09122017 - PDP chairmanship: Showdown at Eagles Square

2 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 3

4 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2017 — 5

PDP Convention: Showdown at Eagles Square

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Dirisu Yakubu EADERS of the Peoples L Democratic Party, PDP, were last night bracing themselves for

fallouts from the most competitive elective convention in the party’s 18-year history with about 92 persons jostling for 21 positions.

Despite assurances from party leaders, including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, chairman of the National Convention Planning Committee, rancour was breaking out in the camps of some candidates following alleged demarketing techniques adopted by some interest groups to force out some candidates.

The media mogul, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, who with Prof. Tunde Adeniran were providing the toughest challenge for the leading national chairmanship candidate, Prince Uche Secondus, was forced into a late Friday press conference to dismiss claims he had withdrawn from the race.

Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, a candidate for the position of National Publicity Secretary, was also forced to dismiss reports that he had also withdrawn from the race.

Chief Bode George, erstwhile Deputy National Chairman of the party, at a late night press conference withdrew from the contest fuming that Governor Nyesom Wike who is believed to be a major force behind Secondus had insulted the South-West as he demanded an apology from the governor.

Nonetheless, party chieftains yesterday were full of assurances that today’s convention would be an exemplary democratic process in which the will of the majority of 2,800 delegates would prevail.

The delegates are expected to vote for officers to fill 21 vacant positions. Reports that four positions would be uncontested could not be confirmed as at press time last night.

The most competitive contest was that for the office of national chairman in which nine candidates, namely, Secondus, Dokpesi, Adeniran, Taoheed Adedoja, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and Aderemi Olusegun are vying.

Secondus’ position as the leading candidate was further reiterated yesterday after the South-East caucus of the party endorsed him.

However, other forces within the party were still fighting back with the South-West caucus and Dr. Dokpesi mobilizing to stop him.

Saturday Vanguard learnt yesterday that at least two of the candidates from the South-West had agreed to step down, but those two were unwilling to go through with their plans until they knew who they would step down for. Saturday Vanguard could not confirm how the late withdrawal of Chief Bode George from the contest would affect them as at least one of them had indicated he would not withdraw for George.

A final decision by the SouthWest caucus is not expected to be made until this morning and may be circulated on the convention ground. One source privy to the consultations said that the South-West could enter the election with two chairmanship candidates.

As part of the efforts to ensure a credible election, Saturday Vanguard gathered that

•Bode George steps down, demands apology from Wike for insulting South-West •Dokpesi faults de-marketing campaign •Jonathan, Atiku say they do not have favoured candidates delegates would be expected to vote in batches of three states at a time for all the 21 positions available including the four positions not being contested for.

Voting is not expected to start until after the process of amendments of some provisions of the constitution of the party including an amendment to allow former governors and former deputy governors as statutory delegates.

As a way of reducing the bad blood among the camps of some of the leading chairmanship candidates, the Okowa Committee had made them to sign undertakings to abide by the process and accept the results.

All eight candidates still in the race as at yesterday it was learnt, signed the undertaking, albeit on the provision that the process went according to laid down provisions.

Earlier yesterday morning, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu lauded the conduct of the chairmanship hopeful, stating that with their clearance, the party was hopeful of a credible convention devoid of rancour.

Dr. Okowa also pledged the readiness of his committee to conduct a credible and transparent convention.

“We are very much aware of the security alert about Abuja. The security committee is working very closely with the security agencies to ensure a smooth convention,” said Okowa who added that security subcommittee is working very closely with the police and relevant security agencies to ensure a smooth exercise.

He added that only properly accredited journalists would be allowed in to the convention venue.

On his part, Chairman, PostConvention Planning Committee and Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson tasked all aspirants to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the contest, adding that only one of them is fated to win the election.

He thanked Okowa for his work rate, describing him and the Convention Planning Committee as “People we have confidence in.”

Governor Dickson also urged the aspirants to be at liberty to approach his committee to seek clarification on any issue pertaining to convention.

The endorsement of Secondus for the position of national chairman by the South-East Stakeholders Caucus of the party was conveyed in a communiqué delivered by Austin Umahi, PDP National Vice Chairman (SouthEast) at a media conference held at the Chelsea Hotel in Abuja.

He said the caucus had mandated its delegates to the convention to vote for Secondus, saying the decision was taken after a careful consideration of his “Content and character.”

“We are very conscious of the personality of who becomes the national chairman of our great party for the next four years.

Based on the foregoing, we have unanimously in our today’s stakeholders’ meeting, decided that we will back an aspirant that has character and content.

“In this circumstance, and without prejudice to the right of other aspirants to this national

PDP Chairimanship Aspirant, Chief Olabode George; Director-General Bode George Campaign Organisation, Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu and the Zonal Coordinator, South-West, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo,during a Press Conference by the Bode George Campaign Organisation at the Campaign Office, Maitama, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida chairmanship position, credible and transparent election, we have decided to back and vote for Prince Uche Secondus for the position of national chairman of our great party.”

The stakeholders also endorsed Colonel Austin Akobundu (retd), Udeh Okoye and Alphonsus Gerard for the positions of National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and Deputy Financial Secretary respectively.

The meeting was attended by South-East PDP bigwigs including Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi, former Imo State governor, Sam Egwu, erstwhile Senate President, Adolphus Wabara and ex-Abia State governor, Senator Theodore Orji.

Others included former PDP national chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, a one-time Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka

Ihedioha and the PDP governorship candidate in the November 18 Anambra guber poll, Oseloka Obaze among others.

Meanwhile, the Raymond Dokpesi for National Chairman Campaign Organisation also last night rebuffed claims that Dokpesi had withdrawn from the contest saying that its candidate would take the battle to the convention ground.

The campaign at a late evening press conference addressed by Engr. Baba Kachallah, Director General of the campaign organization said: “It is now very clear that some PDP members masquerading as leaders are hell-bent on sabotaging and inflicting several damages on the well organised and victory bound aspiration of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi.

“The position of this campaign organisation is that only delegates to the Convention can and will decide the fate of all aspirants on the floor of the Eagle

Square and Convention grounds on Saturday, 9 December 2017.

“We make bold to challenge the masquerades long known for their penchant for taking unpopular decisions that have brought defeat and humiliation for the PDP in the past.

“High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi has campaigned throughout the length and breadth of this country and will finish the race at the Convention grounds.

“Raymond Dokpesi has not and will not withdraw from the race for any reasons whatsoever.

This Campaign Organisation will like to ask a very simple question in the direction of those behind this wicked rumours:- “If the leaders and some Governors hell-bent on ensuring victory for their aspirants are very sure of themselves, why ask Dokpesi to drop out of the race and resort to blackmail?

“Dokpesi is not afraid to be defeated on the Convention floor Continues on Page 8

Abusers of naira notes risk six months in jail —CBN

BY IKE UCHE (CALABAR)

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday cautioned Nigerians against abusing the naira notes,warning that anyone caught would risk six months imprisonment or pay a fine of N50,000.

Mr. Samuel Shuaibu, an official from the Currency Operations Department of the CBN, Abuja, said this in Calabar during the ‘CBN Fair’, and sensitisation campaign for residents in the state on the appropriate use of the naira.

Shuaibu stated that the abuse of the naira was not in line with the CBN’s policy,stressing that offenders would henceforth be arrested and prosecuted.

According to him, the awareness programme was aimed at sensitising the public on the need to accord respect to naira, online transfer system, how to identify fake currency notes, as well as how to approach the CBN for complaints amongst

others.

He decried the fact that Nigerians accord more respects to the American Dollar more than the naira, saying that Nigerians ought to appreciate and value the naira because it serves as a symbol of national

identity.

His words: ”The naira has suffered abuse from a majority of Nigerians. Today, we find some people spraying the naira in occasions, soiling it, writing on it, squeezing it while others are hawking it.

IPMAN chair advises members to shun destructive acts in Warri

By Gabriel Enogholase ONAL Chairman, Midwest Z zone of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Solomon Ogbewe, the Uwayoba of Benin, has charged members of the the associationinDeltaStatetogoabout their normal business and shun any means of violence that could lead to break down of law and order capable of causing petroleum products scarcity in the state.

He also advised all IPMAN members in the State to shun acts capable of truncating the very

objective of the association which wastoensurethattherewassmooth supply of petroleum products in the state. Chief Ogbewe who spoke to journalists shortly after an emergency meeting of the Zonal Executive Committee (ZEC) of the association in Benin gave the warning against the looming fuel scarcity across the country.

Meanwhile, Chief Ogbewe, on behalf of the zonal executive committee. congratulated the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and all security agencies in the state for their effective roles in handling the affairs of IPMAN in the state.

6 — VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 , 2017

Baby born inside boat, uncle drown in mishap •Parents rescued alive

By Wole Mosadomi

W

USHISHI town, headquarters of Wushishi Local government area of Niger state was thrown into mourning

yesterday when a boat capsised on river Kaduna leaving a baby just born in the canoe and uncle drowned and died.

However, the parents of the new born baby sur-

vived the accident.

Our correspondent reliably gathered that the parents and the uncle of the newly born baby were rushing from Tungan Samia village to Wushishi general hospital for safe

Man commits suicide in Lagos *Corpse removed before alerting police —PPRO

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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RAGEDY struck in Okokomaiko, Ojo Local Government, Lagos state,whenamancommitted suicide, hanging himself .

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred after efforts by the deceased, identified as Papa Ugochukwu, to resolve the fuedbetween his wife, mother-in-law and their Pastor, proved abortive.

Minutes after embarking on the act, residents disclosed that the lifeless body of the deceased was

discoveredbyco-tenantswho raised the alarm, attracting passers-by and other tenants of the one-storey building sited on Kemberi road, Okokomaiko.

It was gathered that the deceased relatives removed the body which was found clutched to the ceiling fan in his parlour.

Before committing suicide on Friday, December 1, the deceasedallegedlydestroyed hisAutomaticTellerMachine (ATM) cards and left a suicide note on the table.

Sources said that in the suicide note, the deceased narrated what transpired

before embarking on the act which ended his life, alleging that his wife and mother-inlaw were his problems.

It was alleged that on sighting the note, the wife made away with the note to cover the allegations leveled against them by the deceased.

Confirmingthetragedy,the Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, Lagos command, Chike Oti, yesterday, noted that though the law enforcement agents were yet to arrest anyone, but stressed that investigation was still ongoing.

delivery of the baby but eventually lost the child to the mishap.

An eye witness told our correspondent that midway into the journey, the woman went into labour and subsequently delivered the baby suceessfully in the canoe.

However, the passengers in the Canoe decided to drop the motorcycle in the boat to avoid the smell of petrol inside the motorcycle from affecting the new baby.

Just as the motorcycle was being removed, the eyewitness said the boat tilted and while they were struggling with the machine, the boat eventually capsized and subsequently led to the death of the new born baby and his little uncle who drowned.

With the help of divers in the area the parents of the baby were rescued alive but the new born baby and uncle were unlucky as they died.

The remains of the baby and the uncle have been

buried along the river bank.

Director General of the Niger state Emergency Management Agency Alhaji Ibrahim Inga when contacted confirmed the story but did not give the names of the occupants of the boat.

Inga who described the incident as “very sad” said

water transportation had been causing untimely deaths in the state in recent times despite the sensitisation carried out by the Agency saying,” We are tired of loss of innocent lives through boat mishap but we will continue with our sensitization of the travellers and the operators on the need to follow the laid down rules before embaking on such journeys”.

Evang Ageh for burial

E

VANGELIST John Edabo Ageh of the families of Ageh of Uzere kingdom and EwhokpakaAviara of kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead.

He was aged 76.

According to the burial arrangements by the family, there will be a farewell Christian service by the Christ Adam Preaching Church Inc. (CAPC,), on Saturday, December 9, 2017, followed by interment.

Outing service holds on Sunday, December 10, 2017

at Christ Adam Preaching Church Inc., district headquarters, Ozoro. He is survived by wife, children, brothers, sisters, uncles and other relatives.

Late Evangelist John Ageh

Libya deportees arrive with tales of woes *We were treated worse than animals *Before being fed, we were beaten 3 times daily

By Gabriel Enogholase and Bose Adelaja

A

batch of 164 Nigerians deported from Libya yesterday, arrived Lagos with tales of their horrible experiences in Libya in their aborted bid to cross to Europe for a better life. They arrived aboard a chartered BURAQ Airline 737 with Registration number 5ADMG at the Cargo Wing of Murtala Muhammad International Airport at 12:34 a.m.

Our ordeals in Libya One of the returnees, Mrs Vivian Francis aged 29, who was deported with a two weeks old baby, vowed never to embark on such journey again, saying that she was very happy to be back home again. Mrs Francis, who is from Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State, told Vanguard in an interview in Benin yesterday, that she gave birth to the “baby boy” who she named ‘Wealth’ at the United Nations camp in Libya before her deportation to Nigeria.

She disclosed that before she left Nigeria in October , 2016, she was involved in buying and selling, just as she added that her husband was still in Libya.

According to her, “there

is too much suffering in Libya; we were treated worse than animals by the Libyans who showed no mercy to the blacks especially Nigerians. I paid over N1million to a Nigerian agent to facilitate my crossing from Libya to Italy before I was arrested and jailed for six months.

Life in Libya prison is hellish and I will not wish my worst enemy to travel to Libya.

Another returnee, Mrs Loveth Ehis who disclosed that she travelled to Libya in 2016 in company of her husband, said that she spent over eight months in prison, adding that they were in camp preparatory to crossing to Italy when Libyan Police raided their camp and arrested them.

She said, “I was a Stylist before I left Nigeria. It was very harrowing travelling through the Sahara Desert and Niger Republic to Libya. Most Nigerians died while attempting to cross the desert. My experience in Libya was horrible and I don’t want to recall it. I paid over N200,000 to a Nigerian agent to embark on the journey. It is true that Nigerians were responsible for selling their own people into slavery, I can attest to that. We were beaten three times daily whenever we were being fed. I will not go there again”.

Another returnee, Timothy Iviruwe 21, from Delta State and a welder while narrating his experience in the Arab country, said. “I travelled in July 2017 to Libya enroute Italy. I travelled for 13 days through the Sahara Desert to Agades in Niger Republic without food or water. I was saved by the special Grace of God. I paid N250, 000 and another N25,000 for life jacket to the Nigerian agent before I was arrested and put in the United Nations Camp for two months before we were deported to Nigeria”.

In his own account, Onah David from Delta State who attributed his ordeal to the poor economic situation in the country said he came from a poor family and risked his life hoping to settle the medical bill of his visually impaired mother at home. He said, “The ill-fated journey cost me about N1.3m of which those I am indebted to are waiting. I am a plumber, I obtained Ordinary National Diploma OND, in Engineering at Delta State Polytechnic. We were on the Mediterranean Sea for 18 hours with 150 passengers on board.

Many died in the process and the rest of us were imprisoned for six months before IOM came to our rescue and brought us back to Nigeria. I personally

The deportees being registered by Edo state government . Photo By Barnabas Uzosike raised N600, 000 and my ailing mother sold her belongings and went borrowing to assist me unfortunately the journey nose-dived and creditors await me at home,” Osondu Lucky, also from Delta state, said he was invited by his younger brother who was in Europe.

According to him, “the journey cost me about N850,000 unfortunately we were detained from one prison to another before our repatriation. We were treated like slaves without medical attention and many Nigerians died”.

Emmanuel Kesh from Delta State, said he dropped out of University to embark on this ill-fated trip.

He expressed happiness on arrival and commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his directive to bring back all distressed Nigerians. He said “I learned that President Buhari has directed evacuation of all Nigerians

from Libya, I thank the President for this because the boys (Nigerians) in Libya are really suffering and are being treated like animals.

The President’s directive is very important because of the coming election in Libya as many Nigerians might be used as human shields in any clashe between the various groups in any postelection violence over there.

My decision is never to aspire to travel outside Nigeria. This is a bitter experience that I will not pray for anyone suffer in life,” A representative of Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking Magadoji Nathaniel said about 600 Returnees were received by the State government in the last one month.

He said different acquisition skills have been put in place for them just as they were placed on 3 months stipends.

NEMA’s Southwest Zonal

Coordinator, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu representing the Director General of the Agency, Engr. Mustapha Maihajja who received the Returnees on behalf of the Federal Government thanked the IOM and the EU for their humanitarianism.

The Director General enjoined the Returnees to learn from the bitter lessons they learned in the course of their unpalatable sojourn and make better use of opportunities that abound in this country. He said, “There’s no where like home and Nigeria is a peculiar nation that God has endowed with bountiful resources that everyone can harness and prosper,” He implored the Returnees to make use of facilities available for self empowerment which federal and state governments are providing.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 7

2019: INEC fixes Feb 16 for Presidential, N/Assembly elections Governorship March 2

•Launches online ‘Timer’

By Ishola Balogun

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By Dennis Udoma

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head of 2019 general elections in the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released possible dates for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections to hold on February16, 2019 while the Governorship, State Assembly and Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory will take place on March 2, 2019.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at the on-going induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital yesterday.

He said, the dates for the general elections in 2019 have been fixed stating that, from today, there are 433 days left for the Presidential Election and National Assembly Elections adding, it is important to always remind the commission’s personnel of this date and to be appraising their preparations.

According to Him, “All participants at this retreat should be aware that from today, (yesterday) the 2019 general elections to begin with the Presidential and National Assembly Elections on February 16,2019 exactly 434 days away.

“These will be followed by the Governorship, State Assembly and Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory on March 2,2019”.

The INEC boss also maintained that, about 3,630,529 new voters had been registered, while the exercise will continue until 60 days to the general elections in 2019 lamenting the management and the low rate of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection.

He disclosed that about 67 political parties were indicating interest to contest in the 2019 general elections, while the commission had received more than 120 applications from political associations seeking registration as political parties.

Earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Mike Igini expressed the hope that, decisions reached at the retreat would act as a road map free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

The Country Director of UNDP, Dr Samuel Bwalya who was represented by the Team Leader, Governance and Peace Building, Mr. Kehinde Bolaji described INEC as a pacesetter in elections management in West African sub region and urged the commission to address the is-

We'll scrutinise politicians on 2019 elections —Lai Omotola

From left: Rev[Dr] Verralls Kolawole, Special Adviser to Governor on Religious Matters; Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Commissioner for Home Affairs receiving an Award, Best on Christian Pilgrimage Operation on behalf of the Governor from Chief Enoch Ajiboso, Chairman, Christian Conscience Group of Nigeria; during the award presentation yesterday by Christian Conscience Group of Nigeria to Lagos State Government on Christian Pilgrimage Operation, at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Photo: Bunmi Azeez

sues of violence, internal democracy, accountability and transparency within the political institutions.

Bwala maintained that,

without addressing those challenges the expectation of attaining long lasting democratic governance could be disrupted inform-

ing that, UNDP would always support the country’s quest in deepening democracy, peace and sustainable development.

The struggle for better Nigeria not over yet—Obasanjo •Celebrates late Gen. Yar’Adua with S/Leonian President, Ciroma, Onyia, others

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

F

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the struggle to bequeath a better country was not over yet.

He said that for him, the country was just at the centre of the struggle.

Obasanjo’s declaration is coming at the thresholds of another round of elections in Nigeria whose ambience had already permeated the country. The former president who spoke at 20 yearsmemorialsofhisformer deputy as the Head of Military government, Late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in Abuja on Friday said that the struggle to make Nigeria a better nation consumed the life of his former friend and ally.

Recalling the scintillating life and times of the late Yar’Adua, Obasanjo who graced the event in the company of the President of Sierria Leone, Mr. Ernest Bia Koroma vowed to continue living in the ideals and visions of his former deputy until the dreams were achieved.

The event was organized

by Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation which has Obasanjo as its chairman.

He said: “What’s is life?

ThoseofuswhoknewShehu very well knew the type of man he was, the type of life he lived, his commitment to his family, religion, nation

and friends. And then you ask the question what is life?

I think Shehu Yar’adua’s life typifies the answer to that question. How he lived his life gave us eloquent answer to what life is. And that is also evident from what we have seen here today. Twenty years after Shehu had passed on, we are here with his memory still green and fresh in all of us. I could not have had a better deputy than Shehu Yar’Adua when I was military head of State.

We shared some interesting times together. Let me tell you a few of the times that are interesting.

“One day I had cold and the doctor came to see me. I said to the doctor, supposing this cold decide to take my life, as you came here now, what will you do. He said, I will try first aid on you and I will do what I need to do to revive you. I said if you try that and it didn’t work, he said then, I will call the Chief of Staff. And as he said that, Shehu came in and I said, look at him coming in.

“Shehu came in, I told him what the doctor said and asked him what he will do.

He said I will kick you with my leg...and say get up. You are not going away. This is your job. That’s the sort of the interesting times we had.

“We had also difficult times together but we had to put our heads together. How did we handle the issue of transition?Howdidwemove Nigeria forward, implement our programme? We worked

together and succeeded in doing what I believed was right for the country at the time. We handed over a democratically elected government.

Set up a grassroots party “A few years after that, Shehu came to me and said, he was going to set up a grassroots party. I said a grassroots party? He said from my study and everything, I realize that Nigeria has not really had a truly grassroots party. Not even NEPU which was the best that we have had. Then I asked, was there anything you wanted us to do when we were in government that we did not do? He said no and I said good. If that is the case, I pray that this grassroot party that you want to set up will succeed. He said Amen. And I said do you want to use the grassroots party to get into power? He said not really but if that turns out to be the case, would you tell me not to? I said if that turns out to be the case, I will be very happy.

“Well, some members of that party are here today. I was not a member. Since Shehu’sdeparture,theyhave remained loyal to Shehu’s ideals and what he stood for.

Arrest of Shehu “When Shehu was first arrested, I was out in South Africa. And I rushed back home and asked the man who arrested him. And the man who arrested him said to me, he did not know that Shehu had been arrested.

HE publisher of The Politico.ng, Lai Omotola, has said that his online political platform will scrutinise politicians and sensitizeNigeriansonthe2019electionswithaviewtomaking those seeking elective positions deliver on their promises for betterperformance.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, to launch a ‘Timer’ for the countdown to 2019 general elections, in his Maryland, Lagos office, Omotola lamented that the problem with the nation’selectoralprocesshasbeenlackofadequatepreparations, adding that, the countdown would assist stakeholders in the Nigerian political space, in making adequate preparation as well as allowing the electorate to make good decision.

According to Omotola, the feeling of disappointments on the performance of those holding elective positions at all levels of governance was largely blamed on lack of adequate preparations on the part of politicians as well as the electorate whodidnottakeenoughtimetoproperlyscrutinisetheirchoice of public office holders.

“It was against this background that we obliged agenda setting function of the mass media to step in our little contribution towards the 2019 elections. “ We have therefore, in this regard through one of our specialised online news platforms called ‘The Politico’ being from today, a countdown to 2019 general elections as we launch the Timer which will, among others assist all the stakeholders in Nigeria political space including the citizenry plan their schedule amidst many other engagements of life.”

Nigerians, politicians and others could log on to politico.ng to view the timer which would update them on the number of days, hours and seconds remaining before the conduct of the Presidential, National Assembly and Governorship elections in 2019.

“Theproblemwehaveinthisnationispreparationforelection.

Any government that wants to deliver on electoral promises will need 18 months to plan and prepare. What we are facing in Nigeria is that such planning is not there. That is why it would take a President six months to form his cabinet after assuming office.

“What we intend to do with our politico.ng is to increase awareness and increase the number of people that will come to vote in 2019. The media need to engage the people on this aspect,” he said. The Editor-in-Chief, The Politico, Emmanuel Malagu stated that the frenzy towards the general elections in 2019 had already started, saying that politicians had already beguntopushtheiragendasubtlythroughtheirvariouspolitical parties," he added.

And I said Mr. Head of State, say that to the marines. There is no way the number two man in this country at one time will be arrested without the knowledgeof thecurrent number one man. Shehu was released thereafter. But he was released only for a short while. When he was arrested the second time, I was arrested along with him.

We were kept in separate locations but after ; a verdict had been given about what would happen to us, we met in Kirikiri. That was the last time we actually stayed together. We had about three times that we were able to speak and think in.

Maximum Prison.

In Prison “Even in prison, we strategised together.

Unfortunately, our strategy did not work. But when Shehu died in prison, my international friends decided that they would use a commandoplantogetmeout of prison. They actually did it. They made the plan. And their plan was to use a helicopter to take me out of Yola prison. Then they sent message to me and I said if you do, I will not get out of prison. And that was when they dropped the idea of using commando effort to get me out of prison. That would have defeated what we stood for. We stood for Nigeria. And we stood for whatever consequences

standing for Nigeria will cost us. It caused Yar’Adua his life.

What we stood for “Those of us who believed in what Shehu Yar’Adua believed in that are still alive, the only thing we can do is to allow the struggle to continue. And we are not at the end of the struggle yet. If anything, we are still in the middle of this struggle. As he said to his son, we want to bequeath to our children and our children’s children a country that we can be proud of. We are not there yet. May God make us get there”.

Also speaking, the Sierra Leonian President, Koroma described Yar’Adua as a great African soldier and politician whose memories would not be forgotten.

“We have gathered here in memory of a great African. Yar ’Adua was greatly loved by so many people. He came, played his part and transitioned.

Though, we are greatly saddened by his passage, we are consoled by his exemplary life. He was a great soldier and politician.

He put the interest of this nation first and foremost.

His loving memories should help you smile again. His memories will never be forgotten”, he said.

8—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Olu of Warri Coronation Anniversary:

3,000 get free eye care

S-Court sacks APC lawmaker in Edo, gives him 90 days to refund salaries

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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HE Supreme Court, yesterday, sacked Hon. Sunday Aghedo of the All Progressive Congress, APC, from Edo State House of Assembly.

Aghedo who hitherto represented Ovia South West Constituency, was ordered by the apex court to within 90 days, refund all salaries and allowances he collected from Edo State House of Assembly from May 2015, till date.

In a unanimous judgment, a five-man panel of Justices of the apex court, declared Mr. Godwin Adenomo also of the APC, as the bonafide winner of the legislative election in Ovia South-West Constituency of Edo State House of Assembly, held on April 11, 2015.

The Supreme Court panel affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Benin which had earlier declared that Mr. Adenomo was the authentic winner of the primary election APC conducted for the

•Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone, Senator Bukola Saraki, Senate President, flanked by Femi Otedola, and Kola Abiola, during the wedding of Saraki's daughter in Abuja, yesterday. constituency on December 2, 2014.

Delivering the lead judgment on Friday, Justice Dantijo Mohammed ordered the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly to immediately swear in Mr. Adenomo as a member of the Assembly representing Ovia South West Constituency.

The court further awarded

N300,000 cost against the appelant, Hon. Aghedo, who had challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal, Benin delivered by Justice Moore Asiemo Adumein.

Both the Supreme and appellate court had noted that the pre- election matter arose from a primary election in which Mr. Adenomo scored the highest

votes cast, having secured 152 votes as against 140 that was scored by the appellant.

However, instead of submitting Adenomo’s name, the appellant’s name was forwarded as the party’s candidate for the election, with a three man appeal panel that was set up by the party to look into his complaint, upholding the decision of the party.

Showdown at Eagles Square Continued from Page 5 if the elections are free, fair and adjudged credible.”

Faulting a newspaper publication issued by the Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih on the position of the South-South, he said: “Those who were present at the meeting can testify that what was agreed was that delegates from the SouthSouth are free to vote for the aspirant of their choice from the South-South.

“The PDP elective Convention will remain what it is designed to achieve, elect new national officers for our great Party. “No amount of blackmail and intimidation will force Dokpesi to capitulate to the dark forces of imposition and impunity.” Ologbodinyan also affirming his readiness to become the party’s National Publicity Secretary said: “I am psychologically prepared for the assignment ahead. I have consulted and campaigned widely among party faithful across the length and breadth of Nigeria. I have received overwhelming support. I am convinced that

delegates will make a right choice in me”.

Answering questions from newsmen after consultations with various stake holders and delegates to the PDP Convention, Ologbondiyan said, “I believe my opponents have given up”.

He reiterated that “my experience as a newspaper Editor and image manager to the former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark from 2007 to 2015 will put me in a better stead ahead of my opponents in the management of the party affairs”.

Meanwhile, there were good wishes for the party ahead of today’s convention from former President Goodluck Jonathan and former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar.

President Jonathan in a statement issued by his media adviser, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze said he had no preferred candidate for any of the positions even as he said he was convinced that the convention would reposition the party for the battle of reclaiming power in Abuja.

“As the father of the party, ex-

President Jonathan has no preferred candidates for any of the positions and is prepared to work with all those that will emerge as members of the new National Working Committee to ensure that the party regains its pride of place in the affairs of the nation. The former President is pleased with the dedication and enthusiasm of all party members towards building a strong PDP and wishes all participants successful deliberations, as they seek to freely elect members of the National Working Committee, that will lead the party for the next four years.

“Dr. Jonathan is impressed with the level of preparations for the convention, especially with the number of the candidates and the spread and vibrancy of the campaigns, which has established a new paradigm for intra-party elections, in the country,” the statement read in part. It further noted that “Contrary to speculations and permutations by some interest groups, Dr. Jonathan has never discussed or plotted with others against the ambition of any of the candidates, as is being falsely reported by those who are adept at spreading negative stories against the immediate past President.

“The former President is therefore optimistic that the convention will produce a

positive outcome that will help the PDP consolidate its position as the party with the best democratic ideals in the country.”

Atiku also denied having a favoured candidate saying he was for a virile PDP. He also denied having a preferred candidate for any of positions being contested in today’s delegates election.

The ex-Vice President who last week resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rejoin the PDP also called on delegates to the convention to vote for persons of integrity in accordance with the dictates of their conscience.

In a press statement signed by his media office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku urged delegates and the various aspirants to put PDP first as the party elects officers that will pilot its affairs for the next four years.

The statement reads: “As our great political party sets forth to elect new set of national officers for the party today, we must put the interest of the party first and I urge our delegates to vote for people they believe will better promote the interest of the party.

“I am an advocate of democracy, and it is my belief that the best way to strengthen a political party is to promote the principle of internal

By Gab Ejuwa

O

VER 3,000 persons have benefited from free eye care involving cataract surgeries in commemoration of the Second Coronation Anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

The gesture, at the instance of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA incorporated, began four days ago at Ode-Itsekiri, the Itsekiri ancestral home and ended yesterday at the Aghofen Palace of the Olu in Warri, Delta State.

Kingsley Onuwaje, President of the group, said, “We are partnering with an existing organisation headed by Dr. Okorodudu whose philosophy is ‘no one is turned away'. Good eyesight gives the individual a window into the world. We are going to partner with others on projects to improve lives of people in our kingdom”.

Beneficiaries from far and near expressed gratitude to the organisers and the Olu on the opportunity to benefit from free medical care on critical eye problems many might not have gotten money to solve.

QRC old students honour 6 prominent Nigerians

O

LD students of Queen of the Rosary College (QRC), Onitsha, Abuja Chapter have honoured five prominent Nigerians in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the country. The women who were given the Selfless Service Award, at the launch of the Abuja chapter of the association are Senator Joy Emodi, Justice Mary Peter Odili; Senator Hope Uzodinma; Chief Gordian Oranika; Chief Charles A. Mbanefo and Dr. (Mrs.) Marian Ali. The chairperson, QRC alumnae, Abuja chapter, Barr.

Roseline Nwosu, in her welcome address said it became imperative for the alumnae members to strengthen unity and friendship that had existed amongst them for decades.

She said the national leadership of the alumnae, had during the diamond jubilee celebration earlier in October at the school premises in Onitsha, Anambra State, directed all state chapters to replicate same to strengthen bonds of friendship and discuss sustainable way forward for the school.

2019: Why Urhobos will endorse Evelyn Oboro for Senate — Onuesoke

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has given reasons why Urhobos residents at home and diapora will endorse Hon. Evelyn Oboro, members representing Sapele, Okpe, and Uvwie Constituency in the House of Representatives. Oboro who is serving her second term in the House of Representative has declared her intention to contest for the position of senate in Delta Central Senatorial District.

Onuesoke who stated this on Friday when group of women under the aegis of Association of Urhobo Women Leaders, AUWL, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Warri, called on the people of Delta Central Senatorial District to support the senatorial ambition of Evelyn Oboro; adding that well meaning Deltans will continue to support the Urhobo agenda. democracy in the workings of the party. I believe that all of the aspirants for respective positions are eminently qualified and the task is before our delegates to pick people who will make PDP even a stronger party after the Convention. “I do not have any preferred candidate, all I ask of our delegates and members of the organizing committee is that they should give us a national convention that is transparent, free and credible – one that will establish a standard for how intra-party elections are to be held in the country.

George withdraws from contest George who said his decision to bow out of the race was informed by the flagrant abuse of the micro zoning arrangement by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) noted that the party would sooner than later self-destruct.

“I entered the contest on the micro-zoning principle, which has been thrashed by little men who have compromised. It appears the PDP is bent on selfdestruction. I can’t be part of this. The chairmanship position has been sold to the highest bidder,” George stated

while briefing newsmen at his campaign office in Abuja.

“I entered the race due to the micro zoning arrangement.

This micro zoning has been trashed, dumped on the dust bin for personal reason. It appears that PDP is bent on self destruction. It has lost its soul.

“I cannot be part of this criminal allegation. The PDP is now mangled. I hereby withdraw from the fraud. As a Yoruba patriot, I will stand for our people.

“Governor Wike must tender an unreserved apology to the Yoruba people for his unguarded utterances against the Yoruba race. I listened to my younger brother and I see it as an insult. I consider it as an insult.

“I Olabode George did not step down for anybody. My measure of experience is too heavy. What I am stepping downforistheprocess.Theissue of micro zoning has been destroyed. Every position is micro zoned. I am withdrawing purely on principle. You can know the way the party use to bubble and we see it as a brotherly union. From what happened before I thought we could manage it but it is obvious that the system has been bastardized,” he added.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 9

Golden Hearts Annual Christmas Party for children in Lagos

•From Left: Mr. Peter Armand Boyo, Actor/Film-Maker, Mrs. Bukola Ifaturoti, Dr Ama Onyerinwa, Director Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative , and Mrs Lola Are-Adegbite, Perm Sec District 1V, Lagos State.

•Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative teams, cutting cake with childrens of Greensprings School Anthony, Lagos and Ojuwoye Community Primary School Inclusive Unit.

Photos: Kehinde Gbadamosi

•Left from Back: Mrs. Funmi Wale-Adegbite, Trustee Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative; a staff, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, Trustee Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative, Prince Gbenga Oguntayo, Trustee/Secretary, Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative, with Children of Ojuwoye Community Primary School Inclusive Unit, and Father Chritsmas, and Greensprings School, Anthony, Lagos.

•From Left: Prince Gbenga Oguntayo, Trustee/Secretary, Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative; Mrs. Tolu Olaiya, Chairperson, Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative; Mrs. Angela Emuwa, Trustee Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative and Mrs. Funmi WaleAdegbite, Trustee Golden Hearts, Touching Lives Initiative.

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10—SATURDAY

Vanguard , DECEMBER 9,, 2017

Why Atiku’s return to PDP may rattle Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid

Real reasons Obiano Lfloored opponents W

ith his formal return to the PDP recently; Atiku Abubakar has invariably birthed a political insomnia in the camp of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). And whether the party admits or not, Atiku’s decision to return ‘home’ is a huge loss to President Muhammadu Buhari and his political associates; some of whom are likely to jump ship in the months ahead.

By Dirisu Yakubu

ast week return of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to dominate discourse and commentaries in traditional and new media platforms. From newspaper columnists to newscasters, bloggers to sundry media practitioners, Atiku’s decision to resign his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is an indication of imminent cracks in the camp of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Atiku may have serially suffered setbacks in his quest to preside over the affairs of the nation since his falling out with his ex-boss and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He was probably shell-shocked when in the APC primaries of 2014 held in Lagos; he placed a distant third behind former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Muhammadu Buhari but the times appear to have changed in contemporary Nigeria. More than anything else, Atiku’s public outings coupled with his stand on critical issues of national discourse, places him in a vantage position to go a step further in his 2019 Presidential aspiration.

Upon his resignation from the APC last week, Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir ElRufai berated Atiku saying he won’t be missed by party faithful but President Muhammadu Buhari reacted differently. “Accept my sympathy for losing a senior member of your party,” he reportedly told his party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. But while some commentators in their numbers have also chided the former Vice President for manifesting desperation in his bid to govern the country; here are a few reasons the APCled administration will struggle to repeat the 2015 electoral miracle which put an end to PDP’s grip on power, should Atiku emerge the party’s Presidential candidate in 2019.

Job creation Unlike a legion of politicians in the land who became household names after embracing politics, Atiku had earlier carved a niche for himself as an astute businessman before his election as Governor of his State of Adamawa and subsequent election as Vice President of the Federal Republic.

And since vacating office in 2007, the Turakin Adamawa has consistently utilised the social media platform to good effect, sermonizing the failure of subsequent administrations to build on the success story of the Obasanjo-Atiku administration.

Announcing his decision to return to the PDP last week via Facebook live chat, Atiku had this to say: "I have found in my travels across the country that whenever I get into conversations with young people, their number one concern is whether they will be able to get a job for without a job, they have no means of sustaining themselves or begin a family. And without the security of a job, we cannot have security in our country. So without jobs, there is no future for you or for Nigeria. And I also know as a parent that the older generation is also concerned about jobs for their

children and, too often today, for themselves as well. Creating jobs is something I know about as I have created over 50,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs in my own State of Adamawa.”

To drive home his point, he oiled his remarks with allusion to knowledge of job creation in the public realm and made reference to his time as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007.

“And I also know how the government can help create the right environment for businesses to create jobs. When I was Vice President in 1999, I was responsible for liberalising the telecoms sector which enabled us to increase the number of people who could access a phone from less than 1 million then to over 100 million today.

•Atiku

"This transformation resulted in the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs from the top-up card vendors you see on every street corner to the many new businesses that fed off the mobile phone revolution,” Atiku had said.

He was not done as he berated President Buhari for the failure of his government to keep faith with promises made during electioneering campaign for the 2015 elections, saying, "I joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) as I had hoped it would be the new force that would help improve life for our people and I was excited about the party’s manifesto to create 3 million new jobs a year.

The result has not been the change people had been promised or voted for, as in the last two years, almost 3 million Nigerians have lost their jobs.”

Like Atiku aptly put it, unemployment rate in the country today is worse than what obtained in 2015 and this will likely play a role in the voting pattern of unemployed youths; many of whom may think logically before casting their ballot.

Stand on restructuring An intelligent politician skilled in reading the mood of the times, Atiku was perhaps the lone ranger in the camp of the ruling party as far as call for restructuring is concerned. While not a few members of the party including Chairman Oyegun, Ministers of Power, Works and Housing and Solid Minerals, Babatunde Fashola and Kayode Fayemi; hitherto unrepentant advocates of devolution of power kept mute on the debate; Atiku reminded his party of the dangers of turning its back on promises earlier made.

In the event of his emergence as PDP Presidential flag bearer in 2019, Atiku stands a chance of winning the hearts of the South-

on key national issues that even Mr. President is afraid to talk about. He wants Nigeria restructured and that has been the prayer of the entire South zone and a section of the North. He has returned to the PDP in good time,” he said while craving anonymity.

He was not done as he berated President Buhari for the failure of his government to keep faith with promises made during electioneering campaign for the 2015 elections

West, South-East, South-South and the North Central zones whose position of power devolution continues to get louder by the day.

This is the view of a PDP South-South stakeholder and former Speaker of State House of Assembly in a chat with Vanguard on Thursday.

“It is a little bit early to discuss potential Presidential aspirants but you will agree with me that the people are now wiser more than ever before. Yes, former Vice President Atiku is a well-known face both in the South and the North but beyond his popularity is his stand

National Outlook/appeal Atiku is arguably the most visible Presidential hopeful in the country today. No doubt, the likes of Kwankwaso, Dankwambo, Bafarawa and Lamido are hugely popular up North.

Down South, the depth of their political visibility is up there for debate. In the South East and South-West, Atiku relates easily and sees the geo-political zones as his home. His first wife, Titi is a daughter of the South-West while Jennifer hails from the South-East.

Mundane as this may appear, they could play a critical role and turn campaign tool for the Waziri of Adamawa in the event of his emergence as a Presidential candidate.

President Buhari who is beginning to appear as the APC flag bearer in 2019, is not likely to enjoy the easy ride he had in 2015 if he’s to run against Atiku as the latter boasts of massive support base across the country. His sundry companies which provide employment opportunities for Nigerians across geopolitical and religious backgrounds give him an advantage no one can ignore with a wave of the hand.

Buhari’s scorecard In an interview our correspondent had with Chairman, National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi recently; the former Kaduna State governor thanked the APC-led government for campaigning indirectly for his party. When asked how this was so, he responded; “They are not performing.” Atiku’s may not parade a university degree but not even the ruling party can take away from him, his mastery of the Queen’s language, especially when

Continues on pg 12

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—11

PDP Chairmanship:

•UcheSecondus

The final battle

By Dirisu Yakubu

A

s the gladiators in the race to the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approach the final lap of what promises to be an intense sprint; the eyes of the public are on the man who will be the first to breast the tape.

Following the failure to produce a consensus candidate amongst the legion of aspirants gunning for the plum seat, it was settled that only national delegates drawn from the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) •Raymond Dokpesi would be the sole determinants of the next chairman of the party.

In the past few weeks, the aspirants have demonstrated uncommon passion and loyalty to the ideals of the party as they continued their nationwide consultations and interface with delegates and leaders of the party. With pledges anchored on the lofty goal to reposition the party ahead of the 2019 general elections, these aspirants have literally illuminated the political stand of the elders, calling for the race to be atmosphere, thus leading to scores of pundits thrown open to all aspirants from the South. labelling the PDP the most organized political party in the land in spite of feuds here and The drawbacks there, in some state chapters.

While his popularity is not in doubt, As these aspirants go to the polls to test Secondus is facing the opposition of a number their popularity among the delegates, the of party stakeholders from the north, many of question many are asking is: Who gets the whom are likely to influence the voting pattern nod of the almost 3,000 delegates expected at of their delegates. the gathering? What are the factors likely to Worth mentioning is the increasing work for and against them? influence of Governor Wike, who many fear The most coveted position of the about 21 will literally take over the affairs of the party positions on offer is the office in the event that Secondus of the national chairman which emerges the chairman of the is being contested by eight party. candidates.

A stakeholder of the party The focus on the office of and a northern elder who is one national chairman is mainly on of those clamouring for the the fact that the person who South-West to produce the occupies the office is seen as chairman puts it this way: “It is the face of the party. our belief that the party will lose focus and sense of direction if a governor is allowed to dictate Prince Uche Secondus what happens in the party. Again, He was the former Acting there is the issue of equity. The National Chairman of the party South-West has never had a and a tested political tactician. chairman, elected or appointed.

He is seen as the anointed heir Please, let us give it to the Southof the National Caretaker West for the sake of fairness and Committee; a claim that has equity.” been dismissed by the party Secondus’ aspiration also leadership. appeared to suffer a setback Only last week, the move to earlier in the week when a checkmate his growing founding father of the party and influence and popularity by the former Military President, Northern Elders and Leaders General Ibrahim Badamasi Forum was countered when the Babangida, IBB (retd) warned youth group of northern against the sale of the extraction and PDP Chairmen chairmanship position to the in the north kicked against the highest bidder. Though, he

C M Y K

The Daar Communications founder is of the opinion that only the best is good enough to lead the party and as he takes his message across the land; he spares no effort to remind his hosts the personal contributions he has made over the years in the progress of the party.

•Tunde Adeniran

mentioned no names, not a few knew where the shot was directed.

High Chief Raymond Dokpesi The media-mogul cum politician is running one of the most organized campaign machineries amongst the aspirants. He is taking his gospel of political redemption for the PDP round the country and has succeeded in making the most of it.

He has visited the 36 states of the country in his quest for the party’s number one office at least twice; first in 2016 and then recently.

Going for Dokpesi is the fact that he never held any position in the PDP Federal Government when it held power despite his immense contributions to the party.

Dokpesi is going into the election with the momentum that he has a mind of his own and is unlike Secondus and Adeniran who are close to some party bigwigs, he is seen as a man of his own.

During the Goodluck Jonathan presidency he was in the camp of those who campaigned for the reform of the party and that the party should be taken back to the people.

He has been praised for his consistency as seen in the fact that many of those who campaigned for the reform of the party left the party when it failed to adopt the reforms but he remained. Among those who were in the forefront for the reforms were Senator Ken Nnamani, Alhaji Aminu Masari, Alhaji Bawa Bwari among others who are now holding prime positions in the All Progressives Congress, APC led administration.

Although, he has been consistent in his call for co- aspirants to embrace whoever will emerge at the convention, Dokpesi is not a lightweight politician to be taken lightly.

Professor Tunde Adeniran He is one of the most consistent members of the party having stayed within its camp from inception in 1998 till date. A professor of Political Science, Adeniran served as Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Germany.

Born in 1945, the author-turned politician boasts of impeccable records in public office and is seen largely as a dependable ally, good to work with and reliable to the end.

Professor Adeniran is enjoying massive support from notable stakeholders from the north who are not shy of making their position known. The likes of Professor Jerry Gana, Senators Ahmadu Ali, Ibrahim Mantu and some ex-governors elected on the platform of the PDP are rooting for the former Ambassador to replace Senator Ahmed Makarfi this Saturday.

Speaking on his chances at the convention, a former member of the party’s National Working Committee who pleaded anonymity said: “This is a two-horse race between Secondus and Adeniran. Their strategies are top-notch and it is difficult to say who will get it. Those underestimating the chances of the Professor are probably not aware of the works we have done so far.”

His weaknesses Adeniran’s biggest threat is Secondus and vice-versa. Apart from the threat posed by the aspiration of “Total,” a school of thought believes his age is likely to count against him, should the delegates root for a younger chairman.

Perhaps, Adeniran’s biggest drawback is the lukewarm disposition of his State governor, Ayodele Fayose to his aspiration to lead the party. Only recently, Fayose who doubles as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum was quoted as saying that he was unaware of any aspirant from Ekiti, vying for the national chairmanship of the party.

Although, the governor later pledged “To do everything within my power” to work in the interest of the South-West to produce the chairman; scores of analysts regarded the volte-face as an after thought.

Chief Bode George Navy Commodore Olabode George (retd)

Continues on pg 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

•Bode George

•Taoheed Adedoja

•Gbenga Daniel

•Rasheed Ladoja

The final battle •Jimi Agbaje Continues from pg 11 is a quintessential grassroots mobilizer and astute politician. A former National Vice Chairman (South) of the party, George says his aspiration is borne out of the peculiar circumstance of the times.

He argues that were the PDP in power today, he probably would have sat comfortably to offer guidance to the party.

For the first time in recent years, the PDP is coming into a political contest as an opposition party and as a result; only the best are good enough, he says.

George is a tough guy, whose courage and willingness to take hard decisions stands him apart from the crowd.

His chairmanship, many have argued would steady the party and absolves same from the controlling influence of powerful State governors.

His nationwide tour of the States has been described as a huge success; one capable of drawing him a huge chunk of the delegates.

It is not clear if George has a good relationship with the governors owing principally to the events at the botched 2016 convention in Port- Harcourt.

His recent outburst against the leadership of the party may not endear him to some delegates expected to cast their ballots on Saturday.

Again, George for all his experience and suitability for the job, will have to make do with sharing the South-West votes with Adeniran and others owing to the failure of the geo-political zone to agree on a consensus candidate.

Professor Taoheed Adedoja A former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Adedoja is one of the aspirants recently endorsed by the South-West Board of Trustees (BoT) caucus of the PDP to run for the plum seat.

A one-time Provost, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, the ex-Minister’s nationwide tour has endeared him to quite a number of party chieftains and stakeholders.

Vision The Professor of Special Education arguably boast of the most robust programmes in the pack. Adedoja’s lofty programmes include insurance policy for members of the National Working Committee as well as staff of the party; establishment of hotels across the six geo-political zones in the country to diversify fund sources for the party as well as institution of annual sports festival.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel Former Governor Gbenga Daniel has also put in an energetic input in his bid for the chairmanship of the party.

He was at one time seen as a candidate of the governors and has been able to through his old network among serving governors campaigned for the position across the country.

He is, however, mainly challenged by the opposition from home especially

by Senator Buruji Kashamu who has waged an unending battle to stop his famous constituent from becoming the party’s number one man.

Many of the governors who had also shown some interest towards Daniel were believed to have drawn back not just because of the emergence of Secondus but also because of the behind the scene perception that former President Olusegun Obasanjo may be opposed to Daniel.

Senator Rasheed Ladoja Senator Ladoja entered into the race quite late and just after his readmission into the opposition party.

Ladoja’s main role has been towards forging a consensus among the Southwest towards ensuring that the position does not escape the Southwest. He has been behind the series of behind the scene meetings held this week to ensure that a consensus candidate emerges from the Southwest.

Mr. Jimi Agbaje Mr. Agbaje was the original choice of the governors in 2016 and may as well have been the chairman had the Port-Harcourt convention run its full course.

However, following fresh permutations his ascendancy has been taken away and his prospects in today’s convention may not get the required fillip unless the governors come back to reckon with him.

His home state had earlier clearly given the message to him that the state was fully in support of Mr. George who in any case, was the one who brought Agbaje into the party.

Why Atiku’s return to PDP may rattle Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid Continues from pg 10

Defections With Atiku now back to the party he helped form in 1998, more high profile returnees and currently members of the APC are being awaited. This much was disclosed recently by ex-PDP national Chairman,Dr. Ahmadu Ali in a chat with newsmen. As it were, the likes of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Senator Danjuma Goje, House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and a host of others may quit the APC for the PDP to team up with Atiku in hope of helping to nurse his ambition.

And should this happen, analysts say not much would be left of the APC.

addressing political gatherings.

Armed with the statistics of what the Buhari’s administration has been able to do and undo, the Turakin Adamawa is sure to cause the ruling party some sleepless nights ahead of 2019, should he scale the hurdle of nomination at the party’s convention for the election of its Presidential candidate. The APC administration may have recorded some successes in the fight against insurgency; yet the worrisome level of poverty, gross income inequality, hunger and infrastructural decay cast a huge cloud in the ability of the ruling party to remain in power.

•Atiku

A former member of the House of Representatives

puts it this way: “You will recall that not long ago, the Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hammed Ali questioned the loyalty of former PDP members in the Buhari administration. That was an indirect insult, if you ask me. I can reliably inform you that without these people, Buhari would not have been able to garner the kind of support he had in 2015. And now that Atiku has moved, what do you think some of these people will do?”

So, what becomes of the APC should Atiku’s allies in government follow his footsteps and cross over to the PDP? Alliance with governors When in 2003, President Obasanjo reportedly knelt down to beg Atiku to support him for a second term in office; it was reportedly down to the latter’s support base among the then governors, majority of whom were elected on the platform of the PDP.

In 2019, not much is likely to change as the former Vice President remains hugely popular not only among the PDP governors but also among those who won elections on the APC platforms.

Atiku is famed for his ability to keep political allies without betraying same. A conciliator always prepared to wave the olive branch in the event of any political feud; the loss of Atiku to the opposition last week probably caused President Buhari more worries than he would admit such that he had to look his party chairman in the eyes while uttering these words: “Accept my sympathy for losing a senior member of your party.”

However, the former Atiku has a major obstacle to surmount: Winning the mandate of party delegates to fly the flag of his party in 2019 and until this is achieved, talks of posing a threat to the APC, remain premature.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—13

Why present NDDC structure’ll remain disadvantageous

—Reyenieju

•Describes PDP convention as contest of equals A

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Mr. Daniel Reyenieju in this interview speaks on the tenure of the Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, national convention, and the forthcoming local government election in Delta State among other issues of national relevance.

•Mr. Daniel Reyenieju

BY CHARLES KUMOLU What is your take on the ongoing controversy over the tenure of the NDDC chairman?

It is important that I make this learned assessment on the unfortunate trend. First, that office is a constitutional preserve that should be placed exclusively from the doughty fabric of our grab and gabble politics. Government is designed to be a continuum so as to preserve the essential character of the institution of governance. This, I think, was the overwhelming thought of those who in their wisdom set the framework of laws through which we can evaluate and administer our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. But experience with our political practice, especially the cynical and petty template around which most of its issues revolve, has tended to show irrationality, sentimentality, and erratic dilatory forces at work to scuttle our forward movement as a nation.

There is a law establishing the Niger Delta Development Commission ,NDDC. We cannot for the sake of any quasipartisan consideration for that matter disregard the instructive paradigm of that law. It is a trite practice that when for example the seat of a legislator is vacant under any guise; whoever is elected to fill that vacant seat can only serve out the term of the predecessor, irrespective of the length of time served or the brevity of time involved. The replacement of late President Musa Yar’Adua by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was another tenable precedent. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan could only serve out the term of Alhaji Umaru Yar Adua within the context of space and time left in that term. By law, the NDDC structure allows for a zoning arrangement among states listed in the NDDC framework.

Membership of the NDDC board is zoned to the respective memberstates as encapsulated in the NDDC law. Thus, the beneficiaries of the respective positions are assumed to be proxy elements representing their different states in the NDDC board.

It is thus within the context of this plan that the erstwhile board was dissolved, and a new board reinstituted in its place. It is important to mention that the new board must essentially in terms of States and related classification,

reflect the propositioned arrangement. In which case, the present chairman who is from Cross River State replaced the former chairman who is also from Cross River State. Along the same legal trajectory, the Managing Director of the defunct board that was produced by Akwa Ibom was also replaced by an individual from Akwa Ibom in the present board.

This method of replacing every member of the defunct board with persons from their respective states of origin was a vector that ran through the selection of all members of the present board. Under such arrangement, the present members of the board can only complete the terms of their immediate predecessors. Any reasoning outside the above framework constitutes an uncharitable variegation of the NDDC law.

As someone, who hails from the region, what leadership structure would you suggest for the Commission?

The present structure of the commission only reflects the national malaise of centripetal pattern of governance within a cartographic space strewed with the multiplicity of diverse ethnic groups largely arid of common history, culture, and worldview. The result is that the politically powerless groups remain victims of the greed and hegemony of the politically powerful ones. This informs the present battle cry for restructuring particularly by those from the Southern part of Nigeria. At the regional level, the contextual majority replicate the characters and tendencies of the national majorities. As you are aware, the NDDC law only recognizes member states and not ethnic groups. In all the oil-producing states, it is a clear fact that not all parts of such states are oil bearing. Some ethnic groups within an oil-bearing state are indeed not oil bearing. But the law empowers the federal government to only take cognizance of state of origin in making appointments to the board of the commission.

When for example, some individuals who are not from oil-producing parts of their respective states are appointed to represent such states, experience has shown that those from the oil-bearing ethnic groups always feel cheated. In my candid opinion, the commission should be

The present structure of the commission only reflects the national malaise of centripetal pattern of governance within a cartographic space strewed with the multiplicity of diverse ethnic groups largely arid of common history, culture, and worldview decentralized with each present member-state having its offices so as to ensure a higher level of fairness and equity. The present nature and structure of the commission will always remain disadvantageous to the weak. Among the ethnic groups nationally that are oil-bearing, the Itsekiri occupies the second position next to the Ijaw. It may shock you to note that earlier in the year when the commission published the projects it intended to embark on, the commission for whatever reason never considered any Itsekiri community to have any project sited on it. This was only haphazardly remedied after Itsekiri youths embarked on series of protests through supplementary advertorial of projects earmarked for execution.

Also, the present arrangement whereby the board of the commission is in custody of the money allocated to the commission is a recipe for corruption from different directions.

The local government election in Delta State is approaching, what is your impression about the level of preparedness?

From what I have seen so far, the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) just got its legal fillips from an enactment of the State House of Assembly. I am aware of the many memoranda it put out in the public space to wouldbe contestants regarding how it would conduct the elections. I am further aware of other composite moves by the opposition All Progressive Congress in Delta State to scuttle the local government elections through court processes.

Nevertheless, it is hoped that the electoral commission should be able to deliver a truly credible, free and

fair polls. As for my party, the PDP, our state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa flagged off of our party’s campaign in all the local government areas. On our part, we have begun our vigorous campaigns in the three local government areas in the Warri Federal Constituency and we are hopeful that the groundswell of support we enjoy with the people will resonate in a resounding victory at the poll.

The planned sale of national assets in order to generate funds for the 2018 budget has been termed a wrong move, especially given the fact more than 80 percent of the national budget is often spent on recurrent expenditure.

What is your take on it?

Who are going to be the sellers and buyers of these assets? From what sources will they achieve the liquidity to buy up these assets? I thought the All Progressive Congress-led central government said it wants a national carrier as it perceived the sale of the Nigerian Airways as a strategic mistake. Why does it want to take the nation on the same path? I see a criminal conspiracy of a few to use political power to own economic power. But it is even more than this. It showed the same tendency towards the failed conception that predicates on the consumerist economics.

It also comes down to put the nation in the skip trace of Fabianism which essentially is the doctrine of middleclass complacency which only thrives where national prosperity is high and where there is lack of impetus to sustain economic growth. We must move away from this cheap conception to a point

where we are able to present a superior intellect, energy, sacrifice, and patriotism towards advancing other economic options with the capacity to turn things around without resorting to selling any assets. It is my suggestion that the Buhari’s administration should have a rethink, and concentrate on how to get decent and honest Nigerians to manage these assets.

The December National Convention of your party, is expected to make or mar the party, how do you think conflicting interests can be resolved to ensure that the exercise produces a good outcome for the party?

I am aware that there are moves for consensus. We need to regroup urgently to catch in on the anger of the Nigerian people who are waiting to post a vicious electoral bill on the All Progressive Congress in 2019. Besides, the leadership of our great party has put an organizational team in place led by my state governor and others to lead the elective convention. It is my hope that this team will not slip to the tendency that shot our great party on the foot and caused us to limp out of the 2015 elections. It is, therefore, incumbent on us as leaders and stakeholders to use the opportunity of the convention to reflect on the challenges confronting us, identify our flaws and seek a plausible way to correct them in order to come out better in future elections. The team must, therefore, deplore all its statutory assets to ensure that the process is credible, transparent and people-oriented.

That is how we will be able to rebound in the hearts of Nigerians who see no future in the Buhari-led central government.

In my estimation, all the respective contestants are loyal members of the party who have made enormous contributions to the party. Any elective convention should present a rare opportunity and veritable platform to elect in a holistic manner, credible, tested, down to earth and truly urbane personalities with enough stamina, complementary character and national acceptability. They are also people who are patriotic and are driven by incurable optimism and passion for inclusivity.

14 —SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Xmas: Ambode to fete Christians simultaneously in 20 centres

Gwarzo’s Suspension: I can’t be blackmailed — Adeosun

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE Minister of Fi nance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun had said that she could not be blackmailed over the suspension of the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Mounir H. Gwarzo.

There have been insinuations that Mr. Gwarzo’s suspension was due to his refusal to stop the forensic audit of Oando Plc. The minister said in Abuja, yesterday that the claim was baseless because she personally approved the audit of Oando.

According to her, the insinuation of an instruction to discontinue with the Oando case was false and could be corroborated by the other parties in the meetings held with Mr. Gwarzo before his suspension.

She added that the point was also made clear to the new SEC leadership that the audit must continue and wondered why some interests were trying to hang Gwarzo’s suspension on her opposition to the same audit which she approved.

She said that Gwarzo’s removal was based on the need to maintain integrity in

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the capital market and sustain investor confidence in the sector.

According to her, “The integrity of the capital market is vital to the growth of the Nigerian economy and must be managed in an orderly and transparent manner to ensure investors’ confidence. Its leadership must maintain and be seen to maintain the highest standards of integrity.”

She added, “the original decision taken by SEC on

October 20, 2017 to suspend the shares of Oando Plc and conduct a forensic audit, was approved and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Finance. The SEC team, led

by Mr. Mounir presented adequate evidence to the Minister of Finance and her team, that Oando Plc had a clear case to answer with regard to infractions of the ISA. “No contrary evidence has been presented and thus,

the investigative work on Oando and all other ongoing investigations being undertaken by SEC in the discharge of its statutory functions have continued.

Indeed, our information is that the forensic auditors have resumed at Oando.”

Mrs. Adeosun explained that the approval for the audit of Oando was given by her after a meeting with Mr. Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alh. Mahmoud Isa Dutse, as well as, the Director Legal of the ministry, Mr. Christopher Gabriel.

Workers storm NBL, Flour Mills, 7UP over protracted delay in wage review ...Reject 13percent pay rise, demand minimum of 20 percent

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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ORKERS in the Food and Beverage sector, yesterday in Lagos stormed business premises of Nigerian Breweries Limited, NBL, Flour Mills PlC, and 7UP Bottling Company, PLC, protesting perceived protracted delay in effecting a new welfare package by their employers.

The protesting workers

led by the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, FOBTOB, vowed not to accept anything less than 20 per cent salary increase from employers, insisting that they had long rejected a 13 percent proposal by the employers on the aegis of Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, AFBTE. Displaying several placards with various inscriptions depicting their grievances, the aggrieved workers contended that

the peaceful protest to Flour Mills Nigeria in Apapa, Nigeria Breweries, Iganmu and 7UP Bottling Company Ijora, was a warning to employers that workers’ patience was running out.

Some of the placards read; ‘’FOBTOB say no to industrial inequality; ‘’Management greed and exploitation shall be resisted and stop the proliferation of expatriate workers’’.

President of FOBTOB, Mr Quadri Olaleye, who earlier briefed journalists on the rejection of the 13 per cent proposed by the employers, accused the employers of insensitive to the suffering of workers by their alleged deliberate delay in the negotiation of a new collective agreemeent that would see an upward review of workers’ salaries and other benfits.

According to him, both parties had met on five occasions without reaching any agreement on the issues raised by the union, saying “The collective agreement for review of salaries and other fringe benefit was due for negotiation and FOBTOB sent its proposal to AFBTE in July, 2017 to start negotiation. Negotiation did not commence till October in spite that the agreement expired In August. When negotiation started our charter of demands was reduced to two from seven items.”

The FOBTOB president decried the discrepancy meted out to its members by the various organisations such as overtime and transport allowance which was not extended to all the senior staff.

According to him: ‘’Our Association, as managers, are being cheated in spite of their imput in the business in order to realise target. Our members are victimised through restructuring or downsizing.”

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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OVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has disclosed plans to fete thousands of residents simultaneously in 20 centres across the state for the Christmas celebration.

Ambode stressed that the move was targeted at boosting bonding among residents and enhance community participation in governance in Lagos without affecting the season.

The governor announced the plans to fete Christians yesterday after receiving award from Christians Conscience Group of Nigeria led by their chairman, Enoch Ajiboso in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Ambode, who was represented by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdul-Hakeem AbdulLateef, stated that the strategy was to ensure greater number of residents participate in governance on the other hand.

“I am not a governor for one religion. I am for all. And that is why we have decided that the Christmas party should be decentralized. They will gather in the 20 centres to celebrate at grassroots level.”

Yuletide: Kogi confluence rice hits markets for N7,000

By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

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OGI State Government has commenced the sale of its long awaited Confluence rice. The confluence rice is being piloted by the State Agricultural Development Project (Kogi ADP).

The agency said it has commenced the milling and sales of the confluence rice to meet the high demand during the yuletide season. Assistant Managing Director of Kogi ADP, Mr Isaac Ejiga, who made the revelation said the confluence rice is a product of sustained commitment of Kogi state government to make the state assume leadership position in food production in the country. Ejiga assured that Kogi ADP will continue to contribute towards the state government determination to make confluence rice the most affordable rice for Kogites.

He said the product is available to the masses at Kogi ADP head office, Felele, Lokoja and will be sold to residents during the festive period and beyond. He put the cost price of 25kg bag at N7,000 while 10kg goes for N3,000.

Ndokwa community wants oil coy to provide amenities

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By Julius Oweh, Asaba

HE leaders and people of Umuseti community of Kwale in Ndokwa West Local government area of Delta State have made a passionate appeal to oil prospecting companies in the area especially AGIP to provide employment and amenities for them.

According to a statement issued by leaders of the community, the people are yet to benefit from AGIP activities since 1956.

It added that no single Umuseti youth has benefited from the employment scheme of the company, adding that the oil company was yet to recognise the rights of the Umuseti community as its landlord, and that the peaceful nature of his people should not be taken for granted.

The people called on AGIP as a matter of necessity and urgency to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Umuseti community for the mutual benefits of both parties.

Joan Theodora opens homes for the aged, needy

By Lawani Mikairu

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OAN Theodora Homes for the needy, Lagos, has opened charity homes for the aged and needy. The home which is located on Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos was dedicated by Reverend Gabriel Ugochi of St Patrick Church, Ipaja, Lagos.

The Homes, which is the pet project of Sir and Lady Tosin Adedoyin, has been furnished with the basic needs of the elderly and homeless .

Speaking after the tour, Rev. Ugochi enjoined all present to donate to the smooth running of the charity home.

While commending the financial sacrifice the Adedoyins have made to establish the Homes, he encouraged all good spirited Nigerians to contribute whatever they can to make the charity home comfortable for the elderly and needy.

In her address at the inauguration of the Homes, Lady Marcelina Adedoyin said it has been the dream of the family to give back to the society and do anything that will provide succor and relief to the elderly and needy.

She decried the current trend among the youths to abandon their elderly parents who they now see as nuisance.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 15

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

By Lukman Isiaku

V

irtually every sane and patriotic Nigerian is shuddering and cursing over the audacity of corruption and impunity called Mainagate. But, unless the impunity and cronyism visited on the pension industry by the illegal disbandment of the Management Board of the regulator, the National Pension Commission, PenCom, is looked into, another Mainagate may well be in the making.

Whereas efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to get to the root of Mainagate in line with the anti-corruption stance of this administration are highly commendable, the real test of effective laws and anti-corruption war is the capacity to prevent crimes/corrupt practices.

It was in this spirit that the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration embarked on an elaborate pension reform to reposition a broken, debt-laden, and corrupt pension system bequeathed by the military in 1999. He set up the Presidential Committee on Pension Reform headed by Fola Adeola. It also included the recently removed Director-General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu. It understudied global best practices and drafted the Bill that eventually became the Pension Reform Act (PRA) (2004 amended in 2014).

The Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which is the hallmark of the reform, has run smoothly without traces of corruption. The only hiccup was the failure of the FG to foot its pension liabilities. But, true to his words, President Buhari is already clearing those liabilities, including the ones he inherited.

Unfortunately, until a few years back, the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) or old pension scheme operated by the Pension Departments- Civil Service Pension Department; Police Pension Office; and the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO) remained the covens of the pension witches and cabals.

Rather than reduce, DBS pension bills kept increasing even though there were not supposed to be new entrants and the senior citizens were not growing younger.

Ghost pensioners were used to syphon the funds while the real pensioners continually died queuing for endless verification exercises for benefits that hardly came.

For instance, in 2013, former Assistant Director in the Federal Civil Service, John Yusuf, admitted and was convicted of stealing N2 billion directly linked to him in a N32 billion-pension theft trial he was standing alongside three others. He also forfeited a N325 million property.

It was such orgy of looting in the federal Pension Departments that the Abdulrasheed Maina-led Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms was supposed to expose and end.

Unfortunately, Maina, who started well by uncovering mind-boggling lootings, saw big money and allegedly succumbed.

A Joint Committee of the 7th Senate indicted him of multi-billion naira frauds.

Meanwhile, the looting in the old pension scheme was possible because of loopholes created by the delay in activating the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTADs) as provided in PRA 2004 (as it then was) to consolidate the activities of the various Pension Departments and ensure benefits of retirees under DBS are centrally managed and transmitted directly to their individual accounts.

The delay can be attributed to the fact that reforms take time to implement. Also, since the corruption in the Pension Departments served the interest of pension cabals and their masters in high places, plugging the slush funds would naturally incur the wrath of people of enormous influence and cash. It took a powerful

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•Jonathan •Obasanjo

•Yar’Adua

PenCom:

Need to avert another Mainagate backing for Maina to defy the 7th Senate.

He stormed the Senate with a police battalion when he eventually appeared, suddenly became invisible once he was wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was on Interpol’s Wanted List. He flew out and back into the country, got reinstated, got double promotion and was paid arrears for work not done.

It took a woman of integrity with more than a lion’s heart like Mrs. Anohu-Amazu to tread in the jungle that even the lions feared to hunt. As a member of Fola Adeola Committee that reformed the pension industry and pioneer Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser of PenCom until her appointment as Acting DG in December 2012, she immediately ensured PTAD was activated in 2013. The FG appointed Ms. Nellie Mayshak the pioneer Executive Secretary of PTAD to man the smooth transition of the three Pension Departments into a single pension administration and management under the supervision of PENCOM. She also made the proper establishment of PTAD a cardinal object of the pension Act amendment she championed. With PTAD in place, pensioners under the scheme were being verified and settled. Employing technology, bank accounts of verified pensioners are tied to their biometrics in PTAD’s

databank. Although PTAD has not been administered to expectation, the nation has put in place a law and system that prevents such and away from the era of Mainagate.

As for the Contributory Pension System (CPS), there has not been a single fraud because the Pension Act ensures that Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) cannot administer the fund, while Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) do not have access to the money.

Therefore, the successes recorded in the pension industry have been rightly hinged on solid law and stable and fearless PenCom leadership that has given rise to effective regulation. Section 20(1) and (2) of the Act safeguards PenCom leadership from disruptions in and uncertainties that come with change in government. The positions of the Chairman, DG, and Commissioners (Management Board) are statutory appointments confirmed by the Senate. The first DG, Mohammad Ahmad, served out two terms under Obasanjo, Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

Ten years down the line, Obasanjo underscored the essence of the continuity and stability in 2014 when he appreciated Yar’Adua and Jonathan for “not reversing the Pension Act because in a country like ours, for us to make progress, we must build accumulatively on measures, on structures, and where necessary, like had just been done, make amendments”. He confessed that nobody, including himself “could imagine that within a space of 10 years the fund would have built up to USD27 billion of cool money, not hot money”.

By April 2017, Anohu-Amazu-led

•Buhari

Management Board had nurtured the pension fund to over N6.5 trillion from 2.9 trillion she inherited in December 2012.

PenCom and Nigerian pension industry players had also consistently come tops at the African Pension Awards.

It is, therefore, not surprising that concerns continue to rise over the disbandment of the Management in disregard of the law.

As states, the essence of making the appointment of PenCom Management Board statutory and with a defined term is to ensure stable leadership and make the appointees to feel secure to work in public interest.

Although Section 21(1) spells out conditions under which a member of PenCom Management Board may cease to be in office (like resignation, death, bankruptcy, unsound mind, removal by the President, etc.), it neither contemplates nor approves a holistic disbandment of the PenCom Management Board.

Not only was the performing Board illegally and entirely disbanded, Mr. Funsho Doherty was nominated as new DG of PenCom even when Section 21(1), Section 21(2) clearly provides that “In the event of a vacancy, the President shall appoint a replacement from the geopolitical zone of the immediate past member that vacated office to complete the remaining tenure”.

The implication of the emerging scenario is grave for the pension industry. It is a clear recipe for another Mainagate because a leadership imposed at the expense of the law guiding the pension industry, will also act in disregard of those laws, including laws guiding pension fund/assets, to further the interests of its benefactors.

1SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—17

•The Mass choir of Redeemed Christian Church of God rendering different praise songs at the on going 2017 Holy Ghost congress of the church

•Music ministration at the on going 2017 Redeemed christian Church of God Holy Ghost Congress

Holy Ghost Congress:

Prominent clerics pray for families, youths Stories by Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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ORRIED about the growing effect of youth unemployment in the country prayers are daily being offered for God’s intervention at the ongoing 20th annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, as several eminent gospel ministers from across the globe lead the daily expanding crowd of worshipers in supplication to intercede for the family, the church, youth and the nation at large.

The former General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide Agbala Itura, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, founder/presiding bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, founder of International Central Gospel Church, Dr. Mensa Otabil and several others led the mammoth crowd at the Redemption Camp to pray for peace and tranquility in the country, families and the youths.

Advising couples to honour and keep their marriage vows, Prophet Abiara while praying for families, explained that for peace to reign in families, it is important for couples to adhere strictly to their marriage vows and engage in sincere prayers when confronted with any marital challenges.

Lamenting the high rate of divorce among couples globally, the man of God said there was need for the Church to pray for peace in families as peace experienced in individual families will transcend to national unity, cohesion and overall development.

In his words: “Couples should earnestly pray against the spirit of adultery. What we need in our families today is God’s peace, couples should allow Jesus Christ to reign in their homes because He is the Prince of Peace.

“Marriage laws must be kept by couples, all things on earth are governed by laws and statutes Satan is not happy with families and any family passing through crisis, or attacked by the devil, such homes should return to God in prayer. If there are challenges at the home, you don‘t have to poison yourself or jump into the lagoon,” he said.

Describing love as the bedrock of any marriage, the man of God asked couples to have genuine love for one another, learn to forgive one another and forget: “Forgive

one another, do not allow hatred in your life when you forgive your spouse, you actually forgive yourself”, he said.

Urging married Christians all over the world to take a cue from the example of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Mrs Foluke Adeboye Who have managed to hold their marriage without scandals or rancour, Prophet Abiara warned in-laws not to cause misunderstanding and rancour among couples.

On his own part, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, delivering a special talk tagged; “David Generation”, urged Nigerian youth to be focused, shun every form of distraction and be determined to be agents of transformation wherever they found themselves.

The Bishop went on to encourage them to do their best once they have the opportunity, adding that they would be rewarded for their efforts, tasking the young minds to be resourceful and result oriented and place value on themselves and assume purposeful responsibility.

The cleric added that the youths should use their God-given talents to be productive in the society and inspire others to do good and set good example in their homes and community.

According to him, as leaders of tomorrow, youths should always be ready to channel their time and energy in order to build the nation.

In his words: “David in the Bible refused to be distracted despite all the challenges that came his way.

You have lots of things around that can easily distract you, you have the Internet and various social media platforms and that is why you must be mindful of the kind of information thay you feed your mind with “Prayerfully seek God’s plan for your life and pursue it with fear of God”.

“It is fashionable to serve God, avoid every manipulation of the devil. Do not give up or discouraged even when you fail, pick up and return to God. “It is in knowing God that you will know your ability. You need to know, to become like Jesus and also do like Him in all spheres of life.”

Admonishing the congregation on how they can live a victorious life, the founder of International Central

Gospel Church, Dr. Mensa Otabil, speaking on the topic: “Victorious Life” explained that grace provides access to God’s provision while faith is the element that assist or help man to receive God’s provision.

Otabil told the congregation that most Christians were unable to receive from God because they have not activated sufficient faith to walk on the divine bridge of grace.

Stressing that there is a resurgence in the preaching of grace globally, he warned Christians a g a i n s t manipulations by certain preachers who believe that grace has the capacity of lowering God’s standard, arguing that as a matter of fact, grace does not change or lower God’s standard as believed by some Christians. The internationally acclaimed motivational speaker said God’s standard remains high and that it can never be lowered.

In his message of Day Four of rage Congess titled: “Victorious Prayers”, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye told the congregation that the guarantee that God answers prayers is based on His constancy, stressing that God does not change and that He still engages in working of miracles.

According to Pastor Adeboye, some people argue that there is nothing like miracle anymore but “I can tell you that if you ask God for miracle, you would receive it. In other words, if you do not ask, you will not receive.”

Adeboye who encouraged the congregation to get prepared for answered prayers, warned that most people do not receive from God because they asked amiss and do not pray through the Holy Spirit or fail to ask in Jesus’ name.

“God will not answer your prayers if you ask amiss. If you abide by God’s principles on prayers espoused in Matthew 7:7, you will receive from God. The Bible says knock and the door will be opened unto you, provided you know how to knock appropriately. If you meet God’s conditions, know how to ask, seek and knock, God will answer you.”

Outlining 10 reasons why God will answer prayers, Pastor Adeboye

•Some Traditional rulers dancing at the 2017 Holy Ghost congress of Redeemed Christian Church of God

•Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed christian Church of God preaching at the on going 2017 RCCG Holy Ghost Congress at Km 46, Lagos-Ibadan expressway of the church camp said: “When you come to God as His child, God does not lie, because God does not change and He still answers prayers, there is no request that is too hard for God, there are no requests that are too many for Him, your request cannot be considered too late, because God is good, He is merciful, persist in the place of prayer and God knows that if He does something new, you will sing a new song to Him”.

Another major highlight of the day was the demographics of attendance, which confirmed the spread of the church around the world – now in 196 countries- and the popularity of the Holy Ghost Congress.

Security expert tasks govt, churches on protection of vulnerable people

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overnment, churches and Nigerians at large have been enjoined to do more to protect the vulnerable people in the society against abuses.

The call was made by a securiy expert, Mr. Mike Igbodipe during a talk and discussion session at the ongoing annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG. Speaking on the theme, ‘Security for Vulnerable Persons’, Igbodipe identified missionaries, displaced populations, migrants, returnees and young children as potentially vulnerable people that needed to be

taken great care of.

He observed that government at all levels need to work on empowerment of citizens and the need for human capacity development to protect the vulnerable in the society.

The security expert noted that both the rich and the poor have a common bond, saying the Lord is the maker of them all hence the need for the society to rise up to the task of creating an enabling environment for the vulnerable.

He emphasised that the society has to go back to the drawing board to find out what is to be done: “so that the society becomes conscious of the fact that we are human beings.”

Highlighting social media, poor communication, poor security and safety precaution, lack of care support as some of the challenges that an average missionary encounter while on the mission field, Igbodipe called on churches to do much more in the area of securing and protecting the vulnerable especially missionaries.

He said the church should educate its congregation about communication to or about missionaries, network with one another and media to manage communication and information they provided about missionaries.

In his words: “The church should carefully control the information in public domain, educate, monitor the Internet, social media for anything that is posted that might create risk or danger for the missionaries.”

He further advised the church to address security as major success factor and also set up Care Committees in the church that will chart a course and implement actions that will protect and promote the interest of the vulnerable persons.

In his words of admonition to missionaries, Igbodipe urged missionaries to ‘be as wise as serpents’ while discharging their duties.

According to him, being bold doesn’t require recklessness, being obedient doesn’t require suspension of judgement, and making disciples don’t require trading missionary lives for new believers’ lives.

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Cultists ‘ve ruined Rivers LG — council boss cries out •Summons peace meeting, begs cultists to stop killings, attacks •Economic, agricultural activities grounded in Emohua, Ibaa, 4 other towns

By Davies Iheamnachor and Comfort Otoho

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HE Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Chief Godspower Nnwoka, has lamented that cultists operating from unknown hideouts have destroyed the local government area with their violent killings and other blood chilling activities. .

Chief Nnwoka, who spoke at a peace meeting the council initiated between two rival cult groups, Icelanders and Greenlanders in the area, pleaded with them and other citizens to rebuild the council, as peace has eluded the area, forcing investors to flee.

Reports said the activities of cultists grounded economic and agricultural activities not only at Emohua town, but Ibaa, Ogabkiri, Rumuekpe, Omudioga, Egbeda communities, all in Emohua local government area..

Rivers state government had, sometime ago, granted amnesty to cultists, who were involved in supremacy battles, leading to hostage takings, gun running and killings by rival gangs at several parts of the state, but few months after, the gangsters resurfaced. . . LG chair invites warring cult gangs At the meeting attended by representatives of the two cult groups, elders, chiefs and stakeholders of the affected communities, Nnwoka urged the cult groups to shun criminal activities and embrace peace in the interest of development.

“I am very happy that I called you all (cultists) and you answered. My concern is how we can rebuild our land because we are living in a collapsed house. Our name is spoilt.

We have destroyed our home. If our home is good, we cannot live outside our communities or in bushes.

“I am calling on you to return home, let us make peace. Killing will not do us any good.

The garri, which we produce can feed the entire state but people do not want to come again because they say the place is volatile.

“I am pleading with one of our sons, formerly one of you, Glory Amadi, who has done so well and visited communities to meet with these youths in search of peace. He has questioned the reason for the continued killings. He wants to return that glory, which God gave to us. We want to progress the way other people are excelling,” he said.

Sources told Saturday Vanguard that the two gangs at the truth-telling assembly regretted their actions, which caused harm to residents of the area with cultists confessing that they were tired of kidnapping and killings.

Repent and be converted – Ex cultist Apologetic cultist, Glory Amadi, who tasked other youths said, “If you do amnesty to government and you do not do it to God, it is not complete. I have had encounter with God, which is why I have changed. I do not drink again. I met with Nature (another remorseful notorious cultist in the state), he took me to a Missionary School. I will soon start missionary training. I will not want to pastor any church, but I will travel from place to place to preach the gospel of Christ.

LG without bank “The passion I had that made me to be involved in crime was from the pit of hell, but now I have a better passion from heaven. Our local government is the only one in Rivers State where you cannot find any bank because of crime. We are fighting for supremacy when we do not know where the power is coming from. How can we be empowered when we are in the bush? The duty of salvation is greater than man’s calculation. I urge all of you to

•Chief Godspower Nnwoka

•HRH, Eze Augustine

•The elders, stakeholders and some of the youths during the peace parley in Emohua

•Enyadike Promise, during the peace parley have passion for God for you to have a new life,” Amadi sermonized.

Expose cultists to police Another former cultist, Enyadike Promise, lauded the council boss for the initiative, saying that the youths were tired of unlawful activities and living in the bushes. It is a privilege to be alive today, peace is priceless.

If you have not fought war before, you will not

know that peace is important. I will work towards having amnesty from God. We do not even know what we are fighting for; we are tired of this act and we need peace and freedom.

I want us to stop making cultism attractive. If we stop it, cultism will stop. If a genuine and humble person who is in the university studying calls you for help, you will not render any help but if a cultist calls you, you will help him. By doing that, you have encouraged the cultist and discouraged the good youth. Let our fathers learn to report cultists to police. Report suspects to police, do not hide them,” he said.

Cultism does not pay Paramount ruler of ElibradaEmohua, His Royal Highness, Eze Augustine Amadi, said, “The meeting was cordial despite that we did not arrive at a conclusion. The two rival cult groups are not fully represented, but those of them who came accepted to make peace, which was why I said it was cordial and we have rescheduled the meeting to enable those who could not make it attend the next one. Many people have died, the communities have been destroyed and so

The meeting was cordial despite that we did not arrive at a conclusion. The two rival cult groups are not fully represented, but those of them who came accepted to make peace, which was why I said it was cordial and we have rescheduled the meeting to enable those who could not make it attend the next one

many families have fled their homes and economy disrupted.

This meeting gives us hope that there will be peace soon. I advise our youths to leave anything cultism, it does not pay, it does not bring development to the area and what they are doing is not recorded anywhere because they are not fighting for oil. Why must they continue to kill themselves?, he queried.

They killed, beheaded by nephew - Assor Secretary-General of Ogbakor-Ikwerre Cultural Organization, Worldwide, Ohna Humphery Assor, lamented saying, “My nephew was beheaded a day before I left for America and because of it, I had to stay for 10 weeks in America which I did not plan just for me to settle down. Since I came back, they have beheaded at least 11 people. It is horrible. We need peace.

Everybody wants peace, we are not happy that our children would leave our houses and begin to live in the bush and cause mayhem to the community. It is not the best, so we welcome the idea of peace. The process is on and we commend the chairman of Emohua for this initiative in bringing the boys together for peace. We will pray for them. If only the government will help them acquire some skills, they may be able to settle down.

Police optimistic on peace Commander, Special Anti-Robber Squad, SARS, who attended the meeting, assured that the needed peace was in sight, promising that the police would not arrest any of the youths, who willingly volunteered to make peace.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

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thought I would stay away from writing on the modern-day slave trade/human trafficking tragedy that the world has belatedly woken up to, because sometimes, you want to keep your anti-tidal views to yourself. But my conscience and itchy pen will not let me be. Squared against a weaker opponent, the stronger party is almost always guilty/wrong in Nigeria, so it is understandable that governments, both at the federal and state levels, have been at the receiving end of the caustic tongues of Nigerians in the traditional and social media, and it is impossible to exonerate the government, past and present. The handling of the problems that culminated in the crisis and the crisis itself, and the management of information by the government have been very unsatisfactory.

But let us go back to how we got to this pathetic state. Prior to 1986, Nigerians had no business going to Europe through Libya. We flew directly to Europe either with or without visa.

When our economy started faltering, instead of standing firm and fighting the people and reasons responsible for this slide, many of us took the easier option: fleeing from the worsening economy.

As we fled, it became obvious that some of those fleeing were actually part of our problems back home. They took along with them prostitution, drug trafficking, fraud and other crimes. As their numbers increased, so did their atrocities. Our hosts tightened the noose and it became increasingly more difficult to legitimately travel to these countries. As the Nigerian economic situation got worse, Nigerians became more desperate and those with crooked minds veered into illegal ways of getting to Europe. Some of those who made it to Europe came by sudden wealth and like sharks that have tasted blood, our people went into frenzy.

Welcome to the Libyan route to Europe, via the hazardous Sahara Desert.

These overnight wealthy migrants

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—19

Libyan returnees as change agents

made many Nigerians and their families to believe that their only ticket out of poverty was to have a member of the family in Europe. Edo State is one of the most affected states. A friend likened the situation of Edo State to the South East of some years back where every family wanted to produce a Catholic priest. Many families in Edo State wanted one of their own in Europe, Italy being the favourite destination for the ladies. Family lands and houses were sold to fund these trips. Where there was no land or property to sell, money was communally raised by taxing family members. Some families borrowed money from usurers at cut-throat interest rates. Fathers and mothers sent their daughters to Italy, some men even sent their wives! Sons were sent to all destinations in Europe to hustle. Soon powerful prostitution and human trafficking rings sprang up all over Edo State and other parts of Nigeria to fulfill the yearnings of Nigerians to travel to Europe by hook or crook. The government and influential Nigerians, like the highly revered late Oba of Benin, Erediauwa, advised against these hazardous migrations, but their appeals fell on deaf ears. Only one thing could have stemmed the tide: a much improved economy.

Then we started hearing stories and seeing images of Nigerians dying and being killed in the Sahara Desert, on their way to Libya, and migrants dying in their hundreds in the Mediterranean Sea. This too did not scratch the

surface. Then stories of Nigerians who are stranded in Libya started filtering in. They were not only stranded, they were being dehumanized, sold as slaves, raped, tortured, killed and their body parts sold. CNN did a documentary and it became an outrage and we all became fully awake. I guess that, as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, which was celebrated on December 2, drew near, the world started paying more attention

Those returnees who are politically inclined should go into politics to become change agents. They should not allow unscrupulous politicians use them to rig elections and subvert the will of the majority to what was happening in Libya.

The images we have been seeing are gory and the narratives, shocking. But this tragedy might just be a blessing in disguise. There can be no better advocates and campaigners against the foolish, rash and ill-advised suicidal and illegal travels to Europe than these returnees. Some of them should be trained and employed in the National

Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other such government agencies. After hearing their stories, other youths will advise themselves against embarking on illegal migrations. Also Edo State said that rather than drive the human traffickers underground, they will focus on their potential patrons and gradually drive them out of business with zero patronage. It is a long shot, but a great strategy. The full force of the law should, however, be visited on those who are caught.

Second, Edo State has started training and providing financial and material assistance to the returnees to enable them settle down to productive economic lives. This is a great move, but the state needs to build more capacity to cope with the increasing number of returnees. I expect the returnees to pursue their economic activities with the same vigour and determination they used to accomplish their illegal migration to Libya. If they do, there is no way they will not be successful. Nigeria is riddled with problems and needs. Surely some of these returnees can create value by solving some of these problems/ meeting some of the needs and earning a decent income in the process.

Three, bad governance fuelled the economic slide that put us in this mess.

These returnees now know that they cannot be politically aloof. They must join other Nigerians in holding governments at the local, state and federal levels accountable. Those returnees who are politically inclined should go into politics to become change agents. They should not allow unscrupulous politicians use them to rig elections and subvert the will of the majority. We need a new order. At least now, we all know that government matter is everybody’s matter. We all benefit from a good government and a bad government is everybody ’s tragedy, including those currently enjoying ephemeral government appointments and patronage.

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Yoga Exercise for Healthy Living The Lotus

more air intake and lubriTechnique: cate the knee and ankle Sit with both legs out- joints for flexibility. stretched in front of you. Now, draw the right leg and place Heels-to-crotch the right foot on the left thigh Technique and then drawing the left leg Sitting down with the place the foot on the right feet stretched in front of thigh. Then, crossing the you, bend the knees hands at the back grab hold off and turning them outthe big toes. wards drop them and place the soles of your Benefits: feet together, hold the This variant of the Lotus feet with the strenghtens the arms and legs. hands,tlopping the legs It helps expand the chest for up and down like the wings of a bird in flight Heels-to-crotch a few times.and then hold the bent legs down ease of birth in women. It’s also with the power of the leg a great before-the-baby exermuscles. Keep the back cise for the expectant mother. straight and breathe normally.

Shoulderstand Benefits Technique: This postures tones the Lie on your back with the abductor muscles of the legs extended. Then bendinner thighs.

It ing the knees, place the enchances manly hands at the hips and vigour. And it facililates quickly raise back off the Lotus

floor and straighten both legs up. Remain very erect and still and do deep breathing. Remain in the posture for 2 to 5 minutes. To come out of the position, bend the knees and gently let the back roll out. Put the feet down and relax.

Benefits: In the Shoulderstand, the thyroid gland is massaged at brought to its proper level of activity.

It stretches the spine, that way helping it become strong and elastic. Because most of the body is inverted, it

Shoulderstand

stops various blood from stagnating in the lower limbs and promotes circulation, helping to ameliorate varicose veins.

It relieves sluggishness and mental lethargy. It helps to cure insomnia.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 n 2015, Governor Fayose told us about his 74 year old mother and her diapers. He was desperate to paint the picture that a 73-year old would be too frail, too demented, to be president. He bought front pages of some national newspapers. He made Buhari the butt of deathly geriatric jokes. In a few months, he would return to the soap box. Fayose would ( tell people to vote for a 73-year-old Atiku. Atiku would be 73 in 2019. I believe Atiku is fit. But the Fayoses of the PDP would have to repackage their tales.

2019 can’t come too soon. The PDP would have to campaign without matched against Buhari, it’s not mentioning certificates. In 2015, the difficult to see who is a better example.

PDP had a candidate who flaunted a Atiku has multiple ‘other rooms’ Sometime ago Fayose and the PDP PhD. So they mocked Buhari. They said he didn’t have the required came loose. The governor picked a academic qualification to contest for microphone and announced that Mrs president. They were not persuaded Aisha Buahri, the president’s wife that he had passed the senior officer’s could not visit America. He said she course at the United States War was wanted by the FBI. PDP supporters were excited. The freedom College.

In 2019, the PDP would have to sell to enter and leave America became a Atiku and his certificates. Atiku measure of righteousness. Aisha Abubakar owns a miserable grade 3 Buahri entered the United States.

WAEC certificate. His certificate was Fayose and his media men said the so pale it couldn’t keep him in the pictures were doctored. Then Aisha Police College where he had been admitted. Atiku Abuabkar had failed O level mathematics. The PDP and Atiku can burnish that diploma from the Kano school of hygiene. They could tell us that the Kano school of Atiku has run for president hygiene is an ivy league school.

I think Atiku is intelligent. He in the past. This time he communicates effectively. He has would be examined up close good business acumen. He is urbane and tolerant. Atiku cannot be sold and personal. An intrusive without a loss of face. That is what standard that has been pettiness brings. The PDP commissioned documentaries into created in the last two years Buhari’s family life. Buhari was a retired army General. They portrayed him as an unrepentant dictator. held public events in the United States.

Abubakar Atiku is a product of sin Gov Fayose, shamelessly, offered no soaked Customs Service. The PDP can apologies.

That falsehood and the drama that claim that the Customs is the home of discipline and order. Fortunately, the followed it could tell on Atiku. Atiku, PDP doesn’t pretend to hate it appears is barred from entering the United States. Obasanjo says Atiku has corruption so much.

The PDP likes to say that Buhari is questions to answer in the United misogynistic. They would like to tell States. Atiku has not had the courage more jokes about some, kitchen and to dare Obasanjo. Yes, the denial of the ‘other room.’ But that could hurt entry by some Western countries them. It is true polygamy is permitted cannot be disqualifying. But you have

by Islam. And Atiku has never to have some sympathy for Atiku. He exceeded four women at a time. But would be surrounded by people who love to mock anyone who can’t travel

I

Atiku Abubakar and the PDP:T ime ttoo cchange hange the ttales ales PDP:Time

t is yet another Yuletide and petroleum products scarcity I resurfaced in parts of the country

during the week. Was it really a supply gap rectified by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. It is always harrowing and horrifying the sight of fuel queues and motorists on vigil; like the eve of some festivals and holy days, spent in prayer. The management of the corporation promptly responded; it did not degenerate to similar situations previously where community search parties were conducted by petrol consumers to find benevolent marketers that may sell the elusive commodity.

There were precursory and genuine fears that the NNPC was to increase the pump price of products. But were they correct? NNPC clarified to Nigerians that there was no plan to increase the prices of petroleum products both from the ex-depot petrol price of N133.38 per litre and the pump price of N143 to N145 per litre.

But there are speculations that a litre of PMS is still being subsidized with the NNPC absorbing it. For about one year now the NNPC is virtually the sole importer of products. The natural instinct of buying more than one requires immediately comes in when there is threat of scarcity.

The Corporation has assured that over 25 ocean liners laden with petroleum products are berthing at the Apapa Quays. Marketers take deliveries through shuttle vessels to Tank farms in the Apapa axis with trucks waiting to lift various products in endless queues that cause traffic jams on Apapa Oshodi and Apapa Ijora highways. Refined fuel has been a protracting and intractable problem in Nigeria. But when do we say never

to America in peace. Poor Atiku, he claims he is innocent.

In the last two years, the PDP has lived on incendiary and divisive rhetorics. The party lost the 2015 elections and lost its orientation. And receded into dangerous sectional and religious brinksmanship. Yes, acts of political insensitivity by the Federal Government inflamed roiled tempers. But it was that recourse to naked demagoguery that took the nation to the brink. Atiku is Fulani. There are many who hate Buhari because he is Fulani. Many of them are now blowing Atiku’s trumpet. They may have to stop.

That way their bigotry would have a little integrity.

Atiku has run for president in the past. This time he would be examined up close and personal.

An intrusive standard that has been created in the last two years.

Atiku says he can explain his wealth. He set up an Agric business while he was in the lower ranks of the Customs. The business failed. Agric businesses can be a little unsentimental. There are no government privileges to leverage upon. Then he set top a huge trucking company. Since his father was poor and he inherited little, he may have to tell of his magic, to inspire the youths. He became the Deputy Director and miraculously ran into one Volpi , a foreigner.

They hit it off, and set up a multimillion dollar logistics company. Atiku, the Deputy Controller General then, birthed a company to operate in the very ports he supervised. The company ate ‘growth hormones’ and became

President Buhari and company need anything that can rattle them out of conceitedness and presumptuousness. The president takes his public acceptance for granted a giant in no time.

Atiku is a good businessman. But His company, Intels, largely lived on commissions for monies it collected, monopolistically, for the Federal Government. So much for hard work. I don’t know why many think Atiku is not that incorruptible. He is just a man with an eye for opportunities. Could it be a certain lack of discretion about conflict of interest? A certain knowing of rules and knowing the loopholes. While he worked in public service, he came to own companies that full time businessmen could only dream about. He says the law allowed him to own shares and that he was not engaged in day to day running of the outfits. He is right. They all did it.

He is right. At the kirikiri prisons warders own food vending companies run by their wives. These outfits monopolize the sales of foods to inmates. The warders would also say they are not involved in the day to day running of these companies flourishing within the prisons. It’s no use finding out how their ownership of these companies affect the quality of food budgeted by the government for the prison inmates.

Atiku has returned to the PDP. That’s heartwarming. The PDP was disoriented.

Atiku is media savvy and resourceful. The prestigious Yaradua school of politics whose doctoral degree he must possess teaches pragmatism and a little ruthlessness. An Atiku came back at the right time. The nation needs a well resourced and ambitious opposition.

President Buhari and company need anything that can rattle them out of conceitedness and presumptuousness.

The president takes his public acceptance for granted. That is why he has slept comfortably on the Maina scandal, for a whole month.

Welcome Atiku.

Refined fuel has been a protracting and intractable problem in Nigeria. But when do we say never again to fuel scarcity in the country.

Government policy must say so and President Buhari should take the lead

Government policy and fuel What has stalled the rehabilitation refining challenges of the nation’s four refineries in Port again to fuel scarcity in the country.

Government policy must say so and President Muhammadu Buhari as Petroleum Minister should take the lead.

Oil has been used as an instrument of strategy and tact in global politics.

One hopes Nigeria does not fall into this offside trap one day. Between the 17 th October 1973 and November 1974, oil embargo by the Middle East bloc in OPEC led by Saudi Arabia was a geopolitical weapon against the United States accused of re-supplying the Israeli military that had two-frontal attacks by Egypt and Syria in the Yom Kippur war of 1973. Then United States President, Richard Nixon’s response to the situation in November 1973 was a promise that America would be energy independent in ten years. Researches he ignited yielded fruits four decades after, in what is the Shale revolution that has caused global oil instability especially for OPEC. President Donald Trump made America First Energy Policy on inauguration in January. When would it be a pledge by a Nigerian President that Nigeria would be self-sufficient in petroleum products availability?

Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna? It goes beyond the NNPC because it is a matter of policy and political will. President Buhari inherited this problem in 2015 and has again parried it. Abandoning our refineries as a matter of policy would be a disservice to Nigeria.

Is it good news that the NNPC Group Managing Director, GMD, Dr. Maikanti Baru hinted last week that works on refurbishment of the Corporation’s refineries through original builders of the plants had commenced? Who does what between policy formulators and operators stalled the planned rehabilitation in 2017.

Some persons might have advised the President that the private sector is best suited for lasting solution.

Advisers confuse the Nigerian situation with that of American.

America has no national oil company like Nigeria and OPEC and some non OPEC members.

America’s publicly traded companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron and Conoco Phillips are protected like national oil companies. And whether state owned or publicly owned, what is

needed are the deliverables. Petrochina as a State owned integrated Oil and Gas Company is listed as part of the China National Petroleum Corporation.

Petrochina like NNPC operates in exploration and production, refining and chemicals, marketing and natural gas and pipelines. By 2014, it surpassed Exxon as the biggest energy company by market value. Petrchina employs half a million people directly. Petrochina invest US$1.75 billion in research and development annually.

Another example of national oil company success is the Saudi Aramco. It is the biggest energy company in the world, generating a billion dollars every day. Its investment in research and development is second to none.

It hopes to be number one refiner by 2025.

With the right policies NNPC can be a big player in global oil and gas. Last week Baru challenged universities to assist in finding solutions to Nigeria’s refining problems. The Petroleum Minister and his team should formulate oil policies that would encourage competition. Dangote saw the business potential in refining to start the construction of 650,000 barrels per day refinery in 2016; and to come on stream in 2018. The policy of surrendering to Dangote is defeatist. Let Dangote refinery and the State owned refineries compete to avoid a monopoly.

Nigeria’s policy should be based on a population with increasing urbanization demanding conveniences that petroleum provides.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, DECEMBER 9, 2017—21

I

got a call last month from one of my closest friends. The voice on the other end was quiet and subdued. His daughter and her husband had just left his place. They came to tell him they were relocating abroad at the end of the month. Their explanation for the short notice was that they were given only two weeks to tidy up their affairs or forfeit the chance. ‘Just like that?

What about his job?’ was all I could say. ‘What about their jobs? They both have good jobs.’ He corrected. I could tell he was crestfallen. She is his only daughter and the one who fusses over him. Her children come over at the slightest opportunity and they have a lovely relationship with my friend. In fact, her first son is named after him.

It is certain now that there will be an emotional as well as a physical distance between them unless my friend who hates to travel, makes some adjustments. Its hard to say goodbye at the best of times. But to have just two weeks to sever yourself from family, friends, belongings and job is just callous. But that’s the kind of regard the ‘Oyinbos’ have for us. We are not supposed to have any prior life until they give us one. They need labour at different levels and we are the labourers; their slaves by choice.

My Relationship Officer at the bank calls me daddy and behaves like a daughter. She even has a much closer relationship with my wife in whom she confides. Two months ago, she told me her family would be relocating in the first quarter of 2018. Her husband is a medical doctor. I tried all I could to dissuade her. She in turn lamented about the stagnation in her job, stagnation in her husband’s job and the constant struggle to make ends meet. I do not know the husband but this woman is bubbly and intelligent and I have no doubt she would do well in the entrepreneurial world if she put her mind to it. But alas, a call to the foreign land beckons. A call which in her mind, is to a secure job and therefore, a secure future.

Over 800 medical doctors are said to have left our shores this year alone.

Her husband would be part of the statistics for next year. As it is in the

We expor exportt crude oil and slaves medical field, so it is in all the other fields. Our youths, the pride of our future are leaving in droves to foreign lands. Someone said we export crude oil and refined people. It is poetic but hardly true. The people who travel through the Mediterranean Sea are hardly refined; the people who find themselves in Libya and the desert are hardly legal. But whether they

Over 800 medical doctors are said to have left our shores this year alone. Her husband would be part of the statistics for next year. As it is in the medical field, so it is in all the other fields. Our youths, the pride of our future are leaving in droves to foreign lands emigrate legally through immigrant visas or illegally through the desert, whether they are professors or peasants, whether they are refined or raw, they have one thing in common.

They are united in their quest for a better life. And for this they are willing to give up their identity, their culture, their root. For this, they are prepared to be dehumanised if

necessary. It is tough enough to be in a place where you are needed but not wanted. It is humiliating and dehumanising to be in a place where you are neither needed nor wanted.

I can see with those who say we export crude oil and refined people though. Some of our best brains are in the diaspora. A good percentage of those who have not gone are looking for opportunities to set off.

We read of them and when we travel, we meet some of them at conferences or when we have medical challenges. On the surface, they are poster individuals on immigration in that they have the trappings of success—nice house in a gated environment, dream cars in the garage, kids in private schools and a general quality of life that is only available to top politicians in Nigeria. But a closer interaction shows the hunger, the discontent in their lives. There is the skin colour that cannot be washed away, there are names that cannot be completely anglicised, and there is the deferential, almost apologetic personality that is virtually ingrained in black immigrants.

Above all, there is a heart that longs for home. All these create a glass ceiling and an invisible wall that are limiting. A sort of ‘thus far and no further.’ On top of it are constant snide and denigrating remarks even at policy levels sometimes which remind you that you are not part of them. You do not have all the rights that indigenous—read that as whitepeople have. In other words, you are just another hired hand in the white man’s vineyard. It’s apt

T

hough the word democratic stands at the middle of its name, many critics and adherents of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP readily confess that the party has for most of the past 18 years been anything but democratic in its actions.

Remarkably, it was a party founded by some of Nigeria’s greatest exponents of democracy in recent history. Among the founding fathers were Chief Bola Ige, Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Sule Lamido some of who subsequently became the butt of the anti-democratic forces that took hold of the party.

Indeed, Chief Ige simply could not tolerate the sight of some antidemocratic elements who entered the fold even before the ink on the constitution had dried. He simply walked out to form the Alliance for Democracy, AD. The first indication of the highhandedness that was to take hold of the party was the elaborate plot by elements in the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency to torpedo the decision of the emerging PDP Senate caucus to enthrone Chuba Okadigbo as Senate President at the advent of the Fourth Republic.

It was a particularly challenging development, given that Okadigbo had in the quest for the office visited all the PDP senators-elect in their constituencies to solicit their support.

So, it could be imagined how Okadigbo and his principled loyalists would have felt when the presidency in cahoots with some AD senators C M Y K

PDP: Is this the end of impunity? upended the decision of the larger PDP Senate caucus.

The second major act of highhandedness was again in 1999 when Awoniyi was outfoxed by the same presidency officials in his bid to become the national chairman of the party.

From that time the desecration of democracy ethos took hold on the ruling party reaching a climax in 2006 with the

But habits die hard. Alas, cries of impunity are echoing around the country as party chieftains allege a plot by the party’s governors to foist a favoured list of candidates in all positions

deregistration of several party chieftains who were perceived to be out of sync with the remodeling of the party in the image of the president at that time.

The reign of impunity eventually unraveled with the loss of the 2015 presidential elections just after passionate but parochial party chieftains waxing eloquently in error projected several permutations to advance the candidature of Goodluck Jonathan using among others, the undemocratic franchise of the ridiculously unbalanced doctrine of Right of First Refusal.

Given that both the purveyors of that reign of ignominy and their opponents are today agreed that internal democracy should take root in the party, it is the expectation that the PDP would use today ’s convention to reinvent itself.

But habits die hard. Alas, cries of impunity are echoing around the country as party chieftains allege a plot by the party’s governors to foist a favoured list of candidates in all

therefore to say that our significant exports to the world are good old crude oil and modern slaves described charitably as immigrants. Many long for home but are in denial. But their searching questions and interests in home affairs betray them. Many realise when they yearn for the little things they miss at home, when they witness their children’s disconnect with Africa, when they find themselves without significant ties, that they have paid a heavy price for economic liberation. An adopted child no matter how well treated, knows somehow, that the DNA of his ‘parents’ doesn’t quite match his.

Yet, I can understand why people choose to emigrate. The quality of life is deteriorating. The jobs are not available. The infrastructure is decaying. On top of that, the politicians have cornered the commonwealth. A local government councillor earns more than a university lecturer; a Special Assistant takes home more than a Medical Consultant.

Salary cuts don’t affect our legislators.

Yet, what bothers most of the emigrating professionals is the quality of our education and what it portends for their children. The next Industrial Revolution is going to be IT based. We simply do not have the tools in men and materials to prepare for this. Worse, we don’t care.

Our politicians are merely shedding crocodile tears over the plight of emigrants to Libya, South Africa and elsewhere. They know what to do.

They should cut down on their fat salaries and release funds for massive infrastructural remodelling. They should stop stealing money and transferring it abroad. Leaders who have no stake in Nigeria are easy to know. They are the ones who have money, properties and even children abroad. They should not be in government. Nigeria is blessed. Very blessed. But our leaders behave as if there is a curse on them. We have to learn to look inwards and fight for a change from within. There is no place like home and the system—and leaders—that makes potential emigrants out of us must be changed.

The time to start is now! positions.

So, despite the most boisterous campaign for party offices by candidates in recent times, the prospects of the governors slamming their harmonised list of candidates is very much perceptible.

Central to the grip of the governors over the PDP is the fact that the funding of the party has been removed from the grassroots. PDP is a party where members do not pay annual fees. Membership registers are difficult to come by.

So, despite the fact that several of the candidates have gone round the country, the perception is that their campaigns and their visions for the party would be of little effect when the governors meet in the wee hours of Saturday to adopt a harmonised list of candidates for the 21 positions. That perception would not assuage the expectation of the party reinventing itself today and positioning itself to tackle the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. Remarkably, the reign of impunity as it is now emerging, is not limited to the PDP. Even the APC, the party which came on the platform of change has adopted the same culture of impunity.

It is a party which is now the object of ridicule in some quarters for its failure to hold statutory meetings including conventions.

Therein lies the dilemma for the country; to wit, that the Nigerian politician whether in PDP or APC is not bound by the letter of the law he preaches.

22—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

What Eagles are telling Buhari U

nited we stand, that is what Aso villa should pick from our dear Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2018 World Cup. The team is made up of the country’s best, all over the globe. From Greenland to Christmas Island, from Tibet to Malvinas.

I expect President Muhammadu Buhari who is set to overhaul his cabinet, to do away with all the round pegs in square holes. It does not matter if all his appointees from his Northern constituency are the best brains on offer. I believe in merit, just like we see in the Eagles camp.

The President follows football, at least, his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, knows soccer more than the backstreets of Abuja. And Oga has some football luck. This I know. As he plays in the second half of this administration, let Fair Play be Mr. President’s watchword. Many of us prefer this to the 95/5 change slogan.

For those who are not keen fans, Eagles’ Russia’98 Mundial ticket says so much about us. We are great and ever willing to overcome if given the opportunity. And we excel when the atmosphere is right. What is holding us back is leadership.

The Eagles survived the African qualifiers without losing a match. And they were drawn in a ‘Group of Death.’

Cameroun, five–time African champions and former champions,

Algeria and Zambia, provided the toughest opposition. Yet Nigeria conquered all. Icing on the cake was the demolition of reigning continental champions, the Indomitable Lions.

That was supposed to be the roughest road ever to the World Cup. Our great Boys made it look so easy.

We can really move mountains in this country if our leaders follow the right path. In the Eagles camp, there is no talk of zoning, cabal, quota system , catchment area and militancy.

I can bet my life that IPOB and Boko Haram are happy with the Eagles and watched all their games.

If anyone is in doubt, gather all the captured fighters in one room when the Eagles are playing their next friendly and watch the patriotism that will follow.

I insist that some future Super Eagles players maybe in the Boko Haram camp because we have soccer-loving young men in the North who if well managed and given opportunities, will be playing in some of our Premier League teams.

Has anyone heard of Boko Haram attacking sportsmen or going to detonate bombs at the Maiduguri Stadium when El Kanemi are playing? Did IPOB ever ask fans to stay at home instead of watching

We can really move mountains in this country if our leaders follow the right path. In the Eagles camp, there is no talk of zoning, cabal, quota system , catchment area and militancy Rangers or Enyimba play? Our leaders should use football to keep our bubbly young men busy.

Kelechi ‘Caterpillar’ Emeteole was a Lieutenant in the Biafra Army. He played for the Eagles. He managed Enyimba, Heartland, Kano Pillars and Nigerdock. He lived in Maiduguri as coach of El Kanemi Warriors. Boko Haram knew he was doing his job, they never threatened him. He finished his assignment and only died when he relocated to the South-East.

This may sound strange but it is true.

Should the entire Eagles squad be made up of 11 good Boko Haram players and they are doing well, Afenifere will not address a press conference. Ohaneze will even send them congratulatory messages. Yes, Boko Haram are Nigerians. I am sure most of them are carrying arms because of government has not provided an alternative.

In the Eagles camp, compatriots do not know of an Igbo skipper called Mikel Obi. Do we even remember that Leon Balogun is Yoruba or that Ogenyi Onazi is Idoma? Odion Ighalo is Esan. Alex Iwobi does not claim to be Delta Igbo.

Ahmed Musa is definitely not

eading through your article in R Vanguard of Saturday November err anean sea Mediterr erranean 25, 2017 titled: “Death in the Re: Death in the Medit Mediterranean Sea” by Rose Moses? shows that the writer was obviously ignorant or deliberately mischievous in the submission.

To start with, the name of the writer Rose Moses(?) strikes me as anonymous, but will reply all the same.

In the write-up, the said Rose Moses contradicted herself all through the submission.

You were angry that there was no government response and yet you in the same breath blamed Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, accompanied by Director Legal, NAPTIP, Mr Abdurahim Shuaibu for informing the public at a joint Press Conference on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017.

And with valid information that the burial took place 9 days earlier than officially scheduled,you expect the SSA not to present that information to the discerning public?

This followed an outcry that there was no government presence at the burial in Italy.

So you expected total silence?

The SSA also informed that three have been identified as Nigerians but nonetheless, in her words,” they are Africans, they are our daughters and everything must be done to stop human trafficking.”

And by the way, NAPTIP is the agency in charge of human trafficking.

Secondly, the Italian Embassy you mentioned as non-responsive and not in communication with Nigerian government had responded to the letter written to them and apologised for the mix up. The Envoy reiterated determination for both countries to continue to work together to stop the dangerous trend of human trafficking.

It must be pointed out here that Dabiri-Erewa’s office receives tons of letters on daily basis on issues affecting the Nigerians in the diaspora because of her accessibility through a dedicated e-mail: ssa@diaspora.gov.ng as well as a website and a phone contact for collation of issues which are being tackled frontally by relating with appropriate ministries, departments and agencies to solve.

On whether the Embassy in Rome was in contact or not, it is for the Ambassador and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to answer. The SSA does not dabble into issues of foreign policy, but intervenes and advises as it affects issues relating to Nigerians abroad.

It would have been irresponsible not to respond to various bombardment on the social media as to the lack of presence of any one from the Nigerian government.

But the question is how can there be representation when the date suddenly changed with no prior information.

However, while government must play its role of providing an enabling environment for its citizens, awareness must be stepped up on dangers of irregular migration.

On the issue of Libya, over 5000 had been returned to the country during Buhari’s administration through the efforts of International Organization of Migration (IOM), NEMA, NAPTIP.The SSA has been on hand at the airport a few times to receive them on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and joined agencies like NAPTIP, NEMA to co ordinate their rehabilitation.

At this juncture, let me inform you

that plans are on to embark on a massive evacuation while continuing to appeal to Nigerians to avoid such dangerous trips.

Painfully enough, these dangerous trips being embarked upon by these irregular migrants, are not free as they pay as high as $4,000 USD to $6,000 USD to traffickers. Such money, up to N2 million and above can be utilise for a business capable of having a double turn over within six months.

It is however, desirable that the blame game is not what we need now, but

Painfully enough, these dangerous trips being embarked upon by these irregular migrants, are not free as they pay as high as $4,000 USD to $6,000 USD to traffickers collaborative efforts by all the stakeholders to create the necessary awareness that human trafficking is a crime against humanity and sensitise youths that it is no longer green in those countries.

I have every hope that this response will be given the same space in your widely read medium.

Abdurrahman Balogun is the S.A. Media to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

08052729751.

representing the North. They are all one Nigeria, doing us proud.

We can now see why those who did not grow up with us are beginning to identify themselves as proud Nigerians. Troost Ekong, Olu Aina, Brian Idowu, Tyron Ebuehi, name them. This is the Nigeria of our dream, where tribe and tongue should not divide us.

I assure President Buhari and fellow Nigerians that these Eagles will make a bold statement in Russia. At long last, Argentina will fall. Eagles retired Diego Maradona after USA ’94, they will finally rest Lionel Messi in 2018.

It shall come to pass.

Russia 2018, shares some common features with USA’94.Nigeria and Argentina played in Group D. One of the two European teams in their group qualified for the first time. Greece in 1994, Iceland in 2008. One of the teams belonged to the former East Bloc.

Bulgaria in 1994 and Croatia in 2018.

I also have a word for the Eagles: Do not underrate Croatia. They debuted at France 98 where they placed third.

Croatia emerged from the former Yugoslavia, so are strong. When Yugoslavia won the Chile ’87, FIFA U20 championships, their best players were from Croatia.

Robert Prosinecki, of Barcelona, won the Golden Ball even without playing in the grand finale due to suspension.

Davor Suker[Sevilla] bagged the Silver Boot with six goals and Zvonimir Boban[AC Milan] netted the first and last goals of the tournament.

Africans are tough too. Algeria beat European champions West Germany 21 in 1982. Cameroun, with nine men, defeated defending champions, Argentina, in 1990. Nigeria hammered Bulgaria 3-0 in 1994 and Senegal stunned defending champions, France, in 2002. Eagles will shock the Argies in 2018.

My response I find it curious that most journalists who engage in public relations management for public officers are still fixated on poor media relations and meretricious approach of reacting to issues around their principals rather than responding to public interest issues their bosses may have failed to address. They need to separate their principals from public service issues we raise in columns and opinion articles.

This is what I can deduce from a recent reaction to an article here on the 26 Nigerian ladies the Italian authorities buried recently, with no Nigerian representative present. The report in question dwelt squarely on absence of humanity in government.

I raised issues on what business a Special Assistant to the President had talking on matter of diplomatic affairs instead of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

I had asked specifically why the Foreign Affairs Ministry was so mute on a matter that should be between government and government.

It stands to reason that if we have a foreign affairs minister that cannot brief the president on critical matters between Nigeria and Italy, then there is no need wasting tax payers’ money on the ministry, which has so many career diplomats that ought to be advising the minister on various international issues, including the issue in the Mediterranean.

In other words, it is a weightier matter of diplomacy, bigger than a Special Assistant to the President and the Foreign Affairs Ministry cannot be sleeping on duty on a serious diplomatic and humanitarian issue.

I think this context should not trigger some insult to me from an assistant to Mrs. Dabiri. All we require is a response to shed light, not an insult on injuries.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 23

24 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER

9, 2017 — 25

Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

By AYO ONIKOYI What made you relocate to the UK? I relocated to UK to start my family life and further my education at the same time. My fiance was there all along, I only relocated to meet him and we got married properly.

Can you tell the story of how you became an actress?

I started my acting career in 2003 under the umbrella of Wemimo film school in Ibadan and later proceeded to Ayo Oluyemi filmmaking school, where I completed my course.

So, how did you take up your first role and what was the experience like?

I had my first appearance in Ayo Oluyemi’s film, where I was cast alongside Saheed Balogun and the late Henrietta Kosoko. I felt so terrified because all eyes were on me, which made me anxious on set. I later busted into tears when I couldn’t remember all the dialogue given to me due to anxiety. But Henrietta Kosoko and Ayo Oluyemi reassured me that mistakes are allowed on set.

At the end of the day everyone on the set applauded me after the scene and that restored my confidence as a new actor on set.

So, how and why did you become a producer?

I have encountered a lot of humiliations since I started my acting career in 2003. Most of the producers, directors and production coordinators couldn’t give me a role to showcase my talent without attaching sex to the conditions. The only producers who gave me prominent roles were Ayo Oluyemi and Baba Wande. I couldn’t get roles in movies due to the fact that I could not date any of the producers or directors.

So, I made up my mind in 2007 that I would not go to any location again except Baba Wande or Ayo Oluyemi’s productions until I have my personal fund to produce. I have wasted money and my precious time travelling to locations only to be turned away because I would not succumb to their amorous terms. I was once evicted from a location after spending three days without a scene due to the fact that I said “no” to the producer. And I can never forget the night I was thrown out of an hotel in Ibadan around 11.40pm in 2005 because I couldn’t sleep with this particular actor/ production coordinator. Is this not enough to be discouraged and think otherwise?

Was this before you married or after?

Before I got married As a married woman, what are the challenges you now encounter as an actress?

Combining matrimony with

Randy directors forced me to become producer — Wumi Olabimtan •Prescribes three times a week of sex for married couples

U

K-based Yoruba actress, from Gbongan in Osun State, Wumi Olabimtan, has just produced four films of her own, namely;Alagata, Ashabi Iya Agba, Amunisin and Alumooni, making it seven films she has produced since making a debut in Nollywood in 2003. In this interview, the mass communications graduate of the Polytechnic Ibadan opens up why she became a producer among many other issues.

acting career is not an easy task but due to my unrelenting passion for acting, the Lord has been good. The gossips ruin homes but I thank God for the kind of husband I married, he supports and motivates me all the time.

Do you come to Nigeria to shoot your films or you shoot in UK, using UK based actors?

I usually come to Nigeria to shoot my movies but I do shoot few scenes in UK if the script requires it at times, but not in all my movies.

How should a married woman keep her man from cheating?

The first and most important thing is by making herself available for sex whenever he knocks the door. A woman should be ready for her husband anywhere, whether in the shower or toilet, and dressing up to his taste all the time.

Should a woman walk out of her marriage because of her hubby’s infidelity?

We all have our differences and we should be able to tolerate each other as a couple, but if a man cheats on his wife intentionally and continuously, then the message is just too simple “ Love is no more” that is when the woman can walk away.

Why are Yoruba films so poorly subtitled?

Not all Yoruba films are poorly subtitled, but with the few that are poorly subtitled, it could be due to typographical errors. And in recent years, our subtitling has improved and error-free.

I totally disagree, I can’t count up to 10 out of a thousand that are properly subtitled?

I totally disagree with your view as well because I watch Yoruba movies with critics, and subtitles are one of the improvements I have noticed. Maybe you are talking about old films though.

How far can you go with a romantic scene in a movie as a married woman?

There is a limitation to my playing romantic scenes and if I

do at all, I play it sensibly.

Whoever I play a romantic scene with understands that I’m a married woman and my husband understands my profession as well. As an actor, you can’t restrict your acting. Most of our viewers don’t understand our romantic scenes, they believe they are real. We have loads of people behind the camera watching us, though all romantic scenes are supposed to be sensible and logical not immoderate or overdramatised.

appreciations from wealthy fans but for the men, they tend to have many responsibilities to taker care of and people hardly give them gifts.

Moreover, some of our fans support female actors than male actors, by showering them with gifts and financial supports to appreciate them.

Even as a married woman, do men still make passes at you?

Of course they do, but I deal with it in a polite manner because some might not know that I am married. When men make passes at married women, then the answer should be no as long as the marriage is still intact. A woman who cheats on her husband is not decent and not worthy to be a wife.

Showering them with gifts and financial supports without strings attached?

It is not all the supports that have attachments, but I’m not disputing that some are attached to something else either. But I still stand

Why is it that female actresses tend to be richer and more successful than their male colleagues?

Not all female actors are richer than male actors, some male actors are richer than female actors as well. And if it appears a female actor is more prosperous, it may be because she gets supports and

Women can make the move but three times a week is okay to have sex as a couple

•Wumi Olabimtan

on my point that some of our male actors are successful than female actors.

How often should a couple have sex?

The man’s l i b i d o determines it but if I would advise, three times a week is okay.

So a woman should not initiate or ask for sex from her husband, and must wait for the man to make the move?

I didn’t say that. Women can make the move but three times a week is okay to have sex as a couple, either through the initiation of the woman or the man. But if the husband wants it more than three times a week, then the door should be opened widely all the time, that is, if the woman can cope and be ready to get older quicker.

So too much of sex makes women age?

Even too much of water suffocates.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

ROTIMI AGBANA 07054964685 Email: rotimiagbana@gmail.com

Contract breach: Who is saying the truth, Kiss Daniel or G-Worldwide?

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ver the years, artistes and record labels’ feuds have gradually become part of the dynamics associated with the music industry the world over, and Nigeria is not left out.

In fact, in the history of the Nigerian music industry, hardly is there any subsisting record label not guilty of this trend. From Choc City vs. Brymo, Harrysong vs. Five Star Music, Emma Nyra vs.

MMMG, Runtown vs. Ericmany Records, Chidinma vs. Capital Hills, and recently Skibii vs. Five Star Music, among many others.

So, it was not much of breaking news when news headlines went viral with reports that G-Worldwide Entertainment had dragged one of its legally signed artistes, Kiss Daniel to court for breaching the seven-year recording and artiste management contract he signed with the company in 2013.

But in defence, Kiss Daniel, who had earlier announced his exit from G-Worldwide with the launch of his own label imprint, FLYBOI I.N.C, denied all allegations levelled against him, claiming that he had since terminated his contract with G-Worldwide since October 30, 2017, a claim the label has since debunked as a lie.

Recall that on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, the management of G-Worldwide released an official statement indicting Kiss Daniel of breaching the contract he signed with the label by illegally floating an independent record label named ‘FLYBOI I.N.C, appointing a new manager, negotiating and entering into performance deals and using the stage name ‘Kiss Daniel’ without the consent and permission of G-Worldwide, which Kiss Daniel’s legal counsel wasted no time in refuting by setting the records straight with an official statement of their own.

The question on the lips of music pundits, critics and fans now is, who is saying the truth, Kiss Daniel or G-Worldwide? G-Worldwide claimed the seven-year contract he signed with the label is yet to expire and that there was never a time they revisited the contract to make adjustment to enable him terminate it prior to its expiration, while Kiss Daniel claimed he has terminated the said contract since October 30th.

G-Worldwide further claims that the court order and everything stated thereof is valid and from information made available to Showtime Kiss Daniel is alleged to have intentionally avoided receiving the court documents when he was informed that an official from the Ikeja High Court came to deliver the documents to him at his Lekki Residence on Tuesday morning.

Kiss Daniel’s former manager, Louiza Williams confirmed to Showtime in an exclusive chat that everything G-Worldwide has put out is 100% true and only the court can determine the next line of action because the label is not ready to banter words on social media with Kiss Daniel or his lawyers.

“Everything on the court documents and public notice are valid; whatever it is, I think the court would decide because I’m not a legal practitioner and I don’t know much about law, but all the information in the documents is valid. No need to be arguing on social media, no lawyer will want to engage in such, that’s all for now, until we meet in court on the fixed date”, she said.

When Showtime contacted a source in Kiss Daniel’s camp to set the record straight, he said; “Kiss Daniel doesn’t want to talk to anybody on this matter for now, the matter is already in court and as you can see what he already wrote on social media, he’s going to win this case and its going to be a sweet victory for him.”

However, according to the court order, the case has been adjourned for hearing on of January 9, 2018, and pending that time, both parties have been ordered to maintain the status quo under the recording contract.

How Buhari’s reign has affected entertainment — Paul Play Dairo

E

rstwhile musician, Paul Play Dairo has taken a bold swipe at President Buhari’s government, condemning it for misleading innocent Nigerians to believe in his visions which he claimed will improve the living conditions of the people and make their lives better. In an exclusive chat with Showtime, the RnB maestro, suggested that Nigerians were hopeful that with Buhari steering the political ship of the nation, the socio-economic condition of its citizens would be more like a bed of roses compared to past dispensations who failed in their empty promises.

“2017 has been tough because of the economic situation in the country, so many people who believed in the new dispensation actually thought things were going to get better, unfortunately things went the other side.

However, he later expressed optimism that the economic tide would be upturned for the better in 2018. “It’s been a tough year for everyone but now that it’s the end of the year, things are beginning to pick up; businesses are beginning to flourish all over again, so we’re hoping for the best in 2018. He added that even the entertainment industry has had a fair share of the economic downturn because business has been very poor.

“In the entertainment business it’s been the same because without clients there’s no way business can improve, there’s no way you can make money from the business; it’s been a tough year for everyone.”

Speaking further, Paul Play who recently returned to the music scene after about seven years of absence as a result of his dwindling health condition bragged that he is not under pressure to reclaim his place because he is not in competition with anyone.

“I don’t believe anything is impossible; you just have to be you, •Paul Play Dairo you don’t have to be someone else, nobody can be Paul Play I can only be myself. If I want to come back and do what I want to do with my music; I don’t think there should be any reason to fear .”

•Kiss Daniel

Wizkid, Davido supremacy tussle is healthy —Okiemute

T

•Okiemute

•Wizkid

hat warring Nigerian pop stars, Wizkid and Davido, have continuously come for each other’s throats with the aim of claiming bragging rights over who is a better musician, has since the beginning of 2017 become a recurring decimal in the Nigerian entertainment space.

While many have condemned the lingering supremacy tussle, others have tagged it a mere publicity stunt; but in a chat with Showtime, MTN Project Fame season 9 winner, Okiemute Ighorodje, noted that it is actually healthy for the Nigerian music industry.

“I just feel Wizkid and Davido are on two different paths; I don’t want to say Wizkid is better than Davido, both of them have grown in their own space and environment. I think their lingering beef is healthy for the media, you know they say bad news is good news, so I think it’s healthy for the music industry too”, she said.

Okiemute who recently staged a concert in Lagos, explained to Showtime why she decided on the concert.

S h e noted, “The reason is the fact that a lot of people come out from competitions and we feel like we’re entitled to certain things but we forget that we’re supposed to be thankful; this is one thing that most winners are forgetful about. They forget to appreciate people who helped us get to where we’re; even though we merit it we still ought to thank them. It was an opportunity to thank my fans and the media; contrary to what I was told prior to my coming into the industry, the media has been so nice to •Davido me so it was an avenue for me to appreciate the love shown to me so far.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—27

By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

Chidinma Ekile’s debut movie “The Bridge’ out this weekend T

he much anticipated cross-culture movie, ‘The Bridge’, featuring sensational singer, Chidinma Ekile and a production of the trio of directors, Kunle Afolayan, Muka Ray and Bank of Industry’s Nollyfund is set for release this weekend.

The the romantic movie, which stars other notable names like Demola Adedoyin, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Zack Orji, Tina Mba, Adebayo Salami, Lere Paimo, Wole Olowomojuore, Lanre Hassan, Jimoh Aliu, and Mama Ray-Eyiwumi will hit cinemas from December 8 across Nigeria, Produced by Lasun Ray and directed by Kunle Afolayan, the BoI-powered film tells the story of Stella (Chidinma Emile), a young lady from a distinguished Igbo family who falls in love and secretly marries Obadare (Demola Adedoyin), a Yoruba Prince against her parent’s wish.

The relationship became threatened by tribal prejudice and the consequences shook the very foundation and unity of both families.

Silverbird Distributions announces the cinema release and a starstudded premiere billed for Saturday, December 9, 2017.

The film distribution company, in a statement, describes “The Bridge” as a culturally conscious film with an equal touch of modernism, and pristine standard.

•Funlola Aofiyebi and Dorothy Gould

Actress Funlola Aofiyebi Preaches ‘Never Stop Learning’ with her latest achievement

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ollywood actress Funlola Aofiyebi Raimi who is widely known for her role as Brenda in the M-net hit series Tinsel recently took to social media to inspire people to never stop seeking knowledge.

Funlola shared a story on how she journeyed to South Africa recently to gather more knowledge on acting, after 21 years of experience so as to broaden her horizon. She met with widely celebrated South African actor/director Dorothy Gould, who served as her acting coach throughout her time in South Africa.

The actress further revealed how she couldn’t help but channel her inner fangirl as she had always been a fan of Dorothy’s works - even expressing how she wished she had more time to spend with the legend, who has had a career and experience spanning over 30 years in film, TV, stage play, and more.

Funlola went on to verbalize how she learned so much from Dorothy, despite her own long years of experience.

Some part of her Instagram post reads “Knowledge truly is power because after a few sessions with Ms Dorothy, I feel like I can conquer the world. Lol!! As if I knew nothing about acting prior to meeting her...... Whoever you are reading this, whatever it is that you do, I employ you to 1. Acquire knowledge 2. Develop your skills 3. Step out of your comfort zone 4. Go for Gold 5. Don’t take NO for an answer.”

Several fans and social media users have since shared the story; citing the positivity embedded in it and pointing out the steps contained in it as recommendable for attaining success.

•Chidinma Ekile and Demola Adedoyin.

Ali Baba, Uti Nwachukwu, Tara, others set to light up Genesis Fashion Show 2017

By Iyabo Aina

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rganizers, celebrities and prominent fashion designers are finally set for this year’s edition of Genesis Fashion Show 2017 [GFS] tagged ‘Identity’ th This was gathered during a media parley held on Monday, 4 December 2017, at Victoria Island, Lagos, where the organizers promised the event would be a memorable experience for participants, as it will leave an indelible landmark in the socio-consciousness; fashion-sense, decency in dressing especially among the youths and society at large.

The Annual Fashion event slated to hold on Monday 18th December 2017 at the glamorous Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, is put together by the Teens’ Ministry of Redeem Christian Church of God [RCCG] City of David Parish,and is marking its 4th edition having recorded impactful success in the past editions. Specifically organized to address indecent dressing among teenagers in the society while showcasing delectable, trendy designs from some prominent designers in the country that are not revealing but classy in nature.

The 2017 GFS will feature exquisite designs from Fashion Designs Masterclass with Ejiro AmosTafiri, Tara Koko [THOD BESPOKE], Peter Adebayo among others. The event as usual will also create great avenue for budding young entrepreneurs who have flair for fashion, modeling, p h o t o g r a p h y, m e d i a , videography, graphic designs among other related vocations.

The organizers have already embarked on designers selection/screening of designs,model casting/ audition and coaching under the watchful eyes of creative expertise of Mai Atafo among other participating prominent designers.

Among other top showbiz stars expected to grace the event include, Ali Baba, Uti Nwachukwu, OAP Ayo Thompson and many others.

•Fashion

Ace sound engineer, Sheyman bags multiple awards, goes into audiovisual production

I

•Sheyman

t was indeed another moment of pride for Nigeria few days back as one of the country’s entertainment custodians, Sheyman walked tall in the presence of top music stars and industry decision-makers in America as he smiled home with the Independent Artist of the Year in the Africa category at the recently concluded Hapa music award in California.

As if that wasn’t enough, another icing came on Sheyman’s cake as he was once again honoured by another international award. At the popular Nigeria Entertainment Awards he was honoured as the ‘2017 Best Sound Engineer. Even at AFRIMA Sheyman won a special recognition award as a trail blazer in the Nigeria entertainment community especially considering his massive contributions in exporting Nigerian sound to the other parts of the world.

Since assuming responsibility as one of the industry’s finest music makers, he has shared professional credit with several industry superstars including Wizkid, Psquare, Jaywon, Olamide, Kiss Daniel, Iyanya, Jah Bless, Pasuma, Joe El, Bigiano, Brymo, T,W.O, and several others having attained a certified hit status for songs like Kukere, Woju, Feeling This Feeling, Joor Oh, Don’t Touch and Shayo.

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Edited By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

•Doting mumTonto Dikeh with her King •Bisola Badmus cele brates son @ 5

•Taiwo Aromokun and her twins

•Adediwura Blarkgold and lovely son

•Bimbo Thomas and son, Jayden

•Mimi Orjiekwe and daughter, Jasmine

•Lilian Esoro and baby boy •Mercy Aigbe is a proud mum

•Mercy Johnson Okojie and daughter, Purity

•Juliet Mgborukwe with son

•Awele Odita and little bundle of joy

•Liz Da Silva and her much celebrated son, Roheem

Iyawo Ojo and her two kids Adediwura Blarkgold and lovely son

•The only guy in Biodun Okeowo's life

•Tiwa Savage and famous son, Jam Jam

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—29 Juliet Ebirim 08137897935 juliet.ebirim@gmail.com

‘Amuga’s Hope’ breaks new grounds A

s part of its Girl-child initiative, Amuga’s Hope, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) founded by Nigerian super model Bertha Amuga recently held a well attended and highly successful girl child advocacy program. The event held recently at the Aunty Ayo International Schools at Keffi, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event was graced by guests who charged the students by speaking on topics relevant for their empowerment.

Prominent among the guests was Judith Audu, popular Nollywood movie star

whose movies have made it to international stage with great accolades.

Also present was Bertha Amuga herself who graciously welcomed the students, while also speaking on entrepreneurship as a means of breaking the gender barrier.

She also urged the students to eschew irresponsible behavior and to strive to be model teenagers. Gifts and souvenirs were presented to students at the event.

Amuga’s Hope counsels, educates and empowers teenage girls and teenage mothers in order to provide a viable future for young ladies through education and skill acquisition, and to reverse the growing trend of teenage pregnancy in our society.

Amuga's Hope

Wale Tinubu’s winning streak

By Sofowora Oladapo

I

f Wale Jubril Tinubu was to pen down an epistle on his most disturbing moment as the head Honcho of Oando oil and gas; it would definitely be when the travails of Oando Plc reached its crescendo months ago. The high flying Up and downstream oil and gas firm was rocked with several petitions and alleged negative media campaign. The NSE immediately placed an embargo on all stock activities.

However, the Lagos born businessman, who is known as ‘King of African Oil’ remained unperturbed.

Instead, he faced his business squarely, not falling for the gimmick those d e t r a c t o r s employed to bring him down. Owing to his sterling leadership qualities, other shareholders stood by him and kept flying the flag of the company high.

He vowed to take the company to greater heights and he has been able to achieve that. Under his watch, Oando broke impeccable records Tinubu’s success story may not come as a surprise to those close to him because he has, over the years, shown evidence that he is well verse in oil and gas business. He knows when to invent, particularly in a shaky business climate.

He has continued to show his

Wale Tinubu wziardry, especially in the past two years that the oil business has suffered a decline around the globe.

Asiwaju Bola honoured again!

A

siwaju Bolarinwa Oluwole is gradually inching up in other spheres that could further advance his aspiration to clinch a coveted House of Reps seat in the next dispensation.

The Ogun state-born new breed politician was recently conferred with a prestigious award of Distinguished Personality of the Year, 2017, by the leadership of National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, on account of his ever steady and ready support and Asiwaju Bola contributions to the course of students and youth development in all its without being immodest, may clinch the ticket ramifications. Many of the students, if the playing field is level, even as he is especially student leaders, attested to his kind believed to be the most favoured among his gestures of supporting, facilitating and co-aspirants; and this is no exaggeration. The influencing students and youth 40-year-old grassroots politician has since empowerment schemes. He was honoured been notching up his potential as a federal tremendously for being a distinguished and legislator to be, and all the arithmetic and refined young personality. Interestingly, this permutations point in his favourable new cap for the Okanlomo, is coming at a very direction, even outside his party. Give or take, audacious time for the House of Reps hopeful, the Okanlomo is already on a gliding spree who has not reneged on his avowed plans and to the Lower House of the National Assembly intentions to selflessly serve his people when in Abuja, all things being equal. the opportunity beckons. Asiwaju Bolarinwa,

The Future Awards Africa holds today A

ll is now set for the 12th edition of The Future Awards Africa 2017. Themed ‘Nigeria’s New Tribe’, the 2017 edition seeks to acknowledge inspiring young people making a difference through social enterprise, social good, and innovation. The event will hold today at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

The Central Working Committee of The Future Awards Africa has announced awardwinning singer/songwriter, Adekunle Gold and TV personality, Mimi Onalaja as the hosts of this year’s event.

Themed Nigeria’s New Tribe, the Awards will acknowledge inspiring young Nigerians aged 18-31 making a difference through social enterprise, social good, and creativity.

With 105 nominees selected over categories including Music, Beauty, Fashion & Design, Professional Service, Sports and more, 21 winners will be announced at the event, including the highly-coveted ‘Young Person of the Year’. Nominees for the awards were last week hosted to a reception at Banana Island, Lagos. Supported by the Ford Foundation, the event also saw the presentation of certificates to the nominees.

Anchored by Gbenga Aborowa, the reception had personalities like Ubi Franklin, Bovi, Akah Nnani, Olive Emordi, Mary Njoku, Eunice Omole, Ini Dima Okojie, and Emem Ema in attendance. Peter Okoye was guest

Mimi Onalaja speaker at the reception while artiste, Jeff Akoh performed.

The awards is powered by The Future Project, with support from Ford Foundation.

Pomp, fun, excitement, as Int’l Drinks Festival ends

F

rom electro-night to an amazing world class flair performance, the International Drinks Festival proved to be unrivaled. Powered by Balmoral, the three day festival took place from the 1st - 3rd of December, 2017 featuring thrilling performances from industry’s finest artists.

Maria Okan of Beat Fm was live to interview exhibitors and guests at the Drinks Africa stand.

Celebrities at the event include Idia Aisien, Uriel, Juliet Ibrahim among others. Various drink brands including Power Horse, Bigi, Food Pro, Ruby Classic, Mixy, X.O wine, Delarose, Cocktail Nigeria, Pamii, to mention but a few, were part of the event.

The festival was packed with educative sessions at the Drink Summit where all issues regarding drinks were addressed from Brand Education to C M Y K

Marketing to Public relations as a tool for progressive growth in the drinks industry. Master Classes were also available for consumers and professionals. The VIP lounge was the place to be as free drinks and food were in abundance till the festival came to an end. Another amazing experience was the World Bartender Flair which featured the world champions in flair bartending, Tomek Malek and Marek Posluszny as they showcased their tandem routine.

With over 200 exhibitors, 50 experts, master classes, a beer village, world class flair performance, electro-night which featured industry’s finest artists and Dj’s, a three-day summit that brought together top notch professionals and consumers, the festival was indeed a ground-breaking experience.

Drinks Festival

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

I can help govt tackle problem of human trafficking in Edo, says popular film maker

F

ollowing the alarming rate at which Nigerian girls and particularly, Edo girls are steadily being trafficked as sex workers in Italy and across Europe, popular film maker, Lancelot Imasuen, has offered to help the state government to tackle the prevailing social ill, saying ‘the antics of the traffickers must be exposed to the people.’

The celebrated film maker, however, is proposing an intensive public enlightenment and sensitization programme at

the grass-roots, noting that through this way, the people can be exposed to the dangers associated with human trafficking.

A proud promoter of Edo language movies, Lancelot recalled that in 2008, he produced a movie titled, Ëbuwa”, which recaptured the sorry-story of Edo girls who, out of greed were trafficked into Europe for prostitution in the hope of becoming very rich.

The movie, which he said was a true life story ended tragically for most of the

From Akwa-Ibom, I have interviewed over 1000 celebrities —Radio DJ I f you have been listening to “Afternoon Ride” and “Hilltop Safari” on Radio Akwa-Ibom 90.5 fm, the name, Essiet Nsudoh popularly called, Rockyfella will not ring a bell in your ears. He is one of the seasoned broadcasters in that part of the country who has etched his name in the sands of time, having interviewed well over 1000 celebrities across the world via telephone.

Rockyfella, who started presenting programmes on radio as far back as 1990, says it gives me a great joy when he features world renowned celebrities on his programmes.

According to him, he has lost count of the number of world renowned celebrities he has interviewed on his programme via telephone.

“On my Afternoon Ride programme, I conduct telephone interviews with world renowned celebrities across the world. I have interviewed over 1000 celebrities. It seems I have

lost count of the number of celebrity interviews I have done over the years” he said.

Some of the celebrities include, sons of Bob Marley, Geldorf and Ziggy, Hugh Masekela, Yvonne Chakacha, Ron Kenoly, U-Roy, Bunny Wailer Max Romeo, Don Carlos, Marcia Griffiths, Eric Donaldson, Bob Fitts, Nkulee, Jimmy Cliff, Jerfrey Daniels of the Shalamar(defunct), and Thokozani Duke. Back home, he has also featured the likes of 2face Idibia, Daniel Wilson, Tony Tetuila, Keke Ogungbe, Onyeka Owenu, Mista Xto, Ice Prince, Feboky, Ethel Odungideh, Efe of BBN, Bisola, Uti Nwachukwu Buchi, Righteousman, Lara George among others.

According to Rockyfella, the program informs listeners about happenings in the entertainment industry as well as play old, middle and the very latest music.

Rockyfella said his dream is not just to be outstanding but also, to have the standard by which broadcasters and radio DJs worldwide are measured.

With many awards and commendations in his kitty, he could well be on his way. He is also the people’s choice MC (Master of Ceremonies).

One thing is certain, Essiet “Ro c ky f e l l a ” Nsudoh is the radio DJ of the 21st century.

How he gets the contacts of h i s interviewees is something that Nsudoh is a mystery to his listeners.

victims, thereby sending a strong message to other young women hoping to travel to Europe for prostitution.

For him, African leaders have not taken advantage of the motion picture for social reformation.

“In 2008, I made a film called Ebuwa, having travelled to 20 to 24 cities in Italy, gathering information as to why a lot of Nigerian girls are in the business of prostitution. I travelled to the length and breadth of Italy and had discussions with our girls there. Ebuwa captured the story of a girl who was trafficked to Italy. I was looking at the story from the girl’s family; the role her parents and siblings played in this business of trafficking.”

“If the parents of these girls have not consented to the idea, it would be difficult for an outsider to traffick their daughters into prostitution in Europe,” he stated.

While calling on the Edo State government to embark on aggressive social mobilization and reorientation of the people, the popular film maker proposed the need for government to employ the instrumentality of television to educate the masses on the dangers of human trafficking.

Lancelot “I can help government create indigenous language project, television series that will help to enlighten the people so that they will understand the consequences that is associated with human trafficking. That’s what I am proposing to the Edo state government. I’m not only going to use the instrumentality of television, I will also go to the grass-roots to sensitize the people about the consequences associated with human trafficking,

using all the languages spoken in Edo to enlighten the people and expose the antics of the traffickers to them.It’s the mothers that instigated and forced the girls into prostitution. They insist that the girls must be trafficked in order to savage the family from poverty.

Most times, it’s the greed of their mothers that make human trafficking thrives in Edo. They sacrifice their daughters happiness, freedom in order to savage their families from poverty,”Lancelot added.

Movie making case for albinos hits the big screen

By Chioma Obinna n a bid to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with Albinism, Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation, OAM, and Ada Ossai Production weekend released a movie titled “Beyond the Complexion”, a film designed to change people’s perception about Nigerians living with albinism.

The film made by Michael Azano, directed by Omokehinde and produced by Ada Ossai was an adaptation of a true life story, which tries to correct myths and misconceptions of albinism, while shedding a light on the trials and triumphs of persons living with albinism.

Speaking during the premier weekend in Lagos, the producer, Ada Ossai who is also a Person With Albinism, PWA, explained that in the short film, was a true life story and fiction that showed the resilience of the Albino child when encouraged by family and the society.

Ossai who noted that growing up was full of

I

challenges as a PWA explained that albinism is a range of disorders varying in severity and caused by a reduction or absence of the pigment melanin, often causing white skin, light hair, and vision problems and has no spiritual link.

Statistics available have shown that the condition affects an estimated 1 in 17,000 people globally.

Corroborating her views,

Albinos at the premier

Co- producer, Mrs. Onome Majaro noted that the specific message in the film was that albinism is a genetic condition and not witchcraft, or infidelity.

“It is purely in the gene. One of the parents has to be carriers for you to have an albino child that is the specific message and we are also trying to say that albinos deserve love and respect; albinos can do anything they set their mind to.”

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Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—31

32—SA TURD AY 32—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9 9,, 2017

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

“The romantic encounter with an old flame,a never-to-be-forgotten adventure” S

ANDRA, a fifty something lecturer recently recounted how a chance meeting with an old flame turned a holiday that she thought would be hum—drummed into a never-to-be-forgotten adventure. Her story: “I would never have imagined that the next time I ran into Bolaji, it would be on a plane en-route good old Britain. The last time I saw him was over 15 years ago. We’d dated briefly after he’d relentlessly come after me—with the whole works.

Dinner, fancy presents and just sitting down for stretches of amusing natters. In the end, we became lovers. I’d left my husband then and was grappling with a broken relationship. Caleb, my lover of seven years, had just put up an appearance too, after a period of wondering where he was.

Simply put, life couldn’t be better. Then, one fateful day, Bolaji was having a drink in my flat when Caleb came. I was amused to see Bolaji sit up like a ramrod. Caleb made his usual polite conversation, but it was obvious Bolaji wouldn’t be hanging around for anything more friendly and was out of my flat as soon as he decently could, telling me firmly not to bother to see him off. I wondered if Caleb knew him but he obviously didn’t as he asked if Bolaji wasn’t one of my colleagues as his face looked Didn’t he recognise me? I familiar. I quickly agreed that thought he would have he was. I didn’t hear from told you who I was. I Bolaji for a long time. Months didn’t want any trouble, after Bolaji had dropped me so I stayed away. The like a hot potato, I ran into him way he looked at me, he at a filling station. It was on a was sizing-me up to see Sunday and he drove himself. if I would be a serious He’d got out of the car looking adversary. I just left and good to eat in Barmuda shots. I that was it.” That was the was angry with him, if last I saw of him until I anything, he owed me an saw him a few weeks ago explanation for his ambling his way to his disappearing act and I got out seat on the plane enof my car to confront him. route Britain. I’d sat with “He didn’t look guilty. He looked as if I was a total stranger he was trying to place.” ‘What happened to you?” I asked him. “How could you have disappeared without a word?” “What do you mean?” he wanted to know. “Did you think I could come to your place after running into my chairman in your house?” he asked. His chairman? It was then he explained that Caleb was the chairman of a political party’s committee of which he was a member. “He was also one of our financial supporters.”

“He went on: ‘and I was just co-opted as a member of his committee when I ran into him at your place of all places.

Travelling time flies if you’ve got a lively chatter-box to keep you company

a stuffy man in a suit who’d come with a bunch of national dailies and had buried his head into one as soon as he settled in his seats Bolaji, who now looked a bit rosy-checked and well, was pleased to see me. “Travelling time flies if you’ve got a lively chatter-box to keep you company. By the time we arrived Heathrow, he’d told me his first grandchild would be christened the next

day. Could I make it? What about his wife? “I had this child before I got married,” he explained.

“I’ve booked myself into a service flat.” After, exchanging phone numbers, we left. First thing the next day, he was on the phone giving me directions on how to get to the venue of the naming ceremony—and he insisted on my taking a cab. As I arrived the place, he came out to pay the cab driver. By the end of the day I was at his service flat, feeling as if we

were on a first date all over again.

The friend I stayed with scarcely saw me as I was always with him closing the I5-year gap between our first relationship. I was a bit amused when he offered to come with me for a weekend with a friend that stayed outside London. He would book himself into a bed and breakfast so I needn’t worry about accommodation for him.

My friend’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she saw him.

Thank goodness her husband is not a Nigerian or he would have wondered at the number of ‘cousins’ I kept showing up with. Thanks to Bolaji, I scarcely touched the holiday allowance I had with me as he happily picked up most of my tabs.

He even took my friend’s family to an expensive restaurant on our last evening. When we left for London, I simply moved in with him and by the time he left a week later, I’d had a most mind-blowing holiday. He’d discreetly asked if I was still seeing Caleb and I said yes. His eyes clouded a bit, but he shrugged.

“He made it clear he would never want to cross Caleb and I understood.

Why wouldn’t I? Apart from Caleb, my hands are definitely full. Where on earth would I fix Bolaji when we got back to Lagos? Giving him my little-girl-lost look, I told him I understood. He might be alright in no-

man’s-land, Britain; but I knew as a fact that he too had a very ‘busy’ social life in Lagos. The phone never stopped ringing in the flat when I was with him and there were times he’d promised callers he would call them back.

For now to him, I was a ‘matter-of-the-moment’ who needed all his attention. By the time he left, the flat was still full of foodstuff brought in by his daughter who seemed happy to be ‘friends’ with me. I bet it was to get back at her step-mother whom she said she didn’t like.

There were a few days left until he handed over the keys to the flat to its owners so I agreed to stay in the flat until his short lease ran out. My friends were definitely happy to help me clear up the left-over grub and booze in those few days!

The rest of the holiday flew past with trickles of news filtering in from time to time—news that were more interesting than the one NTA dishes out every evening. Not surprising is the fact that Nigerian parties were not as elaborate and adventurous as they once were. Did I go to the wrong ones? Was it to do with the now over-used economic melt down? Or, more realistically, was the proverbial age catching up with all of us? As I got ready to team up with Maggie,an old Irish classmate and a few others, to visit a few ‘scenes of the crime,’ I wondered if we still had it in us to shake things up as we once did!”

Why bald men are at greater risk or having a heart disease Men who go bald on the crown of the head also have their risk of heart disease increased by a half, say scientists.

Those with the classic bald spot, which has afflicted a lot of middle-aged men in recent times) were 52 per cent more likely to have coronary artery disease than those with a full head of hair, they found.

Their study, involving almost 40,000 men, showed that those whose hairlines were only receding were 22 per cent more at risk of heart disease—a level the researchers said was not statistically significant.

Men with both receding hairlines and

crown-top baldness were 69 per cent more likely to suffer coronary artery disease than those who had kept all their hair. The findings came in a review of six studies by scientists from Tokyo University, published in the online journal BMJ Open.

Doctors do not yet fully understand the link between baldness and coronary artery disease. Experts believe men with high levels of testosterone are more likely to lose their hair, especially if baldness already runs in the family, and testosterone is also linked to heart disease. The hormone can damage hair follicles.

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Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 33

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

We help single mothers shattered by failed marriages —Maureen Nwaezeigwe

By Funmi Ajumobi

M

aureen Mennor Nwaezeigwe is the founder of Singlemomhood Support Initiative. In this interview, she disclosed how she was touched by the emotional trauma of failed marriages and the heavy burden of parenting which single mothers are forced to live. This spurred her to set up a forum that would provide them with emotional, financial and psychological support. Maureen explained that although she had always been concerned and was giving succor to single mothers she came across, she never really appreciated what they were going through until she became a single mother herself two years ago.

Excerpts:

W

hy are you so concerned about single mothers?

I have helped single mothers before I became one. I didn’t understand how lonely it could be to be a single mother. I never gave much thought to the impact on the children. I love marriage and I believe, as a Christian, that God instituted marriage, and He wants godly offspring to come out of marriages, but the truth of the matter is, whether we want to admit it or not, marriages fail and the rate of failure is on the increase. Sometimes, people work so hard to make sure that marriages survive but at the end of the day it fails. Some women and men have callously left their marriages.

Situations vary and I wouldn’t want to go into what happened in my marriage but the fact of the matter is that my marriage failed just as many other marriages out there have failed and are still failing.

As an organization, we want to provide emotional support.

We have our counselling segment on our website, singlemom.com, complete with phone numbers to enable single mothers and women who are thinking of coming out of their marriages call us. We will not ask you to leave your marriage. We want to see how we can help you find solution to your situation because experience is the best teacher. Sometimes people need to get other people’s experiences to have a bigger picture of what they are about to do and, when they talk to people who have been there and have related with others who have had similar problems and have been able to render solution or have learnt one or two things from other people’s problems, they can help you to take better decisions. We want to create

•Ms. Maureen Mennor Nwaezeigwe a network where single mothers can come together, play together, share ideas on parenting, wellness and financial empowerment. There are single mothers who are rich enough to lend to nations and they can do everything for themselves and the children, but they have emotional struggles. There are some in the middle class who can take care of themselves and the kids but partially also need support emotionally.

There are also those who are really down there, they can’t take care of themselves and their children. These are the ones that actually caught my attention even before I became a single mother. Though before I became a single mother, I didn’t really give much thought to the stigma, the financial and emotional problems of single mothers and their children. Whenever I came across single mothers, maybe widows whose children have dropped out of schools due to non-payment of school fees, I have been lending a helping hand. But until I became a single mother myself two years ago, I didn’t really understand what it was all about.

It was then I began to feel what it really meant for mothers to be single”.

In the course of counseling and working with single mothers, what have you discovered to be responsible for failed marriages?

The reason for the increase in failure of marriages is difficult to pinpoint because each couple has its own uniqueness. For some couples, it may be infidelity, for some, it could be financial because lack of money can bring so much pressure into a family and couples will begin to see things differently

and begin to fight and judge themselves. For some, it could be third party influence which they are not able handle which could be from their families or friends, neighbours or even colleagues. But the unfortunate thing is that it is on the increase and we hope to see a reduction through my organization.

We want to talk to single mothers and counsel them because, sometimes, it is good to talk to someone who does not know your name and who you are not afraid could leak your secrets. People go to their pastors but, sometimes, it goes beyond that. You want to go to someone who will counsel you without bias. You don’t want to wait until you gather that experience in a negative way. It is just like when a pastor who is not married begins to counsel a married couple. I don’t think he will provide the kind of solution that a married pastor can give to a married woman. This is a supportive system that I think is lacking in our society. I have looked round and discovered that there is no support system for single mothers.

But, of recent, I heard of a church in Lekki, Lagos that is going to have a single mother conference. That is to tell you that it is something new. I heard about it when I began to plan for our quarterly programme called, ‘Singlemoms and kids get well retreat’.

There are pockets of help for widows and orphans but how do you help the single mother who is going through emotional trauma and what do you tell her about getting into another relationship?

Research shows that single mothers are prone to depression, especially those who do not have the financial capacity to handle the burdens that come with it. Often times you find that children go with their mothers when marriages end and it ought to be so because it is the

I love marriage and I believe, as a Christian, that God instituted marriage, and He wants godly offspring to come out of marriages, but the truth of the matter is, whether we want to admit it or not, marriages fail and the rate of failure is on the increase mother who can take care of the children, especially when they are minors and, I think, the law stipulates that from age 0 to 17, the children should stay with their mothers when marriages fail.

Although we have seen some cases where children are snatched from their mothers, it is actually the right of children to stay with their mothers till age 17 because they need their mothers the most. So, the woman who does not have money but has to leave her marriage needs a peace of mind as we have seen that so many marriages have become toxic, hostile and violent. The couple may stay apart for some time without necessarily divorcing because experience has shown that time is a great healer. If it is possible, you can come back again. But at the time it became really dangerous to live together, I advise that you stay away and also go with your children. But the challenge that comes is how to take care of your children and yourself if you are not financially

strong and that is where depression sets in because there is nothing that can be more distressing to a mother than seeing her children unfed, not well clothed, not living under a good atmosphere or condition, sick and having nothing to take care of them.

So it is my passion to help mothers in such conditions to have little businesses, attend seminars to get information on how to grow businesses, how to be financially strong and how to do good parenting. Parenting is not a child’s play if you must bring up godly children. Most times, we get a bit confused because at different stages of a child’s life, he comes up with different traits and attitudes. So you want to know how others coped, especially as single mothers. When both parties are doing it together, it is a lot easier but when you are doing it alone, whether as a single father or as a single mother, it becomes a different ballgame. But when you are able to network with other single mothers, it becomes easier because you then share ideas and rub minds.

Some women just decide to have babies whether by adoption or get pregnant from relationships and prefer to stay alone as single mothers As I said before, I believe strongly in the institution of marriage. I believe God ordained it. However, judgement is not for me to pass on anyone who decides to stay alone.

But any single mother who needs our support is welcomed to have it.

But I will not accept a single mother who woke up one day and callously walked out of her home and abandoned her children, whether for career or financial purpose. But any single mother with children who needs help by accident, divorce, death of husband or who decide to live single with her children is

Continues on pg 35

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Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—35

A cacophony of whistles

S

o far the Buhari administration has earned laurels for being the masters of policies depending on citizen responsibility. Two of them stand out : The Nigerian Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) , a time-limited opportunity for tax payers to regularize their tax status relating to previous tax periods and pay any taxes due. In exchange for fully and honestly declaring previous undisclosed assets and income , tax payers will benefit from forgiveness of overdue interests and penalties as well as assurance that they do not face criminal prosecution for tax offenses or tax investigations According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, there will be collaboration with foreign governments where assets and illicit funds are likely to be held by Nigerians.

Government will leverage on various international agreements including

the recently ratified Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters which has been signed by over 100 countries. ations.

In addition, insiders divulge off record that the scheme is really targeted at the top 1% of the economic food chain who have more to gain than to lose , considering they will barely feel the pinch after parting with hefty sums representing tiny percentages of their net worth . At some point , sources say , it will become virtually impossible to travel out of the country without targets being required to show their tax clearances after the period of grace. To be perfectly honest the scheme is a name – and –shame sort , premised on blackmail and the hope that the administration will be regarded seriously enough to inspire fear from targets . It is a way of saying, “pay me, or I’ll make you!”

At first the idea was

hugely unpopular, perceived as it was by the public as being an excuse for creating a soft landing for looters, since this group represents the vast majority of super high net w o r t h individuals in the country. These days, nobody really cares.

The other scheme that hopes to draw on citizen goodwill is the whistle blower policy , which was launched by the federal government in February 2017 with the aim of increasing exposure of financial crimes; supporting the fight against financial crimes and corruption; improving the level of public confidence in public entities and enhancing transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

While the execution of this particular initiative appears better appointed , it is still unclear, the border of its jurisdiction.

Both policies are by no means ingenious, as similar tactics have been deployed all over the world, in both the public and private sectors, in checking misdemeanor. For centuries, the bounty hunter

•Buhari

technique has been deployed in hunting down even the most elusive of criminals. The power of the prospect of legitimate cash without the inconvenience of grime and sweat cannot be overestimated.

Suddenly, the idea that knowledge is power is becoming popular once more.

At first, it seemed to be working; a flurry of discoveries of massive stashes of cash in stupendous quantities and all major currencies in various parts of the country had anti-corruption enthusiasts clapping their hands in glee.

While the whistle blower policy seems to be focusing mainly on the recovery of physical cash, a lot of money is also lost by the country through tax evasion and making false returns to agencies such as ITF, NSITF, FIRS, State Boards of Internal Revenue and so forth . A

rigorous campaign and extensive public enlightenment should be conducted in this area to encourage Nigerians to blow the whistle on corrupt and fraudulent companies.

By these policies, Buhari’s Federal Government depends heavily on the goodwill and courage of regular Nigerians. Whether or not this dependence is worthy is rather too soon to tell. But were government to wager a guess, the answer would be probably not”.

It is early days yet ; a learning process both for government and the governed, yet c i t i z e n communication is virtually nonexistent. It is inevitable that blunderssometimes costly- will be made. In a country where due process is a completely meaningless term ; and any scheme can be contrived to beat the most articulate of systems, such a policy is bound to throw up more drama than solutions.

Already there is a row, even a court matter , over who actually blew one of the loudest whistles yet in Ikoyi, Lagos. Already, mistrust and unclarity is already plaguing the fine print and as in everything worth doing in this sphere, the devil is in the detail. Yet the survival of the schemes is inextricably tied to the ability and commitment of government to hold up their own side of the tent.

Let them be mindful that bounty hunting, historically , thrives in failing economies such as ours, fueled by desperation and the hope of success Before we know it we will have whistle blowers blowing whistle against whistle blowers.

We help single mothers shattered by failed marriages Continues from pg 34 welcomed.

When the love is still sweet, it has always been an issue for women not to work and totally depend on the husband. What do you advise women generally?

Because of unforeseen circumstances, I will advise women to work. Do something to earn an income. I understand that when the marriage is still in the early stage and the woman is going through pregnancy, child bearing, it may not be easy combining those things with your career but you just have to try.

Sometimes there may be challenges in your workplace or you just decided that the work was boring and you decided you need a break, please think twice about it. Don’t give up your job. If you are boring about a job, look for something else to do. If you have interest in business, think about it and you may explore online businesses where you may not leave your home and yet generate a lot of money. Don’t be idle hoping your marriage will not fail.

With your passion for single mothers in need, how do you source funds to help them?

It is a huge challenge. Before now, I was doing it in my own little way, but now that I have singlemomhood.com established, what I am trying to do is to solicit support from people who have the means to adopt single women and their children or help pay the children’s school fees or help with accommodation, petty trade or jobs.

I want people who are buoyant to support me with money to do what I am doing because some people don’t really have the time but have good will to support. But if you have

life in a different way and able to forge ahead. She is no longer thinking it is over or it is the end of the world for her. She now looks at life from a positive mind-set that she can start all over again. She now accepts that there are people she can mingle with and get information that can help build her life again. She now knows there are some people she can call from time to time and share her fears with that can make her come out of her challenges. So it is a success story unfolding and I see a very bright future.

In the next five years, what do you expect to see?

I hope to see Singlemomhood S u p p o r t •Ms. Maureen Mennor Initiative Nwaezeigwe becoming a solid support system that has helped 50 women (10 per year) find their feet through our the time, call and let’s talk. economic empowerment drive, and Singlemomhood.com has been have become so financially strong something on my mind but, as I said, their kids go to school, feed well, and I have been helping single mothers live in safe environments. I wish to in my own little way but, officially, see SSI succeed in wiping away we started recently. tears from the eyes of many single mothers whose hearts have been Any success stories yet? shattered by emotional trauma of Yes, but it is work in progress failed marriages and the huge because you can’t say a single burden of single parenting. I wish mother comes to you and to see SSI help women become everything about the woman is strong enough to support others who completely sorted out. It is work in they also may meet in their lives’ progress in the sense that you are journeys. It may be tough, but I able to help her children go back to believe it is achievable. school, you are able to give out small amount of money to start a Don’t you think apart from trade, you are able to talk to a women, there are also single woman who is depressed to come fathers who are going through such out of it and she is able to look at challenges?

For single fathers, I also empathise with them because when I s t a r t e d singlemom.com, I got a lot of reactions from single fathers who were going through similar challenges single mothers are going through and they needed such support system that I set up for single mothers. They told me their experiences and experiences of some men whose wives just moved out of their m a r r i a g e s abandoning their children to pursue career or one thing or the other. I felt really sorry for them because men are not wired to be mothers. It is women that God created to be mothers, to nurture children. When a man finds himself in such an unfamiliar territory, it is a very difficult situation. Such men can call our support line and our counsellors are ready to speak with them and we will support them in any way we can. We are mothers and we know what you are going through and we know what you need to raise those children, but you have to be strong and ensure the next woman you bring into your life must be mindful of the wellbeing of the children. We have had cases of step mothers who have done terrible things to their step children. When marriages fail, the children are caught between the father and the mother. In the course of this project, I have met many who opened up to me and couldn’t stop their tears.

Children who were living in affluence suddenly found themselves in a mud house with their mothers because their mothers didn’t have money and was hawking to survive. They suffered and their mother looked older than her age.

But, today, the man is coming back to the lives of the children who are grown-ups and are married. So, children suffer so much in such situation. I want to advise men that when their marriage fails, it shouldn’t end their relationship with the children. Make yourself available to the children as much as possible. They need you as much as they need their mothers. Children should not be allowed to become victims of broken homes.

What about the stigma on single mothers in our society?

It is unfortunate that when marriage fails, people do not understand the magnitude of issues that go on, especially in our society where women are easily charged and condemned.

When a marriage fails, what you see is that people condemn the woman that maybe she was wayward, or too proud or pompous to submit to her husband. Oftentimes, people do not take time to find out what burdens are on her shoulder. What are the bruises in her heart or on her body that she has been covering with make up or clothes? So, when people uncover themselves and say it’s enough, don’t judge them because psychological trauma, stress, pains they go through most times are stronger and more dangerous than physical pains.

36—SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

Lifeline

Genetic screening of parents can prevent cancer, albinism, sickle cell in children

Healthy baby

•Dr Ajayi,MD/CEO Nordica Fertility Centre,Lagos

—Dr Abayomi Ajayi Are you at risk for transmitting an inherited disease? Are you or your spouse living with a genetic disorder or both of you have the trait of a genetic disorder? Are you currently unmarried but worried that your future children could potentially inherit a genetic disorder? Worry no more because it is now possible to prevent transmission and inheritance of common and uncommon hereditary abnormalities such as Sickle Cell Disorder, Down Syndrome, albinism, cancer, cross-eye, deafness, blindness, mental retardation, etc., in children simply by screening the parents.

The chances of transmitting genetic disorders to your children can be completely eliminated through Preimplantation genetic testing that comprises Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)—a procedure used to help identify genetic defects within embryos; and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)—that helps identify abnormal number of chromosomes in the genes.

The goal of PGD/PGS is to prevent genetically-linked maladies from being passed on to the child. Both procedures increase the chance of selection of healthy embryos that will develop into healthy babies. If you’re a candidate for IVF, PGD/PGS might be just right for you. Now you can have a disease free baby.

According to an experienced Obstetrician & Gynaecololgist/ Endocrinologist, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, genes are more accurate than fingerprinting because each human being has a unique genome sequence that is applicable to the embryo.

Ajayi who is the Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Abuja & Asaba said scientists can now take a cell from the embryo, analyse it and be able to tell all the diseases that the embryo can be predisposed to in life.

In Ajayi’s view, the commonest reason in Nigeria for PGD/PGS is sex selection either for family balancing or to prevent some diseases carried in the Y chromosome (male specific). He added that couples who have had even 2-3 miscarriages though they produce good embryos might need it.”When people get married it is a gamble because they do not know what diseases they or their spouse is carrying. Certain diseases can be removed with PGD/PGS. When we do gene sequencing it can tell us if you are going to be prone to a disease even if you have not developed that disease. But it can enable you to start preventing it.

“With PGD/PGS, you can screen for so many disorders. We discovered is that there are some very rare diseases in Nigeria among normal people and it applies to the whole population.

We have established that there are some people that carry particular diseases which they transmit to their offspring and so we can prevent these diseases and the scope of these diseases have been expanding. Today there are over 2,000 diseases that can be prevented by doing these tests, including breast cancer that is an inherited disorder. There is a gene for breast cancer that has been isolated. Also, there are some babies that are going to be blind after a few years, with PGD/ PGS, it is possible to prevent congenital blindness, deafness, Sickle Cell Disease, etc. We can also prevent Cystic fibrosis which is often believed not to be common in this part of the world, but now I’m beginning to be skeptical about this belief.”

Explaining further, Ajayi observed that when two people are predisposed to a disease (carriers), if they come together, they can produce a child that manifests the full disease.

“Scientifically, for you to be a carrier of a disorder, some gene mutation must have occurred. I can tell you that all of us, as normal as we believe we are, are carriers of at least five to eight diseases. We do not manifest these diseases, but the problem comes when we marry another person that carries the same aberration.

“A typical example is Sickle Cell Disorder. When two persons with AS genotype get married, the transmission of the sickle cell gene is described as being autosomal recessive. You need two copies of the gene in order for the disease to manifest. So each time they have a baby, there is a 25-percent chance that the baby could have SS genotype.

“But some diseases are dominant and their inheritance is described as autosomal dominant. For this category, each time the carriers have a baby, there is a 50 per cent chance of that baby inheriting the disease. Therefore there needs to be a screening method to see that even if the two parties come

•PGD/PGS enhances success of embryo transfer in IVF

together, their children would not have the diseases that both parties carry. That is how PGD evolved. PGS is a later addition.”

“When you have an abnormal child, it takes so much from you.

It’s much better to prevent it. For instance, in male factor infertility when there is very bad sperm count, we now know that the embryo depends on the integrity of the sperm for its survival, so if you have very bad sperm you are likely to give very bad embryos, it is important to screen you with these procedures to ensure that the embryos you are transferring are normal.

“There are some abnormalities not even compatible with life. A lot of Edward’s Syndrome cases are in Nigeria. The condition is not compatible with life, but 3040 percent of the babies with the Syndrome come out alive and they just die a few days after birth.

The baby is born and you just wait for it to die. Nobody wants to go through all that so when women say they want to have a child at all cost even an abnormal one. It is the duty of

When people get married it is a gamble because they do not know what diseases they or their spouse is carrying

the doctor to inform her so she can make informed decision.”

Ajayi said previous approaches to genetic screening was to take a sample from the baby while it is in the womb, but noted that the limitation with that method was that the woman had to be pregnant first and the baby already affected.

“But now because of advancements in genetics, we are able to screen you even when you are not married or pregnant to know the genetic aberrations that you carry so that if you want to get married, you do not marry another person who carries the same kind of aberration. This would ensure you are not predisposed to having a baby that would have the full blown disease.

“If the two of you carry the genes, we can also do tests even before you get pregnant, to make sure that the embryo that is transferred does not carry the disease. And when you are pregnant we can screen for the genetic diseases with noninvasive prenatal testing approaches such as amniocentesis.”

He said medical experts know that congenital abnormalities are quite common just that majority are not diagnosed.

“Sometimes babies with congenital abnormalities die in the uterus. Because the number of autopsies that we do for such babies is low, we really need to start looking more at why babies die so that we can prevent a recurrence.

“We see there are lots of babies with chromosomal and congenital abnormalities. The ones we are looking at are those having structural abnormalities.

Doctors in Nigeria are not looking at the chromosomal and genetic abnormalities, but now we need to begin looking at them.

“Very rare diseases can be screened now. We are now screening egg and sperm donors in Nordica because one of the

questions recipients are asking about how sure we are that there would not be transfer of diseases during egg and sperm donation. So you must ask for it because it attracts a fee.

“What this is leading us into is personalized medicine. By the time we know what your gene sequencing is, we will know the drugs that can work for you. It will no longer be that everybody will require the same treatment. It is affordable, but depends on your priority.”

Ajayi said that in the first three months of life most of the pregnancy losses have genetic problems. “Majority of spontaneous abortions, about 70 percent, are not normal pregnancies.

The abortion is nature’s way of ensuring that abnormal babies are not born. We are now also able to look at the product of conception or aborted fetuses and see if they have genetic problems because sometimes recurrent miscarriage may just be nature’s way of saying that the coming together of these two people and what they are producing has issues.

“If you can make the diagnosis, you can help them such that subsequently the embryo that they are going to be using is those that will be free subsequently from these diseases.

Most of the time the two partners are carriers of a diagnosable disorder or one is manifesting the disease and you want to prevent it from being transmitted to the offspring.”

He said PGS screenings are to make sure that the embryos are normal and have the ability to become babies. “We said about 70 percent of pregnancies aborted in the first trimester are not normal. Among some of the commonest reasons are why they are not normal is because they have chromosomal anomalies. Once PGS can confirm that the chromosomes are 23 pairs, that embryo can become a baby.

“Most of the time, PGD and PGS are needed as they are doing different things. One helps the doctor to pick the embryos that would become healthy babies, while the second diagnoses diseases. They are not routine tests yet, for so many reasons one of which is cost.”

In his view, PGD is like the Ferrari of IVF. He noted that women above 37 need it because the chances of error in them are higher than in younger people.

“If a 42- year-old woman wants to use her eggs, it is possible but she should do this screening test. The way nature does it is that when you are below 35, about 70 percent of your eggs are capable of becoming babies, not that they cannot carry diseases.

“When you are about 40, about 80 percent of your eggs cannot become babies and that is why we say it gets more difficult as you age because at that point in time it is your egg reserves that remain.”

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 37

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

S-H-O-C-K-I-N-G: Father disowns criminal king pin in Imo

By Dr Ugoji Egbujo

Says ‘Police should have killed my son’ *Specializes in kidnapping, child trafficking, armed robbery

L

By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor

P

a Basil Agha, 69, a Lagos-based Oil and Gas dealer and father of four who spent all his youthful days training his children ended up being kidnapped a year ago by a deadly criminal gang that had been terrorising Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Bayelsa and Lagos states for long. Shockingly, one of his cousins was alleged to have masterminded his abduction in conjunction with a dreaded gang made up of criminals from their area. The gang later killed and buried him in a shallow grave surrounded by shrines in his maternal home, Eziukwu, Ihioma in Orlu, Imo state, after collecting ransom of N5million from members of his family. That was after one of the gang memhers claimed that the victim identified him.

Police swings into action Luckily, just few days before one year anniversary of his kidnap, the bubble burst. Detectives attached to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Squad, IRS, led by ACP Abba Kyari, in conjunction with an Intelligence agency, recorded a breakthrough.

They succeeded in arresting one of the kingpins notoriously called ‘Master ‘who confessed to the crime and led detectives to where they buried the man in a shallow grave and his eyes tied with a string.

Detectives later arrested three other suspected members of the gang and their startling confessions led to the discreet interrogation of the father of the suspected leader of the gang called Onyebuchi, who opened up lamenting that he had long expected police to have killed his son because of his criminal activities.

Exploits of a vicious gangster Crime Guard gathered that the gang was led by Onyebuchi who was also known by many other names like Bennett etc. He was said to be based in Onitsha, Anambra state but operated in Imo, Port-Harcourt, Bayelsa and even Lagos states. Police sources said the gang had a very beautiful lady who usually made hotel reservations for members of the gang with fake names before carrying out their operations.

Interestingly, all the members were said to be on oath forbidding any disclosure with death as penalty.

Lamentations of gangster’s father Reports said detectives, through intelligence gathering discovered that around July this year, Onyebuchi was arrested by a team of policemen from SARS at a location in Imo state but he gave a different name and claimed to be based in Ghana. Chika, his second in command, reportedly was going round trying to raise funds towards setting his boss free and even went to Onyebuchi’s father but he met a brick wall as he refused to help stating C M Y K

•Ikenna, one of the suspects

that he had long disowned him as a son. According to sources, his father further told Chika that when his son, Onyebuchi, was involved in a robbery case at Asaba some years ago, he thought the police should have killed him so as to stop the shame he was bringing to the family but they freed him. The father was also said to have reported his son to the community and their king with a view to avoiding the demolition of his house if he was caught in his kidnapping exploits. He also warned Chika to stop coming to him for any help.

How we abducted victim Crime Guard learned that when detectives succeeded in arresting Chika, he confessed to the exploits of the notorious gang led by Onyebuchi and also disclosed that Onyebuchi gave his name as Ugochukwu Okafor based in Ghana, after he was arrested. He stated that they used The father different names whenever they were was also said arrested because to have their real names were in police crime reported his records. Chika was son to the further said to have given vivid details community about the abduction and their king and killing of Pa Basil Agha and how with a view to he was recruited for the job. He said he avoiding the was on the verge of demolition of leaving the gang when Onyebuchi his house if invited him for the he was operation but he did not tell him that it caught in his was kidnapping but, kidnapping rather, they were going to abduct a exploits man coming from Lagos who was

owing him a huge sum of money.

Chika reportedly disclosed also that Onyebuchi told them to act like policemen. After carrying out the job and brought the man to Onyebuchi, he later gave him N200, 000. He then took detectives to where he buried the locally made gun used for the operation.

Police sources disclosed also that during interrogation it was discovered that Chika was cleverly avoiding giving details about the innermost working of the gang fuelling suspicion that members of the gang must have taken an oath not to reveal their secret. Crime Guard gathered that after concerted efforts to make him name members of the gang, he reluctantly agreed but still complained about the oath. It was however learned that on the day he was brought out to fully disclose the identities of members of the gang, he allegedly slumped and died, to the bewilderment of police officers in Orlu station, after uttering just one name.

Ikenna’s gang On the second group led by Ikenna who is presently in the cell, he allegedly gave spiritual power and prepared charm which the gang used for robbery and kidnapping. His charms were said to be so effective that whenever police arrested any member of the gang, he had a way of setting him free. He also allegedly used charm to assist drug peddlers both locally and internationally.

Sources said that police also succeeded in arresting a prominent member of his gang who turned out to be a pastor at Akata in Imo state.

The Pastor reportedly confessed and narrated how they operated using one Sabbath Church as a cover. He also disclosed that members of the gang quarrelled over the sharing of ransom collected from Pa Agha’s family members before some of them were arrested. According to sources, after he was arrested, he said that the name of his church was Alpha and Omega and that he started as a good pastor by helping people to run their churches and assisting Ikenna whom they believed possessed great spiritual powers.

Unfortunately, he said each time he tried to establish his own church, he would not succeed and that was what led him to Ikenna at Amagu. He said they now had an agreement that he had to bring other pastors to join their cult group in order to get spiritual powers and that he ended up initiating about four pastors from Anambra and Enugu states.

He later fled to Nsukka in Enugu state where he opened his church called Alpha and Omega Ministry. claiming that he was using the power given to him by Ikenna to heal people. He also stated that whenever the power failed him, he would sneak into their community to get more powers. The Pastor reportedly told detectives that the gang was capable of smashing any police station that stood on their way and they had been terrorizing policemen in and around Imo state for long. So far, three of the suspects are still in police cell while both Onyebuchi and Chika were suspected to have died in police cell.

LUTH, LASUTH and Lagos UTH was once where everyone went. But LUTH was allowed to fall. One federal government after another. Indolence Incompetence, poor funding, mismanagement sat on LUTH. LUTH didn’t fall to grass, it was at some point overtaken by grasses.

That was when I took a friend there and we couldn’t find a cot that had 4 legs.

I like Lagos state. Lagos state University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) was once Ikeja General hospital. Then only the very poor went there.

It didn’t help that it was very close to EKO hospital.

I like Lagos state.

Government after government, LASUTH received attention and funds. It is now where everyone goes. It is the center with a functional ambulance service. It has a functional helicopter pad. It has separate busy emergencies for medicine , surgery , O&G and Peadiatrics.

It is not spectacular. It is fairly dependable.

I say these things because I had to rush my dad to a hospital in January. I got to Owerri at 5.30 am and dashed into the federal medical center. They had no stretcher. They had no manners. They had no time.

I jumped out.

I have been to LASUTH a couple of times in the past. I was there two weeks ago. The changes I see all the time are not rot. They are new facilities, improvement of standards, heavy traffic of patients.

LASUTH hasn’t just improved structures. They have upgraded processes. They are helped by the emergence of outstanding diagnostic facilities all over Lagos. They are helped by a determination to grow where others are dying.

And LASUTH isn’t one money miss road cosmetic stuff. Like that multibillion Naira colorful hospital in Akwa Ibom that is remarkable for its aesthetics and perhaps potential than its actual contribution to healthcare delivery.

How does Lagos function with the mindset of a federal government or a multinational? And other states seem always overwhelmed by even small ideas. And conduct themselves like local government areas ?

Lagos has a new ambitious but feasible power project.

The details are exciting. The project is extremely thorough. The legal infrastructure and administrative frameworks are being diligently constructed. Almost all approvals and buy ins are in place. Lagos will have 24 hour electricity sometime in 2019.

Peep into what used to be a rickety and disheveled LASU. A formerly nondescript LASU now has some structural appeal.

And LASU is just like UNIZIK and ESUT.

King’s College in shambles

By Dr Ugoji Egbujo

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.30 am. Thursday. I was told it was a private car park. Two guards jumped out and stopped us. They eyed the driver, he nodded. They let us in. They would get their parking fee.

I looked up. It was King’s college Annex. I saw about 30 boys taking their bath in the open. Some other boys were hanging around naked. Some adults standing like teachers watched from a distance. A tout was hovering and gesticulating. I didn’t want a quick passport photograph. I shook my head We parked. Some other cars strolled in. They parked.

Some boys were playing football in the field. They could be on some kind of holidays. But it didn’t look like a school.

The buildings were what you would find in a Lagos police barracks. The community had a barracks feel. Half naked boys were washing. Some were in dirty towels. Some were in worn wrappers. Some were in their pants. There was a uniform disorderliness.

Everything was happening in the open. The bathing. The washing. The indiscriminate brushing of teeth. The contact between the young boys and the public The compound was littered with papers and plastic bags.

Grasses grew freely wherever commercial parking allowed. I was pacing. A teacher passed by me, greeted and complimented my T shirt. I thanked him. And shook my head.

A fat woman was hovering around the boys in the makeshift open laundry. She was dressed like a peripatetic hawker of ewa. She had a cane. She must be a teacher. She must have slept somewhere in the naked hostels.

Everybody was loitering. There was no visible time keeping.

Right in the middle of Victoria Island. The standards fell a long while ago. But this spectacle is harrowing.

They must be on the verge of a vacation. I asked one of the touts if that was what the school had become. He sighed. Kings college. Go inside na ! he was pointing to one of the hostels and making a face of revulsion.

Arguably , the most important public secondary school in the country. These children are not being groomed for anything in this pigsty.

Something drastic has to happen. The school has produced kings. It has fed the nation. I don’t want to imagine the fate of the other federal colleges in remote and forgettable places.

The name of the school should be changed. What about Victoria Island Grammar School?

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—39

•Suspects

We planned kidnap of Port Harcourt doctor for one month —Suspects *Narrate oath taking process

By Ifeanyi Okolie

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ight suspects, who took part in the July 15,2017, kidnapping of a Port Harcourt based medical doctor, Dr. Alex Atama-Pepple , a consultant ophthalmologist with Braithwaite Memorial Hospital Port Hcarcourt, Rivers state are currently in police custody.

Vanguard learned that the suspects, identified as Alali Godday, aka Pompo, Igbalatee Lawson, aka, Agbami, DAObufia Isokoariari, aka J-boy, Samuel Monima Princewill, aka Gboko, Nobo NgiaNgia, Chibuzor Anudo, aka, Dada, Victor Frank and Victor Anoro , were rounded up recently by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team, IRT, in various part of Rivers State. It gathered that the IRT led by ACP Abba Kyari, was deployed to Rivers State, following security reports that members of the kidnap gang were planning to carry out further attacks on medical doctors in the state.

Sources who spoke with Vanguard further disclosed that th e police team traced a member of the gang whose mobile sim card was used for the second ransom negotiation and he led the police in arresting other members of his gang.

It was discovered during in terrogation that the suspects had trailed Dr Pepple from the Port Harcourt Golf Club, old GRA, to Ogbunabali area of the city where they kidnapped him in front of a store as he stopped to buy some items.

Enemy within According to sources, “he went to play golf at Port Harcourt Golf Club, old GRA. After playing the game, a former staff of the club who had worked in that golf club for six years as caddy acting as informant monitored the movement of the victim “On the day of the kidnapping, the former staff sent Dr. Alex’s vehicle plate number, the make and the colour, as well as the colour of the shirt and fez cap he was putting on, to members of his gang. He also alerted them when the man was leaving the club and they trailed him to a store at Ogbunabali area of Port-Harcourt, where he stopped to do some shopping. A member of the gang, known as Daobufia Isokoariari, alias J-boy, who was armed with an Ak-47 rifle and was putting on a face mask was the first person who attacked the Dr. but he fell inside the drainage.

Then another member of the gang, Alali Godday, alias Pompo, came down, immediately with his own Ak-47 rifle and shot twice into the air to scare the man while the leader of the gang, Igbalatee Lawson, alias, Agbami who was also masked, showed up with his own rifle and they kidnapped the man and took him into their Toyota Spider

C M Y K

saloon car. “ Ransom of N50m “They covered the man’s face inside their vehicle and took him to Okwele Waterside in Diobu-Mile 1 area of Port Harcourt, where they had a waiting boat, driven by one Samuel Monima Princewill, alias Gboko and one Nobo NgiaNgia. The man was then taken into a creek in Buguma Town and kept for nine days in the creek which belonged to Agbami, the gang leader and a ransom of N50million was demanded.”

“On July 20, 2017, around 9:pm, Agbami and three other members of his gang including one Chibuzor Anudo, alias Dada, went to Emenike Street at Mile 1, Diobu and collected a ransom of N8million in a carton from the younger brother of the doctor. “ “They then moved into a hotel within that neighborhood where they shared the money, but they refused to release Dr. Alex after collecting the ransom.

A new round of negotiation was established between Dr. Alex’s relative and the second in command of the group Pompo and an additional ransom of N1.5million was paid to the kidnappers before Dr. Alex was released. “ A month operation “When we were deployed by the IGP to commence investigation into the incident, we discovered that the kidnappers spent one month planning the operation and they all took an oath at a native doctor’s house at Elehi Beach, Mile 1. They swore that no one would betray the gang and the native doctor also assured them that none of them would be arrested by the police.”

Suspects open up When 28-year-old Agbami, a native of Asaritoru Local Government Area River State, was interviewed, he narrated how he went into crime and claimed that the destruction of his goods by some naval personnel drove him into kidnapping. He said: “I attended only secondary school and finished in 2008. I later went into illegal oil bunkering. I started with five drums and when I made enough money I set up my own illegal refinery where I was transforming crude oil into diesel. I was about to supply over 350 drums of illegally refined AGO to some of my customers when some Naval personnel accosted me and demanded N250,000 bribe. I couldn’t give it to them and they set my product on fire. The boat I used in conveying the products wasn’t mine and after that destruction I ran into heavy debts and the people I was owning started disturbing me. All the AK-47 rifles that were found with me belonged to a guy known as Iminabo Isokra, who was a militant and a

politician, but he was killed during the last election crisis and beheaded. But before he was killed, I was with him when he buried his rifles in the forest. I heard he was killed by Kalampo, Sunny and Adaya, who were all supporters of APC. I ran out of the community during that election and when I came back, I didn’t know who told those boys that I was back and they came to look for me. When they got to my house and one of my uncles was shot, I felt embarrassed so, I went straight to the spot where Iminabo buried his rifles and pistol and brought them out. After a while those boys came to look for me again and we exchanged gun fire and one of them was killed while the rest escaped. We later burnt the body. It was Pompo who called me for the kidnapping, he said he would send one Jeo-Boy to me and we would kidnap a man and make huge amount of money from it.

They told me that the boy who brought the job has a brother who is a native doctor and he would clear the way for us both spiritually and physically. He also said that he has arranged two Ak-47 for the operation and they would want me to support them with any rifles I had.”

How we shared ransom “I met Pompo in Port Harcourt and after our conversation, we went with Collins who brought the job to the native doctor’s house in Port Harcourt where we took an oath after which the native doctor assured us that we would be successful. Pompo was the person who brought the vehicle for the operation, we were four who went for that operation and we succeeded in kidnapping the man. I took N1million from the money, Joe-Boy collected N700,000, Pompo got N1million, Tina who made a call during the negotiation collected,

On July 20, 2017, around 9:pm, Agbami and three other members of his gang including one Chibuzor Anudo, alias Dada, went to Emenike Street at Mile 1, Diobu and collected a ransom of N8million in a carton from the younger brother of the doctor

N450,000, Usher who was also at the bush collected N150,000. I gave Nobo N250,000, Obereye collected N150,000, we gave Collins and the native doctor N800,000 because they were brothers. We also gave about seven other people who came to the camp N50,000 each. But on our way back to the camp where we would release the victim, my boat rider, Nobo his assistant and I were arrested by men of the marine police. They found a locally made gun on us and our share of the ransom.

We were taken into custody but I didn’t confess to the marine police that the money was a proceed of kidnapping. I also didn’t know that Pombo and Joe-boy went back to my camp and started a new round of negotiation with the victim’s family”.

24-year- old-Joeboy, who is from Aseretoru Local Government Area of Rivers State, in an interview, narrated how he got himself into crime. He stated that his father’s death, which put an end to his education led him into crime.

He told Vanguard that he was a fashion designer and was also into modeling job; “I couldn’t go to the university because my father died and my mother was very sick, she had been bedridden for close to six years.

My problem started late last year when one of my friends known as Pompo stole a car and gave it to me to keep for him. When he was arrested by the police and brought to my house the police recovered the car and took me with him. We were both charged to court and we were granted bail, but Pompo came out first because his family had money and I ended spending six months in prison before I was released on March 30, 2017.

I left Port Harcourt on the advice of my family and went to Imo State but by July 2017, I came back to Portharcourt to meet Pompo and who told me about the kidnap job he had. Pompo told me that all he wanted from me was to connect him to Agbami who was my brother. He said he knew Agbami had a speed boat, a camp and some rifles. He said if Agbami gave us his support the operation would be successful. He told me that our target was very rich and he would pay us N40 million if we kidnapped him. I managed to convince Agbami about the operation and we had a meeting with Pompo and we also met Collins who took to us to the place where we would find our target.

We also met Collin’s bother, a native doctor, who made us swear an oath not to betray ourselves. One week after we took the oath we kidnapped the man and took him to Agbami’s camp. I took the man’s ATM card and his pin, Pompo and I then went to a boutique at Rumuola Port Harcourt and we bought clothes worth over N50,000. Pompo called one is his boys and gave him the ATM code and asked him to withdraw all the money in the account and the boy brought back N70,000. He gave me N10,000 and told me that he would take N10,000 and send the rest to the camp for the feeding of the man. I don’t know if he gave the money to Agbami because I didn’t go back to the creek until I was called and informed that the ransom had been paid. Agbami called and asked me to meet him in a hotel and when I got there, I saw several other members of my gang. I was given N700,000 as my share, I bought a Television set with part of the money.

Why we collected additional ransom We collected an additional N1.5million from the man’s family because Agbami short paid us. So, when we heard that he has been arrested I and Pompo quickly put up a call to the man’s relative and asked him to pay us an additional money so that we would release the man. We threatened his brother and told him that the people in the camp who were keeping the man were not the same people who were paid. The brother must have been scared because we called them with a different number. I knew I had committed a serious crime but my happiness is that I have given my life to Christ.

In his own confession, Chibuzor Amobi, a native of Elele in Ishokpo Local Government Area of Rivers State, whose vehicle was used for the kidnapping said Pompo lured him into the gang. During his interview he said; “I am a Taxi Driver and I knew Pompo from his park at Education Bustop along Ikwere Road where he sold transport union ticket. On the day I went to that bus stop, Starboy who was one of Pompo’s boys called me and said I should come and take his boss to a place at Elechi Beach which I did. Few days later he called me again to take him to Buguma but deceived me and collected N10,000 from me.

On the day the doctor was kidnapped, he called me to come for my money but he deceived me and took me to the kidnap scene. He also used my phone number to demand additional ransom from the doctor’s family. I was the first person who was arrested by the police”, he narrated.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

By Evelyn Usman

D

ispute over land is now tearing Oworoshoki, a Lagos community apart as chiefs and residents have engaged the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Idris Oluwatoyin inn a verbal war with accusations and counter accusations by both parties.

Some land owners in the community have accused the traditional ruler of allegedly confiscating their lands and using thugs to terrorise them when they attempted to challenge his action. The Oba however denied this calling them liars At a point in time, Oworoshoki became a theater of war , as cultists and thugs alleged to be hired by some members of the aggrieved parties held sway. They maimed, injured and killed members of rival cult groups as well as innocent persons , including a foreigner. But a recent raid in the area led to the arrest of some of the thugs, while others fled .

While some of the aggrieved parties accused the Oba of Oworoshoki of hiring thugs to molest and assist in the alleged confiscation of their land, the traditional ruler described their claims as false, stating rather that his detractors hired the cultists to disturb the peace and tranquility in the area.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, one of the aggrieved persons, Mr Akinola Oloruntoba, trailed the genesis of his misunderstanding with Oba Oluwatoyin otherwise known as Oloworo , to his claim on some parcels of his land. He also accused the traditional ruler of selling part of the land to a woman, an action that has generated tussle over ownership of the land between him and the woman. In his bid to lay claim on the parcels of land, he said that he was beaten up by thugs allegedly hired by the traditional ruler .

He told Saturday Vanguard that : “I bought ten and half acres of land in 1981 while I was in England. When I came back home in 1997, I started building this place . I packed in by 2001. The acres of land in question cut across the road. The place then was called Ifako Bariga Itelehin farm land but because the expressway road cut across it, this does not make it to be part of Oworoshoki .

“Oworo has its boundary from Ifako which was established by the Federal government.

There is a buffer zone and a canal that separates Oworoshoki and Ifako. Why will anybody come now to create confusion by writing Oworo everywhere , all in a bid to confiscate people’s land?. The case in question has been taken to the Supreme court and the judgment was delivered in the favour on Olabanjo whom I represent , in 1996 by late Justice Oputa . “ I don’t have any problem with the Oba of Oworo , other than this. In most of the places I have taken him to, he kept saying that he was not claiming the land because of the Supreme Court judgment . But he brought a surveyor to the land in question and when I accosted the surveyor, he confirmed that Oloworo asked him to survey the place. I told him it was not possible and pointed the caveat on the fence to him.”

Attacked He informed that he reported the case of encroachment on his land to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC , consequent upon which both parties were invited. But Oloruntoba said : “I was shocked when Oloworo said that he did not know the land I was talking about.

When I challenged him to show the officials the documents with which he built an office close to where my land was , he could not even show them a shred of document.

Rather, he told them that he was the custodian of all the lands in Oworoshoki and that where my parcels of land extended to was Oworoshoki. He also claimed that the land in question was given to him by the Ministry of Justice.

“Two officials of the commission were asked to follow us to the land in question when he claimed he did not know the particular land I was talking about. But when we got there , the Oba did not show up. Instead, he sent his Personal Assistant and one of his chiefs.

When they got to this place I opened a large map to show them where the land was indicated on the map. As soon I opened it, his aides accused me of coming from Ondo state to acquire land in Lagos, as if I don’t have a right to own a land in a state I pay my tax

•Mr Akinola Oloruntoba

•Oba of oworshoki

Land dispute tears Lagos community apart •Traditional ruler, chiefs, residents engage in verbal war •Police arrest four thugs, recover marijuana in building and have lived in for decades.

As soon as the EFCC officials left, hoodlums took over the area, chanting oba lo nile .

Sensing danger , I and my lawyer had to leave hurriedly. On an occasion when I went to inspect the land, I was beaten to a stupor by these hoodlums” Thereafter, he said he wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Edgal Imohimi , who directed men of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID to look into the matter, during which four of the suspected hoodlums were reportedly arrested .

Rather than honour the invitation by the SCIID, Oloruntoba alleged that the Oloworo took the petition to the Inspector General of Police XSquad, at Alagbon, Lagos , where the case was directed to be transferred there.

Demand He therefore, called on the state government and the concerned security agencies to wade into the matter and also to ensure that the office allegedly built by the Oloworo for his thugs should be brought down. “ About 15 thugs live in that building which they call an office. Recently four of them were arrested and taken to Panti from where they were transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency , NDLEA following the discovery of drugs in the building. “ On November 1, 2017 , these hoodlums caused mayhem there as they fired sporadically and attacked anyone at sight. A leader of a community is expected to maintain peace ,

settle dispute between his subjects.”

Just two weeks ago, the fence erected round my parcel of land had been pulled down by a woman the traditional ruler sold part of it to.

All I demand is for the rule of law to prevail.

How possible is it for you to take over a supreme court judgment land? If there is still rule of law in this country I don’t think that will be possible. In the western countries , when you see a Supreme court judgment, you will run away from the place but in Nigeria, someone will tell you that they know somebody, which ought not to be .”

Septuagenarian also complains Another aggrieved person in the area was Alhaji Mustapha Durojaye Ajisegiri, a chief in his 70s who told Saturday Vanguard that the mistake his fore fathers made , which consequences he was suffering from today, was to have extended a hand of fellowship to strangers .

He analyzed the genealogy of the Oloworo to drive home his claim of being a bonafide indigene of Oworo. On his part, he accused the Oloworo of also laying claim to land he said they inherited from their fore-fathers.

He said : “I don’t understand what is happening, If one wants to be installed as a king, they usually called people who knew the history of the land. I am a bonafide Oworoshoki indigene. My parents were born here in Oworoshoki. I have lived here all my life for over seven decades.

“The problem I have with the Oloworo is that he is confiscating our land. We have dragged ourselves to court and to the police station. He claimed that I was parading myself as the Oba of Oworo whereas I have never had such intention. I was the first person to register my car with Oworo 1 but the car was seized by the police, over allegation by the Oloworo that I was parading myself as the Oba. Investigation into the allegation lasted for three months but nothing incriminating was found against me . He said he would give

•Chief Ajisegiri me the title of Balogun 1 to register as plate number . The case was taken to court but he never showed up and it was struck out. All we want is to be accorded relevance as bonafide Oworo indigenes” , he said.

Another chief, Baale Olubori Odunfa, alleged that he had been denied promotion to the next level by the Oloworo . He said : “All I want is peace in the interest of Oworoski in particular and Lagos State in general . I can not say much on the matter because it is in court.”

They are liars- Oba of Oworoshoki However when Oba Bashir Oloruntoyin Saliu, the man at the centre of controversy was contacted , he described the allegations as mere fabrications to tarnish the name of the palace .

On the allegation of the arrest of some thugs used by the palace to intimidate his opponents, the traditional ruler said : “the boys were not my workers, they were not our family members and were not from my office . I learnt that the Police arrested some hoodlums but we don’t know them neither do I know where they came from. If anybody from that office was arrested, our family lawyers would have been sent for.

As for Akinola , who purported to have a land in Oworoshoki, he does not have any land here and the judgment he is carrying about did not even mention anything on land in Oworoshoki or Ifako where he lives. It is another judgment from somewhere that he is parading, thinking everybody here will be fooled. That judgment is not from the Supreme court , neither are we a party in the suit. “ We have gone to the EFCC, Panti and another police station in Ikoyi and even the Department of Land Grabbers at the Ministry of Justice in Alausa . At the Land grabbers department in Alausa, all the parties who own the land in question where we built our office were seen. We have also gone to court where the case was dismissed on three different occasions.

“Besides, the office in question was not newly built , it was our ancient mud house that was brought down by the storm . We only went there to renovate it because it had been a place of hideout for different types of people . But by the grace of God , when you get there today, the place where criminals were hiding had been demolished by the Lagos State Task Force.

We don’t have any land business with Akinola. Himself and Willy B bought land from the land grabbers without the knowledge of the baale of Ifako.”

He described the relationship between him and his chiefs as cordial, adding however that those who ganged up against him were only doing it to their own detriment.

Police sources at the SCIID confirmed to Saturday Vanguard, the arrest of four suspects from Oworoshoki but kept mum on who their sponsor was. Police sources further hinted that under cover policemen had been drafted to Oworoshoki to arrest members of some cult group who fled during raids at the their hideout .

SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 41

42 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

In Enugu, enterprise gets a boost with Ugwuanyi’s traders’ raffle

Winners of Enugu State Traders Empowerment scheme emerged boost their businesses with the money

L

oosely fashioned after the UK National Sport Lottery, the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme is proving to be a potent microeconomic spur. Its success derives in part from the fact that winners reinvest the fifty thousand Naira lottery sum into their businesses, and largely due to the transparency that has characterized the entire process since its launch in February.

Various economic indices showing the policy’s success have emerged since its launch in Februar y, all dousing whatever scepticism some might have nursed about the programme that benefits one hundred traders monthly.

Such statistics offer a strong sense of validation. Yet, none can be more reassuring than the personal experiences of individuals whose lives are impacted by social and economic policies.

For traders in Enugu, the raffle that produces one hundred winners monthly couldn’t have come at a better time. And you could, in fact, glimpse that on the beneficiaries’ faces. “I was very happy when I got a call that I had won fifty thousand Naira,” said Agbaedo Ignatius, a carpenter at Obolo Afor, beaming as he held his dummy cheque aloft and noting his surprise when he arrived and was issued a cheque for the amount. “My prayer is for God to bless the governor the way he always remembers the poor.”

It was a similarly ecstatic story for Ifeanyi Ugwu, a trader at Orie Orba Market, one of the 37 markets hosting the raffle. “This sum will help boost my stock of goods. You can’t imagine how happy I am,” he said, urging the writer to visit his groceries store to gauge how the earning has impacted his business. He had lately been exceeding the grace period to pay for items supplied to him on credit, prompting threats from the suppliers to discontinue such gesture. The fifty thousand naira raffle

prize helped him offset previous deficits and gain fresh supplies.

For Ginika Omeke, a 26year-old seamstress, the story was no less remarkable.

Erratic public power supply means disruptions to her daily operations. Such disruptions are often costly as her customers, frustrated by the long wait resulting from the frequent outage, simply move to other shops whose owners have back-up power generators.

Her determination to procure one with whatever little savings she could muster never came to fruition. Until now. “The governor’s initiative will help businesses grow,” she said, flashing a demure smile.

“This money would enable me to buy a generator and also some important materials that I could hitherto not afford.”

Ten months later, the initiative has been held in 10 markets across the state’s three senatorial districts and produced its one thousandth winner as the draw moved to Afor Awkunanaw at Garki Market, located on the southern fringe of Enugu metropolis on November 24.

And the beneficiar y, Mr. Onyeka Ogbodo, remains just as exultant as the raffle’s first winner had been. “The N50,000 cash prize will enable me to grow the stock in my shop ahead of Christmas. This is a huge surprise,” he said.

It is in light of this capacity to target and transform small businesses that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s traders’ raffle programme finds its greatest appeal and resonance, a point underscored by a massive rally organized by traders few months ago in the governor’s honour. “The scheme was designed to empower our market men and women and also boost economic activities in the state,” the governor noted during the flag-off at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu.

The rally, said Mr. Temple Udeh, president-general of the Enugu State Amalgamated Market Traders

Gov. Ugwuanyi left standing with one of the winners Association, was organized to thank the Enugu State governor for his policies that have helped businesses flourish and in appreciation of the harmonious relationship

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017—43 he has so far had with traders also added that the government is also making in the state.

The traders who praised efforts to upgrade the capacity Governor Ugwuanyi for of the Enugu State Marketing enthroning peace and Company to arrange special security in Enugu State and import services for traders in working hard to end the the state.

So the traders raffle is by no fractious relationship that typically exist among leaders means a populist programme. of various market unions, also It is consistent with the pronounced a unanimous governor ’s vision to create endorsement for him ahead wealth and boost private the 2019 elections, saying that enterprise in the state which “nothing will make us change had long lived with the unflattering tag of a civil our stand”.

Although some may service economy. That, plus consider it absurd to laud the desire to transform Enugu elected officials for into the South-East region’s performing their statutory economic hub are goals the responsibilities, however in a governor has pursued clime where the capacity to passionately since his carry out such function is on inauguration, a dream a perpetual decline the brought closer to fruition with gesture takes on an the landing of the first increasingly compelling tone. international cargo aircraft at The traders realize this too, a the Enugu Airport a little over point evident in Udeh’s one year ago.

It’s worth stating that the statement that “traders have remarkable development never had it so good”.

But more good times lie seen so far in Enugu has despite the ahead, apparently, with plans occurred for a credit scheme for traders allocation from the federation being contemplated by the account where it receives one Ugwuanyi administration. of the least amount disbursed The governor disclosed at a to states each month. The forum with traders held mid- governor is often rather year that his administration is modest about that, attributing currently discussing with the state’s economic stability financial institutions and to providence as highlighted international corporations on in his popular quip: “Enugu ways of extending easier and State is in the hands of God”. more convenient lines of But there is no doubt too the credit and other facilities to impressive indicators stem traders in the state to assist from prudent deployment of them grow their various resources and sheer genius at businesses. Gov. Ugwuanyi creating wealth.

SYNLAB enters Nigerian market, acquires majority stake in PathCare Nigeria t’s more business boost to Pathcare Nigeria Limited as SYNLAB, a Ileading provider of medical

diagnostic services in Europe, enters Nigerian market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Pathcare Nigeria, the largest private pathology laboratory group in Nigeria.

PathCare Nigeria is a market leader in Nigeria in the field of human laboratory diagnostics, with a special focus on public private partnerships. Its strong market position is based on its high-quality service, the breadth of its test portfolio, and its nationwide

network.

According to management source, the transaction with SYNLAB allows PathCare Nigeria the ability to offer its Nigerian customers an extended portfolio of specialised tests being sourced from the SYNLAB network.

With more than 200 employees, PathCare Nigeria operates six laboratories and 21 blood collection points across Nigeria and is engaged in a public private partnership with the leading public hospital in Lagos, the largest city in Africa.

Regional Head, SYNLAB Emerging Markets, Thomas Degott, said, “Nigeria has a population of about 186 million, but a large proportion of the population does not have access to modern medical diagnostics.

Managing Director, PathCare Nigeria, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, added, “we are very pleased we joined SYNLAB. There will be huge advantages to derive from the European Diagnostic Leader in Nigeria, bringing the most modern technological advancements in the field within the reach of every Nigerian”.

PR CAN holds session on 20 1 8 economic fforecasts orecasts PRC 201 he Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), T the umbrella body of Public

Relations consultancy firms operating in Nigeria, has put together a session to forecast how macroeconomic factors will impact the Nigerian Marketing Communication sector in 2018.

Described as a ‘Fire-side Chat”, the event will feature a Question & Answer session with renowned economist, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, with the theme: “Macro-economic Factors That Will Impact the Nigerian Marketing

Communications Industry in 2018”.

President of PRCAN, John Ehiguese, said that Nigerians are generally aware of how much the recent economic recession has adversely affected their lives and businesses. Now that it is confirmed that Nigeria is finally exiting the recession, we thought it was a good idea to prepare the Nigerian Marketing Communications community to be able to see new opportunities that will be emerging, and to take maximum advantage

of them.

According to Ehiguese, the Fireside Chat will take the form of Dr. Adedipe fielding questions from three different interviewers. The questions will designed to address the theme from three different perspectives: The overall Marketing Communications sector perspective, the client (corporate) perspective and the consultants’ (agencies’) perspective.

The event is billed for December 13, 2017, at the Civic Centre, in Vicrotia Island, Lagos.

Etihad Airways introduces second daily flight

A

dditional year-round service between Abu Dhabi and Amman begins in March 2018. Etihad Airways is launching a second daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Amman, effective 25 March 2018.

The double daily year-round schedule will provide greater choice to local passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and Amman, with attractive timings of early afternoon and

evening departures from the capital cities of the UAE and Jordan, respectively.

The additional flights, operated by an Airbus A320 with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy, will also improve connectivity over Abu Dhabi to a wider network of destinations across Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, Peter

Baumgartner, said, “Increasing frequency to some of our destinations globally is a focus as it ensures more travel options for guests looking for greater flexibility.

We are therefore delighted to soon offer double daily yearround flights between Abu Dhabi and Amman to cater to growing local demand, and boost business and leisure travel to and from Jordan’s capital.

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

I wanted Argentina, Brazil, not Nigeria, Croatia – Iceland star, Skulason

I

celand experienced defender Ari Skulason has admitted he did not want his country to be drawn against either the Super

Eagles of Nigeria or Croatia, but was delighted to get Argentina in their 2018 World Cup group.

Why Eagles must be careful with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland

qualified ahead of Croatia in the group qualification.

They may be qualifying for the World Cup for the very first time, but they were the ones that knocked out England out of the Euro 2016 championship. So it will be unwise for anybody to believe that we will easily get over them.

I believe that what will help Nigeria is the level of preparation they will attain before the championship. The NFF should match words with action by organizing more quality friendly matches for the team ahead of the fiesta.

The issue of payment of match bonuses and allowances due to the players must be handled with sincerity by the federal government. The era of players holding the nation to ransom over unpaid allowances must be avoided.

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

S

ince the draw for the Russia 2018 World Cup was conducted with the Super Eagles of Nigeria pitched in Group D alongside perennial rivals, Argentina, Croatia and new comers Iceland, there have been a lot of comments on what will likely be the fate of Nigeria when the tournament kicks off on June 14.

Expectedly, there are those who believe that Nigeria should approach the fixtures with caution and another group who believe that Nigeria will more or less stroll ahead of the other three countries in the group.

But before anybody can take a definite position on the likely fortune of Nigeria at the Mundial, it is important that we truly evaluate the three teams especially based on their globally accepted current ratings by the world football governing body, FIFA. Argentina, two time champions is also rated as the fourth best team in world while Croatia are rated as the 17th soccer nation in the world and Iceland is the 22nd placed nation. On the other hand, Nigeria is rated a distant 50th position.

Given the global rating, one can argue that on paper Nigeria is the weakest team in the group and based on that has the least chance of qualifying from that group while Argentina is primed to lead the pack.

However, many Nigerian soccer lovers are beating their chest to claim that Nigeria will not only top the group but will also defeat Argentina. Most people will readily remind you that just recently, the Super Eagles came from a two goal deficit to beat Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly game that took place in Russia..

While it is true that we defeated the South Americans in that friendly played last month in Russia, it will be suicidal to anchor our optimism on that victory because apart from that fact that star player Lionel Messi did not play that match, most countries do not approach friendly matches with the same seriousness they approach competition games.

It is also on record that in international matches like the World Cup, one of the factors that matter is the history or record between two countries.

Between Nigeria and Argentina, they have played four times at the FIFA World Cup and in all the matches, Nigeria lost.

In USA ’94 Argentina propelled then by Diego Maradona defeated Nigeria 21, in Japan/Korea 2002, Argentina also won 1-0, in South Africa 2010, Nigeria also lost by 1-0 and in Brazil 2014, Argentina won by 3-2 goals.

So head to head in FIFA World Cup matches, the South Americans have a clean slate

•Gernot Rohr over their West African rivals.

If you also add the other matches played at the senior level, both teams played a barren draw in the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1995.

Nigeria however defeated Argentina 4-1in an international friendly played in Abuja in June 2011 while they retaliated by defeating the Super Eagles in another international friendly also played in September 2011.

While I also have the hope that Nigeria can defeat Argentina in a serious competition like the World Cup, I will rather tread with caution at least if the records, as we have seen, are anything to go by.

Again talking of the Group D of the Russia 2018 championship, Nigeria will be playing their first match against Croatia before taking on Iceland and then Argentina.

Looking at that fixture, one can also give that on paper, Argentina will defeat Iceland in their first game. If that happens, it means that the newcomers (Iceland) must give their all in the second game which is against Nigeria.

Regardless of the outcome of the game against Croatia, it means that we must redouble our efforts because losing to Nigeria will mean the end of the party of the Europeans.

Interestingly, if on the other hand we fail to defeat Croatia in that first encounter, it means that we are equally hanging on the balance and the usual but annoying permutation of if this or if that happens will be out fate again.

But if we are lucky to win our first two game before meeting Argentina, then it means that we will have nothing to fear because then our ticket to the next round will be right inside our pocket.

Just recently, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation

(NFF), Amaju Pinnick told an international media channel that he has a target of semi finals for the team. Many analysts have been commenting on that development.

Well while it is good to be ambitious, there is also the need for one to be careful not to put the team under an undue pressure. And by hinging his argument on the fact that we recently defeated Argentina 42 in a friendly match only shows that we may not have appreciated the fact that in the Wold Cup, we are going to see a different Argentina.

Generally, Nigerians should be careful not to over build the confidence of the boys. The win over Argentina must not be allowed to be an albatross. I am of the view that we will be better off going to the championship as the underdogs.

Iceland may be a tiny country of less than 500,000 people but football is always played by 11 men representing each side at a particular time, but they even

•Emery

Iceland were the sensation of last year’s Euros in France as they dumped England to reach the last-eight of the tournament.

For Russia 2018, they will have to stand up to Argentina, Nigeria and Croatia to reach the knockout rounds of the competition.

“I wanted Argentina or Brazil, but I did not want Nigeria or Croatia,” admitted the 30-year-old Lokeren defender, who has won 52 caps with his country since his debut in 2009.

“We’re probably in the most difficult group of the World Cup, it will be difficult to beat those teams, but we’re going to have a good time there anyway.”

•Skulason

Eagles’re good but mus ar mustt be w war aryy of Cr oatia - FIFA agent Croatia

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six man delegation made up of FIFA Football agents including AC Milan of Italy scout, Pagni Danilo who are currently in Benin City for the annual ‘Big Job’ U-20 State Gold Cup football competition have expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will do well at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

In a chat with our reporter in Benin, Danilo said the Eagles have all it takes to scale through in Group D, adding that Nigeria has the youngest players, and that Argentina and Croatia cannot stop the Nigeria team from progressing to the second round of the competition.

“Nigeria is a great football country. From what I have seen Nigeria players display currently, I think they are good, if only they can keep the pace.

Right here in Nigeria they have got good talents, this is my fourth time of coming to Benin– City for scouting, the players

here are very strong, but they must work on their discipline because for you to be a good football star, you must be disciplined.”

“Super Eagles of Nigeria are very good (but) they are in a tough group. I don’t see Argentina as a threat to them.

Nigeria and Croatia will top that group. They must be wary of Croatia, they are equally a good side. Playing Croatia in the opening game for Nigeria is a very serious matter and also an important game for them. I started having my respect for Nigeria since their World Cup debut at the US 1994 competition. The first game is always a difficult one, but I’m confident Nigeria will fly past Argentina and Croatia.”

In the same vein, the CEO of Tikitaka Football Academy of Sweden, Gustafssen Borje, who is also in Benin for the Big Job Memorial State Gold Cup, said Nigeria is a potential semi- finalist of the World Cup.

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the extent that he no longer believes Emery is the right man to lead the French club to European dominance.

Consequently, the Ligue 1 giants have compiled a shortlist of names to potentially succeed Emery, which includes the likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Antonio Conte, Diego Simeone and Jose Mourinho.

However, the French publication suggests Enrique, who is available after leaving Barcelona in the summer, is the man they want.

The 47-year-old guided the Catalans to a treble and double in his first two seasons, before masterminding the Champions League’s greatest-ever comeback last term coincidentally against PSG.

PSG ready ttoo sac sackk Emer Emeryy

aris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to kick Unai Emery out at the end of the season with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique their preferred replacement.

Emery, who moved to PSG from Sevilla in 2016, has enjoyed a much better campaign to last with his side currently top of Ligue 1 and nine points clear of secondplaced rivals Lyon.

However, his team of stars have experienced a dip in form recently, surprisingly losing 21 to newly-promoted side Strasbourg before a 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

According to L’Equipe, PSG’s 3-1 defeat to Bayern infuriated President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, to

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 45

2018 FIFA W/CUP:

Getting out of Group D won’t be easy for Eagles — Kojo Williams

By Jacob Ajom

U

nlike most Nigerians who have already writ ten off Super Eagles' World Cup group opponents, former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association, Kojo Williams remains cautious over Nigeria's first round chances, even as he declared his strong belief in coach Gernot Rohr's young squad. Nigeria is pitched alongside Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D. “They will all give us a tough time. From their performances in the last two years, you will realise Eagles opponents are all crack sides. You can't write off any of them. Iceland, for instance have a very good team that surprised England at last year's Euros Championships. Iceland have one of the best youth development programmes in the world and I have been following them in the last five years. They have a robust developmental programme and you could see what they did last year, they play very well. You cannot write any one of them off because Iceland will pose the same problem Argentina or Croatia will pose to the Eagles,” he said.

But like every other Nigerian, Kojo expects the Super Eagles to make a strong statement at the Mundial. “The ball is in our court,” he said, adding, “the problem with our players is they are easily distracted. That is why the technical crew, the manager and the coaches need to work on them and make them focus more on the task ahead.”

He continued, “I am not underrating any team. We got to work very hard because telling anybody that it is going to be an easy work, is erroneous. It's going to be very tough. But if they work hard they can do very well and progress from the group.

“For me it will be very good to see us in the quarter final. It will be a thing of joy to see us come out of that group. Should they come out of it then the boys would have done excellently. Getting out of it is not going to be a walk in the

pack.”

The Super Eagles were unassailable in the African qualifiers as they dusted the likes of Cameroon, Zambia and Algeria without a loss. Indeed Nigeria qualified for the World Cup with a match to spare.

What has really been going on for the Eagles since Rohr took over? We put the question to Kojo.

He fired back.“How many of the old players are in that team? Only Mikel and maybe one or two others, the rest of the squad will be going to the World Cup for the first time. As for me, for a new team to qualify for the World Cup, they have done very well. It will be realistic to suggest that we can get to the quarter final, if they go past the second round, it will be good

Azman airline backs Match-4-IDPs for us; they would have done very well. But I believe, what we should be looking at is the next four years, Qatar 2022. In the next four years, if they go and qualify for the semi final then we can say they have done very well. It's a new team, please. They haven't got the required experience yet.”

Coach Gernot Rohr deserves special mention and Kojo acknowledged Rohr's contributions to the dramatic transformation of the Eagles. “They(the technical crew) have really tried,” he started. “The style of football has changed drastically from what the team used to play in the last six to eight years. That is the best team

we have been able to put together in the past eight years.”

Kojo backed Rohr's search for the best legs of Nigerian origin, wherever they could be got. “They are Nigerians,” he defended. “If our league could not give us the kind of players we need to prosecute our international obligations and the coach decides to bring in players of Nigerian origin, it is well and good. They are Nigerians and have the right to represent their country. It is also an indication to the fact that we don't have a league that can produce world standard players. Why don't they work on that? The league is very poor.

ace ffar ar frfrom om oover ver Mata tells City: Title rrace J

uan Mata has warned Man chester City that they are destined to suffer a blip in this season's title race and he is hopeful Manchester United can land the first blow this weekend.

Pep Guardiola's side head into the derby unbeaten in the Premier League having won 14 of their first 15 games, but Mata insists they will struggle to maintain that form over 38 games.

And he has told City that United are ready to take advantage of any slip-ups -- starting with Sunday's clash at Old Trafford.

He said: "It's very difficult to win every single game and we need to be ready if they drop points.

"Physically, December is a very tough month. We play at Christmastime every two or three days and we need to be ready for that.

"If we can get out of the Christmastime with all the points then we could be happy because it means we will be in a better position than we are now. "We play against Manchester City at Old Trafford and it's one of those games that every-

one wants to play. One of those really special games that the Premier League has.

"Hopefully, first of all, it's a great game of football and, secondly, we can win."

Guardiola warns his side to avoid cheap free-kicks

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ep Guardiola wants his Manchester City stars to avoid giving away cheap set-pieces at O l d Trafford for fear of being toppled by Jose Mourinho’s United giants.

City have conceded twice from set plays in the last week, from a throwin against Southampton and a corner during the late win over West Ham. And Guardiola is mindful of the

aerial bombardment coming his defence’s way in Sunday’s derby.

Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic and Chris Smalling dwarf their City counterparts, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic also primed for a comeback.

Mourinho hopes to have Marouane Fellaini and Phil Jones available, too.

It presents a potential problem for Guardiola, who admits defending from restarts is an issue for his side — even •Pep though their record is surprisingly strong. The ease with which West Ham created opportunities from corners worried Guardiola and lgeria and Leicester City winger Riyad Mah According to the DaiCity worked on defensive shape rez is set to leave the Foxes as he wants to ly Mail, the26-yearwhile away in Ukraine this week. play for a club participating in the UEFA Cham- old made his deAngelo Ogbonna headed the pions League. sire to play at a opening goal for David Moyes’s The Desert Foxes attacker is reportedly des- higher level clear perate to get out of the King Power Stadium, and that Hammers at the Etihad Stadium h a s insisting he wants to reach the top. last Sunday, beating Nicolas fuelled talks he Mahrez produced another Man of the Match may join Arsenal or Otamendi in the air. display against Burnley in the English Premier Tottenh a m But Guardiola was equally League, but his bleached blonde hair also made Hotspur. concerned about the ease with him a notable figure on Saturday.

Under a new manager in Claude which Aaron Cresswell was Although he keeps shining for the 2016 EPL Puel, recent claims suggest that the left-footed player is allowed to whip in a cross champions, his days could be numbered, with unsettled, but the Frenchman has vowed to seduce following a short corner. the transfer window opening on January 1, 2018. him into staying put.

Mahrez determined to leave Leicester City

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zman Air Services i m ited has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming charity match between African legends and Kano Pillars football club for Internally Displaced persons in the country.

The company's managing Director, Alhaji Faidal Abdulmunaf, said in Kano that the organisation was happy to be associated with such project aimed at creating awareness on the plight of the IDPs. "We are happy to be part of this historic event that is not just scheduled to improve the lives of individuals in the IDPs camp but to also put Kano State on the world map," Abdulmunaf said.

The Managing Director, who along side one of his sons, Alhaji Muhammad Hadi, added that it was a great honour for them to see Kano state hosting the event.

"We are hoping that the business communities in the State and other parts of Nigeria support the Match4-IDPs, this charity event is more than a match. It's also an opportunity to showcase Kano State, the business opportunity and the rich culture of the city," he added.

Ms. Abi Goodman the initiator and the chief coordinator of the event said the match which will take place on December 14, 2017 inside the Sani Abacha Stadium will see the likes of El-Hadji Diouf, Mohamammed Kallon, Nwankwo Kanu and Mutiu Adepoju trade tackles with the Rabiu Ali led former Nigeria league champions.

Meanwhile home based Super Eagles mid fielder, Rabiu Ali has said the match will afford the younger stars the opportunity to teach the legends the modern techniques in football artistry.

"I watched some of the legends growing up in the ancient city of Kano on television and I know we have the squad that will play to thrill the fans. I know the importance of the match and I pray the effort yields the needed dividends for the IDPs," Ali said.

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46—SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

African Championships: NWF to invite 200 for camping — Dr Igali

Wilder, Joshua talks stall W

BC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder is ready to consider other opponents after talks for his unification blockbuster with Anthony Joshua broke down.

Wilder and Joshua had been on a collision course for next year but Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, refused to split the purse evenly which led to the American withdrawing from negotiations.

Now, the heavy-hitting 32year-old has turned his attentions back to Luis Ortiz and Alexander Povetkin - two opponents he had been scheduled to fight, before they both failed drug tests - who are both on the comeback trail after being cleared by the relevant sanctioning bodies.

World recognition and credible opponents have both been elusive in the WBC champ’s nine-year career.

And though fights with Ortiz and Povetkin may not prove to give him either, Wilder is still looking forward to 2018 and proving his talk is the most authentic in a division full of braggart heavyweights.

‘We have a lot of fighters. We have a lot of guys coming back. You got Luis Ortiz and Alexander Povetkin,’ Wilder told ESPN. ‘I would love to get the opportunity back with some of them guys, the fights that people really want to see and due to their lack of responsibility, as far as being wise for the drugs they choose to put in their bodies that the fight

didn’t happen.

‘Hey, they back now, why not? I would love to get back in the ring and mix it up with those guys. I can’t wait for 2018. The heavyweight division is too exciting.’

By Solomon Nwoke RESIDENT of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr Daniel Igali has expressed satisfaction with the performances of the wrestlers at the Governor Nyesom Wike Wrestling championship which ended last weekend in Port Harcourt and as well, commended the Rivers state governor for his enormous support to the federation.

Appraising the wrestlers' performances, Dr Igali said, " I am satisfied with their performances, the competition was keen. In my

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By JudeOpara, Abuja

I

•Wilder •Joshua

GOtv Boxing Night 13: Egyptian Champion vows to defeat Joe Boy, win ABU title

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bdulrahim Ahmed, Egyptian and Mediterranean lightweight

s part of its commitment to broadcast sporting content to it’s growing number of subscribers, StarTimes is bringing the live coverage of the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup to football lovers.

The 2017 FIFA Club World Cup commenced on December 6 and will run till 16 December at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Seven clubs are in action in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain’s Hazza Bin Zayed stadiums.

The all-champions football tournament, currently in its 13th edition, is a FIFA organised international club football tournament between champion clubs

•Ronaldo

Aminat Adeniyi moved from 58kg to 62kg, Odunayo Adekuoroye from 55 kg to 57kg I was very impressed with officiating officials as well. I really have to use this opportunity to thank the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike for his enormous support to the Nigeria Wrestling Federation".

Dr Igali said the federation hopes to invite about 200 wrestlers to camp (which includes a full squad from the Cadet, Junior, Female wrestling, Greco Roman and Senior) after they have rested for a week.

Cricket will overtake football in Nigeria soon – ICC Chief

champion, has vowed to defeat Nigeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph when they clash for the African

FIFA Club World Cup in StarTimes A

view the Gov Nyesom Wike National Wrestling Championship went extremely well. The number of wrestlers that participated was very commendable having about 700 wrestlers was almost double the number of athletes we normally have in every other championship being that other championships were not full cadet and junior. " Overall, everybody gave a good account of themselves.

And almost all the national athletes moved up except a few ones that their weight classes are stagnant and constant. Blessing Oborodudu moved from 63kg to 68kg,

from each of the six continental confederations, as well as the national league champion from the host country. The tournament will be hosted by Japan and beamed live on StarTimes sports channels including sports focus and world football.

The Club World Cup UAE 2017 features CAF champions Wydad Casablanca from Morocco, Mexico’s Club World Cup veterans Pachuca and New Zealand’s Auckland City. Club World Cup holders Real Madrid will have the chance to defend their global crown and be the first club to win two consecutive titles after winning the UEFA Champions League in June.

According to the Brands and Marketing Director, StarTimes, Qasim Elegbede, “We are glad to offer the only world club tournament on an exclusive basis to our subscribers in Africa. We are very excited because this is a unique opportunity for football fans to see the best clubs from each continent, including Real Madrid, play one against another. ” Elegbede further noted that, “The live telecast of these matches reflect the firm’s commitment to provide the best sporting action to its subscribers at a very affordable rate. Football lovers can also enjoy the thrills and action of these games on StarTimes World Football Channel 254 or 245, sports focus or live on the StarTimes mobile app available for download on the app store.”

Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight title fight at GOtv Boxing Night 13 on 26 December. The event, which holds at Landmark Events Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will feature seven bouts.

Speaking from his base in Cairo, Ahmed said he is ready, willing and able to win the title.

“Joe Boy is a small boy. I hold the Egyptian and Mediterranean titles. I have fought better boxers and Joe Boy is in big trouble. It does not matter that the fight is in Lagos.

I am going to win,” he said.

GOtv Boxing Night 13 will, in addition to the boxing bouts, feature live performances by Small Doctor, Falz, Reekado Banks and Simi.

Equally fighting for an iinternational title is Nigeria’s Abolaji “Afonja Warrior ” Rasheed, who will defend his West African Boxing Union (WABU) title against Arye Ayitteh of Ghana. Two national title bouts are also scheduled.

One will Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde taking on Chijioke “Painless” Ngige for the national light welterweight crown. The other pits Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu against Kehinde “Ijoba’ Badmus for the lightweight title.

A lightweight challenge bout will feature Rilwan “Scorpion” Oyekola and Jimoh “Hogan Jimoh Jr ”, Lukman, while Matthew “Wizeman” Obinna and Cosmos “Awosika” will clash in the super middleweight category.

f the wish of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa is anything to go by, in the next 10 years, cricket will overtake football as the number one sport in Nigeria.

Patricia Kambarami, the development manager for ICC Africa who spoke to journalists in Abuja yesterday after a tour of facilities of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) said the aim of the continental body is to take the awareness of the sport to the remotest part of Africa especially Nigeria.

The ICC boss further revealed that Nigeria is a huge catchment area for the sport given the large population which the country boasts of adding that the regional body will work in harmony with the NCF to take the sport to the grassroots using the schools.

“I will tell you in all honesty that even as I am visiting Nigeria for the very first time, I am in love with I have seen here. The potential for the sport to grow here is very bright and we at the ICC Africa will work in harmony with the NCF to ensure that cricket is taken down to the grassroots using the secondary schools.

“We are looking unto Nigeria as one of our power houses.

Nigeria has the numbers to play cricket at the highest level.

We will look at introducing the sport to the schools; we must collaborate with the local government to achieve results.

“We want Nigeria to join the likes of Kenya and Namibia to play in Division 2 and since we have started laying the foundation for a proper growth of the sport, I want to state that in the next 10 years, cricket will overtake football as the number one sport of Nigerians. We are going to work on coaching and developing the umpires, every effort must be put in to create the necessary awareness” Kambarami stated.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, president of the NCF, Prof.

Yahaya Akwanya said he has secured the commitment of the ICC Africa to assist the country to complete the Oval at the Abuja National Stadium; a development he said will help in a huge way to the development of the sport in the country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017 — 47

Golf: Heineken Open tees off in Enugu HE 22nd Heineken Open And as if to add colour to the Chukwu teed off on the ParGolf Tournament tees off event which is fully Three hole. The players and T in the Coal City of Enugu sponsored by the Nigerian today with hundreds of golfers turning up for the annual championship.

The Enugu Golf Course, venue of the two-day event is wearing a new look as lots of fun and stiff competition for prizes await golfers from different clubs in the country.

The finals and closing ceremonies are slated for tomorrow.

Ronaldo and Pele

Pele: I would've loved to play in same team with Ronaldo

ELE has paid a glowing P tribute to 2017 Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo

saying that he “would have loved to have played on the same team as him”.

The Real Madrid striker beat off competition from great rival Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar to bag the prestigious award. Cristiano Ronaldo collected his fifth Ballon d'Or on Thursday And moments after lifting the trophy at a special ceremony at the Eiffel Tower, the man considered to be the greatest

ever footballer heralded CR7’s genius.

Pele wrote on Twitter: “Congratulations to @Cristiano on winning this year’s Ballon d’Or. “I would love to have played on the same side as you!”

Ronaldo has now won the Ballon d’Or an incredible five times, equalling the haul won

by Messi.

The world of social media was quick to congratulate a player who is now surely in company with the likes of Pele, Maradona and Messi as one of the greatest ever player

careers abroad have been advised to pass through unscrupulous agents that will take them through illegal routes.

Speaking at the Nigerian Football Fans Congress organised event, “Red Card to deaths on the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea,” Assistant

Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service, John Saro Uebari said, “irregular migration is not only a crime, it poses a lot of danger to the immigrant. It can lead to death as the illegal immigrant is vulnerable to all manner of attacks.”

He advised young sportsmen to be of help to one another and must avoid taking steps that would lead them into slavery in foreign lands.

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n elite level boxer who has fought for England six times is facing being deported to Nigeria.

Bilal Fawaz was detained at the Tinsley House Immigration Centre at Gatwick Airport in West Sussex on Nov 29.

The 29-year- old who has competed for England six times and was the 2012 ABA light-middleweight champion, was taken to England when he was 14.

Taken to the UK illegally by an uncle, he was told his father would be arriving soon, but the man never turned up.

Fawaz, who calls himself Kelvin, was treated 'like a slave' before he ran away Speaking earlier, President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Oladipo said, there was no place like home. “Nigeria is a nation full of milk and honey. Why would anyone prefer to move out of this country for any reason?” he asked, adding, “several opportunities abound in this country. It is those who cannot explore them that are always thinking of going to stay abroad.”

igeria, over the years, has N been predominantly regarded as a sprinting nation,

going by the exploits of some of the country’s sprinters on the world stage, talking about the likes of Innocent Egbunike, Falilat Ogunkoya, Mary Onyali, Blessing Okagbare and several others. The country has also produced exceptional jumpers in the ilk of Ajayi Agbebaku, Yussuf Alli and Chioma Ajunwa, who won Nigeria’s first ever Olympic Gold medal, having dominated the women’s Long Jump at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

In all of this, not much has been said about the country ’s throwers despite having raised the likes of Adewale Olukoju who won several titles at continental level, and also won a Gold medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, or Vivian Chukwuemeka, another Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, and African Record holder in the women’s Shot put.

In as much as Track and Field in Nigeria has witnessed a downward spiral in the past decade, the throws – Shot put, Javelin, Discus and Hammer, are perhaps among the hardest hit events in the sport. In the last few years, the distances recorded in the event, save for the exceptional performances of one or two athletes, have been nothing to write home about.

Declaring a State of Emergency in the throws in Nigerian Athletics Taking a look at the National Records (NR) in the throws, especially in the men’s events, it is very clear that a state of emergency may need to be declared soon. The most recent record in the men’s event was set in the Shot put last year by US-based Stephen Mozia whose mark of 21.76m put him on No.4 position in 2016, certainly an exceptional performance. Mozia did not compete in a lot of meets this year and is ranked 27th (20.83m) in 2017.

The NR in the men’s Discus throw (67.80m) was set by Olukoju in 1991. The NR in the Hammer throw (66.92m) recorded by Christian Okoye, is now 31-years old. Former African Champion Pius Bazighe’s NR of 81.08m in the Javelin throw set in 1999, still stands.

The longest standing NR in the women’s event is the Shot put

their caddies got to the putting surface and could not find his ball even though they knew the ball did not roll out.

“Someone advised that we should look for the ball in the hole and behold it was there,” exclaimed the excited Chukwu. “Others were celebrating but I was dazed.

Well, all I can do is thank God for this miracle.”

Boxer who represented England six times faces deportation to Nigeria

Immigration chief, Ladipo counsel youths on moving abroad udding sportsmen and B women nursing the ambition of furthering their

Breweries Plc, the uncommon happened on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 when the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the Heineken Open, Major- General Alphonsus Chukwu (rtd) hit a hole-in-one on Hole 17.

Playing alongside Dr. Michael Nwafor and Sir Humphrey Obiefule, Gen.

record (18.43m) set by Chukwuemeka in 2003, which is also the African Record. USbased Chinwe Okoro set the NR in the Discus throw (61.58m) last year, while Queen Obisesan’s NR of 63.79m in the Hammer throw, was set in 2013.

2015 All-African Games champion Kelechi Nwanaga bettered the NR in the Javelin throw to 58.15m in July this year.

Whilst it is evident that some progress is being made, it must be stated that some of these marks are still a far cry from global standards. A cursory look at the winning distances from the 2017 All Nigeria Athletics Championships gives credence to this position. Samuel Adams Kure, who is currently Nigeria’s best male athlete in the Javelin throw, won the national title with 71.24m. The best mark in the world this year, set by Germany’s Johannes Vetter, is

Fawaz from the home he was living in and was taken into care.

Now married to an English woman, the boxing prodigy went through a turbulent period involving drug gangs, getting shot once and stabbed a reported 25 times.

However, he turned his life around after taking up boxing in 2011 at the Stonebridge Boxing Club in Brent and has risen through the ranks to become one of Britain's top amateur boxers - currently ranked the third best middleweight in England.

But the Home Office have rejected his application to remain in the UK and declared his marriage to a British citizen void.

The athlete was arrested and taken to the Tinsley House Immigration Removal Centre in Gatwick.

94.44m.

Queen Obisesan won the women’s Hammer throw with 58.91m. The leading distance in the event this year is the 82.87m thrown by Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk. USA’s Ryan Crouser tops the men’s Shot put standings with 22.65m; the winning mark at the Nigerian Championships (in the absence of the US-based duo of Mozia and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi), was 16.51m.

In an interview with Athletics website Making of Champions, Feyisayo Daramola who competes in the women’s Hammer event, raised some fundamental issues. She said: “There is a lot that needs to be done. The new board needs to put more attention on the throws event. I know they are trying their best, but a lot more needs to be invested in the home-based throwers. Back in 2014/2015, we recorded better distances because we were throwing over 60m.

“If more attention had been paid to us then, we would have been within the 70m range by now.

Because of the lack of encouragement, we are retrogressing instead of progressing. When you do not have any form of push from the federation, it tells a lot. Throwers feel sidelined especially when we consider the attention being given to sprinters. We have good sprinters, but I feel it’s high time attention is being paid

The boxing champ said he was now facing being deported to Nigeria, somewhere he has not been since he was sneaked out of the country by his uncle as a teenager.

He said: 'I'm allowed to box for England but I'm not allowed to stay in England.

'I've spent over half of my life here - I went to school here, I lived here, I've boxed for England six times and never lost.

'I am a national champion in 2014 I even boxed for England against Nigeria, the country they want to deport me to.'

The boxer says he is technically 'stateless' as his parents were Lebanese immigrants to Nigeria, and they themselves didn't have Nigerian citizenship.

His mother is dead and he says he had 'no idea' where his father is.

He added: 'I have no other family to go back to, I don't know anyone in Nigeria or anything about it - all I know is here.

'Imagine how it feels to represent a country and then to have that country turn around and put you in what feels like a prison.’ to all events.

“We throwers in Lagos move around a lot just in search of a training venue. We used to train at the Police College, but we were stopped after some time.

We then moved to the University of Lagos Sports Centre but now we practically have to beg to be allowed into the venue. Currently, we are trying to make use of a tiny space inside the National Stadium, and we have to be very careful so that the Hammer doesn’t go outside of that space because if it does, it’s going to hit someone.

“Things like these do not make one psychologically balanced because you feel like you’re just going to hit someone’s head when you release the implement. People keep complaining about how poorly the throwers are performing, but how do we break records when we do not even have a place to train?”

Good question raised by Daramola! Over time, Javelin throwers Kure and Nwanaga have also made an appeal to be furnished with the right equipment, as the pair currently use training Javelins to compete because they lack the standard Javelins used for competition.

With Nigeria’s teeming population approaching the 200 million mark, we are armed with enough human potential to dominate whatsoever event we choose to.

SATURDAY Vanguard, DECEMBER 9, 2017

ACROSS 1 President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi – (7) 5 Zambian President, Mr. Edgar – (5) 8 President, International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), Mr. Sebastian – (3) 9 Enugu Rangers Media Officer, Foster – (5) 10 Former Super Eagles Right-Back, Chidi – (5) 11 South Korean President, Mr. Moon – (3,2) 12 L.G.A in Oyo State – (5) 15 Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dr. Teslim Olawale – (5) 17 Zodiac Sign – (3) 19 Malian Capital City – (6) 20 L.G.A in Katsina State – (6) 22 Director-General, National Agency for Food & Drugs Administration && Control (NAFDAC), Yetunde – (3) 24 Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sumaila Yombe – (5) 27 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (5) 30 Former Czech Republic’s President, Mr. Vaclav – (5) 31 Nigerian Currency – (5) 32 Fruit – (5) 33 Cereal – (3)

CROSS WORD PUZZLE 34 Rivers United Coach, Stanley – (5) DOWN 1 Ghanaian Capital City – (5) 2 State in Nigeria known as “Fountain of Knowledge”? – (5) 3 Lagos State Capital – (5) 4 President, National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas (NUPENG), Mr. Igwe – (6) 5 Sierra-Leone Currency – (5) 6 Super Eagles Midfielder, Wilfred – (5) 7 L.G.A in Kaduna State – (7) 13 Beverage – (3) 14 Portuguese “Premera Liga” Club-Side – (5) 16 Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf – (5) 17 Lavatory – (3) 18 Yoruba Word for “Water”? – (3) 19 Kaduna United Media Officer, Jide – (7) 21 South Korean Currency – (3) 23 Niger Republic’s Capital City – (6) 25 Kano Pillars Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru – (5) 26 L.G.A in Kaduna State – (5) 27 Igbo Word for “Eight”? – (5) 28 Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Albert – (5) 29 Senegal “Terenga Lions” Midfielder, Idrissa – (5)

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 8

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