Jang's NGF invites Ameachi

C M Y K

2—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 10, 2013

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 —3

4—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 10, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 —

5

Jang’s NGF meets tomorrow on constitution review •Local Government Autonomy, Oil theft, dwindling financial economy top agenda •Invites Amaechi, 34 other governors

BY HENRY UMORU Abuja

G

OVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State led Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, will meet tomorrow, Sunday with Constitution review topping the agenda, just as Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi was invited for the meeting.

Also invited to the Jang faction of NGF Sunday meeting according to our source are Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Aliyu Babangida of Niger State, Musa Kwankwaso of Kano, Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto and other state governors.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that at the meeting which will take place at the Maitama Secretariat of the NGF, the issue of local government financial autonomy that was killed by the Senate and passed by the House of Representatives will form the major agenda of the meeting, just as the governors will tomorrow take a position on the issue which has become controversial ahead of the Conference of the National Assembly.

Also to be discussed by the governors is the dwindling revenue earnings from oil following oil theft in the Niger Delta where Nigeria has lost hundreds of barrels from the activities of oil thieves.

A source told Saturday Vanguard that the Benue State governor, Gabriel Suswam who chairs the sub committee will present the report of his committee to the governors on the way forward, just as the lingering crisis between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU would form part of the meeting.

A statement from Jang’s NGF’s office simply said that, “The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau State has summoned an emergency meeting of members of the forum. ”The meeting will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the NGF Sec-

retariat, 2 Nana Close, off Erie Crescent, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja at 7.30 PM. The agenda for the meeting are: Constitution Amendment. Thanks for your continuous cooperation.”

It will be recalled that the NGF has been polarised since May during the last Chairmanship election where Governor Amaechi scored 19 votes to defeat Jang of Plateau State who polled 16 votes.”

Meanwhile, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has commiserated with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State over the death of his father, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Ademola Fashola.

Jang who expressed shock and sadness over the incident in a statement yesterday, also extended his sympathy to the entire Fashola family and the people of Lagos state, noting that the passing of such a patriarch will indeed leave a huge vacuum in the lives of the Fashola family and Lagosians.

According to the statement, “The NGF chair-

man noted that the late Fashola can rest peacefully knowing he has blessed the nation and the people of Lagos State with a selfless servant in the person of Gov. Babatunde Fashola. ”He assured the Lagos State Governor that the members of the Forum will continue to pray that God will comfort him and

his family at this time of grief.”

Also yesterday, the governor Jonah Jang-led NGF commiserated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, over the death of three members of the Union in a motor accident recently.

Gov. Jonah Jang who expressed shock and anguish at the news of the

death, however sympathized with the NUJ and the bereaved families of the journalists, just as he encouraged them to take solace in the fact that their loved ones died in the course of carrying out their commitment to a profession they loved.

He also wished the journalists who were injured in the road accident quick

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2nd right), First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola (r), former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida (l) and former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (2nd left) during their condolence visit to Gov Fashola over the passage of his father, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola at Lagos House, Marina, yesterday.

recovery as they undergo treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.

Governor Jang said the governors will continue to pray that God will comfort all as they mourn this painful loss.

Also yesterday, Jonah Jang in his Sallah message called on Muslims and all Nigerians to embrace the message of peace as espoused by Prophet Mohamed during this Sallah celebration and beyond.

In a statement in Abuja by the NGF media office, Gov Jang who called on Muslims to use this period of Eid-el-Fitr to spread the message of love, peace and unity to Nigerians of other faith, said, “Nigeria needs peace and unity like never before in these trying times and it is a time for us to capitalize on the spirit of Eid-elFitr to extend the joy of this occasion beyond the Sallah period by being our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper regardless of ethnic or religious background.”

No federal lawmaker earns more than N1m monthly, says RMAFC

E

NGINEER Elias Mbam, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has said that no Federal Lawmaker in Nigeria earns more than N1 million monthly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that The Economist Magazine had alleged that a Nigerian Legislator earned basic salary of $189,500 per annum (N30.6m) and are the highest paid lawmakers in the world.

Mbam said the claim was outrageous and totally false.

According to the report, the basic salary (which excludes allowances) of a Nigerian lawmaker is 116 times the country’s GDP per person of $1,600.

The magazine further alleged that the $189,500 earned annually by each Nigerian legislator was estimated to be 52 per

cent higher than what Kenyan legislators earned.

Kenyan legislators are the second highest paid lawmakers in the world.

“This is an area that many Nigerians need to be properly informed about because I read the other day that their salaries were about N35

million.

“Certainly that is not from here. There is no senator after all deductions that takes home more than one

million naira a month as salary. And if you compare it with what is obtainable elsewhere, you’d find out that one will not consider that too big.

Africa Regional Girls Guides Association Conference opens on Monday AU declared 2010-2020 as the Africa Committee mem-

F

ROM August 11 to 17,

2013, Girl Scout and Girl Guide organisations from 31 countries will meet in Nigeria for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) 10th Africa Regional Conference.

With the theme: “African Young Women: Soaring Towards Excellence,” the 96 conference delegates will agree on how to grow Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in the region to over 860,000 girls and young women, giving more girls in more countries the opportunity to develop their self-esteem, leadership skills and make a difference in their communities on

issues such as sustainability, ending violence against girls and gender empowerment and equality.

Dr. Nkosazana DlaminiZuma, Chair of the African Union Commission will be joining the conference as its keynote speaker. The World Association will also present Dr. Dlamini-Zuma with its ‘Women of Outstanding Achievement Award’, in recognition of her work as a visionary leader both in Africa and on the international stage.

As Chair of the African Union she is committed to the full implementation of programmes aimed at the emancipation of women after the

the Decade of Women; ensuring health, education and skills development of children and youth in Africa; ensuring Africa’s advocacy for a global deal on climate change, and redoubling efforts towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals ahead of the 2015 deadline.

At the conference, the Africa Region will also welcome the newly formed South Sudan Member Organsia-

tion, a great achievement for such a young country.

The week-long conference includes workshops, consultations, showcasing of projects by member organisations, the election of

bers and the bid for the venue of the next conference. The delegates will discuss topics important to the global movement and to girls in their own countries, including eliminating violence against girls and women, global leadership, girls’ education, fund raising and membership growth.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world. It has member organizations in 145 countries, with 10 million Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Big crowd welcomes PDP governorship aspirants in Awka •Andy Uba holds parallel rally elsewhere •Appeal Panel to meet with disqualified aspirants

U

NPRECEDENTED crowd of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the 326 wards in Anambra State yesterday held Awka to a standstill during a rally organized by the leadership of the party to welcome its governorship aspirants recently cleared to go for the primaries that would produce its flag bearer for the November 16 governorship election.

Apart from Senator Andy Uba who was conspicuously absent, 11 aspirants of the party addressed the mammoth crowd that included stakeholders from within and outside the state, including the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

It was gathered that while the rally was going on at Ekwueme Square, Senator Uba was holding another one at the Emmaus House in another

part of Awka.

The aspirants that graced the occasion include the former State Chairman of the party, Chief Tony Nwoye, who was earlier said to have been disqualified; Presidential Adviser on Technical Matters, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo; Dr. Obinna Uzor, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Senator Emma Anosike, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo and Chief Walter Okeke.

Also in attendance were Chief Ugochukwu Okeke, Chief Charles Odunukwe and Dr. Alex Obiogbolu.

T o n y Nwoye,Ugochukwu Okeke, while addressing the supporters said they were not disqualified as reported by a section of the media.

However, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the Screening Appeal Panel headed by former governor of Zamfara State, Al-

haji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi that was to meet earlier, will now meet on Tuesday with the disqualified aspirants, including the duo and others.

Addressing party supporters, the state chairman of PDP national secretariat, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, said that the war which almost crippled PDP in the state has ended, adding that the import of the rally was to unveil the PDP aspirants to the party faithful before the ward congresses would be held on Monday.

He said that PDP would eventually select the deputy to the governorship candidate and assured that the primaries would be free and fair.

Emeakayi also urged the national leadership of the party to convey the message from the Anambra State branch to President Goodluck Jonathan that he must fly the PDP flag for the presidency in 2015.

The aspirants were given two minutes each to talk to the crowd and they all informed the people the reason for seeking the office of governor.

Mother of President Jonathan Mrs Ayi Eunice Afeni Jonathan 3rd left speaking with Anambra State Governor Peter Obi left, Bayelsa State Governor Seraki Dickson, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Prof Ayo Aloko, and Minister of Niger Delta Elder Orubebe, at the commissioning of two buildings donated by the mother of the President to the newly established Federal University in Otuoke.

I will not preside over corrupt Police Force -- IGP Abubakar

A

BUJA: The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, on Thursday vowed to flush out bad eggs in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), saying he would never preside over a corrupt police service.

Abubakar made the promise in Abuja while answering questions from State House correspondents over the police officer dismissed last week for demanding N25,000 bribe from a motorist in Lagos.

He said the punishment was not too harsh and warned that any police officer caught in corrupt practices would not be spared.

He said the NPF was ICT compliant, hence it would continue to use modern telecommu-nication gadgets in apprehending corrupt officers.

“You can see that we are IT compliant; we know what is happening in the YouTube, we know what is happening all over the world.

“We believe that we have to do what is right.

We monitor our officers and men. Sometimes, we even set them up to ensure that we get them on the act. I will not run a corrupt police service.”

Abubakar assured Nigerians of adequate security of lives and property during and after Sallah celebration.

He enjoined the people to continue to support the law enforcement agencies by providing them with useful information to address insecurity across the country. Abubakar also commended the media for its cooperation and support to the police in combating criminal activities in the country.

T

Wike on Saturday last week, at an event in Port Harcourt had said that, “for those who think that they can destroy ObioAkpor (Local Government Council), we will make life uncomfortable for them. We will make sure they will not sleep again. When they are sleeping, they will not sleep with their two eyes closed. One eye will be open because they know there is danger.”

Wike was allegedly referring to the former Chairman and Councilors of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area who were suspended by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the House to carry out investigations of monumental fraud and corruption against them.

RPF in a statement signed by its President, Charles Bekwele described the comments of Wike as a direct threat to the good people of Rivers State, that can lead to a breach of peace and security, and security agencies must now take steps to curtail the excesses of Nyesom Wike.

Rivers crisis: Arrest and prosecute Wike--Group HE Rivers Peoples’ Forum (RPF) has restated its call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike over his comments in Port Harcourt weekend, which they say is dangerous to democracy in the country and threatens the peace and security of Rivers State and could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the State, if the Minister is not checked.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 — 7

Four expatriates, two locals kidnapped •One Nigerian drowns

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME, Port Harcourt

F

OUR expatriates and two Nigerians were allegedly kidnapped yesterday in Buguma, Asaritoru local government area of Rivers state.

They were reportedly on their way to the state government’s owned fish farm in the area.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Chinda who confirmed the development to newsmen in Port Harcourt said one of them later died in a bid to escape.

He said the kidnappers forced all of them into a waiting boat, adding that they later released the two

Nigerians.

The Commissioner said the four expatriates were from Thai, noting that one of the Nigerians released in the middle of the high sea by the kidnappers out of panic jumped into the sea and drowned. ‘’A group of six workers consisting of Two Nigerians and Four Thailand nationals, were on their way to our Buguma Fish Farm when they were forced to a halt by some gun-totting marauders, who forced them into another boat.

While they tried to force them into the creek, one of the Nigerians out of fear jumped into the water and instantly drowned.

They forced the other Nigerian out of the boat and made away with the four

Seven SSGs converge for Child’s Rights conference Centre, with Jean Rough,

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, the United Nations Abeokuta Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Country Seven Nigerian Representative in Nigeria Secretaries to the State expected to lead UNICEF Governments of Ogun, team to the event.

Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Delta states, who are also the Coordinating Authorities under the UNICEF BFIELD Office in Lagos, Nigeria are converging BY CHINENYEH on Abeokuta, the Ogun OZOR, Nsukka state capital on Monday for a 4-day conference HE people of Ihe targeted at Nigerian n’Owerri autonomous Children Rights Community in Nsukka Local protection and prospects.

Government Area of Enugu According to the State have elected a royal faStatement signed by ther after three years of bickTaiwo Adeoluwa, the ering over the coveted stool in Secretary to the Ogun the University town.

State Government and The community has been in the Chairman of the crisis over the traditional inPlanning Committee, the stitution for three years after 14th Edition of the Zonal Network for Children (ZNC) meeting of Secretaries to the State Governments and Coordinating Authorities under the Lagos UNICEF B-FIELD Office will be

BY GAB EJUWA held between Monday and Thursday.

ROMINENT Urhobo Adeoluwa said the leaders on Wednesevent, which has the theme: “Fulfilling the day called on Chief Ede Rights of Children: Our Dafinone to contest the Responsibility”, will be Delta Central senatorial flagged off by the Ogun election.

The leaders, mainly State Governor Ibikunle politicians, professionals Amosun on Tuesday at and businessmen, met in the June 12, Cultural Abuja where they

foreigners. The kidnappers have before now discontinued all these acts of aggression and criminal acts, until they became emboldened by the fact that they believe that security is out of the state Government’s hand and that they have superiority over the security agents. Now, the danger is that they are all coming out of their hiding and terrorizing people of the state’’ the Commissioner said

L-R: Shows the Baba Ijo, United African Methodist Evangelical Church, AbuleIjesha, Lagos, retired Chief of General Staff Lt. General Oladipo Diya with the Legal Adviser, Oranto Petroleum Limited, Barr. Anthony Iguh, representing the Chairman of the day and the Church Building Committee chairman, Senator Tony Adefuye, at the reception marking the dedication and the opening of the Church.

IBB, Abubakar visit Fashola over father’s death •Preach

return to peaceful co-existence in the country

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

WO former Heads of State, President Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalam Abubakar yesterday, jointly paid a condolence visit to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and his siblings over the death of their father, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, and prayed for peace and tranquility in the country.

Speaking during the visit

at Lagos House, Marina, former President Ibrahim Babangida prayed to God to give the immediate family the courage to bear the loss, adding that it is gratifying that Papa left behind an important gift in Governor Raji Fashola.

“In Islam, we do pray for long life but long life does not mean living for 100 years or 500 years. We are gratified that Papa left and he left one important gift, that is Governor Raji Fashola. So we are grateful that

God has spared his life to see a Governor that everybody respects in this country and I also pray that one of your children will also take the footsteps you have taken after Papa”,Babangida added.

In his speech, Gen.Abubakar (rtd) declared: “I keep saying that without peace, there wouldn’t be any country, without peace, there wouldn’t be people and without peace there wouldn’t be means of live-

Enugu community elects monarch after 3 years of ducts an election for us to that the death of their traditional community. bickering effect. He gave us the manruler, Late John Attama which The President-General of

T

split the 35 villages that make up the autonomous community into different camps and groups and hindered other projects in the community .

Youths of the autonomous community rose to the challenge to broker peace for a lasting solution to the three years by issuing two months ultimatum for one person among the two opponents to emerge as Igwe elect from the quarter that was to select the next traditional ruler of the

Youths, Mr. Fidelis Attama said that for three years, the community has been in deep crisis of who wears the royal crown of the community, explaining that the traditional institution is rotatory among the two quarters of the community.

“We went to Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Pastor Emeka Abugu and told him that the crisis had lingered for so long and requested that he con-

date to convene a town hall meeting of the community for the purpose of selecting a traditional ruler elect,” he explained.

Mr. Attama told Saturday Vanguard that Ihe quarter of the community presented Ozioko George Asadu as the choice of the quarter and he was generally accepted by

the entire autonomous community in the presence of the other contestant.

lihood”.

He also used the opportunity to congratulate the governor on the future he is building not only for Lagos State but for the country, praying that as he leaves his present office, he would assume greater responsibilities in the country.

Abdulsalam added that he and President Babangida were visiting to pay their condolence to the governor and his immediate family . He prayed for the peaceful repose of Pa Fashola’s soul.

In his response, Governor Fashola thanked both leaders for the visit, saying that with the visit, they have not only honoured his late father, but also honoured his family and prayed that honour will never depart from their households.

Fashola also lent his voice to the appeal for peace in the country by both leaders, saying he is doing so because his late father was a man of peace, “Nothing for him was worth any conflict. If things became too difficult, he simply moved on.”

Delta Central Senatorial Race: Urhobo leaders move against spoilers •ask Ede Dafinone to contest

P

described the death of Senator Pius Ewherido as shocking.

The leaders who said the late senator made his family, the Urhobo nation, Delta State and the country proud, promised to begin house to house mobilization for the actualization of the objective.

“Chief Ede Dafinone is

devoutly religious, faithfully discharging his duties to his family, to the senatorial district, to Delta State and to the nation.

He has the knowledge and the skills to succeed in the senate” the leaders said in a statement issued after the meeting.

The statement signed by the Chairman of Urhobo Politicians, Businessmen and Professional Forum,

Chief Abel Minna also commended Dafinone for his contributions to the development of human resources in Urhobo land, particularly the hundreds of women trained in hair dressing and fashion designing, tailoring, catering, welding, aluminum works, electrical and computer skills.

They hailed him for

training Urhobo sons and daughters in local and foreign universities as well as transforming the lives of the women in the senatorial area.

“Dafinone deserves the biggest thanks for developing the people,” the statement said.

Dafinone was also praised for his altruistic and philanthropic disposition.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

A’Court Judge, Roseline Nwodo dies of cancer in London •Ex-Nsukka council boss too

BY TONY EDIKE, Enugu

A

Court of Appeal judge and wife of the former Minister of Information, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Justice Roseline Oby Nwodo died in a London hospital on Tuesday from a cancer related ailment.

In what family members, yesterday, described as a double tragedy for the Nwodos, a former Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State and a cousin to the Nwodos from Leje, Nsukka, Mr.John Nweze, also died on Wednesday after he was hit by an undisclosed ailment.

Justice Nwodo, who was the daughter of the late renowned Abagana Anambra state-born industrialist, Chief Joe Nwankwu, passed on after battling with cancer for a long time in the London hospital.

The bereaved husband, Chief Nwodo could not be reached on phone as he was said to have travelled to London where his wife died to make necessary arrangement ahead of her funeral.

A family member, however, told Vanguard that Justice Nwodo’s death came to them as a shock because they had expected that she would survive the ailment and return to the country to continue with her job .

It was learnt that her health condition, which she had battled for some time, got worse about a month ago when she travelled to United Kingdom to seek medical attention but she could not survive it as she reportedly gave up the ghost last Tuesday.

Justice Nwodo was appointed a magistrate in 1985 and she went on to hold several positions in the judiciary including Chief Magistrate Grade 2, Deputy Chief Registrar (Enugu State High Court) and a Judge of the Federal High Court (Port Harcourt). She was appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal in December 2007.

Her husband, Nnia, was Minister of Information under the late head of state, Sani Abacha.

However, as members of the large Nwodo fami-

ly were trying to overcome the shock of their wife’s demise, their cousin, Mr. John Nweze, also passed on Wednesday throwing

the entire family into deep mourning.

Meanwhile, a formal announcement of the deaths is expected to be made by the family after the husband might have returned from Lon-

don.

The state Governor, Sullivan Chime, yesterday, reacted to the death of Justice Nwodo, expressing shock and sadness over the development.

Oil marketers fault EFCC for declaring them wanted caused our clients to be

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

WO oil marketers, Managing Director and General Manager, Operations respectively of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, Messrs OluwaSeun Ogunbanbo and Habila Teck have faulted the manner Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared them wanted.

They argued that the antigraft agency acted in bad faith for declaring them wanted without waiting for the determination of their pending suit praying the court to vacate the order as they were merely absent for less than hour before the trial.

The two men have been standing trial before a Lagos State High Court but disappeared after being released on bail, forcing the court to issue a warrant for their arrest.

It will recalled that they are wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining N977 million from the Petroleum Support Fund by false pretence.

In a statement by counsel to the oil marketers, Prince Ajibola Oluyede, stated that the EFCC action was contrary to the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which presumes innocence until proven guilty.

He said the commission was aware of the fact that their clients have laid bare facts before the court stating the circumstance that led to their late arrival in court on the 25th of June, 2013 in a motion filed the following day.

“It has been drawn to our attention that the EFCC has declared our clients, Seun Ogunbambo and Habila Teck wanted. This has occasioned distress and business loss to our clients. The EFCC has no justifiable reason or authority to declare them wanted. An application was filed on the 26th

of June 2013 to set aside the order of the Lagos State High Court for bench warrant issued against our clients,” Oluyede said.

He also said that the defendants’ presence in court room on 25 June, 2013 confirmed the fact that they were merely delayed on their way to court rather.

According to him, “we had earlier presented our clients to the court on the 25th of June 2013 and informed the court of the unavoidable incident that

late to court. The learned trial judge had remarked that he would bear our clients presence in court, though belated, in mind when an application is made for the order by the EFCC and ensure that the warrant is not signed.” in addition, the counsel said “It was therefore merely to formally ensure the trial judge had a recollection of that event that we filed the formal application supported by an affidavit reiterating the reason earlier given to the court on the 25th of June.

President Goodluck Jonathan with trouser 3rd left accompanied by the Niger Delta Minister of State Gaius Ishaku inspecting the Otuoke community Skill Acquisition Centre, during the President Sallah Holiday visit to Otuoke in Bayelsa State on Thursday 8th August 2013

S‘East, S’South groups endorse Jonathan for 2015 •Condemn deportation of Ndigbo in Lagos

BY MOSES NOSIKE

A

HEAD of the 2015 election, SouthEast, South-South Traditional Leaders Associations had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan

for second term.

Briefing journalists in Lagos, the group led by the chairman, Elders Council South-South Traditional Rulers Association, Dr. Silvan Ebigwei and South-East Tra-

ditional Leaders Association led by the President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos, Chief Oliver Akubueze said their support for Jonathan was anchored on the developmental achievements

Why Police nabbed 6 MASSOB members His words, “The scene is — Aduba Delta CP under surveillance and the

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

P

OLICE in Delta State have seized six members of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, for allegedly unleashing an attack on vigilante men at Powerline, Omeligboma area, in Asaba.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, told Saturday Vanguard that as soon as police got information on the clash, operatives, acting on a tipoff, combed MASSOB enclave in the area, and the effort yielded result with the arrest of their 52-year-old leader , identified as Emeka Okafor and five others.

He said the suspects were nabbed between Tuesday and Thursday with 105 defunct Biafra flags, 10 pairs of MASSOB uniforms, 2 military boots and belts, 6

Biafra face caps, 1 empty cartridge shell, 121 pounds and five shillings Biafra currency.

suspects in custody. They will be charged to court after the holidays.”

Court stops IYC faction from conducting today’s election

A

Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa, yesterday, restrained the Ann-Kio Briggs led National Electoral Committee, NECOM, of the Ijaw Youths Council, IJC, from conducting its national election slated for (today) August 10, 2013 pending the determination of the motion on notice for interim injunction in the matter.

The Jeremiah Oba led faction of IYC electoral committee, through its counsel, Inemo Oruebimiekumo had approached the court to stop Ann-kio Briggs and six others from parading themselves as members of the National Electoral body of IYC formed to conduct the August 10,

2013 election of its national officers.

It will be recalled that, the Oba led NECOM had accused the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on the Niger Delta Mr. Kingsley Kuku of allegedly sponsoring Annkio Briggs led NECOM, which has resulted in IYC having parallel electoral bodies.

Oba also accused Kuku of allegedly sponsoring over aged Ann-kio Briggs and others, who were above 50 years of age into IYC affairs, contending that their (NECOM) membership were neither nominated by their zones nor rectified by IYC Parliament.

of the present administration. The group acceded to the fact that the economic indices have shown positive growth with the stock market showing some significant recovery while banks are now on solid foundation.

According to him, the people of South-East/ South South Traditional Leaders Associations unanimously endorse President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the next general election in 2015 so that he can continue with his good works as we have also considered it a national and political suicide to change a winning team.

He said, “we also believe that the issue of leading this nation is not in the hands of any particular group, and seize this opportunity to express our sad stance on the deportation of fellow citizens by the officials of Lagos State government to Anambra State as such action is inimical to the relative cordial relationship existing among all Nigerians resident here in Lagos. Therefore, we appeal to the Lagos State government to correct this mistake and compensate the aggrieved parties accordingly.”

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 —

9

Eid-el-Fitri tragedy: Lorry crushes two to death

BY DAYO JOHNSON Akure

I

T was a sad Eid-el-Fitri celebration in Akure the Ondo state capital as two persons were crushed to death by a lorry.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the two deceased persons fell from a moving commercial motorcycle popularly known as Okada and were crushed by the on- coming lorry marked ONDO KA 737 FFN The Okada, according to report which was conveying them had an head on collision with another Okada along Araromi road just before the popular Ala Bridge.

The three passengers on one of the Okada including driver fell after the collision and the two deceased reportedly rolled under the on-coming lorry which crushed their heads.

Their brains were scattered on the road after the accident.

The driver of the Okada it was learnt jumped off the bike and escaped after the accident.

However the driver of the other Okada and his passenger were not injured in the accident which threw the community into mourning.

Eyewitness account said that the drivers of the two okadas were on top speed when the accident occurred.

The witness said that the Okada riders where car-

ried away by the festivity.

According to him, the collision could have been avoided if they were not speeding.

He said that the de-

ceased died on the spot because the on coming lorry too was speeding and it crushed them to death while the driver of

A

T least 130 cultists have renounced their association with various cult groups in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

The former cultists relinquished various dangerous weapons such as battle axe and knives which were in their possession as well as identification cards and vests bearing the names of their groups.

The renounce exercise was carried out during a church service held at the palace of the Ovie of Ughelli, HRM Oharisi III at the instance of a sociopolitical group, the

sengers before their bodies could be moved to the Akure Specialist Hospital Mortuary Men of FRSC have taken the corpses to state

Hospital morgue.

Contacted, the image maker of the Police in the state Wole Ogodo confirmed the death of the two persons.

How we assisted police to arrest Boko Haram member — Kara marketers •Deny harbouring Boko Haram members

BY DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

O Mother of President Goodluck Jonathan, (R)Ayi Eunice Afeni Jonathan dancing with other Otuoke community women at the commissioning of two buildings of twenty self-contain donated to the Federal University Otuoke recently. State House photos.

PERATORS of Kara abattoir and cattle market, Isheri, under bridge, Berger area in Ifo local government area of Ogun State, have said that the arrest of one of the fleeing Boko Haram members by Police in the state was facilitated by them.

They said the police

2015: INEC to prosecute 1m electoral offenders nationwide

BY OKEY NDIRIBE

A

HEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to begin nationwide prosecution of about one million culprits who were involved in multiple registration during the voters registration exercise in 2011.

The Commission alongside security agencies, plans to drag electoral offenders from Anambra State first before various law courts in the next few days.

This was disclosed recently by Mr Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Commission Prof.

Attahiru Jega while

130 renounce cultism in Ughelli

BY FESTUS AHON Ughelli

one of the Okadas only had some bruises Sympathizers had to pack the scattered heads of the two deceased pas-

Rainbow Concerned Citizens of Ughelli Kingdom and the traditional ruler.

Speaking during the church service, Oharisi III advised the former cultists never to return to their nefarious activities to enable them attain whatever height they desired in the society. He said the group had the backing of the kingdom in its quest to flush out cultism from the kingdom.

Coordinator of the Rainbow Concerned Citizens of Ughelli Kingdom, Mr. Elvis Abarovwe said the body was out to sensitize youths in Ughelli on the need to desist from cultist and criminal activities.

He appealed to the State

and Local Governments and well meaning individuals to assist the group financially to enable it achieve its set objectives.

speaking to Vanguard in a telephone interview.

He explained that with the aid of a software used during the voters registration exercise over two years ago, INEC detected over 870,000 cases of multiple registration cases nationwide.

He continued: “ In Anambra alone, over 93,000 multiple registrants were detected. However, the Commission lacks the capacity to prosecute all of them. But we have the photographs, addresses and other information of these multiple registrants. This prosecution would serve as a deterrent

to others” He further said the Commission plans to arrest hundreds of culprits spread across all the local government areas in the State and commence their prosecution before INEC begins continuous voters registration on the 19th of August. ” This planned prosecution was conceived to demonstrate to all future electoral offenders that INEC has the capability to detect anybody who engages in multiple registration in the forth-coming continuous voters registration in the state,” he said.

acted on their tip off which led to the eventual arrest of the Boko Haram member who fled from Maiduguri to Ogun state.

Reacting to a report that a Boko Haram member was being harboured in the market , the authorities of the market described the allegation as a mere speculation.

In a press statement signed by Seriki Nkara, Chief Ganiyu Babalola and Seriki Hausa and Deputy Chairman of the market Badamosi Sokoto made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, yesterday, the opearators said they have no relationship in any manner with Boko Haram or any insurgent group.

Ogun state Police have arrested one suspected Boko Haram who fled the beleaguered Maiduguri to Ogun state three weeks ago in the area.

Reacting to the arrest of the suspect in the market, the operators said “the truth is that as in every successful market, all and sundry attend everyday for the purpose of buying and selling and our own market is not an exception and no market has any control over those that come to buy and sell in the market.

ASUU strike: Academic activities in full swing at RSUST

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI, PH

R

IVERS State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is unfazed by the current nationwide strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over differences with Federal Government.

Prof. Barineme Fakae, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University who confirmed this yesterday however did

not explain why the varsity has defied the nationwide strike by public owned universities.

Saturday Vanguard investigations revealed that the school is in full academic activities as the end of session examinations are just a week away.

A Marine Engineering student who spoke on the situation said, “RSUST under its current leadership has never taken ASUU

seriously since August 2012 when the branch chapter stopped lecturing over perceived unfair reappointment of Fakae as VC by Governor Amaechi “You are aware the Governor has since ordered a no-work-nopay punishment for the striking lecturers as the school engaged replacement lecturers to keep lectures going. As it defied the local chapter so has the

authorities defied the current general strike.

Everything is running normal here.”

Another student, of Mass Communication Department, said, “My father didn’t believe it at first. My elder brother in UNIPORT has been home in Delta due to the strike for over six weeks and my father thought I was playing pranks not to have returned. He had to call a RSUST lecturer to confirm there is no strike in my school.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Deportees from Lagos

‘Deportation’ by Lagos State Govt:

No place like home at the end? seemed to be the determination of the Lagos State government to clean up the city in the bid of creating a mega city in the likes of Rio de Janeiro, New York, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Beijing, etc. or many Nigerians who came to Lagos Explaining the action taken, the Special Adviser to with the dream of making it in life and achieving economic success at the end, Governor Babatunde Fashola on Youths and Social Development, Dr. Enitan Badru was reported saying this may not happen. Hopes could be the action stemmed out of the effort to re-unite the dashed, a lot of people are embittered by affected persons with their families. Since January, frustration and disappointment. The journey 2013, about 1,708 beggars and destitutes had been back home empty-handed can be difficult and expelled to their various states and countries in a bid unimaginable. Emeka, 17, was one of those to rid Lagos streets of beggars and the mentallyyouths not in the mould of trying to acquire challenged. even basic education but to trade and do According to Badru, “the end result is to re-unite business. Lagos therefore, seemed the ideal city to stay. He came, thinking that all that glitters is them with their families. We are not repatriating them out of Lagos, we are re-uniting them with their gold. But Emeka misjudged the situation.

His story is typical. He moved to Lagos in 2010 families because once we rescue them, we cannot as a government hold a child under age of 18 years in in search of greener pasture. After taking odd custody without parental or guardian’s consent.” jobs all to no avail, he started hawking snacks In the last one year, 3,114 beggars, destitutes and and later soft drinks; dashing in between mentally challenged have been rescued in day and commercial buses during traffic along highnight operations, while about 2,695 were taken to ways.

He lost everything at the end with nowhere to Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Owutu, Ikorodu, where the government has provided them with skills go. Emeka, from one of the Igbo-speaking to live a better life.

South-East states, was caught wandering with However, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, some other young persons, arrested by officials did not see it this way. He petitioned President of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI). They were taken to rehabilitation centres established by the Goodluck Jonathan, describing the action as the latest callous act in which Lagos State did not even Lagos State government with facilities to learn bother to consult with Anambra State authorities some skills and vocational trades.

Suddenly, in the early morning of Wednesday, before deporting 72 persons considered to be of Igbo extraction to Anambra, saying it is illegal, 24, July, 2013, many of these young people of unconstitutional, and a blatant violation of human various ages already detained for nearly six rights of these individuals and of the Nigerian constimonths in Ikorodu, for alleged wandering and tution. other minor offences by KAI officials were But responding, Governor of Lagos State, Mr. taken into buses escorted by anti-riot policeBabatunde Fashola described the controversy trailing men and driven down to Onitsha. They were the decision to send some people back to their towns allegedly dumped at Upper Iweka bridge in and cities as political.

Onitsha, Anambra State.

His words: “It is unfortunate that my colleague This action enraged many people and caused governor has made this a media issue. As I speak, I national uproar. This was not the first time that haven’t received any telephone call or letter from him suspected miscreants, beggars, destitute, to complain. I don’t think that is the way government mentally-retarded have been rounded up and works. On less important matters, he had called me sent to their states of origin, sometimes, after before.” due consultations with affected state He added: “This is a political season and Anambra governments.The rationale for such actions

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

F

will be up for contest. And in a political season, unusual things happen. It is really important to say that our hospitality in Lagos State is legendary.”

Fashola acknowledged that there is a large Igbo community in the state and they are doing their businesses peacefully. “There is too much at stake for anyone to begin to incite the Igbo community against their host state".

He said that the relationship between the Igbo and the Lagos State government would not break because of the issue, as the government and the residents had a strong bond. The Lagos State governor said he hoped that commonsense will prevail here.

Our investigation showed that Lagos had been a “safe haven” for the Igbos in the country. They constitute the largest population apart from the Yoruba in the state with plenty of business interest and property. Most of them had been voting for the popular candidate chosen by the people of Lagos State in all the governorship elections since the advent of democracy in 1999.

Even the Igbo had been enjoying the goodwill and patronage of Lagos State government with many of them employed in teaching and other government jobs. There is an Igbo in the State Executive Council presently while a new housing project built by the government was named after Emeka Anyaoku, the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

However, this crisis of sending the Igbo to reunite with their families, whether done in good faith or not, has raised fundamental constitutional issues as regards to indigene and settler relationship which had caused dispute in several states of the federation. For instance, the Fulani herdsmen and natives in Plateau State had led to persistent ethnic clashes and wanton killings and massive destruction of properties.

There were also the Ife/Modakeke clashes in Osun State and the Itsekiri/Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic disturbances in the recent past. All these crises had tended to disrupt the peace and unity of the country, threatening the corporate existence of our nation.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—11

FACES OF ONITSHA DEPORTEES:

Sordid tales of their 'deportation' from Lagos to Onitsha

BY OKONKWO EZE Since the unfortunate incident of deportation of some Igbos from Lagos to Onitsha, old wounds were re-opned over similar incidents that happened in the past. The same residents of the commercial city of Onitsha woke up early on Wednesday, July 24, this year, and discovered to their chagrin that 67 persons, majority of whom were of Igbo extraction were deported all the way from Lagos and dumped at almost the same spot at the popular Upper Iweka area of the commercial city.

On enquiry, the deportees told the residents that they were arrested by the officials of Lagos State Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) from various parts of Lagos, detained in different prison custody for a period ranging from six months to two years and finally deported to Onitsha where they were dumped at about 3.20 a.m.

As early as 6 a.m., officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), led by its South East zonal chairman, Dr. Peter Emeka Katcy arrived the scene and interviewed the deportees one after the other.

According to the deportees, the KAI officials were instructed to flush out hawkers and beggars out of the state and as such, the KAI officials embarked on indiscriminate arrests and detention of non indigenes of the state, without asking questions.

According to one of the deportees who gave her name as Rosemary Nathaniel, a native of Ubakala in Umuahia, Abia State, “I was neither a beggar nor a hawker for the past five years I lived in Lagos. I was working at a Tshirt weaving center at Mile 2, Lagos and I lived with my sister but in January, this year, the KAI officials arrested me and my friend while we were standing and discussing”.

On how she was arrested, Rosemary stated that she was just standing somewhere discussing with one

Deportees

Another deportee who identified himself as Osondu Mbuto from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State and who claimed to be a petty trader in Lagos, said he was arrested by the same KAI officials who were in company of some policemen, while going to his shop on December 18, last year of her friends and all of a sudden, the KAI officials, accompanied by some policemen double-crossed and dragged them into their waiting vehicle and then offloaded them at a prison in Alausa area of Lagos

She noted that it was when they were forced into the vehicle that they saw others who were already inside the vehicle, adding that as they moved about, more persons were arrested and dragged into the vehicle until the

vehicle was filled to the brim.

She said that up till now, her sister had never known her whereabout since then because the KAI officials did not even ask them where they lived or where they worked or who are their relations, adding that if she is able to get a transport fare, she would like to go back to her sister in Lagos.

Another deportee who identified himself as Osondu Mbuto from Ohaozara in Ebonyi State and who claimed to be a petty trader in Lagos, said he was arrested by the same KAI officials who were in the company of some policemen, while going to his shop on December 18, last year.

Mbuto who noted that he was picked up forcefully by government officials with armed policemen while trying to go to his shop one morning. added that he had been in the Ikorodu unofficial detention camp without having contact with his

family and friends for over eight months before they were bundled to Onitsha that day.

According to Mbuto, “I am a Lagos-based petty trader but on that December 18 fateful day, I packed my load somewhere and decided to go and buy something and exercise myself and as I was walking on the road, I saw three persons who came and approached me. Initially, I thought they were all these people who snatch peoples’ bags and I thought I could scare them away by giving them a little change from my pocket.

“All of a sudden, "he continued, "I saw an armed policeman in uniform who pointed his gun at me as he ordered me to follow the KAI officials and out of fear, I joined them as they marched me into a waiting vehicle and drove away.

“My initial suspicion was that they were taking us to Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

ContinueD from page 11

Alausa police station, where they used to detain people unlawfully only to release them later with a specific amount of fee for bail. But this time around, they took me to another place called Ikorodu which is different from Ikeja local government.

That place is very close to Ijebu Ode”.

He said after taking his statement, they put him into their cell, adding that it was two days before their deportation to Onitsha that one of their elders came and asked that those who would want to go home should write down their name, which he did.

He said those of them who wrote their names and indicated their interest to go home were later separated from others and were later pushed into a vehicle down to Onitsha where they were dumped at the Upper Iweka Flyover at about 3.20 a.m.

As at 12 noon, that same Wednesday, the news of their arrival to Onitsha had spread like a wild fire, to the extent that the relations of some of the deportees surged to Onitsha, identified and took up to 41 of them home, while the Red Cross team later took the remaining 18 of them to Onitsha South Local government township Stadium where they were given blood tonic, lucozade boost, biscuits, food and bottled water and counseled.

At the stadium, more relations of some of the deportees arrived on daily basis, identified their own relations and took them home, including one Mrs. Okoli from Uzoakwa, Ihiala, Anambra State, just as some of them who were able to identify their own homes and were healthy enough to go home by themselves, were given transport fare through combined efforts of the NRCS and chairman of the Onitsha South Local Government Transition Committee, Barrister Ugochukwu Ezeani.

As at Monday, this week, only five of them were left at the one-room office apartment where they were kept at the stadium.

Mrs. Nneoma Judith Nwora, a member of the NRCS and education officer attached to the Onitsha South Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), told newsmen that one of the deportees had died on Friday as a result of protracted illness, adding that the five remaining deportees comprised two males and three females.

More deportees

Sad tales of forced return from Lagos to Onitsha Nwora who gave the names of the remaining five deportees as Friday Ndukwe from Ohafia in Abia State, Grace Igbochi who claimed to be a Lagosian, Ugulari Tutua from Warri in Delta, Chinyere Nicholas from Awo Omamma, near Owerri, Imo State and Rosemary Nathaniel from Ubakala Umuahia in Abia State, said some of them admitted being beggars in Lagos, while others denied being beggars.

She said that three of the deportees were unconscious at the moment, adding that some Rev. Sisters from the nearby Madonna Mercy Convent have indicated interest to come and pick them for feeding and medical treatment until they recover and go home.

It was at this point that reactions flowed from many quarters, following the remembrance of the first deportation.

Reacting to the development, the South East Zonal Red Cross boss, Katchy, described the action of the Lagos state government as condemnable, adding, “it is very despicable and very disheartening that a state in Federal Republic of Nigeria will bundle people who are in that state, who are not even indigenes of Anambra State, bring them back to Anambra State, dump them under the fly-over bridge at Upper Iweka in Onitsha and leave”.

According to Katchy, “most of the people, we have

interviewed are not even indigenes of Anambra State.

Some of them are from Ebonyi, some are from Imo State and other states but it is very pathetic that a state government will give an order for people to be brought to another state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria and dumped.

“It is an insult to Anambra State. We shall draw the attention of His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Mr.Peter Obi to ask why such invasion in his territory and we will find out why Lagos State should invade Anambra State

Among those who have so far spoken on the matter included a prominent Igbo leader and Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Importers Association, Chief Gilbert Bravo Obi; Barrister Obiora Muojeke, legal practitioner in Onitsha and eldest son of a first republic parliamentarian, Hon. R. N. Muojeke and Barrister Chris Ajugwe, another legal practitioner in Onitsha.

Aside these personalities, there were other groups like the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Onitsha branch; the

The initial deportation, which had larger number, sparked off fear among the residents of the commercial city of Onitsha who were afraid that the people may not be destitutes after all but members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, given the present security situation in the country then and still now territory; and why Lagos State should come and dump people here helplessly”, he lamented.

Prominent personalities across the country have continued to air their views about the deportation of these persons from Lagos to the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra state, for the second time penultimate Wednesday, July 24, this year.

Campaign for Democracy (CD); the Onitsha South Local Government Authority; the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS); the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); the International Society for Human Rights and the Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY); the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), among others.

Although Governor

Babatunde Raji Fashola admitted that only 14 destitutes were affected in the action which he described as mere rehabilitation, a cursory look at the scenario showed that the development has continued to attract condemnation from far and wide.

The incident is attracting this much comments because it is the second time Lagos state government evacuated people to Onitsha, under the same circumstance. The first one was on September 18, 2012 when they evacuated over 100 persons in nine loaded buses and dumped them in Onitsha.

The September 18 deportation caused pandamonium quite alright but it did not go to the extent of Governor Peter Obi reporting his Lagos colleague to President Goodluck Jonathan, as he did this time around.

Sources said that Lagos government has become too tired of harbouring those they identified as destitutes in the state that they decided to evacuate all the perceived destitutes at intervals, apparently for them to locate their respective families in any part of the South-East geo-political zone.

The initial deportation, which had larger number, sparked off fear among the residents of the commercial city of Onitsha who were afraid that the people may not be destitutes after all but members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect, given the present security situation in the country then and still now.

The development equally sent the security apparatus in Onitsha into frenzy as they mobilized their men to take position at the strategic locations in Bridge-head and Upper Iweka areas.

The Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col. Taritimiye Gagariga told newsmen on phone then that they were observing the situation, but assured that there was no cause for alarm.

The police Area Commander for Onitsha, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, also told newsmen then in a telephone chat that it was not yet certain whether the people were prison inmates, lunatics or destitutes, adding that he had directed the police authorities at Fegge Police Division to look into the matter properly and find out who actually the evacuees Continues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—13

ContinueD from page 12

were.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Fegge, CSP Rowland Omatoje, who had confirmed the incident, said that the people are destitutes from Lagos State, who have been evacuated to their various states.

He said they were being handed over to the Onitsha South Local Government Authorities at Fegge, which in turn will help them locate their families.

In his reaction, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, ordered the security agencies in the state to impound the buses and arrest the people to determine where they were coming from and where they were going.

Obi, suspecting that the evacuees could be insurgents, assured the people of Anambra State of his personal commitment to the security of lives and property in the state, adding that they should be alert and vigilant at all times.

The Governor thanked public spirited Anambrarians for bringing the information to him as soon as the buses stopped at Upper Iweka to off load their human cargo, calling for increased vigilance in all the communities in the State, as well as charging them to always report unusual movements and even suspicious faces to law enforcement agencies.

O

n the fate of the then deportees, the Governor said he had directed law enforcements agencies to impound the trailer as well as keep custody of those people pending investigations on who they are ,where they are going and whence.

The Governor took the opportunity to reiterate his personal commitment to security in Anambra State, insisting that he would remain awake in order to sustain the gains recorded in recent times against crime and criminality in the State.

With such alertness from Obi, residents of Onitsha business community and indeed the entire Anambra were urged to put the issue of the first deportation behind them to forge ahead.

Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the development. Among those who have so far reacted to it was the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha branch.

In a communique issued at the end of their general meeting and statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Association, Barrister D. C. Ma-

Reactions still trail pathetic evacuation of citizens

Deportees duechesi and Steve Onyechi Ononye, NBA insisted that the Lagos state government should recall these Nigerians to their various homes in Lagos and pay adequate compensation for the breach of their fundamental

were being deported and dumped in Onitsha, on regular intervals.

In their statement signed by its Zonal Chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, CD called for an unreserved apology from the Lagos State Government

The deportation of ethnic Igbo people from Lagos State across the River Niger to Onitsha marks a new phase of ethnic cleansing of Igbos by their tormentors and haters”. rights.

NBA also threatened to take legal action against Lagos state government if it carries out such an exercise in future, adding that the federal government should call the Lagos state officials to order.

The association also pleaded with Anambra State government to come to the assistance of these innocent Nigerians by providing means of transportation to them to enable them go back to their various states of origin.

Also, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), South East Zone condemned in its totality the inhuman manner with which some Nigerians

to the people of Anambra state, especially the residents of Onitsha who are always treated with this eyesore.

CD also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State to order since this is the second time of taking this sort of unconstitutional and inhuman deportation against Nigerians from the South-East extraction.

The statement warned that if such constitutional breach is committed again, CD would not hesitate to take legal action against Lagos State Government on behalf of all the deportees.

Meanwhile, the remaining five deportees are still

hanging around in Onitsha waiting for their fate. The Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Transition Committee, Barrister Ugochukwu Ezeani said Governor Obi and himself had to take it upon themselves to cater for all the 67 deportees, before they started locating their various home and leaving in droves.

Ezeani noted that having fed, clothed and transported most of them home, after medical care, the local government would continue to take care of the remaining five until they find their way.

Mrs. Nwora also told newsmen that she had spent at least N100,000 of her personal money in feeding the deportees, apart from the amount spent by the local government authority, under the approval of the council boss.

I

n his reaction, the Ogirishi Igbo, Ezeonwuka told newsmen in a telephone chat that the manner with which Fashola treated these destitutes was not normal because if they had lived in Lagos since they were born and had contributed their quota towards the development of Lagos state, government does not need to kick them out now that they are getting weak.

Ezeonwuka noted that rather than kick them out, government should take it as its responsibility to rehabilitate them by sending them to a rehabilitation center where they would be adequately taken care of, adding that the role of Ndigbo, as major industrialists in Nigeria deserved to earn them that respect.

The BOT Chairman for Importers Association, Bravo Obi, in his own statement on phone, said that whatever is the case, government should have considered the fact that the deportees are humans who do not deserve to be treated in such an inhuman manner, adding that both governments should have discussed the matter and reached an understanding first before the deportation exercise.

Barrister Muojeke, quoted Fashola as having expressed disappointment that Governor Peter Obi did not call him in such an important matter before taking it to Jonathan, but he (Fashola) usually calls Obi even in a little thing.

According to Muojeke, “let us forget about whipping up sentiments and face the reality on ground because these are humans and we are one, whether they are from the East, West or South, adding, the deportees should not be used to play politics".

Barrister Ajugwe, in a written statement, declared: “The deportation of ethnic Igbo people from Lagos State across the River Niger to Onitsha marks a new phase of ethnic cleansing of Igbos by the Yoruba tormentors and haters”.

Ajugwe further added: "Education, civiliation. or even religion and the technology have done little or nothing to moderate the evil hatred of Ndigbo. this episode of deportation of fellow Nigerians , some of whom were born and lived in Lagos State for ever 40 years to their ethnic zones, exposes the tribal underbelly of the Nigerian society. ”Let's call a spade by its true name. When the hero of sainthood Chinua Achebe wrote his Biafran story in “There Was A Country”, the mass media outfit was used to shout and shot it down even before they have read a word of the book”.

He said the solution is that the South East zone which has been neglected and marginalized with no federal presence over the years by the successive federal government leaders, includContinues on page 14

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Continued from page 13

ing that of the incumbent President Jonathan, needs a marshal plan with such scheme attracting public and private sectors investments in infrastructure, industries and federal institutions, so as to enable the Igbos return home and have no more need to be in Lagos or in the Northern Nigeria for that matter."

•Red Cross official attending to a deportee

I

n their joint statement issued in Onitsha, entitled: “Internal Deportation Of Igbo-Lagosians: A Joint Call For Decentralization Of The Age-long Concentration Of Socio-economic Activities In Lagos”, the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), International Society for Human Rights and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) and Anambra State chapter of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) warned against negative consequences this deportation exercise might generate in due course.

A public statement jointly signed by MASSOB’s Uchenna Madu, Intersociety’s Emeka Umeagbalasi and CLO’s Aloysius Attah, stated that following the controversies and unceasing condemnations trailing the internal deportation of Nigerian citizens of IgboLagos extraction by the Government of Lagos State and its ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) , there is need for immediate decentralization of the age-long concentration of socio-economic activities in Lagos State and demonopolization of same as “the economic capital of Nigeria.

O

ur joint call is made after critical assessment of circumstances on the ground including defenses put forward by the Government of Lagos State and its APC in which it among other things, blamed the Nigerian citizens of Igbo extraction for flocking, flooding and stressing Lagos State and its population. The State and its APC party also submitted controversially that Igbo-Lagosians are responsible for 100% of violent and syndicate crimes committed in the State. It said that Igbo-Lagosians are involved in advance fee fraud (419), kidnapping, armed robbery, assassination, etc.

"It is in view of this that this joint hallowed and informed call is made. The conclusion drawn by the spokesmen of the Government of Lagos State and its APC also raises serious fear over the possibility of inclusion of violent criminals among the citizens dumped in Onitsha .

"However, our joint call is in no way extricating the Government of Lagos State

Reactions mount against deportation and its APC from its malicious, atrocious and grossly unconstitutional act. The hallmark of a modern government, as espoused by Thomas Hobbes, is not measured by a number of high rising buildings or tarred roads with flowering roadsides or number of exotic cars driven by its infinitesimal rich/privileged class. Rather, it is measured by how the welfare of the downtrodden including citizens with disabilities . It is in no way measured by government inhumane social programs and actions such as internal deportation of citizens from one federating unit to another.

"A country without the downtrodden is not a country. This is because, it is the welfare of the downtrodden that originally brought government into existence." " Another name for government is Destitute Social Welfare," says Emeka Umeagbalasi . " Evicting hawkers, petty traders, beggars and the physically and mentally challenged from the streets and roads in order to beautify them is like deforestation that destroys the only source of oxygen meant for human survival. Their presence in well-secured public places is the real beauty of a country

and the traditional monument of the origin of government.

"Social living condition is propelled not by man, but by nature. A less privileged citizen today can become a privileged citizen tomorrow and a privileged citizen today can be less privileged citizen tomorrow. The issue

privileged State in the 1970s, today, it is a corporate destitute.

“Punishing a citizen because he or she is a destitute is a crime against humanity and amounts to playing God. In the major streets of the USA, for instance, destitute including lepers, the mentally challenged and beggars still abound. In all her airports, the physically challenged are treated as primus inter pares or first among equal. They are placed in the category of vulnerable class, cared and catered for at all times.

During sightseeing visits organized for international visitors in the USA, “destitute in the streets” including drug addicts, lepers, beggars and mentally challenged are shown and introduced as part of the great US society and foundation upon which the US Government exists.

Their resettlement and rehabilitation centers are also included as part of American great monuments for sightseeing visitors.

“The great civil rights struggles of 1960s in the USA were also propelled by people hitherto called “American Destitute Class”, from which the present US President emerged. The Catholic Destitute Rehabilitation Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the Destitute Food Center in Seattle, the Washington State and the Girls Incorporation in Huntsville, Alabama, to mention but a few, are all part of the US great monuments and epitome of her greatness.

"The white section of the South African society, which leads the African Continent in terms of socioeconomic governance transformation, was founded by the European destitute and prisoners.

Sadly, the Lagos State version of destitute welfare, which has spread to River State, is the Onitsha Upper

Punishing a citizen because he or she is a destitute is a crime against humanity and amounts to playing God. In the major streets of the USA, for instance, destitute including lepers, the mentally challenged and beggars still abound of being a destitute or less privileged also has individual and corporate connotations. " In other words, there also exists corporate destitute and corporate privileged. For instance, China is a corporate destitute of yesterday and a corporate privileged country of today.

Nigeria was a corporate

Iweka Flyover, which was randomly and militarily created at 3: am, at the hours of blue law”. " In view of the foregoing, therefore, it is about time Lagos State’s age-long monopoly of Nigeria’s socioeconomic hegemony got broken and decentralized. To this extent, it is our demand that the Southeast Governors

Forum and other core stakeholders should hold talks with the Federal Government of Nigeria so as to get the foreign missions in the country particularly those of Europe, North American, India, China and other Southeast Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council to open their consulate offices in Enugu for visa procession and obtainment and related issues. A situation whereby the South-east and the South-south Nigerian citizens have to travel to Lagos to obtain visas for international travels is not only condemned but also amounts to diplomatic enslavement. Also traveling to overseas through Lagos is not only death-prone, but also harsh and wicked policy that must be reversed. The upgrading of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is a welcome development, but it is not enough. Efforts must be made to equip it and make it to wear the outlook of a modern international airport so as to meet international aviation qualities to be able to attract not cabin coffins but internationally certified healthy aircrafts. " Having an international airport is not enough if access routes to it are not provided and maintained at all times. To this extent, it is our joint call that the Onitsha-Enugu and the EnuguPort Harcourt Dual Carriage Ways, which are now deathtraps, should be reconstructed as a matter of uttermost immediacy. For immediate and effective utilization of the international airport, the five States of the Southeast should jointly fund the reconstruction of the two important roads and seek for refund from the Federal Government of Nigeria later.

There is also need to decongest and decentralize Lagos wharfs. In view of this, cargoieing container goods to Port Harcourt wharfs, which are more friendly and convenient for traders of the Southeast and the Southsouth zones, should be encouraged and intensified.

There should also be proper dredging of the River Nigeria and construction of medium size wharf in Onitsha as part of the decongestion and decentralization of the Lagos economic capital monopoly. For easy conveyance of goods and services to Onitsha, Nnewi and Enugu, a connecting bridge should be built between the OgwuikpereOgbaru part of Anambra State and the Ndoni part of River State, which, when built, will shorten the distance between Port Harcourt, River State and Onitsha, Anambra State to about one and a half hours as against seven hours drive from Lagos to Onitsha, Anambra State.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, AUGUST 10, 2013—15

The lonely world of our aged The unchangeable changer and hens roam about the compound to the eighth floor of a modern apartment will be like putting her in a gilded cage.

And talking about gadgets, I wonder why she has never sent a text to me.

Surely fingers that can still hold a pen to write can still type? Another reason to support why taking her from her home will be like cutting off her oxygen supply. How many people out there share my dilemma?

W

hat do the aged want? Only the aged can truly tell. But one would imagine that first on their priority list would be comfort—to be in a comfortable environment where they can be cared for. They also would want to be nearer their Creator. So access to the Minister of souls would be very welcome. Another I guess, would be security —not to have to worry about bills — rent, electricity, food etc. They would want the availability of medical facilities and the knowledge that professionals are nearby to attend to their increasing complaints as organs begin to malfunction, aches and pains become more common, and sleep becomes a rare commodity.

I would also imagine they would want companionship —age grade companionship and friendship. People over 80 should be granted the indulgence to live in their past, to bask in past glories and relive emotional memories. They might not want the intrusion that face book and face time have become. They might prefer simple letter writing to texting or punching the computer. They might prefer a book they can see to an e-book. And who would know all these better than people who know where they are coming from, who can share a pleasant journey in time with them?

I believe setting up modern hostels (for want of a better word) all over the country for the aged as a private or government initiative is an imperative today. The old support system we used to have for our dear old ones is dying.

Many of our old people are isolated and lonely. The days are long and unshared memories are longer too.

A modern support system that recognises the needs and desires of the aged must be quickly put in place.

Think of the ambiance. Think of professional help at the touch of a button. Think of neighbours who feel what you feel and play games like ludo, ayo and draft with you.

Old age needs not be an albatross. It should actually be something to look forward to. After all, we all plan on growing old with grace. But as it is, all the money in Central Bank won’t help us when the children fly the nest, friends and associates start dropping off, and we are reduced to those occasional visits we are currently giving our parents.

,

People over 80 should be granted the indulgence to live in their past, to bask in past glories and relive emotional memories

A

ll too soon, it’s time to go and I have watched as she tries to mask her disappointment, her yearning for a longer stay. And the guilt follows me all the way to Lagos, eating me up even as the car eats up the asphalt. Until another visit.

In between, I am left to imagine the things she would have wanted to tell me but for fear of upsetting me. Or the things I would have wanted to ask her but couldn’t because they might seem morbid. I think of the long nights when she can’t find sleep or the mornings when she is weak, tired and dispirited and needs either the presence of loved ones or professionals to give her the ‘tonic’ to go through yet another day.

Taking her out of her comfort zone to live with me is out of the question.

That would be taking her out of an environment that, like her used and comfortable clothes, she is accustomed to; the church she has attended for years and years and has become a place of refuge, the people who drop by after church, the neighbours who have become family etc. Also taking her out of a rustic environment where goats

C M Y K

,

F

or I am the Lord, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed (Mal. 3:6). The only thing that is constant is God. This therefore means that all other things are subject to change.

Thus, our condition is subject to change.

Yes, that seemeth challenge is subject to change by the unchangeable changer.

The bible says that we are not consumed or destroyed because God changeth not.

If ever there is a being that you can trust to see you through any situation, it is God Himself. He cannot fail. He is too faithful to fail. He is ever dependable, Reliable and cannot fail. The scriptures say He is not a man that can lie, neither is He the son of man that He should repent; has He said and shall He not make it good.

You can count on Him more than anything else.

Money, friends, jobs, families, position and every other thing else shall fail you but He will never fail you. So many that trusted in other things to change them or their lives have suffered shipwreck. Some have gone from worse to worst. Someone may ask but why is it so? The truth of it all is that none of those things are unchangeable.

Look all around you, things are constantly changing by the moment. Government is changing, policies are changing, naira exchange rate is changing, fashion is changing, meals that we eat are changing, medical equipments are changing, buildings, airplanes, you name it are all changing.

Have you ever noticed that the seconds of the clock is ever changing? It has never remained in the same place longer than it is meant to be.

In the midst of all these constant changes there is a God that cannot change but changes all situations. I believe that by this message your miracle change is coming. Hebrews 13:8, says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever”. The truth that Jesus does not change provides a sure anchor for our faith. Therefore what He has done for one He can do for you and much more.

,

I

am racked with guilt when I have not visited my aged mother for a while. I am racked with guilt when I have visited and I am on my way back to base. I just can’t seem to do enough to make her remaining years more comfortable.

I am not talking about material comfort. At that age, they need very little— a lesson for all of us who are still busy acquiring the world. Most of them have given up on life-long pleasures;either because they realise the mind doesn’t need them or the body can’t take them. They are restricted in the main, to the bedroom, the living room, an occasional foray into the kitchen for those fortunate enough to still be able to do that, and the church.

Even new things — clothes, shoes and gadgets are left largely alone.

So like I said, it’s not about material comfort — that would be easier to provide. Its about those things, many of which I have little or no control over.

At over 90, I have watched my once energetic mother slow down noticeably. I have watched that admirable gait that made her a sprinter in her younger years, become a slow shuffle. I have watched the gradual dimming of the eyes and thickening of the ear drums. I have watched the courage with which she tries to hide the pains that afflict her body —muscle, bone and joints. I have watched her as she bravely gets into the kitchen to prepare my favourite meals with stiffened fingers. I have watched as she stoically tries to accept the death of another age grade, or more recently, those who used to call her ‘mama’.

Whatever someone may have experienced in Christ can also be your portion. He is not a respecter of persons.

I pray that you encounter His unchanging nature that will change all that concerns you.

What is it that needs to be changed in your life? Is it medical, financial, spiritual or what? I announce to you that there is a God that can change it. In Mark 5:2534, there is a case of a woman who has being suffering from the issue of blood for twelve (12) years. She had being to many doctors and many other places for solution but instead of getting any better she grew worse. All of her resources were wasted. But when she heard of Jesus, she said to herself, i f only I can but touch His clothes, I shall be whole. She went ahead and touched His clothes and she was made whole. The bible says “And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague”.

Hear me, are you sick and the sickness is ravaging your whole life?

Jesus is alive because of you and would heal you like He healed that woman of her plague”.

He was the one that changed that woman’s condition and He can and will do the same for you if you ask Him. He cares for you and He is touched by the feelings of your infirmity.

He wants you totally whole. Believe and trust Him and you would be amazed as to how He can change your life.

Multitudes are testifying of how God has changed their lives. You too can join them in experiencing the Unchanging nature of God that changes all things.

Let’s talk about the woman that was bowed with the spirit of infirmity for eighteen (18) years. She had gotten used to the condition that the devil placed her.

When Jesus saw her, He said satan has no right to keep her bound and commanded her loosed from the infirmity (Luke 13:10-13). Jesus changed her condition from bad to good.

This Jesus can set you free from every kind of bondage that the devil may have placed you. Turn your heart to God right now for He wants to give you a new glorious beginning by wiping away everything called sorrow in your life. He is set to change you now.

Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

Money, friends, jobs, families, position and every other thing else shall fail you but He will never fail you

,

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

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

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 —17

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 10, 2013

I have a crush on him Aunty Julie, I am an undergraduate who has a big crush on a friend of mine. While we are pretty close, I am not interested in ruining a good relationship if he isn’t interested. The thing is that I have begun recently picturing myself married to this guy and seeing him across the breakfast table talking about our kids. I’ve never felt this

way about a guy before. It has usually been more superficial.

I keep meaning to tell him but I get really shy because of my fear of destroying our friendship. I think about him often.

What should I do?

I-Jay, Asaba Dear I-Jay, It’s great that you have met someone that you feel that

strongly about. However, before you start planning your future down the road, it might be wise to find out if the feelings are mutual. Although you could wait to see how things develop naturally, the most direct route would be to have a conversation about how you feel.

You are already in a good position for talking to your friend about your feelings since you are close. Friendships can often weather a conversation about these feelings, even if starting the conversation is difficult or awkward.

Before you jump into the heart-to-heart, think about what you want to say and how he may react. Do you want to tell him you’d like to date? Or that you really like him and want to see where things go?

I’ve fallen for my teacher Dear Julie, I’m 17 and have an unavoidable crush on a male teacher in my school aged 26. He has seemingly taken notice of me and has helped me with my assignments endlessly. It is either a sign of his dedication to his vocation or something better , maybe he likes me.

I have asked friends if they find him attractive and have had a mixed response. I know soon he will be out of my life as I leave our school at the end of the year.

I am devastated by this fact as I don’t easily communicate intellectually with attractive males my own age and feel respected by the teacher.

I am pretty and take pride in my appearance and know boys and men find me attractive. I am sexually inexperienced and feel that he may believe me to be naive.

Through the last few weeks, we have met up at lunch time and kissed a lot . It wasn’t until

then that I realised how handsome he is. I’ve always had girlfriends and never even thought about men and all of a sudden I’m making out with my biology teacher!

Is it normal for me to be in this relationship? It feels good and I know he wants to take it a step further, it’s not as though were doing any harm!

I just want to know from you if this is an okay thing.

Jumai, Edo Dear Jumai, Most of us know what it’s like to be infatuated with someone.

The thought of them fills our every waking moment and we can think of little else.

In the early stages of attraction, a group of neuro-transmitters are released. These play havoc with our nervous systems and are the reason that we become temporarily infatuated with our date. Unable to eat, sleep or think of anything or anyone else, we

*A man and a woman have just had their 50th wedding anniversary. The husband turns to his wife and asks, “What do you want to do to celebrate our anniversary dear?” She replies, “Let’s run upstairs and make love.” He turns to her and says, “Well make up your mind, we can’t do both!” *A wife says, “Hey! Look at that funny guy whose been drinking a lot.” The husband responds, “Who is he?” The wife answers, “Well, five years ago, he was my boyfriend and I rejected him for marriage.” “Oh my God! He’s still celebrating his freedom!” says the husband.

• *There is a husband and a wife. The husband dies, and during the funeral, the wife starts to laugh. Everybody starts to ask her why, and she says, “This is the first time that I know where my husband is going.

• *After Brian proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side. “Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did. They were huge on her and she said that she couldn’t wear them because they were too large. I said to her, ‘Of course they are too big for you, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.’ Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem.” Brian took his

would move heaven and earth to be with the object of our affection.

Unfortunately, we don’t always fall for the one that we can have and once the attraction chemical cocktail has hit our nervous system, it can be hard to stop obsessing.

Even if he is attracted to you, he can’t and shouldn’t do anything about it. You’ve only got to see that proceeding any further is fraught with danger and will only leave you unhappy.

It will also put him in an uncomfortable position which could cost him his career not to mention affect your grades.

In a few years time, the age gap won’t be as noticeable and who knows! But by then, you’ll probably have moved on as infatuations don’t tend to last more than a few months.

This is one case where taking a step back is a good idea, you won’t regret it.

What are some different possibilities of how he might respond? Once you’ve thought about the conversation, you could choose a time and place that won’t be awkward and will make you both comfortable. You may want to talk with another friend prior to the conversation to figure out what you want to say, what you are hoping to hear from him, and how you will deal with his response, whether it is good or bad.

If you feel strongly that you can’t talk to him about it, some other options are waiting to see how things develop and hiding your feelings or ignoring your feelings for your friend and keeping yourself open to the possibility of being attracted to someone else. Although you only have eyes for your friend right now, you may meet someone else who makes you feel the same way.

I was sexually abused Dear Aunty Julie, I was sexually abused at a very young age. Its effects have permeated my life. This has affected my self-esteem, my relationships, and is, I believe, the root cause for past substance abuse and a lifelong weight problem. In as much as I have forgiven my abusers, it appears I have not forgiven myself, improved my self-esteem and my life. I no longer choose to remain a victim and I wish to fulfill my purpose in life.

Diane, Warri,

I was married to my ex wife for fifteen years and then we finally divorced. We’ve been divorced for a year and even though I believe I’ve dealt with our past issues, I cannot seem to put my ex-wife’s current actions out of mind.

I cannot manage to let them go and enjoy life. Is there a way to take my focus off her behaviour? She doesn’t bother herself about me and seems to be enjoying her life to the fullest. It’s so annoying. What do I do?

FAJ, Port-Harcourt

Dear Diane, The real problem as strange as it may seem at first is not your past. It’s that something in you has formed a life around its revisitation and now that sense of yourself has become the problem.

So the healing you need isn’t to forgive yourself, but to understand that who you are now is not that girl who lost her way.

You cannot change the past, but you can change the way in which you choose to live in the present moment; and that new choice changes you and everything in the only real way it can be changed.

Dear FAJ, If someone walked into your house uninvited and their very presence was a pain to you, how long would you grant them permission to stay before you?

Begin to see these recurring visitations of the images of your wife and her actions as unwanted guests who have no right to be in your house, meaning your mind and heart. Drop the thought. Leave it where it falls.

Don’t pick it up again. Over and over you must do this. She has obviously moved on. So, why bother yourself with the fact that she is enjoying herself after the divorce? Find something to occupy your mind and don’t think about her anymore.

Find happiness too.

I cannot forget my ex-wife Dear Julie,

C O C K - T A L E S dad’s advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and gave them to Brian. “Try these on,” she said. Brian went along with it and tried them on, but they were far too small. “What’s the point of this? I can’t get into your panties,” said Brian. “Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don’t change your attitude, you’ll suffer. *An explorer goes into an undiscovered tomb for the first time, and in the centre of the tomb, there’s a lamp. He picks it up, and as he starts to rub the dirt off it, a genie comes out of the lamp and says, “I want to know the person you hate the most.” The explorer says, “That’s gotta be my ex-wife. Why?” “I am a cursed genie. I will grant you three wishes, but whatever you wish for, your ex-wife will get double that amount.”

“Okay, I wish for a billion dollars.”

“Granted, but you ex-wife gets two billion dollars.”

“I wish for a mansion in California with a swimming pool, and tennis courts, everything.”

“Granted, and your ex-wife gets two.”

“Now make your final wish.”

The explorer walks around for a few minutes, returns to the genie with a stick, and says, “You see this stick? I’d like you to beat me half to death.” *Bernie was invited to his friend’s home for dinner. Morris, the host, preceded every request to his wife by endearing terms, calling her Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart, Pumpkin, etc. Bernie looked at Morris and remarked, “That’s really nice,

that after all these years that you have been married, you keep calling your wife those pet names.”

Morris hung his head and whispered, “To tell you the truth, I forgot her name three years ago!” *John and Bob were discussing their married lives.

Although happily married to their wives, they admitted that there were arguments sometimes. John said, “I’ve made one great discovery. I know how to always have the last word.”

“Wow!” said Bob, “how did you manage that?”

“It’s easy,” replied John, “my last word is always ‘Yes, Dear.’” *A woman was nagging her husband to cut the grass, to which the husband answered, “What do I look like to you? A landscaper?!” Next time the sink was dripping, she asked him again, “Honey, can you fix the faucet?” The husband replied, “What do I look like to you? A Plumber?!” Two days later, a light bulb went out and she begged him again, “Honey, can you change

the light bulb?” His reply was, “What am I? An electrician?!” A few days later, the husband comes home from work to find that the lawn is cut, the faucet is fixed, the light bulb is changed. Very surprised, he says, “Honey, what happened here?” The wife replies, “You know our new next door neighbour? He came over and fixed everything.” The husband says, “Honey, how did you pay him?!” “Oh, you know,” the wife says, “he told me that I could either bake him a cake or have sex with him.”

Somewhat relieved, the husband asks, “Whew, so what kind of a cake did you bake for him?” The wife replies, “Who do you think I am?

SATURDAY

Vanguard AUGUST 10 10,, 2013—19

A violent husband is a psychiatric case

Y

ou wake up every morning wondering what ‘crimes1 you’ll commit today — and how your husband will punish you,” a victim of a violent husband la ments. “A punch in the face for asking him for money for the children’s school fees? A slap in the face for saving hello to an old flame? A kick to the ribs for asking him to come home early for a change...” With so much enlightenment on marital bless going on today, you would have thought the wife-beaters would have faded into insignificance as we become a more civilized society— but the opposite has happened.

And it has nothing to do with your status in the society.

Theresa has always been used to the perks attached to marrying a well-heeled husband. “I came from a middle-class family too,” she said “so it wasn’t as if I was a starry-eyed pauper when we got married. The problem is my husband’s anger — it has a very short fuse and anything could set him off. There was the night he came home, saw the maid in the kitchen and exploded: I ‘ve told you I don’t want all these scruffylooking servants you employed touching my meals”, he yelled.

What exactly is your duty in this home? You don’t pay the rent, you their mouth in protest or they have more money than would be in for it. you need, and your kids “He’s verbally abusive too, want for nothing...’ On forever telling me I was an and on, he went on ugly and horrible person and without giving me the that if I left, he would replace opportunity to utter a me with a younger and word. prettier wife, and would hen I eventually prevent me from seeing the opened my children. Both my parents mouth, his fist was in it. are dead and I don’t really The sight of blood have anywhere to run to. The didn’t put him off as he kids are doing very well and flung the food across I thank my stars he doesn’t the dinning area — the extend his violence to them. fridge and freezer were Of course, they know what splattered with gooey is going on and he said they stuffs. The servants didn’t protect me because scampered. They ’d they hated me. But that is not learnt from past the true. When he’s not there, occurrences not to open “

,

M a n y women who have b e e n abused go on to have wonderful relationships with other men

W

,

they give me their support but I know things couldn’t go on this way indefinitely. A couple of nights ago, the violence got so bad that I ran out and drove to a

example, constant criticism, verbal abuse or isolating the woman from her friends or family by telling her lies or not allowing her to call them.

And it’s not just the woman who suffers. Domestic abuse taints the lives of children and destroys their ability to speak out. The parent might think the children don’t know, but children do. They feel responsible, but they don’t know what to do.”

S

friend’s house—in the nude! I was praying that she would be the one to open the gate as I hooted urgently. My shame was complete when her husband rushed out, took one look at me and ran back to fetch my friend...”

W

hy didn’t she leave?

Surely, anything was better than the loss of her dignity?

“I’d tried to leave before but he’d hunted me down and beat me up.

Whoever it was that took me in would quickly ask me to leave as they didn’t want any trouble.”

“Abuse can take the form of violence, but it can also be psychological” explains Theresa, a counsellor who’d worked with abused women for years. “For

o, why does abuse happen? “In my experience,” Theresa explains, “abusive men think they have the right to have absolute control over their families. I must stress though that it’s important to remember that not all men are abusive. Many women who have been abused go on to have wonderful relationships with other men. Tackling the epidemy of wife abuse isn’t an easy task. People need to be educated about healthy relationships and show them positive role models.

Hopefully, this will reduce abuse in the future.

“In the meantime, victims must try to get help— even if it means leaving an abusive partner. The relief you will feel when you wake up in the morning and you’re free is incredible.”

Do you know the numbers that affect your health? ou know your dress and shoes size, but what about the numbers that affect your health? Below is what health experts believe your statistics should say about your fixture.

Blood pressure: What is it? How effectively blood is transported to your organs. To measure this, your doctor will put a contracting arm band.

The ideal range average is 120/80.

What can it tell you? People with high blood pressure aren’t getting enough oxygen to their heart, lungs and brain.

Prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to strokes, heart failure and heart attacks — the biggest killer so far.

What to keep in mind: Lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, genetics and stress are key contributors. Get it checked every time you visit the doctor.

Systolic blood pressure (the pressure number— e.g. 120) fluctuates with mood and stress; diastolic pressure (the lower C M Y K

number) is fairly stable. Both are important but an elevated lower number is of more concern as this reflects how much the small arteries in the body are resisting the flow of blood into them. If it’s too high? Eat more fruit, vegetable and calcium-rich food. Cut back on fat and salt. Do at least 30 minutes aerobic exercise three times a week and practice relaxation techniques. If it’s too low, follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Cholesterol: What is it? A type of fat that can clog blood vessels. How to measure it: Have a routine blood test where you can get your cholesterol tested. Ideal range: Your total cholesterol should be less than five. HDL (good) cholesterol, one is good/normal. For LDL (bad) cholesterol, three or low is desirable.

What can it tell you? If it’s high, so is heart-disease and stroke risk. What to keep in mind: HDL is the only number

you want to be high. If LDL is too high?

Reduce dietary fats and exercise more.

The best way to reduce cholesterol is to lose weight through exercise and diet. If HDL is too low? Exercise. Small changes in HDL really affect your risk of heart disease.

Blood Glucose: What is it? A

,

Y

Prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to strokes, heart failure and heart attacks

,

measurement of the amount of sugar in your blood. How to measure it: with a routine blood test from your doctor.

Ideal range: A result between four and seven is ideal. More than eight is abnormal. What can it tell you?

Whether you’ve got diabetes or if you have the potential to develop it.

Diabetes can lead to heart, kidney, eye and nerve problems.

What to keep in mind: Up to four per cent of the population are diabetic, and thousands of people are dying prematurely from heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease because they’re being diagnosed too late. Being overweight and sedentary are major causes and symptoms often go unnoticed for a long time.

If it’s too high? Exercise can prevent type -2 (non-insulindependent) Diabetes and help to control symptoms. When people start exercising and eating a balanced diet, blood sugar often comes down without any medication. If it’s too low? A deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream or hypoglycemia, is very rare in non-diabetics. Treatment involved regulating what you eat and when.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Some classic rules in life never die and to spend the night or not to spend the night is the question only you will be able to answer in the end

08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

Should you spend the night?

S

o you’re dating someone you really like and things are really hot between you. You get along, enjoy being together and the sex is amazing. This is not just some hot person you’re casually dating though- this is actually someone you would like to see yourself in a relationship with down the road and hope he feels the same way. Should you spend the night as you would with other guys in the past or should you resist the temptation and go home after your sexy date?

Over time, so many rules have changed in the dating world. These days, we just do as we feel like and the new rules are: there are no rules.

We do what feels right at the time and figure that if a guy really likes us that much, he will want to get serious with us regardless of whether we spent the night with him or not. But is that really so?

Dating rules seem so old fashioned these days in this more-than-ever fast paced world we live in. We want to

date, find a quality relationship and true love all in a short, express lane amount of time. With our busy career days and other things going on, who has time to think about dating rules and who even cares anymore?

Some classic rules in life never die and to spend the night or not to spend the night is the question only you will be able to answer in the end.

If you really insist and want to, then nothing and no one

can stop you and the choice should be yours.

However, like with all choices in life, there are certain end results and consequences.

Making love is a pleasurable physical act while spending the night and slumbering together is more of an intimate experience. When you spend the night, you will do your nightly rituals you usually do on your

own, such as brush your teeth, shower and other personal thingsa side of you that most people usually do not see. This kind of intimate experience should be looked at as more of a privileged side of you that someone sees, rather than treated in a casual manner. If a guy is someone you are just casually seeing and enjoying your time with and he does not mean anything that special to you and you want to spend nights with him, then go for it, be safe and enjoy!

If you are hoping to be looked at in a more serious way and want him to work hard to win your heart over for a real relationship however, perhaps you should resist the temptation and go home after you have a great time together. You can enjoy a wonderful love session with him without giving him the honour he has not earned of seeing the most personal and intimate side of you.

Being able to sleep with you, hold you all night and see all of you as you really are is a privilege that he must earn by proving to you and showing you how much he wants to be with you and grow closer to you.

When a man is feeling serious about a woman, he will not hesitate to make that known. He will make it more and more clear with each date that he really likes you, cares about you and is even falling in love or is already in love

How do I handle the kids?

Ques: I am working to make myself a better example and a more instructive parent for my children, but I see my old mechanical self already expressing itself in my six year old daughter. I realize that I must always continue to do the work that I can do for myself. However, I wonder if there are other ways I can go about teaching my children. I have always been honest with my children and let the moment show the way.

Yet, when I try to explain to my daughter that her worries and fears are just lies, and when I talk with her about turning her will over to her

true self which is one with God, this causes her to either not believe me or to turn me off. Is this too complicated for young children to understand no matter how it’s presented? I guess that part of the issue is they have to experience what life brings them for themselves to learn these lessons that I resisted for so long.

But I continually see the conflict in which my daughter lives, and I observe that for a six year old, she exhibits so many of the symptoms of living in fear and worry over possessions and what’s going to happen tomorrow? Are there other actions I can take to show her she

has everything she needs in every moment that she is given in this life?

Ans: Yes, your intuition is mostly correct with regards to your daughter being too young as yet to grasp true principles.

She is still mostly just a ball of fragmented emotional states and incomplete ideas. All creatures must mature, and that includes we human beings.

So, your approach should be slanted to this understanding.

Don’t try to teach her particular ideas with regards to life and it’s specific workings. Instead, spend time with her be-

with you and wants to be with you. Women tend to over analyze dating situations and try to justify or find excuses as to why a guy has not expressed his “true” feelings for them or why it’s okay that they just go sleep at his place over and over again as he continues to not make enough efforts to show how much he wants to get serious with them. Ladies,he maybe not so nice, but important truth is if he wants you, he will tell you and you will not have to play any guessing games about it. If you have to work that hard to figure out where things stand between you, then you already have your answer on whether this will lead to a serious long lasting relationship.

So go ahead and enjoy dating that guy, but don’t give him all the free intimacy by spending the night, because he will feel no rush to ever work for anything you are already happily giving him for free. Give him the chance and opportunity to work and hunt for more and imagine how it would be to be more serious and intimate with you. Men love working for what they really want- especially a woman they truly feel attracted to, admire and respect.

ing what you wish for her to understand. In addition to this, read to her truth stories that you intuit have special meaning that can be “read” by a a young girl as your daughter. In this way, you will begin to steep her mind and heart in the atmosphere of what is — something that will have an effect in time . Be patient with her as well as with your own impatience.

There are many such stories that can be found in other families.

Read a story and then see if she wants to talk about anything in it; if not, then you select something and ask her to think on it with you.

parts dealer, needs a serious lady aged 28-38 that is ready to settle down on 08066690807 •Jerry, educated, from Delta State, needs a caring, romantic, •King, 40, single, employed, from working class lady for a relationImo State, fair, needs a lady of 30ship on 08064321934 36 for a relationship on •Ayo, 29, female, gentle, 08136709718 affectionate, reliable, honest, Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want •Emmanuel, 33, wants to meet a wants an equally reliable and to share with our readers? Please e-mail,chiomagabriel@vanguardngr.com caring white lady that will give him honest man aged 40-50 for beautiful kids, for marriage on relationship on 08095287686 Do you want to be linked?

08147753754 •Oluwasegun, 37, needs a slim Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting •Fawas, 54, Muslim, to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- busty lady of 22-26 who is businessman, divorced, desires a tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for Godfearing for marriage on disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process. working class lady of 30-50 from 08093962657 any part of the country irrespective of religion on 08126271740 •Juliet, 29, fair,busty, graduate, is seeking a sexually active guy of 35-50 for a serious relationship on 07016655549 •Toyin, 26, humble, Godfearing needs a caring, Godfearing and reliable man for

C M Y K

a serious relationship on 08102892579 •Tony, 39, seeks a financially bouyant,and Godfearing woman aged between 35-43 that wants true love for marriage on 08067452274 •Femi, 35, single, businessman, auto

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—21

Father Timothy strained his eyes through the hole in the cubicle to catch a glimpse of the penitent. In his twenty years as a priest, he had never heard such an incredible confession

The Oath

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL

J

ake Jackals sat patiently await ing his turn to make his confes sions. The person before him, a middle-aged woman was still kneeling before the Priest. She had been there for a long time and Jake wondered for the umpteenth time what manner of sin would take such a long time to confess. He sighed and tried to read another decade of the Rosary but he could not concentrate because his heart felt heavy. He hissed and was considering walking out of the Catheral when he noticed the woman at the confessional coming out. He crossed himself as he got up and walked unsteadily to the confessional, knelt on the wood cubicle that hid the Priest from the penitent, cleared his throat almost noisily and sighed. “ Father , forgive me for I have sinned.

This is my first confession in fifteen years...” “ Your what?” “ First confession in fifteen years” “Are you a Catholic faithful?” “ Yes. And I have paid my AMC upto-date.” “ Continue then” “ I am a killer, Father. I led the gang that invaded the Convent, raped the Sisters and murdered the Priest at the mission.” “ You did?” Father Timothy almost shouted the words and then quickly lowered his voice. “ Yes Father, I led the gang that murdered Father Christopher. I am an assassin by profession”.

Jake was surprised at the silence that followed. Wasn’t the priest supposed to simply give him some prayers to pray?

An Act of Contrition, some decades of the Rosary and perhaps the Apostles creed? Why was he keeping silent after hearing his confessions? “ For how long have you been killing people?” Father Timothy finally asked. “ For fifteen years Father. I kill for a living,” Jake replied wondering why Father Timothy was asking many questions and if his questions was what kept the woman who confessed before him so long.

Father Timothy sighed heavily. “ Have you reported yourself to the police?” he asked the man. “ No. Please don’t mention the police.

That’s why I came to the Church Father. I need protection from the law. I was not always a Catholic”

“What were you before this time?” Father Timothy asked, feeling incredible. “ I was a free thinker”.

Father Timothy strained his eyes through the hole in the cubicle to catch a glimpse of the penitent. In his twenty years as a priest, he has never heard such an incredible confession.

So right before him was the man who killed Father Christopher that evening that he went to conduct benediction at the Convent of Daughters Of Divine Love? The Convent had been invaded and many Reverend Sisters were raped.

For over six months, the police tried without luck to unravel the mystery.

They finally decided that Father Christopher was a victim of armed-robbery attack, the invasion of the Convent and rape of the Sisters, mere coincidence.

Many times, Father Timothy had felt the Church compromised because it didn’t pursue justice aggressively. The Church feared it could not handle the scandal that would emanate from reports that Reverend Sisters were raped especially when two of the Sisters got impregnated in the process and were urged to leave the Convent. The Church had lost confidence in the police for the awkward way they handled the investigation into the killing and dismissed the rape of the Sisters as coincidental.

And right before him was a man confessing to have led the gang. “ Are you a communicant?” Father Timothy asked him. “ Yes,” replied Jake,wondering if it was a necessary question. “ Go and read the Act Of Contrition, The Apostles Creed and fifteen Hail Marys”, the Priest blessed and dismissed him.

Jake got up to go, feeling relief that his sins had been forgiven.

“Please see me in the office when you finished. I need to talk to you,” Father Timothy added. Jake wondered, shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the pew where he knelt and began to pray.

Afterwards, Jakes met Father Timothy in his office. If the priest thought the act of confession would change the penitent, he got it wrong. Outside the confessional, Jake looked so hardened like the criminal he was and Father Timothy didn’t know how to begin to deal with him. He kept him waiting for a long time while he thought on how to handle him. “ Congratulations my brother. I thank God for your life,” Father Timothy be-

gan. Jake only stared at him.

“Are you married brother...” “ Jake Jackal. It is a business name.

My real name is Jake Jombo.” “ That’s good.” “ I was married to Philomena Jombo with four kids. But she is late.” “ I’m sorry about that”. “ It’s her destiny. They came looking for me but got her instead. They killed her”, Jake supplied. “ Why did you choose that line of business?” Father Timothy asked carefully. “ It’s a job that pays well, Father. And I kill for the right reasons. People get killed because they deserve to die.” “ I don’t understand”, Father Timothy told him.

“I’ve never regretted killing anybody except Father Christopher and maybe because he was a Priest but after our assessment, we decided he deserved to die. You see Father, the Reverend Father Christopher should not have combined his calling as a priest with politics. He should have concentrated on priesthood and confessions and not meddle with the political events of the day. It should not have been his business who was contesting election or taken any sides. But you see, Father Christopher died because he knew too much and the supreme prize for those who do so is death. Being a political priest was not in his interest. And when the case was brought to us and after we tried to make him back out without success, we decided to send him “home”. So that was it.”

Father Timothy was shocked . Indeed Father Christopher was highly political, even too political for his own good.

He ran political commentaries in newspapers and criticized government policies and decisions. But that was no justification for his murder. And could it now be the government that killed him? “ What you have to do now is give yourself up for the law to take its course, you and the rest of the gang. The late Father Christopher was a young priest with a promising future despite what you said he did. You have no right to take his life.

“At worst, you could have reported him to the mission. His case file with police must come under review because of the development. That is why I’m suggesting that you let the law take its course. “ I have confessed my sins Father and have received forgiveness by you and

by God. Why bring the law into it?”Jake asked.”We don’t just kill except after the

jury decided on death sentence and that was what Father Christopher got and I know you cannot report this matter to police because you are a man of God and under the Oath Of Secrecy.”

Father Timothy crossed himself and let out a deep sigh. How many times would the Oath testify against him?

How many more secrets would his heart habour as a confessor from sinners who would not submit themselves to the punishment they deserved from the law?

Howmany times would this oath hinder him from fulfilling his duties to the state?

His calling as a priest has given him a priviledge of hearing confessions of criminals but has hindered him from the biblical injuction ‘ to be subject to constituted authority’. He tried to explain the act of restitution to Jake Jackal who in reaction retorted that no one could restitute for death.

That night, Father Timothy slept badly. The next morning, he was shocked to see Jake Jackal come for holy communion during the Sunday Mass. Father Timothy grudginly served him communionand tried to communicate through eye contact that Jake should see him again after Church service but Jake deliberately didn’t meet his eyes. After service, Father Timothy sat a long time in his office seeing worshippers who came to pay him homage. Jake Jackal was not amongst them and he felt sad.

How could he have given communion to a sinner who had confessed his sins but had not genuinely repented of them?

Jake Jackal was still a killer and would kill more people because he believed he was killing for the right reasons.

During the week, Father Timothy made enquiries, got the address of the office where Jake worked and paid him a surprise visit. Jake was shocked to see him but it was late for him to dodge having a conversation with him. Father Timothy was speechless at the ‘Organisation’ that was killing people ‘for the right reasons’. It was a big white threestorey building, furnished to taste with departments written on the doors. It looked like any high-brow normal office and Jake Jackal worked in the Project Department. Father Timothy noticed visitors at the reception and wondered if they brought ‘jobs’ to be executed. He noticed Jake was not comfortable having him around and decided to make his visit very brief. “ Father, I cannot give myself up to the police”, he told him immediately he sat down. “ I understand, “ Father Timothy told him. “ It’s like your group works for the government”. “ That is wrong”,replied Jake. “ Who then ordered the murder of Father Christopher?” “ It’s a dangerous thing for you to be here because you are being recorded. I suggest you go back to the mission now.

I will see you on Saturday” “ For confession?” asked Father Timothy. “ Yes, for confession”, Jake relpied and then wrote something on a piece of paper that said that Father Christopher’s project was a private one.

Father Timothy rose to go, wondering if he could convince Jake Jackal to quit the job when he came on Saturday for confession.

But there was no next Saturday for Jake Jackal or confession either. Jake was killed Friday night during a project execution. He was shot by one of his colleagues for confessing the killing of Father Christopher and breaking the grand rule of the ‘Organisation’. On Saturday, the day he was meant to see Jake, Father Timothy got a letter warning him to watch his back.

That same day, he decided that he owed the State a duty even as a priest to report some criminal activities irrespective of the oath of secrecy he took as a priest.

22—SA TURD AY 22—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, A UGUST 10, 2013 AUGUST

N

P

erhaps being the most populous and arguably the most ‘ religious’ black nation has everything to do with it.

Just a couple of weeks ago

Diplomacy matters I found very amusing (in a good way) the Foreign Affair’s Minister ’s very tongue in cheek manner of telling the ‘powers that be’ that as far as

,

ever before has the pressure to bring Nigeria ‘onside’ as regards same sex relationships been so intense.

Several weeks back I was watching a report on one of these foreign news cables about how we were one of the countries that imposed the death penalty on people found to be indulging in same-sex relationships which of course, is a blatant lie, we all know that punishment is 14 years imprisonment. If you ask me though that doesn’t curb the trend … if anything it only exacerbates the issue, but that’s a different debate for a different day.

Our Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru has at several different times told of the tremendous pressure our government was under to acknowledge gay rights and recognise same in our constitution, and I can’t help but wonder why there is such a concerted effort and frenzy to get us to join the bandwagon.

against them. Imploring them not to impose on us a way of life that is alien to our culture and norms; adding that even if it was something

It piqued my curiosity because this was an individual who over recent times had been very vocal and had publicly spoken against it. What could he have possibly said or done to be so misunderstood

,

Nigeria and gay rights are concerned; they should take a hike. Like a true diplomat he turned the Western argument

we were going to consider down the line, they should give us time to evolve and come to that ‘level of

understanding’; (seeing how ‘backward’ we are)…. Touché.

I was rather surprised therefore, to see an article titled “FOREIGN MINISTER DENIES ENDORSING GAY MARRIAGES”. It piqued my curiosity because this was an individual who over recent times had been very vocal and had publicly spoken against it.

What could he have possibly said or done to be so misunderstood.

T

his is Nigeria, and regardless of your sexual proclivities, nobody, (okay maybe with the exception of Beverly in the BBA house) publicly commits that type of socio-political suicide.

On reading the body of the piece, it turns out that the Minister is allegedly

endorsing same sex relationships and by extension ‘gay rights’ in Nigeria by accepting to accredit foreign diplomats who are gay, posted on a tour of duty to Nigeria…

I may not be able to lay claim to a wealth of intricate knowledge when it comes to international relations and diplomacy but I know enough to know that those bio-data forms are pretty basic and if the word ‘sex’ appears at all, it will be once and only as regards your gender and not how frequently one indulges in the act; (remember that old joke?) or ones sexual preference for that matter. How is the Honourable Minister supposed to know who’s gay or not?!

What’s he supposed to say while checking the individuals credentials… oh! by the way are you gay? Seriously?

W

hile conversations in such circles might be so clandestine as to never see the light of day I doubt very much, that one’s sexual proclivities make for light diplomatic banter unless of course, the people involved are looking to hook up!

So what is this? Giving a dog a bad name in a bid to hang it or an intentional attempt to muddy the waters?

(Text Only)

Combining posture and deep breathing Legs Raise

Technique: Lie on your back with the feet raised upand placed against a wall.

Interlace the fingers and resting the back of the head on them, breath in deeply for about 10 times in this position.

When you're done with your practise, the next step is to lie flat down and remain still, quite and relaxed on your mat for a few minutes. This is to allow the body to soakup what you've just done and also afford the body a bit of proper rest of body and mind.

The Triangle

Technique: Stand with the feet very wide apart and turning the trunk to the left, bend the left knee till it's at the same level as your waist.

Place the left hand on the inside of the left foot and pass the right at the back with the palm on the left leg. Breathe normally and retain the position between five and 15 seconds and then repeat on the other side.

Benefits: The Triangle like the chair strenthens the leg muscles. It also stretches the spine and trunk muscles. It tones the spinal nerves and abdominal organs. It reduces or eliminates back pain.

few seconds and then straightening up the trunk, bring the legs together and lay on your back for a brief reast.

Benefit: The spread eagle stretches the spine rejuvenating the nevous system.

Spread Eagle

Technique: Sit downand spread the legs out as much as possible. Holding the legs just below the knees, lower the trunk while sliding the hands down to the ankles and resting the chin on the floor. Remain very still and breathe normally for a

The Triangle

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Spread Eagle

Legs Raise

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—23

What is your love personality?

I

t is an obvious fact that we can learn and know what true love is. What we are often not aware of though, is that there are different love trends. Does it even matter if we understand love trends?

If we are in a happy relationship, then that means it is all fine, right?

Yes and no. Although, your love with your partner might run smoothly for a while, it can take a turn we often never expect. This is why knowing about love trends is helpful.

What may have turned you or your partner on at first, might not be a turn on later. How is this possible if they seemed so crazy over certain things before? The reason is quite simple and reasonable. When we first get involved with people, the attraction and lust is so strong (not that it would not be later), that the way one seduces the other is not truly focused on, but simply instantly appreciated, since they are so drawn to one another.

As the relationship proceeds and the bond builds, you will start getting in touch with your own style of loving and expecting your partner to match up to it. At times, this will be just the case. Couples can share the same love trend, but at other times, they can differ. If your trends do differ, do not look at it as negative, but as a way to combine them and form a creative love trend together. It should not be one way or the other. There is no such thing as the wrong way to love, except for obsession, controlling and abuse, of course-which is not love anyway, al-

though some feel it is.

How do you even come about recognizing the love personality of yours or your partners? It is not difficult, but does require quite a bit amount of observation.

Start by making notes of your romantic qualities and ideas of what great romance, sex and seduction is to you. Do you like walks on the beach and dining at cozy, romantic restaurants? Or do you like setting up your sexual activities by setting up a scene and playing along with it, or just going with the flow? By knowing what trend you follow, you will then be introduced to your romantic identity and

know what you need from your partner.

There are several types of love trends that you should know about. It will help you come to a deeper understanding of what type of lover you are and your partner as well. People, whose personalities follow the emotional trend, are lovers who pay attention more to the meaning behind things, instead of the thing itself. A man who does not really care for picnics on the beach may still love the event due to the intention behind it. He sees the effort his mate puts into it and sees the love and caring meaning that

his mate had when the idea was thought of and planned. Emotional lovers are sensitive and love sharing with their partners and are also very spiritual.

They do not hold back from expressing their true feelings.

A creative trend follower on the other hand, may have some of the same traits as an emotional lover, but focuses more on discovering new things and trying them out, taking risks for a bigger thrill.

They love to plan and be a part of interesting activities with their lovers because they like going through adventures and new territories together.

These types of lovers are found to be quite exciting because they seem to be more mysterious and full of surprises and imagination.

Then you have the traditional trend follower, who likes to follow the rules of what society considers the right way to handle a relationship. They believe in having one partner, following the dating and romance guides to the point (bringing a girl some flowers when picking her up at the door for a date, just to mention one). They also believe in being organized, being financially responsible and planning the events that will take place in their lives with their partners.

Those are the main trends that most people fall into following. This does not mean that a person who has a certain love trend cannot carry qualities from other trends, however. It just means they in general carry that love personality.

There is no trend better than the other either. Each trend is unique and interesting in it’s own way. When two people follow the same trend, it is fabulous because they both know exactly what the other is fond of and what to expect as well.

There are hardly mixed signals. Having different trends is also a wonderful thing. When a couple has their individual love personality, it opens the door for each one to learn new ways to love expressions and can create a great trend combination!

Why many marriages don’t work

T

he wedding day was like a dream come true. You and your new spouse officially started your life together and were very excited. The honeymoon was fun, sexy and filled with hope and promise for a bright, successful and romantic filled future. As time passed however, you find yourselves sitting on the couch hardly speaking, when you used to be able to talk for days. The sex exists, but is not as often or as hot. You argue over things that are both little and big and find yourselves feeling bothered, annoyed and jealous over things you never felt upset about before. Sound familiar? It should, because this is a pattern that is seen over and over again in marriages. With marriage having a reputation of being so wonderful and fulfilling, why is it that so many marriages fail to work?

Misinterpretation: Many seem to see marriage as a union in which both people have a hold on each other that strips away the other’s freedom. The truth is marriage does not mean the two of you are no longer free. You are still two individual people who choose to share your lives together.

Illusions: A lot of us think when we marry the one we

love, a life filled with endless romance, passion and closeness will automatically always be there. While the love and passion can always be there, it will not be automatic and this is an illusion we all have to forget about.

A healthy marriage filled with love, passion and closeness is possible, but not without work. Falling in love in the beginning is always effortless, but the more time you spend together, the more effort it will take to make sure you keep the passion alive between you.

Incompatible Views: This one may seem obvious, but a lot of people with incompatible views get married with hope that once they are married, things will get better.

Nobody is exactly the same and that is not required in order to have a good relationship and marriage. However, having similar views and sharing a fair amount of things in common will definitely help you and your partner build a marriage on more solid ground. When two people have opposite views and beliefs, they often have conflicts, making it is very difficult and challenging to reach fair compromises. So, make sure you and your partner share similar views in life, as well as love and marriage.

Ask the Sexpert Ques: I am a 30-year-old man and my wife is 31. We have been married for two years. Initially, we enjoyed a healthy sex life but over the last couple of months, I have lost interest.

I don’t get an erection even during foreplay. And if I do, it is not hard enough to penetrate her. I get regular morning erections and hard ones when I watch porn. Is there any medication that

can help?

First, stop watching porn. Learn to fantasize, and perform better foreplay.

Physically, you are normal, so try to identify the reason behind your problem with your wife. Also, check your blood sugar levels.

Ques: I am 21 years old. I am planning to have sex with a prostitute.

How can I make my excitement last longer by at least 20 minutes?

Having sex with unknown multiple partners exposes you to the risk of different

types of sexually transmitted diseases.

So, I’d suggest you avoid it.

Ques: My girlfriend said she is a virgin. But I doubt it. If I insert my fingers in her, I feel there is no tightness in her vagina. Is she a virgin or not?

How can you say she is your girlfriend?

She seems to be your experimental doll.

By the way, there is no way to find out whether she is a virgin or not since the hymen can rupture even during nonsexual acts.

I am 21 years old. The last time I

had sex with my girlfriend, I did not use any protection, but ejaculated outside the vagina. Later, I learnt that she had sex with other men too, both protected and unprotected. Are there any chances of me contracting an HIV? You seem to have escaped this time. But in future always use a condom. You can never tell because even close friends may have a sexually transmitted disease. If you are worried, visit a pathology laboratory after five months and undergo a test for HIV/AIDS.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST10, 2013

08056180112

Avoid junk food and preserve your fertility D

ear young gentleman a n d lady, I believe you’re concerned about your fertility, and even if you’re not, you may want to put down that greasy plate of potato or plantain chips and deep fried crunchy chicken or any other so-called “junk food” that you’re so fond of.

Instead, reach for a plate of mixed fruit or vegetable salad.

Beware of trans fats Why am I getting you all bothered? Well, it is only because I have gathered, from studies and research, that junk food contains a class of fats known as “trans fats” that can make young men and women like you infertile, even if you are in tip-top physical and mental state of health.

Trans fats are the type of fat

The more trans fats in the diet, the greater the likelihood of developing ovulatory infertility

,

formed when liquid oils are processed into solid fats.

Typical examples are hard margarine or commercial frying fats that can be used repeatedly without breaking down. Trans fats are bad because they increase levels of “bad”cholesterol in your diet while decreasing the relative levels of “good” cholesterol and also promote inflammation and the formation of blood clots within blood vessels. *

Y

•You may wreck your health...fertility with unhealthy foods

ou need to know that you may not just be wrecking your heart and waistline with all the unhealthy fat loaded in the deep-fried crispy chicken,king burger, oily French fries or sugar-filled ice cream, but you could also be wrecking your chances of becoming a parent.

The impact of a diet high in trans fats could be devastating particularly on, say, an otherwise healthy couple that is trying to get pregnant, along with other health concerns associated with trans

,

fats (high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity), decreased fertility appeared to be directly linked to trans fat c o n s u m p t i o n .

Dangerous for men Junk food products, particularly those containing trans fats, can make healthy young men infertile by damaging their sperm.

Analysis of sperm from men aged 18-22 years showed that men heavily into junk food such as fried foods, processed red meats, potato chips, cookies and cakes produced sperm not as likely to survive the trip to fertilising the egg as those produced by men who ate healthy diets such as whole grains, vegetables and fish... .

And this was regardless of whether the men were healthy and exercised.

Their diets were tracked using food

journals over the course of a few months. These men were in very good health without any other problems that might affect their fertility. The men who ate the highest levels of trans fat had the worst quality sperm. In contrast, the men that ate healthy diets had the best quality s p e r m .

Prevent women c o n c e i v i n g Concerns from a Harvard School of Public Health study show that trans fats may prevent women from conceiving. As a woman, trans fats can impede your fertility in a few ways.

First, a diet high in trans fats is a diet likely to lead to obesity. Being too obese is not good for a woman’s regular ovulation. Second, overweight or not, trans fats interfere with body chemistry such that the body becomes more resistant to insulin. This makes levels of both sugar and insulin in the bloodstream go up, another strike against full fertility. Thirdly and perhaps most significantly, the inflammatory effect of trans fats can interfere with ovulation, conception, and even early embryo

development.

For women trying to get pregnant, every two percent increase in calories coming from trans fats instead of carbohydrates,brings on a 73 percent increased risk for infertility. Women consuming just four grams a day are at risk.

The rule of the thumb is this:“The more trans fats in the diet, the greater the likelihood of developing ovulatory infertility ” The advice is not to give up fats altogether. Just trans fats.

Which fats should you eat?

Doctors may tell you to cut the fat, but not all fats are unhealthy. You are supposed

to limit intake of saturated fats like butter and meat, and eliminate artificial trans fats. You need the healthy omega3 fats in fish, flax-seeds, and walnuts. Our bodies can’t make omega-3s, so we must get them from our diet.

Two classes of “good for you” fats exist —poly unsaturated fats, which include the much-touted essential fatty acids, which, in general terms, our bodies need but can’t manufacture, and monounsaturated fats.

Both types of unsaturated fats are thought to mitigate some of the harmful effects associated with saturated fats and trans fats.

How much fat should you consume?A small quantity of trans fat is found naturally in foods —usually in animal products —but the vast majority come from the partially hydrogenated oil found in packaged foods.

Read food labels carefully,even though labels can claim “No Trans Fat” if there is less than 0.5 grams. Look for the words “hydrogenated” and “shortening” which are likely to mean trans fat.

For now your best bet is to choose whole foods as often as possible.

This information may save your life!

Foods to avoid THE most common culprits are packaged snacks, fried and baked foods such as cakes, cookies,crackers,pies, bread, margarine, fried potatoes,or other commercially deepfried foods.

Others are salad dressing,breakfast cereal, and animal products such as milk

products,cheese, beef, and lamb.

Just for the records the amount of trans fat in commonly eaten foods are as follows: French fried potatoes -8 grams; margarine – as much as 3 grams; potato chips 3 grams;doughnuts - 5 grams; cookies 2grams; candy bar - 3 grams and cake -4.5 grams sat healthy living

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Aneke twins adds another year

I

t was an afternoon of glitz and glamour on Tuesday, 6th of August as top Nollywood actresses cum producers, Chidinma and Chidie bere Aneke, popularly called “Aneke Twins” by their colleagues in the movie sector held a bash to celebrate their birthday. As always , they didn’t do it on a low key as all that witnessed the gig had enough fun. The event which was held at Old School building, Swan hall, National stadium, Lagos witnessed a large turn out of celebrities and friends from the entertainment industry.

Mystro returns with new single

y s s o C s I ?

29

C

o k a Orji

ONSIDERING the waves she has made so far in the entertainment circuit, and the many controversies trailing her, it will be very difficult to believe that the busty actress who knows her onions when it comes to flaunting of boobs is just 29 years old. The sexy actress who confirmed the age in her tweeter handle said, “coosy orjiakor@cossydiva, so fresh...so young... a picture I took at Elegushi beach hahaha.. I bet, I don’t even look 29,” but is she really 29 ?

C M Y K

J

ust a year after releasing his hit sin gle “Ojoro” the scintillating singer, Mystro has made a come back with the release of a smashing new single, “ Skelebe” the fourth track from his forthcoming album. The single is filled with diverse style as it intends to re-introduce Mystro fully into the industry. “I am never scared of stretching my imagination. I do different genre of musics like, Soul, Pop and RNB, I play all the musical instruments. I am so confident that in the future, the world will hear about me. I will also be working on one or two things

in the coming weeks,” he said. While the single,“Skelebe” is fast becoming a DJ’s favourite, the talented singer, who is presently signed to Don G Entertainment, alongside, Zeelex, has embarked on a primary and secondary school tour to train some students on how to handle music instrumentals. According to the singer, he won’t stop until he impacts very well into the society. “The new project is a product of an unquenchable desire to make good music even better; and make my happy fans happier”.

Kcee, others set to thrill fans at “Johnnie Walker flavour”

G

UESTS and fun seekers can expect to be thrilled this week end by Kcee of Limpopo and other celebrities as the leading hot drink, “Johnnie Walker sets to give fans a full dosage of entertainment. Billed to take

place at the Likwid Lounge, Ikeja this weekend, the show, which has toured many cities like, Abuja, Calabar is set to be giving Lagosians their own dose of fun and preparations are on top gear to make it a memorable outing.

26 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

B

LESSED with good looks, Uche Iwuanyanwu is one of the rising actresses in Nollywood you cannot help but admire for her professional exploits. In this interview, she talks about her blossoming career, and why she prefers to star in Ghanaian movies and many more...

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

Y

ou are becoming more beautiful, and your shape is something else these days.What’s the secret?

I try to stay in shape these days because I am more mature now than before. I am careful about my diet.

And I have always said that if you have got it, you should go head to flaunt it.

In recent times, you have been plying your trade in Ghana. What’s so special about Ghana?

I don’t have a stake in Ghana. But it’s just that I have been getting movie roles from Ghanaian producers in recent times.

C M Y K

Are you implying that Nollywood producers are not recognising with your talent?

I’m not saying that Nigerian producers are not reckoning with my acting prowess.But it’s just that I have not been steady in the industry because of my education. Until last year, I was still a student at University of Jos. A producer cannot afford to wait patiently for you when you are out of reach.That’s what affected me.

But in the case of Ghanaian producers, they know when to get in touch with me, mostly when I’m on break. However, I am finally back in Nollywood, having graduated from the

university. I am ready to mingle in the industry now than before.But that does not mean I cannot star in Ghanaian movies when I’m invited to do so.

are bound to happen. So, I will be lying if I deny the fact that men don’t admire my beauty. Yes, they do, and almost ceaselessly. But I think the most important

I am a very pretty girl and it’s not as if I’m praising myself. You know when you are beautiful, certain things are bound to happen.

So, I will be lying if I deny the fact that men don’t admire my beauty Let’s talk about sexual harassment in Nollywood.

What is your own story?

I am a very pretty girl and it’s not as if I’m praising myself. You know when you are beautiful, certain things

thing is for one to remain focused on your goals. If you are good in what you are doing, a producer will definitely find it difficult not to give you a role in his new movie simply because you

refused to sleep with him.

Would you say your beauty has affected the way you relate to other people?

My beauty cannot affect the way I relate to other people. I am not the only beautiful girl in town. I am just the girl next door. No doubt, being beautifu has its own advantages. But it doesn’t mean that men should pay your bills.

Despite your beauty, you should be able to work very hard to avoid depending on men for everything you need as a woman.

What’s your latest projects?

I just concluded the production of a movie in Ghana titled, ‘Cheaters’. I acted alongside Jackie Appiah, a USA based actress, Okawa Shazney and Elikem Kurmodzie, who represented Ghana in the

Continues on pg 27

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013 — 27

Continues from pg 26 ongoing Big Brother Africa reality TV show. The movie premiered yesterday in Ghana at Silverbird Cinemas and is due to hit Nigerian cinemas today. It is about the game of cheating that is peculiar with married couple. I played the role of a married woman in the movie.

Did you undergo any type of training to acquire acting skills?

Acting is inborn in me,but I tried as much as possible to sharpen my talent by acquiring more knowledge in acting. I have a Diploma in Mass Communication before I later pursued a degree program in Economics. During my Diploma program, I did some courses in Theatre Arts. I have always wanted to become an actress.

Recently, we have observed that rising actresses always land in big deals whenever we feature them in our celebrity pages!

Well, I am not aware of it.

But it is possible for that to happen. I am not here to castigate anyone. It’s a free world. If they decide to help themselves that way while waiting for the big break in acting, then it is their own cup of tea. But I won’t date a guy simply because he has money to throw around.

What is your idea of sex?

Is sex not supposed to be between a man and a woman when they are married? I am not married; hence I am not supposed to discuss sex other than what I have just said. You can ask me this question when I’m married.

Aren’t you in a relationship?

I am in a relationship and I love my man. But it’s my private life. I don’t want to talk about it here. I will speak passionately about it when I am married.

I thank the Almighty God that I was born the way I was, but if I wasn’t born this way, there is no way I would have been happy about it. And if it needs me going under the knife to get it, I will do so crush on that person, but it’s left for you to decide on what to about it. For me, when I am acting, my emotion is put to check.

But would you date an actor?

Of course, it is a free world, l could date someone l have acted alongside with if I am attracted to the person. But I won’t because I don’t want to combine business with pleasure. Besides, I’m already in a relationship. l don’t have what it takes to handle two men. When I was invited to star in a movie in Ghana; I met John Dumelo on set and I really liked him.

I acted as his girlfriend; we kissed and did other things, but it ended right there on set. It is a person’s perception; it has to do with your upbringing. This is a normal thing in every industry. It doesn’t just happen in the movie world alone. Bankers are dating bankers while students are dating their fellow students.

These are the people you work with and meet every day of your life. So, if you do not know how to separate your work life from your private life, you will end up dating a guy in your office. But as far as I’m concerned, I do not think I will like to date someone in the industry no matter

how much he is attracted to me. I have my own man and even though he isn’t an actor, he loves what I’m doing for a living.

In the movie, ‘Cheaters,’ I cheated my husband by having an intense affair with another guy.While it lasted, it ended as soon as we finished shooting the movie. After the production, we walked away because all we did was acting. I am not saying the guy I played alongside with is my enemy. But what we did ended with the production.

bedroom, instead of wearing a bra and a pant, I would prefer to wear a bum-short and a bra- top or better still, wear a two-piece swimming suit and interpret the role in a swimming pool. That’s acting. And if the bum-short doesn’t interpret the role well enough, the director diverse a means to make up.

What has been your most challenging movie and why was it challenging?

My most challenging movie is titled ‘Somewhere in Africa’. The movie was like the ‘Sarafina’ movie in South Africa and I played a sensitive role in the movie. It tells a gripping story of Yusuf Mumbasa (Majid Michel) who, after escaping an assassination attempt by the King of Kimbala, managed to capture power

How far can you go in interpreting a role?

As far as I can go to interpret that role. Like I said earlier, if I have to interpret a role in the

These days ladies are doing everything to look sexy?

I thank God that Iam who I am. But if I wasn’t born this way, I wouldn’t have been happy with myself. And if it means going under the knife to get it, so be it. I am not going to castigate the women who do it because life would be very boring if you do not have what it takes it to ‘flaunt it.’ No one would take notice of you.

How come you were not nominated for our sexiest in Nollywood project?

I wasn’t in the country and more so, I lost my Black Berry. I guess my friends tried my GSM lines but couldn’t reach me.

How did your parents react when you veered into acting?

My parents love it and they are supporting me.

Perhaps, I wouldn’t have been here today if they didn’t support me.

If you have the money, would you go under the knife to enhance what God has given to you?

I won’t go under the knife because I am beautiful. But if I was not born this way, perhaps l would have given it a trial.

How do you cope with the roles you play in Ghanian movies?

Well, you have to understand what acting is about first. Acting is doing something that is not you; you are improvising a character that is not ours. If I’m casted to play the role of a prostitute; then it’s my duty to make you believe I am one. At this point, I am acting. I will transform into a prostitute just to interprete my role.

Does this not affect your emotion, especially when you are acting alongside someone you admire a lot?

It cannot affect you emotionally because there are many people on set.

Perhaps, you may have

via a coup d’état and ordered for the killing of all previous government appointees.I played the role of a leader who led some students to see the president following the injustice that pervaded the land. It was challenging for me because I couldn’t see myself going to the extreme to re-enact what happened in real life. I interpreted my role in the movie very well that I was nominated for an award. The movie was shot in Ghana and it starred other actors such as David Dontoh, Kofi Adjorlolo, Amornabea Dodoo, Eddie Nartey, Roslyn Ngissah, Martha Ankomah, Eddie Watson, Helen Asante, Gloria Sarfo and Eve Asare.

Can you date a guy who promises to buy you an expensive car?

I cannot date a guy for his money no matter what. Except I love him

Uche Iwuanyanwu C M Y K

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 — 29

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfersTransfersTransfers

United eye Udinese’s Muriel as Rooney replacement M

anchester United are lining up Udinese forward Luis Muriel as a possible replacement for Wayne Rooney. United manager David Moyes is a long-term admirer of Muriel, and he is ready to try and push through a transfer for the player if he fails to hang on to England's international Rooney.

Moyes has already turned down two offers from Chelsea for Rooney, but the player has made it clear he no longer wanted to remain at Old Trafford.

It’s a situation that is testing Moyes’ managerial abilities but he is determined not to be caught short if Rooney eventually does depart.

Colombian international Muriel tops the Red Devils’ list of possible forward targets, with new chief scout Robbie Cooke pushing for the transfer to happen.

I 'll fight to death to get Rooney, says Mourinho J

'I'm not a super trainer'— Guardiola plays down Bayern expectations

ose Mourinho insists he will fight until ‘the last day’ to sign Wayne Rooney.

Chelsea have had two offers rejected by Manchester United, the latest a £25million bid made on Sunday. But Mourinho said:‘There is no time limit on it.

‘We have identified the player as one we would like to have with us.

We have done it in an ethical way and we are going to do that until the last day. We are doing things legally, making the official bid directly to the club. ‘There have been no direct relations with the player, no contact — absolutely nothing. So let’s see if things change.’

Rooney has told manager David Moyes that he wanted to go, but United insisted he was not for sale.

T

he former Barcelona boss warns fans not to expect 7-0 thrashings in every game as he attempts to live up to the club’s triumph of 201213.

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has attempted to dampen expectations ahead of his first season at the club.

The German side won the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal last season, losing just three games in all competitions under the guidance of Jupp Heynckes.

Guardiola enjoyed remarkable success in his four-year stint at the helm of Barcelona, but he insists he should not be considered a “supertrainer” as he attempts to continue his impressive coaching career at the Allianz Arena.

“It’s not easy always having to win. People believe we’ll win 6-0 or 7-0, but that’s just not possible,” he told reporters.

“The supporters want more and more , but I have only been with the team for six to seven weeks, I need more time. I’m just a normal coach, I’m not some super-trainer.”

Bayern suffered a 4-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup in Guardiola’s first competitive fixture in charge. The Bavarian club got their Bundesliga campaign under way against Borussia Monchengladbach yesterday.

Liverpool to snatch Everton target with £12m bid

A

left back reshuffle looks on the cards with Liverpool preparing a £12m bid for Everton target Guilherme Siqueira. The Granada left back put in some impressive performances with Spanish minnows Granada last season and has caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers who according to Spanish paper AS, is ready to make his interest firm with a formal bid.

C M Y K

Mascherano: If Barcelona don't want me, I'll leave

B

arcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano admits he would be prepared to leave the Nou Camp— if he was no longer wanted.Mascherano has revealed he's received offers."You never know," he told El Pais. "In football, you have to be prepared for anything.There were calls from somewhere else, but no offers.

Eto’o, Willian, Diarra, for sale

R

ussian club Anzhi Makhachkala have declared their intention to cut down on expenses and reduce their yearly wage bill by a significant amount.

As a result, they have decided that they would be looking to offload Samuel Eto’o, Willian, Lassana Diarra and Christopher Samba to facilitate a budget cut as they reexamine their approach to local and European glory.

Hull City set to be renamed Hull City Tigers

E

nglish Premier League side Hull City are to change their name to Hull City Tigers, owner Assem Allam said in an interview published on Friday, explaining that the new title would make the club stand out. “Hull City is irrelevant,” the Egyptianborn businessman was quoted as saying by local newspaper the Hull Daily Mail.

“My dislike for the word: ‘City’ is because it is common. City is also associated with Leicester, Bristol, Manchester and many other clubs.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013 —31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Transfers

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfersTransfersTransfers

United to target Fellaini after collapse of Fabregas move M

Arsenal prepare £51m for Luis Suarez

anchester United manager David Moyes is expected to step up his interest in Everton FC midfielder Marouane Fellaini fol lowing the collapse of Cesc Fabregas’ proposed move to Old Trafford. After being led to believe Cesc Fabregas was interested in returning to the Barclays Premier League, Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward suffered a nasty shock on Thursday when the former Arsenal skipper declared he was happy at Barcelona.

This prompted an immediate response from Manchester United, stating their respect for Fabregas’ position, which did not quite amount to confirmation they were backing off but given the latest development leaves little room for manoeuvre. Instead, David Moyes must search for alternatives, knowing he has less than four weeks before the transfer window shuts and only eight days before the Red Devils begin their Premier League title defence at Swansea.

Given Moyes has already stated his central midfield resources are below strength, the most obvious course of action would be to push through a deal for Marouane Fellaini given his obvious knowledge of the player and a d e s i r e from both sides to resume a partnership t h a t

A

RSENAL are set to smash the English transfer record by offering up to £51m for Luis Suarez.

Liverpool yesterday took a hardline approach with the Uruguay hitman, ordering him to train away from the first team.They are furious at Suarez for his public outburst, where he claimed the Anfield side had broken their word— and breached his contract— by not letting him go. He insisted Liverpool agreed to let him leave if they did not reach the Champions League and a bid over £40m came in.

Suarez also said he would take his case to the Premier League after the Gunners bid £40m plus a pound a fortnight ago, having initially offered £35m.

C M Y K

QPR seek buyers for Mbia, Diakite, Ferdinand QPR are keen to find buyers for three of their senior players. According to sources, it is understood QPR's aim to get rid of Stephane Mbia, Samba Diakite and Anton Ferdinand before the end of the transfer window.

Mbia has been linked with Cardiff City, while Sunderland are interested in Diakite.

Chelsea prepare £42m for Eliaquim Mangala C

helsea are said to be preparing a move for FC Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala but only if the Portuguese side reduce the player’s price-tag.

Jose Mourinho is planning a move for the French international as a potential replacement for Brazilian David Luiz, who has recently been the subject of an official bid from La Liga giants Barcelona.

FC Porto are currently demanding that any side interested in 22 year-old- centre-back Mangala must meet the player’s 50m (£42m) release clause, a fee that the Blues are reportedly only ready to get out half of for the highly rated defender. Mangala moved to the Estadio Dragao from Standard Liege back in August 2011, and was a key performer in FC Porto’s Primeira Liga title winning side last term, during which the club conceded just 14 goals in 30 league fixtures. Jose Mourinho does have the likes of Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry to turn to if indeed Luiz did move to the Nou Camp.

Chase on for Victor Andradethe 'new' Neymar

A

host of English clubs are monitoring the situation of Brazilian starlet Victor Andrade, his representatives have confirmed. The 17-yearold currently plays for Santos and has already been labelled the new 'Neymar' having made his debut for the club aged just 16.

Pellegrini: New signings have made us the best squad in England Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has emphasised his confidence for the new season by hailing his squad as the best in the Barclays Premier League. Pellegrini, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium this summer, has inherited a squad that has been bolstered by the signings of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic for a combined near£90million cost.

Cissokho agrees to join Liverpool

V

alencia left-back Aly Cissokho has indicated that he was close to making a summer move to Liverpool. The 25-year old Frenchman revealed that he has agreed personal terms with the Reds and now just needs the clubs to come to terms.

"Liverpool came to me and it’s true that I have agreed to join them. Now it's down to the clubs to decide a transfer deal.

Redknapp targets Odemwingie, Zapata

Harry Redknapp is keen to bring in a new striker, with West Brom's Peter Odemwingie and Colombian forward Duvan Zapata on his wish-list.

Zapata, who plays for Estudiantes in Argentina, is also on the radar of newlypromoted Italian side Sassuolo which could make a move difficult.

Valencia sign Helder Postiga

V

alencia have confirmed the signing of former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga from Real Zaragoza. The 31year-old has signed a two-year contract with Miroslav Djukic's side after completing his medical.

Valencia has paid Zaragoza a reported 3 million euros (A$4.4 million) for the Portuguese forward, who scored 14 goals in 34 games last season, although that was not enough to prevent Los Blanquillos from being relegated.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

BY IYABO AINA

Rihanna sued over grandma’s unpaid funeral cost

R

IHANNA, popularly known as ‘Diamonds’ hitmaker, reportedly has been dragged to court by a company which handled her grandmother’s funeral arrangement. The company is claiming that the singer only pays a quarter of her $150,000 bill.

According to reports , the pop star hired the company to fly her grandmother’s body to Barbados after which her funeral was later held in a grand event. Also, the singer held a party , completed with tents, multi-media large screens, floral arrangements, and other necessities.

The company claimed that the funeral cost more than $150,000, while Rihanna reportedly paid a quarter of the total amount and refused to complete the payment claiming that the price was exorbitant. The company defended their work, saying that the big event came with high price.

Rihanna’s grandmother, Clara Braithwaite whom she called GranDolly, died in June 2012 as a result of cancer. Few days prior to the funeral, she tweeted, “#grangranDOLLY time for your party in Barbados.” She also wrote, “#grangrandolly you are going to have the best party today, and I’m going’ try to hold it all in, try to hold back my tears.”

•Rihanna

r te h g u a d ’s n to s u o H y e n it h W Bobbi Kristina engaged!

B

•Bobbi and fiance

OBBI Kristina Brown, daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, is engaged. The groom-to-be is Nick Gordon, who was taken under Houston’s wing at age 12 and raised alongside Bobbi. The two grew especially close after Houston’s death in 2012 and are soon to be married. Bobbi took to Facebook to respond to the haters who think their relationship is a little.

Her post was very clear she’s in love, and she’s not listening to the opinions of others. She said her mother approved of and encouraged their relationship, and she is very happy with Gordon.

“Yes, me and nick are engaged. I’m tired of hearing people say “ you’re engaged to your brother or if Whitney was still alive would we be together or would she approve of this.” Let me clear up something, we aren’t even real brother and sister. He is my adopted brother. In fact, mommy was the one who even said that she knew that we were going to start dating. My mom knows me better than any of you. People need to seriously stop judging my relationship.

Pretty sure it’s my own decision who I want to be with. Yes, my relationship may not be perfect. We will have rough patches, just like every other relationship. And we have had our rough patches. You may or may not agree with my relationship. You may or may not respect it. Judge me, go ahead. Your opinions are yours and mine are mine. It is my life and not yours. The decisions I make have nothing to do with you. Goodnight,”she said .

Beyonce flaunts short haircut

B

eyonce Knowles has decided to chop off her long hair, as she was recently sported wearing short haircut, ditching her iconic long wavy hair. Also the “If I Were a Boy” singer shows off her new haircut in three Instagram pictures.

Also in a black-and-white photo, the mother of one was seen touching the back of her head, while another photo shows similar pose from different angle. Another image gives close-up look at her face and the new hair-do. All of the pictures were taken in front of a big mirror, which is usually placed in dressing room.

Fans who could not hold themselves gave various reactions concerning her new look , as one of the shocked fan wrote, “BEY, is this your hair ? No please , NO!” while another fan praised the new style saying , “She looks good in every way.” Another devotee commented, “The hair looks •Beyonce amazing.”

Knowles Also report stated that Beyonce recently got a problem because of her long hair in late July, as her long hair was stuck in an electric fan as she performed “Halo” onstage in Montreal. Members of her crew rushed to help when the disaster struck, while the mother of one kept singing without missing a beat.

Chris Brown plans to quit music A

FTER turning himself in at a Van Nuys California jail for an alleged hit-and-run offense, R’n’B/hiphop superstar, Chris Brown appeared to be turning over a new leaf . But as he revealed on Twitter recently, he’s actually thinking of retiring from music at the very young age of 24.

“Don’t worry mainstream America. After this X album, it’ll probably be my last album,” he tweeted to all the haters, expressing his thoughts about quitting after releasing his forthcoming sixth studio album “X” on August 20.

The apparent reason for his decision to turn his back on a successful career was the feeling of being tortured by an unforgiving public for his past mistakes.

“Being famous is amazing when it’s for your music and talent. I’m tired of being famous for a •Chris mistake I made when I Brown was 18. I’m cool and over it!” Brown said, referring of course to the infamous assault he committed on then-girlfriend Rihanna when they were still together back in 2009. Despite the apologies and efforts to move on after the storm, it has become a permanent stigma on the young superstar.

Recently, even his own neighbours wouldn’t cut him any slack for the home murals he had painted on the walls outside of his Hollywood Hills home which he eventually took down to avoid the issue from escalating further.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013—33

Social media has great influence on our values —Adekunle

A

denike Adekunle is the founder of SWIM, a fo rum that has been put together to reach out and empower women collectively to achieve positive and enduring results in their homes and the society.

This author of ‘Behind the Scene’ and ‘Etiquettes Manual for Children’, obtained a B.SC degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, a postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies from Glasgow International College and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.

With a passion for making a difference, Nike writes to address the ills in the society and to change the negative mind set.

According to her, “writing is my little contribution to the society”. There is no gainsaying that the etiquettes manual is very timely in a society where our morals and values are fast eroding and social media is dictating the standard.

In this chat with ESTHER ONYEGBULA, she talks about her foundation, the reading culture of the average Nigerian youth, influence of social media on our value system, as well as other issues affecting the youth.

There are so many foundations targeted at women, what makes yours different from others?

SWIM stands for sisters, wives and mothers; it is quite different from other foundations because it is a forum created to not just reach out and empower women collectively to achieve positive and enduring results in their homes and the society but also to address issues that are peculiar to women folk, celebrate our uniqueness as well as mentor younger ladies thereby directly impacting the next generation.

What i nspired the foundation?

It was inspired to address the way women are generally perceived and castigated over the years. Most people see women as “bad” while others say they are “necessary evil.

This has in no small measure made women to distrust themselves and be suspicious of one another. Of course, we have a few bad people but when you relate with an average good woman, you have a lot of things to learn and experiences to share. There are issues that you can’t discuss with a male folk no matter how intimate you are. I believe in women coming together and having a common

It was inspired to address the way women are generally perceived and castigated over the years.

Most people see them as bad while others say they are necessary evils.

vision. Testimonies abound of people that have decided to do things the God way and have achieved positive result.

Recently you had a public presentation where two of your books were unveiled, can you tell us about the books?

The first one is ‘Etiquette Manual for Children’ while the second is titled ‘Behind the Scene.’

Etiquette Manual for Children is a value-packed book inspired by the need to teach children certain necessary values. We have a lot that is miss-

ing in our society and the book is like a third parent for kids.

As parents and guardians, we just assume that there are things children should know, but sometimes they don’t. This is the reason some of these values are being rampantly violated.

The beauty of this book is that it is very colourful and allows children to improve their handwriting as well.

Behind the Scene is a novel written to share the values that I hold dear.

It is a book that can be relaxing and easy to relate with irrespective of age. For the young person, it helps to guide them on the decisions that they make and for clergymen, it helps them on how to counsel people without necessarily making them feel guilty.

It is good also for parents to impact good char-

acter on their children. It is a book that helps explain that even when things don’t work as planned, if you trust in God, things will end well.

Does the average Nigeria have a healthy reading culture?

Actually, I believe that in this present dispensation, most people might not read serious minded books but you find out that on social media,,, people actually read what they find interesting.

As an author, how can the youth imbibe healthy reading culture?

I think that we have to meet the youth in our society half

way. If you want to appeal to the youth reading culture, you go through what is appealing to them. Gone are the days when you write things that are not appealing. The language, the tone, the diction that a writer adopts when writing is very important. But when you write judging from a personal perceptive, people might not read it.Writers and authors need to meet people half-way in order to achieve results.

As a writer who strongly believes in values and virtues, don’t you think our value system is being influenced by technology, internet and social media?

There is no doubt that technology, internet and social media have a great influence on our values. And I strongly believe that if children have access to all the information from the internet and social media, they might get influenced. That is why I expect every parent to be protective of their children and things that influence them, and the media has a major influence on them.

Is the influence negative or positive?

I think it is mostly negative because kids would want to experiment what thet read.

Hardly will you see a child that would go to the internet to search for anything that is mathematically related, because they just want to have fun and play and while having fun, you find out that while doing that, there is something popping up which is just a click- away from distracting you.

How can parents be protective of their kids without abusing their rights?

As a wise parent, there are ways to filter the content of what information your children should access. The restriction code available in DSTVand internet comes handy as it helps restrict their access to some sites.

Every wise parent should get bundles that are kids-friendly and educative.

In all these, what is the role of the society in shaping the mind of the young people?

Raising kids as a clan is something that we have in Africa that we should not let go of. Unfortunately, civilization is changing a lot of things; we are no longer doing that anymore. People should learn to see every child in the street like theirs and not just another man’s child or act as if nothing concerns me with that child. Someday, your kids will get to play with such kids and they will teach them bad manners. You might think that they will never meet, but somehow they will.

As much as possible, we should endeavour to train every child we meet and imbibe good values even when they seem not to be listening.

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Nollywood at the mercy of W

HEN Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood, kicked off about twenty years ago, themes of witchcraft, ritualism and greed that dominated some of the early movies.

Today, the practice has shifted and lovers of the country’s films are helplessly being compelled to watch obscene movies which promotes

pornography

‘YouTube’, is not helping matters as it is one avenue frenquently used by these desperate, and ‘materialistic’ soft-pron producers to gain wide popularity for such obscene movies.

Until recently, the production of soft-porn movies only thrives in Ghana. They were considered bold enough to engage in sexually suggestive roles. This, however, paved the way for the popularity of

Nollywood practitioners who have been very conservative when it comes to displaying sex and nudity on screen, are now leading the way with the production of pornographic movies immorality and cultures that are alien to us as Africans.

Indeed, recent survey has shown that pornographic movies are increasingly taking over Nollywood.

Ardent followers of the recent development in the industry would have noticed the disturbing increase in the degree of nudity portrayed in some of the recent Nollywood flicks.

Regrettably, Nollywood actors have thrown caution to the wind as they now venture into hard core pornographic roles. The internet,

Ghollywood movies in the country, as Nigerians, out of curiosity, patronized Ghanaian films just to see how far they were willing to go with this obscenity. But today, the story has changed. Nollywood practitioners who have been very conservative when it comes to displaying sex and nudity on screen, are now leading the way with the production of pornographic movies.

Some of the soft-porn movies that have flooded the Nigerian and

African markets in the past few years includes; “The Benjamins, Greedy Sex, Room 027, Another Game of Men, Bold 5 Babes, Bedroom Assassins , All My Ladies, My Pretty Angel, Take My Wife(Pretty Wild Things), Pool Party and I slept with My Bosses Wife.

Interestingly, the production of gay movies too are also on the increase.

Last year, popular producer Dickson Iroegbu, released a gay movie, “Law 58” which starred Kanya. O.Kanyo, who played the lead character, Clarion Chukwurah, Halima Abubakar, Ghanaian actor, Kofi Adjorlolo, Mark Morris, Chibueze, and other Nollywood stars. Also, gay movies like, Pregnant Hawkers, Sinful Act 1&2 and also a Yoruba movie, titled, “Lesbian” were also released into the market.

Still on soft-porn movies, the most recent of these hardcore porn movies is “Destructive Instincts”, produced recently and starring Nigerian born American actress cum producer, Judith Opara Mazagwu popularly known as Afro Candy. In the movie, Afro Candy played the role of a seductive mistress; with a steamy sex scene where a male actor was grappling her bare breasts and buttocks.

Her boldness and unrepentant attitude about her act was attested to when she took to her facebook page

asking for actors who could act nude roles and are interested in being a part of her production to get in touch with her.

Shortly after the noise about Afrocandy and the lewd scenes, another soft-porn movie , “The “Benjamins” surfaced with its trailer.

The movie produced by Charles Smooth X Edegbe and directed by Temple Chinedum is a high class campus movie based on rap music and love. According to some critics, the movie isn’t worth releasing because, it was a sheer display of obscenity and mediocrity.

However, it is on record that soft porn movies started flooding Nigerian movie markets about two years ago, when controversial actress, Tonto Dike starred in “ “Strippers in Love”, a soft-porn movie produced by Divine Touch Productions. Scenes from the movie showed Tonto kissing another female cast and x-rated scenes with another actor. She had earlier starred in "Dirty Secrets."

Apparently, with these kinds of unholy movies dominating the Nigerian movie space, questions are being asked today regarding the future of Nollywood. Many people are of the opinion that the current trend which must be discouraged remains a degradation of values that we hold as Africans.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 — 35

Tiwa Savage, Chris Attoh,

others to star in MTV Shug a

Kunle •Tiwa Savage

T

he MTV Staying Alive Foundation and MTV Base have revealed the key casts for the upcoming production of Shuga– Lagos, the award-winning TV drama, which will start filming on location in and around Lagos this weekend.

Hand-picked by director Biyi Bandele, the cast for the highly anticipated series includes a mixture of well-known faces and some exciting newcomers. Beat FM DJ and Morning Rush host Maria Okanrende plays the key part of Foye - an ambitious radio and club DJ with a domineering mother.

Singer cum songwriter, Tiwa Savage

•Chris Attoh

•Dorcas

will also make her TV debut in Shuga in the role of Sade, a glamorous owner of Badoo Tree nightclub, a favourite hangout of the key characters. “Oliva Tweest” star Dorcas Fapson, takes on the role of Sophie, a failing student who is not averse to using her body to get what she wants. The pivotal male role of Ekene, a young music promoter with a steady girlfriend but a roving eye will be played by Okezie Morro, while “Tinsel” star Chris Attoh, plays the role of Kofi, a domineering husband.

Other members of the cast include: Adeyemi Okanlawon (David) - a handsome medical student; “Dear Mother” child star Sharon Chisom

Ezeamaka (Princess) - Sophie’s naïve teenage sister; James Timini Egbuson (Tobi), a conscientious student; Kachi Nnochiri (Osaro) – PA and “Mr Fixit” to a corrupt businessman; Leonora Okine (Malaika) – Sophie’s married friend; and Olumide Oworu (Weki) – Sade’s 16-year old nephew.

The Shuga crew is also giving viewers the chance to get involved in the casting process by voting who gets to take two walk-on roles.

Chosen from the hundreds who showed up for the public auditions held in Lagos on the 26th and 27th of July. Six candidate’s auditions will be available for online voting from the 14th of August.

S han G Shan George eorge

rekindles passion for music

S

•Shan George

HAN George’s passion for music received a boost last Saturday, when the actress mounted the stage to perform at the Bowler Hats bash held at Nite shift Coliseum, Ikeja, Lagos.

Dressed in an evening outfit, Shan Geor the stage with her trending song, “Ababa.”ge rocked her performance rarely moved the audi Though, however, gave a good account of herself on ence, she stage Shan George released her debut single a few . ago to register her presence in the nation’s musi years But unfortunately, she did not go far with her c scene. events later proved that music is not her callimusic as ng.

While on stage, the actress blamed the DJ's, and marketers for her inability to hold her own in the musi c world. Her single was released almost at the same time Tont o Dike h and Stel la Dam asus their s.Co mme ntin g on the Bow ler Hats rele ased founder and boss of Contacts CommunicatiBash , its Amatus, disclosed that his love and passionon, Azuh brought about the highly commendable initia for hats tive.

Afolayan raises the bar again with October 1

A

fter the breathetaking success he recorded with his movie, "Figurine", a few years ago, award-winning producer, Kunle Afolayan is set to raise the bar again with his upcoming production titled,” October 1".

The film, which is already the talk of the town, is expected to gulp $2 million and, is set in 1960 against the backdrop of Nigeria’s independence.

October 1, written by Tunde Babalola, is starring the likes of Sadiq Daba, Kehinde Bankole, David Bailie, Kayode Olaiya, Nick Rhys, Fabian Lojede, and Demola Adedoyin.

The film endorsed by Totoya Nigeria Limited has been described as a psychological thriller, that tells the story of a police detective in Northern Nigeria, who is dispatched to a trading post in Western Nigeria, to solve a series of horrific murders.

According to the writer, the film is a psychological thriller detailing the activities of a northern police detective, Dan Waziri who was posted to the western region to unravel the mystery behind a series of female murders in the imaginary community. He soon discovers that the prime suspect is Aderopo, the prince of the community. Waziri, however does not have plenty of time as he is expected to bring the Prince to book before the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1

36—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, AUGUST

10, 2013

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI Background was born in Catholic Hos pital, Oluyoro, Ibadan on the 29th of October, 1962. I did all my formal schooling in Ibadan, had my primary education at ICC Primary School, Oriaje; secondary at Ibadan City Academy and tertiary education at The Polytechnic Ibadan before I proceeded to the University of Ibadan for a Master’s Degree in Communication Arts.

Getting into the profession I set out to become a journalist and to the glory of Almighty Allah, I became one.

After my secondary school, I gained admission to study Mass Communication at The Polytechnic Ibadan. After my OND, I got engaged by Sketch Newspapers where I worked as a reporter, sports writer and sub-editor until I returned for my HND in 1985. During my National Youth Service Corps which I did in Niger State, I was the Head of the Camp Outside Broadcast Unit and Editor–inChief of the Niger State NYSC news-letter for the 1987-88 service year.

In my place of primary assignment, Broadcasting Corporation of Niger State, Minna, I was virtually in charge of the newsroom for the period of my service year. As a youth corps member, I was a Duty Editor. Immediately, after my NYSC, I was employed by Vanguard Newspapers and assigned to cover the Presidency, Cabinet Secretariat and Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Lagos.

In less than seven weeks after I joined Vanguard, I was posted to Abuja on November 23, 1988 to cover the Constituent Assembly, the most important assignment taking place in Nigeria and the entire sub region of West Africa at that time reporting all the fields of endeavour. I was the Abuja City Editor, Chief Parliamentary Correspondent, Abuja Bureau Chief and Regional Editor, North for Vanguard Newspapers at various times.

I

Challenges encountered at the beginning To the glory of Allah, I did not encounter any serious challenge at the beginning or at any point in my journalism career. It was a field chosen for me by the Almighty. I had every path well paved for the very memorable period in active practice of journalism. In Abuja where I spent most of my years in journalism, the

My experience in Journalism paves way for me —Olaosebikan Kehinde Olaosebikan is a renown journalist and presently the Chief Consultant of Midas Communication, a formidable reputation management firm based in the Federal Capital territory, Abuja. In this interview with Olayinka Ajayi, he shares the experience of his sojourn into journalism and politics. Excerpts.

*Kehinde Olaosebikan

practice was very smooth with very decent, brilliant, hard working and resourceful journalists around at that time. Despite the keen competition amongst us as young journalists desirous of making our marks and impressing our employers, there existed very robust collaboration and genial relationships among Abuja

I have been advocating extensively for the involvement of responsible well- to- do professionals in politics, for us to salvage the state and the country journalists at that time. We were like one big family. Infact Lagos journalists including our superiors envied us.

Reporting in the FCT Reporting was more tasking in the Federal Capital like elsewhere outside the headquarters because of the level of technology at the

time. The most sophisticated means of sending stories was telephone

which was quite epileptic. As a matter of fact,

there were times when one had to go as far as Suleja to file stories because at a point, telephone service was better in Suleja than Abuja. At times, I had to go

to the airport whenever the reception in the city was poor.

In the early 90s, NITEL introduced computerized telex service which was a bit better than telephone. Definitely, you cannot compare any of those with internet where you can access and send stories in the comfort of your room now. It was indeed very tasking and cumbersome then. But in spite of the difficulties, I found it very pleasurable.

Leaving Abuja I left Abuja at the inception of the new democracy in 1999 when I was appointed the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Late Alhaji Lam Adesina. It was while serving as CPS that I returned to politics. In 2003, I won the ticket of the ruling party in Oyo State then, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to contest for the House of Representatives, Oluyole Federal Constituency.

But you know what happened to the AD. I lost, like most of others. This is where I have actually had challenges

in my life. After losing that election, I chose to stay in Ibadan with greater concentration in politics. When I examined the quality of people leading us, particularly those in active politics, I felt constrained to remain therein purposely to enhance the quality of politics and governance in the state. Basically, my interest in politics is the development of the people and the state. And to achieve concrete and sustainable development, the quality of the providers (the politicians) is key.

That is why apart from my strong activities in politics, I have been advocating extensively, for the involvement of more responsible well-to-do professionals in politics, for us to salvage the state and the country together. We cannot run away from politics because the more we run from it, the worse our dear country will be.

Experience as Local Government Chairman It was a very interesting and rewarding experience.

Naturally, I love being with the people and that helped me a lot in governing at the grassroots. What I did that made the administration very effective, efficient and popular was that I returned the power to the people. The country is at present making a very big mistake on the issue of governance, particularly at the grassroots. Categorically, I can say that the stunted growth of our democracy is as a result of poor understanding of our people and the politics of local government adminis-

tration.

Our democracy can only be deepened with enhanced grassroots participation, greater control over programs by the grassroots and increased mobilization of the grassroots for developmental projects. These are the fundamental apparatus required for good governance. Local governments are created to actualize the ideas of local governance.

The people must be adequately carried along and all actions, pronouncements of government must impact on their lives positively. If democracy is well practiced at the local government level, poverty and hunger will be eradicated in Nigeria.

Winning Awards I was adjudged the best Chief Press Secretary in Nigeria by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun and Oyo States Chapters as well as the National Association of Nigerian Students in 2002. During the four year period, I got a lot of awards.

Naturally, I am not given to panegyrics and sycophancy. I was offered a number of awards within the short period I served in the local government out of which I accepted just only two. One from the farmers (Asiwaju of Agbe) and the other from all the muslim leaders (the Imams in unison) in the local government. These were the ones offered me after I had left the office.

Guiding principles in life Fear of God and honesty.

I hold firmly that one must be God fearing and honest in all his dealings and relationships. I run way from liars and wicked people.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—37

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA & ANOZIE EGOLE

I want to be part of the show

— Collette Orji, Actress

...on

I

’d like to represent Nigeria come the next season of Big Brother Africa. It’s a career boosting project, but my problem with the show has to do with the uncensored display of nudity and sex on screen. We are Africans and our culture forbids such immoral acts. Don’t tell me that we are all adults, so , we can afford to watch nudity on screen.

Big Brother Africa wasn’t created to encourage public sex and nudity. The Housemates should not throw caution to the wind. What legacy are we leaving for the young generation if we can boldly say that a nude girl or man on the silver screen is looking hot.

!

B

ig Brother Africa reality TV show was first aired on August 5, 2007. Over the years, the show has been trailed with mixed-feelings. While some people believe that the show promotes immorality and cultures that are alien to us as Africans, many others have refused to see anything wrong in it. To the latter, the show provides a platform to make stars as well as young millionaires across Africa.Our team went to town and sought the opinions of celebrities on the issue.

BBA makes stars but...

– Uche Iwuanyanwu, Actress

•Uche Iwuanyanwu

•Collette Orji

I like the fact that the reality TV show provides a platform to launch the housemates into stardom. It also exposes the participants to the different cultures and lifestyles of other African countries.

But I don’t like the idea of nudity that is associated with the show. Personally, I suggest that there should be restrictions in terms of what is shown to the viewers.

The show should be used as a medium to promote morality in our society.

•Mary Lazarus

It’s not a‘must watch show’

Decency is more honourable

Ifeoma Okeke, Actress

I

am indifferent when it

comes to the issue of Big Brother Africa reality TV show. Like I have always said, it’s not a must to watch the show. I am not going to castigate the organizers because we are in a free world.

They are not compelling viewers to watch the show.

It may not be a career development show if you know what you want in life. But it provides a platform to launch participants into stardom.Don’t forget that it is not everyone who participates in BBA that gets carried away with the euphoria of the show.

So, it is a free- world. If you decide to misbehave while in the BBA House, it is to your own shame.

C M Y K

•Ifeoma Okeke

We ‘re all adults!

—Queeneth Hilbert, Actress

Ithat I want to participate in the show. We are all adults.So, if

like Big Brother Africa so much

you cannot watch the Big Brother Africa show because of the exhibition of nudity and everything; then turn-off your TV set. Better still, discontinue from subscribing to DSTV and go ahead to patronise cheaper TV networks.

•Queeneth Hilbert

— Mary Lazarus, Actress

B

ig Brother Africa is not a bad platform because whoever participates in the show is a representative of his or her own country. It is an honourable thing when you are selected to represent your people in a big show like BBA. But what I don’t like is a situation where some of us enter the Big Brother House and forget that they are there to represent their people. You should be able to project the image of your country while in the BBA House and not the other way round.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Why I proposed to Lola Omotayo by Peter Okoye O

NE half of the multiple award-winning PSquare, Peter Okoye, last Tuesday, shocked many of his fans when he finally proposed to Lola Omotayo, his long time friend and mother of his two kids (Cameron and Aliona) with a diamond ring and a brand new white Range Rover Vogue worth N15 million.

The proposal put to rest the widespread criticisms that have trailed their relationship over the years. Lola, who said ‘Yes’ to the proposal, reportedly was close to tears when the musician slipped the diamond engagement ring into her finger, and handed the car keys to her.

Peter, who didn’t give Lola prior notice of his plan, visited her residence with the car and parked it inside her compound. On the bonnet of the vehicle, he also dropped a rose flower and a love card with the inscription, ‘Please say Yes.’ This drama was followed by a long passionate kiss from the love birds.

Minutes later, the musician posted on his Instagram and Twitter handle saying, “It’s about time,” and shortly after, he also posted that “she said yes.” He later updated his Blackberry status with “Officially, she’s now Mrs. Okoye…”

Speaking on why he decided to propose to Lola, Peter said: “it is something I had always wanted to do and I knew I would definitely do this to Lola

I

n continuation to its annual award event, the umbrella body of Imo State Based Artistes (ISBA) will this Sunday honour the Chief Executive Officer of Ibari Ogwa Village, Mr. Chukwudi Ofoha, renowned writer Ugochukwu FavourMayor, Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Senator Chris Anyanwu and few other art patrons and ambassadors in Imo State.

The award event which is the fifth edition of its annual series and tagged CAPA 2013, would be holding at the popular hangout Ibari Ogwa Village, in Owerri, Imo state.

Speaking on the event, the facilitator, Ugo Stevenson said the nomination was based on the awardees’ profound contributions towards the development of arts and culture in Imo State. “The day is set aside by Imo artistes to enable us express our gratitude to their honour, for laying the foundation, and providing the platform and support on which many artistes rode on to success and actualized their creative potentials,” Ugo added.

Mr. Chukwudi Ofoha and friends

Glo X FFact act or: Smoo th actor: Smooth Boiz bow out

BY AYO ONIKOYI

L

one day, but I needed to wait for the right time. Honestly, she deserves even more from me.” he said.

On her own, Lola said, “it is a day the Lord has made. I’m excited the way any woman in my shoes would.”

The romance between Peter

and Lola started many years ago, even before Peter became a celebrity.

Their relationship is already blessed with two kids; Cameron and Aliona Okoye.

A Public Relations expert said that, Lola met Peter while she was working with FKG2, an advertising company.

2face, Tiwa Savage, others to headline St ar Trek grand finale

A

2face Idibia

ISBA to honour Ibari Ogwa, Mayor, others

By IYABO AINA

FTER 9 exciting weeks across the country, the Star Music Trek train will finally ber ths this eve nin g at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The event promises to be an exciting grand finale of the year.

Headline artistes 2face Idibia, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, J Martins, DrSID, and Waje with a surprise reappearance from Wande Coal , are set to thrill music lovers who have been foll owi ng the Tre k wh en it kicked off on the 8th of June, in Lagos.

According to 2face, who debuted on The Trek in Asaba, the grand finale promises to be one worth attending .

“Asaba was awesome but trust me, you can’t beat what we have

in store for our fans on August 10 at the National Stadium.

Just imagine all the ‘Treks’, from Festac right down to Agege all wrapped on in one massive Grand Finale! Trust me it will be awesome,” the singer said.

“Perfor ming at each Star Music Trek Concert is always an amazing time for me. I’ve been missing my fans. So, I’m most definitely looking forward to seeing them again on this evening,” Ice Prince said.

Als o per form ing for the sec ond tim e, bea utif ul songstress Tiwa Savage noted that, “Truthfully, it’s been really exc itin g. Thi s wil l be my second time performing on the Trek this year, but I’ve been watching the concerts from city to cit,” she said.

uck has finally run out on the Smooth Boiz who were voted out by the judges after standing trial for two consecutive weeks as one of the last two least voted contestants.

The Smooth Boiz ran the last test of their run in the reality show alongside the Symphony who have also being at the rock bottom for the second week running.

Before a live audience on Friday, it looked like luck might again come to the rescue for the boys, but then they were standing at the exit door with the Symphony, who also needed all the luck they could get. Like a penalty shootout in a game of soccer, somebody must just take the fall.

It was left to the 3 judges, Onyeka Onwenu, Reggie Rockstone and MI to vote one group out. A tough task that got Onyeka, who had to make the first call, in a bit of a twist. She voted Smooth Boiz to a quaking roar from the crowd. That was the closest the Smooth Boiz got to making it back to the show as MI and Reggie, who voted in that respective order voted the Symphony.

Well, this rather sad scenario played out after the two groups have done their last performances to woo the judges. Though, a good chunk of the audience thought the Smoot Boiz were hard done by the judges because there was a palpating feeling they gave a better show than the Symphony on their last outing. Hey, Reggie and MI have been around long enough to know who should stay or go.

They left the stage for backstage and were supposed to be back pronto for the last act. But the Smooth Boiz took their time. At a point people thought the boys have lost their hearts to turn up any act because it couldn’t have been changing from one costume to another that took that long.

Anyway, nobody could pass up the change of winning 24 million and a record contract with internationally known Sony Music without having some horrors or living with the consternation of having passing up an opportunity of a lifetime.

Even, the sense of loss from the audience became a tension that could be felt like a blow in the face when the Smooth Boiz came back on stage for what was their farewell act and the quartet pulled an outstanding performance that must have gnawed at Reggie’s and MI’s heart for having to let the group go.

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—39

Shaba- MienMien set to drop album

BET celebrates

Ice Prince “

that I I could not believe it when I heard r for yea had been nominated again this ds of wor the e wer se the BET Awards.” The last held y part e com wel Ice Prince at the BET Media Friday, at the Viacom International view, Park in e offic ca Afri N) (VIM ks Networ Ikoyi, Lagos. the United Ice Prince who just returned from e to BET itud grat and joy his ed States, express work. hard for recognizing and appreciating his s like the with s inee “After being one of the nom that ght thou I r, yea last ie of Wizkid and Sarkod had been was all for me. So, when I heard I s of joy.” tear nominated again this year, I shed exclusive an to ted Guests at the bash were trea with gled min they re whe lush cocktail session s at face able Not ars. erst sup City the Chocolate fo, Ata i Ma the BET event included DJ Caise, Colette Deji Awokoya, and VIMN Africa’s rs.

Otusheso among othe ie last Having lost out to Wizkid and Sarkod er in the pow year, Ice Prince showed his staying and ner win er 2013 contest by beating form Delazy fellow Nigerian 2Face Idibia, Toya R2Bees ca), Afri uth (So ald Don (South Africa), a). The and (Ghana) and Radio and Weasel (Ug g in pon Sar Sam star received his award from e.

Los Angeles last Jun

By ANOZIE EGOLE & GRACE EKPENBOR

P

•Ice Prince

rince Irabor Godday, a.ka., Shaba Mien-Mien,has taken a bold step to redefine his career in music as he drops his maiden album titled, “Testimony of a new man”,any moment from now.

The Edo State born gospel singer cum actor, said, his venturing into gospel music was as a result of the call he got from God. According to the singer, before he was arrested by God, he lived a wayward life, wearing dreadlocks and engaging in an unholy activities. But he had to shave his dreadlocks after he accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour.

According to tthe reggae turned gospel artiste, “I was formerly known as “Shaba Ugly” and I was into secular music until my encounter with God. As I got born again, I decided to change my stage name to “Shaba Mien-Mien” which means “Sweet”. I would not want any of my kids to copy my old lifestyle of drunkenness and drug abuse. That was one of the major reasons I changed my style of living , coupled with the call I had from God. “God appeared to me in my dream and I had to answer his call. I am a graduate of Ambrose Alli University where I obtained a B.Sc in Educational Management. I am also an actor, and one of my works is a soap titled “White House” and it is currently on air. I have done movies with the late J.T Tom West, Ramsey Noah among other stars that I can’t been respected for my ability to even remember. I used to be a drug perform, my creativity as a song addict, a drunk, before I was arrestwriter, singer, dancer and entertainer. ed by God. But now, I am a changed “I see myself later in life as a person. I believe that my venturing role model because it comes with is an act of God because it is an inthe job. And I pray and hope that spirational thing. God changed me I will be good at it”, she said. from my old life to a new life. That’s According to Anu, she has why I titled my latest album, “Testipassion for giving back to the mony of a new man,”Shaba Miensociety . She said “I also want to Mien narrated. continue with my project, of empowering the physically challenged. I hope I can get the support I need,” she said.

For her, the entertainment industry in Nigeria has come a long way with Nigeria producing a lot of musical and entertaining icons with hit performances. The marketing, promotion and technology, she said, have also grown and that the possibilities for the industry is limitless if properly harnessed.

“I am happy that I am associated with it at this time and hopefully, will contribute my bit to its development,” Anu said.

She promised her teaming fans a song that will touch their emotions any time, a good love and romantic songs and also, a dance hall music that will be every DJ’s favourite.

Anuoluwapo stepping out to rule

T

Anuoluwapo

C M Y K

HOUGH a starlet, but watching her perform, you will be wooed not just by her stunning beauty and brainy demur but by her electrifying presence and gripping stage craft that speaks volumes of her artistry.

The fact that she was able to hold her own on stage performing alongside great artistes like American Jay King and Club Noveau – world class acknowledged R&B crooner; and of course, our rising star, Iyanya, at recent concerts organised by Motherland Beckons at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, showed the level of her maturity within such a short period of her career.

The world is at her feet and, Anuoluwapo Samantha Ozigbu, a sensational singer, dancer and entertainer, who prefers to go by the stage name of Anu, makes no pretence about her willingness to conquer this world with her sonorous and velvety voice, dancing prowess and entertaining mix.

Born in Florence, Italy to a mixed parentage, Anu said, she wants to be judged not by her beauty but by her creative impetus and artistry.

“In future, I see myself

•Shaba Mien-Mien

40— SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

C M Y K

Vanguard, A UGUST 10, 2013 AUGUST

16—SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Why FG/Boko Haram ceasefire deal failed *It's TTur ur aki’s Abr acadabr a uraki’s Abracadabr acadabra *FG is confused— confused—Musa, Keyamo, Others The ceasefire deal between the Federal Government and the two proscribed Islamic groups: Boko Haram and Ansaru has placed the Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki on the edge following the denial of Boko Haram leader, Imam Abubakar Shekau, who vowed that the group would never enter into any agreement with government or ceasefire. Saturday Vanguard’s LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU analyses the inconsistencies in the handling of the groups as submitted by some Nigerians.

H

e seems determined to succeed. Apparently, he wants to carve a niche for himself by stamping his footprints on the sands of Nigerian history. The history is that anytime the story of Boko Haram will be told in the future, his name will be mentioned as the man who did the magic of successfully helping the Nigerian State under the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to stop the dreadful insurgency and restore peace in the country.

But obviously, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, the Minister of Special Duties and Chairman, Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of security challenges in the North otherwise called Boko Haram Amnesty Committee is a man who deserves the collective sympathy of all Nigerians.

Reason: The man appears not to be so lucky. Each time, he sets out to carry out the assignment given to him by the presidency he gets struck down by one unfortunate incident or another. More unfortunate, as it were, is the fact that even his “people”, the Boko Haramists always disown him thereby trapping him in the middle of a hopeless and hapless situation.

Notably, Alhaji Turaki fully came into limelight when he was made the head of the mediatory committee between the Federal Government and the Boko Haram Islamic Sect on April 22, 2013.

His mandate included fathoming amnesty modalities for the members of the dreaded group. But no sooner had an elated Turaki set out to do the job than he suffered a dirty blow. The people he had gone to woo for amnesty denied him and told him that they were the ones to give amnesty to

Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, Minister of Special Duties

the Federal Government. Handicapped, Turaki swallowed hard. But he forged ahead notwithstanding.

Destination: Kuje Maximum Prisons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

However, he was to suffer another fate in the hands of Kabiru Sokoto, a kingpin and prime suspect in the 2011 Christmas Day Madallah bomb blast that serrated St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, killing about 44 persons and wounding 75 others in Niger State.

During the committee’s visit to the Prisons to unearth more facts about the sect, Sokoto who is being held in that

Bama town, Borno State, leaving no fewer than 55 persons dead.

Feeling overtly pushed, the Federal Government decided to lower the sledge hammer on the sect and declared emergency rule in the Northern states of Yobe, Adamawa and Borno on May 21, 2013. By that declaration, the Army took over the states and started combing the streets to fish out the insurgents.

President Jonathan in a nationwide broadcast to announce the state of emergency said : “It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and

But no sooner had an elated Turaki set to do the job than he suffered a dirty blow. The people he had gone to woo for amnesty denied him and told him that they were the ones to give amnesty to Federal Government detention facility denied ever meeting with the Committee as was roundly reported. With this, Turaki was beaten twice.

The last straw however that broke the camel’s back was the kidnapping of nonagenarian former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno and the killing of Acting Chairman of Dikwa Local Government Area, Alhaji Machalla Umara on Friday, May 3, and May 7, 2013 barely three days after Boko Haram launched a series of coordinated attacks on Police, Army and Prison formations in

protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states. These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.”

At the dawn of the declaration of the emergency rule, many Nigerians pushed for a dissolve of the Boko Haram Amnesty Committee since it was obvious that the members of the

dreaded group had outrightly rejected the offer and continued their attacks which necessitated the full weight of the Nigerian military. But mum was the word for Federal Government and so, Turaki continued with his mandate.

About one month after the Emergency rule was put in place , the Federal Government decided on more stringent measures to finally contain the sect.

On June 4, 2013, it proscribed the Islamic sect and formally declared it illegal. The same measure was also taken on Boko Haram’s sister group called Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan also known as Ansaru.

In proscribing the sects, President Jonathan authorised the gazetting of “an order declaring their activities illegal and acts of terrorism.”

President Jonathan who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati said: “The proscription order warns the general public that any person participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the collective intentions of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act. “Section 5 (1) of the act prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.

“For the purposes of sub-section (1) of the section, “support” include: (a) Incitement to commit a terrorist act through the Internet, or any electron

Continues on page 52

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—41

There is a special diet for Hepatitis B? 080111813025

I don’t ignore good food — Sifo Ijewere Mr. Sifo Ijewere is the Managing Director, Best Foods, a beverage company that specialises in producing hygienic foods. He is our guest on this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk, and speaks in why he experiments with food. Enjoy As a specialist in meat production, what do you eat?

I eat good food. From egusi to efo riro, pounded yam and ogbono to mention a few. ...And on a daily basis?

I don’t eat the same food on a daily basis. I try to experiment with food as much as I can in order to have a different taste. The fact is that I don’t ignore good food.

Are you health-conscious?

I preach the need for an individual to eat good food, so it is a taboo if I go against what I preach. Anyone who eats good food is sure of living longer.

Exercise…

I do some walking around my farm everyday, and that is enough exercise for me.

And your drinks?

I take water on a daily basis. I also take fruits as well.

Hepatitis B, diet, and the liver

Ijewere ...I don’t eat the same food on a daily basis.

Ramadan Special

Everything you eat and drink passes through your liver. The liver changes food into stored energy and the chemicals necessary for life. Your liver makes nutrients available so your body can use them to: build cells, give you energy, maintain normal body functions.

What you need to know

Eat healthy food at Iftar

F

or Muslim Faithfuls, Ramadan season is a time to observe the Fast.

So usually, they fast during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals when they visit with friends and family.

Indeed, the season is a time of worship and contemplation, a time to strengthen family and community ties.

For moslems, breaking the fast (Iftar) at this season is crucial. But, it is also

Most people with hepatitis B do not need a special diet. What's most important is that you try to eat healthy foods and do not become overweight. For the most part, this advice applies equally to an average, healthy person as it does to someone who has hepatitis B. The exceptions to this rule are people who have cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver or another condition (such as diabetes, HIV, or kidney disease) in addition to hepatitis B, as well as people who are taking hepatitis B medications.

important to note that eating during the period might be hazardous if care is not taken.

Healthy food is a must for every Muslim. Water, fruits and pap are very

essential. Solid foods should be taken moderately.

Here are some healthy foods ideal for eating during the Iftar.

Water Fruits Pap and Moimoi or beans cake (akara)

Restaurants in Lagos offer Moslems Iftar delicacies

S

ome restaurants in Lagos are already offering affordable Iftar delicacies for Muslims.

Foods including pounded yam with egusi soup and fresh fish, yam porridge and beef, ofada rice and vegetable sauce, shawama, hot dogs, among others, have been considered meals to keep the body going this season.

Wraps of pounded yam with egusi soup and fresh fish Special Shawama Yam Porridge with Beef sauce Ofada rice with vegetable sauce

Ramadan: Tips to keep you going Reunite virtually spotless for Eid, along with the Families can use this opportunity to rest of the house. This should be the first reunite, especially during Iftar when priority. everyone is present to have a meal.

Menu Get the whole family to decide on a Cleanliness menu. There needs to be, of course, a The kitchen and dining room are two main dish, side dishes, snacks and areas that should be kept clean and dessert. Appetisers can fit in as well if

everyone wants them.

The aim should be to make foods which are not normally eaten during the regular meals.

Also, the variety of dishes prepared should be balanced between what different people like, so that there is something for everyone.

For the most part, hepatitis B diet has the same elements as a diet for an average, healthy person. People with hepatitis B should eat a diet with lots of hearthealthy foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and limited amounts of fat, and should also maintain a healthy weight. People who have hepatitis B should also avoid alcohol completely.

Health Tips Buying & Storing Apples

A

lways make sure that, when you are go i n g to purchase apples, they don’t have pressure marks and are fresh, bright and firm textured.

Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any dust or any traces of pesticides/insecticides/fungicides.

Don’t store the apples in the refrigerator for more than 2-3 weeks.

This could shrivel the apple and its consumption could lead to health problems. Throw away old apples if you think the surface of the apples are blotchy or you find mottled substances growing on the skin of apples. If you have already sliced an apple and you find discoloration (brownish color) after a point of time, it is because of the air exposure. In order to avoid discoloration of the apple, you could add a few drops of fresh lemon or lime juice.

42—SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Senator Chris Ngige

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & IKENNA ASOMBA

I

N Anambra State, there is a rat race for the governor ship ticket of the newly registered mega opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The leading contenders for the party’s flag are Senator Annie Okonkwo, Senator Chris Ngige and Mr. Godwin Ezemo.

Senator, Okonkwo, the party’s deputy national chairman (South) says he is in a pole position to become APC’s standard bearer ahead of other anglers for the slot, giving his business acumen, employment creation, care for humanity through philanthropy and experience.

However, Senator Ngige is currently the lawmaker representing Anambra Central in the Senate says the position of Anambra chief helmsman is not for green horns just as another aspirant on the banner of the APC, Mr. Godwin Ezemo, says Anambra citizenry need a capable hand like him to salvage the state from hopelessness.

I’m tested and trusted – Ngige

Ngige, a medical doctor, governed the state between 2003 and 2006 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until the courts nullified his election on account of irregularities and handed the seat to Mr. Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Obi has been ruling the state since 2006. His second term will expire next March. Ngige, who later decamped to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on which platform he won a senatorial seat is in the race to succeed Obi. But to do that he has to get a ticket, which he hopes to accomplish through the APC, a party he co-founded. Until the ACN merged into APC with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and some members of APGA, he was the defunct ACN’s sole South-East senator.

Declaring his ambition via a letter to the Senate President, which was read on the Senate floor, late July, he said: “I have concluded my consultations,

Senator Annie Okonkwo

Mr. Godwin Ezemo

Anambra 2013:

Okonkwo dares Ngige over APC ticket •says I’m the best man for the job and now find it necessary to officially inform this Senate that I will be an Aspirant, and hopefully a Candidate in the November 16, 2013 Governorship election in Anambra State.

Please wish me luck and offer your prayers for me, even if you are not of my party.

“I intend to use the vehicle of the Progressives – our newly merged political party – The All Progressives Congress (APC)…It is to the benefit of all Nigerians that Anambra State is well governed, has peace, progress and sustainable development. This task is, therefore, not for unsteady or untested hands that would seek to learn on the job. Anambra State needs an experienced, tried and tested hand. The people believe that the Almighty God will do it for them through me.”

How I’ll transform Anambra —Okonkwo

A knight of the Order of St John International (KSJI), Senator Okonkwo, 58, was Ngige’s immediate predecessor at the Senate. He represented Anambra Central in the Upper Chamber on the plank of the PDP between 2007 and 2011. He aspired for the governorship seat in 2011 and later defected to the APGA. He was in the merger committee that hammered out modalities for the APC merger, leading a host of APGA members to the nascent opposition party.

Senator Okonkwo said he would transform Anambra State, if elected. A numerous local and international award winner and chief executive of numerous communication and telecommunication companies, Okonkwo,

in a statement on his gubernatorial quest, said, “after a proper look at the aspirants vying for the position of the governor and as somebody who has the people at heart, I believe I would do the job better.”

The aspirant, who has informed the party that he was going to contest the Anambra governorship election, said he could forfeit anything to enable him salvage his people from what they are currently facing in the state.

His words: “Our great party, the All Progressives Congress believes in internal democracy, I don’t want to be imposed and I also know that nobody would be imposed. To that extent, I believe I stand to win the party’s primary election and with that, the party will comfortably win the governorship election.

It is a first test for the party.

“APC is seriously preparing for the election and we are very confident that we are going to win the election, to enable us deliver what we have for the people of Anambra State.

“Today, in Anambra, people are scared of traveling to the state because of the fear that they might be kidnapped, but if we win the election it will stop automatically because we are going to provide sufficient job for the masses.”

Essentially, Okonkwo said his mission statement is “to offer quality service inspired by selfless and faithful commitment to the development of our nation in general and our people in particular.”

The business czar is chairman, Zoom Mobile Ltd (winner, This Day Best Information Communications Technol-

ogy (ICT) Company 2008); Clemco Industries Ltd; Modern Communications Ltd (MCL); Maclemms Marketing Communications Ltd; Clemco Plastic Limited; Pentagon Oil Limited; and Sunflower Industries Ltd. His numerous awards and honours include: Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Award for Excellence in Enterprise by WAIM; National Productivity Order of Merit Award; Euro Market Brussels leadership award in recognition of exemplary Leadership by Leadership Watch; Award of Excellence by Advocacy for Democracy Dividend; International Business Leadership award by News Agency of Nigeria; Eminent persons Hall of Fame Awards

by Nigeria News world Fame Achievers Award; and Reltel wireless, Best Telephone Company of the year for four years

by NITTA and the West African Direct Marketing Award (2006).

With over 2,000 Nigerians and expatriates under his employ, Okonkwo said: “I founded this manufacturing company that produces high quality soaps and detergents which is competing very well in the West Africa Sub-region markets. Its success is a testimony of my entrepreneurial competence.”

I’ve a big task to redeem Anambra’s hope— Ezemo

Also speaking, Ezemo said he would redeem what he termed the hopelessness of the people of Anambra State, if elected.

Addressing guests at a reception organized by a socio-political group, Association of Anambra Indigenes Revival Initiatives, AAIRI, in Lagos, Ezemo lamented that despite the nat-

ural and human resources in the State, Anambrarians have become beggars and destitute in their own fatherland.

He said: “I’m delighted to be among the capable hands that can govern Anambra State. But despite our abundant natural and human resources, the people have pitiably become beggars and destitute in their own country. Returning to the country, in the last six years, I have been bothered by the level of poverty glaring my people in the face; that is why I have decided to take this bold step to see how we can cause change in Anambra.

“I must tell you that I have lost my privacy because I want to save Anambra State from its doldrums. However, I strongly hold the view that the forthcoming election is not a do-or-die affair.

This is why I leave everything in the hands of God to decide.

If God says yes that I’m the one to lead Anambra State, then Anambrarians should start counting their blessings. But if it doesn’t happen, I will take it in good fate, because it will be on record that when Anambrarians called upon me to lead them, I answered their call.”

He decried what he referred to as the moral decadence of governance that had become a do-or-die affair.

Asked his major programmes for the state, Ezemo, who described himself as a successful farmer promised to invest massively in power, if elected governor. “As a successful farmer, I will ensure that Anambra becomes the food basket of Nigeria. Agriculture will have to come back in the state …When there’s stable power supply in Anambra; massive industrial revolution will take place, even as the high graduate unemployment bedeviling the state will be a thing of the past. However, I still insist that government can’t do this alone. All hands must be on deck to achieving this. One major thing my administration will do is to provide the thriving environment for investors. Once this is done especially through the provision of stable power, we need not go all the way out to look for investors, because they will come looking for us.

SATURDAY, Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—43

Merriment galore as Sonny Ekunkunbor marks 70

S

onny Ekunkunbor has joined the league of septuagenarians. And the former Assistant Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria announced it to the world not only by making merry with family and friends, he was also full of gratitude to God as he commenced the celebration with a thanksgiving service at the African Church, Bethel Biney Memorial before the real merriment galore at the Union Bank Sport Complex, also in Surulere. Photos by Diran Oshe

L- R: Mr Henry Boyo, Mr. Edema Ogbuagu and Mr Austin Oyowe

The celebrants; Mr Sonny Ekunkunbor, wife, Mrs Ekunkunbor with Mrs Ruth Ekunkunbor (mother of the celebrant ) Cutting the birthday cake with children, relations and friends .

L- R : Prof Egerton Uvieghara, Mr Henry Egbe and Mr Sonny Aminaghan..

L- R: Vivian Onyebukwa, Weyinmi Olley , Warami Rubeyinje and Blessing Okogie

Deborah Asiw aju laid tto o rest in style Asiwaju

T

Mr. Abiodun Asiwaju flanked by members of the Krown Klub, Owo

Palace Messenger and Chiefs from the Palace of the Ojomo of Ijebu-Owo C M Y K

he final journey of late Madam Deborah Aduke Asiwaju was marked with fanfare as her children, relations and well-wishers gathered at Usi-Ekiti, Ekiti State to give her a befitting burial.

After the funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, the interment, the children and relations entertained guests who came from far and wide.

Photos by Abayomi Adesida

Barrister Femi Idowu Falana with his wife and a friend .

L-R: Mr. Victor Eburajolor and Mr Tunde Ibevbare

L- R: Mr & Mrs Festus Eribo with Mr Roland Dudu

A t 88th bir thda birthda thdayy of Asagba of Asaba

HRH Obi Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba (m)The Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah (left) and The Perm Sec, Ministry of Information, Austin Mowah,

HRH Obi Chike Edozien, The Asagba of Asaba (right) and The Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah (left).

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

08116759759

40 triplets meet at annual convention in Baltimore?

O

nlookers could be forgiven for doing a triple take after scores of triplets from around the world attended an annual convention.

Trios of siblings jetted into Baltimore from as far as Bolivia and Puerto Rico —including one set who have become triplet models.

More than 33 families —and nearly 40 sets of triplets—attended the 2013 event held at the Holiday Inn at Inner Harbour, Baltimore, earlier this week.

Ethiopia's 'New Jerusalem' built into oc ockk solid rroc

P

eter may have built his church upon a rock, but the ruling king in 12th century Ethiopia decided to build his churches into the rocks. During his reign 900 years ago, King Lalibela commissioned the building of a set of churches to form a 'New Jerusalem.' All 11 churches are still standing today in a rural Northern Ethiopian town named after the same King. What's so unique about these structures, though, is that they were carved into a solid piece of rock. The inside and outside of the churches were built into the ground on stretches of volcanic tuff rock.

Workers would start at the top and carve down, creating the roof and walls of the church.Then they would hollow it out to create the interior structure.

Cannibal absolved of murder charge yree Lincoln Smith, 35, was found T not guilty of the December 2011 murder charge, by reason of insanity. He hacked homeless man,Angel Gonzalez to death, and then ate his eye and parts of his brain. Smith was arrested trying to flee to Florida in January 2012 and charged with murder.The three-judge panel found that the defence proved he was insane at the time.Smith is likely to spend the rest of his life in a mental hospital.

B

Can urine regrow lost teeth?

C

Turkey arrests Kestrel for spying

T

he bird was held in Turkey on suspicion of spying for the Israelis after a metal ring on its foot carried the engraved words ‘24311 Tel Avivunia Israel’.

Suspicious residents in the village of Altinayva then handed it over to their local governor.

Mother gives birth to giant baby without C-S

hinese scientists predict stem cells obtained from urine could help humans regrow lost teeth.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences has created tooth-like structures in mice and believes one day bioengineered ‘tooth buds’ could be transplanted into humans who have lost their teeth. The primitive toothlike structures are the first solid tissues to be developed using a technique in which discarded cells from human waste can be coaxed into becoming stem cells.

aby Jasleen was born in July 26,weighing 13.47 pounds, and 22.6 inches long. She was born naturally at University Hospital in Leipzig, Germany. Babies her size are usually born via a caesarean section. Mother discovered she had a undiagnosed case of gestational diabetes which can cause macrosomia, when a baby is born at a very high birth weight.

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013—45

46 — Vanguard,

SATURDAY AUGUST 10, 2013

Abandoned in the cold!

2-yr-old daughter of barber felled by Police bullet yearns for father •Please don’t abandon my daughter—deceased’s last words Teaching Hospital ,LUTH, IdiArara, morgue.

By UJU MBANUSI

N

EVER in his wildest imagination had Bright , a barber in Amuwo-OdofinLocal Government Area of Lagos State, envisaged he was going to be added to the endless list of hapless Nigerians sent to unprepared graves by triggerhappy policemen.

The barber whose saloon also served as his home, is a single father whose dream had been centred on training her two- andhalf years old daughter, to the best school within his reach. But he never lived to fulfil his dream.

Bright, as gathered, had opened his saloon cum home penultimate Tuesday. As usual, he reportedly bathed his baby identified as Ebun, prepared her food and kept her under his watch when customers came in to have their hair cut.

But, the unexpected happened at about 10.30pm. According to eye witnesses, a mobile policeman attached to a company, poles away from Janet Fagbemi street, location of Bright’s shop, stormed the shop and ordered Bright to come out.

Eye witnesses told Crime Guard that Bright, who was then attending to a customer, left him and came out, oblivious of the purpose of the policeman’s mission. “As he stepped out of the shop, the Mopol shot him at close range . He continued shooting sporadically in the process of which four other persons including a pregnant woman were hit by stray bullets. From all indications, it was obvious he was drunk.

“It all started after the policeman who was on a short and T-shirt abandoned his duty post and accosted some men in a vehicle on the adjourning street. He told the men in the car to come down for a search. But they hesitated, requesting he identified himself before they would obey.

“Perhaps, their response infuriated him as he slapped one of them twice. While they were still trying to fathom what their offence was, he slapped the second man.

“Amidst frayed nerves, the men demanded to ascertain the identity of the man who assaulted them. At that point, the Mopol rushed to his duty post and came back with his gun, saying he would show them that he was just posted from Jos, Plateau,where people are killed anyhow.”

At that point everyone took to his heels before he went to Bright’s shop.

Police on the trail of killer cop As at Thursday, nothing

had been heard about the killer- cop who took off from the scene. Police authorities, as gathared, were worried about the weapon in his possession. In a bid to ensure his arrest, the Lagos State Police Command had launched a manhunt for him.

The State Police boss, Umar Manko, was quoted as saying that if the fleeing cop did not show up within 21 days, he would be declared a ‘Deserter’ and would no longer be seen as a Policeman but a ‘rebel’.

Police authorities have also called on members of the public to help avail them with information that could lead to the apprehension of the fleeing killer cop ,with a view to ensuring that justice was done.

B-i-z-z-a-r-e: Man sets youths ablaze during argument

By UJU MBANUSI

D

•Ebun, deceased’s daughter How bullet hit pregnant woman “A pregnant woman known as Ebere was in her house when she heard the gun shots. Suspecting robbers were operating, she rushed out to lock her gate , only for a stray bullet to hit her on the hand. Another victim, Nonso, was hit in the eye while the third, Tayo,was hit in the thigh”.

Bright’s last word C rime Guard gathered that while everyone fled, Bright was left in the pool of his blood. On realising the magnitude of his deed, the Mobile policeman, later identified as Corporal Mohammed Abubakar, attached to Mopol 17, Ondo State, took to his heels.”

Even in the face of death Bright was said to have kept calling his daughter Ebun, pleading to sympathizers to rush inside his shop to ensure she was safe.

When it was obvious he could not make it, he reportedly touched one of the sympathiser and said, “ please help me take care of my daughter until any of my relatives comes for her. He was said to have repeated the word twice.

When he was making attempt to repeat it the third time to a neighbour he recognized in the midst of the crowd, he gave up the ghost. “ He held my hand and appealed passionately saying, ‘please don’t abandon Ebun,no matter...’ before he breathed his

•The deceased, Bright last,”the neighbour disclosed.

Where are the deceased’s relatives? at Thursday, As Crime Guard was informed that no one had come to be identified as the deceased relative.

A resident of the area revealed that “ Ebun was only six months old when her mother abandoned her. Nobody knows her mother’s name nor where she is from. We only know the deceased as Bright.

We do not know his surname. He told us he was from Benue State.

He did everything within his might to make Ebun happy since the mother left. He called her his little princess and carried her wherever he went.

When Crime Guard visited Ebun’s new home around the vicinity , she was seen carrying on with life unaware of her father’s whereabouts.But once in a while, her new parents said, “she would start calling out to her daddy . At that point, nobody can console her because she would be crying and at the same time, going about the whole place like one looking for what was lost. She has emaciated over night,even though we try to persuade her to eat what we all eat.”

As you read this piece, the remains of Bright, the single father who was determined to move on with life irrespective of its unpalatable experiences, lies at the Lagos State University

octors at the Emergency Unit of the Ogun State Teaching Hospital, Ijaiye, are battling to save the lives of four persons who were allegedly set ablaze by a middle-aged man in Ago-Oko area of Abeokuta.

The incident, as gathered, occurred Tuesday night after some youths gathered in front of the suspect’s building, gambling.

The owner of the building whose identity was given simply as Jimoh , reportedly asked the gamblers to leave his premises, following complaints of theft around the area,which had seen policemen combing the area with a view to arresting the hoodlums.

But the youths who were apparently carried away with their games, paid deaf ears to the directive.

Jimoh reportedly attempted to chase them away by shoving some of them aside, an action that led to a fight.

In the process, Jimoh allegedly ran inside, brought out a liquid substance later

discovered to be petrol and poured on the gamblers before striking a match. Six of them were reportedly set ablaze,while others ran for their lives.

However, four of the victims said to have been badly burnt were reportedly rushed to the hospital while the suspect was handed over to the Police.

At the hospital, the victims were still writhing in pains. One of them who managed to speak to Crime Guard claimed he was not a gambler, that he only stood by watching those playing. “ I was not even there when Jimoh asked them to leave. I only stood watching when all of a sudden, he came out, poured petrol on us and struck sticks of matches,” Tunde Adesanya said.

Other victims in the same ward were Saburi Seteolu, Raheem Bello and Suleiman Adebesin.

As at Thursday, Crime Guard gathered that the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, with a directive from the Commissioner of Police ,Mr Ikemefuna Okoye to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident.

Tunde Adesanya,one of the victims.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013 —47

48—SA TURD AY 48—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, AUGUST 10,, 2013

Rotational presidency is unconstitutional—Okpozo *Says NGF should be scrapped For Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo, an elder statesman, the current state of affairs in Nigeria leaves much to be desired. Not one to keep sealed lips when speaking out is called for, he flayed the alleged role of the Presidency in the Rivers State crisis, backed the call for the removal of the state Commissioner of Police over his alleged involvement in the impasse, and advocated harmony among power brokers in the South-South in this interview with Saturday Vanguard’s SIMON EBEGBULEM. Excerpts:

W

hat’s your view on the Senate’s recent decision to jettison the agitation for autonomy of Local Governments and six-year single tenure for governors and the President?

That decision is in pursuance of the presidential system of government that eight years is enough for any political office holder to perform, and that is a system that led to the establishment of a Republican constitution. So it would be wrong for Nigeria to make a renovation fundamentally different from what the American system entails. So since the American government has been maintaining that system well from the inception of that constitution, it is left for Nigeria to emulate them. So there is nothing wrong about the rejection of that six-year single tenure by the Senate. It should be eight years, four years’ tenure each. And for the issue of Local Government autonomy, the Senate is totally wrong in their decision. It means they are not taking the feelings of Nigerians into consideration.

That constitution that has to do with local government autonomy has been there all the time, and until the military era, the funds of the local governments were well manage.

There were developments at the headquarters of the local governments.

But today, no roads, no water and who is responsible? It is the state governments. When the money comes, they share it amongst themselves and give little to local governments. The local governments will not have enough to pay salaries let alone buy equipment like bulldozers and others. So, to insist that they will not be made autonomous, it means the Senate is conniving with the state governors.

They carried out a public hearing and everywhere they went, people said local governments should be made autonomous. So when did they come up with this decision? It was unanimous that local governments should be autonomous, the senators cannot go and make an alteration to the decision of the people. We sent them there. What they have done is an illegality, it is not the voice of Nigerians. At this juncture, I urge the

House of Representatives to take over the leadership of the legislature by voting according to the wishes of the masses of Nigeria and override them with their numerical strength. How many of them are in the Senate? Ninety three. They cannot mislead Nigerians. It is the duty of the House of Representatives to overrule the decision of the Senate by their voting.

And if the law is manipulated, the President should not sign it.He should reject it because that is the wish of Nigerians.

Okpozo

People will always make their comments, but as a President you take what is good and leave the bad ones. People have different opinions about issues

is his own. Elaborately, they will talk of South-South because of the political division they did by dividing Nigeria into six zones. The President should see everywhere in this country as his home, not to talk of causing crisis in his house. It does not speak well of his administration. If he travels to the North, Sokoto and other places to make peace, why not his own house? How can five legislators go and say they impeached a Speaker in a House of 32? Even those who did that should have been apprehended long ago. So my advice to the President is that he should not encourage crisis in his house. Nobody is happy in the South because we all are praying for peace which will help him in his political career. Without peace, there will be no progress anywhere and those legislators causing unnecessary crisis for Jonathan should go home and rest. They are not helping him or the people of the South-South.

see that there is no fire in his house.

Somebody who is preparing for war cannot wage war in his house. What is happening is that the President is waging war against his people in the South. Until the creation of Bayelsa State, the President was resident in Port Harcourt. Now, having gone to Bayelsa, he should be a father maintaining two states. It is to his own credit because they are people of the same blood. They are people who have lived together for a very long time.

It is economic and political considerations that made them to be separated. So the President should stop listening to those people surrounding him, giving him wrong advice.

Even if the advice is coming from his own personal house, he should reject it because Rivers is his own, Bayelsa

How do you view the persistent comments from the First Lady of the Federation and some of the President’s aides against some influential Nigerians?

People will always make their comments, but as a President, you take what is good and leave the bad ones.

People have different opinions about issues. A President can make mistakes and people can correct him with their comments.

There are some persons who are mature that speak the truth. Nwabueze, Wole Soyinka, these are people who are mature and are not looking for political appointments. They just want to enjoy peace in their country.

An old man cannot run fast, it is only young men that can carry their bags to the airport and run away but we old men cannot run anywhere. So, they have a right to advise the Presi-

Is the crisis in Rivers State necessary?

It is my appeal to the President to

dent and the President should listen to people like that. But there are people working with Jonathan who are not even good enough to step into the gate of the Villa. He calls them brothers and his elders, but those are the people giving him wrong advice. He should stop them from entering the Villa. I will not advise the President to do something wrong, and it is good to tell him the truth when he errs because the truth is an order from God which nobody can fight. But if you begin to manipulate things because of your selfish ethnic interests, then you are fighting against God and it does not take long before you see the consequences. Jonathan should listen to the elders. I have not seen where Mr President has said ‘there are many tribes in this country, let me spend a week to know the opinion of each of the ethnic groups.’ That is how a good ruler should behave. When Obasanjo started his regime, he invited some elders like us and we told him our own opinion. But since Jonathan entered there, he has never called any Isoko leader or Nupe leader to ask them what their problems are or even gone to Kaduna where you have different ethnic groups to ask them what their problems are.

There are people he has not seen in his lifetime that will tell him the truth.

I am not asking him to call me, but there are people God gave us in this country that can advise him better.

Unfortunately, the President is not accessible to the people. If he were accessible to the people, they would tell him the truth. Let the President spend one week to ask people their problems or he should detail sincere people to source for information for him that will help him. He can even select people who are not connected to his government; they will tell him

Continues on page 49

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Continued from page 48 the truth. Will I be writing an application to Mr President that I want to see him? See him for what? He is the one that will ask for advice. Like in Rivers State now, you have Ikwerre people, you have Ogoni and all that, call them individually and they will tell you what is wrong with the Presidency, what is wrong with the state government and what is wrong with the legislature. He has advisers but because they are receiving salaries, they tend to tell the President only what he wants to hear. They don’t tell him the truth but there are people who can tell him the truth. They can even tell him off whether he likes it or not. So, that is the mistake the President is making.

The crisis in Governor’s Forum is still on I have said it before that it should be abolished. Abolish the NGF, give them their entitlements according to the law. If every governor is getting his own share of what accrues to their various states, they have no business going to Abuja every day. The governors are squandering our money, they travel abroad every day, carry retinue of servants saying they are touring. If there is any constitutional issue that they are not happy about, they should inform the public and not the President. What should even bring the governors and the Presidency together is the issue of security. Another thing is the issue of finance. If the revenue allocation is not well shared, the governor can raise alarm that I am entitled to this amount but this is what I was given. It is not about gathering the whole governors to look at every corner where money is coming from and begin to question the presidency. They can question the President on how the money is collected and how much is collected, not a governor going to Abuja everyday and carrying lots of women,saying they are serving the people. Governors should be banned from traveling abroad. What are they bringing into their states? I could remember from 1979-1983, Governor Aliu was here. How many times did he travel out?

The way they travel nowadays does not show financial discipline.

How many times have you seen the Governor of Lagos traveling?

Governors should learn to sit in their states. The money meant for the people are being squandered, so, that forum should be stopped.

And it should not be used as an avenue of militancy against the President. Governors should concentrate on how to help their people.

The problem between the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and Governor Rotimi Amaechi brought to mind the agitation for state police, what is your take on that?

The Federal government manages the police, the Army and other security apparatus but they must not misuse them. There are some governors too who have been using police to oppress their people. But the Police Commissioner cannot say because he is under the Federal Government, he cannot respect the Governor of the state .

That is wrong because the Governor

Vanguard, AUGUST 10,, 2013—49

‘Abolish the NGF, give them their entitlements according to the law’

Okpozo

If every governor is getting his own share of what accrues to their various states, they have no business going to Abuja every day. The Governors are squandering our money, they travel abroad every day, carry a retinue of servants and say they are touring is the Chief Security Officer of the state. The authority of the state rests on the Governor. People voted for the Governor but a Commissioner of Police is appointed by the IG. A situation where a policeman will want to dictate the affairs of the state for the Governor is very wrong. I remember when I was in government, there was a Yoruba man who was posted here as Commissioner of Police in the then Bendel State. He was trying to exercise superior powers, Shagari was in power then but we told him no way, not here. So we went to the Inspector General of Police and we told him we don’t want this Commissioner of Police. As a result he was posted out of the state. If a Governor says a Commissioner of Police is not cooperating with him in the areas of security, he has the right to cry out as the Chief Security Officer. Police means peace. They should not bring crisis to any state.

So what happened in Rivers state is highly condemnable.

Arewa Consultative Forum has insisted that the next president must come from the North in 2015. What are your thoughts

on that?

I will not be at loggerheads with the Arewa Consultative Forum. It is a political organ. It must try as much as possible to preserve its own interest and that is why it is coming out with this position. But let Nigerians know one thing clearly, that there is no provision in the constitution that warrants the shift of power to the North or to the South. What brought Jonathan to power was the decision of God and not man. Jonathan did not kill Yar’Adua. Again, Nigerians should know that this issue of power shift is PDP’s constitution. PDP doesn’t own Nigerians, it is not the only party in this country. Arewa is taking this matter as if the PDP constitution is Nigerian law, that is their business. This PDP matter of power shifting to the North or South is PDP’s constitution. It is not binding on Nigerians, it is unconstitutional.

The same thing applies to states where political leaders will be insisting that the Gover-

nor must come from here or there.

It is not right because some of us believe that somebody who has the pedigree must be allowed to be Governor of a state or President. So, talking of power shift is unconstitutional. I did not say a Northerner should not be President of Nigeria when the time comes, but they must not tell us it is their turn by causing crisis. The North led this country for over 20 years, nobody brought this issue of rotation. Is it because they are no longer ruling that they started talking about power shift? Rotation is unconstitutional and so they should stop using it to make noise. Every group must stop provocative comments. Arewa or Niger Delta militants must stop threatening themselves.

Whats your take on Ijaw/Itsekiri crisis?

This crisis is not new to some of us but they are re-occurring due to bad governance. The crisis started when the military came into power. At that time, Rewane, late Bakomo, late Chief Agbaza and many others I cannot remember now are still alive. There was no crisis between the Ijaw and the Itsekiri. They settled themselves together. There were no discrimination in villages. They marry each other. If these men I talked about were still alive, I don’t think this problem will come up again.

However, when the matter came up, we the Isoko played a prominent role and I initiated peace. At Okpakpor’s house, I called the first meeting. Mabiakor and the leaders of Ijaws and Itsekiri assembled and we settled the problem. And since then, they were living together happily until we left office. The Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko constitute the South senatorial districts of Delta state. That time, we political leaders are always gathering together, speaking to ourselves. So, we were understanding the issues and were tackling them. We had what we called the three eyes, that is, Ijaw,Isoko,Itsekiri leaders of thought. But when we left government, things changed in Delta state and they started giving the young ones who are now causing crisis the impression that they are enemies. It now got to a point whereby if an Itsekiri man is in the council, the Ijaw man will say no, he cannot be there or Itsekiri will say no Ijaw cannot be there. So that was when elements of cheating, elements of boasting, war over oil money from the oil wells started. Unfortunately, the government of the state is unable to manage the crisis because they are indirectly involved. The present Governor went to bring what is called G3 and killed the Ijaw, Itsekiri,Isoko Leaders Forum. We were managing the affairs but the Governor killed the Forum. There is no common forum to manage what goes to the Ijaw and what goes to the Itsekiri. I am an elder statesman today, so I cannot lie at this age. It is the inability of the Delta state government to do the right thing that s causing the killings today.

50—SATURDAY

Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Edo community comes alive, as Otu of Igarra celebrates royalty

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

S

The Oshimdase of Igarra, High Chief Gabriel Ojo Ashipa, Chief Victor Osahenhen, the Otu of Igarra and the Oshemi of Igarra, High Chief Josiah Adefarati Sani arra and clan head of Anoyete community, and High Chief J.M. Akpeji, the Otu of Igarra and clan head of Anona community, was threatened by a petition that also raised a false alarm on threat to peace and order.

But in a swift reply to the petition, lawyers under instruction from the Otu’s palace fired a counter.

“Your letter dated 22nd of July, 2013 without a reference number, though addressed to our client has been brought to our attention, with proper instructions to reply same.

“It is our instruction to inform you and we hereby inform you that it is the constitutional right of our cli-

,

ave for the voice of reason, the preg nancy would have been terminated.

There is the rule of law and there is also the political will to deplore it. The police hierarchies used their good offices to deliver the woman of the baby just as the Governor, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, a democrat and one who believes in freedom of association and movement would not allow himself to be used to truncate the 40th coronation anniversary of High Chief Joseph Mayaki Akpeji, the Otu of Igarra penultimate weekend.

Though Governor Oshiomhole who was the Special Guest of Honour was out of the country during that weekend, the police Commissioner, Mr. Folorunsho Adebanjo,deplored over 50 anti-riot men to the community to maintain law and order. This was sequel to the petition titled: threat to peace and order in Igarra, ostensibly to stop the anniversary.

The palace of the Otu had sent a letter of notification of celebration and police protection to the security agencies which read in part: “I hereby write to notify your good office of the coming celebration of 81st birthday and 40th coronation ceremony of the Otu of Igarra, the traditional head of Anona clan of Igarra in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

“The said celebration comes up on the 27th July, 2013 at Anona House, Otu Palace, situated at Omokhide Street, off Momodu Ajayi Road, Ugbogbo Quarters, Igarra.

“It is pertinent to state that in the course of planing this landmark event, the Comrade Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Senator Representing Edo North, Domingo Obende and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, representing Akoko Edo Federal Constituency, Comrade Peter Akpatason; among other political office holders within and beyond the State have been invited.

“The event therefore promised to be an inimitable assembly of the leaders of our great nation. Against this background therefore, it is our call, in tandem with the laws of the land that you use your good office to do the commendable public duty of protecting the lives and properties of all that will attend the occasion. The protection will surely create an ambience of success for this historical occasion.”

But, in a twist of event, news filtered into town that the well-planned event had been put on hold. The rumour spread like an uncontrollable fire within a space of time.

The ceremony which promised to further the unity of Igarra community as a people struggling for autonomous clan heads with High Chief S.A. Aiyede, JP, the Oshidu of Igarra; clan head of Ezidowo community, High Chief J.A. Sani, the Oshemi-Anayinmi of Igarra and clan head of Eshimozoko community; High Chief G.O. Ojo, the Oshimdase of Ig-

It is our instructions to inform you and we hereby inform you that it is the constitutional right of our client to engage in any form of celebration including his birthday and 40th Anniversary as the Otu of Igarra

,

ent to engage in any form of celebration including his birthday and 40th Anniversary as the Otu of Igarra. We wish to commend your acknowledgment of our client’s status in your address to him.

“We are therefore unable to appreciate any claim that the occasion will violate any law especially when you have not disclosed the relevant sections of the Western Region of Nigeria Chieftaincy of 1957 and the traditional rulers and chief’s edict of 1979.”

The petition was therefore jettisioned and the cornation was a huge success. The roll call at the event was hectic. Crowd control was impossible but for police intervention. Suddenly, the event metamorphosed to a political carnival of sort when a live band from Ilorin, Kwara State performed to the admiration of invited guests with their lyrical musi-

cal praise-singing.

Former President of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and now member House of Representatives, Comrade Peter Akpatason was the Chairman of the occasion, while the Council Chairman, Hon. Folorunsho Akerejola was the Host. They justified their mandate and proved their worthiness as true sons of Akoko Edo land.

To ascribe importance and lend credence to the ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere who represented Governor Oshiomhole at a function in Lagos state on the said day, was represented by two top government functionaries; the Deputy Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon. Steven Idehenre and an Executive Director in Government House, Barrister Richard Ofenmu.

The Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Oseni Elamah; an influential member of the Governor Oshiomhole cabinet, and Commissioner for Environment and Public Utilities, Prince Clem Agba; and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barrister MacDonald Obasuki equally honoured the Otu of Igarra with their presence.

Also, a Federal Commissioner, Public Complaint Commission, Otunba Oladele Balogun; the Oteniete of Igarra, a World Bank Project Coordinator on State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), Comrade Taiwo Akerele; the Executive Director on Protocol, Government House, Mr. John Akhigbe; Chairman Produce Board, Mr. Romeo Aloaye Omoike; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on legal matters, Barrister Lawani Damian; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Arewa Community matters, Alh. A. Sabi were present at the event.

The list of dignitaries also included the State Coordinator of Edo In Safe Hands, Comrade Godwin Imoudu; former Transition Council Chairman, Hon. Anselm Agbabi; the Secretary to Akoko Edo Council, Hon. Desmond Segun Napoleon; former Secretary to the Council, Barrister Adebayo Omoh-Ige; Mr. Emma Agbaje, and former Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Igbinedion on Proto-

col, Chief Victor Osahenhen.

In a letter of appreciation by the Eziobe Collective, signed by Mr. Olu Ogbodo and Mr. Omeiza Oseh, President and Secretary respectively after the event, the community expressed gratitude to all who made the event a success story.

“We, the Eziobe Community of Igarra town, wishes to use this medium to extend our appreciation to the people who supported us, attended and prayed for us during the grand reception and 40th coronation anniversary of High Chief J.M Akpeji, the Otu of Igarra, the clan head of Anona Community of Igarra, Edo state.

“We extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Comrade Governor of Edo State for his personal support and felicitation and for creating a conducive atmosphere for peace and progress in Edo state. We also appreciateHis Excellency, Dr. Pius Odubu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Secretary to the State Government; National Assembly members; State legislators present and absent; Honourable Commissioners present and those who were unavoidably absent; Local Government Chairmen; Special Advisers; Chairmen of Boards and Executive Directors in Edo State Government. ”We also thank the State Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command; the Area Commander; the Divisional Police Officers in Edo North and the Director, Department of State Services among others, for putting in place, an elaborate security arrangement before, during and after the ceremony.

“We specifically wish to thank High Chief S.A. Aiyede, JP, the Oshidu of Igarra and clan head of Ezidowo community; High Chief J.A. Sani, the Oshemi-Anayinmi of Igarra and clan head of Eshimozoko community; High Chief G.O. Ojo, the Oshimdase of Igarra and clan head of anoyete community, and all other traditional rulers including those that attended and those that could not make it. We thank the people of Akoko Edo in general and the people of Igarra in particular for maintaining peace and orderliness before, during and after the celebrations.”

Vanguard, SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2013—51

E

ngr.

Adegboyega Adekunle Osideinde (FNSE, MIEEE) is the General Manager, Marketing and Commercial Services at Power Holding Company of Nigeria. A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a member of International Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, a Chartered Engineer with the British Council of Engineers. He has an MBA, marketing and M.sc in Environmental Resources Management from Lagos State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife. He is a member of the prestigious Ikoyi Club, married to Maureen with children, a P.hd candidate in Environmental Resources Management with the Lagos State University.

You have been in the Power Sector for about 30years, how has that been?

I joined the employ of N.E.P.A in 1984.When we joined, the system was very vibrant, with very few Districts and manageable load demand.Things were indeed better. There was the organised training program, called “Pupillage’’.Engineers were given the much needed exposure in various departments then.All of us came from different educational backgrounds. Some studied abroad and some studied in Nigeria.In all, one should have expected a higher level of performance in the Power Sector. But unfortunately it is not so. The system has experienced so many challenges.

What do you mean, challenges?

Well, most of the time we are talking of generation being up to 4,000MW. This has been so for the past 12years. The load demand increase do not wait for the accomplishment of the slogan on intended power genera-

"Doing something differently will improve power supply" tion.Secondly, a very big challenge is that of not getting good services in terms of the relationship between the customers and the personnel in N.E.P.A/PHCN.What is on ground now shows a big performance gap between what is expected and what has been obtained so far.

What do you think are the problems?

Objectively, I think it’s a system problem.This is because at the commencement of the interview, I told you that the staff are from different educational backgrounds and are welltrained.We have so many brilliant and sound engineers in the system. For instance, if you look at the Nigerian engineers in Diaspora, they are doing very well.Most of them are in the forefront in different countries they work or practise.We all write the same certification examination, so I can categorically say that Nigerian engineers are one of the best in the world. The only thing that is different is the system.It therefore means that the problem is with the system.

What solution will you proffer or what do you think the government should do?

I think it’s a fairly difficult question to answer. This is because the government is doing something now. (Though with questionable speed).But if I may take it from the pre-priva-

Engr. Adegboyega Adekunle Osideinde (FNSE, MIEEE)

tisation stage. It was obvious that there were no major network development in the Power Sector. There was also no sufficient maintenance of existing equipment. Funding was said to be the major issue.Also, we have the issue of neglect of training of staff.

Overtime, issues such as nepotism, ethnicity, victimisation and celebration of mediocrity crept in.The decay is apparent.

I want to tell you that a lot of cosmetics are presently being

applied.I shall not discuss other issues on certificates now.

Talking about the solution, let us do things differently from what I just mentioned.

Look at postings for example, if somebody was not well schooled on customer relation and he was posted to that bit because of whom he/ she knew he would always have problems with the customers. The image of the organisation would remain poor. I had heard of cases when the customer would

report that when they complained some officers would tell them to go to hell. An industry as sensitive as ours, having services needed by over 150 million Nigerians, we deserve better deals from the front-desk officers. By way of summary, the cardinal problems we had was that of network neglect over the years because of poor funding.No plans for network growth and the consequences have caught up with us.I want to see the

commissioning and utilisation of the projects that the federal government is currently embarking upon.People are naturally tired of this 4,000MW syndrome.

How many books have you written, and what inspires your writings?

This is my third book. When I was in Eko Electricity Distribution Company, as the Assistant General Manager Marketing (now customer service), I realised that people were sometimes re-designated from other section to marketing. At middle level, I believed they needed a document they could rely on to fast-track knowledge.

Also, it was common to have officers repeating themselves at Revenue Collection meetings.I therefore decided to write the book titled “Narratives on Electricity Marketing in Nigeria – A personal experience”.

The encouragement I got from the comments and rewards on the first book was the incentive to my writing the second book titled”Strategic Electricity Marketing Activities in Distribution Companies of Nigeria”.

On what inspires my writing,I have a passion for writing and secondly I like sharing knowledge and experience. I try to share all I know that I feel will help humanity.

What is the focus of your Present book “Domestic Electricity Utilisation in Nigeria?

The book, “Domestic Electricity Utilisation in Nigeria” was primarily written to guide and educate readers on strict adherence to safety in respect of domestic installations.The highpoint is the explanation of the components of a typical electricity bill. It also explains the Rights and Obligations of Customers and Operators.The demand side management was extensively discussed in Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

Bournvita’s 500g upsize clears path for customer satisfaction F

or most individuals and businesses, 50 years is a milestone that hardly passes by unmarked.

Foremost food and beverage company, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, has recorded such a feat, consistently satisfying the yearnings of its numerous consumers over the years – especially through its flagship product, Bournvita.

But the company is not resting on its laurels, which is why it has continued to evolve strategies to stay ahead, investing in expansion and research to ensure consumers’ needs are consistently met.

Whenever the word ‘Cadbury’ is mentioned, its flagship product ‘Bournvita’ readily comes to mind. The reason is not far-fetched: The tasty food drink has over the years been a day-starter for adults and children alike.

During the recent launch of Bournvita 500g packs in Enugu, the company ’ s Managing Director, Emil Moskofian, stressed that Cadbury recognised the yearnings of Nigerians for quality products, a factor which he said influenced the

company ’s investment of over $100 million to expand and upgrade its plants and facilities in Nigeria.

“Besides unveiling of the new 500g packs, the media was also conducted round the company production lines to affirm its commitment to uphold international standard best practices in food production and handling,” he disclosed.

It would be recalled that Cadbury recently received an endorsement from the Nutritional Society of Nigeria (NSN), the second endorsement so far from the society in five years. This development, no doubt, confirms that Cadbury takes its production processes and nutrition credentials seriously.

According to Moskofian, Cadbury Bournvita is the only food drink endorsed by NSN in Nigeria and the process of endorsement by NSN took over a year. “They checked everything, including our processes, quality standard, inspection of the raw materials and facilities, production process and at the end, were able to

confirm that our product meets international standards. Cadbury is known for quality and we are not going to jeopardise that. At Cadbury Nigeria; safety, quality and hygiene are top on our priority,” he quipped.

Speaking on the new upsized Cadbury Bournvita 500g jar and 500g refill pack, Moskofian said, “This

upsizing to 500g pack is aimed at adding more vitality to our consumers, giving more value with every purchase of Cadbury Bournvita.”

In his estimation, Cadbury Bournvita has been part of the fabric of the Nigerian society over the last 5 decades, providing nourishment and vitality to

generations, adding that “it is the only food drink manufacturer in Nigeria that has direct control over the processing of the finest Nigerian cocoa, from pod to cup and finally, Cadbury Bournvita is manufactured in our world- class manufacturing plant by a highly trained team of experts.”

President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos and President, SouthEast, South-South Traditional Leaders Association, Chief Sir, Oliver Akubueze {KSM}, right, Chairman, South-South Traditional Ruling Council, Lagos, Osu {Dr.} Charles Ogodo JP, Chairman, Elders Council, South-South Traditional Leaders Association, Chairman, Elders Council, South-South Traditional Rulers Council, Iyase {Chief} Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei, Vice Chairman, South-South Traditional Ruling Council, Lagos, Pere John Jacob Asoki and Mayor, Non-indigene, Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Eze {Dr.} Ngozi Israel Ibekwe JP at the South-East, South-South Traditional Leaders Association, Lagos Alliance, endorsing Jonathan as President, 2015

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Continued frompage 16 ic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information; (b) Receipt or provision of material assistance, weapons including biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, explosives, training, transportation, false documentation or identification to terrorists or terrorist groups; (c) Receipt or provision of information or moral assistance, including invitation to adhere to a terrorist or terrorist group;(d) Entering or remaining in a country for the benefit of, or at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group; or (e) the provision of, or making available, such financial or other related services prohibited under this Act or as may be prescribed by regulations made pursuant to this Act.” While announcing the decision, Abati said “members, supporters, and collaborators would now face prosecution under Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 (as amended).”

Meanwhile, the development presupposes a total ban of the two Islamic sects but some agents of the Federal Government which included the Minister of Special Duties still deal with the proscribed groups.

Penultimate Saturday, Nigerians witnessed another round of tearful and heart-rending attack in an alleged renewed onslaught against the Nigerian State. This time, it was a bold attack on innocent school children in a boarding school in Yobe. The mayhem left 30 persons dead. Out of the number, 29 were students while one person was a teacher. Though, a part of the Boko Haram had since denied having a hand in the barbaric, outlandish killing, many Nigerians still believe it was the handiwork of the group judging by its previous signatures.

But in no small measure, the development has cast aspersions on the military operations in the three troubled states. Many a Nigerian had thought that emergency rule signposted the presence of soldiers at every nook and cranny of the affected states.

In fact, many reasoned that if there is a place, killing of any sort should not occur, it is Yobe. Consequently, analysts have questioned the competence of the soldiers, their occupation of the zone and the gains of the emergency rule.

They submitted that there is a fundamental problem laced with high-wired politics which the Federal Government has not, as a matter of sincerity, told Nigerians.

According to them, the whole scenario ranging from the declaration of emergency to the proscription of Boko Haram down to the recent killings is shrouded in secrecy.

But coming closely to the politics of Yobe killings and denials was what some keen observers of political events in the country have described

President Goodluck Jonathan

Why FG/Boko Haram ceasefire deal failed as the “hugest joke of the time.” In a manner suggestive of defiance to the proscription order and hell-bent on hoodwinking the people, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, last week treated Nigerians to some theatrics, saying that Boko Haram had signed a ceasefire deal with the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, according to feelers, what agitated the minds of many people may not be signing of the agreement itself but the fact that the Federal Government could enter into a ceasefire deal with an outlawed body. Again, the whole affair seemed shrouded in secrecy. The fact that no one saw when and where the signing took place except that Turaki made the announcement on Radio France International Hausa services monitored in Kano on Monday afternoon. Even when he was confronted by journalists at the State House, he never gave details of the deal.

Hear him: “A series of painstaking discussions we have been having with the leadership of Boko Haram. And like most of you must have heard, the directive for cease fire was given on tape. Basically they took into account, one: the sincerity of the committee, which by necessary implication also the sincerity of the

President regarding resolving the issue of insecurity in the North. Number two, also unlike their thinking that the committee was meant to serve as a trap for them, they also realized that not only is the committee very sincere, government and indeed Mr. President is also very sincere about the whole discussion.

His words: “We are still working on the framework, where we will sign an agreement and we will make that public where ever and whenever we agree on the time and place and the international and local media, all Nigerians will be privy to it. It is something that will be done openly and transparently for everybody to know that indeed that not only have we been speaking with the proper people but that there has been a lot of good faith on both sides of the divide.”

Responding to a question on whether a video recording of the signing will not surface on the social media any moment, the Minister said: “When a minister of the Federal Government speaks on behalf of government, you wouldn’t say that you must see the President or the Vice President there.We have spoken with somebody who is second in command as far as Boko Haram is concerned and he has informed the media that he has been discussing with us with full knowledge and authority of Imam Abubakar Shekau and so we have no cause to doubt him. We have done checks on him, just as they have done checks on us also and we have realized that yes we are dealing with the proper people and with the proper leadership of the org a n i z a t i o n . " He also said the committee was still working on the broader terms of the agreement, adding: “We are working on it, especially now that there has been ceasefire, directed by the Boko Haram and then we are discussing with the broader framework and as soon as we are done with that Nigerians will be communicated.”

On how long the ceasefire may last, Turaki said: “Of course it is not something that is done for a specific period of time. It is something that should be forever. As far as we are concerned, it is something that has been agreed and I

Many a Nigerian had thought that emergency rule signposted the presence of soldiers at every nook and cranny of the affected states They also took into account the fasting of the month of Ramadan, which is on, and felt that they should give peace a chance so that our Muslim sisters and brothers will be able to perform their religious obligation this month without any harassment, without any fear of bomb exploding and any firing at them while they are in their place of worship.”

Asked to give details about the framework for agreement, he said details were still being worked out, adding that the formal signing will be made public through the media.

don’t think there will be any basis for anybody rescinding on the agreement.”

The chairman also said that the development that will unfold henceforth will determine whether the emergency rule will be relaxed in the three states because of the cease fire.

He spoke further: “I think even with the declaration and announcement of ceasefire, I think the issue of the state of emergency will have to stay but in such a way and manner that security agencies are fully satisfied that normalcy has been restored and that

there is order and peace. Let us not forget the fact that with or without ceasefire, it is the serious and great responsibility of government to ensure that the lives and properties of law abiding Nigerians are protected wherever they are and in whatever circumstances. So I think it is the situation that will begin to unfold themselves henceforth that will determine whether the security agencies on ground will relax the period of the curfew and then ultimately they will advise the appropriate authorities whether the need has arisen for the state of emergency to be removed but I think that is not for the committee.”

FG is confused

—Festus Keyamo, Human Rights Lawyer It is obvious they are not winning the war. I think the crisis has overwhelmed the Federal Government. And Federal Government has lost the capacity to control the situation. What is clear is that their tact has failed them and I think the Federal Government should better think of other means to control the sect. I get the impression that the Federal Government is confused and there is also an understanding that they are granting amnesty to some of them.

So, they are not telling us the truth because we hear that the sect is begging the Federal Government to forgive them. I think they are playing games with the security of the country.

Ramadan doesn’t stop killing

—Alhaji Shettima Yerima President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF)

T

he whole thing boils down to politics as far as I am concerned and what is happening is that they are playing with the sensibilities of Nigerians. So, it is high time we as a people be vigilant, remain focused and insist that the right thing must be done. Those in power, it is obvious that they lack the political will to address these issues. The common man in Nigeria has become the scapegoat to this so called insurgency because somebody wants to make a point. And I made a recent analysis and looked at the 29 students that were killed. What point does somebody want to make by killing innocent people. Students who were harmless, totally harmless, the future of Nigeria; now for whatever reason, I can’t imagine someone going in to kill those innocent souls. That is on one side. On the second side, whether it is because of Ramadan or not, because for me, I see it as an indictment on Isam because there is no where in Islam where they

Continues on page 53

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013—53

Why FG/Boko Haram ceasefire deal failed amnesty to the federal government. So, you find it very difficult to understand what is really happening and who are these Boko Haram members that can take hostage the federal government. Now one of things I see clearly; that there is a lot of politics attached to it despite the religious inclination that people are talking about. But as a religious leader, that is not the major issue.

Religious issues in the history of the world have never become a major cause of conflict because all of us have one or two claims to the preaching of peace and peaceful co-existence. So, there is a way we can we tell ourselves the truth but politicians should be able to say something truthful.

What is happening in other countries like Egypt is really a lesson for us to understand that definitely it is the political class that is causing all the confusion in the world. For me, I just want to tell you that there is high contradiction inspite of the involvement of military in three states of the north and yet there is no open confusion by the Boko Harma inspite of the claims and testimonies that they have bombarded their camps and other training grounds yet we have not seen practical proofs that yes these people are open for dialogue; then something is still on the ground that is yet to be revealed.

Continued frompage 52 said you should kill anyone whether it is Ramadan or no Ramadan. You can’t take the life of an innocent person. It is unislamic. There is no way anybody can say because it is Ramadan and for that reason we are not going to commit any crime and we want to be polite, we want forgiveness, that is an insult on our people. So, to me, there is more to it. It is high time; we began to think of what to do to protect ourselves as a people.

We cannot trust anybody on either side, whether on the side of the so called Boko Haram or the side of Government. It is high time; we began to think of alternatives for Nigeria.

Military Operations in North

I

am not an expert security wise, but with commonsense, I do not know what security pattern was for them to switch off communication where people will cry for help and the phone will not be useful to them to call for any intervention or any other means for rescue because the operation that was conducted in Yobe State was not done within five minutes. It took an hour for them to shoot them, maim and burn the place. It took some hours and the security that has declared the state of emergency couldn’t do anything. Something is wrong somewhere. To me, even the security votes we that are given to the security must be checked properly because if this money continues to get into the hands of government, no one will know that the protection of life and property will be taken serious because the moment there is no killing, this money will not be coming. So, for that reason peo-

Bottomline Balarabe Musa

The Federal Government has banned Boko Haram yet it is talking to Boko Haram. This is a contradiction ple will continue to die.

Enough is enough.

FG is contradicting itself

—Alhaji Balarabe Musa

A

ctually, we are not winn ing any of the many wars in the country including insurgency, economic, political, etc we are not winning any of them. The Federal Government has banned Boko

Festus Keyamo Haram yet it is talking to Boko Haram. This is a contradiction. This is what has been happening all the while. But in spite of the contradiction, the only thing people hope to see is success towards peace which doesn’t seem to be the case now. The killing continues. Unfortunately we have not gone to the root of the problem. Right from the beginning, people said it is emergency rule that is needed because emergency rule will only aggravate the matter. The only thing is to tighten the security and go into the root of the matter. The root of the matter is first of all dealing with this nasty unemployment. Secondly, winning the confidence of Nigerians who will help the government to identify the insurgents.

Turaki doesn’t know the meaning of ceasefire

—Rev. Abare Kallah, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Gombe State Chapter

Alhaji Shittma Yerima

W

hat is ceasefire in this aspect? He doesn’t know the meaning of ceasefire; meaning after Ramadan, the thing continues, right? I mean, the Federal Government has not succeeded. The issue of emergency rule in the three states has failed if that is the case. Well, I can see two things happening. We have divergent opinions. On one hand, the federal government is taking active measures by using force to deal with Boko Haram issue. On the other hand , it is saying you have an avenue to dialogue to see if you can overcome this problem. These are really the two things I can see but in whatever form, one thing I know that is clear to me is that there are also lots of contradictions if there is no consistency from the Federal Government authority. From day one, there were a lot of calls from different angles on the issue of dialogue with Boko Haram, you did not yield to it. Later there was granting of amnesty to Boko Haram and Boko Haram said they are the ones to give

M

ost analysts believe that it has been a lot of contradictions on the part of the Federal Government. They also believe that a situation where the government in one breath pronounces the groups illegal and in another breath resumes talks with them amounts to double standard and totally jeopardizes its efforts to stamp out terrorisms on the shores of the country.

Again, the military operations in the three States of the north might not have handsomely paid off judging from the recent killing in Yobe State. This, they said leaves them wondering how much blood of innocent Nigerians the authorities would want to see spilled before genuine commitment can be made to protect the lives of citizens which is the primary function of every government. They posited however that one of the ways of achieving that is to stop giving unnecessary palliatives to any perceived terrorist organizations and deal with them accordingly, such that the Chairman, Boko Haram Amnesty Committee and Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Tanimu Musa will surrender his Chairmanship.

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 10, 2013

Broadcast rights: Izamoje warns ambush radio stations C

hairman CEO of Sports Radio, 88.9 Brila FM, Dr. Larry Izamoje has warned radio stations which enjoy violating copyright laws to broad programmes they don’t have rights to, to desist from it or face legal battles. He gave the warning in Lagos early this week at a briefing to inform Nigerians of his company’s acquisition of exclusive commercial radio rights for both La liga and Copa Del Rey matches for the Nigerian territory beginning from August 17 and every match day.

“The La liga is the biggest thing on the horizon right now. Our listweners have always craved for something to from Spain. So, spread the word, La liga and Copa Del Rey will debut in Nigeria, on Sports Radio 88.9 Brila FM on August

17 and every match day.

It is another first from our stable,” he enthused.

He however, added that “ we have gone a great length, financially, technically, legally and even physically in bringing these unique services that will reinforce our pole position inn niche broadcasting for the enjoyment of our listeners and give a marketing boost to advertisers and regret we will not tolerate any form of piracy or copyrights violation.”

And to battle rights violators, Dr. Izamoje informed that “two of our solicitors, (Barrister Festus Keyamos Chambers and Barrister (Dr.) Charles Mekwunye’s Chambers) have been instructed to be on guard and seek reliefs from pirates or anyone or station that infinges directly or indirectly.”

Gen Minimah takes a bold step to revive boxing *Sponsors Open Championship

By Patrick Omorodion

F

OLLOWING the not too impressive performances of Nigeria’s boxing team in recent past, President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, NBF, Major General Kenneth Minimah has moved to assist the federation discover more talents who would be exposed to comeptitive conditions towards representing the country and wining laurels in future competitions.

He has therefore, in the absence of funds from the National Sports Commission, NSC, decided to sponsor a National Open Boxing Championship to hold in Lagos from August 16 to 24 to be attended by boxers from the 36 States of the federation and Abuja as well as the Armed Forces and ParaMilitary Boxing Clubs.

Addressing the media in Lagos on the championships, the NBF president, who was represented by Mr Ogbu Osondu, a.k.a Old Skool with Azania OmoAgege, another member of the NBF Board present, said the event will also serve as an avenue to select boxers who will represent the country in some forthcoming international competitions.

Some of the competitions, they said, include the 18th African Elite Boxing Championship in Mauritius, AIBA Youth Women Boxing Championship in Belgium, AIBA World Boxing Championship in Kazakhstan and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

According to General Minimah, the 9-day championship will have boxers competiting in various categories: Men, 49kg, 52kg, 56kg, 60kg, 64kg, 69kg, 75kg, 81kg, 91kg and +91kg while the women will compete in the 56kg, 60kg and 75kg, all Olympic weight categories.

The NBF president added that the federation will organise a 3-day referee/judge proficiency upgrade workshop August 13-15 to keep them abreast with the new AIBA rules and regulations which will be applied at the championship.

“The workshop is aimed at upgrading the knowledge of Nigerian referees and judges on the new AIBA rules and regulations, especially the 10-point scoring system recently approved by the world boxing ruling body,” he said as he urged “all active referees/judges to participate in the workshop.”

IAAF World Championships:

AFN aims to break 12-year medal-less jinx A

• Dr. Larry Izamoje

Aneke twin sisters boost special athletes with wheel chairs

N

OLLYWOOD actresses, the Aneke sisters, Chidinma and Chidiebere have demonstrated their love for sports as they boosted Special athletes with wheel chairs to encourage them to continue winning laurels for the country. The gesture was part of the activities to mark their birthday which came up last Tuesday in Lagos. Apart from the Special athletes, the Aneke sisters also extended their goodwill to other less privilleged individuals including the widows. Among items they gave out include; wheel chairs, clotches, bags of rice, cartons of indomie, vegetable oil, wrappers and films.

Speaking to Sports Vanguard at the Lagos SWAN secretariat, they said, “It’s not easy to add another year to one’s life.” We want to appreciate God for His grace and mercy and also give out to people. We have been gving alms to some previleged people and we have decided to extend this year’s own to the Special Sports people because they have been doing well for the country.

We have watched them represent and win laurels for the country. I guess some of them have wheel chairs but they must have spoilt and needed replacement for them to continue wining gold for us hence, we decided to give them the wheel chairs to appreciate them for all that they have been doing for us”.

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria president, Chief Solomon Ogba on Thursday in Moscow, received a medal of commendation from the IAAF president, Lamine Diack for his outstanding contributions to athletics in Nigeria.

One of Chief Ogba’s major achievement was his tireless effort in transforming Blessing Okagbare from an average athlete in 2007 to a world class act. Okagbare is one of the Nigerian athletes expected to shine at the World Championships, which begins today in Moscow, Russia. But the big question is; can she live up to expectation and end Nigeria’s 12-year wait for a medal at the world athletics showpiece event? The last time Nigeria won a medal was in Seville, Spain in 1999, where France Obikwelu and Gloria Alozie won silver in the men 200m and women 100m hurdles events.

Obikwelu and Alozie have since taken up Portuguese and Spanish nationalities respectively due to the unfortunate neglect of the sport by successive sports administrators, a condition that is unchanging and it has dragged athletics in Nigeria to the doldrums, but not for a lucky few like Okagbare whose career has been well oiled, there would be nothing for Nigeria’s athletics enthusiasts to look forward to.

And beginning from this morning, Okagbare will be in the field digging for gold, starting with the long jump billed for this afternoon. She is in the same qualification pool with the very women who are standing between her and a medal in the event. They include Olympic 2012 champion, Britney Recce of the USA, with a season best of 7.25m and home girl, Olga Kucherenko with a season’s best of 7. 00m and a personal best of 7.13m.

Okagbare, in July broke the seven meter barrier and from the look of things, she must have to do more than the wind added 7.14m she did recently to stand a decent chance of winning a medal in the event, it is crowded.

On Sunday, she will run in the heats of the women’s 100m and then

in the afternoon session she will do battle in the final of the women long jump hopefully. Once the dust settles on the long jump on Sunday, Okagbare will focus on the women’s 100m and it promises to be another explosive encounter and for Nigerians who are practically living on a prayer, it is time to say a word or two to the mighty Man in heaven to give Okagbare some measure of luck and stability, because this is what it will boil down to in the women’s 100m where all the top contenders, ShellyAnn Fraser Pryce, Camelita Jeter, KellyAnn Baptise, and Gardner English appear to have equal chances to the medals at stake. However, Okagbare and Fraser Pryce are the women all eyes are on. On paper, the Jamaican sprinter has the edge, but judging from the form displayed by Okagbare in their last race in London, she could take the race to the limit, with her long and powerful stride, it all depends on her having a good start as she tends to come from behind most of the time to finish.

Nigeria’s other hopefuls include Ajoke Odumosu who was in the final of the women’s 400m hurdles at the London

2012 Olympics. Much has not been heard of her this season other than the 55.10 seconds she ran in Warri. There is also Regina George in the women’s 400m who is hoping for a place in the final with her 50.99 season’s best.

Apart from Okagbare, Nigeria’s best chance for medals are the 4x100m and 4x400m women relays. However, it seems the coaches have a lot of work to do, if the teams are to do well. There was not enough time for the quartets to practice and this usually comes into play in the heat of the competition.

“After the All Nigeria championships in Calabar, what did we do with our athletes. Apart from Okagbare, which other athlete can we say has gotten adequate preparation,” Bruce Ijirigho a former Nigerian international and coordinator of Cross River grassroots athletics development programme queried. “ The long and short of the matter is that we are not prepared for the championships. We can only pray that Okagbare redeems us. She has a chance to win in the long jump and sprint.

Our relay 4x400m could do something too.

As for the 4x100m, I do not see them getting the rhythm since they have not really practiced much this season,” he stressed.

*RECOGNITION... IAAF boss Lamine Diack (l) presents Solomon Ogba, AFN president, with a medal of recognition in Moscow.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, AUGUST 10, 2013—55

Top 4 play-offs: Atlantic Conference teams battle for tickets

A

FTER the emergence of Kano Pil-

Emenike, Omeruo out of Mandela Challenge

S

UPER Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has excused striker Emmanuel Emenike and defender Kenneth Omeruo from his squad to the Nelson Mandela Challenge in South Africa next week.

Keshi stated that Emenike is being allowed time to settle with his new club Fenerbache, while Omeruo is out on the account of the shoulder injury he suffered during FIFA Confederations Cup. He was said to have suffered a relapse and the fast rising centre back is receiving attention from Chelsea doctors.

In their places, Free State Stars of South Africa ace Gege Soriola and Chippa United’s James Okwuosa, also based in South Africa, have been called up as replacements.

Team technical crew, said they took the decision to call up two central defenders because there are enough options upfront for the encounter against Bafana Bafana next Wednesday.

Emenike, gets Keshi’s permission to stay out

“We also need to start grooming new defenders who are promising for upcoming challenges and we found the two players invited thus far very promising,”Keshi said.

Keshi added that Emenike in particular has a lot of hurdles to cross at his new club and the management of the national team have to oblige him.

“We will need him in the World Cup qualifier but

he has a lot of things to do at his new club and we must give him that opportunity. But I must say we are in good con-

tact and we are happy with the way things are going with our top players in the transfer market,” he said.

lars and Mark Mentors from the Savannah Conference, action shifts to the Atlantic Conference tomorrow as four teams namely Union Bank, Dodan Warriors, Islanders and Oluyole Warriors contest for the remaining two slots in the DStv/NBBF Basketball Final Four play-offs at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.

According to the Secretary General of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, Francis Gbiri, all the teams and technical officials were expected to arrive Lagos yesterday for the prematch meeting while real action begins today with two matches each day.

Ikpeba slams Oboabana’s decision Continues from Back

“It is true that Oboabana won the Nations Cup with the Eagles but it is not enough for him to move straight into any team in Europe. He should have gone to Arsenal for the trials, play with the team and

see how he can fit in,”Ikpeba stressed.

Speaking on the same issue also on Brila FM, Mike Idoko, the Executive Director of Ondo State Football Agency that manages the Akure side where Oboabana plays, said that the trial

was unnecessary, querying, “If he (Oboabana) were to be an European that won the Nations Cup, will they (Arsenal) ask him to come for trials.”

Idoko insisted that the Eagles defender has proved himself and has

Union Bank who topped the Atlantic Conference in the DStv League are expected to battle third place side, Islanders in the first match of the competition with Dodan Warriors who emerged second taking to the court against Oluyole Warriors after.

Tomor row, Oluyole War riors and Union Bank play first while Islanders and Dodan Warriors square up later. All the matches hold in the afternoon from 2 p.m. each day. On the third and final day on Monday, Oluyole Warriors will face Islanders first before Union Bank and Dodan Warriors battle each other later.

played over 75% of the Eagles matches as well as played the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup with Sunshine Stars and therefore should not be subjected to any form of trials, stressing, “It is not about the price, we just want the best for our player.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, AUGUST 10, 2013

Arsenal trials: Ikpeba slams Oboabana’s decision *Idoko says it’s in order

BY PATRICK OMORODION

F

ORMER African Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles forward, Victor Nosa Ik-

MANDELLA CHALLENGE:

peba has described as unwise the decision of Godfrey Oboabana to shun the request of Arsenal FC of London coach, Arsene Wenger to to appear for trials in the club.

Ikpeba, fondly called Prince of Monaco in his playing days at FC Mo-

Don’t panic over Bafana Bafana, Mba tells Nigerians

naco, told Brila FM radio monitored in Lagos that the Sunshine Stars and Super Eagles defender should have heeded the request and availed himself the opportunity to prove his mettle at the London club.

Stressing that Oboabana may have proved to be a reliable defender for the Eagles since his debut, the Delta-born ex player turned football analyst said that the way European coaches see European and South American players is quite different from the way they see players from Africa. *Continues on page 55

*As Eagles arrive Abuja today

S

UPER Eagles forward, Sunday Mba has said there is no cause for alarm over the starstudded squad South Africa head coach, Gordon Igesund named for the Nigerians.

Igesund on Tuesday named a 28-man squad to confront the Eagles in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on August 14 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

Mba said Nigerians have no reason to panic as the African kings will march the South African counterparts squarely as well as come out of the encounter unscathed.

“Of course, there is nothing to worry over the names the South Africans will parade against us during the Nelson Mandela Challenge, I’m cool and at home with the names.

“It’s a friendly game but the build-up to the game underscores the fact that there is nothing like friendly in football any longer, every game is as important as the World Cup final.

“We know it won’t be easy in South Africa more so against the Bafana Bafana because everybody wants to win against Nigeria and go down in history as the side that defeated the reigning African champions.

“I see the encounter as a game we must win, our pride is already at stake so I believe we’ll prepare very well and on matchday come to the party to prove further to doubters that our victory at 2013 Afcon was not a fluke rather well deserved,” said the

*WELL DONE BOY.... Super Eagles forward, Victor Moses hugs Sunday Mba high in celebration after Mba scored the winning goal in the 2-1 defeat of Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Nations Cup semi final early this year in South Africa.

Afcon hero to supersport.com.

The Super Eagles are expected to hit camp on August 11 in Abuja preparatory for the high-profile international friendly which doubles as buildup for the side 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying last group match against the Flames of Malawi in Nigeria on September 7.

TODAY’S MATCHES CHAN Mozambique Germany B. Leverkusen Hannover 96 Augsburg Hertha BSC

v

Angola

2:00pm

v v v v

Freiburg Wolfsburg B Dortmund E. Frankfurt

3.30pm 3.30pm 3.30pm 3.30pm

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 President, Nigerian Football Coaches Association, Bitrus – (8) 5 Former Cross River State Governor, Clement – (4) 7 Headgear – (3) 8 L.G.A in Nassarawa State – (4) 9 Super Eagles Striker, Ikechukwu – (4) 10 Dolphins F.C Assistant Coach, Ndubuisi – (5) 12 Swaziland Currency – (5) 16 Cote D’Ivoire “Elephants” Full-back, Guv – (5) 18 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Achille – (5) 19 L.G.A in Borno State – (5) 21 Former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Adebayo – (9) 24 Nigerian Currency – (5) 27 Ebonyi state Commissioner for Information & Orientation, Mr. Ken – (4) 28 Country in Africa – (4) 29 L.G.A in Enugu State – (3) 30 Enugu Rangers Defender, Haliru – (4)

31 L.G.A in Delta State – (8) Down 1 Switzerland, Capital City – (4) 2 Minister of Labour & Productivity, Mr. Chukwuemeka – (4) 3 Colombia striker and Fulham CentreForward, Hugo – (9) 4 Country in Africa – (5) 5 L.G.A in Cross-River State – (5) 6 Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka – (8) 11 Adult Female Rabbit – (3) 13 Asian Ox – (5) 14 President, Enugu Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Industry, Mr. Okechukwu – (9) 15 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (4) 16 Yobe State Capital – (8) 17 Adult Female Horse – (4) 20 Battle – (3) 22 Ingredient used in Making Bread – (5) 23 Proportion – (5) 25 L.G.A in Ebonyi State – (4) 26 Former Plateau State Governor, Chris – (4)

2

`1

3

5

4

6

7 8 10

9

11 12

16

13

14

15

17 18 19

21

22

20

23 24

25

28

27 29 30

31

SOLUTION Solution on page 15 on page 55

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Editor: 08052201257 (TEXT ONLY). Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: weekend @vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com.

Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) EDITOR: CHIOMA GABRIEL. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

26