8 killed, 24 injured in Maiduguri bomb blast by Vanguard Media Limited

C M Y K

2—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin WHEN you enter his office, you will have no doubt of his close affiliation to Prophet TB Joshua of the Synagogue Church of Christ because the pictures of this man of God are very conspicuous ly displayed in his office. But Pastor Peter Israel Obaseki, the founder of the Divine Grace of Glory Church is currently in a brawl with his contemporaries in the state. Other men of God in the state seem to be disgusted by him to the level that each time he gave out his church Almanac to his fellow men of God, they tore it shortly after he left their offices . But while facing prosecution in so many fronts, Pastor Israel has been waxing stronger as people come from all parts of the country to receive healing. As a matter of fact, his gigantic church edifice is a great testimony to what he has learnt from TB Joshua whom he described as his mentor and spiritual god father. The controversy surrounding this man of God took Saturday Vanguard to his Divine Grace of God Church last Monday on a fact-finding mission. And when this reporter arrived the church, it was quite revealing, as Pastor Israel was more than prepared to provide answers to all the posers. After observing the pictures adorning his office, Saturday Vanguard inquired why he displayed the pictures of the Synagogue man and not that of Jesus Christ and he did not hesitate to answer the question like he has been expecting it. He explained: “My relationship with Prophet Joshua is all about God’s grace because I as a man of God have been in the Ministry and I began to listen to other men of God, listen to their messages and I heard the message of ProphetJoshua and it blessed me so much. “I had to go to the Synagogue Church and when I went there, the prayers I received became a transformation to my life and Ministry. Then, I decided to remain and attach my self to Synagogue Church of all Nations . My church project started about one year ago. As a matter of fact, my former structure was just a kiosk. But when I got in contact with Prophet Joshua, he gave me the anointing water after I told him about my challenges in the Ministry. And pastors have been carrying when I came, I anointed the different rumours that I have compound as directed by the been initiated into cultism . prophet and I told God to give People have asked me to remove me the same grace he gave the the picture in my Calendar so prophet by providing for me. that I will be able to relate to othAnd my church project began er pastors but I said no, no body and I noticed that since we called me into the Ministry but started the project, God will alGod. So, I always seek the hand ways send people to assist in one of God before I take any decision. stage or another. We have nevI never see Prophet Joshua as a er raised funds in this church and cultist, God revealed him to me launched any thing but today we before I went to him. And he has have this big edifice. been a blessing to me. When I The anointing water Prophet give my almanac to pastors, Joshua gave me was what I they will tear it and throw it used in anointing the church. away. But I said well, no probWe have never lacked finanlem, the God that called me is cially”. the one giving me direction of to God to reveal the good perReminded that he was acwhere to go to. They said that I son to you. I always tell my memcused by other pastors of alleged bers that as you come to this am a cultist . involvement in cultism, Pastor “So many pastors have raised Church, make sure you ask God Obaseki said that “I placed the dust that the anointing water to reveal to you the secret of Paspicture of Prophet Joshua in my I give to my members is from tor Israel Obaseki. I have prayed church almanac because of the the marine world, that it is evil. persistently and God revealed to role God has used him to play There are so many rumours me that Prophet Joshua is a in my life. but I am not bothered because genuine man of God. And the “Everybody will like to as anointing part of God in his life my conscience is clear”. sociate where you experience Speaking about his mentor is all by God’s grace. When peofavour and he has been a blessat the Synagogue, he assert- ple don’t understand you they, aling to my life. And I decided on ed, “Yes his powers are from ways criticize you but when they my own to place the photograph God. Before you go and meet understand you, they will destroy on my almanac. Since I did that, a man of God, you always pray you”. it has been raising dust. So many

I’m not bothered by rumours against my miracles

—Pastor Obaseki

I began to listen to other men of God, listen to their messages and I heard the message of Prophet Joshua and it blessed me so much

C ommenting on the prob lem between him and members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in the state, he explained that he decided not associate with them because of what he described as the unclean life majority of the members are exhibiting. His words “I am not a member because there was a day I attended their meeting and I saw the way pastors were challenging themselves. Pastors were cursing themselves l i k e unbelievers.The way they were threatening themselves and exhibiting anger

falls short of the teachings of Christ. I looked at it that there is no way I will grow spiritually if I continue to associate with these people. So I decided to pause, I have received several invitation letters for a meeting but I have rejected them due to the reasons I gave you. Even when my father was alive, I was having the sign of God’s calling but I was never interested because my father suffered so much in the Ministry. We are twelve that my father gave birth to but none of us were educated because my father suffered as a Minister of God. It was even difficult for us to feed. So when I saw what my father passed

through, I never wanted to be a man of God. But all I promised my self was that when I become a business man, I will sponsor church programmes. Then I took a step to travel out to Libya but while I was sleeping one day in the Nigerian ghetto in Libya , a mad man started beating me on the ground, saying that God is calling you and you refused to answer him. But before then, I always see my self in the dream preaching to a very large crowd. So when I left Libya back to Nigeria, I said I was coming home to serve the Lord and that was how I found myself here. “And truth is that the story they told me before I went to Libya was not what I found when I got there. The place was like hell for me and suddenly, there was this war in that country in the year 2000 when Obasanjo was President. He sent a plane to evacuate Nigerians living in Libya and honestly speaking, I sent that plane after my prayers to God to save me from that country. It was when I came back that I made up my mind to work for

God”. Some pastors sleep with other people’s wives “The society is actually corrupt and it is supposed to be the duty of men of God to assist in bringing sanity to the society. But unfortunately, you will find out that most of us pastors are after wealth, and when a pastor is after money, you can never be after God. And today you see a lot of pastors going to see native doctors, herbalists to prepare charms for them so that they will become miracle workers. That is not of God. Today, many are accusing Prophet TB Joshua that he is not of God but some of these people are the worst pretenders on earth. “When we deny the truth, we will remain in darkness. What Joshua is doing in this country, I have not seen a man of God doing that in this country and that is why every man of God should stop judging each other. So many pastors are too fast in judging others. We have so many fake pastors. There are so many people that have deiced not to go to church again because of what pastors have done to them. I have had many of such people in my church. Pastors have exploited then, cheated on them, carted away people’s property, pastors have even taken some people’s wives and this situation has corrupted the minds of a lot of people and they have decided to remain pagans. “So it is sad that some of us who are pastors that are supposed to repair the society are now problems to the society. I see this as a satanic trick to collapse the society. A lot of Pastors have criticized me, but I am very happy that they criti-

cized me because when they do that, I know that God is using me to do his job. For example, when I married twelve years ago, it was difficult for me to have children. My wife was always having miscarriage until I went to Synagogue Church of God Mission and the man of God TB Joshua prayed for me and gave me the anointing oil and water. My wife used it and got pregnant and we had a baby girl. When my wife was pregnant of that child they said it was fibroid that she should go for operation. But we kept on using the anointing water until the day she delivered. Yet rumour mongers did not rest, they said Pastor Israel has gone to buy a child. When they heard that I went to TB Joshua they said TB Joshua has given me a magic child. After that my wife delivered another child a baby boy, they still went to town that it’s another magic. But I am not troubled with all that and I believe that Prophet TB Joshua is real and not fake.

SATURDAY

Tope and Nifemi being consoled by relatives at the Lagos State University while on their way to the mogue to see the corpse of their mother who was a victim of Dana Air Crash yesterday. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

Anand Alagarsamy, Head – Administration, Dana Air; Gautam Hathiramani, Director; Tony Usidamen, Head-Corporate Communications at the presentation of relief items to displaced Iju-Ishaga residents following the tragic Dana Air accident of Sunday, June 3.

Vanguard, JUNE 9,

2012 — 3

From left. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliu, during the Installation ceremony of CBN Governor as the new Dan Majen Kano, at the Emir's Palace, Kano yesterday.

Tony Usidamen, Head-Corporate Communications, Dana Air; Francis Ogboro, Director; Gautam Hathiramani, Director; Anand Alagarsamy, Head – Administration consoles displaced Iju-Ishaga residents following the tragic Dana Air accident of Sunday, June 3.

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9,

2012

ACF, CLO, others applaud US report on corruption in Nigeria BY EMEKA MAMAH, KINGSLEY OMONOBI, TONY EDIKE, HENRY UMORU AND PETER DURU OME Nigerians including the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, yesterday reacted to the report by the United States of America about pervasive and widespread corruption in the country, saying that America was telling Nigerians what they already know.The ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, also described the 2011 Country reports on Human Rights Practices which indicted the Federal government over alleged nonimplemention of anticorruption laws as inaccurate and misleading. But the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly matters, Senator Joy Emodi described the report indicting the Federal government for allegedly not implementing antcorruption laws as unfair, unfortunate, annoying and unjust. Emodi noted that President Jonathan should be commended for insisting that no culprit will go scot free in the area of corruption, adding that the fight against corruption must not stop on the table of the President alone as it was a collective war. She spoke as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, PDP Rivers South East admitted that there were gaps in Nigeria’s implementation of anticorruption laws. In its 2011 Country report on Human Rights Practices which was submitted to Congress by Secretary of State, Mrs Hillary Clinton, America said although the law provides criminal penalties for official corruption, the government does not implement the law effectively and officials frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity, just as she accused the security

forces of extra judicial killings. ’’Public officials including the President, Vice President, governors, deputy governors, cabinet ministers and legislators (at both federal and state levels) must comply with financial disclosure laws, including the requirement to declare their assets before assuming and after leaving office. Violators risked prosecution, but cases rarely came to conclusion,’’ the volumnous report stated in part. Military authorities however reacted to allegations by a US report that troops of the Nigerian Army have been involved in extra-judicial killings in prosecuting its war against terrorism and the Boko Haram debacle saying that such allegations were mere imaginations of the authors of the report, as the Nigeria Army was not a boy ’s scout army. Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Bola Koleosho who spoke on the issue wondered how a well trained army that had proven its mettle in international operations and received i n t e r n a t i o n a l commendation for performance, would be accused of extra judicial killings. His words, “People are just imagining things. I do not know where they get their imaginations from. Listen, we ( Nigeria Army) are not a boys scout army; we are not a boys brigade army. The Nigeria Army undertakes training everyday; transformation is going on. ’’It is unthinkable that in the 21st century, an Army like that of Nigeria, that is acknowledged worldwide and is carrying out counterterrorism training, would go for an operation and open fire on innocent citizens. “The Chief of Army Staff ’s vision is to turn the army into a force that is trained, equipped, and better prepared to meet current and cotemporary challenges and that is exactly what the army has been doing, so I wonder where this report is coming from”. Deputy Police Force Public Relations Officer,

Frank Mbah also denied that the police was involved in extra judicial killings of Nigerians, saying,‘’ the force is a life saving institution and not a life taking one. The report is unfortunate. What is the yardstick for the report? We will like to know the antecedents of the authors, the research methodology they employed and how they arrived at their conclusion because that conclusion is at variance with what is on ground now.” Member, Senate Committee on Drug, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Senator Kunlere, LP, Ondo state however, blamed the international community over the corruption menace, saying that they encouraged Nigerians to engage in money laundering activities using their countries. FORMER first VicePresident, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA and current Alternate Chairman, NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law, Mr Ikeazor Akaraiwe, decribed the US Country Report on Nigeria as a very correct and sad portrayal of the true state of things in the country. He said: “Corruption is cultural in Nigeria. It is to Nigeria what the slave trade was to Britain. It can only be addressed by a revolutionary, idealistic, visionary leader who will be ready to lay down his life in the somber task of reculturising and reorienting the Nigerian. ”The US Country Report on Nigeria is alas, very correct and a sad portrayal of the true state of things.” However, the ACF which reacted through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Anthony Sani said that ‘’as long as the security

From left,Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Emeritus Professor Kesley Harrison, Dr. Kole Shettima of the Macarthur Foundation and CSO Advisor to the Lagos Water Corporation, Mrs Yemisi Ransome-Kuti at the 7th Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Memorial lecture, held at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos yesterday.

challenges, human rights abuses, extra judicial killings and corrupt practices are still pervasive and yet to ebb, it is hard to aviod the conclusion that the governments in Nigeria have not done enough in containing such national manace, considering that it is within the purview of the governments to address such concerns.’’ Executive Director of the CLO, Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike said Nigerians had been paupreised by both the fedral and state governments’ officials and their legislators through corruption, pointing out that there was nothing new in what the Americans were saying. Ezike lamented that corruption had eaten deep into the fabrics of the society, adding that the People’s Democratic Party, PDP led administration had entrenched corruption in the society. Also, an elderstates man, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande asked the Federal Government to stop making mochery of Nigerians through false

claims that it was fighting the maliaise. Kwande said, ‘’The US government was only telling us what we know already. It is definitely not surprising. We have heard it not once, twice but 1000 times and it has become our music. If you listen to one music consistently, you will be used to it. We are used to it. It is our own perculiarity. We should start fighting corruption from the ordinary man in the street. ‘’But my advice to the Federal Government is to stop mouthing its socalled fight against corruption. There is this popular saying that those who cannot withstand the heat should not go into the kitchen. They should stop decieving us with their so-called fight against corruption because they are not serious. They should stop blowing hot air. It is very unfortunate that we have to hear what we already know from Americans. The only governor who has been convicted for corruption in this country is the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief DSP

Alamiseigha, and another governor from there is being tried again. We are waiting to see what they will do with him.” In his own reaction, the former Lagos State Commissioner of Police and renowned anti corruption crusader, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said that ‘’the President Goodluck Jonathan led government lacks the capacity to fight corruption in Nigeria because it has not shown enough political will to address the menace.’’ Tsav told Saturday Vanguard in Makurdi that the developmental challenges confronting the nation was a function of the high level corruption in all facets of the nation’s life, noting that graft has gone digital in all strata of governance in Nigeria even as he warned that the situation was fast getting out of hand because the government has been overwhelmed. Tsav said, “I totally agree with the US Government in it’s assessment of corruption in Nigeria. Continues on page 5

I will personally supervise removal of illegal structures — Obi

ORK is to c o m m e n c e immediately on the reconstruction of collapsed parts of UNIZIK temporary site axis of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. Governor

Peter Obi has said. Obi spoke while inspecting the area saying it was unacceptable that a major access road in the heart of the capital city should be in such a deplorable condition and continue to

pose daily difficulties to road users. He recalled that his administration has written severally and made representations to the Federal Government for the state government to

reconstruct the Amensea to Amawbia sections of the road and regretted that drainages in the area are completely silted. He said he will personally supervise the opening of the drainages.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 5

Air crash: Anger trails Health Minister’s visit to LASUTH * release of crash victims’ bodies begins today BY SOLA OGUNDIPE AND CHIOMA OBINA MOTIONS ran high yesterday at the Lekan Ogunsola Memorial Mortuary of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos as the relations of the Dana air crash victims openly displayed anger over what they described as undue hardship caused by the rigorous process of

E The commissioning of Felix Esi ICT Centre, Government College, Ughelli Delta State today. Pix shows Mr. Alred Okoigun, president Government College Old Boys Association, Lagos branch (middle), to his left Chief (Engr) J.J. Akpieye, president-general Worldwide Government College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, Prof Patrick Mouboghare, Commissioner for Education (basic & secondary) Delta State and Pastor (Mrs) Esi. Photo: NATH ONOJAKE.

Nobody can islamise Nigeria — Methodist Prelate BY TONY EDIKI, ENUGU HE Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Ola Makinde, declared yesterday that nobody could islamize Nigeria warning the dreaded islamist sect, Boko Haram to drop the idea and stop wasting innocent lives. He, however, called for the convocation of a National Conference to enable Nigerians from all parts of the country sit down and determine the best way forward for the

BRIEF

Okoi hails navy for development across Nigeria

he flag Officer commanding, the Nigerian Naval Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State, Rear Admiral Gabriel Edmond Okoi, yesterday extolled the quality and performance of the Nigerian Navy, saying that the command has performed gallantly and creditably to the expectation of the country and the world in general. Admiral Okoi who spoke at Ijomi Community in Ethiope West Local Government Area on the commissioning of a water bore hole donated by the Oghara logistics command to the community, said the military might, administrative and logistics capacity which the Nigerian Navy has gannerd over the years surpassed the expected extent of progress based on the resources accruing to it.

nation since, according to him, the National Assembly had no capacity to find solution to some critical issues in the country. Makinde spoke at Mpu community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu during the funeral service of his Royal Highness, Igwe Mathias Ekweremadu, father of Deputy Senate

President, Chief Ike E k w e r e m a d u . The Methodist Prelate said he was unhappy when he heard a political leader describing Boko Haram members as people fighting for their right despite incessant destruction of lives and properties by the group. Insisting that Boko Haram members were not fighting for their rights,

Makinde noted that even when the sect declared war against Western education, they still make use of modern gadgets like GSM handsets and internet which are products of Western c i v i l i z a t i o n . He said: “I feel angry when a leader said that Boko Haram is fighting for social justice.”

identification of bodies and delay in releasing those already identified. This scenario dominated the scene at the crisis centre set up for the crash victims even as a total of four identifiable bodies were slated for release between yesterday and today. The four corpses whom their relations have indicated their interest to collect include; Temitope Ariyibi, Obiola Ikpoki, Prof. C. O Onwuliri, and a Chinese, Kang Yi. Also, more names of identifiable victims have been released. They include; Onyeka Chukwu Collins, A b r a h a m Adijolola,Famata Mohammed, Maimuna Anyene, Onyeka Anyene, Naoh Anyene, (Baby) Sunday Enuma, Ogechi Njoku, Kemisiyop Chukwu Anyene Oluchi Onyeyiri, Amaka Ojugbara, Christopher Ojugbara, Dr. Elizabeth Omuluzua

ACF, CLO, others applaud US report on corruption in Nigeria Government was not corruption because he has Revenue Special Task Continued from page 4

he level of graft in Nigeria has gone digital during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and it involves ministries, government departments and parastatals as well as the private sector. ”From local government level to the Presidency, the governments have shown no efforts or political will to fight corruption. The situation is getting out of hand. The government knows all the corrupt groups but nothing is being done to tackle them. Government officials condemn corruption during the day but patronize and engage in it during the night. The situation is so bad that politicians now use and spend Dollars instead of Naira which is our national currency. No wonder foreign exchange business is booming everywhere in Abuja. In fact politicians now collect bribes in foreign c u r r e n c y . ”President Jonathan has no capacity to fight

corrupt elements surrounding him and the situation is truly bad. We have not had it so badly.” Earlier in his reaction, Senator Abe had said,‘’I think there are gaps in the implementation of some of these laws. We have to look very closely with what we are doing. ‘’There may be some gaps in what we are doing,” even as Senator Emodi insisted that Nigerians had some roles tp play in the anti-graft war by reporting persons who are corrupt to the anti-graft agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related offences Commission, ICPC, among others. According to her, some critics do not see anything good on the side of the government which she stressed was the most annoying in the entire s c e n a r i o . According to her the appointment of the pioneer Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu as chairman, Petroleum

Force set up by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dieziani Alison-Madueke was one of the outstanding achievements by the administration. This was even as Senator Kunlere said that there was no reason for Nigeria to be tongue-lashed now with the 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices that the Federal

implementing anticorruption laws, having failed to blow the whistle when the nation’s wealth was being carted away by Nigerians to their c o u n t r i e s . ’’The arrest and trial of some former governors, ex- Inspector General of Police, former Minister are indications that Nigeria will get it right one day,’’ Kunlere added.

Akwaeze, Ruth Wasa, Fortune David Kolawole, Josephine Omara Okechukwu, Ngozi Okechukwu, David Kolawole and Enyimju Oluwa and three yet to be identified adults. The strong display of emotions was not unconnected with the arrival of the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, who was in Lagos to inspect and monitor the state of the mortuaries and also access the progress of ongoing DNA autopsy sample collection. Not even the confirmation by the hospital authorities that collection of bodies could commence without further delay could placate the aggrieved family members who engaged hospital staff and other government officials in a shouting match as they demanded the immediate release the identifiable bodies that have actually being identified so that they could give them a befitting burial. The agitation which gradually degenerated into an uproar, defied efforts to be nipped in the bud by the Health Minister and other Lagos State officials which included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Wa l e Oke, and the Chief Medical Examiner of the hospital, Prof. John Obafunwa.

Jonathan visits Bayelsa BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, YENOGOA R E S I D E N T G o o d l u c k Jonathan yesterday arrived Bayelsa State on a private visit. Chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party are expected to take advantage of the visit to resolve the crisis rocking the Bayelsa State House of Assembly which resulted in the impeachment of the Speaker, Kombowei B e n s o n . Accompanied by Governor Seriake Dickson from the PortHarcourt International

Airport, Omagwa, the President arrived his Otuoke home town in Ogbia local government area of the state yesterday at about 3.15pm in an Airforce helicopter without the usual fanfare ostensibly due to the mood of the nation occasioned by the Sunday afternoon Dana Airline crash in Lagos. Most Bayelsans who thronged the community primary school field to give the President a rousing welcome went home disappointed as he was airlifted to his uncompleted country h o m e . A dependable source told Saturday Vanguard that the President later

held a close door meeting with the state governor, Seriake Dickson, top security chiefs including the commissioner of police, Chris Olakpe, Director of State Security Service SSS, and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among others. Though the President it was learnt was in the state on a private visit, sources told Saturday Vanguard that some chieftains of the party are exploiting his presence to broker peace between the supporters of the impeached Speaker and that of Fini Angaye who was elected Speaker after the controversial removal of Kombowei Benson.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

Why we shunned resettlement camp — Aircrash displaced victims •As LASEMA declares six persons missing BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

HE Ipaja resettle ment camp designated by the Lagos State Government to provide temporary accommodation for the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, of the streets where the DANA Airplane crashed last Sunday in Iju-Ishaga area of the state has remained deserted as the victims refused to return to the camp. Last Sunday June 3rd, 2012 a Boeing McDonnell Douglas (MD-83) with registration number 5NRAM operated by Dana Airlines Limited from Abuja crashed into five houses on Akande, Poopola Streets, Iju-Ishaga in Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of the state, leaving three houses severely damaged and over 153 people killed in the process. Six persons were declared missing in the buildings , making 38 persons internally displaced from their various apartment. Five casualties were treated, four of them were discharged immediately while one is said to be

still on admission. When Saturday Vanguard yesterday visited the supposed relief camp being run by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, there was no single victim of the crash in sight as the coordinator of the centre Mrs. Omowunmi Omotayo conducted Saturday Vanguard around the facilities already prepared for the comfort of the victims in the camp. According to her, about 18 victims including five children were brought to the centre on the first day and were promptly resettled in their various rooms and given other necessary materials such as toothpaste, pairs of slippers, wrappers and toothbrushes amongst others. “We gave them breakfast, lunch and dinner but on Tuesday morning, they all left and are yet to return, though, some of them claim that the distance where the camp is located is too far from their places of work and they would prefer somewhere closer to their offices. “We are still expecting them back any moment

because the state government has adequately provided for their welfare till they are fully stable. Right now, they are still in shock and not yet in tune with the reality of things on ground. Presently, we have 18 registered displaced victims on camp including five children”. Why we shun relief camp One of the victims, Mr. Chukwu Ebuka when contacted on phone firmly stated that they (displaced people) have left the camp for good because of certain reasons. Ebuka, who is presently staying in one of his friend’s houses around the area close to his work place, said they all decided to leave the camp because it would be too expensive for them to go to work everyday and the camp is too far from their offices. “It is not that they don’t have the facility but it is just unbearable for us to stay there. Moreso, we have lost all our valuables and all that we have ever worked for in life. “We are using this opportunity to appeal to government to come to our

Four medical students of Igbinedion University kidnapped BY SIMON EBEGBULEM learnt that the students were picked up by the suspected kidnappers NXIETY gripped along the Okada-Benin students and staff road, while returning to of Igbinedion Benin after sitting for an University, Okada,in examination at the Edo State, after four institution. The Public Relations medical students of the institution were Officer of the institution, abducted by suspected Mr. Jide Olugbon, who confirmed the incident kidnappers yesterday. Saturday Vanguard pleaded with the

Chief Ogugua Chirah Nnacho dies at 87yrs HE death has been announced of Chief Ogu gua Chirah Nnacho of Adegbe-Ozzu village of T Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. He died on May 15, 2012, at the age of 87 years. There will be Service of Songs and Officers Night at his residence, Adegbe-Ozzu village Awkuzu on June 14, while burial takes place on June 15, 2012 at the family compound. He is survived by Raph Ogugua Desmund of Lagos State Police Command, and Captain Jude Ogugua (Rev Fr) of Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna.

kidnappers to spare the lives of the students. According to him, “it is shocking to us here. I can tell you that robbery incidents usually occur on that road almost on daily basis. When robbery turns to abduction, it becomes another thing entirely. The lives of the students must not be jeopardized and this is why we ought to do everything possible not to worsen a bad situation.” The state police spokesman, Anthony Airhuoyo, who was contacted, said he was yet to be briefed by the DPO at Okada and promised to contact the police in Okada.

From left: Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, CBN Deputy Governor on Economic Policy , Dr. (Mrs) Sarah Alade and Governor of Niger State,Dr Babangida Aliyu, during the installation ceremony of CBN Governor as the new Dan Majen Kano, at the Emir's Palace, Kano the State Capital yesterday. aid as soon as possible as we now live on other peoples’ goodwill and benevolence because of our plight.” While speaking on the development, General Manager of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, Mr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu,

said about 38 displaced people were already in camp even as those who have deserted the camp are expected to return very soon. According to him, the centre will serve as temporary relief camp for the inmates till they are certified to be stable, socially,

psychologically, emotionally and physically. He said adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure their maximum comfort as the state government has released funds to take care of their welfare in terms of feeding and other necessary needs”.

NNPC denies plans to refund N3.098tn to federation account BY OSCARLINE ONWUEMENYI, Abuja

HE management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has denied reports in the media not (Vanguard) claiming that it has agreed to refund the sum of N3.098 trillion to the Federation Account. The said report is alleged to be part of a recommendation of the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Finance, Petroleum Upstream, Petroleum Downstream, and Gas Resources. In a statement issued to the media signed by the Acting Group General Manager NNPC Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Fidel Pepple, NNPC management states that it is not aware of any report that requires it to refund the sum of N3.098 trillion and that as a responsible corporate body would rather not dwell on speculations and rumours. He stated that, “The NNPC Management has

been drawn to some Newspaper reports which alleged that the Corpora-

tion has failed to remit the sum of N3.098 Trillion to the Federation account between 2004 – 2011.

One feared dead, 15 vehicles burnt as fuel tanker falls into Addax building BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

T least one person was feared dead and over 15 vehicles got burnt in an inferno caused by a fuel tanker which veered into Addax Petroleum terminal office in Calabar, Cross River State shortly after loading the products at a farm tank along Marina Street in Calabar. The inferno which caused serious damage to the facilities at the Addax petroleum company yesterday was however put under control by the Quick Intervention Squad of the state Emergency Response Centre. Eye witnesses at the scene, Mr. Paulinus Effiong and Mr. Emmanuel Effiong told newsmen that

the driver of the tanker which was coming from the tank farm Flower Mill side suddenly lost his bearing while trying to negotiate a hilly T-junction with the product in front of the office. According to the eye witnesses, when the tanker loaded with the petroleum product fell off into Addax building and exploded, the fire caught one trailer and other vehicles that were parked along the Addax premises leaving properties worth several millions of naira destroyed. Reacting to the incident, the Cross River State Security Adviser, Mr. Rekpene Bassey described the incident as unfortunate coming at the time the nation is still mourning the over 160 persons that lost their lives in the ill fated Dana air crash last Sunday.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 7

Eight Killed, 24 injured in Maiduguri twin bomb blasts BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri TWIN-bomb blast yesterday rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital killing eight persons including two policemen, four civilians and two bombers, even as 24 others sustained various degrees of injuries. One of the devastating explosions occurred at the police headquarters in the city. The first Improvised Explosive Device, IED, which was concealed in a bag kept and hidden under a public shed, exploded around 6:00 am along the main road linking the junction of the Gidan Dambe ward with the metropolis, killing the suspected bomber. The military Joint Task Force, JTF, Field Operations Commander, Colonel Victor Ebhaleme confirmed the early morning incident . ”There was an explosion in an area of Maiduguri this morning and our men were immediately deployed to the area,” Col Ebhaleme told newsmen, adding that, “We found a man we believe to be a member of terrorist group, dismembered by the exp l o s i o n . “Preliminary investigation has shown that he was killed when he was

Wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan being welcomed by the wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Clara Chime at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu on her way to Mpu yesterday for the burial of Igwe Matthias Ekweremadu, the father of the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu trying to plant the device.” However, some residents said: “a resident known to be a drug addict, named Dalwa, tried to open the concealed bag to see what was inside it. The device exploded and killed him on the spot. His body was blown into pieces. But he was not a member of terrorist group.” The second explosion which occurred at 11:26am was masterminded by a suspected car suicide bomber who in his attempt to gain entry into the state police command, hit the main gate

Presbyterian church laments tragedy HE Prelate & Moder ator of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Prof. Emele Mba Uka lamented the loss of innocent souls in the Dana Plane Crash and the suicide bomb attack in Bauchi in which 15 persons lost their lives. In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Affairs

of the Church, the Prelate condoled with President Goodluck Jonathan, the entire people of Nigeria and the families of those who lost their lives in the two incidents which occurred on the same day. Most Rev. Prof. Emele Mba Uka described the air crash in which 153 passengers and crew died as very unfortunate and called on the Government to ensure that proper investigations were carried out to avert such crashes in the future. The Government should also ensure that anybody or persons indicted in the investigations should be properly dealt with as the nation cannot afford to lose more souls and valuable property as a result of regular air crashes.

of the police headquarters. The car then exploded, killing the suicide bomber, a police Inspec-

tor, a Traffic Warden and four civilians with several other policemen and passers-by sustaining var-

ious degrees of injuries, while the armoured tank which was stationed at the gate was turned upside down by vibrations from the blast. Yesterday’s attack at the police headquarters on Damaturu road, directly opposite Government Secondary School in Maiduguri was the second time by a suicide bomber. The first occurred on August 15, last year, but he was however shot before detonating the bomb after gaining entry into headquarters. The Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr. Bala Hassan confirmed that a suicide bomber who wanted to gain entry into the headquarters with his vehicle hit the police main gate, where two policemen and a civilian were killed including the suicide bomber, while several others sustained injuries and were taken to various hospitals for

treatment. But a highly placed source at the state Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri said they received six dead bodies, while 16 others who were seriously injured were currently receiving treatment. Also, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, a source said they received eight other people who were seriously injured in the police headquarters’ suicide bombing, adding that ‘’they are presently receiving treatment.’’ It was gathered that immediately after the Police suicide bomb attack, heavy gun fire engulfed the volatile city as the whole Maiduguri remained at standstill, as there was no vehicular movements for about three hours, a situation that prevented some Muslim faithful performing their usual Friday Jumat prayers.

DANA AIR CRASH: NAS tells FG to make public reports of investigations BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar

NAS which is also known as Pyrates Confraternity called for appropriate sanctioning of all persons and authorities found to have been criminally responsible for the Dana crash or the

S Nigerians contin ue to mourn those who died in the ill fated Dana air crash that killed over 150 people on board, the National Association of Seadogs, NAS, has called on the federal government to make public reports of the panels of investigations set up to investi- BY EMMA NNADOZIE gate previous air disasters in the country. N aviation security President of NAS, Osconsultant and Prescar Egwuonwu in a ident of Association of Instatement which was made available to Satur- dustrial Security and day Vanguard urged Ni- Safety Operators of Nigegerians to exercise the ria (AISSON), Dr. Ona utmost vigilance in order Ekhomu has lamented to ensure that this probe that poor disaster redoes not go the way of sponse was responsible for the huge death toll in others before it. The association further the Dana Air flight 992 demanded that the Pres- Disaster. He said that if disaster ident Goodluck response had been Jonathan-led adminisprompt and effective, tration should without delay embark on a thor- some of the trapped vicough investigation of tims in the plane would both the immediate and have been rescued before the wider causes of the the fuel tank explosion that sealed their fate. Dana crash. Dr. Ekhomu, an internaBesides, NAS called for tional security expert and a determination of the authority on aviation seextent of industry-wide compliance with applica- curity said that once the ble rules and regulations; Pilot, Captain Peter Waxand the establishment of tam declared a May-Day a regime of strict compli- based upon the engine problem his aircraft was ance going forward.

perversion of applicable rules and regulations on an industry-wide level. The group in the statement advised the federal government to embark on re-assessment of all existing air transporta-

tion licenses operating within Nigerian airspace with a view to ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards.

Poor disaster response sealed fate of victims — Ekhomu

having, emergency responders should have tracked the trajectory of the stricken jet in order to know where it would land in order to save lives on board. According to the expert, it was a shame on Nige-

rian disaster responders, that this crash occurred in an urban setting, yet no soul was rescued. He said that the Dana Air Flight 992 crash showed the weak under-belly of Nigerian disaster response infrastructure.

Sack Aviation Committees — Atseyinku BY GODWIN OGHRE, gerians, particularly called on the senate Sapele president Senator David UMAN rights activ Mark and the Speaker of ist Hon Joseph At- House of Representaseyinku yesterday, in tives, Aminu Tambuwal Sapele, Sapele Local to effect the sack of the Govt Area, called on the aviation committees, citleadership of the two ing that the committees houses of the national were corrupt and totally assembly to sack the com- inefficient in the manner mittee of aviation in their with which they are handling aviation affairs in respective house. Hon Atseyinkun who the country which has faulted the committees led to the death of scores as the cause of last Sun- of Nigerians who were day Dana plane crash using the nation’s air that killed over 150 Ni- routes.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

Driver absconds with employer’s three kids BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU HE atmosphere at ABC Academy International School is somber since the last two days after a driver whose age is put at less than 30 years from Benue state absconded with employer’s three kids after picking them up at school. Three kids who are all boys by name, Chinemerem, age 5, Okechukwu, 4 years and Nzube, 2 years all of the same parent, Mr and Mrs. Iheomadinihu were taken away by their driver after school hours on the fateful day. The driver identified as Godwin had absconded with his employer ’s three kids after he picked them up from their school, ABC Academy at Utako, Abuja on Thursday, June 7, 2012 around 3:30pm in a new Toyota Avensis, metallic colour without a plate

Enugu State deputy governor (M) welcoming Vice President Namadi Sambo at the Enugu Airport yesterday as the Vice President heads for Mpu , for the burial of Igwe Matthias Ekweremadu, the father of the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

Court jails forex dealer over N300m scam one of the new genera- gineering, Wale OmoFederal High Court sitting in Kaduna has sentenced a 36-year old foreign exchange dealer, Ibrahim Mohammed Bashir to one year imprisonment over charges of money laundering. Justice M.L. Shuaibu found Bashir guilty of three count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N300 million. Specifically, Bashir was alleged to have conspired with three other persons to conceal the genuine origin and ownership of the sum of N300 million), allegedly part of funds illegally transferred from an account in

tion banks. Investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, showed that Bashir was a third-party suspect in a fraudulenttransaction involving some officials and customers of the bank. On March 3, 2007, an attempt was made at a branch of the new generation bank to defraud the bank of the sum of N409, 728, 106.83 through the use of three Managers Cheques drawn in favour of Federal High Court; UBA Global Market and UBA/ Transcorp respectively. The cheques were liquidated into three customers’ accounts (Ezeco En-

tosho and Abdullahi Brothers Nigeria Limited). Some of the funds were later transferred into other accounts, including Bashir’s account with the Allen Avenue , Lagos branch of the bank. A total sum of N300 million was transferred into Bashir ’s account. The fraud was perpetrated using the password of two staff of the bank. Bashir in his statement claimed that the N300 million paid into his account from Ezeco Enigineering Limited, allegedly by one Mr. Yusuf and Masauda, was to enable him sell US Dollars to the customer.

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City HEAD the July 14 governorship election in Edo state, the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG), led by its chairman, Mr Taiwo Alimi and a member of the Board and chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday, fixed June 26-July 5, 2012, as date for the governorship debate in the state. The governorship candidates of seven political parties that have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will be slugging it out in the debate which will be televised

Radio/TV live audience. “The governorship candidates will speak on a number of identified areas germane to state development, the sustenance of democra-

BY GODWIN, Sapele HE Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Ogorode, Sapele, Sapele Local Government of Delta

cy in Edo State. The debates will be issue-based and issue-driven at setting public agenda which may form the basis of policy formulation and direction of government” he stated.

State, yesterday, graduated a set of officers in Officers Application course 11 and Special Duty Post Commissioning Training Course 6, in her 2012 academic session. In a release at the ceremony, the college authority said the graduation was “the 11th set of the Officers Application Course and the 6th set of the Special Duty Post Commissioning Training Courses, which comprised of 12 and 15 officers from the MES and WES respectively.”

War against crime: Orji donates 25 vehicles to soldiers Orji said the vehicles agencies in the state has BY ANAYO OKOLI, Umuahia N a bid to strength en the security situation in the state, Abia state Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has donated 25 brand new patrol vans fully equipped with security and communication gadgets to the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Ohafia.

c h i l d r e n . ’The school makes it mandatory for parents to physically bring who they want to assist them in bringing and picking the wards from the school and that the parents of the three boys did three months ago only for the same driver to come and pick the children on Thursday and has not been found as we speak” ”One is in primary one, the second in Kindergarten 2 and the smallest in playgroup. The driver was also to pick the parent’s relative ward. The Divisional Police Officer of Utako Police Station, Mallam Usman Umar who declined to comment told Saturday Vanguard that the case has been referred to CP Command. The parent of the children were said to have gone to CP Command for interrogation.

Nigerian Naval Engineering College, graduates 2012 sets

Edo guber: NEDG fixes guber debate for Oshiomhole, Airhiavbere; others for June 26-July 5 live in about four Television stations. Briefing journalists in Benin City, NEDG chairman, Mr. Taiwo Alimi said the media must maintain its role as a participatory instrument for social change, and urged the media to participate fully in the debate in order to give the people of the state the opportunity to vote the best candidate. Reading from a programme Alimi said all deputy governorship and governorship candidates will be invited to debate issues between June 26 and July 5. “The debates are designed to present to the Edo State electorate the opportunity to have first hand information on the plans of governorship candidates and the strategies of implementation before a

number and disappeared without a trace till now. Godwin was said to have been introduced to the school by the parents three boys, Mr and Mrs Iheomadinihu three months ago and had since been picking up the children from school but on that Thursday, he picked up the children as usual and has not returned them to the parents nor seen up till date. The head teacher of the school, Mr Dankwah John Ben told Saturday Vanguard that the driver was introduced by the parents of the three boys about three months ago and he had been coming to pick the children either in the company of the kids father or the mother and sometimes, he comes alone to pick the kids. Dankwah said that the school had been in existence for 10 years and presently has over 400

were to help the soldiers in checking all forms of criminal activities in the state even as he commended them for their diligence in fighting crimes in the state. Presenting the vans to the Commander of the 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Jubrin Tanko Abubakar, Orji said that procuring patrol vans to the security

become an annual event for his Government and expressed happiness that it has been yielding good result. Orji said that the patrol vans would help the soldiers to secure the state, pointing out that the state has already advanced in security network and “it is now time to sustain the peace and security that has been going on in the State”.

The release further said the courses commenced in July, 2011 and ran for approximately one year during which the officers were trained on the skills necessary for the operation and maintenances of naval system, both on board and ashore. The commandant of the college, Rear Admiral OE Ekwe, said the officers equally undertook combined courses in Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense, Fire Fighting, Damage Control, Administration and leadership Training, adding that the graduands had undertaken visits to the Nigeria Integrated power project (NIPP) in Sapele and some naval ships across the country and have been exposed to research activities through their individual and group projects. A total of 27 officers (consisting of men only) graduated, with the breakdown 5 in the Marine Engineering School, 8 in Weapon Electrical Engineering School and 14 in the Special Duty Post Commissioning Training course six (SDPCT6)

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 9

Man dies during marathon sex BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Calabar T was a tragic end to Ete Samuel who lives at No. 14 Ekpo Abasi lane in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State as he gave up the ghost during a marathon sex with his love bird in a short time spot. It was gathered that Ete Samuel as he was popularly called is married with kids but his animalistic zeal was so uncontrollable that he was fond of abandoning his family to satisfy his sexual orge with ladies of easy virtue at red light joints. However, Samuel who was said to be in his thirty with his customer Miss Peace Idorenyin who resides at Target Street close to Calabar Zoo had gone to one of the cheap short time spot to as usual have a full dose of one another. But the lover boy never knew that death was lurking around him. It was gathered that the duo chose the short time

spot located at 8 Atu Street for early evening sex session before the incident happened. An eye witness who will not want his name in print disclosed that he was called at about 5 pm by the operator of the short time spot to come and help him as he had a “situation which he alone could not handle. When I got there, I went into the room and saw a young man on the floor with foam coming out of his mouth and I called the police which came and took the corpse to the mortuary and the lady to Atakpa Police Station,” the source stated. When contacted at the Police station, Peace said she was not the cause of the death of the man as she has had sex with several other men and they did not die. “I did not kill him as many men have slept with me and they did not die. This was not the first time Ete Samuel was doing it with me.” She said that when she

discovered that his customer had given up the ghost while on duty, she would have left the spot but because she felt she was not responsible for his death, she stayed back.“I could have escaped but since I know I am not the cause of his death I had to wear him his trouser before calling people to help me.” According to her, she noticed that the man was vibrating and she thought the man was about reaching orgasm.

FG deports 4,000 illegal immigrants, denies 16,000 entry visas BY PETER Makurdi

DURU,

S part of efforts to check security breach in parts of the country, over 4,000 illegal immigrants were in the last nine months deported from Nigeria by the Federal Government in a bid to check the influx of people of questionable iden-

Armed men kidnap Lebanese expatriate in Benue state BY PETER DURU, Makurdi USPECTED kidnap pers, yesterday in Otukpo abducted a Lebanese expatriate, Mohammed Dhabre, a staff of Rock Bridge Construction company, the firm handling the Otukpo-Igumale rural road project in Benue State. Dhabre was kidnapped at the premises of Rock Bridge Construction Company located along Otukpo-Igumale road at about 3.00pm According to an eye witness, Dhabre was at the premises of Rock Bridge on the day of his abduction when gunmen numbering over ten arrived the company’s premises in a Nissan bus and started shooting sporadically to scare away people. The gun shot forced workers at the premises of the construction firm to scamper for safety. It was in the mist of the confusion that Dhabre was apprehended and

hoarded into the Nissan bus with the kidnappers speeding towards Utonkon in Ado local government area. The Police Area Commander in Otukpo, Samuel Darakoji confirmed the incident and said the kidnappers were yet to open a line of communication with anyone to make any demands.

Earlier, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Benue State, DSP, Philip Agena who confirmed the incident, said the police were still searching for the kidnappers whom he said abandoned the Nissan vehicle they came with and a Toyota Hilux of the company in which they took their victim and disappeared into the forests.

Six ex-LG chairmen to face trial BY ISIAKA OYIBO T least six immediate past chairmen of Local Government councils in Kogi State are currently undergoing trial at the Federal High Court Lokoja by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, it was learnt yesterday. Though sources said some of them have appeared in Abuja Federal High Court during preliminary investigations of the EFCC, but their substantial trial have been transferred to the federal

Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) leader, General Muhammadu Buhari and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the turbaning of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mallam Sanusi Aminu Lamido Sanusi as Dan Maje Kano at the Emir’s Palace, Kano.

high court Lokoja, the judicial jurisdiction where the alleged offense was committed.One of the accused persons that appeared for trial in Lokoja is Alhaji Raji Ahmed, former chairman of Adavi local government Area, who is standing trial for a 30-count offences. In his case file No FHC/LKJ/ 17C/2011, Alhaji Ahmed was accused of money laundering and criminal misappropriation of several millions of naira while in office as Executive chairman of Adavi local government area.

tity into the country. Also over 16,000 persons were denied entry visas into the country due to improper documentation, assuring that no effort would be spared until the system becomes sanitized. Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro who discolsed this yesterday while responding to questions from newsen in Makurdi, said Nigeria and countries like Chad and Niger have entered into agreements on the issue of movement of persons across the borders. Against this backdrop, he disclosed that all the Immigration Commands have been on alert to en-

sure security at the borders. Moro however noted, “Some people erroneously believe that internal security is completely under me; they forget that it was only recently that approval was given for some staff of Civil Defence to be armed”, he added. The minister said due to ignorance, some people did not know that he was not in-charge of the Joint Task Force and emphasized that in Benue state, a faceless group was recently paid to insinuate that he did not sympathize with some of the organizations affected by bomb blasts. The minister recalled that in several cases, he visited organizations af-

fected by bomb blasts and noted that when the United Nations office in Abuja was bombed, he donated blood to some of the victims. “Those having sleepless nights because I am a Minister are becoming so worried that I may contest for the senatorial seat in my place in 2015 not knowing that I am not thinking in that direction”. ”My attention is completely focussed on the assignment President Goodluck Janathan has given me at the Ministry of Interior and for anyone to insinuate that I am scheming for 2015 is mischievous and a complete distraction which is unacceptable”, Moro added.

JTF destroys illegal refinery in Delta BY FESTUS Ughelli

AHON,

HE Military Joint Task Force, JTF, yesterday, invaded an illegal refinery at Obi-Ayagha community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, destroying over35 refining spots. The JTF who stormed the area at about 8 am, also destroyed the piping system of the refinery during the operation. About 20 giant size tanks and some wells were discovered at the location. Second in command to the Commanding Officer of the 222 battalion Capt. Aminu Yusuf, while addressing newsmen shortly after the operation that lasted for about two hours, disclosed that they carried out the operation on the orders of the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lt. Col Atahiru

Rasheed, following information they had that there was an illegal refiner y in Obi-Ayagha

community. “Our commanding Officer gave us orders to destroy the refinery this morning,” he reiterated.

Wada tasks opposition on criticism it on the administration to By ISIAKA Lokoja

OYIBO,

OGI State Governor, Captain Idris Wada yesterday appealed to those who believe that opposing a government in power amounts to insulting, vilifying or labellings the sitting governor on the pages of newspapers and magazines. The governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media, Jacob Edi in lokoja, also insisted that in a refined political system, the opposition finds out what the citizenry want and press

carry it. ”Those who abuse the governor, those who insult the governor as a person are those who want to be relevant after failing to be relevant when they were supposed to be relevant” wada said. Answering a question on the alleged frosty relationship that existed between him and his former boss, Ibrahim Idris, wada refuted the allegation, saying he had enjoyed a cordial relationship between him and his predecessor since he took over the mantle of leadership in the state. C M Y K

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and loud lamentation; Rachel was weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” Jeremiah 31:15

The end of the beginning: •The

tragic love story of couple who died in Dana air crash

At Ndiowu in Orumba North LG of Anambra State, the mood was sombre.

he peace loving people of the sprawling town of Ndiowu in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, unfortunately are the worst hit by the crash of the Dana Flight 992 of Sunday June 3, 2012. Like other Nigerians ,most members of the community were either relaxing or watching the Eagles football match which was the greatest event of the day when the news of a plane crash filtered into the town. No one took it seriously until Monday June 4, 2012 when the manifest was released indicating the town had lost over six members of its own. People clustered around popular joints like the Ibeagwu, Avenue and Easy Junction, a popular joint beside Onyeka Anyaene’s beautiful mansion. The joy of the previous days’ Football victory against the Namibians had suddenly given

C M Y K

Onyeka and Maimuna and son

ndeed, for a long time to come, the love story of Onyeka and Maimuna Anyaene would be a reference point for all lovebirds. It was a love story that defied ethnicity, religion and all reasonable imaginataions such that death could not do them part. Their love story from its beginning to its end was so strong that even the legendary William Shakespeare would have turned in his grave in envy for a real life love story that trascends the story of Romeo and Juliet. Onyeka Anyaene was a decent young man. The last time I saw him was last year when the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal visited Lagos for a parley with Editors after he was sworn in as Speaker. Onyeka came in his entourage and during our encounter, I realised he was working in the Speaker’s Chambers. But knowing him went beyond Tambuwal’s visit to Lagos. Onyeka Anyaene was a very close friend of my brother Emeka Obiakor who is also a lawyer. Their friendship was so deep that Onyeka was spending a lot of time in our house then at No 11 Ladipo Street Olodi Apapa in the 1990s. He was always kind and was never given to talking too much even though he could crack jokes out of very serious situations. I spoke with him occasionally after the Tambuwal visit and then this.

We cannot allow this country to drift so aimlessly whilst innocent lives are being lost in such cruel, irresponsible and heartless ways. So many children are orphaned, so many parents forced to bury their children

way to a flood of anguish, dismay and wailing. Along with other villages, Ubaha village was thrown into mourning just as members of the St Lawrence Anglican Church where he worshippers were seen in groups whispering, wondering and ruminating over what has befallen them. The atmosphere was so tensed up you could almost touch it.

o insiders, the mood of the community was not a surprise considering the popularity of the Anyaene’s family as a result of the contributions of their late father Ben Anyaene, a popular church teacher whose intelligence and selfless service touched the lives of many citizens of the community. First to break the news was Chibueze Kingsley Kanu who wrote on the community’s forum on facebook “Please my dear brothers and sisters,can someone help to find out which of the Anyaenes. According to the manifest of the Dana Air

plane crash, I saw Onyeka Anyaene and other Anyaenes in the manifest. Please make some diligent findings”.

t was no longer a matter of speculation when the towns’ President General, Engineer Chike Emenike followed it up on the same platform asking for prayers. Hell was let loose as comments and lamentations began to flow. As at the time of writing this report, it had become a deluge. One reaction that touches the essence and soul is captured by NkolikaNwankwo, a daughter of a prominent citizen of the community. She says. “I have called out severally and cannot but cry out now again for us all to demand immediate change.We cannot allow this country to drift so aimlessly whilst innocent lives are being lost in such cruel, irresponsible and heartless ways. So many children are orphaned, so many parents forced to bury their children, some in totally un-identifiable states, because we sit back hoping someone else will speak up. Is it when,

God forbid, it comes home that we will feel the pain of this carnage? It could have been anyone of us caught on a distressed flight, unable to land even after a May Day call. Hers and others on that flight are gone out of negligence. A death that has resulted from the criminally negligent act of another should immediately be prosecuted. he Dana management “ and Nigerian officials responsible should be tried and jailed for mass manslaughter. This corruption, nepotism, criminal negligence, dereliction of duties, state sponsorship of terrorism, blatant theft of state property, murder of innocent souls, must end. We must re-occupy until we are heard. We and no one else, must end this!“ The death of Onyeka and his family was the third of its kind for the community and apparently seems to be too much to bear. The first was the ADC airline which claimed the

life of Ifeanyi Kanu. IfeanyiKanu was a young man that was yet to find his bearing after graduation. He was a member of the ADC crew that perished without compensation on the ADC flight. This was closely followed by the Kenya Airline that claimed yet another member of the Kanu’s family, the Sosoliso clash also claimed one of its own and now the Dana Airline flight 992. Onyeka was in his early 40s and has had a successful career as a lawyer. He was a law graduate of the University of Jos and the eight out of a family of 10. Of course,he was the last of the six men born by late Ben and Madam MercyAnyaene of Ubaha village in Ndiowu Town, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Onyeka was a twin with her sister Odinaka. The Anyaenes had lived in Townhouse, in Elmwood’s newly-developed Quaker Green condominium complex, for several years. According to the Hartford Courant, Maimuna, Onyeka’s heart throb was a human resources manager for United Technologies in Gold Building in Hartford. One report says that residents described the neighbourhood as very community-oriented, where neighbours immediately reach out to meet newcomers. Anyaene’s family would socialize by the pool, and come to neighbourhood parties, they said. The mood in his Lagos residence was even dizzier following the arrival from the United States of the family’s elder brother Dr Anyaene Tuesday night. Tears flowed uncontrollably as emotions poured out for the whiz kid who was just bringing his family home for the first time for mum to see and hug. here is Onyeka and the “ kids he promised to bring to me,” his mum oblivious of what was happening around her would demand from time to time. Providing a suitable and comforting answer was a big challenge and would remain so for long. In Connecticut, United States where Maimuna lived with her kids before the ill-fated crash that claimed her life and her kids, a makeshift memorial is being put in place tomorrow. Already, flowers, stuffed animals, and photographs now blanket the front stoop of 28 Park Place Circle in West Hartford, the townhome where Maimuna Anyaene lived with her four children before they perished. “Your family will be in our hearts forever,” reads one handmade card which included a photo of Maimuna and one of her children in costume. Hundreds of friends and relatives from all over the globe also expressed shock, grief, and condolences through a website dedicated to the memory of Maimuna, her husband Onyeka, and the

Onyeka and Maimuna Continues on pages 11

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012—11

Continued from pages 10 couple’s four children A total of nine members of Anyaene’s family perished in the crash. In addition to Maimuna and Onyeka, the couple’s four children;Kamsi, twins Kayna and Kayne, and baby Kamal, also known as Noah; Maimuna’s mother, Hajiya Berikisu Mijindad, and two cousins were passengers on the plane. The family was en route to Nigeria to attend the wedding of Maimuna’s brother Ndako, which was scheduled for June 9. Maimuna and her four children lived in West Hartford, but her husband, Onyeka, lived and worked in Nigeria most of the time.

nyaene’s oldest child, Kamsi, was a student at Whiting Lane’s Early Learning Center. Dr. Eileen Howley, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum for the West Hartford Public Schools, read the following statement at Tuesday night’s Board of Education meeting: “The entire education community extends its deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” Maimuna, 32, was originally from Zaria, Nigeria. She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 2001. She earned a Master’s Degree from the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University in 2006. Her brother Mohammed Mijindadi also obtained an MBA at Penn State, graduating in 2008. “It’s certainly difficult for us to know that she’s not with us anymore,” said Robin Brouse, director of MBA student services at the Smeal College of Business. The MBA program is a small, close-knit group of 85-100 students in each cohort, Brouse said, and the students and staff know each other very well. “Maimuna was a very special person. She had an infectious smile and was a humble and kind person. It was joyful to have her come through the office. It’s hard to fathom,” Brouse said. A post on the Smeal College of Business’ Facebook page reads, “It is with great sorrow that we pass along the news that Maimuna (Mijindadi) Anyaene, along with her husband, four children and her mother were killed in the Nigerian plane crash last Sunday. Maimuna was a Smeal MBA graduate of the Class of 2006. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Anyaenes and Mijindadi families, especially Maimuna’s brother Mohammed (MBA ’08). We will pass along any news or updates we receive in the coming days.” Brouse said that the University has not yet made any definitive plans for a memorial. aimuna Anyene worked in the human resources department at United Technologies. UTC spokesperson Maureen Fitzgerald said in a statement, “Maimuna Anyaene was an invaluable part of the United

Onyeka and Maimuna Anyene:

So, so, sad a love story Technologies team for more than four years. We are saddened by the loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends around the world. She will be deeply missed by all, including her colleagues at UTC.” In a website dedicated to the memory of Maimuna, her husband Onyeka, and the couple’s four children, over 1000 condolences have been posted by family members, friends, school mates, colleagues in the office and those who were touched by the tragic love story of Maimuna and her husband. Onyeka’s sister is former Vice President Alex Ekwueme’s wife.

n their family house in Ndiowu, Anambra State, the villgers were still too stunned to express their sorrow. Onyeka Anyaene’s twin sister, Odinaka as at Thursday had not recovered from the shock and the entire village could not comprehend what came upon them. Writing his condolence on Maimuna’s Facebook, Uche Okeke revealed “ Ada Ekwueme, my friend was your husband’s niece and that was how I met you before you got married. I and Ada were always at Elf estate where your husband lived. When I heard from Ada that all of you were on that ill fated flight, my heart bled and still bleeds. When your corpse was found, your

husband was on top of you and your kids. He protected you and your children from burning but rather got himself burnt beyond recognition all for his family. You both loved each other to death. Maimuna, we will not question our creator, but may you all rest in perfect peace till we meet to part no more.” A childhood friend, Kunle Lawal recalled their days from Zaria.

rowing up with Maimuna in the ancient city of Zazzau had fond memories of an always smiling,pretty lady. She was very intelligent and we kept in touch even after she left the shores of Nigeria.She had a wonderful personality. Its tragic how you left ,my old friend but who are we to question the Almighty.” A University colleague, Uju King, nee Enuenwosu is yet to get over her shock. “ I just can’t believe it. I can rememeber our fun days on Benue road quarters in UI. It’s so sad.I ask myself if I feel this way, then I shudder to think what her relations and closest friends are feeling right now. May God grant us all the fortitude to bear this grave and unjust loss of such a beautiful, loving family.” A relation of the Anyaene’s, UO was looking forward to the wedding for which Maimuna and her kids returned but the story turned out differently. “ I was expecting to see you

at the wedding over the weekend so we could have a drink, have a good laugh, talk about the good old days, but do you and the kids, your mother and your husband had to go so soon. Ehm, sleep well Maimuna and take care of the kids okay.” Her school daughter, Emem Assam’s heart is still racing. “ I couldn’t sleep for two days. Maimuna, you were my school mother and dorm mate in Queen’s College and then my school mate in UI. Somehow, you’ve always been there. Your laughter, those dimples!!!You taught me so much in boarding school. All those secrets. I remember the days we used to exercise together. You did all those sit ups and leg ups and kept adding on everyday. You’ll hold my legs, then I’ll hold yours. Then leg ups, then more. You had so much faith in me! Even more than I had in myself. ou never missed a prayer! You inspired me. You handed over your prefectship to me, and taught me how to ring the bell for dinner, do inspections, etc. No, I didn’t become a prefect but I know you believed in me. I knew you’d make a perfect mother and wife. I wish I was able to see you one more time last year in DC. I feel bad for not reaching out more in the recent years. I can go on and on. I wish

I got to see you and your family. I wish our children and husbands

became friends. I wish I know we’ll meet again. For me to hurt this much here, I can only imagine how your family is doing.” Maimuna’s neighbour , Gail Goddard in West Hartford, Connecticut , United States saw her last “a little over two weeks ago at our town library’s used book sale. We were picking out books for her children to read, and be read to, which was very important to her. We then had lunch and discussed the trip to Nigeria and her new job opportunity in Rhode Island. Maimuna was radiantly beautiful that day, as always with her calm smile even though she had so much going on in her life. I cannot believe she and all of her children are not coming back from Nigeria. I am crying writing this. So sad, so much loss, so much to mourn.” Joke Thompson would always remember Maimuna’s loud and heartily laughter on the phone when she called her that saturday, a day before the unfortunate incident. “ Your loud laugh through the phone still rings in my head. I met with you at Sami Court in Maitama that Saturday.I saw all of you, your mum, husband, children and cousins. We all gisted at the dinning area.Mummy was so hilarious as we talked and laughed about everything. You asked about everyone. Mummmy told me you all would be flying on Dana the next day. She asked who owned Dana flight and we said we have no idea, she then wanted to know if it was a good flight. Hmmmm, I wish I told you all I know about it now, just wish all the news flying around by the flight had come in a day earlier. Would it have stopped you? Maimuna, you said you wondered why anyone could name a flight Dana, that it sounds funny. We took pictures with your camera. Mummy also snapped us with hers and I snapped with my phone.I was privileged to meet you all before your last day.”

nother childhood friend,

Kayode Gbodi remebered their days and “ those precious times we all spent back in the days at both our homes at Area A in Zaria and NVRI Qtrs in Vom/ Jos,from childhood. We played,ate and did so much together as brother and sister. I remember your warm welcome and hospitality,coupled with your entertainment with a barrage of albums with thousands of beautiful pictures. As an undergraduate at U.I when I visited from O.A.U,you always loved trapping memorable moments in pictures like you knew.They are vivid display of your smiley and warm personality, now vivid for all to see across continents.Those lovely pictures of yours really took hours to glance through,but were really worth the while.I will miss you Sis,Mumsi,Oluchi and all your adorable angels and their dad.” Rita Eyo Arharhire saw Onyeka on Tuesday before they died on Sunday. “I saw Onyeka

on Tuesday before this accident, how marriage had changed him for the better. Where you are now, there will be no more death and sorrow. May your souls rest in perfect peace” The Anene family memorial services would hold tomorrow at 10am at beachland park47 Squaker laneWest Hartford, CT 0 6 1 1 0 .

C M Y K

12 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

n the aftermath of the tragic Dana plane crash on that fateful Sunday June 3, at IjuIshaga in which about 170 people perished, life can not be the same again for the survivors now thrown into gloom. However, families who lost their loved ones - wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, children,and even friends will need so much time to overcome the pain and sorrow caused by the deadly crash. It was a Sunday, meant for rest and worship of God by most Christians all over the world. Many people had gone to church and returned home as at the time the Dana plane flight 0992 with 153 passengers and six crew members crashed into some houses in a large compound killing all of them. Occupants of some buildings affected by the plane crash which occurred at the bustling Iju-Ishaga suburb of the sprawling Lagos metropolis on that dark Sunday also died, while others sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Okusanya Street, Iju-Ishaga is the main entry into the clumsy, complex area with adjoined Popoola Street that the 2-storey building faced whose third floor the ill-fated plane rammed into before nose diving deep into the ground which contained Ojasope-Alhaja compound and churches, bound by Olaniyi and Tolulope streets. Ironically, the person who owns the 3-storey house that the plane hit towards the eventual deadly crash had left the building and gone to church elsewhere with his wife, three children, an aged mother and the househelp. The crash happened while they were away. According to him, “the only thing I have is what we left home to the church with.” His loss seemed unquantifiable as behind the building were the businesses he was running, including cars, and other properties estimat-

BY AYO ONIKOYI & MOSES NOSIKE

ven by Tuesday, the third day after the crash, the street where the aircraft crashed and its adjoining streets were still a Mecca of sort as hundreds of people visited the site. The focal point of attention is really Okunsanya Street where a duplex and a warehouse were levelled to the ground by the aircraft and the affected two-storey building was demolished completely by evening of Tuesday but the other adjoining streets like Popoola, Olaniyi and Tolulope were not spared of the mammoth crowd which have made the area their Mecca since Sunday when the incident happened. Quietness and peace have since departed the streets as residents of the area have to contend with people for

Dana Crash: Neglect, pain, despair push survivors, the mournful to devastating brink ed at millions of naira – all destroyed. At about 5.15 pm on Tuesday, we watched as Julius Berger caterpillar finally pulled down the building by the side of the plane wreckage. No. 4 Okusanya Street has some blocks of flats and other structures around directly inside the crash

scene and across the wreckage site. Mrs. Ojiagha, an Edo woman owns the land, but does not reside in the property. She is based at Lambe, Ogun State, around Tipper Garage area. She has been coming down everyday since the accident occurred. Some of the tenants in the building

who survived as the block of flats was not affected expressed their worries to Saturday Vanguard. Opposite this compound, is No. 3 Okusanya Street with an uncompleted storey building. Although people Continues on page 14

We've not settled down since that Sunday space. For some people, the crowd means business as they come in droves to attend to the needs of people who gather at the crash sites. Food sellers, pure water hawkers and all manner of petty traders flood the areas to take advantage of the situation. Okada riders have a permanent park in the area to take people to various destinations from the crash site.

Right now we can’t ascertain who is alive and who is dead — Lawal Olatunji Mr. Lawal Olatunji, one of the residents of No. 3 Okunsanya Street, a house next to the duplex and warehouse where the plane crashed said they have not had peace since the in-

—crash site residents cidence happened. Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, he and some neighbours in the house, Olakunle Olanipekun, Kehinde Adekunle, Richard Ajaguna and Pastor Adedini Adekunle recounted their experience. Excerpts: Can you tell us your experience and where you were at that point in time? Yes, I was inside the house, having a siesta when a heavy sound that shook the foundation of the building woke me from sleep. Confounded and confused, I rushed out just to see what was happening. When I came out in

that shock, I discovered it was a plane crash, so, I and others who live in this building started running for our dear lives. In the process of running, we met policemen rushing to the scene and we were asked to go ,that even if it explodes, it might not engulf the whole area. The incident took everybody in this environ by surprise. So, when we came back, we were stranded and could not enter anywhere. While we were trying to gather momentum, we saw some Okada riders who told us that they started following the Continues on page 14

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012—13

BENJAMIN NJOKU

s they gazed into space, feelings of numbness and despair were written all over their faces. At one time, they would jump-up and scream in disbelief. At other times, they would race to the main entrance of the morgue to behold the charred bodies of the victims which were occasionally wheeled out by the mortuary attendants for clarification by the family members. Bumi and Bose were both friends and colleagues to Iniobong Asuquo, a corps member serving in Lagos State who was involved in the plane crash. Their moods were not different from that of tens of thousands of families of other victims who besieged the place. This was the sombre atmosphere that pervaded the Lekan Ogunsola memorial Hospital, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH), Ikeja, where the corpses of the victims of the last Sunday’s Dana plane crash were deposited. When Saturday Vanguard visited the morgue on Tuesday, it was a ‘sorry tale of woes and wailing’ at the place as family members, relatives, close associates and friends of the victims besieged the morgue. While the corpses were wheeled out, cries of hopelessness, agony and gloom rented the air. Family members and sympathisers could not control their emotions as they cried in a manner that was questioning God ‘ why are all these tragedies are befalling the country?’ In their anguish, the families took turns to identify the charred bodies of the victims. In fact, the families stormed the morgue armed with pictures and other identifiable items belonging to the victims. At the morgue, the corpses which were already decomposing were put in blue-sacks with the deceased names written on the Secretary to the Federal Govsacks for easy identification. ernment. While some families who idenAccording to Mrs Usen, tified their dead were retriev- Mshelia who hailed from Ading them for burial, others who amawa State was coming to couldn’t do so, were seen run- Lagos on official assignment. ning up and down, discussing She was also expected to move in hush-tunes. from Lagos to Port-Harcourt At least, Saturday Vanguard and later, Kano before returnwitnessed about six corpses ing to Abuja. which were removed from the In an emotion laden voice, mortuary on Tuesday. Releas- Mrs Usen continued, “it is not ing a list of 29 victims that a normal thing to hear that have been identified by their your loved one has just passed relatives even as relations of on like that. If it’s something victims who thronged the hos- that has to do with sickness, it pital mortuary for possible is a different thing altogether. collection of the bodies could It is not easy but we give God not do so, the hospital man- the glory.” agement has insisted that autopsy had to be carried out on sen who lives in Apapa them, according to Lagos State area of Lagos, lamented coroner law before the corps- that the problem they are faces will be released to the rela- ing at the moment is how to tives. retrieve the remains of the 46 Indeed, it is only ‘ a heart as year-old Mshelia for burial. strong as a stone’ that cannot “Our pain now is how to remelt at the sight of those trieve her corpse. If we can recharred bodies of Nigerians trieve her corpse, her parents who were killed in the ill-fated would be rest assured that she Dana plane crash. was involved in the plane crash Though some of the victims’ and that her remains have been families declined talking to the buried.” she said. press, they were mostly conAlso, narrating their own orcerned about how to identify deal to Saturday Vanguard, their loved ones and if possi- Mr Uche, a relation of anothble, retrieve the corpses of the er victim of the plane crash, victims. It was also the views Mr. Sunday Enumah, who was of the families that there is no on board with his son, Ebuka amount of words and com- Enumah said they got to know plaints that would bring back about his involvement in the their loved ones to life. crash through the manifest re“There is no amount of words leased on Monday. and grief that can bring back “Mr Enumah was an Abuja our beloved sister and daugh- based businessman. He was ter back to life,” said Mrs.Usen coming to Lagos on a business a relation of one of the victims, trip with his son, Ebuka before Mrs Sarah Mshelia. they met their end. We have Mshelia, before she met her visited the scene of the incident untimely death last Sunday, before we were directed to the worked with the Office of the LASUTH morgue. At the mo-

Pains, anguish as families besiege LASUTH mortuary

It is not a normal thing to hear that your loved one has just passed on like that. If it’s something that has to do with sickness, it is a different thing altogether

ment, we have identified the corpse of the son, but that of the father is yet to be identified,” Uche narrated, declining however to comment in terms of compensating families of the victims. He called on the government to endeavour to set a standard in the aviation industry, by do-

ing away with outdated aircrafts in order to save many lives that are frequently lost as a result of the plane crashes. Other victims, whose relations were at the morgue on Tuesday to identify their bodies included, Tunji Oloko, Head of Investigation, First Bank Plc, Anthonia Attah, who worked with CBN, and the 23 year old Inibo Asuquo, a corps member who was lost in her prime in the ill-fated plane crash. ccording to Oloko’s rela tion, who wouldn’t want his name in print, the deceased who lived in Abuja was in Lagos, last Monday, on official assignment. He was equally coming to Lagos again on another official assignment but unknown to him that he would not make it back to Abuja. Devastated also was the father of the corps member, Iniobong who was involved in the plane crash. The deceased’s father while sharing his agonies with the newsmen said he had a plan of sending his amiable daughter to the UK for further studies after her NYSC. A

dream, he noted had been punctuated by her sudden demise last Sunday. Narrating further, he said Inibo who had a Second Class Upper Division in Estate Management was on board with her guardian, Patience Sunday Udoh before tragedy struck. "We love her, and we are going to miss her.” her father lamented. Meanwhile, a statement released by the hospital management indicated that about 52 bodies have already been identified by the victims’ families. Some of the bodies included that of Martin Alade(m), Sonny Ehioghae(m), Temitope Ariyibi(F), Okocha Christopher(M), Stanford Obstrute(M), Ikpoki Obiola(m), Patrick Eze(m). Others were Femi Shobowale(m), Kim Edger Norris(m), Anibaba Tosin(F) amongst others. aturday Vanguard gath ered that 14 out of the 52 bodies at the hospital were yet to be identified by their relations. Anxious relations of the victims who have identified their dead corpses were seen prevailing on the hospital management to release the corpses to them. As the clamour lingered, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Professor Wale Oke told the impatient relations of the dead that “already we have started carrying out autopsy today, and we are going to do at least 12 autopsies per day.”

According to him, out of the 147 bodies that have been recovered, about 52 identifiable ones were deposited at LASUTH while 97 unidentifiable bodies were deposited at the mainland Hospital, Yaba. Also, Professor John Obafunwa, Consultant Pathologist and Forensic Medicine and ViceChancellor, LASU led seven other pathologists to commence autopsy on the corpses.

14—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

Continued from page 12 aircraft from Oke-Aro and Lambe (in Ifo local government area of Ogun state) when they discovered that the aircraft wanted to crash in this compound because of this open space here (there is an open land about 2-3 acres of land beside the bungalow) . And this place belongs to one Mrs. Ojiaga. So what prevented it from crash-landing here was the coconut and mango trees adjacent this house where one of the wings of the aircraft hit the trees and fell in front of that house ( No 4 Okunsanya Street) and that made it crash-land close to this house. The building beside me is a two storey building and a warehouse and the other bungalow is where one Pastor Daniel of the Winners Chapel lives. "Since the incidence, what we have been seeing are different government agencies, the police were the first caller, then fire service came, later LASTMA, Road Safety and so many of them. Naval helicopter landed here on Sunday even yesterday (Monday) before the President came and addressed the pressmen the same Monday. That is how it happened.

he aircraft ran into the Pas tor’s house who fortunately had gone to church with his family and as the plane crashed on the building, one of the remaining wings cut in between the two storey building which is joined to each other. There were people there watching football on television. Can you give us an idea of how many people living in the twostorey building before the crash? I cannot tell you precisely the number of people living in the house but I can tell you that there are three floors; the topmost floor, the first and the ground floor and each floor contains two flats of three-bedroom apartments. After the aircraft crash landed, damaging the buildings, five people were rushed to the hospital for medical treatment and three children whose parents died as a result of the crash had been taken away by Lagos state government . Right now we can’t ascertain who is alive and who is dead until after a while when they must have evacuated the wreckage of the crashed aircraft. It’s so because the environment is not settled, people are rushing here and there, you can even see security men around even as we are seating here, we’ve not settled down since Sunday it happened. We can’t leave this place to look for water or food. As I’m talking with you now, I have not taken my breakfast. We’ve not been able to move out of this place for security reasons, that is the situation now. Was there any case of medical emergency such like shock and others? Yes. Even before the emergency rescue operations began some individuals have initiated rescue operations and some people were taken to hospital, even me who is sitting here, I’m a hypertensive patient. As you are standing, I can’t even see you and with all the shock. I have not even submitted myself for medication. Before now, I have been receiving medical treatment.

hat are you people ex pecting the government to do now for you? What we expect government to do now is to meet the families of those that were trapped in that building, condole with their families, provide adequate compen-

Neglect, pain, despair push survivors, the mournful to devastating brink

Lawal Olatunji

We've not settled down since that Sunday —crash site residents

sation for the families of buildings destroyed even though we know that no amount of money can bring them back, especially those three children who went out before the plane crash-landed and killed their parents, government has to take proper care of their future. Even those rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. I think that is the most important thing for now. They should also see how they can immortalise the victims of the aircraft. Moreover, those who suffered shocks and different kinds of pains, government should take care of that or mandate the owners of the aircraft to take care of them. The owners of the buildings damaged should be compensated. Even this one we are occupying, we are still afraid to go inside because we believe the structural integrity of the entire building has been affected. When the President came, did you pick one or two things he said concerning the crash? Actually since this happened, I have been sitting down here. And I was sitting here when the President came and started addressing newsmen over there. I heard him said that government is doing something in the aviation sector so that such a thing would not occur in the future again. I expected the newsmen to ask him questions, but they didn’t ask him anything. He condoled with the family of the victims. He also said that government would work with his agencies to get things done properly.

hat of Governor Fasho la? The governor addressed the community, condoled with the family of the victims. He also said that Lagos state government will evacuate those who lost their buildings to the plane crash having known that the structural integrity of these buildings are affected already. He took the three children who lost their parents in the building where the plane crashed.

I still can’t sleep because of the shock— Emmanuel Soyemi For Mr Emmanuel Soyemi,a resident of No 4 Okunsanya Street, the house directly opposite where the plane crashed it was an afternoon he would never forget. Having lost his wife two years ago he stays in the building with his five kids and a sister. According to him, June 22nd two years ago was when he lost his wife and for this to occur some two weeks before the second year remembrance of his wife is something that has been too much for him to comprehend. His experience on that fateful Sunday was that of close shave with death as their building was the first to be hit by the wings of the aircraft, severing in half the coconut three in front of their flat and a mango three which was totally sawed off by the plane’s wings. He also recounted his ordeal. Excerpt: How did it happen? I thank God for how he saved me and my family. That Sunday, we came back from church service around 2 pm. About 4 pm when I was about going out, I called one of my children, David, to help me buy recharge cards so that I can call my friend I wanted to visit before going. In that process, surprisingly NEPA brought light. So I recalled David to come and make use of the power supply to press his and his younger ones school uniforms because we have not had light for sometime now. Then I decided to remove my clothes to put on another one because that was the one I wore to church. After tha,t I went outside to dust my car and all of a sudden, I started hearing noises as if it was rain rumbling, heavy rumbling.

Continues on page 12 are already staying inside the decked ground flat. As the plane went low, hovering around the neighbourhood looking for where to crashland because it was already in distress, it flew just above the building, its wing smashing through a huge mango tree and another coconut tree planted side by side chopping off both trees to the trunk, moving towards No. 4 Okusanya, then the pilot managed to swerve the aircraft to the right and finally crashed there. The occupant of the uncompleted upstair building with a black Mercedes Benz car parked in front, a Winners Chapel member, was describing how the plane glided over his house, hit those trees and crashed across in the adjacent compound. He did not give his name. Mr. Olatunji Lawal lives in one of the four onebedroom flats in the block house at No. 4 Okusanya Street. He pointed to the empty space in the compound right in front of the house where President Goodluck Jonathan stood in his visit to the crash site to see things by himself accompanied by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, the Acting Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Odua-Ogienwonyi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Hope Uzodinma, Chairman House Committee on Aviation, Nkikruka Onyejiocha and other top public functionaries.

ur wives and children have been evacuated, because this house is not habitable again. The trees opposite prevented the plane from crashing into our house. Government should come to our assistance. NEMA says there is a clinic around, but we can’t see anything,” Lawal bemoaned. He said that they saw the plane coming directly and we were at home. “Trees were brushed aside, people following the plane knew it was going to crash. Thank God I’m alive. We suffered shock, although my blood pressure can’t be ascertained because of my eye problem. With the rain, the roof of the house is leaking, the foundation is affected, the house itself shaky. “We were sleeping and at about 3-4pm, we were awoken by a thunderous sound from sleep. We ran out of the house, thinking the house was collapsing. Some cows were grazing in front of the house, and when the accident happened, hoodlums came and slaughtered the cows, going away with different parts.” He added: “Already the plane had crashed, fire had started. We saw people crying for help and those trapped in some houses. Before police and fire fighters arrived, there were individual rescue efforts. Even as we are talking, some people are still trapped, rescue work is still going on.” The area was cordoned off. There were no relief materials for survivors – food, water not provided. They were cut off from essential needs and their sanitary situation is appalling. Mr. Olakunle Olanipekun, a survivor, said no place was provided for them and asked the government to assist.

e slept inside the church on the fateful day. A sensitive government will collect all data. If it had happened in the North, affected persons will be taken care of. We need to be relocated.” Some of those not dead or in hospital blamed government for the neglect. Any government which has the welfare of its citizens at heart should know what to do.

•Dana plane crash

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012—15

I can’t still find my brother—Adekola Lekan

s you can see, I am here at the Lekan Ogunsola Memorial house in (LASUTH) to take home the remains of my brother, Adekola Ayeola (deceased) a staff of Sterling bank. He was on official assignment in Abuja only to come back in ashes. On that fateful Sunday, someone called me from Abuja and was asking me if I heard about the plane crash and I said yes, I did. I now asked the person to go back to the airport and confirm if really that was the flight my brother boarded. When he confirmed, I ran down to IjuIshaga Agege at the scene of the crash around 4:30pm. Then around that 4:30pm till 7:00pm, there was no difference, everybody was there trying to know if there will be any remedy but to no avail. When I got to the scene, I only saw flames going up. You cannot even recognize anything there. Around 5:00pm that Sunday, while we were still at the scene of the accident, another helicopter landed there and after about 5-10mins the helicopter took off again. The helicopter which came there I know was for rescue mission but it didn’t do any rescue exercise. "In everything, we give thanks to Allah. There is nothing we can do about that, we have to taken everything as we see them. The immediate family of the deceased person can’t stop crying. It is still a shock they found difficult to believe. Here in this mortuary, they are asking us to come back again tomorrow to identify the bodies through a DNA test which the state government said they are going to carry out to ensure somebody didn’t go home with another man’s corpse. I am not blaming anybody for that accident. I believe that God gives and he takes. I don’t want to start blaming anybody so that I won’t get myself provoked the more."

We lost our people out of negligence — Relations By ANOZIE EGOLE

Lekan Ogunsola Memorial house of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), was on Monday thrown into pandemonium as relatives to the victims of Sunday Dana plane crash besieged the premises in search of the remains of their loved ones which were brought to the hospital mortuary earlier . Some relatives found it difficult to speak to journalists as tears flew freely. Some who managed to speak shared their views and feelings with Saturday Vanguard

It is out of negligence —Iyabo Falaye he news of the plane crash came to me like a very big shock. It was so difficult to believe that my senior brother who is also the bread winner of the family was burnt to ashes in a plane crash. On that day, he boarded a flight from Abuja to Lagos to see his family because he worked with the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN only for us to receive the bad news of the plane crash. The worst part of the whole thing was that, about two weeks ago when I boarded the same flight from Abuja to Lagos, we had a tribulation on air while landing. After arriving the airport, it took like 20-30 minutes before we landed. I even have one of the things they shared us in the plane here to tell you that I am not telling lies about that. After telling my brother about the tribulations I had while landing with Dana airline, I don’t know he would still board the same aircraft again. I can’t sleep since that Sunday accident . He is our first born and also the bread winner of the family. He is also married with four kids. I don’t know how to stop the family from crying. They have been crying all day. We are from Kaduna and that is where he stayed with his family, I am the only person that lives here in Lagos. The

bodies were burnt beyond recognition, I was not able to identify my brother, even after seeing the corpses. I will be travelling to Kaduna to relay to the family the latest development. As for now, we have not heard anything from the hospital management as the doctors are not yet on ground to be able to identify the corpses for us. The hospital management promised us that the doctors will be around by Wednesday 6th to identify the corpse but if they didn’t come, nobody will be going with anybody here. In fact, I am confused here. I don’t know what is going on; I don’t know who is fooling who. They should tell us what is actually going on here. I know this is a case of negligence as it normally happens here in the country. Because I heard that the pilot told them that the aircraft was faulty, I don’t know why they should allow that same aircraft to fly that day without working on it. As a business woman who has traveled to different parts of the world, I can’t compare foreign airlines with these local ones here. Immediately you leave interne national airport, you do not have any problem again once you have all your papers intact. I want the government to ban that

Our system is bad --Chukwudi Ibe

•Crash site

The worst part of the whole thing was that, about two weeks ago when I boarded the same flight from Abuja to Lagos, we had tribulation on air while landing. After arriving the airport, it took like 20-30 minutes before we landed in the airport

airline from flying to avoid wasting more lives. I know why people like to go with DANA; it is because it is the cheapest of all airlines. Other airlines charge N40, 000 from Lagos to Abuja while DANA airlines collect around N24,000. And we like cheap things so much that’s why.

lost three people in this crash. My cousin’s wife, Echendu Ibe (Deceased) who was the wife to a two term governorship aspirant of Imo State, who also was Imo media representative in Washington DC during Achike Udenwa's regime, Chief Ike .C. Ibeh and her daughter, Jennifer Ibe (Deceased) and also Maria Ogwulihe (Deceased), sister -in- law to Ike. C. Ibe. When I heard about the plane crash, I didn’t even know that they were coming to Lagos let alone following DANA airways. I have an uncle who stays here in Lagos but works in Abuja and he takes flight often and on, so when we heard about the crash, we all thought it was him. We called him to confirm whether he was involved and he told us he was in Abuja, so we relaxed. But my cousin who stays here called his elder brother who is Ike.C. Ibeh and told him what happened. When he heard what happened, knowing fully well that the wife and daughter took the same flight, he collapsed and was rushed to hospital by some of our family members who are in Abuja.

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

od is in control,” remarked Gboyega Okegbenro, the passenger beside me on the plane from Abuja. “Ah!” I replied not daring to commit myself as to my belief one way or the other. The statement of profound faith from Gboyega, who was then the Sports Editor of The Daily Times some thirteen years ago, was provoked by an announcement by the pilot. It came after two futile attempts to land at the Ikeja Airport. The flight had been uneventful all the way until we were some five minutes from the airport when the plane suddenly encountered a storm. It started rather like what is generally known as a “cloud burst” and then it suddenly developed into a fierce storm that rocked the plane with terror. But we proceeded to the landing range and, with everybody fastening his seat belt, the plane approached the runway to touch down. But the pilot seemed to have overshot the landing area, and so he pulled up. He tried again with the same result, while the storm relentlessly beat on the craft as if it would break it into pieces. Screams from the passengers increased the eeriness of the situation. Some people prayed, not too quietly either. And then the pilot made that announcement that made Gboyega’s faith to shine forth. He had been compelled to dump the fuel, he said, because we may have to make a crash landing. He would now make a third attempt to land, and that had better be successful. The screams rose higher. The noise grew more shrill. “God is in control” Gboyega Okegbenro said once again in an even voice. “God is in control.” The pilot made his third attempt. The aircraft touched down, spraying the earth and the sky with water from the flooded runway. And then it slowed down. And .. stopped! The outburst of celebrations was even more strident than the screams it replaced. GOD IS IN CONTROL.

hat was not my first experience of neardisaster in an aircraft. The first time I travelled overseas was in 1961 in one of the BOAC Comet series. Sitting beside me, on that occasion, was a young lady who was going to study law in England. We had worked together earlier for a few months in Radio Nigeria, and I had grown to admire her for her dainty manners and delightful presence. Her name was Dupe Finnih. It was a night flight, and we started chatting immediately we were

“

*GOD IS IN CONTROL

•Stella Oduah, Aviation Minister airbourne. We were about an hour from London when we encountered a storm. It started as a steady downpour but gradually matured into the full-sized grandmother of a “blower”. The aircraft rattled allover; the wing flapped like a bird’s; and most of the passengers spoke in hushed tones; their countenances became strained. The interior of the plane grew quiet. We had fastened our seat belts, as cautioned by the crew, and then came the announcement by the captain that we would be

God was in control too during that tragic flight last Sunday, but an aspect of the laws which sustain human existence must have been disobeyed, or overlooked

alright, but it might be a rough ride since we were going to fly through the storm. The full impact of the danger did not seem to register generally, but I felt very uncomfortable. As if to divert our thoughts from present danger, the stewardesses started tramping down the aisles with carts laden with food. I could hardly touch my meal, but Dupe kept chatting on and engaging her plate with enthusiasm. “Why aren’t you eating?” She asked, smiling politely. ‘’Nothing will happen.”

ome one hour later, we landed safely. Dupe went on to do her law in record time. Then she got married, raised children, and established a practice which she later suspended to become an ambassador. I have never encountered a more delectable bundle of courage. GOD IS IN CONTROL. On another occasion, I was returning from Enugu, a few years ago when I ran into my old boss, Chinua Achebe, at the airport. (If you don’t know who he is, then you better go and find out who

you are.) He was in the company of a friend of his, so I did not have the pleasure of sitting next to him as I would have loved to, but I managed to sit directly behind him. Across the aisle from us were two wealthy businessmen who loudly made that fact known by the way they discussed the various transactions in which they were engaged, running into millions of naira.(This was before the “billion” days.) Other passengers near them were engulfed in their raucous self-publicity, which spoke of a rustic background. My former boss shook his head and e x c h a n g e d disapproving whispers with his friend, while the wealthy gentlemen filled the air with “millions of naira!”, “millions of naira!”, “millions of naira! ... “We were bored to the gills! But reprieve presently appeared for the oppressed passengers in the form of a storm. The noisy rich men soon quietened down while the storm raged. Right before our eyes, the tedious pair turned into jelly. “Ah! What is happening?” intoned one of them. “This could be quite serious -o!” “See how this aeroplane is shaking? Eh! God have mercy!”

had to look away from Chinua Achebe and his friend. They were in stitches! They went on chuckling through the storm, and even on the tarmac, after we had landed safely. They might have shared some anxiety about the safety of the plane with all of us, but the delight they took from the obvious consternation of the two bloated businessmen seemed to have overcome that concern. Or they might have simply left everything to divine discretion, enjoying their fun, having been assured that GOD IS IN CONTROL. The flights I have cited above ended safely. The Dana Airline flight that recorded the highest carnage of any air disaster in Nigeria did not. Would that mean that God was not in control in that particular case? Could we then subscribe to the existence of a God who would withhold his control over situations that would be inimical to the safety of his creatures — of his children?

Let us not nurse any doubt about this: God works in ways that we do not know, but He is good to all that he has made, all of the time

Let us not nurse any doubt about this: God works in ways that we do not know, but He is good to all that he has made, all of the time. But there are the basic laws of nature which He established with creation, and they are immutable in all normal circumstances, except the miraculous. If a man should insert his hand in fire, he will get burnt. If he does not get burnt, that is a miracle — and that is what we cannot explain, but it would yet be believable. However, if all the laws binding the cosmos are satisfied, we would always experience the munificent control of our Maker’s presence in every undertaking of human beings.

nd as we know, no human undertaking is more vital to the progress and well-being of homo sapiens than movement. In this day and age, no movement is more vital than air travel. It is what makes us fit physically into the global village which our advancement has turned our world into. God was in control too during that tragic flight last Sunday, but an aspect of the laws which sustain human existence must have been disobeyed, or overlooked. That is what may be discovered in the “black box” of the ill-fated aircraft which, fortunately, was recovered. The revelations distilled from it may dispel some suspicions or speculations; or they may confirm regrettable actions that consequently cut down so many beautiful flowers in the prime of their bloom, to plunge a whole nation into grievous mourning. I happen to know some of the casualties, and can only pray that their souls may find eternal peace with their Maker. The findings from the investigations that have been launched are for the years ahead. From them may be learnt ways of preventing any recurrence of this horror in our country. That is for the future. Tears, remorse and deep sorrow are for the present. However, no comfort can be found in more than the belief that GOD IS IN CONTROL.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012—17

C M Y K

18 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 9, 2012 I’m 27, dating a lady who is 24. She has not had sex before and getting her to make love is like war. She told me her greatest fear is getting pregnant, that her parents would be disappointed if she gets pregnant outside marriage. She also said she doesn’t believe in abortions and would not have an abortion if she gets pregnant. I have tried convincing her that it is not possible to get pregnant the first time a girl has sex but it is difficult to convince her. Please help me explain that to her. ually transmitted disease Kingsley, Benin City (STD) anytime you have sex, including the first time. ActuDear Kingsley, ally, whenever people have I am really going to diverse any kind of sexual contact from your position on this mat- (oral, anal, or vaginal), they ter. The truth is that a girl can run the risk of getting an STD become pregnant the first time and the female can get pregshe has sex. Anytime a girl nant. But you can reduce the has vaginal sex with a guy, chance of pregnancy and she is at risk of becoming STDs through abstinence. The pregnant. Even if a guy ejac- only way to completely preulates outside of but near a vent pregnancy and STDs is to girl’s vagina or pulls out be- abstain from all types of sex, fore he comes, a girl can get including oral, vaginal, and pregnant. anal sex. It’s also possible to get a sexAnd have you considered

Is it right to have breast pains during my period?

Can a girl get pregnant the first time she has sex? condoms? If you must have sex, condoms are the best way to prevent pregnancy and STDs. Talk with your partner beforehand and let her know that condoms are necessary, not optional if she eventually succumbs to your pressure. And always toss a back-up condom in your purse before you go out, just in case because of your desperation. But also be aware that if you and your partner had unprotected sex or a condom broke, you should see your doctor for pregnancy and STD tests.

I’m not ready for sex, but everyone is doing it Aunty Julie, I’m a 19 year-old girl girl who doesn’t want to have sex, but everyone around me is doing it. Should I give in? I’m freaked out about sex and I just don’t want to give up my virginity so soon. I just moved from my village to the city. Things are changing so fast and it seems like teens are even more pressured to have sex in the cities. Most of the girls are doing it. I asked if they are going to quit and they look at me like I’m someone from the moon. I’m the odd girl out and I am sick of it. I don’t think guys even like me!Also, I’m beginning to think about sex a lot. Is it normal? Ihuoma, Enugu Dear Ihuoma, We all develop at our own pace ,some earlier, some later.

It’s all normal. What’s important is to pay attention to your own pace and respect it, to know what you feel ready for and what you don’t. There’s no rush. It’s good to take your time. Your common sense about STD’s and sex shows you’re more mature than lots of people your age. It’s hard to feel like the odd one out. But there are others who feel like you, even in a big town. Find friends based on your interests, friends you can have fun with. There are guys and girls out there who aren’t interested in rushing into sex . There’s plenty of time for things to happen for you. By taking things at a pace that’s right for you, you’ll build a stronger sense of self-respect and self-confidence! On thinking about sex a lot,

C O C K - T A L E S Grass eater A man and a woman started to have sex in the middle of a dark forest. After about 15 minutes of it, the man finally gets up and says, “Damn, I wish I had a flashlight!”. The woman says, “Me too, you’ve been eating grass for the past ten minutes!” Exam fever A teacher was wrapping up class, and started talking about tomorrow’s final exam. He said there would be no excuses for not showing up tomorrow, barring a dire medical condition or an immediate family member’s death. One male student said, “What about extreme sexual exhaustion?”, and the whole classroom burst into laughter. After the laughter had subsided, the teacher glared at the student, and said, “Not an excuse, you can use your other hand to write.” C M Y K

it’s normal at your age to think about sex occasionally or frequently. As people mature physically and emotionally, they become increasingly curious about their sexuality and their own bodies. As your body goes through many changes and your hormones fluctuate, you will start noticing people who you find attractive. It’s normal to feel a sexual attraction and even to find yourself daydreaming often about no one in particular. Sometimes thinking about sex is unavoidable, like in dreams. And sometimes, you might start to think about it in a setting with a lot of people , like school. Whether you think about it a lot or a little, it’s only natural to be curious and have thoughts about sex. But like you said, you are not ready. Therefore , don’t rush into it. Wait.

Dear Aunty Julie, I am 23 years old and I started my menstruation when I was 13. Then, I had no breasts but as I started developing breasts, I realised my problems began.I started having aches in my breasts. This happens every time. I kept hoping that it will stop eventually but up till now, it has not. Will it go away eventually? And will wearing a more supportive bra help? My friends told me that it would not stop until I start having children. I need your advice. Julia, Lagos Dear Julia, Lots of girls get aching in their breasts before their periods start. The aches are caused by changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone,

which are responsible for a girl’s menstrual cycle. For some girls, these aches are less frequent as they grow older. But that’s not the case for everyone.Some women continue to get aches in their breasts for as long as they have their periods. So what can you do? Cutting back on salt and caffeine may help. Wearing a supportive bra during this time may make you more comfortable. And taking a pain reliever can help reduce pain. Regular exercise may also help lessen menstrual breast pain. Obviously, certain types of exercise (like running) may make things worse during the time when your breasts are hurting. So on those days, stick with an exercise that has lower impact, such as walking.

How can I help a friend who was raped? Dear Julia, I met a young lady who I became very friendly with. She is 17 now and beautiful but there is something weird about her. She doesn’t come to my place when any of my brothers is around or there is any male in the house. I was worried about her to the point that I called her and asked her what her problem is. At that point, I realised that sometimes, she would get to my house and then turn back on realisation that there is a male in the house. When I prodded , she told me that when she was 13, she was raped but she quickly changed the subject. I want to talk to her about it but I don’t want to upset her. What should I do? Angelle, Benin Dear Angelle, Sometimes, friends want us to know stuff that’s happened to them so we can understand them better. But even when

people share information about themselves, they may not always be ready to talk about it. That’s especially true when talking brings up difficult or painful memories. Your friend may want to talk more about it with you, or she may not. You can simply be honest: Let her know you’re willing to listen if she ever wants to talk more about it, but you don’t want to upset her by bringing it up. That way, she knows you’re open to hearing more and you leave the decision to her. You also could ask your friend if she’s ever talked to anyone else about what happened. Lots of NGOs have rape crisis therapists who are trained to listen and help. Whether or not you talk more about this together, your friend knows she has someone who’s willing to listen and care. And you have a friend who’s willing to confide. That means a lot.

She’s moving too fast for me My name is Pedro. I’m 29 years . Recently, I met this new lady and we have been dating. I’m somebody who usually wants to be sure before I do anything. I’m not having any doubts about our relationship but I believe in taking one step at a time. But sometimes, I feel like we’re moving too fast. She is already thinking about marriage and pointing out the kind of house she would want us to have but I cannot remember discussing marriage with her yet. What should I do? Pedro, Minna

pects of it physical, emotional, or both move faster than one of the participants might be ready for. Your head might spin with questions about what to do next, and if that’s the case, the good news is that it’s perfectly natural to feel a bit pressured or uncomfortable. One person might be ready to talk about love or other serious commitment-talk before the other feels ready to respond similarly. There might be a disagreement on the amount of time spent together either with other friends or alone. The important thing is how you and your partner handle it. Dear Pedro, However you feel, it’s good to be The early excitement of a new re- honest with yourself and your partlationship often makes certain as- ner about your feelings. Talk to

your girlfriend about what you like and want in the relationship, and about which aspects are going faster than you can keep up with. Find out what she thinks about these things, too. Talking about this stuff is good and part of any healthy relationship even if it feels awkward at first. Once you get the conversation started, you might even find that your girlfriend is not as fast as you think or at the very least understands your concerns and appreciates your honesty. It’s also good for both of you to know that you can discuss serious matters in a mature way.

SATURDAY

Vanguard JUNE 9, 2012—19

That way, we can hear subtle chatter of lawyers and visitors waiting outside to see the wife I’m busy bonking! And when I’m not with her, it turns me on no end, thinking of my wife sitting behind the huge desk in her office, and wondering when our next ‘fix’ will be!”

ith all the innova tive sex going on all over the place, a couple shouldn’t make lack of fulfilling sex the culprit in the success of their relationship. Chris, a friend of decades, prides himself on being one of the few whose escapades make my scoop once in a while. A highly successful lawyer, his wife of over 20 years and the mother of two lovely girls was made a judge a few years back and Chris couldn’t be happier. I barely asked how his wife was recently when this dirty smirk sprang to his face. “We’re on our second honeymoon,” he bragged. I rolled my eyes. Here we go again. “Seriously, we are,” he assured. “It all happened when I called at Vivian’s (his wife) new office. You know judges are always encouraged to wear sober colours, and I couldn’t get over how different she looked when I got to her office. I had come to discuss a major case I was handling but became intrigued by all the _trappings of power that surrounded Vivian. I was actually proud of her—her suit sat well with her too. t stood for so much more than a job—it was proof that my wife was now bound to be upstanding and moral. As strange as it was, I started feeling turned on by my wife’s new aura. She knew why I was in her office and had told her secretary not to let any visitor in. After our quick chat, I stood up to give her a goodbye kiss and found myself pulling her to me and giving her a long, lingering passionate tonguetingling kiss that hadn’t happened between us in the last few years. Vivian looked stunned and protested she was in the office with a lot of people at the reception wanting to see her. That turned me on more. Sex was the last thing 1’d been thinking when I called at Vivian’s office but that kiss had really aroused me—and I was delighted when I caught the look of desire in my wife’s eyes. It was clear she too wanted to make love, so I kissed her some

Why not turn your spouse into your lover? more, deftly itching her knickers to one side, unbuckling my trousers and making wild love to my wife - in her big office and on top

desire. It felt so naughty making love to her, knowing there were respectable people sitting patiently, waiting to see her,

After our quick chat, I stood up to give her a goodbye kiss and found myself pulling her to me and giving her a long, lingering passionate tongue-tingling kiss

of her desk! “The sex lasted just a few minutes —it couldn’t last any longer as we hadn’t made love for weeks and it’s been years since we’d been so carried away by raw, urgent

oblivious to the lust-fuelled act we were carrying on virtually under their nose! “The spontaneity of the sex made it very explosive and extremely invigorating. ‘Afterwards, I stepped into

the reception and was greeted by her visitors. It was all I could do to suppress the dirty laugh that threatened to come out. I kissed my wife chastely on the cheeks instead, proud at the lustful gleam in her eyes. I was on high all afternoon, with constant, wonderful sex flashbacks making me grin as I went about my work. Back home that night, Vivian and I were all over each other the minute the children were asleep. Ever since then. I’ve made it a duty to call at that impressive office of hers when she least expects and Vivian now looks forward to our occasional romps in her office. She confessed she was often so aroused when she was working, wondering if I might dash in for a quickie at any second. And whenever I do pop in, we’re all over each other in seconds, in a frenzy of lust. We always make love in her office, not in the en-suite toilet.

t was an effort picking my jaw off the floor. “Are you now suggesting that husbands should go to their wives’ offices and ravage them, hoping that would revive their dormant sexual desire?” I asked him. “You’re putting me on, aren’t you?” he asked croakily. “To each his own, I say. It might not be in the office. It could be anywhere. I have a friend who gets a kick at making love to his wife whenever they have a full house of visitors. His rounded eyes always followed her, and as soon as she’s in the bedroom, he quickly followed and would be all over her. In minutes, it’s all over. Not very many people could guess what goes on at this slight interlude, but a few of us know and I tell you, I used to be envious. Now I know what tonic those short and furious romps could be. The fact that it is taboo to have sex in the office makes the wonderful sessions with my wife an opportunity for the bad randy side of me to be unleashed. Just think of it, isn’t it fun for you to have an affair, and with your wife? It costs you nothing. On the contrary, it enhances your marriage. And, seriously, I never knew Vivian could be as lustfully adventurous as she’s turned out to be. “The tragedy would be if I hadn’t tapped into my wife’s potentials, leaving it to another randy goat to proposition her. And it could happen. Now, she could laugh at men lusting after her knowing her husband is always ever ready to fulfill her wildest sexual fantasy!”things we’re grateful for, have been shown to make a real difference.

Simple pleasures are all you need to beat the blues here are some sure five ways experts have come up with to put a smile back on your face—and here are FIVE of the things they agreed will make us happier... Make a new friend: Studies show that being able to count at least 10 people as good friends makes us happy. But having dozens of friends makes us even happier. Researchers have also found that childhood mates are no more likely to make us happy C M Y K

than people we become close to later in life. So, it’s never too late to know someonebetter. Put the radio on: Listening to music makes us so happy that it can perk us up even when we’re doing something we usually hate. Listening to gentle classical music can help keep us happy by calming us down. Take a brisk walk: Even a single session of moderate exercise lasting 20-30 minutes can give our mood an instant and natural lift. In addition to

releasing endorphins— the body ’s feel-good hormones—exercise raises body temperature by one to two degrees. Treat Yourself: Experts say that lots of small simple pleasures make us much happier than on big one. So, use any spare cash to give yourself a little treat every day or every week, such as a favourite magazine, a tasty snack or new music, rather than spending it on one slap-up meal or

Experts say that lots of small simple pleasures make us much happier than on big one

trip to an expensive salon. Count your Blessings: Psychologists say that simple techniques such as listing our strengths and

using them in new ways every day, or keeping a journal where every night we write down three

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

ometimes it feels impossible to find someone who’s right for you, and who thinks you’re right for him or her! So when it happens,you’re usually so psyched that you don’t even mind what else goes on around you and you feel miserable about the development. Nothing is as bad as unappreciated love. It’s totally normal to look at the world through rosecoloured glasses in the early stages of a relationship. But for some people, those rosecoloured glasses turn into blinders that keep them from seeing that a relationship isn’t as healthy as it should be. What makes a healthy relationship? Hopefully, you and your significant other are treating each other well. Not sure if that’s the case? Take a step back from the dizzying sensation of being swept off your feet and think about whether your relationship has the right qualities. Does he or she get how cool you are and why? The key is that your partner is into you for who you are, for your great sense of humour and so on. Does your partner listen when you say you’re not comfortable doing something and then back off right away? Respect in a relationship means that each person values who the other is, and understands and would never challenge the other person’s boundaries. Now think about this. You’re talking with another guy and your main beau walks by. Does s/he completely lose his cool or keep walking because s/he knows you’d never cheat on him/her? It’s okay to get a little jealous sometimes and jealousy is a natural emotion. But how a person reacts when feeling jealous is what matters. There’s no way you can have a healthy relationship if you don’t trust each other. This one goes hand-in-hand with trust because it’s tough to trust someone when one of you isn’t being honest. Have you ever caught your beau in a major lie? Like s/he told you that s/he had to work very late but it turned out s/he was at the movies with his/her friends? The next time s/he says s/he has to work, you’ll have a lot more trouble believing her/him and the trust will be on shaky ground.

t’s not just in bad times that your partner should support you. Some people are great when your whole world is falling apart but can’t take being there when things are going right and vice versa. In a healthy relationship, your significant other is there with a shoulder to cry on when things are going awry and to celebrate with you when you have hit it big. You need to have give-andtake in your relationship, too. As a couple, do you hang out with your partner’s friends as often as you hang out with yours? It’s not like you have to keep a running count and make sure things are exactly even, of course. But you’ll know if it isn’t a pretty fair balance. Things get bad really fast when C M Y K

It feels like love but is it? a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get his or her way all the time. n a normal relationship, everyone needs to make compromises. But that doesn’t mean you should feel like you’re losing out on being yourself. When you started going out, you both had your own lives (families, friends, interests, hobbies, etc.) and that shouldn’t change. Neither of you should have to pretend to

Can I stop myself from having wet dreams?

’m a young man of twenty two and I have a girl friend with whom I started having sex regularly. But every morning when I wake up, I feel embarrassed to notice that the bedsheet is soiled because I had wet dreams. I have been embarrassed that even after making love with my girlfriend, I still have wet dreams. Sometimes, I find it difficult sleeping outside the house or staying over at a friend’s place because I don’t want to mess myself up. Moreover, my friends have advised me to stop wearing tight pants as according to them, wearing tight pants weakens the sperm. Is it true? Samson, Abeokuta Ans: You really can’t stop wet dreams, since they happen while you’re asleep. Sometimes, guys wake up after a wet dream, other times they don’t.

If you’re worried, try sleeping with a towel nearby. If you’re sleeping at a friend’s house, have a change of underwear with you. Scientists believe wet dreams are caused by a rise in levels of the hormone testosterone that happens in a guy’s body during puberty. The good news is that guys usually grow out of wet dreams as they get older. Chances are, some of your friends have had wet dreams too. They ’re pretty common. But wet dreams are one of those topics people don’t talk about. Wet dreams aren’t a sign of a health problem, and they don’t cause any harm. But they can be confusing and embarrassing . So, it can help to ask your doctor about wet dreams or any other questions you have about your body. Concerning the issue of wearing tight-

*J.P. Chijioke, 28, wants a Christian lady who is employed and a Pentecostal for marriage on 08139634246. *Obazu, 23, based in Akwa-Ibom, desires to meet a good lady of 18-28 who lives in Akwa-Ibom on 08134854891. *Tony, 27, needs a presentable lady who resides in Benin on 08067205632. *Precious, 28, from Delta State, based in Lagos, wants a serious-minded man for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage on 08034879270. *S.A., 55, resident in Edo State, desires a lady of 34-40, also based in Edo or Delta States for a relationship that would lead to marriage on 07058040590. *Tybess, businessman, 30, from Auchi, resident in Warri, Delta State, needs a pretty woman for marriage on 08077622230. *Bernard, 35, based in Lagos, wants to meet an employed Christian lady of 27-31 for marriage on 07031248022. *Martins, 38, employed, Christian, fair, needs an employed woman of 28-30 for a marital relationship on 08070635409. *Aroma, male, 30, graduate, employed, desires a lovely lady of 18-29 for a serious relationship on 08169188232. *Iretiola, 29, from Osun

like something you don’t, or give up seeing your friends, or drop out of activities you love. And you also should feel free to keep developing new talents or interests, making new friends, and moving forward. You’ve probably heard lots of stuff about how men and women don’t seem to speak the same language. We all know how many different meanings the little phrase “no, nothing’s wrong” can have, depending on who’s saying it! But what’s important is to ask if you’re not sure what he or she means, and speak honestly and openly so that the miscommunication is avoided in the first place. Never keep a feeling bottled up because you’re afraid it’s not what your partner wants to hear or because you worry about sounding silly. And if you need some time to think something through before you’re ready to talk about it, the right person will give you some space to do that if you ask for it.

fitting pants, some studies have shown a decrease in sperm count from wearing tight-fitting underwears, others have not. The testicles may seem like they just get in the way sometimes. But the main reason “the boys” are on the outside of the body is because the body’s internal temperature of 98.6° F is too hot for sperm production. So by “hanging out,” the scrotum keeps sperm a few degrees cooler. Too much heat can lower sperm count (but not enough to act as a form of birth control). So tight clothing and underwear that keep testicles closer to body heat in theory may affect sperm count. But many experts think there isn’t enough of a temperature change to make any significant difference.

State, Christian, educated, needs a Godly man of 31-40 on 08095611994. *Dennis, 38, Urhobo, teacher, based in Sapele, needs a government employed school teacher or nurse from Delta State aged 25-30 for marriage on 07051023628. *Dan, 37, fair, body-builder, funny and caring desires a responsible, pretty lady for marriage on 08102515566. *Jacob, from Kogi State, based in Asaba, Delta State, needs a lady on 08062196210. *Sam, 35, from Delta State, is searching for a mature lady of 35-40 for marriage on 07061522928. *Philip, resident in Port-Harcourt, needs a God-fearing lady, aged 18-26 on 08036695996. *Stanley, male, needs a responsible relationship with a young lady on 07034813451. *Nina, 26, Christian, fun loving, wants to meet a generous guy of 30-35 on 08029979138. *Mark, 30, based in Warri, is looking for a responsible lady, aged 22-32 for a serious relationship on 08062229008. *David, 44, Christian, from Lagos, needs a lady of 30-40 years for marriage on 08122196089.

Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked? Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012—21

ast Sunday, June 3,2012, a Boeing McDonnel Douglas 83 aircraft operated by Dana Airlines ploughed into homes in IjuIshaga area of Lagos, burst into flames minutes later killing all 153 passengers on board including some people in their homes. The blackberry messages that went round requested urgent need of emergency services to come to the aid of victims. That took a while to happen and by the time they arrived the crash site was flooded with tonnes of people who wanted to have a peek at the wreckage and some a morbid action of even stealing from the dead. Getting to the crashed aircraft and maybe commencing rescue was hampered due to the bad access route which made it almost impossible for rescue equipment and vehicles to be moved into the area. The police were helpless as more people thronged the area. This incident coming at a time when Nigerians were beginning to heave a sigh of relief at the reduction in the pace of aircraft mishaps and

info@katehenshaw.com

It could have been any one of us. the forthcoming changes in our airports which are long overdue. Needless to say this has thrown up even more pertinent questions and put the microscope on the safety regulations and checks being

commensurate with the charge. It is always a case of fleecing the passengers without offering any service at all . Flights are delayed at will with no explanation or even out rightly cancelled

t is inevitable that we all shuffle off this mortal coil one day and much as we go about our day, hustling and making ends meet, we know in our hearts that not all of us will live to a ripe old age. Some have a premonition of when they will die, some just pass on in their sleep but when death is caused by gross negligence and greed of someone or company or government agency then such action is not only criminal, it is a sin that surely will not escape judgement from above.

The airport facilities are nothing to write home about,and even the new MM2 has lost its shine

applied in the aviation industry with regards to the operation of airlines and the age of aircrafts allowed to fly our airspace. In the past year or so, airlines have increased their tariffs and at one point there was the passenger service charge added to the cost after one must have purchased a ticket to travel by air. I wonder what the PSC is for as I do not feel any service is being offered

and there is nothing one can do about it. No compensation, no apology, nothing. Take it or leave it. The airport facilities are nothing to write home about,and even the new MM2 has lost its shine. A visit to the convenience and use of the lifts are unpleasant. The ill fated Dana aircraft was said to be over 22 years old,and how it passed safety regulations, if it did at all despite previous short comings,

was allowed into the airspace, is not the fault of the company alone but also that of people who are in charge of regulating and making sure that safety standards are strictly adhered to. People who are meant to stop bad practices. Who is responsible for this? Who certified them 0k to fly when they were not? It will not surprise me if money changed hands and someone/some people looked the other way. The price for this betrayal is the loss of lives of loved ones who had no inkling of what tragedy would befall them. A whole family wiped out is too hard to comprehend,and it is shocking at the very least.

arely few days ago, multiple accidents involving petrol tankers claimed two lives with the attendant material loss at the Lagos Ibadan Express Way. Repeated occurrence of such accidents is due to the deplorable shape of the road in question which has swallowed billions of Naira in supposed contracts awarded to reconstruct it. Why do we keep doing this to fellow

“

pledge to Nigeria my country,” I began confidently; “to be faithful loyal and honest, to serve ….” Ugh??!! And for the life of me I could not get past that point. I started over like twice, but there was nothing for it. Maybe because I was caught unawares but there it was, captured on video tape for posterity and to my everlasting shame. The anthem and pledge are two of the most basic symbols C M Y K

flew the Dana Aircraft flight 993 on Sunday, June 3, 2012 to Abuja. It was meant to depart at 12:06pm but we did not take off till about 12:45pm. The aircraft landed about 55mins later. I had wanted to return with it to Lagos but was delayed and could not meet up. I bought a First Nation ticket instead and when I arrived at the airport, I learnt of the crash. I was in total shock, weak and numb thinking that could have been me. There is no amount of weeping that will make this right. This was not an act of God. It was brought about by human negligence. If we do the right thing, put down the necessary standards and checks that are needed,we would avert heartbreaking mishaps and spare ourselves untold hardship. In closing, I ask this question, will we ever get there? Will we ever make it out of this black hole as a nation? Will we ever hear the sound of the cock crow heralding a new dawn? I pray the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,and the Lord gives those who have lost friends, family, colleagues the fortitude to bear these great loss.

that Dana plane crash are feeling any ‘allegiance’ right now. It is bad enough when it is a freak accident; but for a disaster of such magnitude to have been set off by such gross negligence as is being reported is unacceptable and hard if not impossible to forgive.

I pledge to Nigeria my country….. I of national unity. And the words of both should be deeply engrained and engraved on the hearts of every true patriot. The words a constant reminder of the allegiance we owe. Then again how do you swear allegiance to something or someone who just keeps on taking and taking and never gives anything back? “I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest…” Where? In a place where the only loyalty is to money and dishonesty is encouraged and thrives unchecked? “To serve Nigeria with all my strength…? Why? So that a

small percentage can continue to exist in obscene wealth and comfort while the majority wallow in abject poverty? “To defend her unity…” Our unity has been polarised by sociopolitical issues that have taken on, and divided us along religious and ethnic lines. “To

pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest. To serve Nigeria will all my strength, to defend her unity, uphold her honour and glory, so help me God.” That has to be the weirdest thing anyone has asked me on the ‘red carpet’. I was walking the media gauntlet at a movie awards ceremony when suddenly out of the blue the lady holding the microphone asked me to recite the National Anthem. “Excuse me?” I said. I thought she was joking. But then she repeated the question so I placed my hand over my heart and began to recite it you see, because I knew it.

citizens? Why has life suddenly become nothing more than fodder? How many times will a contractor be awarded a job and not do it without repercussion, no one deems it fit to make sure that work is actually carried out? There has been too much blood letting in this country, and living in Nigeria is now becoming a huge risk for it is not just the mode of travel one chooses as you can be in your home and disaster will strike all the same.

uphold her honour and glory…”For what? We dishonour ourselves and drag our glory in the mud on a daily basis both home and away. It’s hard to love this country right now. I doubt if the relatives of the 150 plus souls that so needlessly perished in

There is enough evidence out there to show that something definitely was wrong

am personally disappointed that it took all of 72 hours to suspend their operational licence. And up until now no arrests have been made. There is enough evidence out there to show that something definitely was wrong. Question is to what extent and who’s responsible. Madam Aviation Minister should pursue this with the same vigour and tenacity with which she pursed the fight with British Airways to lower the cost of first class travel. Once again we suffer a painful consequence of years of corruption, greed and neglect of ‘leaders’ and the complacency of the ‘led’. May we one day awake from this deep and terrible slumber so help us God!

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

CONTROVERSY!

Enebeli Enebuwa lied — Pastor Sign Fireman T

Pastor Sign Fireman.

he last may not have been heard about the controversial healing of ailing veteran actor, Enebeli Enebuwa who has been down with stroke for more than a year now by the general overseer of Perfect Christianity Ministry, Surulere, Pastor Sign Fireman. Enebeli, last week still on his sickbed debunked the news making the rounds that he has received his healing, courtesy of the controversial pastor. Reacting to the story, the ailing actor, who is still on admission in an Abuja hospital admitted that he visited the man of God. But he maintained that despite the visit, his condition didn’t improve as captured in the video allegedly released on Youtube by the pastor. Angered by this development, pastor Fireman, last weekend held a press conference where he cleared the air in his Lekki residence. This is his own side of the story: “ Enebeli claimed that I contacted his family pleading with them that I could heal him. This is a white lie because I was not in the country at that time he was referring to. If I travelled abroad and contacted his family to bring him, was I contacting them to bring him abroad? How could I have contacted them to bring Enebeli to the church for me to heal him when I was abroad?

On the contrary, we have a video, capturing where he was begging me to pray for him on the day he was brought to the church but I ignored him. The video also captured how I gave him my reason that when he had a similar ailment in 2010, and came to my church, I prayed for him and told him to go through our programme which he didn’t deem necessary to do. The video capture him explaining that after God used me to heal him, he travelled to Benin to shoot a movie. I still refused to pray for him. When I saw him crying and begging, I couldn’t bear it anymore, as I was moved to minister unto him. However, unlike the video on Youtube, our video captured Enebeli walking without any aid. This again showed that the old man was lying, because a national newspaper on June 1, reported that Enebeli told them two people were holding his legs. Watch our video and tell me if anybody held his legs. We also have pictures to buttress our claims. “Our video also showed where I told him about the importance of continuity in order to sustain his healing. Everybody in the healing ministry today know, the importance of “Healing School.” After ministering to Enebeli, he did not return to complete the process.” Asked why the ailing actor lied against him, the Pastor replied; “ he knows that it was all his fault that he didn’t complete his healing process. Yet he was too proud to tell

the world the truth. If I' m a fake man of God as he tried to paint me, when he had a similar case and ran to my church in 2010, I prayed for him, was the miracle fake? “We still have the video and other proofs. After his healing, he also came to our church for thanksgiving, and even laid down at the altar thanking God for his healing. Was his thanksgiving fake? Additionally, the movies that he featured in between 2010 and last year before he fell sick were evidence that he was healed. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have featured in

am a patron of Nollywood. I have my certificate and ID card as a proof of this claim. I know that posting some kinds of videos of their healing online will endanger their career. So, I have never done it before. “Somebody in the congregation probably recorded the healing with his or her camera phone. I couldn’t have p o s t e d anything on the internet that would tarnish the Pastor Fireman ministering healing on Enebeli image of the veteran actor. Since he has chosen to lie against me, I have a duty to clear my name. I have kept quiet enough about people telling lies against me. “If doubting whether my President, Alex Eyengho healing ministry is real or stated that Nigeria's presence not, over one hundred people, including some at the conference will further members of the Lagos State enhance her membership of Chapter of AGN who came FIAPF besides advertising the for thanksgiving in one of my Nollywood brand globally. . branches towards the end of “Nollywood is no doubt a last year can tell better. Mr. major factor at the global level Emeka Rising, and AGN BoT today as far as film production chairman, Mr. Ifeanyi Dike is concerned. The Nollywood were present on that day. brand has been further Enebeli Enebuwa’s case is boosted with Nigeria’s likeable to that of a man who got his healing (for the membership of FIAPF. Created second time), yet failed to in 1933, FIAPF is the only maintain it.At the moment, existing global trade he's confused on how to tell organization dedicated to the Nigerians that he received defense and promotion of the his healing initially, but legal, economic and creative because of disobidence, he interests of film producers lost it. However, I forgive throughout the world." him. I still love him.” ANCOP President stated.

Nollywood storms China for confab on copyright T

Alex Eyengho

C M Y K

he Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood, will be fully represented at the forthcoming Diplomatic Conference on the Protection of A u d i o v i s u a l Performances, scheduled to hold in Beijing, China. The ultimate aim of the conference, which begins on June 20 will effect the signing of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Audiovisual Perfor mances treaty. Proceedings at the international conference,

which is taking place under the auspices of WIPO, will be simultaneously interpreted from, and into English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish, and from Portuguese into other six languages. Ace filmmakers and members of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Alex Eyengho, Madu C. Chikwendu and Gabriel O. Okoye (Igwe Gabosky) were among a 20man delegation of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF), already accredited to attend the Beijing Diplomatic Conference. A release by ANCOP

those movies. We have the video of when he confirmed these facts the last time he visited our church. If I were to be a fake pastor, was his first healing fake? If it was fake, why did he come back after two years for another “fake” healing? “Meanwhile, on the day of his first and second healing, some of his Nollywood colleagues witnessed the healing. Those actors and actress who were present during the two separate occasions he received his healing in the church have been calling me, and were mad about the lies he told the media against me. Some of them are ready to testify that Enebeli lied against me!” On the controversial video posted on the net, "we are not responsible for it. In our church, people sometimes video things with their phones. Up till now, I have never posted any video of the healing of a star on the net. I

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012—23

Genevieve Nnaji is brand ambassador of Range Rovers SUV

AfricaMagic out with Star Gist A

frica Magic Entertainment is set to launch a new programme better known as Star Gist, the continent’s very own answer to showbiz buzz, up-to-theminute entertainment and trend news. This glamorous new show, with equally hip presenters, 25-year-old Vimbai Mutinhiri who hails from Zimbabwe and South African Lawrence Maleka, 22. Star Gist, according to M-net, is all about giving viewers exclusive star profiles, BTS (behind-the-scenes), features, and continental and international headlines- on the daily. It also includes red

carpet glam, inside info and unprecedented access into the world of African and international celebrity royalty. Programme highlights on the channel include Business movers and shakers being profiled as they share amazing human success stories from around Africa, music reviews, luxury toy round-ups, jets, hot cars, latest gadgets and up-to-the minute technology, such as cool applications for iPods or tablets. The Star Gist gig guide is a must every Monday and Friday and will focus on events around major cities and the continent.

Prese

*Programme presenters

Funke Akindele wins again! ...as Ogunde resurrects in his son at YMAA

Genevieve

ctress Genevieve Nnaji has made another history. This time, she has sealed a multi-million naira Range Rover's deal. The pretty actress who was one time face of lux and currently the face of MUD cosmetics has emerged the brand ambassador of Range Rovers SUV brands in Nigeria. Information filtered out during the week that the company represented in the country by Coscharis was

undecided as to who will be the brand representative and top on their list was Genevieve Nnaji and Desmond Elliot. But at last, Genevieve got the deal. No doubt, the popular actress is steadily growing to become a global brand. HVP gathered that the actress will earn about $100,000 in the first six months of the deal. Subsequent months would make her about $250,000 richer.

on of the doyen of Nigerian theatre, Hubert Ogunde, Bayo Ogunde last Sunday invoked the spirit of his late father when he mounted the stage to receive a posthumous award in his honour. The event was the maiden edition of the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards(YMAA), which held at the new ultramodern June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. It was attended by A-list actors from the Yoruba movie sector. As soon as he mounted the stage, Bayo who happened to be the first son of the departed thespian recreated to the surprise of everyone the image of Ogunde by presenting a scintillating performance of one of his favourite songs. Clad in white brocade, Bayo dramatically moved from one

Untold story of Lancelot Imasuen’s face-off with business partner L ast week, reports had it that Nollywood award winning director, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen was arrested and detained following a misunderstanding between him and his busness partner, Mr John Chukwuma Abua, in respect of the ownership of

Lancelot Imasuen C M Y K

the award winning film "Adesuwa." However, contrary to the reports, the celebrated director cum producer is currently in far away Israel. He travelled to Israel last Friday, where he is expected to be a special guest at the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival. He will be delivering a keynote address on the Nigeria film industry at the event. But in a statement he posted on his media company ’s website, and Facebook page, Lancelot refuted the claim that there is an ongoing ownership tussle over the movie. “I would ordinarily have not reacted to this issue because it is infantile. All over the world, it is common knowledge that a Director

owns a movie and in the case of Adesuwa, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is the director and producer of Adesuwa. John Sources Films is the Executive Producer. They brought about 65 per cent of the money while my company Lancelot Imasuen Media Network provided the balance as dictated by the contract.” According to him, signs that all was not well began to show some weeks prior to the Abuja premiere of "Adesuwa" in March when John Abua, accused Imasuen of taking the shine off him especially in the media. He said his role as the Executive Producer was not being highlighted and that he was also not getting a fair share of the media publicity Imasuen was enjoying through the film.

* A cross-section of the Yoruba movie stars at the event. end of the expansive stage to the other, dancing and enchanting in a manner that invoked the spirit of his late father . His performance, however, drew a thunderous ovation from the audience, including the wife of the state governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun who could not help but appreciated the immense contribution of Ogunde to the development of theatre tradition in Nigeria. Ogunde was not the only thespian that was honoured at the event which was dedicated to celebrating Yoruba movie stars. Other awardees include , Chief Lere Paimo, Tunde kelani, Moses Olaiya, Late Alade Aromire, actress Idowu Phillips(Mama rainbow), Abiodun Duro Ladipo (Moremi) and Adeyemi Afolayan(Ade Love). The night’s big winners were newly wedded Funke Akindele who clinched the ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role Award’ and prolific actor cum producer,

Odunlade Adekola who won the ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role Award.’Unfortunately, Funke was not in the country to receive the award. Winners also emerged from other categories. Saheed Osupa bagged the Best Musician in a Leading Role Award while Gabriel Afolayan won ‘ The Most promising actor’as well as Abbey Lanre who went home with the Best Director award. Also, the Best Actress in a support role award was won by Peju Ogunmola, just as Adebayo Salami clinched the Best Actor in a supporting role. Afeez Oyetoro(Saka) bagged the Best Comedy actor award while the Best Cross over Actor was jointly won by Kelvin Ikeduba and Rykado Agbor amongst other awards. The highpoint of the glamorous award night, which happened to be the first of its kind in the state was the “traditional red carpet” and the classy Hummer Limousine shuttle which conveyed the nominees from their respective hotels to the venue of the event. Indeed, it was a new beginning for the various stakeholders in the Yoruba movie industry

24— Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

Uche Jombo returns after Terry G now secret wedding expectant father N OLLYWOOD actress Uche Jombo who secretly exchanged marital vows with her Puerto Rican lover, Kenny Rodriguez mid last month has returned to country after the wedding . The actress cum producer was spotted last weekend as she arrived the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. Uche was later spotted at the Nollywood Movie Awards, in Victoria Island, where she was nominated in the ‘Best Actress’ category for her role in her movie ‘Damage‘. However, she lost the award to Mercy Johnson.

By OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO IP-hop sensation, Gabriel Amanyi a.k.a Terry G must be a happy man at the moment. Information filtered out during the week stated that his UK based fiancee, Mimi Omoregbe is heavily pregnant. And the lovebirds are leaving no stone un-turn towards welcoming their bundle of joy. Though, they are yet to be married, sources close to the two lovers say the baby has bonded them together and marriage will definitely cement their relationship. At the moment, Mimi who hails from Edo State is three months away to the labour room, *Terry g and the Akpako master can’t wait to carry his baby.

*Uche Jombo

Yes magazine holds lecture/cocktail party NE of Nigeria’s hottest society magazines, Yes International is on the verge of expanding its frontier with its forthcoming inaugural lecture/ cocktail party. The maiden lecture entitled “Running A Successful Business”, holds on Tuesday,

June 19, 2012, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos. It is expected to be graced by eminent personalities, including, Mr. Udeme Ufot, GMD, So & U Saatchi and Saatchi, who is designated as the guest speaker and Barrister

Taiwo Adeoluwa, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, who will be attending the event as the guest of honour. The forthcoming occasion, holding under the chairmanship of cerebral scholar and politician, Prof. Pat Utomi, begins 11 a.m. prompt.

The lecture-cum-cocktail party is poised to draw participants from across the society ’s spectrum, especially important stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as the crème de la crème of the general society. According to Mr. Azuh Arinze,

publisher/Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, the lecture/cocktail party would definitely set a new trend in the business and management of soft-sell journalism. “At Yes International, we are truly poised to redefine and reposition soft-sell journalism because we are more than just a soft-sell magazine, which is also why we are setting the pace with this anniversary lecture/ cocktail.”

Gloria Ibru set to drop new album BY OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO FTER 25 years of stage performance with her band, one of the Ibru sisters, Gloria Ibru is currently in the studio recording her songs. Gloria is busy recording, and getting set for her debut album. Speaking on her forthcoming album, she said the album isn’t a straight jacket but mixture of all what she stands for on stage. According to her, the upcoming album will contain songs from different genre like highlife, Jazz and gospel songs. On the title of the album, Gloria said she still wants to keep it under warp for now. She however hinted that her fans should expect the best from her stable, and that the

*Azuh Arinze C M Y K

much-talked-about Gloria Ibru album, will definitely debut before the end of the year. It would be recalled that Gloria has been in the art of stage singing for many years now. As a daughter of high business mogul, Olorogun Michael Ibru, she is also said to be one of the super-rich Nigerian single ladies in the country. Due to her connections, she has been privilegedto

perrform in many high profile events both in and outside the country.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012 — 25

P Square, Flavour, others to rock Port Harcourt C

ome Friday, June 15, the duo of P-Square, Flavour and others will be rocking the stage at the Amstel Malta gig in the heart of Port-Harcourt. The show to hold inside the impressive Altrium Hall, promises the best of fun for entertainment lovers based in the oil city. Indeed, the fun is set to begin as Amstel Malta the nation’s number one Low Sugar malt drink, Amstel Malta brings to its consumers Amstel Malta Showtime, a unique activation platform that is getting set to rock cities across the country. After delivering on the promise of fun and excitement in its debut season, Amstel Malta Showtime is set to be explosive in the second edition. The first edition of the event certainly left indelible memories in the minds of those who attended. Given the caliber of superstars from the entertainment sector that performed, the event established itself as one of the leading entertainment activations in the country. Ace acts like P Square, Banky W, Wizkid, and the trio of MI, Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz of the Choc City fame, amongst others, made up the roll call of celebrities in the event that moved across four cities of the federation. There was also the impressive Darey ‘Art’ Alade, who was the compere while Buchi and Gandoki spiced up the events with their hilarious jokes. A year on and the locations where the superstars performed are still buzzing with the excitement. Now, it’s time for the second edition and the Amstel Malta brand has pledged that it is certainly going to be more mind-blowing than the previous edition. This year ’s edition will feature top stars including P square, Flavour, Naeto-C, WizKid, 9ice, Davido, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage amongst others. Amstel Malta Showtime which gives opportunities for gifted youngsters to “Be their best” on stage, will feature varieties such as singing, dancing and comedy contests where competitors display their talents in music, dance and comedy. Winners of the contest in each category will have the rare privilege to perform on the stage with the headlining superstars. This year ’s event will also see a vast improvement in the prizes being doled out to winners in each category. The winners in each category will also get a whooping sum of N500, 000, an iPad and a fully paid luxurious weekend getaway in Lagos. The second and third prize winners will get N250, 000 and N100, 000 respectively.

C M Y K

Just like last year, this year’s event will also be touching four cities with the event kicking off in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on Jun 15, 2012, with P Square and Favour thrilling the audience. There would also be rib cracking jokes by ace comedian, Senator, while ace dance group, Outrage, will also be present to entertain. Benin City in Edo State will be next for the train of excitement as Naeto C and Davido will take their turn to dazzle the audience on July 27, 2012. Comedy will be supplied by Buchi while Corporate Dance World will set the hall on fire with their electrifying dance steps.

Valerie

Meet Valerie Ineh

he ancient city of Ibadan will host 9ice and Tiwa Savage on August 31, 2012. Seyi Law will be the comedian of the day. Hit dance group, Outrage, will complete the ensemble of stars. The final leg of the event will be staged in Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, on October 5, 2012, with Tuface and Wiz Kid thrilling the audience. Ace comedian I Go Die, will be the comedian of the night while Corporate Dance World will thrill the audience with their exciting choreography. The show will further be spiced with special radio programmes which would air in the various cities where Amstel Malta Showtime will hold. The stations scheduled to air Amstel Malta Showtime are Cool FM and Family FM, all in Port Har-

BY OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO

P-Square court, Rivers State. Other stations include Rhythm FM and ITV in Benin, Edo State, while Ibadan-based radio stations,

BY AINA IYABO

Christy Essien -Igbokwe

hristy Essien -Igbokwe memorial foundation has finally organized their first events at the Memorial Foundation Lekki. The event was organized for the less privileged and physically chal-

lenged children. The events which feature various cultural displays including, singing competitions, fashion parade, arts and crafts ,and different kinds of games, added fun to the lives of the Memorial Foundation’s less privileged. At the event was a song presented by the ‘’lean on me’’ crooner, Bill Withers, who inspired everyone in attendance, including the children into a dancing mood. Speaking with one of the organizers, Mr Romeo Obika, who stated that the reason why they decided to organize the programme was to show love to the less privileged and physically challenged persons in the society. Mr Romeo went further to say that the foundation which was just four months old and

Splash FM and BCOS will also air the programme. Lagos State will have Beat FM, Cool FM and City FM.

their very first outing, aims at showing the society how to care for the poor , not to look down on the disabled but make them happy by showing them love and making them realize that there is ability in their disability. By doing these, according to him, “ the society will be a better place.” Present at the event were one of the popular star actresses, Clarion Chukwurah who spoke about showing love to the children. She then went further to make a donation of fifty thousand Nair to the less privileged foundation . Also present was a representative of the NTA’s Zonal Director , Miss Museum Tourism and Mr Waheed Saheed who represented the State Commissioner for Youths and Social Development Finally, was a game presented by some of the pupils followed by a comedy show.

aving launched her first album in November 2011, at age 12, Valerie Ineh, a Deltan, is back with another mind blowing audio, Please The Lord. Please The Lord is an eighttrack album which swallows songs like Ego(Money), Save Me O Lord, Jesus Save Me, God Answers Prayer, I believe In God, Please The Lord, As A Child, I Want To Grow, Obey My Parents and Jesus The King Of Kings. Valerie who describes her kind of song as a fusion of hymns, praises and dancehall tunes, fell in love with music right from her childhood. She says art runs in her family. As a child, Valerie has been in the art of song writing and has vowed to sing for the Lord as long as she lives. As a whole, the album, Please The Lord, talks about how humans can live their lives in accordance to the will of God, the Creator of heaven and earth. According to her, “I started training my voice at age nine while a member of the children choir of Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church, Iba, Lagos, where my dad is incidentally the chairman of the local Catholic Men’s Organization(CMO).” And when asked what her greatest challenge is as a young and aspiring singer, she pointed that; her greatest challenge is a getting professional help in terms of management and lack of stage exposure. Produced by Topaz Galena Nig.Ltd, Lagos, she says “my journey into the music world has just started and I am here to stay, ready to give the world the best of me.”

26 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012 — 27

28 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012 — 29

30— Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

10 huge deals Gareth Bale to Barcelona or that might just Manchester City happen this summer

OR clubs and managers, it’s time to take a close look at possible candidates for next season. This puts high-profile players under the radar. Footballers like Robin van Persie, Luka Modric, Givanildo Vieira de Souza Hulk are some who might change clubs this summer. If Manchester United confirmed Shinji Kagawa as its newest addition, and Chelsea brought in Eden Hazard, any deal can happen. Let’s take a look at 10 huge deals that might happen before August.

Hulk to Chelsea HE Porto forward has been linked to Chelsea for £38 million. The 25-year-old Brazilian has been playing with the Portistas since 2008, a period in which he has scored 76 goals and recorded 55 assists. Hulk, who’s also the club’s captain, helped the team clinch the local championship after producing 21 goals. Chelsea is seeking to rejuvenate its attacking line, and the Brazilian can form a great partnership with Eden Hazard.

*Hulk

Kaká to Paris Saint Germain

Jordi Alba to Manchester United H ORDI Alba may leave Spanish club Valencia, as reported . The 23-year-old has been on Los Che for three seasons, during which he played in two UEFA Champions Leagues. Alba is one of La Liga’s toughest left-backs, a position that Manchester United needs to strengthen as Patrice Evra and Fabio didn’t play up to expectations this past season. The deal includes giving up Anderson, a midfielder who has been sidelined by several injuries and who hasn’t made a great impact in the Red Devils lineup.

*Jordi

Modric can do so by creating plays, which he has done with Tottenham for the past four seasons. The only thing that stands between the club and the Croatian international star is the steep price that Modric and other prospects will command.

E’S 19 years old and has become one of the most successful youngsters in South America. Lucas Moura says he has had talks with Real Madrid, indicating that he may leave his current club, Sao Paulo, for which he has played three seasons and scored 24 times. He’s fast, has excellent ball control and creates plays like few others. The teen phenomenon comes from one of the most successful clubs in South America,one that has producers players football superstars such as Zizinho, Leonidas da Silva and Kaká. Moura made his international debut with the national team in 2011. Prior to that, he played with the under-20 squad.

EAVING Tottenham is not out *Rafael of the question for Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. Schalke 04 has him on its radar, according to the club’s chairman, Clemens Tonnies. The footballer’s wife may be the key factor in the deal as she works for a German TV station. The £10-million offer could be the right choice for Rafael in that it will allow him to spend more time with his sweetheart. Van der Vaart can be a great addition since the team needs a strong attacking midfielder, and the HE 2011-2012 PFA Player of current midfield personnel— the Year is close to leaving players like Julian Draxler and Arsenal. Though Manchester City Lewis Holtby lack experience. once seemed like his first choice, Juventus now seems closer to landing the Dutch striker. Recently, van Persie praised the Bianconeri, acknowledging that it’s a great team, which generated doubts regarding his transfer to the Citizens. The 28-year-old would be a fantastic acquisition for the Serie A champions. Alessandro Del Piero, 37, is not getting any younger, and Marco Borriello on loan from Roma played poorly in nine starts. *Luka Modric

Luka Modric to Manchester United

C M Y K

Lucas Moura to Real Madrid

*Kaka

IR Alex Ferguson wants Luka Modric on his team, and the manager ’s wish couldn’t come at a better time. The Red Devils have been relying on 37-year-old Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, 38, to organize the midfield. It’s time to bring a new pace.

*Gareth Bale

Rafael Van Der Vaart to Schalke

AKÁ is closer than ever to Paris Saint Germain, according to media reports. It seems like the Brazilian attacking midfielder is no longer welcome in Real Madrid. Injuries have been his worst enemy, thus he hasn’t played at the level that he did while playing for Milan. It was also reported that the 30-year-old footballer had a meeting with the PSG president, Nasser al-Khelaifi. This could be Kaká’s best chance to actually play and make up for the time he stayed on Real Madrid’s bench.

H IS performance with Tottenham has established Gareth Bale as one of the best left-wingers. Bale has been linked with several clubs, like Manchester City and Barcelona. The move didn’t make much sense a couple of months ago, but it’s now more reasonable, since the Spurs couldn’t qualify for next year ’s UEFA Champions League, something that Bale feels is necessary for his career. No matter who seals the deal, the Citizens and Barça need a midfielder that knows how to make a move forward when the team needs to push from behind.

*Lucas

Robin Van Persie to Juventus

*Van Persie

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012 — 31

Off The Pitch

N this edition, we present updates on Robin van Persie (yet again), Gylfi Sigurdsson, Luka Modric, Leighton Baines and the Roy HodgsonRio Ferdinand controversy. All the details are inside.

Sigurdsson U-Turn?

RvP latest E have two bits of Robin van Persie news to relay today. First, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has revealed that he and Van Persie “had a good discussion” at the end of the season. “What we agreed at that meeting was that we would keep all the discussions we had over the summer to ourselves and make announcements when it is the right time,” Gazidis added. Second, Arsenal teammate Andre Santos is quoted by ESPN Brazil as saying, “Sometimes, a player is interested in getting to know other teams, and, of course, playing well, he has attracted interest from many other teams.” Santos added: “Van Persie is currently fully focused on the Euros and then, after, he can talk about whether he wants to stay with Arsenal.”

AST week, Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson appeared set for a permanent move to Swansea after impressing with the Swans on loan during the second half of the 2011-12 season. Then, however, manager Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool. Now, Sigurdsson is seemingly unsure about his future. “I expect not to stay at Swansea because of the uncertainty going on there as it is not clear who is boss. I have said that my desire to continue playing in the Premier League and Liverpool is completely considered.”

*RvP

Silva wants to stay?

AVID Silva is not interested in playing for Real Madrid. So says one of David Silva’s representatives. According to media reports, Silva’s representative said: “I don’t know what could happen in the future, but Silva wants to stay there [Manchester City).” Silva emerged as a Real Madrid transfer target last month. "I don’t know what could

Vertonghen deal this week? AN Vertonghen’s anticipated move from Ajax to Tottenham Hotspur could happen this week, according to his agent. The agent spoke to Dutch publication Voetbal International . Vertonghen is a 25-year-old central defender with 37 caps (two goals) for Belgium. Arsenal were also thought to be interested.

*Vertonghen C M Y K

*Thiago

*Silva happen in the future, but Silva wants to stay there.”

Thiago Silva to Barcelona HIAGO Silva is still a probable transfer to Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Brazilian defender can be the perfect substitute for Carles Puyol or Eric Abidal, but Milan has already rejected a 40-million-euro offer from

Modric, Baines next for United? ITH a deal for Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa confirmed, Manchester United are reportedly turning their attention to Everton full-back Leighton Baines and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric . Baines, 27, has won eight caps for England. He was selected for Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad. According to reports, he is also wanted by Italian club Napoli. Modric , 26, has appeared 54 times for Croatia, scoring eight times. He and United have long been linked in the gossip pages.

*Sigurdsson

Roy vs. Rio

Barça. Pep Guardiola’s successor, Tito Vilanova, has stated that Silva is his top choice for the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Andoni Zubizarreta, the club’s director of football said they wouldn’t pay more for him. The negotiations continue.

Modric

Muller and Inter? HOMAS Müller to Inter Milan? It might not be as crazy as you think. After losing his guaranteed first-team spot this season, Müller now finds himself linked with the Nerazzurri. According to a German publication , Müller would not dismiss the possibility of a move entirely. “I’m the type of player who will deal with this like a professional and will try to help the team,” said Müller. “However, I will not happily accept being benched in big games regularly. I’m too ambitious for that.” It was reported that Müller’s contract with Bayern runs until summer 2015.

HE Roy Hodgson-Rio

T Ferdinand controversy rages on, and the English footballing world is taking sides. Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has sided with Hodgson, calling the backlash to Hodgson’s decision to leave out Ferdinand a second time a “smear campaign”. According to reports however, former Liverpool great Robbie Fowler and current Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart are backing Ferdinand. So is Spurs boss Harry Redknapp, according to reports. Finally, anti-racism group Kick It Out is reportedly considering a “robust condemnation” for Hodgson’s actions. *Roy vs Rio

*Muller

32—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9 , 2012

It’s not good to be afraid of the unknown — Onomeregbor By MOSES NOSIKE

Bishop Dr.Felix A.O Onomeregbor did not find it easy during his growing up because he lost his father, the bread winner of the family early in life. As a result, he was exposed to hard labour very early in life, rubber tapping, farming, etc. in order to get enough money to pay his school fees and as well survive in life while living with his grand mother. However, the experience of fending for his life at the earlier stage has helped him a lot today in his gospel ministry. Your background y name is Bishop Dr. Felix A.O. Onomeregbor. My growing up in life was very tough because I was not born with a silver spoon. Again, it was difficult because my father died at very early age. So I started living with my grand mum. Because of that I was introduced to hard labour, doing a lot of farming, rubber tapping in order to survive in life. I was involved in all those things because I had to sponsor my education since my father was late. And living with a grand Ma, you know what it means. I lived a life of independence right from the beginning. However, my growing up was not a thing of joy, it was full of challenges. Coming from your type of background, what is your approach to life? Having come from such a family background, I see life as a difficult thing and survival of the fittest. I now develop this belief from the word of God that He is the only one that can sustain the poor in every ugly situation. And generally, I see God as the only way for those who are born in poverty. My

approach to life is that whatever be the situation, one should not lose hope, one should always be hard working, knowing that God is the only hope for the poor and for all. How did you leave the civil service to join gospel ministry?

got into the oil industry, Shell production, 249 September 10, 1985. I was also a missionary then, going from one river-rine area to the other preaching the gospel. One day, I heard God said to me, I should pull out of the job to do His own work only. But I resisted because of the fear of the unknown. I could still remember in one of the occasions, I was on top of a vessel, I received a slap and God said to me, I give three months to quit the job and failure to do that would cost me my life. I heard that audibly. So, I had to comply. Even though the beginning was rough, I believe it’s well. However, before I became a gospel minister, I was in Deeper Life Bible Church and from there, I moved to several ministries and the last ministry I attended before I became the General Overseer, Shammah Gospel Mission Inc. was Christ for the Mass. But when I left the job on the offshore, I became a missionary to river-rine areas where God used me and founded many churches which I handed over to Church of God mission then because I had not had a mission of starting my ministry. However, when the Lord asked me to start Shammah Gospel Mission, I argued initially and later I had to move on. My point here is that I didn’t break out of any ministry. My ministry started in a

* Onomeregbor

corridor with I, my wife and children before it fully started in 1994. What convinced you that God was calling you? Really, my birth was a mystery according to what my parents told me. They said right from the womb and the time I was born, there was evidence. They said that for six months, I was sick and was taken to a native doctor’s house. Right there, the native doctor told them that this child is not an ordinary one. He also them that this child is a prophet and they should take me to a church and thats they did. So I’m a born a prophet. Notwithstanding the challenges faced, after my school, I got a job with Shell in Operation 229. I was there in Vulcado till I resigned to join the ministry. Having being in this God’s business for couple

My perception of success is not the amount of wealth one has acquired, but how many lives have you impacted on positively

years now, what can you say about the churches in Nigeria today? The churches in Nigeria today are the anchor to Nigeria’s survival. Without the preaching of the gospel, the country would have been in a bad shape because in any country where the name of God is called, it affects the unbelievers that have bad minds or character. So, the preaching of the gospel is powerful, and

without the church existing in Nigeria, it could have been a terrible place to stay. Therefore, the church has helped the government to pilot the affairs of the country in the area of peace and unity. How do you perceive success in life? My perception of success is not the amount of wealth one has acquired, but my view of it is how many lives have you impacted positively. How many lives have you turned from sorrow to joy. That is my definition of success. What about your marital life? ell, I’m

* Onomeregbor

father of five children. My wife is a beautiful woman. We have been piloting the ministry. She has been of tremendous help in the ministry. You know, without a woman in the ministry, the church cannot really grow because there are things I don’t see but my wife sees them. It has been ups and downs. It’s not easy especially for ministers’ wives. But with grace and trust in God’s word, it has been helping us to pilot the marriage. Whenever we celebrate our marriage anniversary, it’s as if we just started today. In addition to that, the Bible

says that: he that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord. So every favour man has is from the woman no matter how you deem it. She has been there as an anchor and adviser. When I’m brushed aside, she is there to heal my wound. She is somebody that I cherish. She is also called into the ministry. She has been so nice and she is somebody I can beckon on at any given time. What is your advise to those who are going into marriage? My advice is that, marriage is not a journey you jump into un-

prepared. You have to pray so that God will direct you to somebody you love. Do you regret leaving Shell for the work of God? I nitially, I was regretting because of the fear of the unknown. Sometimes in ministry, it’s not always easy especially when you are starting. I remember when I resigned from the job and I was paid my gratuity, because I have flair for cars, I said let me go and buy a fine one so that I can cruise around because I love enjoyment . As I was making up mind to get a car, God spoke to me that I’m depending on the money I have. Now put that money into the ministry and all that you have. That was difficult for me. I struggled with that for more than three months. At the end of it, I used that money to buy chairs for the church and God emptied me to zero level. He now instructed me to depend on Him and not what I have. The journey is tough because of faith, Christ will see you through especially when you know that you are called by Him, He will also make provision for you. Since then, I have been leaning on Him for His promises because He can not fail.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012—33

grew up to discover I love to help people, when I see someone in need or pain, I feel empathy. As a daughter of a pastor who always loves to help people find answers, I guess it was natural for me to do same. As a student, I started a foundation that created campaigns to keep my immediate community aware of the HIV/AIDS scourge and how to battle and overcome it. I also provided books for libraries in schools where I served in Oyo State. I visited UNIBEN to see my younger brother where I met this young pretty pregnant girl who was crying. She came to meet her only friend who had relocated. She looked dirty, unkempt, it was a sight that keeps shocking me if I remember. It was so deplorable that I couldn’t walk away. Her boyfriend denied her, her parents drove her out and she had been sleeping in front of a barber’s shop where she was asked to live. It excited my passion to help young ladies because I imagined how many more would be out there. As a lady, I am sure you are familiar with the challenges we face. First, it is difficult to raise funds to help people especially when you barely have enough for yourself. My philosophy for life drives me to give without holding back. Also, people tend to always discourage me and tell me I can’t help or change the world. I wonder why we get so selfish to things that we may lose or may leave behind when we die. Do you plan owning a foundation? I wasn’t thinking I will one day own my passion but until lately. It was just like a hobby to help but now, it’s part of my life. If I don’t help, it’s like I can’t breathe. My other passions outside my job Music! It’s basically my life. I sing! It has a way of releasing my spirit and heart from every tension; it eases me from confusion and heals every hurt. I sing at events, in church and also in my room. How I am coping with them all It’s tough but I joggle both of them and find a way. My job gives me the opportunity because everyone I meet in

t u o h t i w g n i v I like gi holding back — Joy Okobi J

ral a reputable fede el in ng ki or w n ee sp writer, a go oggling betw task, blishment, a song government esta pianist seems like a daunting t or so od ea go sw a a d t artiste an ese withou bi is doing all th AGIYA, yet Joy John Okointerview with FLORENCE AM ming it seems. In this r life, her passion and her upco in Benin she talks about heching for young abused women live’. Joiy foundation’s laun gged ‘sing with City, Edo state ta Enjoy!

My passion, how I came about it

Joy Okobi

It was a bit hard, I had strict parents because they were pastors, I guess they wanted to protect and grow a ‘saint’ in me but I was very encouraged in my passion, I was in the choir at the age of six

social life was next to zero. Interestingly, my values are founded on the truth I learnt and this has also informed my passion. I don’t regret any of it. My relationship with my fiancé Oh yes, and I am proud of him, I call him my life coach. You can see his signature on my finger but I don’t want to go further on this because some things are rather left private. I thank God for a man who will drive me till my best comes to life. He supports my dream and passion. the office g e t s positively affected when I sing, that’s why I am JOiY, they are my first d a i l y audience. Also events are mostly weekends and evening. So it doesn’t clash with work. I manage my time and prioritize. My life growing up It was a bit hard. I had strict parents because they were pastors. I guess they wanted to protect me and grow a ‘saint in me but I was very encouraged in my passion. I was in the choir at the age of six. I had all the support in music. My dad hired a pianist. Outside the ‘freedom’ we experience in school, my

How l met him

met him for the first time on the road. He wasn’t one of those people I like to keep in my books. He was kind of popular in our circle and too popular for my liking. I was not one of his fans and I remember telling him something that got him thinking soberly the first time we spoke. I felt I broke his wings and I won. He would not leave me and he continued to follow me until I saw a ring on my finger, please don’t ask me how! My forth coming event. The “Sing with JOiY” project is a music concert and talk show aimed at bringing people to a platform that inspires them to live positively as well as creating awareness for basic human rights and solving societal problems using music as a tool for transformation. I

will be hosting my friends, popular artistes in the quarterly event. On this event, J’odie (the kuchi kuchi girl) will be my guest among other local artistes in Benin: Dr. Foy, Liora, BigSplash, Fidelia, Cel, Annivon, JoanPaul…the list goes on. This edition focuses on creating awareness and restoring the hope to abandoned and abused young ladies; to give them a voice and a start. The plight of the African girl child is one that draws tears from eyes of everyone with a heart. These tomorrow mothers of our nation are vulnerable to social vices. Some of them are even abused by their family, relatives and friends. These girls keep their lips sealed because speaking about it is not an option. So we sing with joy because there is hope. At the event, we will be empowering five ladies and giving them a future. We will be working with some NGOs who are directly responsible for these ladies. My name I am Joy John Okobi, I am a gospel artiste, keyboardist, music director and songwriter. What I amoutside all these I am a simple, quiet lady who doesn’t like trouble. I love to laugh, read and learn. My family and my position We are five in number, two great guys and three wonderful girls. I am the first, I lost my elder brother some years ago or we would be six. I grew up in Nigeria! My

father kept on relocating as the ministry posted him, we followed. I can’t count how many schools and towns we lived in, but basically I grew up partly in Lagos, Agbor and Benin. I read Mathematics & Statistics from the prestigious Ambrose Alli University. I am from Abah-unor in Delta State. My best food Beans & plantain, but most time it goes with the mood. My beauty routine I scrub at least twice a week, I don’t sleep with makeup and I use good & natural body creams. I like to keep it simple most times. I also like to take therapy from my beauty therapist. How I keep fit I have my daily routine; I wake up dancing and doing my workouts. I watch what I eat, drink a lot of water and take a lot of vitamin C. I ensure my meals are balanced and I try not to eat late. My self in 10 years time I see myself as a UN ambassador helping nations solve societal issues. I will be an established brand in the entertainment industry and known not just for my music that will bridge gap but for the value and societal change I deliver through my music. My advice to my fans and young Nigerians They should dream big and start small, stay focused, be determined, follow your heart and dream, be yourself at all times, learn to trust God and have the right people around you. Also take time to develop yourself before looking for who will pay or buy your work. My take on the ill fated plane crash It’s a great tragedy and very heartbreaking; I sympathize with all families that lost someone and Nigerians at large. I feel it could have been averted if we are responsible with our duties and speak up without fear of favour. We shouldn’t forget that the numbers that die on the highway are like 10 times than this, we should be careful. Life is too short, leave a legacy. Know why you are alive .

C M Y K

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012— 35

36—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 for me, I returned to Benin Republic . The interesting that about this sojourn was that I spent about a year in each of the country . What made me survive was that instead of going about begging for alms, I would buy polish and with my crutches I would move around polishing shoes instead of waiting for people to come to me. I even went to offices to polish shoes and they would oblige me when they see pictures of my works. After six months in Benin Republic I decided to come to Nigeria in year 2000. A friend of mine actually invited me to Nigeria. The amazing thing was that I had planned to migrate to France. So, I had my road map well planned out. I thought I could go to Chad from there to Libya and I would get into France. This changed when I shared this youth migration intention with my step sister- who married a Yoruba man-didn’t know about my visit to Nigeria. She eventually accommodated me at Agboju in Lagos. She assisted in getting me a job with a cobbler whom I work with for only six months. Something dramatic happened at this time where I usually go to buy shoe materials from. The owner of the business thought I was undoing myself when I could start my own business. He thus offered his space for free for me to share with him where I can start up. A certain day, he told me he was no longer interested in selling shoe materials. Hence, he handed over the shop to me to use until I took over the rent of that shop since year 2000. Trust me, God has been kind to me. When I look back I have every cause to thank Him. Today, due to hard work and dedication to my work, I can proudly say I pay the school fees of my younger ones. I have an employee that I pay salary and I also have two apprentices. I teach them for a period of two years. I have done my traditional wedding and come November 29, 2012 I will be doing the white wedding. Everyone is invited.

Email: youthfulvibes@gmail.com

I have gifted hands — jerome kome To hear Jerome proudly say, ‘ I have gifted hands’ reminds us of Ben Carson, an American Neurosurgeon, author of bestseller ‘Gifted hands’. The story of Jerome (36) who is enjoying dual citizenship — originally a Togolese, but also a Nigerian by naturalization —is truly sensational. While so many young people are seeking greener pastures in Europe or in North America, Jerome who became crippled 30 years ago, remains thankful to His creator for bringing him to Nigeria; his live changed positively when he came to Nigeria over a decade ago. He does not intend to leave Nigeria anytime soon as he runs his fast-growing enterprise. He excitedly gave the account of his life’s journey with Saturday Youthful Vibes. Excerpts.

orn with no physical challenge but…

ourney into entrepreneurship

I had the privilege of attending Kpakpala Primary school and Ameniron Secondary school both located in Vogan. Albeit, I dropped out of school at JSS 3 as it was tough for me to eat three square meals. It was at this time, I encounter an Italian Roman catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Elio Boscali who took me like his son. He advised me to learn shoe making since he was leaving for Italy following the termination of his mission in Togo. He knew I would not be able to get support to continue with my education. Today, I remain grateful to him. He enrolled me in a German factory where I learnt how to make shoes,belt, bags and other leather works. It took me a total of seven

iving back to the society

Well, I also serve as a director of ME (Movement for Empowerment) Foundation for a not

•Jerome

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

•Jerome

I was born into a polygamous family in Vogan , a small town in Togo. I was born naturally without any physical challenge. However, this changed strangely when I had a dream at age six (6). I dreamt I had a boil in my leg and by the next morning when I woke up I saw it on my leg. After three days, I was taken to the hospital. Doctors confirmed there was maggot inside. After an injection my legs became paralyzed. As a matter of fact, I have had this challenge since the last thirty (30) years. My father had five(5) wives and twenty ththree (23) children. I was the 8 male child. He was an international business man always visiting Nigeria for business before he passed on February 14, 1982. This was where my story took another dimension. There was no help from anybody. Fortunately, my mother took on the challenge of catering for me and my siblings. She took me back to the hospital where I spent one and half years in the hospital. I had 12 operations before I could use the crutches which my mum bought for me.

for profit making organization with a vision to assist those from underserved communities , orphans and the physically challenge to becoming creative and entrepreneurial. I work with other Nigerians taking the message across Nigeria, Togo and Ghana. My advice to young people is to encourage them to believe in themselves but ultimately in God. You can do something. Why would our graduates keep waiting for jobs that scarcely come to them when they can humble themselves, get their hands dirty learning a skill that will put food on their table and help them cause generational change. That’s why I love my role model ,Nick Vijucic, born without his four limbs bringing joy and hope to many. I speak with him on phone and via the internet. He is such an inspiration. If Glenn Cunningham, an American went from hopelessly crippled to the Hall of Fame, I still believe I will walk again.

I was born into a polygamous family in Vogan , a small town in Togo. I was born naturally without any physical challenge

years and he paid my fees for the all the years. We had both theoretical and practical lessons. For instance, I can take the measurement of someone without legs and or even if one leg is shorter. I am also talented in singing and I play the talking drum as well. Truly, God has endowed

me with gifted hands. Yes, indeed I have gifted hands. After the training, I couldn’t set up my own shoe making business owing to lack of capital. Another episode of my life ensued. So, I decided to relocate from Togo. I went to Ghana, I couldn’t make it. From there I went to Ivory Coast to Burkina Faso. No way

ngr. Umeh James Godwin (28), a native of Isochi Umunneochi L.G.A. of AbiaState has an unwavering passion for youth development and empowerment. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from The Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. He is currently Working with Systems Marine Services Limited and also serves as a director of Movement for Empowerment (ME) Foundation with a mandate to impact many lives positively. His passion to empower orphans and youths from underserved communities began about eight years ago when he travelled to Fadan Krashi, Kaduna where he saw the pitiable sight of children begging for alms . As part of pursuing ME Foundation’s objectives, James with his team has raised several Youths across Nigeria and various countries through various Youth events, programmes, seminars, and conferences since 2006 in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo and other parts of Africa/World.

e was a former Ohaneze Youth Member (Abia State Chapter) and an active member of Isochi Youth Forum (IYF) where he largely gained the orientation of Chief Dr. Eze Chikamnayo (Eyierioba 1 of

•Victor Gotevbe with Jerome after the interview

•Engr. Umeh James Umunneochi) who is currently the Commissioner of Information, Abia State and Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyawu (Aha Eji Agam Mba 1 of Imo State) Chairman of a national newspaper, amongst others. He is a recipient of numerous awards for his meritorious contributions to the society. He currently believes that this inspiration cannot be achieved without the collaboration of Government related agencies, working NGOs and philanthropic individuals. He is presently seeking collaboration and support for the Foundation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012—37

BY IYABO AINA

Spartacus to end after third season

he upcoming third season of “Spartacus” will be the last for the series. On Monday, June 4, Starz announced the decision to cancel the Liam McIntyre starrer with a 10-episode season which is subtitled “War of the Damned”. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Steven S. DeKnight admits they make a “bold move” by ending the show when it still delivers high ratings for the cable channel. Still, he argues that they want to conclude “the show when you’re on top and the audience still wants more instead of dragging it out until it starts to wane and you kind of limp to the finish line.” ”My original thought was that this show could go five to seven seasons, but we realized the actual history is very scattershot,” he goes on explaining. “The rebels went north, south, east, west, then back north, then broke apart, came back together. We thought, instead of repeating ourselves with one wave of Roman senators after another going after Spartacus, getting defeated, going after Spartacus, getting defeated, why not really condense the story, give the juiciest parts to Marcus Crassus (Simon Merrells).”

Reactions trail Miss Pennsylvania’s resignation

Sheena Monnin BY IYABO AINA

iss Universe Or ganization, which runs Miss USA pageant, has responded to Sheena Monnin’s accusation that the top 5 contestants of the beauty contest were fixed before the finale show on June 3. The foundation denied the claim, insisting that the former Miss Pennsylvania spread false story. In a post on her Facebook, Monnin resigned her position as Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012, accusing the organizers of fraud. “In good conscience I can no longer be affiliated in any way with an organization I consider to be fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent, and in many ways trashy,” so she said. ”I witnessed another contestant who said she saw the list of the Top 5 before the show ever started,” Monnin began her story. “She saw a folder lying open to a page that said ‘final show Telecast, June 3, 2012’ and she saw the places for Top 5 already filled in.” On the final night, “after the Top 16 were called and we were standing backstage she hesitantly said to me and another contestant that she knew who the Top 5 were. I said ‘who do you think they will be?’ She said that she didn’t ‘think’ she ‘knew’ because she saw the list that morning,” she continued. ”She relayed whose names

were on the list. Then we agreed to wait and see if that was indeed the Top 5 called that night. After it was indeed the Top 5 I knew the show must be rigged; I decided at that moment to distance myself from an organization who did not allow fair play and whose morals did not match my own. That is all I know about this.” ”In my heart I believe in honesty, fair play, a fair opportunity, and high moral integrity, none of which in my opinion are part of this pageant system any longer. After 10 years of competing in a pageant system I once believed in, I now completely and irrevocably separate myself in every way and on every level from the Miss Universe Organization.” ”If this contestant would like to step forward as an eye witness and as being the one who saw the sheet with the Top 5 already selected before the judges ever saw the Top 16, then perhaps action can be taken. As for me, I believe her words and I will not encourage anyone to compete in a system that in my opinion and from what I witnessed is dishonest.” In response, the organization issued a statement that claimed Monnin’s original reason for the withdrawal was it’s policy which allowed transgender women to compete. “In an email to state pageant organizers, she cited the Miss Universe Organization’s policy regarding

transgendered contestants, implemented two months ago, as the reason for her resignation,” so it’s explained. ”Today she has changed her story by publicly making false accusations claiming that the pageant was fixed, however the contestant she privately sourced as her reference has vehemently refuted her most recent claim. We are disappointed that she would attempt to steal the spotlight from Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island on her well-deserved Miss USA win.” In the e-mail, Monnin reportedly said that she refused to be “part of a pageant system that has so far and so completely removed itself from its foundational principles as to allow and support natural born males to compete in it. This goes against ever moral fiber of my being. I believe in integrity, high moral character, and fair play, none of which are part of this system any longer.”

DeKnight additionally reveals that their decision to end the show next season “was one of the factors in the wholesale slaughter at the end of last season.” He elaborates, “Where the story was going, for instance Lucretia (Lucky Lawless) and Ilithyia (Viva Bianca) really didn’t fit in world of Marcus Crassus and Julius Caesar (Todd Lasance) in any kind of natural, organic storytelling way. There was a bit of housecleaning at the end of that season to prep for this final season.” On how he pictures the final frame of “Spartacus”, DeKnight gushes that their goal is “to end with a defeat but with a ray of hope,” as he thinks, “It’d be a disservice to the audience to spend four years watching the struggle, murder everybody and say, ‘Well, they lost.’ You definitely need to end on some sense that the struggle was worth it, whether win, lose or draw; that it’s worth standing up to oppression.” Asked if he would do a Julius Caesar spin-off after bringing the historical figure into season 3 of “Spartacus”, DeKnight doesn’t rule out the possibility. “We are open to, down the road, revisiting this world, whether it’s Julius Caesar, whether it’s set in the same time period or whether it’s a little later in the time period. The look and the feel of the show would be a natural candidate for a spin-off down the road,” so he claims.

Spartacus

Nicki Minaj bows out of summer jam He was additionally said to

Nicki Minaj

icki Minaj has scrapped her sched uled performance at Hot 97’s Summer Jam 2012. The Harajuku Barbie bowed out of the hip-hop summit at the last minutes after the radio’s DJ Peter Rosenberg dissed her song “Starships” at the concert that took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, June 3. The radio personality reportedly told the crowd that Minaj “better not perform that wack ‘Starships’ track,” before introducing Oakland rapper Kendrick Lamar on the stage.

have called the “Stupid Hoe” songstress “no longer ‘ real h i p - h o p ’ . ” Her mentor Lil Wayne did not take the diss lightly and quickly wrote on Twitter, “Young Money ain’t doing summer jam.” Hinting that she would follow Weezy ’s decision, Minaj posted on her own Twitter, ”I go above and beyond for my fans. But won’t ever go against wayne’s word. While the 29-year-old femcee did not appear for her scheduled gig, another Young Money artist Tyga did his set at 7 P.M.. C M Y K

38 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012 — 39

40—SATURDAY VANGUARD , JUNE 9, 2012

Spark that’ll change Nigerian small car market Nigeria Auto Awards postponed in honour of crash victims

•Chevrolet Spark 2012

N no time, Nigerians will start to appreciate small cars the more, especially with the high cost of fuel. Gone are the days when fuel was so cheap that one could fill a car tank with less than N1000. With fuel price at N97 per litre, most people are beginning to put fuel consumption into consideration when purchasing their cars and this is where a car like the all new Chevrolet Spark with its low fuel consumption, captivating design, functionality, performance and comfort will become the toast of many car buyers. The Chevrolet Spark is as much about style as it is about functionality. Add in practicality, low fuel consumption, and low emissions together with excellent performance and driving dynamics and the Spark presents itself as a vehicle that has raised the bar in the entry-level s e g m e n t . The Spark offers advanced vehicle dynamics with taut and responsive handling characteristics. At the heart of this is a body structure with a high level of torsional rigidity that provides a platform to mount the driveline and suspension in a way that allows handling, stability and comfort to be optimised with a heightened sense of confi-

•Chevy Spark interior dence and fun-to-drive element for the driver and p a s s e n g e r s . The suspension follows a well-proven and effective layout. A McPherson strut system is used at the front with a torsion beam system used at the rear, a combination that provides for neutral and predictable handling characteristics with nimble handling around town and surefooted confidence on the open road. While the high strength chassis design provides for excellent vehicle dynamics, it is also designed to provide a high level of occupant protection in the event of a collision. As much as 60% of the Spark’s struc-

ture consists of high strength latest technology steels. Varying degrees of stiffness are achieved by design through the structure to promote a high level of crash impact energy absorption without compromise to the ride and handling characteristics. The front engine bay rails and sub-frame are designed as a primary impact absorbing zone that will absorb a high level of energy as they collapse in the event of a collision. A transition zone around the base of the ‘A’ pillars and front bulkhead effectively distributes crash energy around the frame rather than into the passenger

c o m p a r t m e n t . A similar approach is adopted at the rear of the vehicle with crush zones designed to distribute energy away from the passenger area. A strong rear cross member provides extra protection. The fuel tank and its connectors are designed to minimise the possibility of ruptures in the event of a rear end impact. Complimenting these designed-in safety features are active elements including ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and frontal airbags for both driver and front seat passenger on all m o d e l s . Power for the Chevrolet Spark comes from a new-

generation 1,2 litre, double overhead cam, 16-valve petrol engine with multiport electronic fuel injection. A cast iron cylinder block is used together with an aluminium alloy cylinder head. Camshaft drive is via a chain system for reduced running costs. Maximum power is 60 kW produced at 6400 r/min. Peak torque of 108 Nm is produced at 4800 r/min. Drive is via a five-speed manual transmission. The Spark driveline is at the core of exceptional economy together with a high level of performance. Ever increasing fuel prices, now more than ever, place a focus on economy of operation and here the Spark offers a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5,4 l/100km as measured by GM test engineers. In open road cruising this number can drop as low as 4,5 l/100km and in an urban environment with stop-start conditions consumption rises to around 7 l/100km. CO2 emissions are just 129 g / k m . Together with this miserly fuel consumption comes a 13,4 second time for the 0100 km dash. Top speed is 164 km/h. The Chevrolet Spark certainly matches its style and functionality with performance.

NWHEELS maga zine, organisers of the Nigerian Auto Awards, has rescheduled the date for the 2012 award in honour of the victims of last Sunday Dana air crash. Autoworld learnt that the company’s decision was informed by the fact that some of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident were from the automobile industry and as a result, the sector is still in a sober mood. It should be recalled that all preparation for the event which was supposed to hold yesterday was completed but the organiser felt this was not the time for celebration as Nigerians were mourning. Before the crash, Onwheel magazine announced that a sizeable number of top icons in the auto franchise business in the country had endorsed the award. The Magazine said that many of top icons in the auto franchise business in the country had endorsed this year’s edition of the awards billed to showcase outstanding products and practitioners in the industry. According to the convener, “It’s been a harvest of confidence building in the award event as the who-is-who in the industry have declared commitment to the event. They include Toyota Nig Ltd, Stallion Motors, Mandilas, CFAO Motors, Lanre Shittu Motors, Tata, Elizade, Boulus Enterprises, and Kia Motors, as well as Coscharis and Virasum." Others in related businesses are Boulos Enterprises, Mobil, Milan Group and Stanbic IBTC and First Bank Plc, which is well known for its automobile financing products”. C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 41

JUNE 12 An albatross in Nigeria’s democracy

Shonekan

Kokori

Abiola

Babangida

BY CHARLES ADINGUPU

gainst this backdrop, it became apparent at this point that no degree of primordial hatred against the Yoruba race or Abiola as a person would erase the glaring fact that MKO Abiola contested and apparently won an election carried out by over 14 million eligible Nigerians in that dark year of 1993. However, there were incidentally some shortcomings in the way and manner Abiola’s camp fought doggedly to

N less than three days, p r o - d e m o c r a cy activists and apostles of June 12 will again march to the streets of Lagos and Nigeria at large. For them, this show of solidarity for June 12 annulled election has become a ritual. Almost nineteen years after, the ghost of June 12 still haunts Nigerians. This institutionalised festival has become an option for the activists and their allies to ventilate their ideals on what democracy should be. However, the immediate cause of June 12 centred on the then military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, who braved the consequence of his action to stop and annul an election widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) without satisfactory explanations. However, subsequent interim national government (ING) of Chief Earnest Shonekan who played the messianic role of delivering Nigeria from the catastrophic effects of the annulment failed as the late General Sani Abacha took over the reign of government. Admittedly, the constitutional conference by Abacha’s government equally failed in its quest for solution to the political imbroglio that Nigeria was enmeshed in.

The pan Yoruba group was torn asunder. It became difficult to determine the role played by most elderstatesmen of the Yoruba extraction

right the wrong of that illogical decision. It began by Bashorun deserting his teeming supporters immediately the annulment was announced. In his bid to reclaim his mandate, the late Chief Abiola traversed the globe, drumming support from world policemen to invade and possibly annihilate the “diabolic” military administration. Unknown to the Bashorun, his supporters were no better than a leopard who changes its skin at will. His hitherto allies became jittery and in the process changed tune without any formal notice. However,the military junta eventually agreed to “step aside” after much painstaken persuasions as a 'personal sacrifice'. Chief Ernest Shonekan was then saddled with the inglorious task of managing a doomed transitional government. In a manner typical with Nigerians, Abiola had allegedly settled with General Abacha to take over from Shonekan with the hope of de-annulling June 12 election. That agreement was never realised. Abacha in his various speeches shortly afterwards maintained the military was determined to enthrone a long lasting democratic government in Nigeria. That promise, implied absence of a hidden agenda. Abiola left in the cold. In a bid to actualise his ‘hidden agenda,’ General Abacha immediately appointed Chief

Ebenezer Babatope and Alhaji Lateef Jakande as ministers in his junta’s cabinet. That unwholesome gesture, threw members of the Abiola’s camp into disarray. Perceived soldiers of June 12 went through the back door of the Abacha’s government to seek for contracts and overtly identified with the government. Even some of the Yoruba elders began to speak with both sides of their mouths. Not a word of their mouth could be trusted anymore. Their heart was full of mischief. Their tongue flattered with deceit. The pan Yoruba group was torn asunder. It became difficult to determine the role played by most elder statesmen of the Yoruba extraction. It was like the arrow of God fell on them and things fell

apart and the orchestrated struggle was no longer at ease. Till date, the legion of June 12 apostles has depleted either due to the affront of old age or they have compromised with the government that be. Professor Akin Oyebode of the University of Lagos, in his recent lecture titled Future of democracy and rule of Law pointed out the attitude of these soldiers of democracy better when he observed that “We’re living at a period of false pretences, false promises and false achievements when our so-called leaders are soaked in hypocrisy, primitive accumulation and reckless disregard for the national interest and popular hopes and aspirations.” As things stand, the self acclaimed apostles of June 12 today believed that the concept surrounding the struggle has been overtaken by events. Their focus, they said should be centred around the enthronement of genuine democracy which will allow for the convocation of a sovereign national conference where all ethnic nationalities will deliberate their future. But how far have they gone in this journey has become another ball game for the military who only “stepped

aside.” Again, the varsity don, Professor Oyebode captured the essence of the above scenario as he stated that “aside from the fact that ballot box democracy was an anathema to the military dictators, the self proclaimed saviours of the masses felt perfectly free to suspend the cherished values of free choices, federalism and respect for the sanctity of due process which had served as the lubricants of democracy and the rule of law.” He further enthused that Nigeria's leaders envisaged no genuine desire for restoration of democratic rule until revolutionary pressures compelled them to foist what an observer described as an endless transition in the country. As Nigerians continue to ruminate upon June 12, true apostles of that struggle can never be forgotten. These included people like Chief Frank Kokori, erstwhile chairman of NUPENG who refused to quit prison until Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate was restored. Other heroes of that struggle included the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, General Cornelius Adebayo and others who we hoped that their struggle for the restoration of true democracy in Nigeria would not be in vain .

It must remain relevant — AkinRelevance of June 12 une 12 will always be relevant and remains important because it is an expression of an elected president we never had. The election took place but the results were annuled. There’s nothing like annulment. You can only agree or disagree with the results. Hence, it will continue to remain relevant. People will always record it as a historical event. Apostles of June 12? They were together always in ideology. Though as at today, they may not be together physically. Some of them might have died, some might have changed attitudes but what brought them together was basically to do away with military government. And they truly succeeded. That will always bring them together. Well, now that democracy has been achieved, the apostles of June 12 should now engage in the consolidation of democracy. It is very much consistent with the democratic nationalism we are talking about.

Prof Bola Akinterinwa, acting DG,Nigerian Institute of Int'l Affairs (NIIA)

C M Y K

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

Nigeria is yet to have democracy — Fasehun June 12 F

or the founder of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) Dr. Frederick Fasehun, the ideology behind June 12 can only be realised if the present government agrees to convoke a sovereign national conference where all the ethnic nationalities of Nigeria will deliberate on their political fortune. In this interview with Charles Adingupu, the OPC leader stated that the celebration of June 12 has gone beyond flexing muscles on the streets. According to him, June 12 is meant to usher in democracy. But what we have now is seeming democracy. Nigeria is yet to have democracy. We’re still struggling as a nation. Those involved in the struggle to usher in democracy are still very much around although, many of us have gone into hiding. Hence, conferences were held in different parts of the country in order to discuss how our country can achieve true democracy. Are June 12 agitators hiding? There’s no point flexing muscles on the streets. We were struggling for democracy, we had to flex muscles with the military. But now we have civilians in power. We want to give them

Dr. Frederick Fasehun peace so that they can govern well. If we give them peace and at the end of their term, they were unable to provide good governance and democracy, we will turn against them. That’s why it appears as though everything has gone bad. June 12 agitators are very much active. What should be the focus of political activists presently? We want to now persuade the country to get involved in the convocation of the Sovereign National Conference. This singular opportunity will afford all the ethnic nationalists in Nigeria to deliberate on their problems. Besides, the conference will help to de-

liberate on how well we can live together as one nation. The journey of Nigeria into nationhood has passed through the milestones of devastating civil war through the paralysing June 12 crisis, through unprofitable NigerDelta crisis and now through the blazing Boko Haram insurgency. And so shall this country ever continue to move from one minefield of national crises to another minefield of national crisis until she embraces the needful. Nigeria must convene the Sovereign National Conference. If the sovereignty in the proposal gives some powerful people nightmares and jitters, then let us christen it by any other name. But there is one fact this country cannot wish away and one fact is what representatives of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities must sit down in a constitutional conference. They must agree on a roadmap for the future. All the nationalities within the Niger area must table their grievances, interests, their fears, hopes and aspirations. They must agree on terms upon which those grievances interests, fears hopes and aspirations can be addressed within one nation under God. We must negotiate the prenuptial agreement of our marriage.

June 12 is beyond Abiola — Shettima The national president of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Mallam Yerima Shettima told Charles Adingupu that the battle for the realization of June 12 only stoke the fire of Nigeria’s ambiguous adventure to democracy. He declared in clear terms that until the convocation of a sovereign national conference, Nigeria is still far from reaching her democratic destination. Is June 12 still relevant? une 12 is still relevant because it is the collective struggle of the Nigerian people. It remains the sacrifice Nigerians have made to bring about democracy. This wasn’t the dream of Nigerians when we all fought against the dark days of the military, when we suffered detentions and threats to our lives and our families. We never envisaged that this is what democracy will be. We fought until we chased the military away. We fought and never know that the fire was dropping until some rascals came behind and took over the power. Hence, some of those in power today were never part of the democracy struggle. That explains what we are currently experiencing in Nigeria today. The leaders of today did not make any sacrifice and were never involved in the struggle for the enthronement of true democracy. Hence, they are abusing the power. On the other hand, we will continue to celebrate June 12. June 12 is not just all about Chief MKO Abiola. That’s where people are making mistakes. It’s about Nigerians. It was a day when all Nigerians came out en-mass irrespective of our ethnic differences, irrespective of our religious differences and cast our votes without any iota of doubt in our minds because we asked for change. At the end of it all, some group of persons killed that dream for Nigerians. June 12 however, symbolises a lot of things for Ni-

C M Y K

Mallam Yerima Shettima geria. Abiola was one side of it. He was a factor but that date remains the symbol of unity. June 12 also created the opportunity for us to think about the past, the present and our yearnings for the future in order to get the Nigeria of our dream some day. We have achieved civilian rule but not democracy. This is not democracy but democrazy, crazy in the sense that the entire spectrum of the society is riddled with corruption. We have a situation where there is insecurity in the land so high than it was in the past. Things are generally getting worse day by day. Nobody can guarantee safety anymore. Sometimes, people are attacked. At another instance, people are killed by the road side by one tanker burning. You know the air transport is no more safe. You’re sleeping in your house, somebody will come and

kill you. You run to the village, somebody will come and kidnap you, because they believe that since you’re from Lagos, you have money. Nobody is safe anywhere anymore. Do we abandon our country and go to another man’s country to claim right? No way. Our homes still remain our homes. It therefore means that something is wrong with Nigeria. It means we are not in democracy. This was not our dreams. Hence, some of us have returned to the trenches agitating that this was not what we asked for. We shall continue to agitate until we have the Nigeria of our dream. Way out of June 12 saga? The only solution is for Nigerians to sit down and have a Sovereign National Conference. This will create an opportunity for us to address our fundamental issues. The Constitution we have today is a false document. There is difference between legal document and legitimate document. Therefore, we are asking for legitimate document but not legal. The 1999 Constitution was not made by the Nigerian people. Though, some people may argue that it was made by the Nigerian people ,it was not a collective decision of the Nigerian people. There is no place in the constitution where it was stated that the National Assembly has the power to make the constitution. There is difference between making constitution and law. Though, I’m a layman but I do know that the National Assembly can make law but not constitution. There is no place in the world where the National Assembly makes constitution for the people. The people make constitution and hand over to the National Assembly or better still to those that represent them.

remains the only democracy day ever —Ezeocha T

he President, Igbo Youth Con gress, Bright Ezeocha reminds politicians that what they are enjoying today are benefits which accrued from the June 12 struggle. He told Saturday Vanguard that Nigeria is taking a steady step to genuine democracy. As a matter of fact, we need to celebrate democracy day on June 12. It marked a new beginning in our political history. It was a day when all Nigerians came out to vote for a Muslim Muslim ticket. But unfortunately, that election was not allowed to see the light of the day by the military who annulled the election. It remains the only democracy day ever. However, its relevance played itself when President Goodluck Jonathan announced the renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University. I think politicians have to grasp the reality that it was June 12 that really gave birth in what we have today in Nigeria. Nigeria’s democratic journey. Though, we are yet to truly enthrone true democracy,I believe it’s a gradual process. We’re not yet there. We are still miles away from democracy. But by the special grace of God, we shall be there. However, what we have at the moment is civilian rule which is far from our desired democratic rule. Spirit of apostles of June 12 The spirit has always been there and it will continue to be. As I speak now, there are people who are preparing to mark June 12 which is just few days away. The spirit never dies. Focus of agitators of June 12 The focus of those who truly fought for the realisation of June 12 should be to consolidate on the pains of democratic rules. So all Nigerians must endeavour to ensure the enthronement of genuine democracy. I believe that was what Chief Abiola died for.

Bright Ezeocha

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 43

June 12 remains our national nemesis — Opadokun BY CHARLES ADINGUPU Though the realisation of June 12 lies in the forgotten past, the vestiges of the agitation by political activists and pro-democracy operators still linger on. For the former General Secretary of Afenifere and NADECO, Chief Ayo Opadokun, June 12 cannot be wished away even though Nigeria is currently enjoying civilian rule but not democracy. In his characteristic manner, he said the activities chronicle the woes of Nigeria and posited that May 29 can never be an accepted date for the celebration of democracy in Nigeria. For him and his compatriots, May 29 only reminds them of the day the Igbos were massacred in the north and Dr. Majekodumi was foisted on the Westerners as administrator. In this interview, he listed two conditions that will make June 12 a chapter in Nigeria’s political history. Excerpt.

n the person of ….... You should know him, David Mark. He was a very strong factor in the annulment of June 12. So, the opportunity for Nigerians to have a nation was again thwarted by that wicked act of theirs. Again, as they normally do as overlords, the Hausa-Fulani did not allow the Yoruba nation to have their own nominee.They imposed General Olusegun Obasanjo on them. The election that brought General Obasanjo to power was fraudulent. In the frontage of General Obasanjo’s house at Otta, he never won.

He was not nominated there. It wasn’t the general elections? Yes, the real general election of 1999. Unfortunately for them, General Obasanjo has paid the Hausa-Fulani people in their right coin. The ideology behind June 12 For us, as the General Secretary of Afenifere then and General Secretary of NADECO, we made our position clear and that was why we received absolute support from both local and international development partners. The position of NADECO and its objectives had not been realized. The first objective was that there must be a national restructuring of this country. The current structure is evil. It’s distorted and cannot allow for any development neither can it allow for running government efficiently. It is because of the current structure of this country that corruption is so wild, so endemic. We were concerned that that was the first thing to do. So, I think MKO Abiola was so interested that he told us then that if we work along with him to regain his mandate, the first thing he

Ideology behind June 12 une 12 was in the annals of our national history. It was a day Nigerians spoke with one voice. By their votes, they buried the various ethnic national divide, North North, South South, Christian, Muslim and other dubious elitists concepts that were used to run Nigeria down. Inspite of the fact that the then military junta did not release money to INEC to construct the polling units. God was so kind to Nigeria that the election went without violence. The election (June 12) of Late Chief MKO Abiola was the first Pan Yoruba mandate that anybody who contested for presidential election got. Hitherto, the NPC government of the First Republic never won any election outside northern region except that of Macford Okilo. In the Second Republic also, the election of Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari were all concentrated in the northern states of the country except that of Macford Okilo again, and that of former Governor of Central bank, Clement Isong. In all these, it was a Pan Yoruba mandate that was effective. Abiola defeated Alhaji Bashir Tofa in his own state, Kano. That election was a kind of bond of Nigerians who ignored that fact that it was a Muslim Muslim ticket. However, the military decided that Abiola will not be the President. One of them is currently presiding over the Nigeria parliament.

tion of those objectives that made northern oligarchy to annul June 12 election? Well, I don’t know their thinking. So, I can’t say this was the problem they have. But what they have done really was to undermine the collective interest of the country. If they were responsible and they wanted progress and development of Nigeria, they would have allowed the man who won the election to govern.

an we separate the ide ology of June 12 from the personality of MKO Abiola? That’s impossible. As long as June 12 remains our national nemesis, it will continue to be relevant. Since 1999, successive Nigerian government refused to accord him his rightful place. We have kept on reminding them that they cannot get away with such action. Can you say that the Fourth Republic has captured the whole essence of June 12? Let me tell you what I do know, the current political operators are a disappointment. For us who laid down our lives for the

We have never had anything to do with May 29, that date itself reminds us of the evil times we have passed through as a nation. It was in May 29, 1966 that Igbos were massacred in the north

would do in office was to set up a management committee for the convocation of a sovereign national conference and we accepted. The meeting held at General Adeyinka Adebayo’s house at the GRA Ikeja. Is June 12 beyond MKO Abiola? I’ve stated this earlier. I said the two objectives, the first is national restructuring, the second, campaigning for the deannulment of MKO’s presidential victory. Is it the fear of the realisa-

Chief Ayo Opadokun,

for reasons best known to them. Certainly, this current dispensation has not captured the whole essence of June 12. Let me remind you of something you already know. In 1999, when Obasanjo came into power, the power supply was at one thousand six hundred mega watts (1,600 megawatts). When he left office, despite the huge hard currency and Nigerian naira he spent on that sector, power supply was not up to fifteen thousand when he left. What has happened? Every now and then, the government under Obasanjo would announce billions of naira contract awarded. Yet, nobody ever saw those contracts executed.

restoration of democracy in Nigeria, we thought that after that sacrifice with the return of civilian regime, things would be better for all of us. But that’s not what obtains today. To make matters worse, the more petrol dollar they earned, the greater the poverty nature of our country emerges. In other words, the more our leaders earned more money which ordinarily would have made life better for Nigerians, the more the people suffer poverty. Our politicians are becoming worse

basanjo gave three hun dred billion naira to the then Works Minister, Chief Anthony Anenih but he never commissioned any road throughout his administration. To make matters worse, look at Nigeria today, when General Sani Abacha struck in 1994, he said our hospitals have become mere consulting clinics. The hospitals are worse today. There are Nigerians who are dying because they cannot afford five hundred naira worth of drugs. But our leaders, whenever they are sick, sometimes, they used air ambulance to take them to abroad for treatment. They go to Britain, India for treatment. Yet, they refused to equip our hospitals with adequate modern facilities. We have more money than India. Why is it that we cannot establish better hospitals in Nigeria. Our education sector is in a terrible mess. What Nigeria offers today as education is de-

ception. In 1964, UNESCO told the international communities that education is only one thing that turns around the function of our local environment. So, every country must devote twenty-six per cent of its total budget to education. Nigeria government failed to comply with this regulation. I’m sure they, the government only budgetted about one to three percent of her total earnings to education. Reaction to the renaming of UNILAG It was a Greek gift. President Goodluck Jonathan wanted to cause division among the Yoruba people. Though, I commend him for his bold decision but the thought process that led to it was suspicious. The whole idea behind it has created a regional champion of Chief MKO Abiola who won the June 12 election that was free and fair. Therefore, something of a national symbol should have been named after him. Abiola was more of a sports person while he was alive. He was a pillar of sports in Africa. The national stadium Abuja would have been used to immortalise Abiola. Furthermore, there was no reason for what the President did. He would have weighed the pros and cons of his decision. Also, he would have consulted widely. What the President did was an illegality in all its ramifications. There’s an Act upon which the University of Lagos was established, and it stipulates – that there is a tertiary institution which shall be known as the University of Lagos. President Jonathan is not a military president but guided by rule of law. The President can still make amend.

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44—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2012

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

e was not planning to travel by air. He had never travelled by air in his entire life. He was sleeping in his bedroom. He was only a motorbike rider, popularly known as okada. But he was killed by a plane. If Mr Nwabuwa Okafor had known what fate held in store for him, he would probably have stayed back in the village with his wife and children. Nwabuawa was one of the victims living in the two storey building where the plane crashed into at Iju/ Ishaga area of Lagos last Sunday, June 3, 2012. Nwabuwa only came to Lagos six months ago in search of greener pasture. He came with the dream of making a better living for his family. Unfortunately, two weeks ago, he joined okada business after all efforts to get a better job failed. Today, Nwabuwa who was living with his brother in-law, Mr. Chima Iloka, also lying critically ill at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Surgical Emergency wards, LASUTH, is currently in the Lekan Ogunsola mortuary without achieving his dreams. This is the painful picture painted by his in-law, Chima Iloka, who regretted that he was not able to save him. (Nwabuawa) when Saturday Vanguard visited him in the hospital Tuesday. According to Iloka, it was impossible to rescue Nwabu- cape and she escaped. I started calling my brother wa as the plane landed right on their bedroom where in law but there was no reNwabuwa was sleeping that sponse. It was then I knew that something must have Sunday afternoon. In an emotional voice, he happened to him. As I was said: “We were all hale and about trying to rescue him, I hearty before this incident noticed smoke coming from occurred. He came to Lagos the bedroom where the plane six months ago. He only start- landed. I tried to help him, ed okada business just two but I saw flames coming seriously and I ran out. weeks ago. "Unfortunately, my in-law “When it happened, I never knew where I was. It was af- was confirmed dead. He is in ter 30 minutes that I recov- the mortuary", he said amidst ered myself because every- tears. Asked where his wife one was looking for a way to was then, he said, his wife escape before the ambulance went to church and was not arrived and I saw one of my back. Chima who appealed to the boys who was washing clothes downstairs. My boy was in- State and Federal governments to assist him and other jured at the back. Everything was destroyed victims of the air crash said: before we could come down “I lost my money, my propfrom the top floor. I live at erties and above all, my the 6th floor. I was inside with brother in-law in the crash. “I usually go to the market my visitor discussing while my brother in-law was sleep- every Monday. All the money ing when one of my boys told I brought home that weekend me that they have brought got burnt. We cannot even plan for the burial now belight. “Where I normally change cause I am still in the hospital my light is in the kitchen side. and I have nothing. My wife So I told him to leave the gen- and my daughter are sleeping erator on as the light may not right now in a church close to last. Few minutes later, I our former house.” asked my daughter to go and onfirming that the State check, she went and came Government has been back to report there was light. So I went to the kitchen and taking care of him and other my daughter ran to me and victims, he said his elder asked what I was doing. I told brother arrived Monday but her I was changing the light "we have not been able to see to NEPA. The next thing I the body.” Asked when the burial will heard was a loud noise. So, I immediately called my be fixed, he queried: “How daughter at the same time as can you talk about burial when my visitor ran out and was I am still lying here in the hospital?We no longer have a confused. The plane entered through home of our own. My wife and the sitting room. I found my- daughter now sleep in the self at the end of the wall. church.All my money is gone. Some blocks covered me up Infect, psychologically, I am but I was able to push them yet to recover or to come to away. At that time, I called my terms with what happened. “The person you are talking daughter and she answered “Daddy, I am, here.” Then, I about is not a small boy. He is opened the door for her to es- a family man. As an Igbo man

If he had known, he would have stayed back in the village —Victim’s in-law

It was impossible to rescue Nwabuwa as the plane landed right on their bedroom where Nwabuwa was sleeping that Sunday afternoon

he will be buried in the village” Asked who have been responsible for his medical bills, Chima told Saturday Vanguard that, the State government had been treating him and the other four victims brought to LASUTH free of charge since the night they arrived at the hospital. “They are doing what they feel they can do to assist. The damage has already been done. They told us that by 2:00 PM, his

elder brother can go and see the body”. Another relation of one of the victims, Alhaji Sambo Tanko also spoke to Saturday Vanguard. Describing the deceased as a very precious person, he said: “He is a grandfather, uncle and very precious to me. He was former three-time Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence during Obasanjo’s regime and Chairman Ericson. He is Ibrahim Damchida. They call him Super Perm Sec during Philip Asiodu’s era. He celebrated his 79th birthday just three weeks ago. here is no government in this country. I’m just expressing my pain. This moment, I’m feeling too bad. When you want to talk, don’t mention government. Forget it. We have no government in this country. First, we were made to understand that the German engineer grounded that plane. But the Indian owners of the plane said they will lose funds; they’ll lose resources if they don’t fly. And their management went and bribed the aviation authority and they allowed it to fly. "Now that they have killed our people, what will happen?

What do they expect us to do? Oh, compensation? Please! The pain is there; let us mourn our dead. For God’s sake, the person (Ibrahim Damcida) I’m talking about here is a royal father, a very important citizen of this nation. This man trained me and he is still training my children. Was it not only yesterday that they killed people in Bauchi? So, if I decided to go by road and my car tyre punctured and I decided to stop and change the tyre and they swoop on me. Is it not the same insecurity we’re talking about? Don’t make caricature of anybody or the issue. Take up legal matter against who? Federal government and who? Forget it. We don’t have a government in this country. These things happen and they behave as if nothing happened because they are flying in presidential jet. "He is a king, we did not elect him. He put himself there. All these things fall back on corruption. It is corruption. You can’t go by road, you can’t go by air. So, now, we start going by sea. We that are in the North, we go through the Atlantic ocean, maybe we find ourselves in Libya and then, come down to Chad and then, to Nigeria. Maybe that’s the route we will be travelling now. If not, tell me why insecurity in whatever form cannot be tackled by those up there.

e want to identify his body and take it to Maiduguri in Borno State and bury him. We are Africans and our dead means a lot to us." A man who would not disclose his names said he lost his very close friend, the son of late Naval Chief Aikhomu and his wife aboard this plane. "Ehime

Aikhomu and his wife died in the plane. We’re here now, once we’re gone, the matter is ended and then, we’ll be left to go and bury our dead and lick our wound. But one day, they too will die. This country is corrupt. A whole AkwaIbom State Governor, Akpabio flew on this same aircraft a few days back and reported that the plane is bad, that this aircraft is not good, that this plane is grounded. "What did they say? Aviation authorities allowed it saying Dana management said that Lebanese engineers have come to fix it. And see how they have wasted the lives of these people now. Let’s watch, the minute we leave here, the matter is closed. Tell me, in Belleview, did they do anything? In Sosoliso, did we hear anything? Did they do anything? Soon, they will sweep everything under the carpet."

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 9, 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 45

BURIAL OF LATE HRM BENJAMIN OKUMAGBA Urhobo Progess Union, UPU, pays homage during the burial rites of Late HRM Benjamin Okumagba, Okumagba I, Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Warri Kingdom at the Orosuen's Palace yesterday. Photos: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Chief Emmanuel Okumagba (2nd left) and Chief Wilson Eboh(middle) leads other Okere-Urhobo Warri Chiefs in Welcoming UPU executives

From Right; Olorogun Maj-Gen. David Ejoor (Rtd); Chief Maj-Gen. Patrick Aziza (Rtd) UPU President General; Chief O.C. Majorho, UPU, 1st Deputy President General and Chief Lady Agbaza, UPU Woman President General

A cross section of Late HRM Benjamin Okumagba's Children greeting guests

Chief Emmanuel Okumagba (right) and Chief Wilson Eboh(middle) lead other Okere-Urhobo Warri Chiefs in Welcoming UPU executives

From Left; Chief Ighoyota Amori, President UPC, Chief Onome Okpako and Dr. Philo Oyearone Chief Maj-Gen. Patrick Aziza (Rtd) (Middle UPU President General flanked by Olorogun Maj-Gen. David Ejoor (Rtd) (4th Left) and members of UPU

Olorogun Maj-Gen. David Ejoor (Rtd); Chief Maj-Gen. Patrick Aziza (Rtd) UPU President General; and Chief O.C. Majorho, UPU,1st Deputy President General

A cross section of AgbarhaWarri Kingdom Chiefs

Leaders of UPU arriving the Orosuen's Palace

Chief (Mrs.) David Ejoor and Chief Mark Omo Omizu, Usimo of Okpe Kingdom

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012 — 51

Tenge sure Tornadoes won’t be relegated BY IME BASSEY

IGER Tornadoes may have been struggling with poor results in recent matches but Coach Justen Tenge believes they will not fall into relegation zone. Tenge told Inside Out Premier League from the team’s camp in Minna that the team dropped on the log after losing four straight matches but will recover points lost in their next games to return back to the top. “Niger Tornadoes are not struggling with relegation of any kind, it is just that we played four straight away games and lost all. This made us nose-dive on the log. “If you look at the results of our last two games, we were able to grind our results away in Bauchi and a home win that pushed us up a little. With the grace of God helping

us to perfect our strategies, we hope to recoup those points lost so as to move up the table,” Coach Tenge said. On his team’s inability to pick any away point from the matches played, the

former Kwara United gaffer said that it was as a result of ill-luck and not poor officiating, stressing that the referees have improved tremendously and need to be commended.

Why 3SC are doing well – Media officer BY IME BASSEY

HOOTING Stars Media Officer, Jubril Arowolo has stated that the recent fine form of the Oluyole Warriors can be traced to the extra impetus of the present technical crew led by Hakeem Busari. Arowolo who made this known to Inside Out Premier League in an interview said the team will endeavour to maintain their fine form in order to clinch a continental ticket. “I can’t be categorical on this because when he (Allen) was there, the

team was playing well but struggling with results which I believe was the making of a new coach. The thing is that, it seems like his successor has something extra in his sleeves that is pushing the team forward. “It's been a long time we won an away match, so we are working very hard to continue in this form. We are taking the games the way they come and we believe that with God aiding our fine form, we will finish the season on a high note,” Aworolo said.

thletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN president, Chief Solomon Ogba has said he expects Nigerian athletes who were camped in Atlanta, USA to produce performances that will benefit the the Olympic team. AFN head coach, Innocent Egbunike conducted a three-month training stint for the athletes in Atlanta and some of the newly acquired prowess was put on display by athletes like Margaret Etim and Bukola Abogunloko at Wednesday's AFN Golden League final held in Warri, Delta State. Etim and Abogunloko, members of the women 4x400m relay squad, ran 51.69seconds and 51.84 respectively. And according to Ogba, this was a sign that the

Our target’s winning the league title – Rangers GM By KATE OBODO

ENERAL Manager/Vice chairman of Rangers Football Club of Enugu, Ozor Paul is a happy man following his team's success in the league which he attributes to God and hard work, assuring that if the team continue in their winning ways, they would end up winning the 2011/ 2012 league title. The People's Antelope, as the team are fondly called, have been on top of their game this season as they currently top the league table. For the GM, everything needed to make the team succeed this season have been done. “Honestly speaking, the People of Enugu are very happy with the

success of the team, especially the government which has been supportive and has assured to continue in its support. I believe, if we maintain the temple we would make Enugu proud again , “ he said in a phone interview. He however, told Inside Out Primer League that the secret behind their success story is , “God, hard work and oneness. These are the secrets behind our success story and I pray we maintain the tempo. I see us winning the league this season.” For the players, he said, “the players are happy as we have been able to improve on their remunerations. They (both old and new players) can testify if the club is owning them. For now we have been able to pay their Sign-on-fee for last season and this season.

training has been beneficial to the athletes. “I am happy that they are improving with every race. I'm positively sure that before we leave here for London, we are going to be certain that our relay quartet has the potentials to give us medals at the Games,” Ogba said. The women must have to lower their times in the 400m if they stand a chance at the Olympics. The USA, Jamaica and United Kingdom have their athletes doing better times. Sanya Richard-Ross of the USA has the fastest time this season with 49. 39 seconds, while

Botswana's Amantle Montsho has the fastest time in Africa a 49.62 seconds she ran earlier this month. Abogunloko has the fourth fastest time in Africa, a 51.57 secs run she did in Atlanta. The Nigerian women have to push much harder if they are to stand a chance for an individual medal at the African Championships in Benin Republic later this month. Apart from Montsho, there are others like Tjipekapora Herunga of Namibia with a wind assisted 51.24 and South Africa's Tsholofelo Selemela Thipe with 51.47.

AFN Golden League: Athletes savour jackpot win

Mutui Adegoke of Shooting Stars displaying his skills against Kwara United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. 3SC won the game by a lone goal.

AFN banks on Atlanta returnees to lift Olympic team

HE 2012 AFN/NDDC Golden League ran its full course at the Warri Township Stadium with nine athletes earning the right to share in N2m prize money at stake. It was a big pay day for the nine who went home with about N220,000 each. Chinazom Amadi (women long jump), Shiminenge Agber (800m), Ishmael Sadjo (1500), Okon Samuel (110m) and Patience Okoro (Javelin), Kenechukwu Ezeofor, Queensly Asedo and Kazeem Adeyemi were all smiles as they received their share of the money. “It's is a special day for me and I thank God for giving me strength to complete the series,” said Sadjo. The Cameroon-born Sadjo who was discovered at the Cross River athletics development programme declared that he was looking forward to the African Championships in Benin Republic where he will most likely make his international debut for Nigeria. Chief Ogba congratulated all the winners and praised them for remaining consistent all through the five legs of the league. “They have done themselves proud. This is what I have been saying about having competitions that will

keep our athletes busy all through the season. If we have two or more competitions like this, most of our athletes will

not be rushing to Europe to run in cheap meets and in the process burn themselves out before competitions,” he stated

•Etim and Abogunloko

Gay returns at New York Diamond League MERICAN 100m record-holder, Tyson Gay will return to the tracks today at the New York City Diamond League after almost one year of lay off due to a hip surgery. Gay, who is the only man to have beaten world record-holder Usain Bolt, will run in the B race of the meet, this is with the aim of shaking off his rustiness ahead of the American Olympics trials. Gay won the 100 and 200 world titles in 2007 as well as helping the US 4x100 relay capture the world title. He owns the American 100m record of 9.69 seconds. Cuba's Dayron Robles, the reigning Olympic champion and world record-holder in the 110-meter hurdles, will not compete in the meet, organisers announced. The 25-year-old Robles was named as an entrant for the race to face reigning world champion, Jason Richardson and fellow American David Oliver, a bronze medalist in the event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Organizers said Robles, who also skipped a meet last weekend in Eugene, has a slight injury.

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 9, 2012

World Cup: Mabo wants adequate preparation for Falconets By KATE OBODO

ORMER Super Falcons coach Ismaila Mabo has said that adequate preparation and a good training tour will see the U-20 female national team go beyond the group stage at the 2012 FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks-off on August 19 through to September 8. The Falconets were grouped alongside South American heavyweight, Brazil, Asian powerhouse Korea Republic and 2012 European semifinalist, Italy in the Group B at the draws made last Monday in Tokyo, Japan. According to Mabo, “It takes hard work, good training tour and early preparation for a team to succeed in any competition like the World Cup,” Mabo said in a phone interview. “Grouping alongside Brazil, Korea and

Italy may look scary but if we can do our home work very well, the team will go beyond the group stage. I could recall in 1999 when we were grouped with USA, Denmark and North Korea, we qualified for the quarterfinals. This present grouping is not an exception. If adequate preparations are made, Nigeria will do very well in the competition. “My advice for the coach is that he should get the team in camp on time. For the Nigeria Football Federation, they should help in preparing the team with warm-up matches within Africa and also ensure the team go for training tour in Europe as it would go along way to help them ahead of the competition. “If that is done, I see hope in the team and I believe they would do well in the competition,” he said.

An action during the SuperSport /Lagos State’s activation of Let’s Play Rugby initiative in Badagry last Saturday.

Eagles can win in Blantyre if ...

—Duamlong By IME BASSEY

ORMER Super Eagles assistant coach, Ben Duamlong has affirmed that the Super Eagles can return from Blantyre with victory if Keshi can make his players interpret his game plan on the pitch. Speaking to Saturday Vanguard Sports, the ex-international charged Keshi to work on the psychology of the team

so as to create coercion. “The team can win in Malawi if Keshi can make the players to interpret his game plan very well on the pitch of play. When he gets this right, it will allow for a better partnership in all the departments of the team which in turn will give the attackers room to operate well,” Duamlong said. On the slim victory in Calabar against Namibia last Sunday, the former Flying Eagles Coach recalled that it is the making of a work in progress, noting that he didn’t expect more than what he saw but pleaded with Nigerians to allow the team continue in its

rebuilding process. “I wasn’t expecting anything more from what I saw in the game last Sunday. I know the make up of a team in the process of rebuilding which is what we are going through in the Super Eagles. “It is normal for a team in a process of rebuilding to experience ups and downs in form and play but the more matches they play create more avenue for improvement which I am optimistic will be seen against Malawi in Blantyre. Nigerians should be patient with the technical crew as their patience will determine how far they will go,” Duamlong added.

Adisa, Beke hails Keshi on local players team’s performance and espeBy KATE OBODO

The draw for the final round of the Gulder Ultimate 5-Aside Football Championship was held in Lagos during the week. From left, former Super Eagles forward and Technical Committee Member of the NFF, Victor Ikpeba, Mr. Edem Vindah, Media and Public Relation Manager, NB Plc and Mr. Peter Rufai, fomer Eagles goalkeeper at the ceremony. Photo by Sylva Eleanya.

MTN Golf: Western qualifiers tee off in Lagos LIKE it happened in Port Harcourt last month for the eastern regional qualifiers of the MTN World Golfers Championship, top golfers in Nigeria will converge in Ikeja, Lagos, for the western region edition of the tournament which tees-off at the Ikeja Golf Course tod a y . The championship, which teed-off yesterday with a cock-tail party, would feature Golf gladiators trying to improve on their handicap while vying for survival as they attempt to quali-

fy for the National Finals in Akwa-Ibom; where representatives of Nigeria at the World Golfers Championship in Durban, South Africa would be decided. General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, M r. Kola Oyeyemi, reiterated MTN’s drive to satisfy the passion of its teeming customers in Nigeria, and this resolve is gradually turning the country into a huge golf hub and tourism industry that would attract visitors

and revenue to the benefit of the country and its citiz e n r y . The eastern region qualifiers which just ended in Port Harcourt saw Mr. I. Ikalio emerging as winner in handicap 0-5 with a gross score of 77, net score of 73, and was ranked as handicap 4, while the handicap 6-10 category was won by S.D. Allen with a gross score of 80, net score of 70, and he was ranked as handicap 10.

ORMER Green Eagles goal keeper, Amusa Adisa and Bayelsal United chairman Felix Beke have urged Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi to continue in the rebuilding of the Super Eagles with local players as it would help him when the need arises. The duo, who were impressed with the performance of the team in last Sunday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier in Calabar said Keshi needs to work more on the team. “I’m very impressed with the

cially Keshi’s guts in fielding more of the local boys. It takes only a man who has guts to damn any consequence and follow his heart by fielding more home-based players for the World Cup qualifier. “I could see energy and determination in the boys. But he still needs to work more on the attack against Malawi. Also the team need to play more together so as to blend very well,” Adisa said. On his part, Beke said, “they really need to be forceful in their attack especially against Malawi if they must succeed,” he added.

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Can Keshi’s Eagles douse the Flames in Blantyre? As Malawi coach promises ‘em fireworks BY PATRICK OMORODION

fter struggling to a slim 1-0 win over Namibia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier at the U.J.Esuene Stadium in Calabar last Sunday, the Super Eagles will today face the task of battling another youthful side, the Flames of Malawi in the second game of the qualifiers inside the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre. Eagles’ lynch pin, Ikechukwu Uche who missed close to half a dozen chances against Namibia has promised a better outing against a Malawian side that is ranked 27th in Africa and fell from 102nd to 107th position on the FIFA world rankings released during the week. Stephen Keshi, who heaved a sigh of relief when Uche finally nicked the lone goal that gave his side the maximum points to climb to the top of the table, assured Nigerians after the pulsating encounter in Calabar that he would still need to work on the entire team to make it better subsequently and today’s match presents that opportunity to see if he has really done as he promised. The host side are not taking the encounter likely either as their coach, Kinnah Phiri has said there will be no escape route for Keshi and his wards, promising them an afternoon of fireworks from his more youthful players who will be buoyed by their noisy supporters who have acquired hundreds of the popular vuvuzela to unsettle the Eagles. Speaking to a Malawian newspaper, Nyasa Times in Blantyre, Phiri said, “I don’t care if Nigeria carries their whole contingent of stars to Blantyre but one thing they should not expect when they come to our home is mercy. We will give them pound for pound as my players are younger an energetic.” After the slim 1-0 win over Namibia, light skinned Uche said the reason for the missed chances the Eagles experienced was improper blending as the players were still trying to get used to playing together and that is what the Malawian coach wants to capitalise on today. While stressing that playing in the 2014 World Cup is not their target but the 2013 Africa Nations Cup, Phiri said, “We play as a team while Nigeria

depends on individual players and that will be their undoing in Malawi.” Home-based players seem to always come to Keshi’s rescue. Seven of them who featured against Namibia in Calabar proved they were beginning to mature while their much more exposed foreignbased counterparts continue to flounder. Foreign-based defender Efe Ambrose did little to justify his inclusion in the squad while the home-based he paired, Godfrey Oboabona, Gabriel Ruben and Azubuike Egwuekwe stood like rocks against the Namibian attackers. Malawians have always admired the array of stars Nigeria has. In 2003, they could not help but applaud the Eagles, especially then captain, Austin Okocha whose every move they cheered when the Eagles beat them 1-0 on the same pitch during a 2004 Nations Cup qualifier. That may not be the story today as the Flames’ Chief Supporter, Raphael Nasimba has said every thing would

be done to unnerve the Eagles for their team to triumph. This includes the purchase of hundreds of vuvuzelas and the “the painting of the stadium red to intimidate the Nigerians.” Stand-in captain of the Eagles, Vincent

Match Time — 1.30 p.m. Enyeama was not really tested by the Namibians in Calabar and he could prove impregnable for the Malawian attackers like he did against Argentina and world’s best player, Lionel Messi at the 2010 World

Cup in South Africa. Keshi however, needs to work on the Eagles’ midfield which proved weak, overworking Obiora Nwankwo who tried to contain the forays of the rampaging Namibians in Calabar. If

diminutive Ejike Uzoenyi could dribble less and send precise crosses from the wings, Uche and Victor Moses could break the back of the host and consolidate leadership of the group with maximum points.

Euro fixtures Today Hollaand Vs Denmaark Germany Vs Portugal Tomorrow Spain Vs Italy Republic of Ireland Vs Croatia

PACER... Super Eagles striker, Ike Uche (left) outpacing a Namibian defender, Denzil Haoseb last Sunday in Calabar . He missed several chances before scoring the all important goal that gave Nigerians much to cheer. Can he get it right in Blantyre today against Malawi? Photo by Sylva Eleanya

Oyewole advises Eagles to up their game BY KATE OBODO

s the Super Eagles battle the Flames of Malawi in the second game of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers today in Blantyre, former board member of the NFA, Elder Bode Oyewole has advised the Super Eagles to up their game and improve on the performance they put up against Namibia in Calabar.

The former chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan however, commended the team for their 1-0 victory over Namibia., as he expressed delight with the performance of the seven local players coach Stpehen Keshi fielded in the Calabar match. He said that Keshi was on the right track in the building of a new team that could

compete with teams within Africa and the World, adding that the only way the team can win matches, especially today ’s match against Malawi, is for them to be more compact and as well be offensive in their attack. “I see hope in Keshi’s new Eagles and I think the Calabar game should be an eye opener for them as they lock horns

against Malawi,” Elder Oluwole said in a phone interview. “Obviously, we saw a team that were determined and hungry for glory last Sunday as it was their first competitive game in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite being wasteful in front of goals, I’m happy with the effort made by the players from our local league. I’m sure they

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SOLUTION ON PAGE 52

have learned from their last game and I hope that they will do better to surpass the performance they put up in the Namibia game ” he said. Elder Oyewole also played down on the consistent calls for foreign-based players saying, “ no king rules forever just as no player can play in the national team for ever. The earlier we start working on our local players as replacements for the foreign-based players the better for us. I know we can not rule them out completely, but the fact remains that Keshi is trying to build a formidable team that could compete with Africa and the World. On what he thinks the team should focus on in their game against Malawi, Elder Oyewole said, “ I believe we will see a better team against Malawi, but my advice is that the team should be more compact and also be forceful in their attack. Primarily that is what Keshi is trying to impact on the team and I believe that is one area that is faulty in the team. The defence is okay.”

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