, one had the feeling that she wasn’t good enough, mostly when you are paired with big actors on set.

How about the sex for role syndrome: didn’t you experience it?

I haven’t experienced it.

Which movie would you say brought out the best in you?

I guess it would be one of my recent jobs entitled "Slaves and Free Born." It’s not the kind of an everyday movie we watch. It’s completely different.

What motivates you?

Nothing but the love and passion I have for acting.

How do you manage your male fans?

I manage them by showing them the love of God. What can’t you let go in your everyday life?

I will say prayer, because it’s my major strength. And music; I really don’t joke with it.

You have regrets?

None at all; I’m still young to have regrets.

If you have an opportunity to change something, what would it be?

I would change the fact that the government is not assisting the industry as it should. Nollywood is one independent industry that has been moving from strength to strength. I think it is time the government should come in with strong policies to support its already established effort.

What attracts you to the opposite sex?

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ad co

be th re Le th be th pu w dr co w

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—25

•Hannah

the baby?

They shouldn’t have dragged this into public glare

– Seun Omojola, actress and filmmaker They shouldn’t have dragged that child into public glare. I believe whatever issue they are having should be sorted out in closed doors.

The child will definitely grow up and read about it some day. It’s not good . You cannot take a child away from her mother. They both have the right to her custody. It shouldn’t be full custody for one person. It’s their child.

She made a mistake from the onset

– Yetunde Bakare, actress and movie producer According to reports, she left her child when she was just two months old. It doesn’t show any trait of her being a responsible mother. Davido should take the custody of the child because he has been catering for her from infant-hood. I know all these will not matter if her monthly allowance was not stopped. It will not have become a public discourse.

It isn’t for the fact that she loves the child. It’s like Sophie Momodu has an ulterior motive. The child was taken away from her when she was two months old. If she had expressed her grouse then, she would have probably gotten justice.

She made a mistake from the onset.

•Yetunde

Joint custody will be the best for both sides

•Awele

– Annette Cookey, singer I really don’t •Seun like to get into other people’s personal issues but I believe joint custody will be best for both sides, •Moji especially for the child. The child’s wellbeing should come first. The baby needs the dad, mum and an emotionally herself. Above healthy environment to grow and all, I believe of course to become great. both parties should manage the No one has the right to situation separate a mother from maturely and her child find a common – Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye, ground because Coordinator, Walk Against Rape of the child.

No one has the right to separate Sophie’s family a mother from her child. If she should take the custody has issues as alleged, then her of the child. Davido family can step in and take care can’t take the child of the child, while she sorts away from her.

ns — Judy Austin

•Esther

No child should be denied motherly love

•Senator

– Moji Olaiya, actress and movie producer Our Constitution supports Sophie having the custody of the child because the child is under aged. But due to the hazards her company may have on the child, I think she has forfeited that right.

However, under no circumstance should a child be denied motherly love, care and affection. Therefore, Sophie should have the child but should be supervised by a close relative, preferably her mother.

Davido will give his child more attention – Senator

(comedian) Sophie is not medically fit to have the child in her custody. Davido will give his child more attention. If Davido had not “abducted” the child from his baby-mama as purported by Sophie, Imade will be dead by now. And there won’t be need for this conversation. I think Sophie needs to learn how to manage her health before entrusting the welfare of a child to her.

First, the fear of God, and a caring man with a hard working spirit.

What are your career plans for the ext two years?

I plan to be one of the best acts that would be coming out of Africa. I’m oping to hit the international cene in future.

Do you have words of dvice for the up and oming actresses?

They should elieve in hemselves and emain focused. et them believe hat they can do etter no matter he obstacles by utting in their best in whatever they do. Also, they should also raw inspiration from their older olleagues, and by God’s grace, the sky will be their limit.

•Annette

Don’t deny Sophie access to her child

– Awele Odita, actress and movie producer I am of the opinion that Davido should not deny his baby-mama access to their child even if he has the child in his custody. No woman from the place I come from would leave her child for a man. The African custom frowns at that.

She should keep the child.

Let the court decide

•Judy Austin

– Hannah Ogundare, actress Davido’s story is more convincing, but let the court decide.

C M Y K

26— SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

The Headies 2015: Beyond the controversies!

Continues from page 23 stage presence, energy and the song’s instrumentation. While accepting his award, he said: “I have learnt to appreciate people beyond instagram likes” Harrysong’s testimony Harrysong is undoubtedly one of the hit makers of 2015 .The Reggae blues singer delighted the audience with his five-minute freestyle. The freestyle was an infectious highlife which gave him the opportunity to share his grass-tograce story in a melodious mode.

“9 years ago, my step mother told me, ‘I will make sure you sleep and you won’t wake up. I will make sure you won’t succed.’ Just few days ago she sent me a message saying have mercy on me for what I have done to you.” The Five Star Music

act also announced during his performance that he has become a brand ambassador for Gala, the sausage company.

The King of the night!

Soulful singer, Timi Dakolo had a threefold victory at the Headies 2015.

Dressed in a casual black shirt on jeans, the ‘wish me well’ sensation clinched three awards in the Best Male Performance category and also Best RnB single and Recording Of the Year.

In addition, he serenaded the audience with his acoustic rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption song alongside the gifted guitarist, Kunle Ayo. 2face represents the best of Nigeria-Senator Ben Bruce Nigerian music star, 2face Idibia, was inducted into The Headies Hall of Fame at The Headies 2015. The

award was presented by Ben Murray Bruce, a serving senator who eloquently narrated how 2face has contributed to the Nigerian entertainment industry. He puts it this way: “2face has paid the ultimate price for his success. He represents the best of Nigeria.”

Thereafter, the ambience changed when 2face delivered an electrifying performance of his pulsating tune, ‘Implication.’

...And Yemi Alade goes emotional on stage One of the queens of the night, Yemi Alade, was adjudged The Headies Revelation of the Year. The beautiful musician was close to tears when she climbed the stage to receive the award.

“Forget the fact that I call myself King of Queens, I also have blood flowing through my veins. Last year, when I wasn’t able to win any award, it broke me down. I felt like nothing.”

She further recounted how she persuaded Ayo Animashaun on several occasions that she would love to perform at The Headies. Her countenance was that of someone who finally got what she has been longing for. Aside from the technical imperfections of the night, drama surrounding the win by Reekado Banks of the Next Rated award category, Olamide’s misbehavior and Don Jazzy’s reaction, it was a night indeed an epoch-making occasion.

Why they call me Ugly fine boy -UFB

BY KEHINDE AJOSE

A

dibeli Ugochukwu, a.k.a UFB (Ugly fine boy), is a budding Afro pop artiste whose song, ‘Baby boo’ is currently ruling the airwaves.

The Delta State-born singer believes he has what it takes to succeed in the music industry. Whenever he is being introduced at events, his name elicit questions from people.

In a chat with Showtime, he revealed the reason he is called Ugly fine boy. “Most people are usually surprised at the things I do. I have been told that I don’t look like someone who can do certain things. I have heard statements like “You look too cool, like someone who doesn’t talk at all.” I chose the name Ugly fine boy as a way of expressing my dual personality. I have been underestimated. This represents the ugly side of me.

I have also surprised people with my music. This represents the fine part of me. I decided to fuse these traits and created a name from it.”

When asked if he believes that sex sells, he replied in the affirmative; “Sex sells anywhere but over-doing it, is the problem.”

Wizkid, Tiwa Savage excite Lagosians at Let professionals manage artistes, not record labels- Jolly 'One Lagos Fiesta' T B housands of Lagosians thronged the Pepsi co-sponsored One Lagos Fiesta at several centres in Lagos to bid farewell to 2015, and welcome 2016 with joy and expectations. The massive crowd that thronged the venue were excited as their favourite artistes held them spellbound with mesmerising performances.

The one week event which climaxed on the eve of the New Year had Pepsi music ambassadors Wizkid and Tiwa Savage leading the pack of established artistes to thrill the audience who savoured the occasion. Tiwa who was part of the Marvins crew sang from her rich repertoire including ‘Eminado’ and ‘Girlie-o’, her duet with Patoranking which had the crowd singing along.

Wizkid who wore wine Safari attire came on stage waving the ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ flag before setting the stage on fire with his popular song ‘Surulere’, which he called the “new national anthem.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who sat close to the stage danced all through

bels have tried it but it backfired as their artistes’ career suffered for it. razil-based CEO of Jobest So, it is better to handle what you Entertainment, Jolly Erim- can,” said the entertainer who has been a player for over a decade in wingbovo, has revealed why the industry. he floated his own recordAlthough Jobest Records was ing label, Jobest launched last year, it already Records. has four artistes signed on and The entertainment afihopes to sign in more. They are cionado who is cousin to Stephens, Kelvin J, Sammy award-winning reggae arRhino and Barber. tiste, Righteousman, Stephens has resaid he is diversifying cently dropped a to change the face of music video, artists' welfare in NiSexy Lady, feageria. turing Kelvin "For me, every J, and the artiste is a potensingle is altial star and de•Jolly ready enjoyserves to be treatErimwingbovo ing massive ed as one to draw airplay. The out the best of Afro hip hop their creative single was ability. produced by “To start with, Mickey 4 and dimanagement rected by Arayuwa. of artistes Jolly revealed that the should be handled by professionals, not record other artistes will also drop their labels. This is because it is not ad- works soon. visable to take on recording and management together. Some laBy Josephine Agbonkhese

•Tiwa Savage on stage the night. The governor thanked Pepsi and other sponsors who have over the years kept Lagosians happy and expectant of a better future with platforms such as One Lagos Fiesta.

Ambode, however, promised a better Lagos in 2016 with the cooperation of every Lagosian especially corporate citizens like Pepsi and the other sponsors who have been engaging the youths in constructive activities.

Brand Manager, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Segun Ogunleye said: “Pepsi celebrates

the Nigerian youth and supports their passion points such as music and football. Other artistes that performed were R&B crooner Darey, rap icon Olamide, Timaya, Waje, Simi, Nomoreloss, Sasha, Sexy Steal, DJ Cuppy, Don Jazzy and the Mavins: Dr. Sid, Tiwa Savage, Dija, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, D’Prince and Chocolate City’s crew with Ice Prince and Jessy Jags.

Gbenga Adeyinka The 1st, the host of the event cracked ribs with AY chipping in a joke or two that made the audience go wild in laughter.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016 —27

Nollywood in 2015: Year of more marriages and less scandals U nlike the previous years where the industry was plunged into controversies, the year 2015 was a different story.

The industry did not only break new grounds on the international scene, it also witnessed a couple of marriages that have continued to be the talk of the town.

From Lizzy Anjorin who tied the knots with her long standing lover, Jibo Morgan, in the month of June, to Nollywood hunk, IK Ogbonna, who also exchanged marital vows with his girl friend, Sonia Morales, few days after they welcomed their first child in far away Columbia, Nollywood was at its best in 2015.

Controversial actress Tonto Dikeh’s marriage to her hubby, Churchill Oladunni, remains one marriage that shocked many industry watchers and one which they would not stop talking about.

The light-skinned diva shocked her friends and woes when she held her traditional marriage on August 30, 2015.

In fact, since she got married, Tonto has been missing at social functions, thus telling anyone that cares to know that “marriage has really changed her.”

Also, notable producer of the wavemaking Igbo movie, “The Primitive”, which recounts the horrible story of how the early Christians faced prosecution in the hands of the primitive Igbo natives back in the days, Iyke Odife walked down the aisle with the actress that played the lead character in that movie, Anita Amaka Okere. The couple held their traditional and white wedding ceremonies the same day on the 5th of December, in Asaba and the bride’s home town, Amaobia, in Awka, Anambra State respectively. Actor and society big shot, Jazzy Okey, also got

H

VP speaks with some top Nollywood practitioners on how the industry fared in 2015 and their expectations in this new year. This is what they have to say…

*Tonto Dikeh and hubby *Jazzy and wife * Iyke Odife and wife, Anita

married to his long time lover, Annie Ogochukwu Anaedum.

Those who attended their *Lizzy traditional Anjorin and marriage hubby described it as “one of the best in Nollywood. It took place at the bride’s home town in Akabor-village, Ojoto, Anambra State. Other marriages that rocked Nollywood in 2015 include that of actor Gbenro Ajibade and Osas Ighodaro, both stars of “Tinsel”, which took place on Saturday July 4, 2015 in New York, sexpot, Chita Agwu and her Malaysia-based hubby, John Maduabuchi and Mimi Orjiekwe and Charles Billion which took place on Saturday July 18,

2016:

C M Y K

2015.

Low Moments

Except for a few low moments, 2015 was a year of bumper harvest for the industry. A lot of good things happened to the industry last year; new great movies hit the cinemas just as the industry made a lot of impacts on the international scene.

For the ugly side, the industry lost some of its vibrant actors to the pangs of death. They were Muna Obiekwe, Peter Bunor and Dede One Week. This year is predicted to be the best year ever for the industry because a lot of things have been put in place to move the industry forward.

Our expectations, Nollywood practitioners speak ! testament to improvement in technical production. For Nollywood, the amazing wind of silent mystery continues in 2016.

Nollywood brand was further deepened in 2015

—Alex Eyengho, ANCOP president Nollywood did fairly well in 2015, in terms of quality production. Film makers raised the ante, to details as it concern story structure, picture quality, sound and technicals generally. The Nollywood brand was further deepened in 2015. In 2016, I expect this tempo to be maintained and improved upon. There should be more cohesion between the associations and guilds in the industry.

However, I wish that the much talked about Motion Picture Practitioners Council, MOPICON, be established via an Executive bill sponsored by President Muhammadu Buhari. The Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, should be more forceful in its fight against the blazing intellectual Property theft in the country. The Nigerian Film Corporation,NFC, must wake up from its current slumber. The National Film and Video Censors Board,NFVCB, should reboot its operational

*IK Ogbonna and wife, Sonia

2015 was a busy year for most practitioners

•Alex Eyengho sleeping distribution framework.

Disbursement of the N3 billion Project Act Nollywood grant imitated by former president Goodluck Jonathan should be probed with a view to knowing who got what and what is left of the fund.

Finally, henceforth, Nollywood practitioners should address themselves as ‘my creative colleagues’, As lawyers see themselves as the only learned people, I posit that film makers are the only creative people on earth.

•Zik Zulu

—Lancelot,Director/producer 2015 was a very busy year for a lot if practitioners: productions, foreign production study tours, various awards ceremonies among others. In all, I think 2015 was a great year and for 2016, I am articulately praying for greater exposures, opportunities and more privileges for all

The industry didn’t fare badly in 2015

—Zik Zulu Okafor, former AMP president Nollywood didn't do badly in 2015. With the grant from Jonathan’s administration, more films were made and capacity building enhanced with training at some reputable institutions in the United States and India plus trainings also in Nigeria. We have also seen some quality movies this year, a

•Lancelot

•Ejike Asiegbu practitioners.

Practitioners raised the bar in 2015 —Ejike Asieg-

bu, veteran actor Nollywood in 2015 tried to maintain high standard as professionalism was the major goal of independent producers who were more determined to shoot films in their best standard. There was a deliberate attempt by independent film makers to raise the bar in 2015, and I hope they put more efforts to improve on their craft in 2016.

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

Ralph Nwadike’s 10-point agenda to sanitize AMP

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HE inauguration of Ralph Nwadike-led new executive of the Association of Movie Producer,AMP, few days to the end of the year was one of the good things that happened to the industry in 2015.

Raph succeed two-term president of the association, Zik Zulu Okafor, after beating embattled Lilian Amah-Aluko to emerge the new president.

At the swearing in ceremony of the new executive, which held at the association’s secretariat, in Surulere, Nwadike vowed to sanitize the association, declaring that “ henceforth, It will no longer be business as usual. Adding, he said, “ Never again will my association tolerate interlopers amongst us. If you are not duly registered with us as producers, you cannot be seen doing the work of a producer, or we shall stop you.”

Ralph commended the immediate past executive led by Zik

Zulu Okafor, saying “The past executive has tried and done their best. What I will be doing is to continue from where they have stopped, constantly guided by Zik Zulu Okafor, Paul Obazele, Madu Chikwendu, Zeb Ejiro and my father, Chief Eddy Ugboma.”

Among others, he unveiled a 10-Point agenda to take AMP to the next level and admonished corporate bodies to desist from exploiting the works of members illegally as his administration will not tolerate it.

Other officers elected alongside Nwadike are Chinasa Joy Onyechere (Vice president), Forster Ojehonmon (Secretary), Remi Ibinola Olatunji (PRO), Grace Edwin Okon (Financial Secretary), Blessing Effiong Egbe (Treasurer), Wisdom Nwankwo (Publicity Secretary) and Sam Obeakahnme (Provost).

Funke Akindele’s Jenifa Diary set for season 4 F

unke Akindele’s award-winning hilarious and captivating sit-com, Jenifa’s Diary, has shown that it has what it takes to get viewers glued to their televisions.

The hilarious but topical TV series which stars Funke Akindele as the lead actress has not

only returned to location to shoot its fourth season, it is richer with its trade-mark of unadulterated humour.

‘Jenifa’s Diary,’ a spin-off of the highly-successful movie, ‘Jenifa,’ is also set to release it’s music video that combines the music and visuals glaringly that they compliment each other and create fun. The song is produced by Fliptyce, with vocals by Funke Akindele Music and K-lite.

While the director of the music video

•Ralph

is JJC Skillz and Director Q, both seamlessly infused aesthetic and style. The musical video also features cameo appearances by showbiz personalities including Sound Sultan, Laura Ikeji, Lolo Wazobia, May D, Asisat Oshoala, Kaffy, Gbenro Ajibade, DJ Switch, among others.

Jenifa’s Diary is about a wannabe village girl who finds herself in a university campus, and is determined to feel-among. She is determined, relentless, creative, and rugged. Her different experiences in the ‘big city’ also offer various lessons which viewers can definitely learn from.

When Hollywood actor, Idris Iba stormed Lagos for ‘Beasts of No Nation’ •Funke

Bridget John’s new year presents U

S-based Nigerian actress, Bridget John, who produced the popular film, “Adora”, ended the year 2015, on a good note. The beautiful actress came top in her department,graduating with distinction from the University of North Georgia. Her hardwork surely has earned her a membership of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars in addition to being listed on the good book of the Dean of the institution’s Theatre Arts Department. The actress, who has produced several films, TV sitcoms, stage plays and commercials in the United States, took to her Facebook *Bridget John page to announce the good news.

She wrote:” God is awesome!!! Today , I graduated from the University of North Georgia with a degree in Theater Arts. Graduating with a distinction. Being on the Deans list and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars was hard work and dedication, but it paid off. I give all the glory to God who made it possible and a big thank you to my family for all the support.”

Bridget John is the CEO of Alliance Productions. She is the Executive Producer of ‘Adora’ a Bridget John’s film produced in Atlanta in 2013, which garnered 5 nominations at the 2014 African Oscars/Nollywood And African Film Critics Award, winning Best Film in the Diaspora. Bridget John won the award for Best Actress at the Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival, 2014.

C M Y K

•Idris Iba and Abraham Attah arriving the premiere venue

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t was a turning point in the history of movie premieres in Nigeria, when British-born Hollywood actor, Idris Iba and co-star, Abraham Attah, the young Ghanaian prodigy who played Agu in the film stormed the country for the epochal premiere of the film adaptation of a 2005 novel of the same title by Uzodima Iweala, son of Okonjo-Iweala , Beast of No Nation.

The premiere turned into a big party of sort with many celebrities walking the red carpet with their heads high. Among them were Genevieve Nnaji, Nse Ikpe Etim, Adesua Etomi, Yolanda Okereke, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Shawn Faqua, Wale Ojo, Bobby Michaels, Enyinna Nwigwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Rukky Sanda, Uduak Oguamanam, Sambasa Nzeribe, Makida Moka, Somkele Iyamah, Damilola Adegbite, and Gbenro and Osas Ajibade.

Both Idris and Abraham were accom-

panied to the red carpet by Senator Ben Murray Bruce, CEO, Silverbird Group and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minster. Before showing the film, Idris took time out to explain what the film means to him during question and answer session.

The film, which is about child soldiers in an unnamed West African country was earlier released on October 16, 2015, via streaming platform, Netflix.

Following its screening in Canada, Italy, and London, the movie is now being shown in cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana, courtesy Silverbird Film Distributions. Describing the film as “a disruptive success”, Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix, said three million viewers have already seen it across the world. The movie has earned Idris Elba a Golden Globe and SAG Awards nominations.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—29

Lifestyle

Benefits of moderate beer consumption!

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s beer really good for your health?

This question has been making the rounds for ages, even as scientists and other concerned parties present argument either for, or against.

Recent scientific findings may bust the myth that beer is out rightly unhealthy, makes you fat, or causes the so-called “beer belly”, however, evidence abounds that only moderate beer drinkers can truly lay claim to the “beer is healthy” messages making the rounds.

While we are being reassured by top scientists that beer drinking is not harmful or unhealthy, the overall message is that “moderate beer consumption” is a surprisingly healthy activity.

Moderate beer consumption is often defined as no more than 660ml of five per cent alcohol for men and 330ml for women.

The experts make us understand that moderate beer consumption could protect against heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders. Science actually shows that beer can bring many surprising health benefits. One scientific study even found that moderate beer drinkers do not tend to have a higher “ waist to hip ratio” than non-beer drinkers.

There’s a widespread argument that the hops and malt in beer make it a rich source of polyphenols, compounds which protect against some chronic diseases. They say beer does not make people fat because apart from being an important source of vitamins especially vitamin B6, at 90 calories for a mug, beer is lower in calories than other alcoholic drinks.

Researchers actually suggest keeping beer consumption at around 5 per cent alcohol by volume a day.

But this idea of moderate consumption could disguise the fact that most people could be better off consuming less, rather than more alcohol.

Dr. Henk Hendricks, a biologist and a project leader in the Institute for Food and Nutrition in The Netherlands, explained that moderation level of beer consumption is beneficial to cardiovascular health.

He pointed to some inherent advantages of beer include: Low percentage of alcohol; large quantities of water; its role in rehydration; a good source of minerals; a good source of polyphenolic

•If you must drink, drink in moderation At the 2015 edition of the Beer and Lifestyle symposium held in Lagos by Nigerian Breweries Plc., the message was all about moderate consumption.

Health and medical experts advised against heavy alcohol consumption for no other reason than the obvious negative effects on health.

“There is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with better cognitive function in old age,” said Professor Emevwo Biakolo of the Pan Atlantic University Lagos.

In a presentation entitled: “The Mythologies of Beer Consumption”, Biakolo observed that there is in drinking beer, rather, there are some health benefits.

Quoting the Royal College of \Physicians, Biakolo said at 80 mg/100 ml, there is an impairment of driving ability and 150 mg/100 ml leads to a loss of self-control.

“By the time 400 mg/100 ml is reached, the drinker is oblivious to events and surroundings. A further 8 drinks will result in coma.

Those who take 30 drinks in one evening are likely to die.”

In his view, moderation offers health benefits and the evidence is overwhelming. A nutritionist and food technology expert, Mrs. Coker Dolapo explained that a moderate intake of beer can

The experts make us understand that moderate beer consumption could protect against heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders

positively impact the health and well being of women.

Coker, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, said in the health/lifestyle hierarchy needs, special attention should be given to women because they are classified “as belonging to the risk group where micronutrients shortages are most likely to occur during their different stages of development.”

Coker said as an alcoholic beverage, beer can be classified as food, because of its nutrient value. She listed the nutrients to include: carbohydrates, like dextrins and polysaccharides; proteins in the form of amino acids; load of vitamins like the B vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid etc; minerals like magnesium, potassium, silicon, selenium etc; it contains fibre like betaglucans etc.

Most beers are made from ingredients rich in selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc and some B vitamins. Beer is also known to have antibacterial properties that protect against infections within the stomach.

antioxidants; contains anti-inflammatory xanthohumoles; and a large variety of raw materials, including gluten-free’ Rich in fibres.

There is strong argument that beer may be just as heart-healthy a beverage as any.

Research has found that moderate beer drinkers have a 42 per cent lower risk of heart disease compared to nondrinkers.

Dutch researchers analysed 38,000 male health professionals and found that when men who weren’t big drinkers began drinking moderately over four years, they were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, this should not be license to indulge. Research has established that increased alcohol consumption over time doesn’t lower the risk of the disease in men who already had a couple of drinks a day.

As stated earlier, moderation is the key.

Strategies proposed for moderate drinking by the experts include spacing drinks; alternating alcoholic drinks with water; avoiding drinking games; learning to refuse drinks; and drinking slowly.

30—SA TURD AY 30—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JANU ARY 9, 2016 JANUARY

(Text Only)

Out-gunning the ageing process Leg Raise Technique: it with both legs stretched in front of you. Hold the right leg at below the calf and raise it up locking the knee and drawing the trunk and head towards the raised leg.

Breathing normally, holds the position for some 10 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

S

Benefits: he Leg Raise tones the hamstrings, back and stomach muscles. Managing the abdominal region, it increases bowel activity helping indigestion and constipation.

T

The Seated Twist

Technique:

S

•The Reed

The Reed Technique:

S

tand straight with the feet together and hands by your sides. Inhale deeply while raising the hands slowly up till they’re overhead.

Exhaling slowly, drip the trunk to the left side without heading the knees. After a slow count to ten, inhale deeply and straighten up to the trunk. Exhaling slowly again, dip the trunk to the right for another count to ten.Bring back the trunk upright and drop the hands to the sides.

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

9.00am — 10.00am

it ramrod straight on a chair with the feet close together. Place the right hand on the left upper thigh and the left hand on the top left of the chair. Turn head, neck and trunk to the left without moving the feet and legs. Breathe in deeply and retain the posture for some 10 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Benefits: Rest a bit and repeat.

Benefits:

T

he Reed gives an excellent lateral stretch to the hips, sides and arms. It tones the spinal nerves and organs of the abdomen improving bowel action. It reduces or eradicates lower back pains.

T

hen Twist increases the lateral flexibility of the spine. It helps to improve muscular problems in the hips and back. It benefits the bowels, liver, kidneys spleen and gall bladder.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—31

TRIBUTE

BY IMAM IMAM One bright January morning, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was immersed in his private library at his home when I walked in, uninvited. At the door, I was informed he had been in the library for at least four hours. Seeing him alone with his thoughts and books, I considered moving away in order not to disturb. Quickly reading my intentions, he motioned me to sit down.

Spread on his reading table were four books: Ngozi Okonjo Iweala’s Reforming the Unreformable: Lessons from Nigeria, Hernando do Soto’s The Mystery of Capital, Rashid Al Maktoum’s My Vision and Muhammad Yunus’s Banker to the Poor. It took the next six hours of total concentration, silence and absorbtion, before he finally closed his books, turned over to me with a smile, and said ‘good day Malam Imam.’

That particular day was January 10, Tambuwal’s birthday. I recall vividly asking him why he had to spend 10 hours on his birthday reading books about leadership and development. And his answer was succinct: “We were elected to lead. Every day, birthdays inclusive, we will lead. I subscribe to Albert Pike’s assertion that ‘what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.’”

I don’t know what Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State since May 29, 2015, will be doing now, seeing that it is a day he achieved the milestone of witnessing his 50th birthday, but having worked closely with him in the last six years, one thing is for sure, he will busy himself, through hard work, dedication and commitment, on providing the needed leadership that will deliver on his change agenda. Tambuwal, like all good leaders, are social revolutionaries. They are people who dare to dream big and seemingly unrealisable dreams. They are the precursors of a new and better world. They are the visionaries of their time. They are change agents, harbingers of hope and heralds of freedom.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2:9). Of a truth, the blessings that God has for you are unimaginable. This is so real because it is not man that the blessing is coming from.

The El-Shaddai God that is all sufficient is ready to manifest His blessings upon you. Know that there is no barrier to the kind of blessings that God has reserved for you. However, you have a responsibility in appropriating the blessings.

Our responsibility is to please the Father, from whom all blessings proceed through His Son Jesus Christ. It is God’s will to manifest Himself in our lives just as He manifested Himself through Jesus’ life. But He cannot do it until we do our part.

Our part is simply to walk pleasing before Him, that is, to think His thoughts, to speak His words, to walk in His ways.

To enjoy God’s blessings, you must decide not to please yourself and start living every moment of the day to please the Father, no matter the challenges or temptations that come your way. There is no room for compromise. Shut the door to every offer of the devil or man that is contrary to the will of God. You need to fight compromise by arming yourself with the commitment to suffer in the flesh rather than fail to please God. When you are ready to do that, you’ll go beyond just not sinning and into a life that is pleasing to God. You will be ready to lay down those things

Golden garlands for Tambuwal at

50

They are people totally dedicated to the struggle for a better future. They have redefined the unpalatable narratives of dearth of quality governance in our country – an existential reality even in global political discourse.

A journey of 50 years has no doubt shaped Tambuwal’s life. Even though born into a royal household, he remains a simple, humble and self-effacing leader whose politics is defined by passion for discovery and service. Endowed naturally with knowledge and sense of perception, closely observing Tambuwal at work leaves one with impression of a man who refused to be encumbered by the nation’s fault lines. Just as prophets refuse to be defiled by the iniquities of the moment; Tambuwal has risen above the bitterness and acrimony of ethnic, tribal and religious divide.

Being born into an aristocratic family on January 10, 1966 shaped his passage into adulthood without airs and graces.

For Tambuwal, nobility of birth in a predominantly peasant milieu was more of a challenge than the comfort it provided. In fact, it was this outlook that formed the canvass on which his life and leadership style has remained oiled. In

•Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Sokoto today, the citizens are rightly rich in huge expectation from the Tambuwal administration. This, in all honesty, is not unfounded because of his pedigree and passion for service. The people’s prayers for his success are rooted in their belief that his emergence is not only beyond accident of history but a well-timed epiphany. For Tambuwal, there is an element of freshness about him even at the Golden Age of 50.

Freshness of spirit, freshness of ideas, freshness of vision and mission for him as a person, as a leader and for the state he has superintended in the last eight months. He has unarguably, run a dazzling race of his

life as a politician, an administrator and a leader. Despite the howling success he has made of all of his endavours, he exudes, yet a seeming urgency to reach the finish line in his chase to get his faithful citizencolleagues to the Promised Land.

Eight months ago, he set the momentum going by building on his predecessor’s developmental framework. Methodically, he set about adding to the foundation the necessary ingredients for Sokoto State to attain its potential. As an astute husbandry of resources, Tambuwal sees plenty, even in the face of paucity. It is his rare determination to make the most out of nothing that he has been able to put in place all that is needed to ensure Sokoto grows in leaps and bounds and eventually raise the bar by setting standard for others. That Sokoto has become a template and a reference point for most of the states today is not owed to Tambuwal’s complacency or passivity in governance but more to his conscientiousness and forthrightness.

Allied to these is the enthronement of calm and consensus building in the political spectrum. Through consensus, thorny political issues have become free of tumult, acrimony and bad blood. This was made possible by Tambuwal’s calm persona on a very volatile system. By entrenching core values of selflessness and integrity, he has effectively earned the confidence and trust of his friend and foes alike. He has redefined the concept of leadership and effective governance by effectively reorientating the mindset of the political class to see politics as a call to service.

As he clocks 50 years , his high-octane performance in governance and in the leadership of his state sure sets him apart as a selfless and passionate leader who burns to put his state on the world developmental map.

Happy birthday our amiable governor!

*Imam is Governor Tambuwal’s spokesman. Follow me on twitter: @imamdimam

Glorifying the FFather ather that you enjoy, that hinder your walk with God. If you want to truly enjoy the blessings of God for your life this year, then you must be ready to make sacrifices. Know that your sacrifices are nothing compared to what God has in store for you. the amplified version of Matt. 10:38-39, says, “He who does not take up his cross and follow Me (that is, cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living and if need be in dying also) is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his (lower) life will lose (the higher life), and whosoever loses his (lower) life on My account will find (the higher life)”. So you see, if you could see what God has for you in the higher life, you would immediately let go of the things that you are clinging

onto. I pray you receive grace to let go of the things of the lower lives.

Until you lay down your life, you will not be able to discover the wonders that are waiting on the other side of your obedience. You can step into this life of wonders by faith.

This season is pregnant of God’s miracles for your life and it is time for the delivery.

Everyone, who will please the Lord , will be amazed of the kind of blessings that will manifest in their lives. The difference between you and your miracle depends on how you please the Lord.

In Heb. 11:5, the bible says that, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he

pleased God”. Do you think that Enoch knew that he would become the first man to be translated? In his time on earth there was all kind of vices. He had opportunities that others had to compromise but he opted to please God. He sacrificed earthly pleasures. He refused to follow the crowd. He appeared foolish to the rest of the people but at the end he was the one that had a testimony. Beloved, pleasing God in every area of your life must be your priority.

The truth of it all is that, pleasing God has no option. God is waiting on you to please Him so that you can start to give y o u r testimonies.

Look at what Jesus said in Jn 8:29, “And

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635, 08168955932; 08033378769. Email: johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 7.45 am – 9:15am; 2nd service 9:15 – 11:30am. Wednesday World Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11Am – 5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month 6 a.m – 7.15am.

He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please”. Jesus said that God was always with Him because He always did what pleased the Father. He always did the will of God. Thus, He was victorious always. The devil could not stop Him. Wherever He went, He brought light, healings, miracles, salvations, joy to the people. He offered them a better way of living. I beseech you today, decide now to please the Lord no matter the cost and your life and concerns would not cease of unprecedented testimonies.

God bless you, our great nation Nigeria and President Goodluck Jonathan.

To experience the reality of Christ, you start by giving Him your life. Pray this prayer out loud. Father, I give you my life and invite your Son Jesus Christ to come into my life and be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9 , 2016

B-R-I-E-F-S

Dead baby found in Ikorodu refuse dump

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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here was confusion in Ikorodu, Lagos, Thursday, when a lifeless body of a two-monthold baby girl was found at a refuse dump located near Salvation Army Primary School, Sabo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

The lifeless body of the baby was said to have been found at about 8am by a man who went to the dump-site to defecate but eventually raised the alarm when he found in a carton containing the remains of the baby.

Nobody could say precisely when the baby was dumped but some residents stated she might have been murdered by her mother as careful observation revealed that the neck was twisted to the left hand side.

They concluded that the baby would have cried if she was not dead before the body was dumped.

When Vanguard arrived the scene, the body was found in a carton with baby diapers, a gown and an Ankara

wrapper.

Emotion ran high at the Sabo dump-site as passers-by especially women rained curses on whoever committed this callous act.

Sympathisers thereafter invited the officials of the Ambulance unit

of the state Ministry of Health who rushed to the scene only to discover that they were not in the best position to handle the situation.

Many if the sympathisers were seen asking questions about the development.

Lagos to establish mobile courts for traffic offenders T

he Lagos State Government on Thursday announced plans to establish functional Mobile Courts in the State to facilitate prompt trial of violators of the law, especially environmental and traffic offences.

Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, who disclosed this at a media parley with Judiciary Editors and Correspondents in Alausa, said the Mobil Courts will operate in full compliance with the rules of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

He said more importantly, the citizens appearing before the Courts would be afforded their constitutional rights and fair hearing.

Specifically, Kazeem said the Mobile Courts will, among others, address the prosecution of violators of the State Environmental Law and Traffic Offences, among others.

While observing that cybercrime had become a menace in the State as more criminals are exploiting the convenience of the internet to commit diverse range of criminal activities, Kazeem said his Ministry has devised strategies to work closely with the Police and other stakeholders to tackle cybercrime cases.

Kazeem also pledged to introduce the use of information technology to enhance judicial reforms in order to accelerate dispensation of justice.

Confusion in Lagos community over pregnant destitute Govt gives tips

BY BOSE ADELAJA

T

hose who knew her a long time ago described her as a hardworking youth who has applied a bit of maturity to make life worth living but her present predicament has thrown the neighborhood into confusion and questions are being asked over her state of health.

How can one explain a situation where a destitute is found with pregnancy and nobody has come up with clues leading to her predicament?

Kehinde Ayo, a mother of two who hails from Edo State but was born and bred in Lagos by a petty trader and a former civil servant who were residents of Owode Ajegunle in Agboyin Ketu area of Lagos State. According to our findings, Kehinde’s mother became very ill few months to her daughter ’s delivery only to give up the ghost three days after the baby was delivered and as soon as her mother was pronounced dead, Kehinde became mentally imbalanced right from that moment and she left the house with her baby stripped to her back.

That was a couple of years ago.

•Kehinde Ayo Mother and child flock aimlessly in the neighbourhood but most times seen at the entrance of a

Living Faith World Outreach church in the area, popularly called ‘’Winners’ Chapel’’ The church decided to champion their cause by feeding them and later handed over the baby to the orphanage. Kehinde grew wild and left the vicinity. Her twin sister, a job seeker who had combed everywhere in search of her sister got the news of her news location. She visited her regularly to bath and clothe her. Saturday Vanguard gathered that she even went the extra mile of taking Kehinde to a psychiatric centre in Lagos but Kehinde escaped after cajoling the attendants. As at the time of filing this report, Kehinde is expectant of her third pregnancy a development that has thrown residents into confusion on who is responsible.

As sympathisers were thinking of offering her anti-natal care, Kehinde stopped hanging around that vicinity and relocated to another area even as her pregnancy gets to advanced stage.The question in the neighbourhood is who could have impregnated Kehinde in spite of her mental imbalance.

In a chat with Kehinde’s twin sister, she lamented her sister’s condition calling on well meaning Nigerians to come to her aid, ‘’Our father is a retiree and I am a job seeker. I am disturbed that my sister has refused treatment and has run away from the vicinity in spite of my effort to make her smile once again. Who could have impregnated her in spite of her situation. I cannot care for her but I know her creator will come to her aid,’’ she said.

Lagos convicts 331 178 miscreants in ffive ive months •Confiscates 4,430 motorcycles

BY CHRIS ONUOHA

T

he Lagos State Government through State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Agency,has said that no fewer than 3,178 miscreants were arrested and convicted between August to December 2015.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Task Force, Superintendent of Police.

Olubukola Abe at his Alausa Secretariat office during a media briefing on the activities of the agency.

Speaking on the achievements of the Agency from the assumption of duty, he stated that 4,272 miscreants were arrested, prosecuted and 3178 among them were convicted. Also, 4,430 motorcycles were impounded and

confiscated while 201 vehicles that contravened traffic laws were arrested and issued offence tickets accordingly.

Giving details on the activities of the agency so far, Abe said that routine and regular enforcement of Environmental laws against street trading, hawking were carried out with major concentration in Oshodi where the Agency participated actively in the continuation of restoration of sanity in Oshodi by continuous dislodging street traders, demolition of shanties and illegal structures, removal of prohibited of illegal bus stops, motor parks and abuse of open spaces.

Other areas were the Agency massively carried out operations to restore sanity in the state includes

Ojodu Berger, Ikeja, Ajah, Victoria Island, Mile 12, Orile, Ojota, Abule Egba.

On new Mile 12 to Ikorodu BRT Road, the Agency equally dislodged traders who obstruct smooth operation of the BRT buses from plying the designated tracks while street mechanics and artisans were removed from roads and in unauthorised spaces.

The Chairman attributes Agency’s achievements to the support given by the Lagos State Governor, Akiwunmi Ambode. According to Abe, the agency established in 1991 by Lagos State government to impound and take into custody of any vehicles, goods, wares, articles or things found in any place that is prohibited under any of the laws specified in the scheduled of Law.

against contacting LASSA fever L

agos State Government has warned residents to be vigilant over the prevention of LASAA Fever following the outbreak in some states in the country.

According to a statement by the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, there was the need by residents to be vigilant and take preventive steps.

“Lassa fever is caused by infection with the Lassa virus which is spread by rats that live in large numbers in West, Central, and East Africa.

They carry the virus in their urine and faeces and live in homes and areas where food is stored.

The disease can be contacted by: Ingestion of foods and drinks contaminated by the saliva, urine and faeces of infected rats.

Catching and preparing infected rats as food.

Inhaling tiny particles in the air contaminated with infected rat urine or droppings Direct contact with a sick person’s blood or body fluids, through mucous membranes, like eyes, nose, or mouth.

Those at the highest risk include health workers, families and friends of an infected person in the course of feeding, holding and caring for them. Early symptoms of the disease which occur within three weeks of coming in contact with the virus include fever, headache, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, backache, and joint pains. Late symptoms include bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose, bleeding from the mouth and rectum, eye swelling, swelling of the genitals and rashes all over the body that often contain blood. It could progress to coma, shock and death.

Suspect Lassa fever in persons who present with above symptoms with a positive history of being in contact with a suspected or infected person or health worker who had treated either suspected or confirmed infected person.

Lassa fever can be treated. Antiviral drugs have been used successfully to treat Lassa fever.

The earlier a person presents, the better the outcome of treatment.

For prevention and control of Lassa fever, the general public is therefore advised to: Avoid contact between rats and human beings..

Observe good personal hygiene including hand washing with soap and running water regularly. Residents are therefore, advised to contact the Directorate of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health on 08037170614, 08023169485.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 9, 2016 — 33

•Remy •Williams

•Debuchy •Townsend

Five stars eyeing transfer for Euro 2016 Euro 2016 is getting ever closer and in just over six months time the tournament will kick off in Paris but who needs regular football to make sure they are on that plane?

We’ve picked a string of London stars who know a move for regular first-team football in January could have huge benefits when it all kicks off in June.

•Bilic

will hope Chelsea oblige.

•Ledley

Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal and France) Lining up for France against Romania on the opening night of Euro 2016 in Stade de France is likely to be a career high for many pulling on that famous blue shirt. Howeve, r the form of Hector Bellerin means that dream may not become a reality for for Debuchy. The 30-year-old Frenchman has only been given his chance when Bellerin has been rested or injured and C M Y K

he has hardly thrived in the Spaniard’s absence. Debuchy has been on the winning side just twice for Arsenal in seven appearances this season and will hope there is some truth in rumours of Roma, Aston Villa and West Brom January interest.

Andros Townsend (Tottenham and England) Monday saw another Under21 run out for a winger who has made more England appearances this season than Premier League starts (one v none) and can see his Euro 2016 chances disappearing over the horizon. Almost every mid-table Premier League side has been linked with a move for Townsend, 5/1 to make England’s 23-man squad, at one point or another but if he is still a Tottenham player come February you would struggle to see him making the cut, even if Roy Hodgson has always been a fan.

Joe Ledley (Wales and Crystal Palace) In stark contrast to Townsend Ledley is, injury permitting, almost guaranteed to be taking part in Euro 2016 as a key part of Chris Coleman’s

Wales squad. The Palace midfielder sits alongside Joe Allen and the duo will need to be at their best to see off England when the sides meet in France. But that is going to be Ledley’s issue. He has made just eight Premier League appearances this season and couldn’t make back-to-back starts in December count as he was back on the substitutes bench against Chelsea on Sunday. James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye stand in his way and Ledley may be tempted by a January loan move to make sure he’s at his best when they open against Slovakia.

Loic Remy (Chelsea and France) It is far to say that, even if Karim Benzema has to watch Euro 2016 on his TV, France have plenty of attacking options as they look to win the European Championships on home soil.

And having not featured for his country since June 2014 Remy has a massive battle on his hands to be involved. With Alexandre Lacazette, AndréPierre Gignac, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann and new kid on the block Kingsley Coman all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order Remy needs games and goals. Chelsea have certainly not provided him with that, even with Diego Costa’s awful early season form. Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and former club Newcastle are all said to be keen on a loan switch. Remy

Jonny Williams (Crystal Palace and Wales) Selhurst Park may have let out the loudest roar of a forgettable afternoon when Alan Pardew sent on Williams for his first Palace appearance since 2014 on Sunday but the hard work starts now for the Welshman.

Pardew told us afterwards how Williams needs to prove his worth to make Palace’s 23-man squad in February having hardly set the world alight during a loan spell with Nottingham Forest. His recall from The City Ground came because of the Eagles’ injury crisis and he will need to take advantage or another loan move will have to be on the cards. Injuries meant Williams appeared just twice during qualification for Wales and he needs regular games if he is going to be anything over than a tourist in France come June.

Bilic reveals transfer outlook West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he is almost certain to leave the club’s recruitment until the summer unless ‘something exceptional comes along’.

The Croatian took charge at Upton Park in the summer and made plenty of new signings, including the likes of Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio, and was rewarded with a strong start to the season. While a number of their Premier League rivals have obvious areas to

focus on Bilic says his West Ham squad is big enough and it is likely to stay the same in the coming weeks. “We have a good squad, a big squad, and [it’s] 99 per cent [certain] we will leave it like this and make our signings in the summer,” Bilic told talkSPORT. “If something exceptional comes along, whether that’s a longterm deal for one great player, or a loan deal for a back-up player for six months, we will do it. “But we won’t buy just because it’s the transfer window.” The Hammers currently have Birmingham midfielder Reece Brown on trial until the end of the month.

34 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 9, 2016

Benjamin James with Hoffenheim Youth Team who won the ASPIRE Cup 2015

BENJAMIN JAMES: The Ajegunle boy now coaching in Germany •Benjamin James

BY FRED IWENJORA

good and thankful to God.

pitch. Hahahahaha!

enjamin James made a name for himself while playing for the defunct Police Machine team in Lagos before playing for the famous Stationary Stores football club of Lagos. He also plied his trade with JIB Rocks and later 3SC before being called up to the Super Eagles team with Clemence Westerhoff in charge.

The team won the ECOWAS Cup. The Bayelsa born player left for Europe soon after then just like his contemporaries like Finidi George, Taribo West and others.

Since he left, he has never looked back.

In the past ten years, James has been coach of the youth team of Hoffenheim, Germany winning matches after matches and flying Nigeria’s flag at high mast.

He speaks on the journey so far:

How did it all start?

I started my coaching career after I was injured in the field of play. Perhaps a long story will be told here but in summary, I started when the injury on my knee could not allow me to play actively. It was then I decided to go into coaching since I love the game so much.

Your years at Super Eagles must have been memorable?

Oh yes. It was from IICC that I was called up to the Eagles by Clemence Westerhof. We were about six of us called then from IICC including Dotun Alatishe, Isiaku Owoyemi, Sule Akinwale and others. We were camped at the Ota camp and played the ECOWAS Cup and won. It was after that I left the Eagles for Italy.

There were circumstances I can’t begin to recall here. I would have gone to Ajax with Finidi but God had other plans for me. I went to play for Novara Calcho in Italy for six years before leaving for Carlzeiss Yena, a division two club in Germany in 1997.

I had a three year contract.

B

ow does it feel to be the H only African coach in the German league?

I used to be the only African coaching here in the past eleven years but now there is a Ghanaian who came a few years ago and he is coaching in Dortmund. However, I am still the only Nigerian and I feel very C M Y K

Can we trace your playing years?

Ok, I started my playing career in Lagos at the local Ajegunle fields before venturing to the then Police Machine team. While at the Police team, I was discovered and went to Stationery stores, then JIB Rocks before going to the IICC in Ibadan. I played the league and Challenge cup and even won the White Horse Award for best player in May 1990. My records were so hot then. I had scored 23 goals at the Police Machine, nine at Stores and many more at JIB Rocks. It is nostalgic to recall all these. In those days I was in defense playing number 4 or 5, good at headings and corner kicks. I was one of the defenders who scored goals so I was offensive and played with active concentration.

No jokes and no mercy on the

We have won the Junior German league for four times and the German junior Challenge cup for three times.

We have also gone to the Aspire Academy in Qatar and won the 2015 Championships

How did you cope with racism which may have been very high at that time?

Ha… it was God o. At that time in German football, blacks were booed even by their own team fans. I encountered so much of this that even my Club President resigned because of me. Do you know that I was booed at my own stadium whenever I had the ball? Our fans were not happy to see me that even my President resigned because of this. He had signed me because he believed that I was an utility player for the team yet

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 9, 2016 — 35 his fans were not happy. My team manager Mr. Schmidt also resigned. I had to leave after one year to play for VRF Mannheim. Do you also know that a new President was appointed for Carlzeissyena and he started asking for a refund of their money for the three years contract? I went to court and won. At this time, VRF Mannheim was seeking to be promoted to Division 2 and I did my best to help the team to gain promotion. That was when the injury which was first noticed while I was in Italy showed up again. I went for surgery and stopped playing actively. It dawned on me that the game was indeed over so I opted for a coaching course so I could get a license.

Could you talk more about the coaching course? Any memorable experiences?

I had registered for the course at Heidekuben, Ludwigshafen and the professor felt so impressed with my progress not too long after and recommended me to another top decision maker at Hoffenheim. He had asked if I would love to work with them when I honored his invitation and I said yes. I started work the next day and ever since, have been there.

Just like that?

Exactly. Just like that o. I was put to handle the Under 19 team and the rest is history.

Does your ten- year stay at Hoffenheim show you have proven your Professor right?

I strongly believe so because I handle the Under 15 side now and I have done so for many years. Some of my youth players have moved on to the National side singing out loud my motto; “Goals are beauty of the game”. We have won the Junior German league for four times and the German junior Challenge cup for three times. We have also gone to the Aspire Academy in Qatar and won the 2015 Championships. To God be all the glory. Even at that, I am still the oldest coach at Hoffenheim as at today. We have had over six coaches at the senior team. They come and go.

Ten years and still counting, what has been the experience like as compared with what we have in Nigeria?

I never was a coach in Nigeria. I only played. However, I have learnt so much here and these are things that money cannot buy for me. I learnt about discipline on the job and time consciousness, seriousness and determination and a different work attitude. I learnt to be focused.

If call time is 4pm for instance most German players arrive 3pm. I also learnt that no German footballer feels bigger than the coach who is in charge no matter his age or his salary. His boss is the boss. But in Nigeria, it is not the same. It doesn’t help our football because the player seen as the big player may never give his best if he feels bigger than the coach. If a player feels bigger than his coach, then that player would never give his best. It is also a big honor to be called to the national team. However, I still believe that the coach should also respect the player because respect is reciprocal. If I should compare notes, I think that Nigerian coaches should regularly update their licenses with regular courses and not carry old techniques about. In Germany, we have coaching clinics every now and then to update ideas. In fact there is a new course every two months. The footballer is in class room to learn theories before going to the pitch for practical. For instance the course on how to penetrate a strong defense is on for us now and the update of knowledge is regular. Again, once a player is called to the national team or indeed any team for that matter C M Y K

in Germany, he is insured. This will definitely bring out the best from the player. But this is not so for Nigerian players who are seemingly on their own. If anything like injury happens to you in Nigeria, you have to treat yourself.

There are several things that are different my brother and there may not be a good comparison.

Are you disappointed that Nigerian football is not what it should be? Your former teams like the Police Machine are dead just like Stores….What can we do to return to the glory days?

Absolutely. We should have been better than the way we are today. I feel bad that the Police Machine is dead just as Stationery Stores.

Nigeria has talents everywhere but they are not developed.

When Clemence Westerhof was in Nigeria, it was good. He used the method in Europe to discover great stars for Nigeria but not now. We do not have all the developmental soccer championships in Nigeria any more.

In Europe and other parts of the world, youth football is strong because that is where you pick them young and develop them to the bigger teams.

Again, players play individual games in Nigeria and not collectively as a team.

Aside from these, salaries are owed as well as allowances to the players and coaches and several things don’t seem to be right. I wish it could be better than the way it is now in Nigeria.

With all you seem to know why are you not thinking of coaching the Super Eagles?

I have never thought about it because I still have plenty to learn here. I am happy with what I am doing now and I have not considered that really.

May be I will consider that in future but not now, please. I don’t want to be distracted.

What about family?

I don’t like to involve my family in public matters but I have four children. My daughter is a medical doctor while my first son is involved in IT. My second son is a handball player here in Germany. He used to play soccer but changed to handball. Then comes the last, the baby of the house Ronnie. But in all, my home is a sports loving home where everyone is interested in sports. All my family members want to know how Hoffenheim played in every match.

McClaren unleashes strongest 11 against Ighalo’s Watford N

•Ighalo

ewcastle United boss Steve McClaren says he will field the strongest side possible against Watford in the FA Cup today. The Magpies travel to Vicarage Road this weekend looking to advance past the third round for the first time in four years.

But given their plight in the Premier League this season Newcastle sit 18th in the table - McClaren was asked if he will opt to rest key players against the Hornets.

The former England boss rejected the notion the Magpies wouldn’t be taking the competition seriously and told the Newcastle Chronicle: “I’m absolutely confident we can have a go at that (the FA Cup).

“We’ll play a strong team and every game is important. The FA Cup is as important as any other game. It’s another game we want to win.”

Newcastle will be far from full strength, however, as ten players are currently sidelined due to injury.

Enrique: B

No bad blood with Zidane

arcelona’s Luis Enrique denies any issue with new Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane despite an image surfacing of the pair coming to blows in El Clasico. Enrique was inevitably asked about goings-on at Real Madrid, where Rafa Benitez has been sacked and Zinedine Zidane appointed in his place, during a Press conference for Wednesday’s Copa del Rey game with Espanyol.

“I’m not surprised because it’s an issue that’s common in modern football. The chain always breaks and the Coach is the weakest link. Everyone is removed eventually,” he lamented, before being asked about an image that surfaced from his playing days of a flare-up with Zizou.

“I have no opinion on Zidane as a Coach. I haven’t had time to consider it. I’ve no bad memories of anyone I’ve played against.

“Every player defends their team, and my memory isn’t positive or negative. I haven’t seen the picture and I don’t remember any friction with Zidane. I’m sure everyone defended their team. I •Luis Enrique respect him as a colleague.”

Enrique was asked what it can be like for a former player to take over the responsibilities of a team he represented, but largely dismissed it as an issue.

“It has the advantage that you know the locker room, but that advantage has limited credit, then you judge other things and the concepts are different from player to Coach,” he explained.

“There are decisions that would be individual before but are collective now.

Zinedine Zidane It means nothing.”

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

08 1 1 6759 759 081 6759759

Ashley Graham tells women to ‘love it or get over it’ A

shley Graham had quite the big year in 2015. After breaking down barriers by appearing on the pages of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition earlier this year, the size 16 model forged a career for herself as a bodypositivity advocate and designer for girls of all sizes. Now, she is being hailed among the likes of Caitlyn Jenner and Amy Schumer as a 2015 breakout star on ABC 20/20’s The Year.

On the special, which aired on Tuesday, the 28year-old plus-size model discussed her groudbreaking Sports Illustrated appearance.

‘To me, it made a huge impact because you can see my full body,’ Ashley said. ‘I think the beauty in that I’m just such a full-figured woman, people were just like, “hubba hubba.”’

On her own meteoric rise to fame, Ashley mused that her popularity is down to her frankness when it comes to discussing her weight.

‘I’m not afraid to talk about it,’ she added. ‘Love it or get over it.’

Also covered in the special were Ashley’s appearances as a part of the Lane Bryant We’re No Angels campaign as well as her walk on the New York Fashion Week runway back in

September.

Aside from the special, Ashley has ended her big year on a serious high by starring in the 27th day of LOVE magazine’s festive advent calendar.

The plus-size stunner sizzles in the short clip as the she floats across the screen in a fuchsia lace bra and matching highwaisted panties.

Looking every inch the festive siren, the size 16 stunner shimmies her pert assets and caresses her body in time to 1983’s mid-tempo funk hit Juicy Fruit

by Mtume.

She suggestively puts her fingers to her lips in the video, which is no doubt set to delight all of her fans.

The beauty also tousles her hair around her face as she playfully pouts for the camera while showing off her perfectly proportioned body. Wearing minimal make-up, she gives her look a retro twist with feline shaped liquid eyeliner and adds a touch of glamour with a couple of gold earrings.

LOVE Video Advent 2015 has had millions of views since launching 1 December.

Mum used unexploded bomb as a VASE for 30 years without realising it was still live athryn Rawlins, 45, had found the potentially K deadly First World War shell as a schoolgirl and had used it as an ornament ever since. A woman was shocked to discover a wartime shell she had used as a vase for 30 years was still LIVE. Kathryn Rawlins, 45, had found the shell buried in the playing fields at her school when she was 15. Assuming that it safe, and thinking it would make a nice vase, she had kept it filled with her favourite flowers for more than three decades - until she saw a TV documentary and realised she may have actually been sitting feet from an unexploded bomb.

After calling the police, MoD experts were brought in to take away the vase and safely remove the explosive - before returning the casing to her. Kath, of Atherstone, Warks, said: “The police said the shell had the potential to have killed anybody within about 20 metres of it and could have taken the house down. “It’s funny to think that I had it on my mantelpiece the entire time - it’s just become a part of my family now.

“I have had the shell on the mantelpiece for three decades now and even took it to university. I used to stick plastic roses out of the top of it when I was dancing around to Madonna. “Luckily my husband Chris just thought it was funny.”It was only through sheer coincidence that Kathryn, a married mum-of-two and school careers advisor, realised that she might have left unexploded ordnance on her coffee table over

the years after she took a day off work through illness.

What she had always believed to be a harmless ornament had aroused suspicion after Kathryn watched a daytime documentary on unexploded wartime shells that had been dropped on nearby Coventry by German zeppelins during the First World War. Kathryn said: “I made the strangest call to the police nonemergency hotline. I started off the conversation by telling them not to panic and attempted to describe the shell that I had.

“I told them it was 12 inches in length and three inches across at its base. The top of it has a conical tip, which can be unscrewed.

“I used to unscrew it and put the

flowers out of the top. “It’s really heavy to hold and has some writing that looks like it could be German around the top.”

“In the end I just sent them a photo of the shell I’d been using as a vase. After the police saw that, they had an officer at my house within the hour. “The situation then became very serious after the police told me that they would have to take the shell to the local barracks as the Ministry of Defence needed to examine it. “It was a little bit worrying. “The police brought it back to me when they assured me the shell had been made safe though, so I’ll carry on using it for my flowers. “I took it into school to show the kids - they loved it.”

A

n angry Chinese homeowner has publicly shamed a man after allegedly catching him breaking into the house and stealing cash.

The unidentified homeowner bound him to a tree in a public square in Chen Village, south China’s Guangxi Province, on December 18.

The man also had two pairs of pliers and a chunk of iron taped to his bare-chested body, which were said to be his tools used for stealing, reported the People’s Daily Online.

Pictures emerged on a local online forum showing the middle-aged man tied to a tree with a leather belt and barechested.

A large number of onlookers were seen surrounding him as the suspect was publicly shamed.

Users on the forum said the man was being punished because he had gone to the village to steal. It’s also claimed that villagers had to join forces to capture him.

According to a spokesman from the Longmen Police Station, the man in question has a surname of Tan and is in his 40s. He’s said to come from local Pubei County.

Tan reportedly confessed his crime to the police.

Justice done or a step too far?

He said he was passing through Chen Village and was trying to see which house was empty to steal from.

After coming across one empty house, he broke in and tried to take 4,000 Yuan (£416) cash from a drawer.

However, he was caught redhanded by the homeowner who returned just in time.

The homeowner yelled ‘thief ’ while trying to catch Tan. Several residents in the village teamed up to put Tan under control and later called the police.

Tan has been detained by the police. Case is under further investigation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—37

Cadbur wards staf f, Cadburyy re rew staff, launches alumni forum CADBURY recently honoured 72 staff who have served the company meritoriously for 10 and 20 years. Cadbury also used the opportunity to inaugurate Alumni forum of past employees.

L-R: Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, SAN and Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, Magajin Rafin Kano, representing the Emir of Kano The couple, Mr and Mrs Abdul Ganiyy Taslim

The Bellos, the TTeslims eslims turn on style as children wed

L-R: Alhaja Dhkrat Ayodele-Taslim, groom's mother; Dr Deji Bello, bride's father; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president; Dr (Mrs) Ronke Bello, bride's mother and Eng Salabiu Taslim, groom's father

TWO powerful families, the Bellos and the Teslims have now joined forces as one family as their children, Dr Ayisat Funmilola Bello and Engr. Abdul Ganiy Olalekan Taslim wedded during the yuletide.The wedding which took place on December 27, 2015 at the Grandeur Event centre, Oregun, Lagos was held according to Islamic rites.

The two families certainly pulled their weights as the wedding was graced by society’s heavyweights, including captains of industry, prominent politicians and royal fathers. Top on the list is former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Photos by Lamidi Bamidele

Mr. Roy Naaman, Managing Director, Cadbury (m), flanked by awardees, cutting the cake.

L-R: Managing Director, Mr. Roy Naaman presenting certificate to Mr. Robert Ogirri and Mr Bala Yesufu (r), Corporate & Government Affairs Director.

Finance Director, Mrs. Yimika Adeboye (r), presenting certificate for 10 years’ service to Mr. Oshinlagun Samson.

Oreoluwa, Aniekeme unite in love

C M Y K

Some members of Egbe Tobalase okunrin Akile Ijebu of Ijebuland .

L-R: Mrs Gbemisola Fregene; Mrs Morenike Okeowo; Barrister Adebayo Matesun; Alhaja Kudirat Asogbon and Mrs Bukola Obembe

ON December 24, 2015 Oreoluwa Fatimilehin and Aniekeme Udofia sealed their love in holy matrimony at Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos.

L-R: Dipo Bello; Adebisi Odutayo; Yemi Bello and Seyi Bello.

HRM Oba Dr Folorunsho Makanju, The Aragberi of Iragberi Land and Olori Dr Omolola Makanju

The couple; Mr. Aniekeme Udofia and Mrs. Oreoluwa Fatimilehin Udofia

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

Doctors are pleased with Layla’s progress after she received a ‘designer’ immune cell therapy to cure her ‘incurable’ cancer at Great Ormond Street Hospital

MIR MI

Baby gi

• New ‘revo excites ho

A

British baby is recovering after a world-first treatment for cancer. Layla Richards had one of the worst cases of leukaemia her doctors had seen and, when all other treatments failed, her parents were told to expect the worst.

But they refused to give up and doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital got permission to give Layla a treatment so experimental that it had been tested only on mice.

Now, thanks to an infusion of 50million cells genetically engineered to hunt and kill the cancer, the disease has vanished and she is a happy, energetic and bubbly toddler.

Her ‘near miracle’ recovery paves the way for a revolution in the treatment of cancer.

Professor Waseem Qasim, one of Layla’s doctors, said: C M Y K

‘We have only used this treatment on one very strong little girl and we have to be cautious about claiming this will be suitable for all children.

But this is a landmark in the use of new gene engineering technology and the effects on this child have been staggering. If replicated, it could represent a huge step forward in treating leukaemia and other cancers.’

It could help adults with cancer and lead to groundbreaking new therapies for cystic fibrosis and other genetic conditions.

Layla, who lives in north London with her parents Ashleigh Richards and Lisa Foley, was a happy and healthy baby when born in June last year. But she became ill at just three months old. Doctors suspected a tummy bug but a blood test revealed that

she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the disease-fighting white blood cells particularly hard to treat in babies.

When chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant failed, Layla’s condition was judged hopeless. She was expected to die within months. Miss Foley, 27, a dental receptionist, said: ‘We didn’t want to accept palliative care and so we asked doctors to try anything for our daughter, even if it hadn’t been tried before.’

Great Ormond Street was given permission to use a cell treatment being developed with Cellectis, a French biotech company. It involves arming blood cells taken from a healthy donor with cancer-fighting genes.

It was so new that it had been tested only on mice and just one vial was available.

Layla was given 1ml of the cell treatment, an amount

that would fit on the tip of a teaspoon, in a ten-minute infusion in June, when she was a year old.

Professor Paul Veys, the lead doctor on Layla’s case, said: ‘As this was the first time the treatment had been used, we didn’t know if or when it would work, so we were over the moon when it did.

Her leukaemia was so aggressive that such a response is almost a miracle.’

Mr Richards, 30, a driver, said: ‘Layla didn’t notice anything was going on and was bouncing in her cot all the way through. It was scary to think that the treatment had never been used in a human before but, even with the risks, there was no doubt we wanted to try. She was sick and in lots of pain, so we had to do something.’

Initially, it was unclear if the treatment had worked but within weeks Layla started to show signs of recovery. A bone marrow transplant followed, to ensure the disease had been eradicated, and tests show her to be cancer-free. She is now home with her parents and eight-year-old sister Reya.

Professor Paul Veys, the lead doctor on Layla’s case, said: ‘As this was the first time the treatment had been used, we didn’t know if or when it would work, so we were over the moon when it did. Her leukaemia was so aggressive that such a response is almost a miracle.’

Layla is having regular checks to ensure that the cancer has not come back and it will be about a year before it will be known if she has been cured.

But her doctors are so excited about her recovery that they have released details now, although a full presentation of her treatment will be made at the American Society of Haematology’s annual conference in Florida next month.

Dr Andre Choulika, the

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—39

RACLE!

Layla Richards, one, is the first person in the world to be given a miracle treatment for terminal leukaemia

irl survives cancer

olutionary’ cell treatment ospital chairman of Cellectis, said Layla’s story could herald the start of a revolution in cancer treatment.

Dr Matt Kaiser, of the leukaemia charity Bloodwise, cautioned that much more research was needed, but added: ‘The concept of training immune cells to specifically recognise and hunt out leukaemia cells is very exciting and in theory could provide a lifetime cure for these children.’

ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKAEMIA: THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN CHILDREN Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common type of cancer affecting children.

Around one in every 2,000 children will develop ALL, with most cases occurring between the ages of two and

five.

Symptoms of ALL usually begin slowly before rapidly getting severe.

They include pale skin, tiredness, breathlessness, having repeated infections over a short space of time and unusual and frequent bleeding.

Usually, the bone marrow in the body produces stem cells which are allowed to fully develop into other cells before being released into the blood.

But in ALL, the bone marrow starts releasing large numbers of immature white blood cells. These are known as blast cells.

As they increase, there is a corresponding drop in the number of red blood cells and platelet cells, causing symptoms of anaemia.

Around 8,600 people children and adults - are diagnosed with leukaemia each year in the UK.

Doctors say Layla’s recovery is ‘almost a miracle’ and the treatment could pave the way for a revolution in the cancer treatment. She is pictured with parents Lisa Foley and Ashleigh Richards and sister Reya, eight

HO W SCIENTIS O MAKE THEM FIGHT C ANCER HOW SCIENTISTTS MODIFIED DONOR CELLS TTO CANCER

L

ayla Richards’ life was saved by blood cells that had been genetically modified to make them fight cancer. Scientists made three changes to the cells, which came from a ‘random’ donor in the US. First, they added genes that fight leukaemia, a cancer of white blood cells.

These genes made a protein that zeroed in on the cancer and killed the diseased cells.

Then, they used a cuttingedge technique called TALENs to switch off two genes. Switching off the first gene ensured the donor’s cells wouldn’t be rejected by Layla’s body – or by anyone C M Y K

else given the treatment in future. Turning off the second gene meant they weren’t wiped out by powerful drugs that were essential to her recovery.

In June, Layla was given an infusion of 50 million of the genetically-engineered cells.

Once in her body, they spent three months seeking out and killing the leukaemia. In September, when cells had killed as much of the cancer as they could, Layla was given a bone marrow transplant.

The bone marrow is the body’s blood cell ‘factory’ and replacing faulty marrow with healthy stuff should mean

only healthy cells are made from now on.

The GM cancer-fighting cells were killed during the transplant and so don’t live on in Layla’s body.

The treatment is so complex that it is likely to be used as a last resort, when conventional therapies have failed. However, five to ten children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the form of the disease Layla had, could benefit a year in the UK. Dozens of children and adults with other leukaemias could also be helped.

And tweaking the donor cells in a different way could allow other cancers, including lung tumour to be targeted.

TALENs is one a wave of new ‘gene editing’ techniques that

have caused huge excitement because they allow DNA to be accurately altered.

This is the first time that cells edited using TALENs have been given to a person and only the second time in the world any gene-edited cells have been used.

It is hoped the techniques can also be used to correct the genetic faults that cause diseases like cystic fibrosis and haemophilia.

However, there is concern that the technology could be misused to create designer babies, made to order by hair

or eye colour.

Much more research is needed to prove that the leukaemia treatment is safe and effective.

If it is, the cells given to Layla could be an ‘off-theshelf’ treatment for adults and children.

Initially, they will be reserved for those for whom nothing else works but biotech company Cellectis wants them to eventually available to almost any patient and inexpensive enough to be paid for by the NHS. Culled from DailyMail

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

So vereign W ealth FFunds unds ffor or Sovereign Wealth critical infr as tructure infras astructure igeria got to a giddy height of low N crude oil prices which negatively affected our economy and the currency.

Foreign Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF) are now being sought to upgrade critical mass transit and energy infrastructure worth about N25 billion.

Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo who oversees President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic policies, late October 2015 said that other SWFs have indicated interest in the fund which would be used to address the nation’s dilapidated roads, rail and power infrastructure.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Laolu Akande in a statement on October 29 said money for the planned fund would come from local and international sources including Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund and domestic pension funds. We quite appreciate such moves of mobilizing funds to solve Nigeria’s decaying and ailing infrastructure, but a word of caution for domestic pension funds and misuse of such funds recently. Well, it is a new government.

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Act 2011 was enacted to receive, manage and invest in a diversified portfolio of medium and long term revenue for the three tiers of government. It is to prepare for the eventual depletion of the hydrocarbon resources for the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria. It will attract and support foreign investment, economic diversification growth and job creation in Nigeria.

Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Fund in the NSIA Act was brought to replace the Excess Crude Account (ECA) (that became controversial) giving it jurisdiction over the country’s excess petroleum revenues. The fund is intended as stabilization against future economic instability, development of the country’s infrastructure and savings for future generations to protect Nigeria’s economy from external shocks.

It is unfortunate that states never appreciated the sovereign wealth fund when it was introduced in Nigeria. Then we had become so profligate in spending and prodigal in their shares to repossess that states demanded theirs from the Excess Crude Account which was a buffer. They never thought a rainy day would come. When it did come they cried for a bail out from the same Federal government they took to court.

The 36 state governors went to court seeking an order declaring the creation of the sovereign wealth fund illegal and unconstitutional. They challenged the Federal Government to pay into the federation account 5.51 trillion being the balance of the revenue that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from the crude oil sales, petroleum profit tax and oil royalties.

The Supreme Court late last year gave two tiers of government (Federal and states) a window to resolve the lingering issue of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and report back in March 2016. While adjourning the

case, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Mahmoud, who presided over the matter, urged the parties to resolve the dispute before the next adjourned date or the court would go into full trial. For now the jury is out.

The CJN noted that the matter had lingered for long; since 2008 and that such a matter was better resolved outside the court. The Supreme Court adjoined till March 8, 2016 in the suit filed by 36 governors against the Federal Government over the dispute arising from the maintenance of an excess crude account and the transfer of one billion dollars from the account into the SWF. Countries that export crude oil put away some as sovereign wealth fund. According to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI) the global assets under management was $7.1 trillion by March 2015. Of the total world assets, $4.29 trillion came from oil and gas sovereign wealth funds which are funded by revenues from energy exports.

The world’s largest SWF is Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global put at $882 billion and funded by Norway’s oil revenues. The fund generated an annual

It is unfortunate that states never appreciated the sovereign wealth fund when it was introduced in Nigeria.

Then we had become so profligate in spending and prodigal in their shares to repossess that states demanded theirs from the Excess Crude Account which was a buffer return of 3.8 percent between 1998 and 2014. The fund has invested $576 million in London’s prime real estate district, Mayfair.

It has also invested in 9,000 companies and

have come across many references to Ithe past. Some state that the past is

very important because it is a guide to the future; some believe that the past must address its present (apologies to Soyinka in his Nobel Lecture) and some, like I want to be part of now, believe that the past is gone and should be allowed to rest in peace; however only to be remembered for its good contributions. I have decided to join this group of philosophers because of what is happening in the country now and what will happen in the near future. I am really worried about the current developments where things are going wrong and out of place and many of the critical minds feign ignorance of them problems associated with such all. It is not that I do not know the uncertainties. For instance, we begin importance of a clean and relevant a project or programme and just before reference to the past, it is only that I we are done with it, that has already am somehow afraid of a complete become post programme or post reliance on the past for actions of the project. I say all these because it present. Let me not go too far in search appears as if our country is not in a of justification for my position as I hurry to join the entire humanity in make this allusion. This is a digital age her pursuit of modernity and race and just the immediate past—a very against time; rather, we relish in a short while ago—was analogue. It will indeed be analogous to use the analogue instrument to broach digital problems; this is a democratic dispensation and just the immediate past—a very short while ago—was the Many politicians are era of military dictatorship. It is also not democrats. They an aberration to apply dictatorship standards in the democratic age. We simply flow into the must therefore be careful with the past. system that affords them Standards change every day and as we talk, changes are taking place. We the opportunity to are in an age that is characterized by practice their vocation an extremely fast mode of change. This is why humanists call it the post and for us in Nigeria, it modern age. It is an age where it is the democratic becomes not too easy to determine the status of development because one system wonders what becomes the real definition or meaning of “modern.” For instance, we would ask in Modernist constant romance with the past. I have Studies, what do we do with a Modern a few experiences that come to mind.

Fighting corruption is one business that is no longer modern? The prefix, that is thriving in this country today “post” helps solve a barrage of

Let the past be

C M Y K

and the index of corruption is a reference to the past. The evaluation of services, goods and even personnel as to their degrees or levels of corruption is directly related to what they have done in the past. This insistence on combating corruption as a full time endeavour is a delicate and almost permanent fixture of attention on the past. I do not have anything against fighting corruption but when the enemy is so delicate, abstract and subtle that it easily appropriates the instruments of the battle against it, there is every need to be careful. I am worried about this because the first attack of corruption on those who fight it now, in this democratic dispensation, is to present to them a corrupt version of democracy. This means that the virus called corruption has infested our democracy. It surprises me that people do not see it all. Just as the Boko Haram menace resurges most times it is combated, so is corruption. Just as it is difficult to pin down the mysterious source of the insurgence, so it is to nib corruption in the bud. The reasons are myriad but one simple significant reason is that roots of these evils are deeply planted in the systems which “pretend” to fight them. This is why I say that our democracy has been attached by the virus called corruption.

For this reason, operators of the system

has investments in 75 countries.

Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is the oldest sovereign Wealth Fund in the world with $592 billion of assets under management. It was established in 1953 to invest the country’s surplus oil revenues. It is of note that the KIA has its long term objective to provide “an alternative to oil revenues which would enable Kuwait’s future generations to face the uncertainties ahead with greater confidence.”

The world’s top ten sovereign wealth funds in descending order are Norway Government Pension Fund Global worth $882billion, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority with assets worth $773 billion, SAMA Foreign Holdings of Saudi Arabia worth $759.2 billion, China Investment Corporation (CIC) $746.7 billion, and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)$592 billion.

Others are SAFE Investment Company the Hong Kong subsidiary of China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) $547 billion, Hong Kong Exchange Fund another Chinese sovereign wealth fund $440.2 billion, Government of Singapore Investment Corporation(GIC) $344 billion, Qatar Investment Authority $256 billion, and China’s National Social Security Fund $236 billion.

As we borrow funds from these SWFs to commit to roads, rails, power plants, power transmission lines let us assume a lot of the projects should be rural- based and funds committed to maintenance. Nigerian engineers, technologists, and all other relevant professionals should be involved in the engineering, construction and procurements (ECP) to acquire skills.

Experience had shown that relevant professionals are only involved in procurement inspections in factories of equipment manufacture overseas.

Enforceable codes and regulations should be embedded in our ECPs to make the proposed infrastructural spending worth the investment.

We should not ignore the petroleum process plants, iron and steel sectors as critical stimulants in the checklist. They activate the growth enhancers of agriculture, power, roads, rail, manufacturing and housing if we aim at having a diversified, sustainable and inclusive economy for development.

are unable to face the present. They have taken a safe escape into the past.

Many of us still remain skeptical about the composition of the Federal Executive Council. If I accept to be one of those who have decided to watch— with tongue in the check—I do so because I am concerned about the purity of democracy. Democracy is a system, but it is actualized by people who reflect its colour. Like the Greek musician once said “it’s hard to sing a love song when you’re not in love…,” I also believe that it is hard to operate the democratic system when you are not a democrat. Many politicians are not democrats. They simply flow into the system that affords them the opportunity to practice their vocation and for us in Nigeria, it is the democratic system. We can recall that the same people equally operated or facilitated the older military dictatorship which the country grumbled under for a long time. We hear that they repented and converted into democrats and we are watching.

Genuine repentance presupposes forsaking the past. I am a Christian and the governing statement for true repentance is “… old things have passed away … all things have become new.” I believe this is both sensible and logical and radiates a universal appeal. It ought to be adopted by all who wish to lead a decent life. If by any means, we seek to be accepted as “converted,” whether from a military dictator to a democratic leader, or from sinner to a saint, there is a need to realize that the basic issue is forsaking the past so as to gain acceptance. One can repent or convert but if one does not forsake the past and thus is not accepted, it all amounts to nothing.

Acceptance is premised on forgiveness.

If and whenever forgiveness takes place, we let go! It is for this reason that I make a passionate appeal to our political elite: this is the time to let go.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—41

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

When temptation is almost impossible to resist!

D

AYO was in very high spirit as he drove to the university campus, mentally bonking the array of girls that wiggled their hips on his route. He cursed as he saw his 19-year-old daughter in the midst of a few friends. Too late, she’d seen the car. The look on her face was pure joy as she ran towards him.

“What are you doing around here daddy.” She squealed.

Not actually expecting an answer, she jumped into the passenger seat and babbled on about needing money to go with her friends to an ‘eatry’.

“If she were older, she would have realised I wasn’t all that pleased to see her,” Dayo said. “I was on the campus to see Tonia, my daughter’s older friend and that was not my first visit either. I had to lie that I came to find out about a friend who was to resume lecturing there.

Tonia and Ikepo, my daughter are very good friends. In fact, it was Ikepo who once brought her to the house for a sleep-over.

They instantly took to each other after, spending so much time together and the sleepover has since been a regular thing. Tonia is a very pretty 21-year-old girl who always flirted with me mercilessly whenever she came visiting.

“From time to time, she’d accidentally be changing ‘innocently’ when I’d walk past their bedroom door, and she always made suggestive comments whenever it was just the two of us. On one of her visits, my daughter had to go to the shops to get a few things and didn’t go with Tonia because she was fixing her hair. It was the first time it had been just the two of us as my wife was on night duty in the hospital she worked for. I was busy in my study when Tonia came in. All her teasing had got to me and when she took off her top and kissed me, I was a goner! I tried so hard to resist her but my wife and I seldom had sex, and there was this sex pot rubbing herself against me. We had sex and it was the most refreshing experience I’d had in years. Nothing beats a lithe body with a wealth of experience when you’re having sex. What’s more, my sexual tension had been building and building for a long time and I felt powerless to resist her.

“She casually put back her clothes afterwards and smiled suggestively as she left my C M Y K

study. I knew as an adult, I should have told her to stop but she was an adult herself. Her sexual experience must have taken her a long time and, a few partners to acquire. So, if she was willing, who was I to deny myself the pleasure of a strings attached sex?

What we had was a

I’m a man, not a monk.

So I took what any man would give his right arm for

consensual sex between adults didn’t feel I was cheating on my wife because she had long regarded sex as nothing but a duty.

“And you shouldn’t forget

the fact that she seduced me, and as much as we like to think of girls that age as innocent, a lot of them have been sexually active for years.

After she’d directly sexually stimulated me, after I’d been without meaningful sex for a long time, I’d be a fool to give her a lecture and send, her into the arms of another willing partner! I’m a man, not a monk. So I took what any man would give his right arm for.

“On the days that her so called sleep-overs with my daughter become few and farbetween, I would make arrangement to pick her up on campus and take her to my guest house. But on this day in question, my daughter beat her to my car! Of course, she had no clue I was seeing Tonia, and I prayed she would quickly leave. So I gave her more money than should I, and she happily ran towards where her friends were waiting for her. My phone had beeped when she was with me. I read the message, it was from Tonia asking me to drive towards the gate— she was already there waiting for me!

She told me she saw Ikepo in my car and took a cab to the gate. Clever girl! She thinks of everything and as I handed her her own ‘egunje’ she was more than happy to come with me to our love nest.

“I don’t ask her any silly questions about boyfriends.

I’m almost 30 years older than her and I have no intention of marrying a second wife. I’m sure the thought never even crossed her mind to get hitched to me. She is always insisting on my bringing some condom. The last time she travelled on holidays, she brought back a lot of the latest brand that is as good as your skin. I’m terribly fond of her. I would feel very sad the day our affair ends, but a few of my close friends who knew about us told me these girls knew a good thing when they found it, that I shouldn’t be surprised if she continued the relationship even after she got married. If that happens, I wouldn’t say no— we’ll both be doing each other a favour.”

How to show her how good a lover you are!

A

lot of readers have texted to find out how they would know if their girls’ groans and moans are staged or if their rapturous ravings are inspired by love and lust.

To help some of the men along (they should find out) how many of the following tips by an expert can they say ‘no’ to: You’ve got the right attitude: You need three things to be a good lover: Knowledge ,experience and the right attitude (performance isn’t measured by the hardness of your erection or the number of orgasms she has). But in all these things, attitude—in other words being open to trying new things, being enthusiastic and nonjudgemental— is the most crucial.

You spend twice as much time on foreplay as on intercourse: If you’ve stopped thinking of intercourse as ‘sex’ and foreplay as the stuff you’re forced to do before, pat yourself on the back. Intercourse needn’t be the main course, and your session doesn’t have to end when it’s over. Hands and tongues are far more

dexterous than an erect penis.

Your ex-lovers admit you were great in bed: it’s the acid test: If you’re friends with your exes, at some point the conversation turns to, “Was I Ok? You can be honest now.”

If an ex raves about your past performance, it’s a good bet she’s telling the truth. If more than three have waxed lyrical, award yourself super expert status. Even better if you’re praised for a signature sex

H

move. Add more points if it’s an oral sex technique.

You aren’t offended if she corrects your technique: Nothing will annoy her more than you getting all huffy because she dared to suggest you do things differently. No matter how fabulous your technique, what works for Jane may not for Jessica. Instead of being offended, thank her for giving you direction.

Men you should never date

ere— a sexologist gives you five of them: The Image Guy: He’s got the flash jeep, spends a fortune on his clothes and only likes to be seen at the ‘in’ places. His girlfriend will be chosen for the very same reason— you’re there simply to make him look good.

The Adrenaline Junkie: If he’s addicted to the rush excitement, not only will you spend all your time watching from the side lines waiting for him to return from his latest adventure, there’s the pressure of constantly delivering his kicks in the bedroom, knowing if you don’t, he’ll just get his thrill from sex on the side.

Bitter Boys: Between men who bad-mouth all their exes—

you’ll be the one that he is badmouthing to the next girl.

It means he’s taken zero responsibility for his contribution to problems and will blame you for everything too.

Mr Over Confident: If he never, ever seems to get nervous around you, it could mean that he is not emotionally invested. A tell tale give away; standard, one-answer—suits-all replies to relationship or commitment queries.

Unreliable Man: He never calls when he says he will, turns up late or not at all.

Nothing erodes selfconfidence faster than a man you can’t rely on.

42—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016 YETUNDE AREBI Yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk tweeterhandle@yetundearebi 08054700825

age, but she was nothing like Laide and a far cry from Biodun. She had a determined look about her, like someone with a mission and would not be stopped till she achieved it. Plump and dark complexioned, she had a matronly look, and an aloofness in her eyes. It was clear there was no messing with this one. But who were we to complain? Neither our opinion or emotions mattered in this case; it was between Philip, his children and siblings. We are the extended family and friends, after all. It was a very small and exclusive wedding ceremony, but most of us turned up to give love and support to Philip who instructively did not appear like a lucky groom on that day. Vicky was already showing obvious signs of pregnancy, making her not so pretty face look weird. Many of us were convinced that he had made a great mistake and that the marriage was doomed. But at the same time, we were not God and definitely would not have the final say! ong after the wedding, I could not forget Biodun L and all that I had come to know about her. She was almost as humorous and bubbly as Laide, if not

Race, not for the swift!

P

hilip, my friend’s cousin, has always been the darling of every member of their family. A jolly good fellow, his wife also had a huge sense of humour to complement, so they were really a fun couple to be with at any time. It was as if the two were made for each other from heaven. They had everything going for them: good jobs, two beautiful children, a boy and a girl, a house in one of the freshly springing up estates in Ikoyi and holidays out of the country with the children, two or three times a year. It was such a pretty perfect picture that no one ever suspected anything could go wrong. But it did. Early morning, Boxing Day, some 15 years ago, we were woken up with the shocking news of Laide’s demise. She had passed on during the night. It was almost unbelievable, but for the fact that such a news was not one to make a joke of, especially not during the Christmas holidays.

Philip, Laide and the children had all attended the family Christmas party at an uncle’s place on Christmas day. Like many other young couples, they had other obligations with Laide’s side of the family as well as their friends, so they had left the party quite early. They spoke with my friend much later that night as she’d called to confirm if we would all (our group of friends) be catching up later that Boxing Day at another friend’s house. According to Philip, she’d complained of a headache earlier that night and had taken some pain killers. But she’d woken up with a jolt sometimes in the night, coughing and holding on to her chest. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

If everyone was shocked, Philip was devastated and for a while, it appeared that he’d lost focus and even inspiration to go on. He dropped off the social radar and would spend every end of year outside the country.

But he had the little children to think about and gradually things began to fall back into shape.

Soon, rumours started making rounds that Philip had found a wife. He was seen a couple of times at parties with the young girl, and soon at shopping malls with the children in tow. A very pretty, slim and fair complexioned girl, initially, no one took any serious notice of her especially because of her physical looks, a total opposite of Laide’s. Plus, her youthfulness did not strike one as a suitable replacement of a wife and mother to two young children. But it was very obvious that there was a very strong chemistry between Philip and Biodun. This was an ironic twist to it as well.

Laide’s death had taken the joy of Christmas away from him and here Biodun, born on Christmas day was bringing all the fun back into his life. Even as he would mourn his dead wife, he was also bound to the living to make the period a happy and memorable one. Philip’s children were not spared from her infectious bubble to life and had obviously fallen in love with her, again, her youthfulness must have helped here too. By the time he brought her to one of C M Y K

Almost five years after Laide’s death and a great struggle to raise the children alone with only two maids for help, it was time for Philip to move on with his life and settle down their family functions, everyone agreed also that she was indeed a very good and significant development in his life and welcomed her with open arms. Almost five years after Laide’s death and a great struggle to raise the children alone with only two maids for help, it was time for Philip to move on with his life and settle down.

So, with bated breath, we all waited for Philip to make the announcements. But two, three years after, they were still together, waxing stronger, or so we thought, but not an indication that they were going to take the relationship any further. At a point, many could not hold their lips and began asking questions.

Neither Philip nor Biodun had a cogent reason for the pussy-footing, each will tell you to ask the other.

But some of us knew it was Philip doing the holding back. He loves her, he would tell anyone, the kids are smitten with her too, but he was not sure if she would make a good mother to them. To him, Biodun lacked the maturity to discipline the children as they already see her as their friend and buddy. His two older brothers and a few others seemed to share these views too, or rather had pumped him with them. So, only a handful of us were surprised when Philip showed up at one of our gigs once again with another lady hanging beside him. We knew immediately without being told that she would become his second wife.

It was a whirlwind romance as a couple of weeks after the introduction, we were told that a date had been picked for the wedding. Personally, I was not impressed either by her looks or her disposition.

Like most people, I had also fallen for Biodun’s charms. Vicky may have the needed maturity and

more, while Vicky was as dark and silent as the night.

I would sometimes wonder how Biodun reacted to the news of Philip’s wedding; or how are parents reacted and what they thought of the whole drama.

As suspected, Vicky failed to bond with many members of the family and friends, maintaining a safe distance and even eventually drawing the children into her shell. She had two children in quick succession and the gist was that Laide’s children had become semi-maids, waiting on her and her children hands and foot. Indeed, the stories coming from Philips home were not happy ones at all. She considered the children as rivals to her and her children’s, competing for Philip’s attention and love. Soon, fights broke out often and Philip sought freedom and solace outside, even as the children rebelled against her. Biodun was still single and available and once again, she came to the rescue.

It’s been over three years now. Though Philip is still married to Vicky, lives with him and their four children (Laide’s two and Vicky’s two), it is no secret to everyone that his heart, body and soul belong to Biodun. Just like in the days before Vicky, they are almost inseparable. They go everywhere together except for their different places of work. Laide’s children, when not grounded at home with Vicky, will be found at Biodun’s. Last year, both were blessed with a baby girl of their own, a testimony of their love. While Philip never minces words in telling everyone that he is legally married to Vicky, he is quick to add that it is to Biodun that his heart belongs. According to the story, Philip had been introduced to Vicky by a very close pal at the office with whom he also has some business deals. He’d confided in a few friends about his doubts over Biodun’s immaturity and fear that she might not be able to care for the children properly. His friend then told him about Vicky, his cousin who had recently returned from the USA to settle in Nigeria. She was homely, mature and would make a good mother to the children, he’d confirmed. He said he did not really like her on their first meeting but decided to give it a shot as she had the right credentials. But before he could say “Jack Robinson”, she turned up pregnant.

To honour his friend and with hindsight that perhaps, he could grow to love her, he’d married her, only to discover that it was a huge mistake. He said over the years, he’d offered her divorce, relocation back to the USA even with her children, in fact, even her cousin had intervened on his behalf, but nothing has worked.

Vicky has vowed to remain married to Philip at all cost, not minding all the humiliation and funny looks she would sometimes get from people everywhere she turned. The church is also not spared of the great hypocrisy as both Vicky and Biodun attend the family church but different services. While Biodun’s little home is a haven for everyone, Vicky’s mansion in Ikoyi is like a shell as even Philip’s birthday celebrations are held at Biodun’s.

Philip might be guilty of many things, but a lot of the blame also goes to Vicky. That you have information that a man is searching for a wife does not mean that you fit the role simply because you are female. It takes more than being a woman to be a wife and mother, most especially a step-mother. Playing the pregnancy game might sometimes guarantee a woman a ring on her finger, but it does not guarantee her the man’s love, respect and a loving home and successful marriage. All these you will need to work hard at to achieve. It is not in all circumstance that two plus two will add up to four. Sometimes there is an element of luck and grace in the stars of men. If Vicky and her conniving cousin thought they played a fast game on Philip and Biodun to secure a marriage certificate those years back, I am sure they are having a rethink now and regretting it. The race is surely not for the swift!

Do have a wonderful weekend!

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016—43

Nigeria: A nation’s journey back to tyranny

BY LAWAL ABDULKARIM

N

iccolo Machiavelli was so practical in his understanding of power in his time that centuries after, his writings still make a lot of sense even in the 21st Century, and would most likely remain so in centuries to come.

In his treatise, “The Prince”, Machiavelli correctly captures the Nigerian situation when he posits that “men change their rulers willingly, hoping to better themselves, and this hope induces them to take up arms against him who rules: wherein they are deceived, because they afterwards find by experience they have gone from bad to worse”.

Make no mistake about it, much of the 16 years of democracy before the coming of this administration did not live up to expectation. Like Nelson Mandela, Olusegun Obasanjo, as the first civilian president in the current democratic dispensation, had the opportunity to end the dark decades of military dictatorship and the corruption and impunity that accompanied them. But it was an opportunity betrayed. That regime killed internal democracy in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party leadership was enthroned and dethroned at one man’s pleasure, with some, such as Chief Audu Ogbe, allegedly surrendering at gunpoint. High profile political killings were rife in that era, the electoral process was practically hijacked, and impunity and corruption regained momentum. It is a familiar narrative.

Although many things went wrong under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, we have to give it to him that Nigeria witnessed monumental electoral reforms that cleaned the process and empowered the election management body to the extent that the PDP became the weeping child in the last general elections, which it eventually lost. He was the first to congratulate the opposition each time they won elections, even in PDP strongholds. Opposition was highly

•Niccolo Machiavelli tolerated, while mass massacre and extrajudicial/political detentions were strange. In fact, democratic rights and freedoms flourished so much so that abusing the president became a past time for the opposition and their propagandists.

These rights and freedoms, not roads and infrastructure, are the real gains of democracy. Dictatorships such as in Libya under Gadaffi had done better infrastructure than most democratic states in Africa.

However, not satisfied, the All Progressives Congress, APC, invaded the political landscape with its ‘Change’ mantra. Sadly, the nation was so hypnotized that very few cared to ask what manner of change was in the offing. Even the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari who

did not speak for more than two minutes at any of the campaign grounds, shunned the Presidential Debate where he could have been questioned on how he intended to deliver on APC’s litany of campaign promises. APC’s propaganda machines mobbed a few who asked questions. Finally, they took over power in May 2015.

The worry now is that the change being delivered was never what Nigerians bargained for: fisticuffs in House of Reps chambers by APC pugilists, bloated budget for presidential upkeep (from N6.6 billion under Jonathan to N18 billion), fuel scarcity, chickenfeed reduction in fuel pump price, N280 exchange rate for one US Dollar, clearly lopsided appointments, appointment of kinsman as INEC Chairman, selective anticorruption war, brazen diregard for court orders, and general contempt for the rule of law, etc.

Worst of all, unlike Machiavelli who believes that “There is no way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you”, President Buhari and his APC keep warning Nigerians by their words and actions that the shortest route to the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dungeons is to tell them truth or oppose even the craziest and most tyrannical, and unconstitutional policies, actions and pronouncements of the government.

For instance, the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie, pressed home this zero-tolerance for opposition and criticism, while reacting to PDP’s description as tyrannical the declaration by Buhari that Nnamdi Kanu must remain in detention despite contrary position by the courts on that.

Odigie warned that the APC would no longer condone a situation where the

Edo Accord, bridge between govt and the people — Comrade Idahosa, EAI President he President of Edo Accord Initiative T (EAI), Comrade Dennis Idahosa, spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the driving force behind the Initiative, among other issues. Excerpts:

Congratulations on the award given to you by the Edo Football Association (EFA) as the Grassroots Mobiliser of the Year. How do you feel about this award?

I feel very honoured and I believe that the people of Edo State have found me worthy to give me such an award. And I want to say thank you to them and whatever they believe in me that I’ve been doing perfectly. I will continue to do more for the benefit of my people.

Once again, my thanks to the Edo Football Association for this honour.

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initiative and I strongly believe that there should be a synergy between the government and people of Edo State and we will do whatever it takes to empower the youths and the women. I will continue to carry out God-driven activities in my life, and that is to empower the people of Edo State. Again, I’m humbled to lead this group of dynamic individuals driving positive change in the society.

So, what does this award mean to you as a person?

It means that I’m being recognized and I’ve been doing positive things for my people and I will continue to do more and by the grace of God, I will be able to change a lot of lives for the benefit of the people of Edo State.

What role does Edo Accord want to play in the emerging dispensation, especially the governorship election coming up this year?

Edo Accord is a pressure group that will stand for everything that is right. If there is a projected candidate for the gubernatorial election, we will sit down and discuss it within our organization, and see if the person is competent.

If the person has the interest of Edo State people at heart, we will know and will support him aggressively.

You are the President of Edo Accord Initiative. How do you feel heading this great group as a young man?

One thing I know about Edo Accord is that I believe it’s a God-driven

And support such candidate wholesale?

Yes, we will do that wholeheartedly because all we

•Comrade Dennis Idahosa believe is that the people of Edo State should benefit from the political process by ensuring that the right and competent person is voted into power.

So, we will look at the competence of that person and if the person is well established and his work is being felt among the people, then we will support him because Edo Accord is a bridge between the people and the government. All we are after is a competent candidate that will deliver dividends of democracy.

PDP or anybody would be hauling insults at the President. But, if disobedience to court orders is not tyranny, what else is?

Yet, while in opposition, the APC made calling ex-President Jonathan unprintable names a pass time. As the Interim National Scribe of the APC, the current Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El Rufai called Jonathan a “lazy, docile, incompetent, clueless, hopeless, and useless leader”.

To make good their threat to trample on the opposition and punish PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, for criticizing APC and its government, the EFCC clamped down on the spokesman three days later. . Only a tyrant would take people to court and pronounce them guilty instead of waiting for judicial due process; and when the court says otherwise, he rearrests them and throws them back into the dungeon.

Buhari said the Director of Biafra Radio, whom he disdainfully referred to, as “the one they call Nnamdi Kanu”, was not qualified to enjoy freedom granted by the courts because he allegedly imported broadcast equipment into the country. Buhari has suddenly forgotten about the guerrilla broadcast outfit“Radio Chanji”- which promoted APC and its presidential candidate.

Broadcasting from an unknown destination, the station was busy inciting the masses of the North in the build up to the 2015 general election. It was positioned to incite the mob to violence in the event that the opposition lost the election. The radio is to be largely blamed for the various incidents of the stoning of ex-President Jonathan in parts of the North during the campaigns. Today, the man then suspected to be the proprietor of the illegal radio has been honoured with an appointment, while Nnamdi Kanu is under lock and key

Abdulkarim wrote from Lokoja

In your own perspective, what are your expectations in 2016?

First and foremost, I want to thank God Almighty for 2016 because everything we’ve done is for the glory of God. We leave 2016 in His hands and we strongly believe that God will lead us through.

Finally, sir, what’s your personal philosophy of life? I am asking this question because you are young, dynamic and above all very humble.

If Christ the King of Heaven will come to earth to be a carpenter, I don’t believe that I’m even onequarter close to the kind of person He is. So if God himself can come to earth to be that humble, who am I to be different? My life is to make people happy and that is why I am calling on the people of Edo State to embrace Edo Accord with the whole of their hearts because I know by the grace of God that Edo Accord will bring the people of Edo State a good candidate that will respect the people and do their mandate.

We will strive to support any candidate that will honour the citizens of the state as well as create the enabling environment for investors. We need investors, both foreign and local, to create employment for our people to make Edo State beautiful and lovely, a state that we will all adore at the end of the day.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

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Unstable govt policies destroy entreprenuerial process —Maduk —Madukaa r. Cosmas Maduka is the chairman/CEO of Coscharis D Group of Companies and sole

distributor for BMW in Nigeria. He is an achieving entrepreneur that has made remarkable impact in the auto industry.

In this interview with Saturday Vanguard, he spoke on the company’s partnership with Ford, at same time appeals to government and other stakeholders to support manufacturing outfits for Nigeria to develop its economy. Excerpts: What informed your decision of partnering with Ford?

It’s about business opportunity.

Every business person is looking for opportunity to expand his business and gain a market share. We have worked with Ford for about 17 years, so we didn’t just start today.

So when the auto policy came on board we spoke to them, as you know Ford is a big organisation, moving them is like moving a big vessel. The good thing is that eventually they got their head office to accept to partner with us to start production of Ford in Nigeria. Ford has been in South Africa since 1923 and in the last 50 years they have not had any other manufacturing outfit in Africa except what they have just done now.

So, Nigeria is like the second manufacturing outfit for its setting,

and is something both Ford family has understood and are very excited about it because a lot of companies got it wrong with China when Volkswagen moved in there and they hesitated, and there is always a first time opportunity benefit.

Company like Ford doesn’t want you to repeat again. So, if you truly know whom we consider our competitors, Toyota, they are yet to start production even though they have built a factory. That is why when we said we are ahead, those are things we are saying without breaking it down. There are very many we don’t consider competitors even though they are in manufacturing. Those are people who have similar products like us and we think we all drag and share market, if you look at our Pick Ups and theirs. Whatever they have, Ford have something similar in that range.

Ford once had the challenge of pushing enough volume into the market, what is the assurance it will not repeat now that a plant is built here?

I would be surprised to say that we run out of stock because as I speak to you now, we have over 1,400 units of Ford Ranger in addition to what we started producing. We never ran out of stock. We have enough

capacity and capability to make product available. Unlike our competitors who have been in the market, people were testing our capability but today we have working customers who have driven our products in the last three years and they have come back to •Maduka repurchase again and again. Take for instance I always asked people go to UK, Europe, Volkswagen is number one, Ford is number two.

So where are the Toyotas and the Japanese in that place. Just because they walked away from you, many of us forget about them and interception became more than real.

No matter what, Ford is a strong brand that is respected around the world, an American icon.

Looking at the investment climate in Nigeria, and with the recent auto policy, where would you want government to help out?

It is important there should not be a policy somersault in the auto industry. If it ever happens in this modern age, the international communities are watching and they are very observant. There has

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 9, 2016—45 with Chinese local partners. In fact, no factory in China is hundred percent owned by foreigners maximum is 50%. Looking at what Ford has done in South Africa, South Africa started auto policy 20 years ago, they shut their door to other markets. This is what we talk about, are you willing to pay the price? No woman gave birth to a child that never cried. Women go through pains, that is how children are born. But when that child is born, the joy of a new born covers labour pains. You can say you are going to be auto manufacturer without going through some pain in the process. So if we are willing to industrialise, every other country in the world including South Africa started building vehicles the way we have started to build them now.

How could you still drive volume when importation of second hand (Tokunbo) vehicles are not restricted by government?

For us, it is left for government to make up their mind. Again, it is bad leadership when you lead with indecision. You must decide, whether you made a wrong decision, make a decision.

Don’t keep people in rainbow, that is the worse way to handle things. If government is always been this African kind of Maduka willing to go with auto policy, they thing, ‘be careful they are not should make a clear statement and sure, whether they meant what do the needful for it to be a success they are saying’, and these are not because there is no way the good signals to investors who want manufacturers can make this a to come into a country to invest. I success until the market is created. listened to Olamade, former And how do you create the market, governor of Central Bank when they you need to support local held an event recently. He said, we manufacturers by driving volume, should not be looking at investors then you can see upper component as criminals, people who are spring up to support those bringing in their money to create manufacturers, because job in your country and take a manufacturing is the key to benefit. Of course that is what a economic growth. It supplies work capitalist is all about; to bridge the to all categories of people, unlike gap of service, offer you service and buying and selling and others. Any get benefit out of it, but ultimately country that wants to grow its you are the one benefiting most. economy must support That was how China opened their manufacturing and that is the way market for the rest of the world. All to go. great brands of auto mobile today is available in China, partnering

(L-R): Olivier F a g e s , Managing Director, Pernod Ricard, Nigeria; Angel Adelaja, CEO, Fresh Direct and Audu Maikori, Social Entrepreneur and President, Chocolate City Group at the w i n n e r presentation of THE VENTURE by Chivas Whisky in Lagos.

Int el’s 20 16 lat est Skylak e pr ocessor Intel’s 201 latest Skylake processor to boost business, lif estyle lifestyle

T

o acquaint users with latest PC technology that boosts business operations and lifestyle, world’s leader in silicon innovation, Intel, has announced that its newest family of PC microprocessors, Skylake will not only boost business operations and lifestyle, but shore up sale of Personal Computers (PCs).

According to Intel, the new chips, which is dubbed 6th Gen Intel Core Processor is out for everything from tablet computers to high-end gaming PCs. Speaking at a demo session to introduce the new technology, Managing Director, Intel Corporation West Africa, Olubunmi Ekundare, described Skylake as best of its kind.

He said that, Skylake delivers significantly better performance in key areas, including lower power usage and enhances graphics that are 30 times better than the standard, delivering smooth gaming and video experiences.

According to him, “These are both critical issues in computer gaming, mobile workstations and other graphicsintensive markets that the new Skylakebased systems will be targeting. Also Skylake helps to solve some of the most nagging issues consumers have with PCs, securely eliminating older-style passwords and reducing wires with power, USB, and Thunderbolt over one tiny USB-C cable.”

Ekundare noted that Skylake is also the most power-scalable processor Intel has ever created with SKUs ranging from 4.5W to 45W, meaning that the new chips will benefit solutions ranging from stick

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PCs to mini PCs to tablets, convertibles, laptops, desktops and all-in-ones.

He said,”Skylake is built on Intel’s 14nanometer manufacturing process, therefore, the electrical circuits on the chips are 14 billionths of a meter apart and that helps make them much more scalable.”

Again, the new Skylake is optimized to work best together with the Windows 10, providing better overall experiences, removing computing frustrations, and providing more secure computing. The chips can start up a window 10 PC up to four times faster than the current PC owned by most people.

Fresh Direct wins Chiv as ‘The V enture’ compe tition Chivas Venture’ competition ngel Adelaja, the CEO of Fresh Direct - an agro allied A services company, has won N1

million at the first edition of ‘The Venture’ organised by Chivas Regal in Nigeria.

After the pitch sessions by the top five finalists that took place in Lagos recently, she was announced the winner by the head of the panel of judges, Audu Maikori, who is also a Social Entrepreneur and President, Chocolate City Group. Angel emerged winner out of a total of 216 entries submitted when the search began in October 2015.

Speaking on ‘The Venture,’ Brand Manager, Chivas Regal,

Samuel Odesanmi, said it was in continuation of a long standing tradition of the brand in giving back to the society. According to him, ‘The Venture’ seeks to support businesses that create both financial value and meet a defined social need.

Angel is expected to move to the next stage of the search at the regional level in South Africa and then to the United States where other finalists from 26 countries across 6 continents would battle for a share of the $1million global fund.

The judges, consisting of Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Media; Olivier Fages, CEO of Pernod Ricard Nigeria; Audu Maikori, Founder of

Chocolate City Group; Bosun Tijani, CEO of Co-Creation Hub, and Iyadunni Olubode, Exec. Director of LEAP Africa, were impressed with Angel Adelaja’s startup, Fresh Direct Produce and Agro-Allied Services.

Fresh Direct Produce and AgroAllied Services is an agricultural production and processing company that manufactures equipment to improve agricultural yields and provide exquisitely grown organic fruits, vegetables and meat using advanced technologies. The company promotes inclusion of technology for small farmers to boost their yield and income.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

FG to provide insurance for soldiers fighting insurgency

T

HE Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur DanAli, said on Friday that the Federal Government would introduce insurance package for soldiers fighting insurgency in the North-East.

Dan-Ali made the disclosure while briefing newsmen shortly after a Special Juma’at Prayer to mark the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.

He said that already there were numerous packages enjoyed by the military as a way of motivating them to ensure the success of the ongoing counter insurgency

operation. “ Normally we have package for the families of the fallen heroes but recently we are introducing the death insurance which has not been done before. “ It is an additional package by President Muhammadu Buhari to motivate our gallant armed forces and to take care of the families of the fallen heroes,“he said.

The minister solicited for prayers from all Nigerians to ensure the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists.

He said that the military was getting it right in the ongoing fight against insurgency, and expressed optimism that Boko Haram

would soon be a thing of the past in the country. “ I believe Nigerians are fully aware of what the military has done so far and with their prayers everything will come to an end very soon, “ he said.

Earlier, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said that the prayer was part of recognition of the sacrifice made by men and women who laid down their lives to defend the country.

“We must continue to do this not only to motivate their families that are left behind but to also encourage our men that are presently fighting insurgency, “ Saraki said.

Shettima expresses sadness over murder of IDP •Orders screening of IDPS, combing of camps

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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OVERNOR Kashim Shettima has received with utter shock and sadness information concerning the murder of an Internally Displaced Person (IDP), name withheld, whose body was found at the Shettima Ali Monguno Teachers Village camp on Thursday.

Initial report, though unconfirmed indicated that the victim was beheaded inside the camp after misunderstanding that

erupted between him and some aggrieved youth over a girlfriend who is among the fleeing refugees.

Our correspondent also observedthatthere would be a serious problem in the nearest future when IDPs return to their communities following illegal marriages that occurred amongst IDPs while in the camps, as some of the marriages were contracted among those who had already gotten married with their former spouses, but due to the sacking and displacement of their communities by insurgents, some fled to neighbouring

Cargo handlers advocate one-digit import, export tariffs

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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ARGO handlers have called on government to reduce the current tariffs charged on goods as this has affected the volume of goods leaving and entering the country. The handlers made the call at a oneday stakeholders haulage/logistics forum with the theme: Government Policies: A Panacea to Growth and development of Haulage Logistics Sector.

A communiqué at the end of the forum affirmed that “the Volume Import and Export tariffs should

be reduced to a one-digit figure from what it is at the moment just as it was achieved in the downstream petroleum sector.

This will encourage importation and exportation of both finished products and raw materials to boost national economy” The handlers maintained that cargo haulage/ logistics sector is a major sector in the overall growth of Nigerian economy that deserves government attention on every facet, on its match for economic prosperity and, for effective competition with other economies around the globe.

APC chieftain loses wife

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HE death has been announced in Lagos of Alhaja Karamot Olajumoke Cecilia Nadu Danmola, the wife of a prominent chieftain of All Progressive Alliance (APC) Alhaji Hakeem Danmola. She was 64. Until her death, she was a founding member of the BATCO Group under the leadership of the Jagaban of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Leader. The deceased, a seasoned politician,issurvivedbyherhusband,AlhajiHakeemDanmola, thefoundingChairmanofEkoFoundation,LibertyFoundation, among others, children and grand children and other relatives.

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Cameroon, Niger and Chad Republic, while their wives fled into Nigeria who later got married to another men they met in camps.

The fully fenced camp, located at Pompamari, near the headquarters of the Garrison Commander 7 Division, Nigerian Army hosts 13,000 displaced persons from Ngala and Kukawa local government areas while two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Ngala and Kukawa alongside policemen under their formations live at the camp as part of security measures long adopted by government.

According to a close government source, the male victim’s body was not found beheaded. Contrary to media reports, the victim was found tied with bruises on his head apparently resulting from hits.

GovernorKashimShettima who is very much disturbed has since ordered immediate investigations by the police and demanded arrest of any person connected to the incident.

The Governor also directed officials to comb the camp throughout the night of Thursday to search within and around the camp to ensure no displaced person has any object that can cause injury.

The police has recovered the body of the victim and his identity will be revealed to members of the public after his family is contacted.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, Engineer Garba Satomi informed Governor Shettima on Thursday that the police has arrested a displaced person in connectionwiththetheattack andthatmoresuspectswhere being trailed.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JANUARY 9, 2016 — 47

Ighalo’s

Ighalo to be a ‘dream’ addition to Man U atford striker Odion Ighalo has W admitted he would find it difficult to say no to Manchester United if they

Watford to heap more misery on Newcastle W

atford boss Quique Sanchez Flores says he is ready to heap more FA Cup misery on Newcastle United in today’s FA Cup third round fixture at Vicarage Road.

Watford have punched above their weight in the Premier League this season and are sitting in ninth place in the table. Flores is eager for a good performance in the FA Cup and said: “I am looking forward to this competition because it is very important in England.

“This is a historic competition, so of course we are thinking about the next match. First of all, we must try to put a good team onto the pitch to try and beat Newcastle.

“We know that after a few days we have to play against Southampton, which is very important for our main target of the season, but now the most important thing is Newcastle.

“We want to take good feelings, we want to win, and of course we want to give the opportunity to some players who are training really, really well but are not playing, because other players are playing well in the same position.” Flores will make changes to his side, with Troy Deeney or Odion Ighalo candidates for a rest.

While coy about who might be rested for the tie against Steve McClaren’s strugglers, Flores outlined his plans.

“We won’t make a lot of changes because I don’t want to change the personality of the team. But there are players who deserve to play and they will play,” he said.

Asked if Deeney or Ighalo could be rested, Flores replied: “It’s possible to rest at least one of them. “Our main target is the Premier League because the most important thing is to stay up. We have come from a very tough December and we have a tough January, so we have to keep focused on our main objective.”

•Ighalo

•Salah

make an approach for his services and statistics provided by fantasy football game Oulala prove that the Red Devils could definitely make use of the Nigerian’s rich vein of form. The 26-yearold has made a superb start to his Premier League career this season and his goals have helped the Hornets climb to ninth place in the table.The newly promoted side were predicted to be little more than relegation fodder this term but they now sit just four points adrift of the Red Devils, who have struggled for goals in recent weeks.

While Ighalo has found the net 14 times in the top tier - a tally bettered only by Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy - United’s front line has faltered. Captain Wayne Rooney has been below par for the majority of the campaign and has scored just twice; not even a mercurial back heel against Swansea has been able to mask the forward’s struggles. Anthony Martial, meanwhile, enjoyed a blistering start to life at United after he came off the bench to score against the club’s bitter rivals Liverpool. But the Frenchman has only been on target three times in total and has been emphatically outperformed by Ighalo, who cost a fraction of the huge transfer fee United paid Monaco for Martial in the summer. The Watford forward’s conversion rate is 21% and almost twice as good as both of his United rivals, while an impressive tally of 65 shots on goal is better than Rooney and Martial’s combined tally.

Playing at Old Trafford is Igahlo’s ‘dream’ and he could well be the man to end what is threatening to turn into a nightmare campaign for Van Gaal and his side.

Adebayor cour ts suit or courts suitor orss E

Salah

to face Zidane not a nice Milan guy —Domenech •Zidane

F

ormer France Coach Raymond Domenech has commented on Zinedine Zidane’s personality as he takes over at Real Madrid.

“Zidane has that element of mystery that surrounds the stars. He can arouse emotions in people and not just positive ones,” AS reports the former trainer telling Le Monde.

“He’s not a star without problems. He’s not a nice guy. He’s capable of anything and that’s what makes him a human god. In 2016 you only need two things to be a Coach: an image and effectiveness in dealing with players.”

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ests have reportedly ruled out a muscular injury for Roma’s Mohamed Salah, so he could face Milan. The winger went off injured during the 3-3 draw with Chievo, with fears he would miss the visit of the Rossoneri today.

However, Sky has reported that tests have ruled out a muscular lesion for Salah, and he could therefore be called for the match this weekend.

•Adebayor

mmanuel Adebayor has used his Instagram feed to remind potential suitors of exactly what he can offer them as the January transfer window kicks off.

The 31-year-old free agent, who was released by Tottenham in September, has been offered to Chelsea whilst Watford have spoken to Spurs about a deal that would involve both sides sharing his £100,000 per week wages, which are currently being paid by his former club. One video on Instagram sees Adebayor taking to a dust pitch in a Tottenham shirt and showing off his prodigious skills.

Adebayor wrote: “Before joining major European Clubs, I started playing on this type of field. I played every day with no days off.

“Today, I made my name in football, but it’s always a pleasure to go back and play with the lads from Totsi everyday.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JANUARY 9, 2016

FA Cup:

Ighalo’s

Watford to heap more miser y on Newcastle

>>35

BENJAMIN JAMES: The Ajegunle boy now coaching in Germany >>34-35

Five stars eyeing transfer for Euro 2016 >>33

Today’s Fixtures FA Cup Third Round Wycombe v Aston Villa Arsenal v Sunderland Birmingham v Bournemouth Doncaster Rovers v Stoke Everton v Dag + Red Norwich City v Manchester City Southampton v Crystal Palace Watford v Newcastle West Brom v Bristol City West Ham v Wolves Man Utd v Sheffield United SERIE A Carpi v Udinese Fiorentina v Lazio Roma v AC Milan LA LIGA Barcelona Getafe Sevilla Real Madrid Levante

v v v v v

1:45pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 6:30pm

3pm 6pm 8:45pm

Granada Real Betis Athletic Bilbao Deportivo Rayo Vallecano

4pm 6:15pm 6:15pm 8:30pm 10:05pm

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele – (6) 4)Nasarawa United Striker, Yaro – (6) 7)Female Rabbit (3) 8)Zambian Capital City (6) 9)Egypt’s First President, Muhammad – (6) 10)Hebrew Alphabet (5) 13)State in Nigeria known as “The Coal City State”? (5) 15)Former Super Eagles Striker, Friday – (5) 17)Country in Asia (5) 18)Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Mohammed – (5) 20)Number (5) 23)Former Chief of General Staff, Rtd. Commodore Ebitu – (5) 26)Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Prince Ajibola – (6) 27)Malian Capital City (6) 28)Erase (3) 29)L.G.A in Rivers State (6) 30)Greek Goddess (6) DOWN

1)Chairperson, Edo Queens FC, Mrs. Aisha – (6) 2)Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Muhammad Dikko – (6) 3)L.G.A in Niger State (5) 4)State in Nigeria known as “The Food Basket of the Nation”? (5) 5)Former Super Falcons Player, Jerome – (6) 6)L.G.A in Ogun State (6) 10)Zamfara State Capital (5) 11)Former Egyptian President, Mohammed – (5) 12, Hire (5) 14)Chairman, Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ekpo – (3) 16)Farm Tool (3) 18)National Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu – (6) 19)Ethnic Group in Nigeria (6) 21)Portugal Full-Back and Real Madrid Defender, Raphael – (6) 22)L.G.A in Gombe State (6) 24)State in Nigeria known as “The State of Harmony”? (5) 25)President, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba (5)

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