Buhari, Osinbanjo slash salaries by 50%

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Tinubu may emerge APC BoT chairman

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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O further placate the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, most forces in the party may have decided to influence his emergence as the chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of the party, Saturday Vanguard gathered yesterday.

The party is due for the constitution of its BoT on June 20, 2015 following the rectification of the process by the party ’s National Working Committee, NWC, last week.

Tinubu who is a big brain behind the formation of APC by the four defunct political parties- Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, All Nigerian People’s Party, ANPP, and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA-

now known as legacy parties, apparently lost out in the power game when his candidates for the Senate Presidency and the Speakership of the House of Representatives were defeated at the National Assembly leadership election.

Speaking in confidence to Saturday Vanguard in Abuja, a party source revealed that the odds favour Tinubu even though a former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku is said to be angling for the portfolio.

“He is not likely to contest the position with anyone else. Many

people want him for the office”, the source said.

But even with this, it was also learnt that many people may not be comfortable with Tinubu occupying the office.

They fear that he may use the office to attack most members of the NWC among whom are the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Barrister Yakubu Dogara whose relationship with him has gone awry following the National Assembly leadership election.

Buhari, Osinbajo slash salaries by 50 per cent

By Clifford Ndujihe & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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S part of his plans to actualise his campaign promise of reducing the huge cost of governance to free funds for the delivery of democracy dividends,

•Buhari to earn N28.12m in four years, N7m a year President Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Professor Yemi Osinbajo have slashed their salaries by 50 per cent.

With this Buhari and Osinbajo will earn half of

War on terrorism: India pledges to train Nigerian security in intelligence gathering

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja S the Boko Haram sect continues to unleash terror on Nigerians, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ghanashan Ajampor Ranganya, has pledged his country’s total support to the Federal Government on the war against terrorism and all other forms of security challenges facing the country.

Ranganya, who made the promise when he visited the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, yesterday, assured that his country will assist Nigeria in the training of security personnel in intelligence gathering to tackle the menace.

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He recalled that the trade relations between Nigeria and India dated back to the 18th century, adding that the existing relations between both countries should be sustained by leaders of both countries for socio- economic development.

According to him, the Indian Government has recentlycommencedworkon two state of the art hospitals in Nigeria to assist victims of terror, noting that work was at an advanced stage on the construction of the health facility.

He also assured the Speaker that his visit would help to strengthen existing diplomatic relations between both countries Receiving the envoy, the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara appealed to the

India government to support Nigeria‘s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Dogara said relations between the two countries dated back to preindependence Nigeria, stressing that Nigeria and India had been bidding for a permanent seat on the UN security council which has five members.

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Federal High Court sitting in Jos yesterday upheld the participation and electionofSen.JoshuaDariye asthecandidateofthePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Plateau Central Senatorial DistrictinlastDecemberparty

primaries. Itwouldberecalled thataco-contestantintherace, MrAlexanderMwolwushad challenged in court the eligibility of Dariye in taking part in the PDP senatorial primaries. Dariye had left the Labour Party (LP) and joined PDPandhadwontheprimary election, beating five other aspirants including

what former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Namadi Sambo, earned.

The current annual remuneration of the President of Nigeria as published by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, is N14,058,820.00.

This means Buhari, henceforth, will earn N7,029,410 a year or N28,117,640 in four years To formalize the process, the leaders have written to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to intimate it of the new development.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the letter detailing

the presidential decision was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Nebolisa Emodi.

With reference number PRES/81/SGF/17, Emodi in the letter said, “I write to forward the completed IPPIS registration form of Mr. President and to draw your kind attention to Mr. President’s directive that only 50 per cent of his salary be paid to him”.

The move is expected to be emulated by a host of Nigerian leaders in due course.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, penultimate week slashed his remunerations by 50 per cent in view of the dwindling economic fortunes of the country.

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, last Thursday

ordered that the salaries of political office holders in the state should be suspended until civil servants have been paid.

Last week, President Buhari directed the release of about N414 billion as bailout to states to pay the backlog of salaries they were owing civil servants.

Before electing to slash his salary by 50 per cent, President Buhari had earlier rejected a proposal from the Aso Rock bureaucracy to approve the purchase of five customised armoured Mercedes Benz S-600 (V222) cars at the cost of N400 million.

Instead of buying new cars, the president, it was gathered said he would stick to the vehicles he inherited from the former President Jonathan administration.

N8bn CBN fraud: Judge blames accusation of bias on judicial system Ola Ajayi, Ibadan

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USTICE Olayinka Faaji of the Federal High Court, Ibadan division who is one the judges hearing

Court upholds Dariye’s election

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

CORRUPTION: Former Governor of Adamawa State (m), Murtala Nyako with his Son and others after he was granted bail by the court in Abuja yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Mwolwus.

In his affidavit, through his counsel, J.S. Iliya, Mwolwus prayed the court to quash the election of Dariye at the primaries on the ground that he was not formally reabsorbed but was granted waiver by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in Abuja.

the suit filed against some staff of Central Bank of Nigeria and others over alleged fraud of about N8billion has said it is the judicial system in the country that allows a counsel to openly accuse a judge of bias without any attendant consequence.

The judge said the country’s judicial system was unlike that of the United Kingdom where a counsel cannot accuse a judge of bias without facing the consequences.

He said this while giving ruling on two motions filed by defence counsel in the trial of the bankers.

Olalekan Ojo, counsel to the second and third accused persons had alleged that some of the portions of the ruling on bail applications filed by his clients had pronounced them guilty before the determination of the case.

He had taken exception to the use of “deeply involved” and that their offences were “mindboggling” in the ruling.

While delivering ruling on the two motions which were hinged on stay of proceedings and disqualification of the judge , he said he could not grant the second prayer because

it was for the Appeal Court to decide.

If he did, he held that it would be tantamount to removing rug off the feet of the Court of Appeal justices that are to hear the allegation of bias which the counsel to accused persons had raised in his ruling.

The accused bankers that were arraigned include Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Philips,(CBN staff), Isaq Akano (a.k.a Isiaka), Ayodele Festus Adeyemi, Oyebamiji Akeem, Ayodeji Alatise and Ajiwe Sunday Adegoke.

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We ‘ll create jobs from hospitality sector – Ambode ...Says untapped opportunities abound in sector for investors

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, said his administration will take advantage of the huge potentials in the hospitality sector to create jobs for Lagosians.

Speaking at the commissioning of The George, a hospitality centre in Ikoyi , Lagos, he said the government will expand the frontiers of the hospitality industry in the state to attract investments.

He said the current economic realities in the country have made it necessary for the state to develop non-oil sectors to ensure sustainable revenue source.

To this end, Governor Ambode said relevant policies and incentives will be put in place to create an enabling environment for the development of the sector, which according to him is a key driver of his administration’s agenda.

His words: “This is a happy occasion because it has reaffirmed the status of Lagos State as the first choice destination for investment. It also confirms the untapped opportunities in tourism and hospitality sector in Lagos state. Lagos state is known as the Centre of Excellence for a number of reasons .

One of these is the accommodating nature of our people and the various tourism and recreation sites that abound in the state.

“We are committed to putting in place relevant

policies and incentives that would create an enabling environment for the development of the hospitality sector as a key driver of our administration’s development agenda.”

The Governor also called on other investors to key into the various opportunities that abound in the tourism belt spread across the state.

“Lagos is open for business. We assure you of the safety of your investments and we would continue working to make your investments worthwhile in all cases”.

He also commended the management of The George for providing accessible road and street lighting within the location of the hotel as part of their Corporate Social

Responsibility.

“This gesture shows you as a worthy partner of the state government in infrastructural development” , he said.

Governor Ambode, who later handed over a letter of commendation to the management of the Hotel, said the same gesture will be accordedworthycitizenswho contribute to the growth and development of the state.

Consolidated Federation Account: States lost billions under Jonathan, Iweala — Oshiomhole •laments workers poor pay packages

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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DO State G o v e r n o r, Comrade Adams Oshiomole on Friday in Abuja lauded the effort of president Mohammadu Buhari at ensuring that prudence and transparency returned in the financial dealings among the three tiers of federal, state and local governments in Nigeria.

He accused the past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan of not remitting most proceeds of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas, NLNG accrued to the government into the consolidated revenue account, saying that

Jonathan’s regime denied the states what was due to them.

Oshiomhole who spoke with State House Correspondents shortly after a private meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa disclosed that States lost about N10 billion each year during the 4 years of Jonathan.

He explained that Buhari’s understanding of the situation was what informed the sharing of about $1.6 billon amongst the states and local governments last week.

The governors insisted that the money was not drawn from the Excess Crude Account, ECA as believed in some quarters of the society.

He said: “We have

always been happy with the president because he has been very clear from day one on his campaign promises to putting an end to impunity flagrant disobedience of law and order. And he has promised transparency and order. So it is not just about the bail out but it is completely a new approach that anybody who is a stakeholder in the matters involving the funds of the federation that we all can see through everything. For example all the noise that has been generated over what happened last week, there was nothing extraordinary. What was extraordinary is that the NLNG has over the years been remmitting funds to the federal government.”

We will arrest the killers of Iyaloja of Ijebuland – Police

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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HE new Commissioner of Police in Ogun state, Abdulmajeed Ali has vowed to arrest the killers of the Iyaloja of Ijebuland, Alhaja Sadiat Elewuju.

Ali who resumed office on Thursday paid a visit to the family of the deceased at her residence at ItorinSabo in Ijebu-Ode as part of his first official assignment. He sympathised with the family.

Elewuju was macheted to death on Wednesday evening by yet to be identified assailants at her residence.

The new Commissioner of Police maintained that the way and manner the Iyaloja was killed was not acceptable, adding that the it has prompted the authorities of the force to order a proper investigation into the matter.

He enjoined the family members of the deceased to cooperate with the command in its bid to conduct proper investigation into the incident.

“It is an unfortunate incident that has happened and I am here on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and the entire police force to commiserate with the family and to assure them of our support,” Ali said.

Micro-Station expands, opens Ikeja outlet informal sector has been

By Ojo Lamide

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EADING mobile phone retailer, Micro-Station Ltd, has opened a new outlet at Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking during the opening ceremony on Monday, Chairman of the company, Mr. Nestor Coutroupis said that opening the new outlet was necessitated by the huge and strong demand for the company’s mobile phone devices and gadgets.

“Our customer are the very key to our success story and this has driven our zeal to always try to find ways to celebrate them,” he said, adding: “Moving up in the business chart of the

daunting and challenging but with doggedness and the zeal to succeed, we have focused pragmatically on our customers’ feedback and responses in righting our wrongs. We promise to continue to build on this emporium of services which we believe will galvanize and propel a wider range of sustained business reach for the benefit of our endeared and potential customers.’’

Speaking further, he said that it was based on that “conviction that we have partnered with Interswitch Nigeria to facilitate these objectives aimed at rewarding our esteemed and potential customers across our various stores in order to make them life-long customers.”

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I did not say Buhari’s Administration worsened insurgency — Ekweremadu •••Says insurgency, terrorism are beyond politics

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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EPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu explained yesterday that contrary to report, he never said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has worsened Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

He however warned that challenges like terrorism and insurgency, which have wasted lives and property of innocent Nigerians and many of our loved ones are beyond politics and should therefore not be trivalised on the alter of narrow political interest.

In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu and titled, “The Challenge of Insurgency is beyond Partisanship,” he said, “The attention of the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate has been drawn to the attempt to misrepresent and sensationalise an innocuous call by Senator Ike Ekweremadu to Nigerians to pray for and rally round the Federal Government to win the war against insurgency.

“Specifically, the Deputy President of the Senate was reported by two national dailies as stating that the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration has worsened insurgency.

“Whereas Senator Ekweremadu expressed concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in parts of the country, at no time did he try to blame it on the present administration. It is instead on record that he not only commended the efforts of

the present administration, especially in building international support and synergy to tackle the monstrous group, but he also called for greater interparty, intergovernmental, and international collaboration to address the problem.

“It is instructive that his patriotic comments were well

captured by many electronic and print media. They include: “Boko Haram: EkweremaduSeeksSupport for Buhari” (Leadership, Friday, July 10, 2015) and “Boko Haram: US Pledges Deepened Support for Nigeria… Ekweremadu rallies Support for Buhari” (New Telegraph, Friday, July 10, 2015).

From left: Managing Director/CEO, Design Extra, Yemi Idowu, ECO, Wichtech Group, Dr. Chidozie Nwankwo, Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Pastor in charge of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (City of David) and leader of the team, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade and Director Julius Berger Plc, Dr, Mutiu Sunmonu, after governor meeting Investors, at Lagos House,Alausa Ikeja on 08/07/2015. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Spike in Boko Haram attacks: Desperate pangs of a dying monster — APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said what Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu interpreted as the worsening cases of Boko Haram attacks under the current Administration are actually the desperate pangs of a dying monster.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday by its National Publicity

•Receives N2.2b NLNG tax

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BY FESTUS AHON, ASABA

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ELTA State University, Abraka branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has condemned the Federal Government’s plan to sack university staff school teachers across the country.

It held that the implementation of the plan would not only violate the agreement reached with the Federal Government in 2009, but would also run contrary to the purpose of the creation of universities and undermine the prevailing industrial peace existing in the university system. The union in a statement after its Western Zone meeting at Abraka, vowed to defend the sanctity of every part of the agreement reached with the Federal Government in 2009.

Wada flags off N642m 6.5km township road

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By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

OVERNOR Idris Wada of Kogi State yesterday in Ankpa, headquarters of Ankpa Local Government area, flagged-off the construction of Ankpa township, Lot 7 road.

The construction of the 6.5 kilometre township road awarded to Messrs Tec Engineering Company expected to last for one year will cost the State government N642 million.

Flagging off the road yesterday, the State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada said the construction of the road is in line with his administration aim at completing all existing projects and improve the socio - economic life of the rural people.

Absence of tribunal’s chairman delays Ladoja’s petition again

Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said if the distinguished Senator had leveraged his high office to get the necessary information from those involved in the Boko Haram fight, especially the Nigerian military, he would not have made the kind of partisan and incautious comments attributed to

No bailout for states yet — Ondo Govt HE Ondo state Government has debunked insinuations that it received a bailout from the Federal government to pay outstanding workers salary, disclosinghoweverthatitonly received N2.2b accrued to it from taxes, being part of June allocationfromtheFederation account, even as it puts its monthly wage bill at about N4b.

At a joint media briefing addressed by the state’s CommissionerforInformation Hon, Kayode Akinmade and hisFinancecounterpart,Chief Yele Ogundipe in Akure

“The fact that out of the 75man Senate Press Corps, representing various media houses, which were present at the function, only one medium sensationally skewed its statement out of context, while a second medium copied the same story without a byline (name of reporter), tells the whole story of a devious intent.

Delta varsity condemns FG’s plan to sack staff school teachers

yesterday, the government mentioned that the bailout proposal presented to the President atarecentmeeting by state governors was yet to bear a fruit as modalities on it are still being worked out.

Makingclarificationsonthe bailout issue, the Finance Commissioner said following the meeting with PresidentMuhamaduBuhari bythestategovernorsoverthe lingering issue of default in payment of salary and other contractual obligation, one of thethingsthatwasdecidedon was that the Federal Governmentwillfindawayto

bail out the states in terms of loan and the fund in the excess crude account could also be considered for sharing, submitting however that nothing concrete has been done in these regards.

“I can tell you that so far, no concrete action has been taken in that direction, notwithstanding the fact that all across the nation and in particular in Ondo, most people have read in the newspapers and heard that the Federal government distributed over N720b to assist the states in the payment of salaries on Monday”

him - and which he has not denied.

It said the truth of the matter is that Boko Haram, having been uprooted from its hideouts and put on the run, has become very desperate, hence it is now using its last arsenal to inflict as much damage as it can before it is annihilated, which is just a matter of time. ‘’Lone wolf suicide bombings and the choice of soft targets by retreating gunmen are now the order of the day, as against the terrorists’ previous coordinated actions of seizing and holding territories,’’ APC said.

The party said contrary to what Senator Ekweremadu said, the terrorists have been weakened by the more methodical and focused approach of the present Administration to the antiterror fight, which includes the tightening of security at border locations that has made it difficult for the terrorists to manoeuvre.

This approach is a far cry from the previous haphazard activities.

BY OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

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OR the fourth time, the petition filed by former Oyo Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja against the victory of Senator Abiola Ajimobi in the last April Governorship election could not be heard due to unavailability of the panel chairman.

Since the former Chairman of the panel, Justice F.C Obieze announced his retirement, the remaining two members of the panel have not been able to hear the petition. The tribunal was inaugurated on June 12, 2015.

At the penultimate sitting of the panel, the counsel representing Ladoja, Mr. Richard Ogunwole(SAN), had expressed concern over the absence of the chairman saying the whole process could be faulted much later.

The panel then adjourned the sitting to yesterday.

Saraki tasks Maikasuwa, NASS Mgt On merit, hard work

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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ENATE President Bukola Saraki has urged the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and other Management staff of the National Assembly to be diligent and allow merit to be their guiding principle.

Speaking when he met with the NASS management led by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, the Senate President noted that it was important for the bureaucracy to bring their experience to bear on their activities in support of the Eight Senate’s determination to deliver on its mandate to Nigerians.

Saraki said, “Our success depends on your cooperation, support and commitment.

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Federal college under siege as robbers kill one, attack Transfer of Boko Haram prisoners down to S’East 54 workers

is abomination—Ezeonwuka, Igbo leader

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By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA –The Ogirishi of Igbo land, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka has described the recent transfer of about 47 suspected Boko haram insurgents who were in prison custody in various parts of the north, down to Aguata prison in Anambra state (if it is true), as an abomination in Igbo culture and tradition.

He said the authorities concerned should take the prisoners back to the north because Igbo land is so sacred that it does not need Boko haram insurgents to pollute the convivial atmosphere prevalent in the land.

Speaking to newsmen yesterday at his Rojenny Sports Stadium/Games Village, Oba, Anambra state in reaction to the alleged transfer of the detained insurgents to Aguata prison, Ezeonwuka declared: “any protest to remove the Boko Haram prisoners from Igbo land is encourageable because god of our land condemns or abhors such an idea and besides, the suspects should be tried in the area they committed the crime”.

On the issue of Biafra, Ezeonwuka noted that

From left: Mr Simeon Adewale, PA to Editor-in-Chief; Mr Longe Samuel, Black House Media; Mr Kolade Larewaju; Mr Onochie Anibeze, Saturday Editor, Vanguard Media Ltd; Mr Ayo Onikoyi, Entertainment Editor, Vanguard Media; Mr Dada Adekola, Cartoon Editor during presentation of a new product (Star Radler) to Vanguard Media Ltd yesterday. Photo By Diran Oshe

rather than struggling to get a republic of Biafra, Ndigbo should bring their investments scattered all over Nigeria and beyond back home and nurture them to growth.

He said that with adequate security and relocation of all the Igbo investments to Igbo land which will in turn create employment opportunities for Igbo youths, Igbo territory will begin to bubble

like Japan, Korea and Dubai still within Nigeria which is better than struggling to shrink into a smaller enclave called Biafra.

“Igbo people who invested outside Igbo land should bring back their investments home to transform Igbo land into Japan, Korea and Dubai because to me, we are foolishly and stupidly developing other areas and denying ourselves of

NASS crisis: Four years not eternity, APGA chieftain tells Sarakdi, Dogara

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

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CHIEFTAIN of the l l Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Abia State, Dr. David OnuohaBourdex, has told the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to resolve the crisis ravaging the party urgently because the four years mandate given to it is not eternity.

The APGA chieftain specifically told the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, to use the four weeks recess to resolve all the impasse in the National Assembly so that they will hit the ground running when they resume for plenary on July 21.

Dr. Onuoha-Bourdex told Saturday Vanguard that the work before the Eighth National Assembly is enormous and that allowing the politics of who becomes what in the two chambers to linger would disappoint Nigerians who look forward to new and better ways of doing things in the country.

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By Vincent Ujumadu, Awka

He advised that instead of dashing the expectations of the masses by fighting over issues of personal positions, they should settle down to review the activities of the preceding assembly with a view to learning from their mistakes and charting a path for progressive change.

The Abia North Senatorial candidate in the March 28 election, urged the two chambers to come up with modalities in some critical areas that require immediate attention for the strengthening of the Nigerian federation especially the electoral system.

industrializing our own land”, he stated.

“We should concern ourselves with how to develop Igbo land and not how to become a Biafra republic because that name Biafra is treasonable and you can’t have a sovereign state in an existing one. How can we destroy what we have as Nigerians in search of Biafra republic? Once we create adequate security and productivity, we shall develop Igbo land and live comfortably”.

He said that Ndigbo are the true Nigerians who do not need to shrink into Biafra to get what they want, adding that as a pioneer contributor to burying the dead Igbo sons and daughters who died during the civil war, all that is required is to cleanse the land of evil vices, now that thousands of Igbo youths who died during the war had been given a befitting burial, to enable their hovering angry spirits rest in peace.

Ugwuanyi lists 24 as commissioners

By Francis Igtata

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OV. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, submitted list of twenty four names for consideration and confirmation as commissioners to the Enugu State House of Assembly.

According to the list presented before the House, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, a two-time governorship candidate of the defunct ANPP, Hon. Peace Nnaji, the immediate House of Reps member representing Nkanu East and West Federal Constituency and former Chairman of Enugu PDP, Barr. Charles

C. Egumgbe. Others are;former House of Reps member for Isi-Uzo and Enugu East Federal Constituency, Hon. Chijoke Edoga, Engr.

Patrick Ezebuiro Ikpenwa; Dr. Udeuhele Godwin Ikpechukwu, Mbeke Obinna.

Also on the list are; Chika Ogbe, Ndukwe Charles Chuka, Chidi Aroh, Rita Chinelo Mba,Sam Nwobodo, Emeka Okeke, Chief Melletus Eze, Prof. Uchenna Eze, Charles Asogwa, Ozo Gab Onuzulike, Mr Solomon Onah, Mr Vitus Okechi, Mike Eneh, Barr Fide Ani, Mrs Eucharia Offor, Samuel Ngwu and

Greg Nnaji.

Leader of the House, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu urged colleagues to accept the list of the nominees for consideration.

“I rise to move that the message for 24 nominees be accepted for consideration on a later date,” Ezeugwu implored.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Edward Ubosi urged the nominee to submit 25 copies of their curriculum vitae for screening.

Ubosi said that the curriculum should be submitted on or before July 13, 2015 for the screening on July 14, 2015.

UNDREDS of workers of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday took to the roads in the area to protest what they described as the incessant armed robbery attacks on them.

At the last count, 54 workers of the institution residing in the community had been attacked and one, Mr. Sunny Ike, died as a result of gunshot wound inflicted on him when the robbers attacked his home. His body is still in a mortuary at Umunze.

A female staff of the institution, who was robbed recently while she was attending a church service, was sent a text message to keep N2 million for the robbers, or count herself dead because, as the robbers allegedly claimed, not much was collected from her house. During the robbery in her house, she lost her laptop, a smart phone and some cash, which the robbers considered too small.

On many occasions since this year, commercial banks in Umunze have had to close shop for many days due to frequent armed robbery attacks and workers travelled to other towns to cash their salaries.

Clad in black attire, the workers marched through the major roads in the town and later visited the palace of the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Promise Eze, the secretariat of Orumba South Local Government Area and the home of the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Mr. Emeka Sibeudu, who, apart from being in charge of security in Anambra South Senatorial Zone, hails from Umunze.

The protesters displayed placards with inscription such as, “Enough is enough”, “We pay our tax, please give us security”, “How many will die before silence is broken?”, “Government, fish out robbers in this community”, “Umunze is under siege, please come to our rescue”, “Obiano, you are working but robbers are killing us”, and “What did we do wrong?”

Chairman of the institution’s branch of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, Dr. A.T. Nwamaradi said all the workers residing in Umunze no longer sleep with their eyes closed because they were the main target of the robbers.

He said: “We are living in danger. Life is gift from God, but it is unfortunate that some people are threatening our lives on a daily basis.

“As part of our frustration with the entire security situation of the college, we chose to protest to press home our dissatisfaction and to alert security agencies and the government of Anambra State.

“We decided to protest because we are under siege. We are not doing this for ourselves as even others who are not working in the college are beginning to feel the heat and facing the danger.” According to him, many staff of the college had to relocate to other neighbouring communities or even Awka which is over 60 kilometers away, adding that residing too far from the town also had its disadvantages as the robbers often waylay the workers on the way while going to or returning from work.

Police issue red-alert on cultism in Delta

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HE Police has issued a Red-Alert over increased Cult activities in Delta State following the arrest of 8 members of a notorious Cult group known as Aye confraternity in Warri, Delta State Parrading the 8 suspects before newsmen, the O.C Quick Response Squad, warri Alkali Lamido (SP) disclosed that acting on the directive of the commissioner of police, Delta State Alkali Baba Usman, QRS officers on visibility patrol apprehended the 8 cultist at different locations in Warri after the annual convention of Aye confraternity tagged “Black Season” 7-7-7- (the mark of the beast and anti-christ in the holy bible) The names of those arrested are: 20 year old Okalor Godwin, 300 level political science student, Benson Idahosa University, Edo State. Emmanuel Ola, 27 years from Victory Academy Ondo State. Okwalogu Michael 28 years 2010 Graduate of Theatre Arts Imo State University.

Lucky Umukoro – 27 years from Ewen – Isoko south, Delta State. Okoronkwo Friday – Faith Interntional School, Ughelli, Delta State. Onoriode Tukuru – 26 years Maryland Group of School from Ogbe-Ijaw, and two other whose identity have not been ascertained.

It will be recalled that the Inspector – General of Police, Solomon Arase set up a special unit headed by a Deputy Commissioner of police in Abuja which embarked on a special crack-down exercise in Edo State where over 40 cult members of various cult group including the notorious Aye confraternity were arrested and prosecuted in Edo State.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 — 9

B-R-I-E-F-S

How N605m N/Delta money was withdrawn, shared – ICPC

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BUDGET: The Chairman, Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Oluwole Felix (middle), his vice, Hon. Richard Enarede (left), and the Secretary to the Council (SLG), Mr. Famous Ofurubiri (right), during the 2015 budget presentation to the legislative arm of the LGA by the Chairman, recently. Photo: Henry Unini

Consequently, the commission commenced investigation into the allegation and the leakages were unravelled.

ICPC, having secured a leave to arraign Agabi and four others for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N605 million from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, preferred a 46 count charge against them.

However, Yusuf Agabi (the first accused person) and Ntu Ngozi (fifth accused person) avoided their arraignment before Justice Husseini Baba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

At the arraignment in Abuja, Agabi could not produce himself in court as he was said to have travelled for the lesser hajj, after being served summons by the ICPC prosecuting counsel, Paul Bassi, while the fifth accused (Ntu Ngozi) was

also said to have travelled to her village.

As such, the prosecuting counsel sought a short adjournment for the accused persons to be produced in court for their arraignment.

Counsel to the second, third and fourth accused persons, Rotimi Ojo, who were present in court did not object to the relief sought by the prosecution, he rather urged the court to allow the accused persons continue to enjoy the administrative bail granted them by ICPC till they are arraigned.

Justice Baba, the trial judge subsequently granted the prayers as sought and adjourned the matter to September 16 2015 for arraignment of the accused persons.

According to the charge sheet, Yusuf Agabi, a director of finance at the ministry of Niger Delta

Affairs (being a public officer), was alleged to have received for himself the sum of N100 million belonging to the Federal Government of Nigeria from one Kabiru Paloma, knowing same to have been obtained fraudulently from the bank account of the ministry, an offence contrary to Section 13 and punishable under section 68 of the Corrupt Practices Act 2000.

He was also alleged to have on separate occasions in 2013, collected a total sum of N400million from Kabiru Paloma, the sum of N50million from Daniel Obah and another sum of N8.9million from Babadoko Mohammed obtained fraudulently from the accounts of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

Lawyer, civil rights groups call for disbandment of Edo Electoral Petition Tribunal

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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HE President of the Court of Appeal has been urged to immediately disband the Edo State National and State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin over allegation of giving undue technicalities to judicial proceedings in place of substantial justice.

In different petitions addressed to the Appeal Court President by a lawyer and civil society groups, copies of which were made available to Saturday Vanguard, the petitioners cautioned that if allowed to proceed further, the tribunal will sacrifice justice on the altar of technicalities.

The tribunal is presided over by Justices A. R. Ozoemena, S. A. Adeoye and E. O. Abua.

In the petition by a lawyer, Mr. S. O. Oyatomi, on behalf of the National

•Wike expresses surprise, calls for calm among Rivers people ByJimitota Onoyume

By Caleb Ayansina HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed how the sum of N605,073,540.00 fraudulently withdrawn from the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs’ 2014 constituency project account with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was shared.

The said money was allegedly shared among the former governorship aspirant in Nassarawa State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Yusuf Agabi, who was a Director of Finance at the ministry, and four others in the ministry.

Other persons who participated in the fraudulent deal are; Akpore Okeroghene (a deputy director of finance at the ministry as 2nd accused), Ayinla Abibu (3rd accused person), Idowu Adewale (a deputy director of accounts in the ministry as 4th accused) and Ntu Ngozi, Deputy Director (Accounts) as 5th accused person.

The problem started when the office of the Permanent Secretary from the ministry petitioned the Chairman of the ICPC over the fraud.

The petition titled: “Case of an unauthorized withdrawal of the sum of N605,073,540.00 from the ministry of Niger Delta affairs’ 2014 constituency project account with Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja”.

Police seal up 22 local govt councils in Rivers

Justice Forum and Transparency Initiative (NJFTI), it was alleged that the tribunal had struck out two petitions without recourse to the substantive issues raised by the petitioners on the ground that it was the lawyer that signed the petition rather than the petitioners.

The lawyer accused the tribunal of closing its eyes to the Court of Appeal authority on the interpretation of Paragraph 4(3)(b) of the 1st Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010, “thereby setting bad precedent all over the country with the elevation of technical justice as against substantial justice.”

Calling on the President of the Court of Appeal to step into the matter urgently and disband the panel, considering the injury it may caused the electorate, the petitioners submitted that “election tribunals are to ensure that

substantial justice is accorded to all parties.”

The petition partly read: “Our client is a NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organization (NGO) with the sole aim of ensuring transparency in our judicial system, make it free of judicial recklessness and corruption amongst judges and judicial officers.

“Our client informed us of the ruling delivered by the Election Tribunal holding in Benin on June 18th and 22nd, 2015 in the case of M. Oladele Bankole Balogun & anor vs Hon. Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason and two others, and the case of Hon. Lawrence Osabokhien Ogieva & another vs Hon. Aisoweren Patrick and 2 others respectively on the ground that all the petitioners did not sign the petition contrary to the decision of the Court of Appeal on that point in the case of Ibrahim vs Sheriff

(2004) 14 NWLR (PT 892) 43.”

Rather than acceding to the above decision, according to the lawyer, the panel stuck to the authority of Dino Melaye & anor vs Tajudeen and ors, (2011)LPELP-19744(CA) that has different facts.

EAVILY armed to the teeth policemen yesterday sealed up twenty two local government council secretariats in Rivers State, thus denying newly sworn in Caretaker Committee Chairmen of the councils access to their offices barely twelve hours after they were sworn in by governor Nyesom Wike in Government House, Port Harcourt.

It will be recalled that elected chairmen and their councillors in the twenty two local governments were dissolved on Thursday via a High Court verdict delivered by Justice Lambo Akambi.

A text message from the state Police Public

Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad said the Police acted to save lives and properties.

Unconfirmed report from a top police source said the Police command got a signal from the office of the Inspector General of Police at about 11.30 pm on Thursday night to seal up the council secretariats.Governor Wike finished swearing in the Caretaker Committee Chairmen for the various councils at the Exco Chamber, Government House at about 8.45 pm Thursday night.

Reacting, Governor Wike has expressed surprise at the action of the Police. wondering if it was the change Nigerians should expect in the new political dispensation.

Unseal Rivers councils immediately, PDP asks Police •Accuses Police of playing double standard

By Henry Umoru

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HE national leadership of the PeoplesDemocraticParty,PDP, yesterday accused the Police of playingdoublestandard in barringcaretakercommittees lawfully appointed by the RiversStateGovernmentfrom taking charge of the local councils in the state.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, ChiefOlisahMetuh,thePDP asked for immediate unsealing of local councils in the state by the Police.

The party described the action as unconstitutional, reprehensibleabuseofpower and brazen show of partisanship,justasitfingered theAllProgressivesCongress, APC-ledFederalGovernment as the mastermind, using its controlled police to carry out the act.

Metuh stressed that the action of the police was an affronttotherulingoftheHigh Court, which Thursday dissolved the 22 local government councils unlawfully imposed by the immediatepastadministration in the state, upon which the

caretaker committees were appointed by Governor NyesomWike.

The party said “it was curiousthatthepoliceallowed the dissolution of local government councils and appointment of caretaker committeesinAPC- controlled Plateau and Kaduna states, evenwhentheywerewithout the orders of the court, but electedtoclampdownonthat of Rivers State, which came as a result of judicial pronouncement.”

It therefore charged the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to come out cleanonthematterandassure the nation of the nonpartisanship of the police by ordering the immediate unsealing of the councils.

The party said Nigerians and the international community should note the development, which “is yet another clear indication that the Nigerian police may have become a partisan and compromised instrument in the hands of the APC federal government to destabilize PDP-controlled states, particularly Rivers State.

Crude oil pipeline explosion claims 12 lives in Bayelsa, others missing

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

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BOUT twelve persons were Thursday killed in a crude oil pipeline fire explosion along the TebidabaAzuzuama trunk line in the mangrove swamp of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Several others including two soldiers on guard duty were missing as at press time.

The identity of the

deceased persons could not be ascertained as they were burnt beyond recognition.

The charred bodies have been deposited at the morgue of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri in the outskirts of Yenagoa, the state capital.

The tragic incident occurred Thursday at about 4pm at the facility owned by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) as work was on going to clamp a leaking section of the crude oil bearing pipeline.

It was gathered that Agip personnel, officials of Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and other stakeholders were at the site on a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) when the explosion occurred.

An indigene of Azuzuama, Dennis Dumde said twelve bodies have been recovered from the explosion site between Thursday night and the early hours of yesterday.

10 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

BRIEFS Banire, Etiaba, Akeredolu, 18 other lawyers become SAN Sept 21

Money laundering: Court releases Nyako, son, others on bail

•Each to deposit N350m, surrender travelling documents

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

•The Emir of Kano, Muhhammudu Sanusi 11, flanked by Mr Oma Djebah, former Delta State Commissioner for Information and Chairman, The New Diplomat Media Group and Mr Dan Akpowa, Publisher, Abuja Inquirer at a dinner at the US Embassy at the weekend.

Besides, the accused persons were directed to surrender their international passport to the court alongside their two recent passport photographs.

Justice Chukwu subsequently fixed September 30, October 22 and 23 to commence their trial.

Specifically, Nyako and his son who is a serving Senator, were accused of diverting over N40billion from the Adamawa State

treasury between January 2011 and December 2014.

The duo were on Wednesday docked before the high court on a 37-count criminal charge bothering on money laundering, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.

They are facing trial alongside their alleged accomplices- Zulkifikk Abba and Abubakar Aliyu.

Five companies that allegedly served as conduit

4000 varsity staff schools’ workers may lose job — SSANU •Appeals to President Buhari to intervene

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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ATIONAL President of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwuoke,yesterday, raised the alarm that over 4000 teaching and non teaching staff of University Staff Schools may lose their jobs, if the federal government implements the threat not to pay staff schools salaries anymore.

Making the disclosure in a chat with journalists at the SSANU secretariat, Abuja, Comrade Ugwuoke said the government’s threat is contrary to the agreement it reached with the federal government and affiliate university unions.

He said that the agreement stipulated that government through the University Councils should fully fund university primary schools, while the universities, without recourse to government for funding, would provide infrastructure for their secondary schools.

The SSANU President who was reacting to the statement credited to the

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HE Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC, yesterday, conferred the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, on 21 senior lawyers in the country.

The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Mr. Ahmed Gambo, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen, yesterday, saidththe LPPC selected the new nb SANs at the end of its 119 meeting in Abuja, adding

that the successful candidates emerged from a total list of 124 applicants.

According to the CR, those to be conferred with the SAN rank are Edward Kunav Ashiekaa, Benson Sopulu Nwankwo, Joseph Sunday Bamigboye, Patrick Ocheja Okolo, Professor Maxwell Micheal Gidado, Dr. Tahir Mamman, Dr. Akinpelu Theophilus Onigbinde, Ibrahim Kanje Bawa, Samuel Otseilu Zibiri, Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire, Aderibigbe Ade Adedeji.

Others are Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, Dr. Muiz Adeyemi Banire, Emeka Benson Etiaba, Abim bola Ibironke Akeredolu, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, Gordy Uche, Uchechukwu Valentine Obi, Kehinde Kolawole Eleja, Professor Paul Oboarenegbe Idornigie and Dr. Oladapo Olumide Olanipekun.

He said that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed will on September 21, swear them in to mark the beginning of the 2015/2016 legal year.

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WO days after they were remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over charges bothering on money laundering, former Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd) and his son, Abdulaziz, yesterday, secured bail from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Ruling on consolidated bail application that was moved by their lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, yesterday, trial Justice Evoh Chukwu ordered the accused persons to pay the sum of N350million each.

They court further ordered them to produce two persons to stand as their sureties or in the alternative, provide one surety who must be a serving Director in any federal government establishment.

The surety according to the court must show a proof of ownership of landed property in Abuja, depose to an affidavit of means before the Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court, as well as, show evidence of three years tax payment.

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja

Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, NSIWU, Chief Richard Egbule, that government would not pay staff schools’ workers salaries, contended that the staff schools in contention were established by statutes and that the workers were duly employed by the University Councils.

Wondering why the government would single out the university staff schools for discrimination when it is still funding the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police staff schools, he said the purported threat would throw many Nigerians into the labour market.

According to him, federal staff schools have about 2000 staff and state university staff schools have over 2000 staff.

He, therefore, appealed to President Buhari to take the right decision and revise the decision, stressing that his union had kept quiet since because the Buhari administration was still on its infancy and that the union has viewed the government as agent of change and was expecting change from it.

He described the policy as anti-people which would affect the outstanding performance of pupils and students of the staff schools.

“We are worried that the NSIWC, which participated in that negotiation could turn around to repudiate the terms of those agreements.

Since the agreements have not been renegotiated, it means that the contents remain sacrosanct. We are worried that the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission in concert with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission intend to sack all the teachers and non-teaching staff in the University Staff Schools and these are our members and bonafide universities’ staff in such schools without recourse to our unions renegotiation.

“It is therefore, worrisome to note that in spite of all the unassailable documentary evidences, some elements within the government circles are still hell bent on repudiating the sanctity of the clause on University Staff Primary Schools in the Unions Agreement.”

pipes for the illegal diversion of the funds-Blue Opal Limited, Sebore Farms & Extension Limited, Pagoda Fortunes Limited, Tower Assets Management Limited and Crust Energy Limited, were equally charged as the 5th to 9th accused persons.

The accused persons had shortly after they pleaded not guilty to the charge, begged trial Justice Chukwu to release them on bail, a prayer that was declined, even as the court ordered their remand in EFCC custody.

Meantime, at the resumed sitting yesterday, the EFCC vehemently opposed Nyako’s application for bail.

Arguing a 20-paragraphed counter affidavit that was sworn to by one Adekunle Christopher Odofin,the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, relied on three exhibits (RG1RG3), and insisted that the accused persons would jump bail if released.

The EFCC stressed that Nyako and his son went into hiding the last time it granted them administrative bail, saying they only returned to the country after May 29 when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

“We submit that whether to admit the applicants to bail or not, is at the discretion of the court. In exercising that discretion, it is always guided by certain principles so that the exercise can be judicial and judicious. Some of those conditions are enumerated in section 162 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015.

“Bail is not automatic and the accused persons have not placed sufficient materials before this court to warrant the exercise of discretion in their favour”, the EFCC lawyer contended.

Ex-Delta commissioner awards scholarship to 30 Itsekiri Students

By Gab Ajuwa

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HE immediate past Delta state commissioner for health, Dr. Joseph Otumara has awarded scholarship to 30 indigent students of Itsekiri extraction, studying in various tertiary institutions across the country.

Dr. Otumara who gave the scholarships to the beneficiaries through the National Association of Itsekiri Students, yesterday, at Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, charged Itsekiri students studying in tertiary institutions to distinguish themselves in their academic pursuit.

The medical practitioner cum politician advised members of the students association to use their knowledge to make the difference in the present situation Itsekiris have found themselves, adding that the students should use the knowledge acquired in their career to socialize and reposition the Itsekiri culture into enviable heights.

APC Chairman flays High Court judgement as illegal pronouncement

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HAIRMAN of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers state, Mr Davies Ikanya has described the verdict of the High court which sacked the elected council chairmen as an illegal pronouncement., Ikanya in an email to news men and signed by himself insisted that the dissolved executives should ignore the judgement, adding that security agencies should provide security for them to discharge their duty as elected council executives His words, “ Reports just received by the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, allege that the Governor of Rivers State, Barr Nyesom Wike last night appointed and swore in Caretaker Committees for 22 Local Government Councils in Rivers State presumably based on the illegal pronouncements of Federal High Court I sitting in Port Harcourt and presided over by Justice Lambo Akanbi yesterday.

The APC would like to unequivocally state that the aforementioned judgment by Justice Akanbi was illegal and, to that extent, unacceptable to the APC. Our rejection of that illegal judgment is based on facts.

Ortega petitions against INEC lawyers for their recall over card readers •Calls from tribunal

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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ELTA State Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the last general election, Olorogun Ortega has petitioned the legal firm representing the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at the election Petition Tribunal, Messrs D.D. Dodo & Co, for referring to the card readers machine as “mere instruction” and not a credible instrument for the elections.

Ortega who was represented in the petition by his lawyers also called on the Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs. Aminu Zakari to recall the lawyers at the tribunal, saying that they were misrepresenting the sacred position of INEC as an authority on the issue of card readers.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—11

BY OGHENE OMONISA

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t is 8 o’clock on a Saturday morning. But the streets are unusually empty and quiet, devoid of traffic, neither vehicular nor human. One could stand at one end of a street and sight the other end as there is no traffic to block one’s view.

However, on the sides of the streets, and in residential premises, some behind walls, others without walls, are residents working earnestly to keep their environment clean or to “sanitize their environment”. Some residents are clearing gutters, others cutting grass or the overgrown lawns, while a few others are tidying up the premises generally.

The uniqueness of the day is not peculiar to any town or state. It is a nationwide thing. And it is not just any other Saturday. It is the last Saturday of the month, a day set aside by the Federal Government for Nigerians to sanitize their environment between 7am and 10am. During this period, movement is restricted.

This practice has been ongoing for 31 years, since March 1984. That was when the 3-month-old military government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari enacted its War Against Indiscipline (WAI) law by military decree. Environmental Sanitation was a part of the WAI law.

Among others, the intention of WAI was to instil public morality, discipline, social order, civic responsibilities and the promotion of Nigerian nationalism. At the basic level, WAI emphasized the discipline of queuing at bus stops, post offices, essential commodities distribution centres, stadiums, licensing offices among other public places. WAI also required Nigerians to sing the National Anthem in public gatherings as well as recite the National Pledge in schools.

Some civil servants were disciplined for their inability to recite the National Anthem and the Pledge. Pedestrians, especially in Lagos, were given corporal punishments for crossing the busy highways instead of using the overhead C M Y K

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION:

The only legacy Buhari returns to meet

bridges. Nigerians started queuing at bus stops, banks and other places.

Aside the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, part of the sanitation efforts of the Buhari military government included the demolition of thousands of houses in townships across the country, because they had no approved plans and permits. Buildings under high-power electric cables were also demolished.

And on Environmental Sanitation Day, WAI officials went round to enforce the movement restriction order and to ensure that citizens cleaned their environments, and mobile courts tried offenders who broke the law, where various fines and corporal punishments were meted out.

Though, initially, many Nigerians considered the enforcement of the Environmental Sanitation law to be militant, the results were eventually generally appreciated as Nigerians suddenly began to imbibe the culture of cleanliness and discipline.

Acknowledgement 31 years after, many Nigerians still recognise and appreciate the contributions of the Environmental Sanitation law to a clean and healthy society. “I cannot imagine the level of filth and dirt our environment would have attained without the monthly sanitation exercise”, wonders Mrs. Veronica Omokhodion, a lawyer based in Surulere, Lagos.

“Cleanliness, they say, is next to godliness,” she asserts, and admits that some people may question the need for such a law before the citizens needed to clean their environments, but she quickly adds that “considering our kind of society, some times we needed to be told what we ought to do.”

•Major General Buhari

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

ENVIR ONMENT AL SANIT ATION: ENVIRONMENT ONMENTAL SANITA

The only legacy Buhari returns to meet

Continued from page 11 She says even remaining at home till 10am to obey the movement restriction order is difficult for many.

To Mr. Chidi Okorocha, a trader at Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, “Environmental Sanitation has contributed a lot to our health consciousness. Due to this monthly exercise, cleaning of gutters and clearing of grass has become part of us.”

Interestingly, both Mrs. Omokhodion and Mr. Okorocha are not aware that the Environmental Sanitation law was enacted and the exercise begun by President Buhari during his military government. She reveals that she is in her early 40s, while Mr. Okorafor is in his mid 30s.

But not Mr. Cyril Obada, a senior banker who is in his mid 40s. “I know the exercise started during Buhari’s military government”, he affirms. “I was a young teenager then, and can still recall everything.” He states that “at that time, soldiers used to go round town during Sanitation Day, to beat people who refused to clean their surroundings or who broke the 10 o’clock movement restriction order.”

He avers that with time, Nigerians got used to cleaning their environment and remaining indoors till 10am, and that the society became better for it as “everyone started cleaning his or her environment.”

However, a few also argue that it is wrong to shut the whole country for three hours because of an exercise that everybody ought to be doing daily and not a day set aside for clean-up in a month. National affairs commentator, Jimi Disu has been campaigning for the end of the restriction every last Saturday of the month. “People should develop the culture of cleanliness, and C M Y K

if we do, it will be a daily thing and we would not have to shut businesses and restrict movements for three hours in a day,” Disu argues every time on Classic FM radio.

Last one standing But WAI is not the only policy Buhari is noted for in his 20-month military reign. Other notable policies included the retroactive State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree of 1984, which empowered the government to detain anybody deemed by the Chief of Staff of the Supreme Military Headquarters (military equivalent of Vice President) to have been “concerned in acts prejudicial to state security”, “to have contributed to the economic adversity” of Nigeria, or to have been involved in their perpetuation or instigation.

To effectively fight corruption, there was also the Exchange Control (AntiSabotage) Decree which established special penal provisions for acts subversive to exchange control, just as there was the Banking (Freezing of Accounts) Decree which gave the Head of State the power to order the investigation of financial accounts of people suspected of involvement in bribery and abuse of office, and restrain their use of such accounts.

The Buhari military government also promulgated the Public Officers (Protection Against False Accusation) Decree, otherwise known as Decree No. 4, which made it an offense to publish any statement which is “false in any material particular”, or “likely to bring the government into ridicule or disrepute.” It meant that if you published a true story which embarrassed or ridiculed the government, you were liable. Two Nigerian journalists, Nduka Irabor

and Tunde Thompson went to jail under this law.

In the more than 30 years before Buhari’s return to power, Nigeria has had seven leaders, every of them naturally with his own agenda on how to better society, improve the lots of the people and leave his footprints on the sands of time. In the process, Buhari’s successors abolished, repealed or reviewed some of his policies and decrees. Over the years, some other of his policies were simply rendered ineffective due to nonexecution or enforcement.

The closest to appreciating the legacies of Buhari’s first government was General Sani Abacha’s 1994 introduction of War Against Indiscipline and Corruption (WAI-C), a modification of Buhari’s WAI exactly ten years after. Abacha’s WAI-C, however, did not generate the same enthusiasm, both in its execution and public perception, as much as that of Buhari’s WAI. And unlike Buhari’s WAI, public perception of Abacha’s WAI-C was apathetic, which worsened with revelations after Abacha’s death, that the self-styled anti-corruption czar had secretly siphoned mind-boggling public funds, establishing for himself a notoriety not in any way associated with Buhari in the 31 years he was out of office.

Interestingly, none of Buhari’s successors tampered with Environmental Sanitation, that section of WAI, which survived every government for 31 years, a clear indication that it is a policy completely appreciated by all, governments and the governed.

Presidential nostalgia Saturday, May 30 was the first Environmental Sanitation Day after

In the more than 30 years before Buhari’s return to power, Nigeria has had seven leaders, every of them naturally with his own agenda on how to better society, improve the lots of the people and leave his footprints on the sands of time

the swearing in of President Muhammadu Buhari and the elected governors on May 29.

Though only a handful of states formally cancelled the exercise and declared the day free of movement restriction to allow full participation of Nigerians in all activities lined up to celebrate the inaugurations, there was free movement throughout the day, as the inauguration activities would not have effectively held if there had been restriction of movement.

And President Buhari finally moved into Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Sunday, June 21. Saturday, June 27 was the first Environmental Sanitation Day the President would witness inside Aso Rock.

Certainly, the President’s busy schedule for that day would have been altered to make room for the 3-hour movement restriction.

Perhaps too, a few members of his domestic staff might have resumed late, having participated in the exercise and having observed the restriction.

With the movement restriction reflecting on his schedule, and with no official function within the Villa and outside for the 3 hours between 7am and 10am, the thought would definitely have crossed the President’s mind that it was his own making, having enacted the law 31 years before. Then perhaps a selfsatisfactory smile had lit up his face, knowing it is a legacy he returned to meet among the many he left behind.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—13

Buhari, Nigeria will benefit from APC crisis

or ks Ministter of W Wor orks —Ogunlewe, Ex Minis •Says Tinubu should have been smarter •Jonathan caused PDP’s defeat

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN & EBUN SESSOU

F

ormer Minister of works and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Sen Adeseye Ogunlewe has described the composition of the principal officers at the National Assembly as the best that has happened to the country. In an interview with Saturday Vangaurd at his Ogudu, Lagos residence, Sen Ogunlewe stated that whether people like it or not, the development would benefit the President and the country more.

Excerpts: What is your view on the crisis rocking the governing party sequel to the emergence of the leaders of the National Assembly?

Well, I have been there before. I am not surprised. It is only those people who have not been there will be surprised at what happened. In a presidential system of government, the influence of the party with the members of the National Assembly or congress is very minimal. Once they are elected and they now follow the principle of the separation of powers, they will remove the toga of the party immediately and become national assets. You can see the oath of office they took; there was no mention of party. They have sworn to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that is what they must do and they have C M Y K

done the right thing. The choice of who leads them, who presides over the chambers, depends on the legislators themselves. If you are not a member, you don’t have any right.

I was only miffed by the party’s mock primaries. It is unheard off, even if you have it in your mind, you don’t exhibit it. It is okay to lobby or canvass. But, where you believe because you have money, you are the leader of the party, therefore you can dictate to the National Assembly, then you are making a mistake. The drama is just starting.

Right now, they are bitter about the position of the Deputy Senate President . As a party leader, do you agree on the supremacy of the party as being canvased by APC? You are talking about opposition party with 49 senators as against 59.

Is that a bad minority? There is nothing they can do in that senate that would not require most major decision which is the 2/3 majority.

So, how can you have a 2/3 majority if you don’t carry the 49 along. So, it is the most reasonable thing to do.

Whether people like it or not, it will pay the country. There will be little conflict, but there will be progress in the nation. They will look at things dispassionately and arrive at a decision because they are all in the game. But, if you say 49 senators are not relevant, only 59 should take everything. It is actually the 49 that will be against the 59. And where they require 2/3 majority for any major decision, it will not happen.

But, now things will go on smoothly to the benefit of Nigeria and Buhari himself. If he has the two of them on board, it is the policy he has for the country that will serve the country and not the policy of APC. It is the policy of Nigeria, so it is the best thing that has even happened to this country. And with that kind of cooperation, I can assure you that you will marvel at the level of achievements the country will record.

Do you see the alignment as a build-up to political re-invigoration , as your party has promised to return to power in 2019?

It is so easy for us to determine what is going to happen in 2019. The defeat of the 2015 election was caused by Jonathan. If not, it is impossible to defeat PDP. Look at all the people that are playing games now including the governors, the Senate President, Speaker and others, they were from PDP. So, it is the majority party and it is going to come on board. We need Buhari now, no doubt, to straighten things out.

And let us have a new direction to governance in the country.

How did Jonathan cause PDP defeat?

I was a member of the presidential campaign team in 2011 and this sentiment of the North being shortchanged was discussed extensively by the Northerners. The supporters of PDP said they were finding it difficult in the North to campaign because the Northerners believed they had

We have learnt our lessons, if it was the turn of the North, let them have it.

And if it is the turn of the South, let all the candidates come from the South

been short-changed. They said, it was their turn to be President.

So, if it were possible, Jonathan shouldn’t have contested and it would have been easy for PDP. This sentiment will never happen again in this country. When you are zoning, let the zone bring the candidate. We will never have North and South dichotomy in an election again; we will never have a Christian-Muslim division in our election again, because we barely escaped catastrophe. If there was no zoning, the situation would have changed. That was what Obasanjo enjoyed in 1999 when two candidates came from the South-West. The people of North conceded despite the fact that Obasanjo lost in the NorthWest, he became the President. I think they have conceded enough.

Is it proper for them to be shortchanged this time? They wanted the power back and they got it.

But, the leaders of the party should have waded into the situation and prevailed on Jonathan not to contest?

As we are saying so, some people disagreed because they were benefiting from him. It was a cabal that surrounded him telling him what was not going to happen. People that stood their ground to defend PDP and Jonathan saw hell in the North.

It was a total movement in the North. They brain-washed them that the South was already using their turn and they needed to take it back. We have learnt our lessons, if it was the turn of the North, let them have it. And if it is the turn of the South, let all the candidates come from the South. If we can marry that, there will be less friction. The issues of ethnicism, religion are critical to the political decision of this country. And it can never go away. In England, the Scots have their own party and they vote en-mass for them. Why

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14—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Continues from page 13

experience in government and in partisan politics, how would you advise the President ?

do we believe that some people will not vote for their own people?

It is self-determination and I praise their courage. The same thing played out in national assembly leadership tussle.

They said they wanted it for the North central because of Saraki and Akume. Immediately Akume stepped down for Lawan, a North-East person, I knew, they had lost it because Dogara is North-East.

That was why Gbajabiamila was defeated. I believe and I thought Tinubu was a clever politician until recently. He did not show any sense of political prowess. It is very easy to catch him. When your profile is rising, you are bound to have enemies and you must be careful not to believe that you can have it your own way all the time. Some people will want to cut your wings and that was happened. The man should learn how to be a team player.

Everything in politics is not money and national politics is not Lagos state. He must sit down now, make more friends and concede a lot.

Is this part of the change Nigerians are yearning for?

The change was for Jonathan to go. It was the personality that they wanted to change and they have achieved it. The man that has benefited from that change should perform. There is nothing new that he will do that we don’t know. We don’t need change other than to do what is right. Are we changing in Lagos State where corruption is at its highest or changing for not paying salaries for seven months?

It is all gimmicks. The only change was between Jonathan and Buhari.

But do you agree that PDP is gaining from this development?

It was not a loss to PDP, it was Jonathan phenomenon. PDP is a solid party, PDP can hardly be defeated. 49 out of 59 senators was not a defeat. Before, it was a personality issue and it was a matter of time and we were seeing the handwriting on the wall that the battle would be lost and it came to reality. I am not surprised at all because I knew the pain of the people from the North.

Your party is also having its own share of crisis, the call for the disolution of the National Working Committee and the BOT issue, the Lagos crisis among others, what is the way forward?

You cannot throw away the baby with the bath water. Because you lost election, then heads must roll or the PDP must hold new congress or national convention, it is not going to happen that way. What everybody must do now is to sit down and strategies and bring people that are fit into the position so as to work for the party and safe the party. The election was lost because of the configuration of the country. Even if PDP were angels, they wouldn’t have stopped Buhari from winning. That was a man without structure, without a campaign from the South. In C M Y K

‘T inubu should ‘Tinubu have been smar smartter’ Jigawa state and other few northern states, Jonathan did not campaign. All the campaigns you saw on the television were last minute campaigns. All the emirs and other people had already made up their minds that they were going to take their mandate.

We were lucky; they did not go to war. I can’t blame them because they can’t be chased out of government for sixteen years.

The crisis in Lagos chapter of your party is yet unresolved, why is it that leadership at all levels seems to have disappointed the people?

Leadership in this country is critical to development and that is why I believe Buhari should be the right person to govern this country, not people that are still struggling to send their children to school or build houses or build mansions and you are saying they should not be corrupt. If you are fulfilled, you want to serve, then, come and serve as President of Nigeria. It is not a training ground. We must establish that in this country and that is when we are going to make progress because there will be a lot of distractions. People that will be dealing with you all the day are businessmen who will entice you with money in order to gain favour. So, you are vulnerable to influence, but if you are like Buhari, what else do you need in life that somebody will want to lure you

into signing a particular contract.

So, I have told them, that if they want a chairman that is reliable, then, they must bring a comfortable person, someone who is fulfilled and not desperate. But, if you bring somebody who is not comfortable your chairman, we will lose the election because politicians will bribe him. In the same way, if PDP wants to present a presidential candidate in the next election, it will belooking for somebody in the calibre of Buhari. A man who is not in a hurry and he will not allow anyone to distract him. People like that are available, there are credible Nigerians that can rule this country and I believe they will come out. At least, we have the first experiment, Buhari does not have the money and that is an albatross. There are so many people that have done so much in their lives and cannot be distracted with money anymore because governance is difficult in Nigeria. In a poverty-stricken country where everybody wants to take advantage of you, where somebody wants to build mansion for you in England, your children also want to go to school in England and you are a younger person; the pressure on you will be so much and you can be easily swayed. But let’s see what Buhari will do, I believe he is going to be a torch-bearer.

In the light of current development and based on your

Muhammad Buhari, listen to me.

There is nothing you can achieve if you rely on Indians, Lebanese or Chinese to do your construction work

Muhammad Buhari, listen to me.

There is nothing you can achieve if you rely on Indians, Lebanese or Chinese to do your construction work. There are enough Engineers in Nigeria to construct anything you want to construct in this country.

That is the way to develop. You don’t rely on Lebanese or Chinese to develop your infrastructure, you will be a failure. So, get Nigerian Association of Engineering, Nigerian Academy of Engineers t do your constuction. That was what they did in China, India. Engineers drive the economy of the country not the economists or the Minister of Finance who is a manager of funds and who does not create wealth. It is only the engineers that can create wealth. Mr. President, call them. I tried it when I was a Minister of Works; they frustrated it because I knew from my experience that there is nothing a Nigerian Engineer cannot do.

The only thing they lack is equipment. But, because the expatriates will give you more money as a Minister, they will build houses for you in England; politicians will say our Engineers are not good. Anybody who feels otherwise can challenge me, I have been there, we have the best brain here with P.HD, Masters in Engineering but they are never allowed to do our work.

The second aspect is food.

Never again should Nigeria rely on any country to feed itself. That was the proclamation of Indians and Chinese, Indonesians, Malaysians, Thailand; “Never again should any country in the world feed my people.” If you say that, then, you are making sense.

It means you must grow your food by yourself and that is our policy. No importation of food and that is how to develop. We must have a benchmark. We should not think of growing rice and giving waiver to supplement.

It is that waiver that Indians will cash on. You must have a benchmark for your country. We will not import petroleum again even if heaven is going to fall. All you need is to call Nigerian engineers to design refineries for us and in another two years there will be no importation. But you see, everybody believes once democracy is fine, the economy will grow. There is distinction between democracy and national development and they don’t go together. There are countries that are more developed than Nigeria, yet they don’t practice democracy.

But, we believe that once we have free and fair election, our country is growing. It is not true.

Why didn’t you give former President Jonathan this piece of advice?

I advised Jonathan to engage Nigerian engineers and it was agreed, but they went behind and did another thing. We can employ the service of consultants abroad for trainings and they will go back. It is not for our children to work under them. They will make mistakes but it will be corrected. A leader must make up his mind.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—15

Idowu-Fearon, the ‘Muslim Bishop’ moves to Canterbury Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i was there, along with former Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, Taraba state Governor, Dairus Ishaku, a former Military Governor of Edo state, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, among several others.

•Most Rev. Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon

BY AGAJU MADUGBA

F

or the immediate past Kaduna Diocesan Bishop of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon, the time of glory has come having just been appointed Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, with headquarters at Lambeth, United Kingdom. The position makes him the second in command after the Archbishop of Canterbury. Breaking a record as the first African to hold the position, Idowu-Fearon has had a number of other high profile albeit controversial achievements in his over half a century of dedicated service to the development of the Anglican Church not only in Nigeria but also across the world. He is expected to serve for an C M Y K

initial renewable period of seven years.

When at the height of the Kaduna religious riots of 2000, Idowu-Fearon, against all odds, established a centre for the study of Islam in his Kaduna Diocese, a cross section of his flock virtually demanded for his head, calling him all manner of names including that of a Muslim Bishop, infiltrating the Church of Christ. That name tag has tended to accompany the Bishop over these years for a man who actually speaks Arabic apart from holding a Master’s Degree in Islamic Theology. The valedictory lecture and send-forth ceremony for Idowu-Fearon and his wife, Amina, which held Saturday at the Jakaranda Farms, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, attracted a number of dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, Muslims and Christians alike. Kaduna state

The Cleric-Scholar and Passion for Islam Born on January 17, 1949 at Gerinye in Kogi state, Idowu-Fearon said he formally embraced the Christian religion in 1964. Originally enrolled in military school to train as a soldier, the passion to be a priest apparently overwhelmed all other aspirations and as Idowu-Fearon explained during his valedictory speech. “In my fourth year, it had become very clear that the Lord was calling me to be a soldier in His Army, to the extent that in spite of a direct entry to the Nigerian Defence Academy, I was given a sympathetic discharge by the late Gen. Hassan Katsina, in Lagos.” The development, according to him, “turned out to be the channel through which the Lord saved me.”

Several years later and in the course of his pastoral training across many institutions, Idowu-Fearon said he developed a special interest for Islam, more so, at a time in Nigeria when the religious harmony that hitherto existed between Christian and Muslim communities went sour. At the Immanuel College, Ibadan, IdowuFearon said he met a certain Dr. Stadey who introduced him to what he described as the world of Islam, and, as he put it, “my interest was aroused, I pleaded with the Lord for a scholarship to do some further studies in Islam and I felt the need to carefully study how the Koran presents the nature of Jesus Christ.” The quest later led to Idowu-Fearon’s Master’s Degree programme in, Islam and Muslim-Christian Relations, at Birmingham University. From then on, he delved further into Islam and also studied the Arabic language in the process, at the University of Jordan, Amman, and, eventually turning the Bishop into a visiting Islamic lecturer and Faculty member at both the Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Canada, and at the Canterbury International Centre, United Kingdom.

The position makes him the second in command after the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Breaking a record as the first African to hold the position

Back home in Nigeria and applying his various trainings to his primary assignment as Bishop in Kaduna and Sokoto, Idowu-Fearon ran into muddy waters as a number of his flock apparently could not explain how and why a Bishop can be “so close to Islam and Muslims.”

This is aside the fact that the Nigerian Anglican community also has its fair share of divisions pertaining to certain ideologies in the Christian religion and Anglicanism in particular. Perhaps, Voltaire’s philosophy may apply to Idowu-Fearon as it is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.

As a Theology student and researcher, Idowu-Fearon is quite familiar with the concepts of Monophyisitism and Nestorianism, a twin Christology position that insists that Christ has only one nature as opposed to the traditional belief that Christ has two natures, one divine and the other human.

Moreover, as a self-confessed disciple of Richard Hooker who is believed to have laid the theological foundation for understanding of the church for Anglicans, Idowu-Fearon says he shares the concepts of the mystical church which is invisible and the visible church. For him, membership of the visible church is determined, among other things, the profession of the Lord Jesus Christ while only God knows those who belong or may eventually be part of the mystical church.

Whatever the arguments, for Idowu-Fearon, “in order to create and promote a culture of respect for differences within our Communion, I encourage our bishops in this part of the Communion to cultivate the habit of understanding other positions other than their own. Our bishops in Nigeria within their diocese should promote robust debates between the lay and ordained members and such will get the bishop well-informed.”

Blackmail, Mischief, in God’s Name After his consecration in 1990 and given what he describes as his exposure and experiences which were compounded by his “undue” knowledge of Islam, Idowu-Fearon

Continues on page 16

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Continues from page 15 said his colleagues, fellow bishops, did everything possible to frustrate him in the course of his service.

According to him, “my being elected as Bishop of Sokoto was seen by some in the then House of Bishops as a way of humbling me but God used our time in Sokoto to expose us to the international community. And, when Kaduna Diocese was going to be vacant, efforts were made to send me to be bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf; this was to get me out of the country. The form was filled and my signature forged without my knowledge. In Cyprus for an interfaith meeting, the Lord revealed it to me through Australian missionaries who volunteered to host me for the conference and the plot was confirmed by the then Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. After my first five years as the first ecclesiastical Archbishop of Kaduna province, again, the powers that be felt that I was too close to the then Archbishop of Canterbury and the Communion at large, that I was promoting Western relativism and that I was going to sell the province of Nigeria to the West. Two bishops were specially commissioned to sell me as a convert to Islam and that Fearon is a Muslim, drinking tea with the Sultan and that Fearon was promoting homosexuality in Nigeria.”

The Road to Lambeth Idowu-Fearon’s journey to Lambeth as Secretary General at the Canterbury did not come on a platter of gold. Although he applied for the position, along with 31 others from various countries, Idowu-Fearon believes that God made it possible for him to use his undergraduate and graduate studies in the United Kingdom to make contacts that ultimately laid the foundation for his nomination after beating three other candidates who made the shortlist. According to him, in the years after 1990, opportunities started to open up for him in Britain and the United States of America during which he served on various commissions within the Anglican Communion. Idowu-

Idowu-Fearon, the ‘Muslim Bishop’ moves to Canterbury

•Most Rev. Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon

Fearon was a founding member of the Canterbury’s Compass Rose Council, a foundation member and one of the first three presidents of the Network for Interfaith Concerns. He was also member of the 13-man committee of the Archbishop of Canterbury that looked into the responses to Lambeth Resolution 1; 10 of 1998 as well as member of the committee that produced the Windsor Commission Report of 2003. According to Idowu-Fearon, “as I was thinking and praying about taking an early retirement

in order to spend the rest of my active life to build an army of well-informed and articulate Christian leaders to constructively engage their Muslim neighbours and build a culture of respect and peaceful co-existence, the Lord opened a new world of service to me.”

To Idowu-Fearon, a Toast -Senator Makarfi, former Kaduna state Governor We have become very close since 1999 when as Governor of Kaduna state, I met with religious leaders and Idowu-Fearon was one of them. You are all witnesses to what we went through especially between 2000 and 2002. He was a reliable and dependable partner in the search for lasting peace, harmony and tranquility in Kaduna

The renewed task will no doubt further compound your busy schedule but God who has chosen you will give you the required strength, motivation and good health to do it faithfully as unto Him

state and we have sustained that relationship since then. I have already told him that between London and Nigeria is more or less between Abuja and Lagos. He is committed to Nigeria and he wants peace and tranquility for Nigeria. Physically he may not be resident here but I believe his heart and spirit will be here with us and he will continue to contribute his quota towards our development. He should continue to have faith in God and God that has taken him this far will continue to protect him and make him go even higher.

Rev. Dare Ajiboye, General Secretary, Bible Society of Nigeria This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. It is our prayer that the Lord will give you courage and wisdom like Joshua and Solomon of old to lead the flock of God to an enviable height and to the Promised Land. There is no doubt that God has prepared and given you the ability to serve His people in this new capacity and at this point in time. We encourage you to be more determined and courageous in fighting the good fight of Faith. The renewed task will no doubt further compound your busy schedule but God who has chosen you will give you the required strength, motivation and good health to do it faithfully as unto Him. Rev. Dr. Owe Boersma, Secretary, European Liaison Committee, Association of Protestant Churches and Missions, Germany In the light of the excellent work which you have been doing till today, bringing together people of different faiths to live together in peace, even against popular mistrust and ignorance, gives us the confidence that the Anglican Community will be glad to have a person with such skills and experience.

Rev. Dr. Olav Fyskse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland Your exceptional record of devoted work on Christian-Muslim relations is a specific gift you bring to your new role. Developing the role of churches as peace-builders and dialogue partners in a time when religiousmotivated violence is causing devastation to so many is an urgent demand for us all as faithful Christians. I pray that your wisdom and experience will inform not only the activities of the Anglican Communion in this regard but the wider ecumenical family as well.

Muslims and Chris tians mus ight secularism, Idowu-Fear on sa Christians mustt unit unitee ttoo ffight Idowu-Fearon sayys

AGAJU MADUGBA

C

oming from the north, do you have some members of your family who are Muslims?

Yes, I have some distant members of the family who are Muslims and as a young man, some people tried to initiate me into certain things, some of them fetish, without the knowledge of my mother but I came to Christ at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria in my second year in 1964 and since then, I decided to rely on Jesus Christ alone and no other.

I once saw you clutching Dan Bown’s Davinci Code. Some people believe that the book is a direct attack on the Church of Christ. Do you hold that view too?

The book is an attack on the church because Davinci is totally against the fact that Jesus Christ lived and died as we read it in the Bible. That book must have been inspired by the Devil and it is coming direct from the pit of Hell, against the Gospel. And, that is why I consider this fighting within the church as a waste of time. Instead, we should come together and be aware of the fact that secularism has become a religion and it is C M Y K

very strong and some of the promoters control most of the media. Christians ought to come together, forget whether we are Roman Catholic, Pentecostal and all others who worship God, the Christian way and join hands with the Muslims who are also fighting secularism. That is my mission.

Do you not think that some of the issues you raised in your valedictory speech may actually be responsible for certain disagreements you have with some of your colleagues. Issues as, the visible and invisible church and the concepts of Monophysitism and similar high-sounding words which may not make meanings to an ordinary member of the church?

You see, in the Anglican understanding and Roman Catholics also have similar understanding too and that is why the Roman Catholic is one church. But the Anglican Church is a group of churches, 38 different churches coming together and that is why it is a communion. We don’t have a centralized government or authority like the Pope, for the Catholic

Church. That is the problem the Anglican Church is facing. When we talk about the invisible church, it means Heaven and only God decides who goes there and you do not need to discipline anybody. From the Bible, we believe that whoever believes in Jesus Christ and takes him as the Lord and Saviour and you are baptised, that person is a Christian and belongs to the visible church. In this visible church, you also have liars, thieves, you have adulterers, cheats and you cannot disown them and say that they are not members of the church because all they need is a confession to believing in Jesus Christ as Saviour. The Bishops and other priests are there to guide the visible church and teach them what the Bible says. But irrespective of going against certain injunctions, you do not have the right to say that they are not members of the visible church. If for example somebody is a serial adulterer, you can suspend him from the church for a while, to correct him or her. In the invisible church, you do not need bishops or priests because God alone decides who become members. But we need the visible church to remind us of the invisible church because in the final

analysis, everybody wants to be in the invisible church.

On the issue of Monophysitism, I did not want to go further because if I did, some people would throw stones at me but there are some Christians who still believe in Monophysitism. Members of the Coptic Church are Monophysites, they believe in one nature of Christ. But the orthodox position is two natures of Christ, the human and divine, not conjoined. In other words, Jesus is 100 per cent divine and 100 per cent human but only God knows how it is like that. Anglicans, Catholics, Presbyterians, we believe in the two natures of Christ.

Is the controversial Centre for Islamic Studies which you established in the Diocese likely to survive your exit?

Yes. In fact, I signed a contract this morning (Monday), recruiting two Muslims and two Christians who have Masters Degrees in Islamic Studies, to teach at the centre and I will be paying them from my pocket. They will continue to run the certificate and diploma programmes there.

So, the centre will continue and we are going to use the lower part of the new house being built and I am putting up a full library there and the chapel will serve as classrooms until I retire.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—17

N/ASSEMBLY CRISIS:

The distortion of APC’s “change” philosophy •Why Buhari won’t intervene —Presidency •Dogara should respect party’s directive —Phillips •APC disappointing Nigerians—Okorie, Director

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

B

elieve it or not, a typical Nigerian politician is a desperado. That’s precisely what those jostling for positions within the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly -Senate and House of Representatives-have shown.

But where does that take Nigeria to? Read to know how some elected representatives have smeared the change philosophy of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Call them schemers, you won’t be making a mistake. Call them avaricious politicians, you will be accentuating what is obvious. By their behaviours, they have shown they are no less a bunch of desperadoes, pretenders and terrible power mongers who would prefer to pull

C M Y K

down the roof until their selfish interests are accommodated.

They have shown that an insignificant number of 360 or 409 can hold over 170 million people to ransom. They have shown that it was not all about governance but politics. They have shown that the animalistic behaviour is still in them.

By their unyielding actions, they have distorted the meaning of the word “change”. May be, they still need some tutorial on change. Somebody still needs to remind them that change isn’t about displacing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP or getting victory but about managing it, about accepting the unusualness for greater good. That is change.

But this is what many of the federal assembly men and women especially from the stable of the All Progressives Congress,

APC do not know and so, have decided to keep the country immobile in the last one month.

How can anyone admit that all is with Nigeria when the lawmakers elected to enact laws for the country have brazenly engaged themselves in unending fireworks, throwing tantrums over positions within the leadership of the assembly?

What sort of benefit is accrued to the offices that the two factions in the House of Representatives wouldn’t bulge for peace sake?

In case, you don’t know, the crisis rocking the House is not over yet. Your Honourables, yes, your Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Speaker, Yakubu Dogara’s camps of supporters are still fighting dirty over who gets the four

principal officers positions in the Green Chamber. The Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip.

The camps have defied every entreaty by the Aminu Tambuwal mediatory committee to shift grounds.

New caveat At first, Gbajabiamila’s camp insisted that the four positions must be theirs, citing Party supremacy. Amid pressure, Dogara’s camp eventually shifted grounds and relinquished the House Majority Leader’s position among others but with a caveat that it must not be occupied by someone from South west or north east. Their reason according to their spokesman, Rep. Abdulmumuni Jibril is that Dogara has taken the slot of the North east while his deputy, Rep. Yusuf Lasun has also filled South West Slot. They advocated for federal character which would allow other geopolitical zones to benefit so as to establish a sense of belonging.

Read their position as espoused in a communique through “The House Consolidation Group” “The attention of the House Consolidation Group has been drawn to a statement issued on behalf of some members of the APC that lost the recent election for the position of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Group wishes to make the following clarifications:

Continues on page 46

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 here was a time when music was very much a part of the peoples’ lives in Lagos. I guess it very much still is. Since people dance to music and there is still a lot of dancing going on, the sound of music is still heard all over the place. But the motion has borrowed some frenetic movement from the spirit of the times or, as they would term it, zeitgeist. The traditions have been altered by the passage of time and its ever changing moods and motivations. For some people who are advanced in years, it is almost like living in a new territory where you are, all the same, a native.

The pace or rhythm is much quicker these days, the lyrics are much harsher, and in some cases, the melody is nonexistent. The permissive elements of the so-called modern times are spread all over the rendition. One seeks to protect the little ones from too much exposure to the language. And the raucous tones offend the refinements with which one was brought up in the past. It all sums up to a sad reflection of the receding age which was beautiful and decent. It was not that there were no songs that were composed off-key even in those days, but they were few and had no real influence on the environment and the general way of life.

The music in those days was performed mainly ‘outdoors’. There was a preponderance of guitar bands to supplement the local output which usually comprised an ensemble of drums behind a rich vocal output rendered in the particular harmonic culture of the locality. This was true, and is still true, throughout Nigeria.

While the band could play in any setting like within or outside a compound, it was all quite usual to find bands which played from one place to another within the town, accompanying a celebrant or canvassing for patronage on their own. It was when they were engaged on a spree that they discharged themselves of materials that were rude in content or laudatory in nature.

First let us look at the “praise songs” which were very popular some decades — say, two or three—ago. In the North, •" Tony Benson— like father like son" Mamman Shatar was the “king”. It was not unusual time was had by all during about it, and it became one for a highly-placed citizen family ceremonies or on other of the hits of the day. to be so carried away by his civic occasions.

But there were indeed words of praise that he A fascinating aspect of the some unedifying songs of would divest himself of his music of this period is the the period which also rich robe and throw it on the became hits. One of them was produced by the late maestro, Bobby Benson. A country like Nigeria which neglects various nuggets of its history hardly deserves the titanic image of Bobby in the pantheon of her social giants.

He was the father of musician’s back in record it made of some of Nigeria’s popular music. appreciation and as a token the outstanding social His style of performance of high approval. Of course, events which occurred like, spawned a dynasty of commendation was also the introduction of the “onepopular music maestros shown by way of hard cash. way” system of urban traffic that have outlasted half-aIn Yorubaland, it was the which started in Lagos in century. custom to “stamp” the coins the early 40s, and some which were in use in those political events in the early e created the days, on the forehead of the days of our emergence from modern trend of musician. colonial rule. That was in music-hall performance in the pre-independence era Nigeria and, over a ancers were also when the NCNC , the considerable period, his appreciated in like National Council of Nigeria band consisted of virtually manner. Currency notes, of and the Cameroun, faced all the future band leaders course, soon took over as the the NYM, the Nigeria Youth of Nigeria’s popular music mark of reward for a Movement, squarely in the –Victor Olaiya, Zeal delightful song of praise. politics of the Southern part Onyia, Bala Miller, Roy But so it was also in the East of the country. Those were Chicago, Babyface Paul, where Okonkwo Adigwe the days when very little Eleazar Arinze, and a endeared himself with premium was placed on number of others whose scores of personalities with one’s ethnic origin, and an names my memory has his tuneful melodies Igbo man, Mazi Mbonu failed to retain through the carefully composed in their Ojike, was elected as the years. He was not only a praise. So it also went on Deputy Mayor of Lagos. A bandleader beyond through other parts of the juju song which derided the compare, he was a fierce country. And a jolly good losing party was made

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*le *lett the music pla playy

A country like Nigeria which neglects various nuggets of its history hardly deserves the titanic image of Bobby in the pantheon of her social giants

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competitor. He faced down all rivals even to the extent of physical combat. But surrounding it all was a quantum of impish humour which made Bobby very attractive to his fans. I am certain that even our venerable laureate, Wole Soyinka, will forgive my mentioning that he collaborated with Bobby in one of his naughty numbers of the day, which became an evergreen hit.

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is favourite instrument was the guitar which he had taught himself to play, just as he had learned the saxophone and drums unaided. In fact, I have been inspired to write this piece by my running into his son, Tony, a chip of the old block, recently.

A fine multiinstrumental musician in his own right, Tony has carved niche for himself away from “the beaten path” of contemporary pop. He plays a mixture of jazz and popular beat which makes his sound distinctive and original.

Listening to him was like walking by still waters. It was so refreshing and so cool. It had what one might describe as rich musical content -- tone and texture and professional technique. Unfortunately, that is more than what could be said for the “showmanship” music which is all over the pop world in Nigeria these days.

A lady recently remarked, in reference to the type of music going the rounds, that it all seems “to be in hurry, but going nowhere”. I advised her to take a trip to the bank.

These young “guys” are making the kind of money that makes you stop counting. And they know what to do with it -or at least, what they want to do with it: trendy automobiles; trendy clothes; trendy houses; trendy commercial undertakings. They all go for trendy pursuits, and you cannot fault them for that. A considerable number of them are even graduates of good universities, so it is not like we are talking about a bunch of morons here. And they are leaving their mark on the society too. Or could we say it might be the society that has left, or is leaving its mark on them?

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hat impact is the prevailing environment leaving on our way of life, anyway? Is it compounded of a sense of honour and rectitude? Surely, that cannot be said about what is happening on the political scene: the fabric of our political party system is virtually in shreds; while one party seems to be groping for vibrant leadership, the other has gone hydra-headed.

Neither could we say the elements of our governance are grounded on honesty and propriety; the EFCC now has its hands full and dripping in the filth of its investigations into the crimes committed by officialdom. On the social stage, our morals give little credit to the sterling quality of our various cultures which are fragrant with high principles of age-old traditions; see the outrageous manner in which our womenfolk expose their bodies in public these days, all in the name of trendiness.

But there is no reason to whine or complain. Every nation gets the government what it deserves. Every society deserves the music it gets.

Time out

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—19

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Seizing the momentum

itself a media gimmick designed to show the dynamism of a nascent government. We are now half way to the first hundred days of the Buhari government and the weight of expectations is beginning to take its toll. There are many cruel jokes in the social media these days woven around the image of ‘Baba go slow’. Even the PDP is now beginning to find its voice because it seems the myriad of inherited problems has not miraculously disappeared. Petrol scarcity has not gone away, the Naira is deteriorating, salaries are still left unpaid, even Boko Haram is flexing more than its muscles. On top of all

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he current APC saga reminds me of one of those folklores. You know, the one where three people came together to plan a major heist. At the successful completion of their dare-devil operation, they faltered at the sharing of spoils. Each wanted the entire spoil to himself and planned on how to eliminate the other two. At the end, they managed to kill themselves and the loot went to a bystander who knew nothing about how the money came to be. Another example is the historical account of how five ‘experts’ came together to plan the robbery of a bank. They worked on the minutest detail including digging an underground tunnel and evading the elaborate security system. They forgot one important thing though; they did not work out the formula for sharing the loot. One was so unhappy with what he got that he blew the whistle on the others. They were all rounded up and a significant portion of the loot was recovered. The first lesson here is about greed. The second lesson is about managing people’s aspirations and ambitions—or if you like, greed—and aligning them with the goals and limitations of the outfit.

These are lessons for APC. President Buhari put it very nicely when he said last week, at yet another futile attempt to reconcile the warring parties, that the party won the battle and lost the war. Except that I don’t think it has lost the war yet. The war will be won or lost over the period of four years. What has happened is that the party won a significant battle and was so consumed with the sharing of spoils that it took its eyes off the ball forgetting that there are still many battles and many mine fields ahead.

One of the imminent battles is the media battle.

Any government, in fact, any politician that ignores the importance of the media these days is toying with their political destiny. The first hundred days syndrome started by late US President Kennedy was in

the story of Nigeria where leaders have been self-seeking rather than nation seeking.

Those who expect a miraculous disappearance of the problems in the first hundred days probably do not understand the extent of the damage.

Bluntly told, the Nation was almost bankrupt. And it will take a Professor Peller, the magician, to lift up a comatose country the size of Nigeria in less than six months. Some people also point at the fact that Ministers have not been appointed. That’s a political thing that should not affect the work of government if the institutions are strong. In fact, to me, the class of

There are many battles ahead before the war can be said to have been won or lost

that is the unnecessary distraction in the National Assembly and the seeming indiscipline in the ruling party. The general impression is that of a government overwhelmed by the demands of office. Yet I am told by people I have met or spoken to, that this government is working very, very hard. But the rot that pervades every sector of the system just can’t be wished away. On Boko Haram, for example, I am told that some of the equipment bought in the last six weeks of the Jonathan administration are already packing up and this has slowed the earlier impressive advances of our Military. This unfortunately is

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people that has not yet benefited from this administration is the political class. And I don’t think that is such a bad thing. Think of how much money Buhari has saved for the country by not appointing Ministers and P.As and Special Assistants yet. He has also done the proper thing by allowing the Civil Servants run their respectful ministries and making them accountable.

However, Buhari does not seem to want to play to the gallery. Which is rather unfortunate because these days, all politicians play to the gallery. UK’s Cameron made so much noise about the state of the British economy that

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ver before you were born God had already predestined you. He already knows your future. He knows you better than you know yourself because He is your creator. You are a very good thing. There is absolutely no one that can be compared with you. You are unique and an original. You are God’s best. You have listened enough to the lies of the devil calling you a failure and that you are a no good for nothing person. The devil may have deceived you and brought you to the place where you have lost confidence in yourself but enough is enough. You are better than who you are right now. In Christ, you are on your way to great victory.

Don’t just sit there and conclude that where you are now is your best. You have not gotten to your end and you have He cannot alter His words. You have the and fearfully made. You are a chosen concluded. It is a lie. There is more to you. responsibility to receive and act upon God’s generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar person. You can do all You can still arise. You can still take many words. things through Christ who strengthens more glorious steps. The four lepers did The angel of the Lord never argued with and possessed the land. Your business and Gideon. He just told Gideon to go in this you. You shall see your children‘s children. career can and will arise and shine. There his might. When Gideon walked in the Your children are like arrows in the hand is great victory ahead of you. The present word of God, he manifested victory that of a mighty man. Your children shall challenges cannot conquer you. You are he thought was never possible. You can possess the gates of your enemies. Your more than conqueror. You are a victor and also manifest victory in every area of your wife shall be as a fruitful vine and your children like olive plants round about thy not a victim of circumstances. life. God’s word carries enough power and table. The just man falleth seven times and Stop hiding under the pretence that you life to make your life what it says. are from a poor family and so your life Know that you are the head and not the riseth up again. You shall cannot amount to anything. This is not true. tail. The first and not the last. Lender and live and not die. With long Your family background is not what control never a borrower. You are an overcomer. life will the Lord satisfy you your destiny. You can rise above the Favour surrounds you like a shield. You and show you His salvation. limitations in your family. Many have are blessed going out, blessed in the city The number of your days He broken family barriers before and so can and blessed coming in. Blessed shall be shall fulfill. You are like a you. Gideon in judges 6, told God’s angel the fruit of your body and you shall not tree planted by the rivers of that his family was poor and that he was suffer miscarriage. You shall not lack for waters that beareth fruit the smallest in his family. He was literary your mate. Whatsoever your hand findeth always. With your eyes looking at his circumstances as superior to do shall prosper. You are wonderfully shall you behold the reward to what God has said about him. Here God said to him that For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard he was a mighty man of valour Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town but he was arguing with God. or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Is he like someone reading this Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. sermon? God said “with His Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust stripes you were healed” but Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C because you are still feeling 1011711622. some symptoms you doubt Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:15God’s word. The truth of the 11:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, matter is that God is not going Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing to change His word. He said every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

You are who God says that you are

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he effectively shut Labour up for at least the first two years. Ditto US President Obama. Somebody close to the government was explaining to me the other day, some of the efforts of government in grappling with its various challenges. At the end, I told him he knew what he knew because of his proximity to government.

Unfortunately, people can only understand what they are told. And patience and trust are alien words in the modern world. This is what Buhari is asking of people. For the people to trust, they need information; and they need it continuously as it happens.

What is happening now on the media front is rather strange because the APC won the media battle- both the conventional and the social media so handily—despite the vast power of the PDP incumbency. This is probably one of the fall-outs of a people divided against itself as the media arm during the days of opposition was handled by the South-West APC. Now the SouthWest APC seems strangely cool and aloof creating the impression that it has withdrawn or it is withdrawing into its shell.

Another emerging image of this government is that the North has taken over. A casual view of the few appointments of the administration shows a northern preponderance. But a deeper view shows merit and a desire to right some wrongs. I personally don’t see anything wrong in the appointments so far and it is too early to say whether Buhari intends to marginalise any section of the country the way Jonathan did.

There are many battles ahead before the war can be said to have been won or lost. One of them, like I said earlier, is the media battle. Buhari and his men need to seize the initiative and stop being on the defensive. PDP should not be allowed to find its voice so soon. We had six years of a woeful governance where corruption and impunity were the order of the day. PDP should not be allowed to gloss over this sordid past. of the wicked. No weapon formed against you shall prosper. A thousand on your left and ten thousand on your right yet not one shall come upon thee. Strangers shall feed your flocks build your walls. A people you do not know shall serve you. When they hear of you they shall send for you. the dread of you shall be upon your enemies. Kings shall be your nursing father and queens your nursing mothers. They shall lick the dust from off thy feet. Listen, you are who God says that you are. Once again, you are God’s best and can be all that God says you can be. God bless you.

Do you want to experience the reality of God in your life? Then you should receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and saviour.

Pray this simple 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.

Your prayer request and praise reports will be welcomed. Our contact details are below.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 hen an eternally genial , self effacing , peaceloving man like Bisi Akande fits in anger then so much has gone wrong. Genuine peace makers are scarce. Mr president , Akande must be encouraged to remain one.

Idealism is good but reality often demands that it is tempered by principled pragmatism. The unbending idealist, otherwise infinitely noble, can come across as aloof or naïve when idealism becomes impractical inflexibility.

Soldiers are particularly distrustful of politicians and revel in their contempt for the cynical ways of politicians. But when you wake up and find yourself seated on Ceaser’s throne in Rome, wouldn’t you embrace everything nobly roman? Buhari must embrace real politik.

One meeting was called, or was it called? There is so much murkiness, so much shiftiness now.

Truth has been allowed to acquire too many perspectives, every body peddles his. That meeting didn’t hold but should have held then or preferably much earlier. People put their houses in order and dirty linens do not become public spectacles. The cleanest house is only so clean because of order, the sewage system is kept out of public view. The pipes have burst open now.

If it was obstinacy, it must have been encouraged by naivety. You may not like dirty politics but even clean politics requires shrewdness fluid but they know how to keep and guile. There was ample time. and settle scores. Fresh wounds And there must have been clear are often more tolerable than warnings. The truth is, there were reopened old wounds. Tinubu all kinds of warnings. The leader and Atiku? One always has to of a party must anticipate potential leave. frictions and tensions and Sometimes soothsayers are smoothen and defuse them in time. needed. But the calamity that has A proactive leader does not have befallen the APC was foreseen the “siddon look” option. and foretold. “I won’t get It is not enough to mouth party involved”. Even if you had the supremacy. Everything is just so majority to preclude the other amorphous , so shapeless, so vague party from clinching the positions, now. The official spokesperson wouldn’t you want a smooth and would make a statement and a rancor free process? And why certain Timi Frank who is wouldn’t you get involved? There supposed to be his deputy will pick was no unanimity, so harmony a megaphone and struggle to and solidarity had to be sought, contradict him. They are members forged. Going into it a divided of the same national working house was not freedom, it was committee, a committee that disunity, disorder . It was poor doesn’t know exactly what to be leadership. committed to now. There are many A president is always the spine puppeteers. Things said are of the ruling party. This sometimes said only to be presidential system we borrowed retracted. The Kwara APC in the makes the party subservient to the name of freedom freely contradicts president to a large extent. So the the party’s national body. And they much exalted party supremacy in are all the party? Before bothering a sense has meaning only if the about supremacy, let’s have a party has an ideology that binds. definition of the ‘party’.

It is one thing to intervene to And how can a president ensure peace and help the will of superintend such chaos and the majority and the interests of maintain equanimity? I like to hear your party, it’s however another people say, “I erred” , “ I was to intervene by cynically wrong” . Change must include that. truncating majority will, Non interference is a lofty ideal, enthroning lackeys and sowing which even the United Nations discord. Many warned of the ugly mouths in respect of the consequences of the later which sovereignty of nations. That is Obasanjo and Enwerem typified perhaps why they looked away and A leadership vacuum cannot allowed the Rwandan Genocide. exist , Somalia says chaos The legislature must be free to inevitably follows. When the war choose its leaders. Yes. Separation lords dig in, all that was of powers and checks and balances quiescent becomes active. are great democratic ideas. But we Sheathed daggers have been know good people and nations drawn. Old and new wounds are often cross borders to help arrange festering. Internecine skirmishes affairs of others to prevent have erupted and proxies have disorders that are potentially started doing more harm than Fani widely disruptive.

Kayode and Okupe put together With haste and desperation did during the campaigns. And meetings are now being held . But they are taking down reputations I doubt that the trenches that have the duo forgot to touch. The been dug will go away soon. sewage pipes have burst open. Its Whatever was left of trust has been all getting too messy mangled after the party’s lists of Nothing tells more of a seething principal officers were tossed away cauldron than the outburst of the by presiding officers who are old man, Bisi Akande, the official supposed to be members of the midwife of the party. The party. Party discipline has taken a pungency of his remarks was leave of absence. Politicians are

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Buhari, APC , nine stitches and a leaking sewage system

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perhaps deliberate. “Yorubas have been betrayed”. Thoroughly unstatesmanlike, but sufficiently cautionary. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Exasperated Old man, choking with moral indignation. The kind of moral indignation that only ingratitude working together with treachery generates . Treachery is a serious charge, it is perhaps the worst possible affliction that can beset a relationship. I don’t believe the president is a treacherous man. Not all promises may be fulfilled but trust must be preserved.

A more dispassionate reading of Akande, a reading divested of emotions, would reveal his discontent with the president’s perceived weak leadership of the party. Did the ideal of non interference leave the party rudderless in the last couple of weeks? Tardiness can be treacherous too but not when it is a product of naivety. I have sympathy for the president. In the midst of cunning, desperate and scheming characters, honesty and simplicity could amount to naivety.

Some however insist that the president is not as innocent as his seeming indifference suggests. His perceived aloofness and the resultant trampling of party decisions are a strategy, they claim, to whittle the powers and influence one or two of his powerful allies. Political gamesmanship? It is doubtful that ambivalence and equivocation can serve the president well. A man reputed for forthrightness and firmness has little to gain by being wily now . But why does he preach party supremacy and yet cannot enforce party decisions? Who has the party’s big stick? The party has been spineless. Helplessness is gradually becoming an official policy.

Meetings that didn’t hold when they should are now being held.

Now everyone is getting involved, independence of the legislature has yielded commotion. No one knows if we are seeing a stitch in time or nine late redemptive stitches . Or a multitude of fruitless stitches, medicine after death. Time will tell.

But no soothsayer is needed to tell that if the party survives many of the

stitched, unstitched wounds won’t heal soon.

Leaders like to be unpredictable, but when you head a ruling ‘coalition’ yet lacking in cohesion, like the APC , unpredictability becomes arbitrariness. No one needs taciturnity and mystery. If the president fails to take full charge of the party, and transparently too, the party will disintegrate.

The presidency and the party must be a unity. It is still early days. The president inherited a fractious coalition of many lords with mutually incompatible ambitions. Cohesion, real cohesion must be founded on discipline and order. Discipline will come at some cost but should come soon. He has to craft cohesion even if that means pruning off some rascally, more peripheral , more politically weightless characters.

At the recent APC NEC meeting, the president perhaps gave one of his longest impromptu speeches thus far.

Party supremacy , the vacuous new mantra , was on sale again .

Many clapped, party supremacy is a good pitch . But Saraki’s mournful smiles and virtual one handed claps told a story.

A culture of impunity is taking firm roots in the APC. Who knows? Now that treachery has become rampant someone in Kwara state may soon know enough to demand his ‘freedom’, the sort of freedom common amongst auto mechanics that comes at the end of apprenticeship.

Rebelliousness is contagious , must be checked.

Many who were hardly seen during the campaigns are all over the place now.

Many who sat on the fence , meeting with Jonathan in their sitting rooms , weighing their options, and weighing the interim government alternative on the eve of the elections .

Peripatetic jobbers of questionable electoral worth.

Threats have also started flying around. No one should be held to ransom.

Not the president . The south west APC must stay patient and focused. No tantrums. But wisdom would dictate that all remain acutely aware of some cold political calculations.

Without the southwest, the APC becomes an electorally and morally crippled, regional, northern party.

The Southwest gave Buhari more than votes. They laundered him, gave him a southern foothold and gave the party intellectual depth.

Many northern politicians helped Buhari’s cause but none affected it dramatically. Many have been bandying numbers, Babangida Aliyu and Sule Lamido would have been doing same too.

The different interests should be catered for but many need be reminded that , contrary to their posturing, their contributions to his victory were marginal. The truth is that with Buhari and the southwest allies , the APC has a formidable electoral base. Some political savviness will help the president.

Mr president, please put your house in order sir.

But the calamity that has befallen the APC was foreseen and foretold

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 — 21

IYABO AINA 08184172548

Bill Cosby’s Timeline of sexual assaults I

Compiled by Juliet Ebirim

n October last year, stand-up comedian Hannibal Buress performed a routine about the various sexual assault allegations that had piled up over the years against famed comedian and actor Bill Cosby. Video of the routine went viral, and, since then, dozens of women have come forward to accuse Cosby of sexual misconduct.

Though many of their allegations had been reported on, and several out-of-court settlements had been reached–some going as far back as the 1980s–Cosby himself never suffered damage to his reputation, nor was there ever a groundswell of support for the women he had allegedly violated.

The disturbingly similar stories involve pills or spiked drinks, unconsciousness, and a naked or near-naked Cosby thrusting himself upon them. Some of the stories involve groping or indecent exposure, some involve outright rape. The following is a list of women who have accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault of any kind.

Presently, the total number of women is 45.

Jewel Allison, former model, says Cosby drugged her glass of wine when the two had dinner together at his home in the 1980s. Allison •Bill Cosby claims Cosby led her to a mirror, placed her hand on his genitals, gave her a hard kiss, and then called her a cab.

Lili Bernard was an actress preparing for a role on the final season of The Cosby Show when Cosby drugged and raped her in 1992. After, Bernard claims Cosby shouted that she was “dead” and “didn’t exist” and that he never wanted to see her again, and that she feared for her life.

Barbara Bowman claims that Cosby pursued a •Janice •Beverly •Angela •Michelle relationship as her mentor visited him in his dressing rubbed his penis against her his room, fed her alcohol that while Bowman was a room before a performance in hand,” and penetrated her made her feel “not in teenager, and that, as an Denver in 1984. “digitally.” Constand was 31 control,” and forced her into aspiring model at the age of Carla Ferrigno claims that at the time. sexual acts.

17, Cosby drugged and Cosby grabbed her and Lachele Covington, then Sarita Butterfield accused assaulted her several times. kissed her forcefully while the 20, accused Cosby of pulling Cosby of cornering her, Linda Brown says Cosby two were at a party in 1967. her hand towards his penis kissing her, and trying to invited her to his hotel room Chloe Goins, a model and during a conversation about fondle her breasts during a after a show in 1969. When lap dancer, accused Cosby of career advice on January 25, dinner party with family Brown arrived, Cosby gave drugging her and assaulting 2000. present on Christmas Eve, Brown a soft drink; she her sexually during an 1974. blacked out after drinking it. anice Dickinson accused encounter at the Playboy Chelan says that Cosby When she came to, the two Cosby of drugging her Mansion in 2008, when promised to introduce her to were naked in bed together; with pain pills and raping Goins was 18. modeling agents when the Cosby flipped Brown over her in 1982.

Tamara Green, a retired two met in 1986. Cosby then and sexually assaulted her.

Joyce Emmons, former trial attorney, appeared on gave her a blue pill which Shawn Brown claimed that comedy club owner, says she the Today show in 2005 to made her very groggy, and in 1973 (when her name was took a pill from Cosby for a claim that Cosby had sexually assaulted her before Shawn Upshaw) Cosby headache, blacked out, and drugged her and assaulted she passed out. (Chelan has drugged and raped her. She came to naked in bed with a her sexually in the 1970s. not given her last name) further claimed that her friend of Cosby’s. When she Helen Hayes claims Cosby Andrea Constand worked daughter, Autumn Jackson, confronted him, he laughed groped her in 1973 after she for Temple University, was Cosby’s child. Cosby has and told her he had given met him at a celebrity tennis Cosby’s alma mater, in 2004. admitted to sleeping with her a Quaalude. tournament.

Constand says that when she Brown, but denies that the Beth Ferrier alleges that Renita Cheney Hill says that visited Cosby’s home to talk child is his. she had been in a consensual Cosby drugged and assaulted about career advice, he gave Autumn Burns worked at a relationship with Cosby for a her more than once, her herbal pills for anxiety, Las Vegas casino in 1970 time in the 1980s, but that he beginning when she was a and then “touched her when she met Cosby. Burns drugged her coffee when she 19-year-old. breasts and genital area, claims Cosby invited her to

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Michelle Hurd accused Cosby of groping and fondling her while she was an extra on The Cosby Show in the 1980s.

Judy Huth accused Cosby of sexually abusing her during a party at the Playboy Mansion just days after they met in 1974. Huth was 15 years old at the time.

Beverly Johnson says that, while she was being considered for a role on The Cosby Show in the mid1980s, she visited Cosby at his home. While she was there, Cosby told her to act drunk and put his arms around her before pulling her down a flight of stairs. When Johnson objected, Cosby ordered her to leave.

Lisa Jones, a Canadian model who met with Cosby about a role on his show in 1986, says Cosby gave her alcohol and then tried to pry her legs apart as she walked by him. Jones says Cosby also made a series of derogatory remarks about how women needed to use the casting couch to get ahead.

Kacey, who was an assistant to one of Cosby’s talent agency reps in the early 90s, was invited to Cosby’s house to read through a Cosby Show script that involved kissing.

Shortly afterward, Cosby gave Kacey a white pill, and she passed out; when she came to, the two were naked in bed together. (Kacey has chosen to keep her last name a secret.)

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anice Baker Kinney claims Cosby drugged and raped her after she met him while waitressing at a casino in 1982. Kinney says Cosby ordered her never to talk about what had happened, and that, for years, she felt like it was her fault.

Linda Kirkpatrick accuses Cosby of drugging her with a clear liquid and sexually assaulting her at a tennis tournament in 1981.

Cindra Ladd accuses Cosby of drugging her with a pill and allegedly having sex with her while she worked as a New York movie producer in 1969.

Charlotte Laws has not accused Cosby of any wrongdoing to her person.

But she does say that, in 1981, Cosby fed her friend Sandy two pills, which knocked her unconscious.

Cosby then had sex with Sandy. Laws says that Sandy does not consider the matter rape, since the two were already in a consensual relationship, but that Laws (and the lawyers to which she’s spoken) do consider it rape, since Sandy was physically unable to give consent.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA 08053788974 email: daise4000@yahoo.com

Chief Dr. Patrick Nwamu:

An uncommon housing Guru! ...Manages N7.5billion Asaba Housing Estate in Delta State Born into a wealthy and renowned royal family, Chief Dr. Patrick Nwamu, President of African American Design Associations Limited worked so hard to achieve success. To most Asaba indigenes in Delta State, he his a household name in provision of affordable housing scheme as he owns a N7.5billion Asaba Housing Estate in the state.

The industrialist per excellence is also the Chairman, Chief Executive of Aka-Ego Petroleum Company Limited, a multi million dollar oil and gas company with tentacles spread across the country. In this edition, we feature the interesting story of Nwamu, the Odogwu of Asaba. Enjoy it.

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espite his toga of royalty, he was not laid back, neither did he allow his family's wealth to get into his head. He opted to blaze through life’s trials by leaving the comfort zone of his own home, creat his own wealth and achieve a resounding success. Unlike many of his contemporaries who refused to leave but ended up as liabilities to themselves and families, Nwamu struggled through thick and thin and worked himself

to stardom. Many youths especially in the state see him as a source of inspiration.

Chief Dr Patrick Nwamu cut his first educational teeth at the local education Authority (LEA) School, Asaba and Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS), Onitsha before he proceeded to the United States of America (USA), for his tertiary education. He graduated with B.Sc (Hons.) in Architecture from

Chief Dr. Patrick Nwamu

•Part of the estate C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 — 23

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA 08061644307 email: daise4000@yahoo.com

•Part of the estate

Columbia University, New York and New York Institute of Technology in 1971.

Subsequently, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Urban planning (MUP) at New York University (NYC), in 1973. Still craving for more education, the young Patrick enrolled for a doctorate Degree (PHD) in Transportation, planning and Management at Kensington University, Glendale, California obtaining it in 1981. While in these Universities, he received several distinctions and honours.

Professional Experience

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e is the President/CEO, African American Design Associations limited, an international firm of Architects and Real Estate developers with offices in New York, London and Delta State, established since 1986 to date. African American

Design Associations limited is a multimillion dollar investment project abroad; currently it is engaged in a N7.5 billion Asaba housing Project. It was created to help make the dreams come through of Deltans who wish to acquire their own houses in the fast growing Delta State capital, Asaba.

•Entrance to the estate

Accolades

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hief Patrick Nwamu is an American trained Architect; he is a member of American Institute of Planners (AIP) 1976, American Institute of Architects (AIA) 1976, a member of Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria (REDAN).

Giving back to society

•Part of the estate

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bi Chief (Dr) Patrick Nwamu’s legendary acts of philanthropy and empathy

A man can only say he has attained success if he has achieved his goal due to sheer hard work His car

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towards the less privileged has become a stock in trade and earned him a myriad of accolades and laurels too numerous to mention. And the spillover effect of his massive projects includes more jobs, commerce and Socio-economic activities that are adding value to many families within and outside the state.

Author

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e is the author of the book; “Architecture and planning in developing Nations (Nigeria in Particular), Obi Chief Dr. Patrick Nwamu was a Lecturer/Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the city University of New York for 13 years.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

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OME memories are just impossible to erase. ‘The Road to MAMA’ concert which held at the Federal Palace Hotel,Victoria Island penultimate Friday, July 4th was one of them. The event started with a press conference which saw media personalities and artistes billed to perform at the event engaged in a seesaw question and answer session which was as animated as it was interesting. The MAMA, MTV Africa Music Awards, which comes up next Saturday in Durban, South Africa couldn’t have started on a brighter note with such pulsating tempo.

According to the organizers, the aim of this year ’s event is to showcase the best of Africa to the rest of the world.

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President, MTV Networks Africa, puts it this way: “This year ’s MAMA will be different because we have great partnerships to make this happen. It will have talents across Africa, we are going to have the leadership award category and it’s going to be held in an amazing city, Durban South Africa. Of course, it’s going to be a great event” DJ Xclusive served the anticipating music lovers a series of tunes before the concert kicked off at about 11.30pm.Yemi Alade, Lil Kesh, Patoraking, M.I, Iyanya, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Tanzania’s Diamond Platinum performed at the event. In no particular order, we take a look at the highs and the lows of that night.

That Lil Kesh off-colour performance The Olamide protégé is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing young artistes in the industry right now. The youngster was dressed in a black shirt ready to thrill his fans. Unfortunately,his performance wasn’t above average. He was just hopping all over the stage.

It was suppose to be a performance,but all he ended up doing was just dancing around but with a little fervour to get the fans singing along, not because of the performance but for the song which got them enthralled. His crowning moment came when he kissed the hand of a C M Y K

Phyno

Phyno

•Reekado banks and Korede Bello

Iyanya and a female fan

Patoranking

The highs and lows of MAMA’ concert female fan and when Phyno joined him on stage for the song Ladi Patoranking on point again Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie a.k.a Patoranking is fast building a reputation as a stage performer who knows the right ingredients to bring along to the table whenever is on show. At the ‘Road to MAMA concert’ the energetic singer scored another excellent mark. His presentation showed that he knows the mood of his fans and perfectly in tune with how to satisfy it.

Emotions ran high as he performed his hit songs like Alubarika, Emergency and Bora. And the crowd went from excited to wild when he switched to his new

single My Woman my everything. They cheered and sang along with him.

Patoranking had them eating out of his palms.

Just when we thought Patoranking had outdone himself,M.I mounted the stage to perform Enemies,a song he featured Patoranking. It was one of the high points of the night.

Yemi Alade waves the magic wand again Yemi Alade’s career has been on the up and up in recent times. And going by the performance of the Johnny sensation on the light it seems she’s going to be around for a long time. She was simply magical! It was as if she was waving a magic wand to which the fans could not help but dance along. For

starters, she performed with a live band in an era where live music is fast becoming extinct. She didn’t immediately mount the stage,her hypeman sang some songs to whet the appetite of the audience before she finally stepped out. Love or hate her,Yemi is gradually becoming the queen of Nigeria’s Afro pop. She came on stage propped up by her dancers chanting “Africa”.The vocal powerhouse performed some of her hit songs like Kissing and Taking over me among others. She harmonised seamlessly with her backup singers, her band and her dancers.

The light-skinned diva is an amazing performer with a voice so hard o forget.

Iyanya refused to shine

Iyanya’s fans have always known him to be an energetic performer who delivers but the Kukere crooner disappointed all as he failed to live up to his lofty standard on the night.

He performed some of his recent songs with the band but lacked the vigor needed to appeal to his fans. His singing was off key, missed the beat and looked clueless on stage. Though he didn’t pull his black shirt to flaunt his abs, his saving grace was when he reached out into the crowd, brought out a young lady to dance with him and he eventually carried her. This act wowed the audience Cowboy Phyno The Alobam star, Phyno came on stage dressed like a cowboy. With his fresh David Beckham inspired

SATURDAY Vanguard,

JULY 11, 2015 —25

By AYO ONIKOYI,

Top 15 music and video of the week 1.Aina More –Girls Killing it After the release of the audio, Aina More finally releases the video for this track. The video was shot in London, UK. The song focuses on women doing great things in their various endeavours 2.Ice Prince- Yawa go dey Chocolate City star rapper, Ice Prince Zamani finally releases the visuals of his song Yawa go dey. The song features Robbie Celeste 3.Yemi Alade Pose-Directed by Paul Gambit Johnny star, Yemi Alade has officially unveiled the video for her pan-African song Pose which features Mugeez of R2bees.

4. Fliptyce -Give your love to me Talented music producer, Fliptyce is out with the video of his love tune Give your love to me featuring May D. The video was shot in California.

5.Sunkanmi- For body-Directed by Unlimited L.A Beautiful and budding singer, Sunkanmi who collaborates with Olamide on For body has officially released the video of this song. It is directed by Unlimited L.A 6. Seyi Shay- Right now-Directed by Meji Alabi Seyi Shay who recently signed a record deal with Island Records has put out the visuals for her song Right now. The songstress shows off her sensuality in this video.

7.Timaya -Some more The versatile Dem Mama sensation drops this new single Some more and blends it with a video. The song is produced

by Legendury Beatz

the ‘Road to hair-cut, he mounted the stage like he was ready to take over that night. The Obago crooner gave a confident delivery, flowing from one song to another.

•Road to Mamas press conference

•Lilkesh and a fan C M Y K

That Mavin moment The duo of Korede Bello and Reekado Banks proved that without the other members of the Mavin crew, they can still deliver a brilliant performance. The new Glo ambassadors ended the night by performing their individual songs like Godwin, Looku Looku and Adaobi. The rhythm of their performance changed when they performed the wave-making Godwin. The excitement was evident as the audience sang the song like their life depended on it.

8. Bracket featuring Tekno Panya -Directed by Patrick Ellis After a long hiatus,the Afro pop duo,Bracket have served their fans the video of their previously released song, Panya.They collaborated with Tekno on this song.

9. Kcee Love boat-Directed by Nick Roux Kcee is undoubtedly one of the most consistent Afropop artistes in Nigeria. The Five Star Music artiste has released the visuals of his song Love Boat. It was shot on location in South Africa .The video focuses on a man who professes love to his woman and fights for that love.

10 Dija Amen -Produced by Don jazzy Dija shows her versatility in this Afrobeat song Amen. In this song,she prays that the evil plans schemed against her fails.

11. Darey featuring Olamide -Asiko laiye Darey once again displays his vocal dexterity in this new song. The song draws its prime influence from Afrobeat. The rave of the moment,Olamide blends into the song effortlessly.

12. Pearl Sughar-Produced by Justeen beats Fast rising artiste, Pearl whose RnB Direction is still gaining massive airplays, just released her highlife themed song called Sughar. Though she is yet to be a household name, she has what it takes to wow her fans.

13. Skuki featuring Olamide-Over the mountain Recall that Skuki teamed up with Olamide on Peteru,the duo seem not to be letting go of Olamide anytime soon. They recently collaborated with him on another song titled Over the mountain.

14. Toby Grey-Omolope Tobi got the nod of music lovers when she did a cover of Kiss Daniel’s Woju. She is back with a new sound titled Omolope 15.Tipsy featuring Danny vibes - In love produced by Fliptyce Beautiful rapper,Tipsy has taken another step towards becoming a household name. The light-skinned artiste has unveiled her new song titled In love. The song features Danny Vibes

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

STAR SPOT

Depend less on govt, Fidelis Duker tells filmmakers

Liz Benson returns to Nollywood

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eteran actress, Liz Benson-Ameye who has been missing on screen for many years now, has staged a comeback to her first love, acting. The delectable actress was spotted on the set of a new TV series in Owerri. She disappeared from the screen after she remarried her Bishop Great Emeya husband, in Warri, Delta State.

The legendary actress who ruled the screen in the 80s was captured in her costume, which was designed by Chiemela Nwagboso while on set.

Liz expressed her happiness, returning on screen again.

Presently an evangelist, Liz will be thrilling her fans once again as she stars in this yet-to-be •Liz Benson on set aired television series.

When celebrities stormed AfricaMagic’s Do-Good launch

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•Fidelis Duker

By Chris Onuoha

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HEAD of commencement of this year’s edition of the annual Abuja International film festival, which holds from September 22 through 25, the festival director, Fidelis Duker has announced that the festival will be focusing on tourism as a major economic boost for the country.

Duker made this disclosure while speaking at the monthly Filmmaker’s forum organized by the Nollywood Studies Center, School of Media and Communication, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

He said that tourism sector was chosen as this year’s festival theme, having noticed the huge impact the industry has been making on the nation’s economy.

The forum, which held last month at Hotel de Island, Victoria Island witnessed a sizeable audience comprising stakeholders of the Nigerian film industry, actors and enthusiasts. It was very engaging as Duker spoke on the topic, “Film Festivals as a viable platform for promoting film distribution: The Abuja experience.”

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According to him, the festival that has been running for the past 12 years uninterrupted is a five day events, featuring films, panel of discussants, workshops, film screening and awards. It is a platform for people to network and it also accords film makers who cannot express themselves an opportunity to find an expression.

“This year we are targeting tourism as our main theme.

We will be looking at the close relationship between

This year we are targeting tourism as our main theme.

We will look at the close relationship between tourism and film, and will use the festival to see how we can harness the potentials in Nigerian tourism industry so that we can re-base tourism for Nigeria

tourism and film. We will also use the festival to see how we can harness the tourism potentials in Nigerian so that we can rebase the industry. ” Duker, however, regrets that Nigerian film makers do not appreciate the importance of film festivals, stressing that, "They are concerned about making films, hitting the conventional market and dumping them there, without considering the fact that film festivals are major platforms to give their films the needful exposure Speaking further, teh founder of the Abuja International Film Duker festival said, “I think it’s high time we begin to see the industry from a business perspective. It is a big global business. There’s a need for people to begin to see themselves as businessmen and entrepreneurs. The dependency on government should be limited.

Government involvement in films should be less than 30% whereby it provides the infrastructure and enabling environment to practice.

With that, the industry will lessen its grip on government assistance.”

he old Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel,in Lagos was the scene of an extravagant display of colour, glitz and glamour during the week as the Nigerian entertainers came out in their numbers for the the launch of Africa Magic’s new sitcom, Do-Good.

The event which was anchored by popular stand-up comic and actor, Bovi, had in attendance Nollywood stars including Kate Henshaw, Emem Isong, Basorge Tariah jnr., Charles Novia, Ini Edo, Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Funmi Holder, Segun Arinze and Toyin Aimakhu among others.

Speaking at the launch, the Regional Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu said, “At Africa Magic we are dedicated to creating and showcasing the best content made by Africa for Africans.

This is in line with our investment strategy and our long lasting relationship with the African entertainment industry. It is also in line with this that we are launching Do-Good, a first of its kind PidginEnglish sitcom airing on Africa Magic Urban, which promises to be a hit with comedy lovers across the continent.” Do-Good is a spin-off of the popular 1990s Nigerian drama series, Candlelight, and features the exploits of the titular character Do-good, played by Tariah, who returns from his travels abroad to woo his sweetheart Emem, a character played by popular Kate *M-net boss, Wangi Mba -Uzoukwu, Kate actress Henshaw and Multichoice boss at the event. Henshaw.

Iyke Odife dedicates new film to late Dad

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OPULAR Nollywood producer, Iyke Odife who is currently shooting a movie in Lekki, Lagos, has expressed his decision to dedicate his latest movie, “Primitive”to the memory of his father who died last year.

“Primitive” is an Igbo language movie, which explores the story of the advent of Christianity in the eastern part of the country and the attendant resistance by the people.

Iyke said, his late father, Paul Odife relayed the story to him. “I want to use the movie to immortalise him,"he said. The movie is set in a small community of Abame in the eastern part of the country. The colonial masters had invaded the community armed with a new religion which they want the people to embrace against their will. But after much resistance and open confrontations, the people were subdued as they embraced the new religion unconditionally. The film, which is in its final stage now features the likes of Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, Nnenna NwabuezeOkonta a.k.a Merit of Living in Bondage •Iyke Odife fame among others.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 —27

Chika Ike’s elder

sister, Vivian debuts in Nollywood B

EAUTIFUL Vivien Ike is taking after her younger sister, Chika Ike as she debuts in Nollywood.

HVP caught up with this budding actress last weekend, in Lekki, Lagos, while on a set of a new movie, "Different Women" which is being produced by Lisa Onu Osude.

Formerly based in the United States, Vivien returned to the country last year, to pursue a career in acting. Returning to the

country, Vivien said, she wanted to do a lot of things. Already, she has featured in three movies in the past, but this movie is likely going to bring her to the limelight. “I did my first two movies with Purple Productions owned by Chioma Okoye. I’m doing my third movie now with Iyke Odife as the director,” However, Vivien is not a stranger when it comes to the showbiz industry. She started out as a beauty queen, while as a student of English Language at the University of Lagos.

She moved on to contest for the WMN pageant before traveling to the United States. She is currently undergoing her Masters degree programme in Public Relations.

According to her, “ It is not a new thing to me. It’s just that I have never acted in a movie before now. My sister, Chika is very excited that I am coming into the industry.

She has been there before me and she’s ever ready to assist me.”

She's playing the role of her namesake, Vivien in the movie, which exposes the moral decadence in our society. Describing her experience on the set as amazing, Vivian said, she’s looking forward to starring in great movies in future.

She does not only act, she also sings and writes script.

Maimuna set to heal broken homes with Still Bonding!

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awyer-turned-actress Maimuna Yahaya whose TV programme, “Still Bonding” is currently enjoying effusive viewership is set to open a can of worms as she organizes a seminar on why marriages fail in this part of the world.

The programme, which features interactive session, fashion show, bridal display and exhibition will hold on the 26th of this month, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mainuna who has featured in some movies, including “Spider ” said, she intends to use the programme to heal many cracked marriages. “ We want to provide a platform where couples can come and air their views freely without being judged, castigated as they find the way forward. We are going to be talking about various issues that affect marriages. We have a situation where couples easily give up on their marriages.

The essence of the programme is to send out the message that marriages can be healed and sustained no matter the challenges therein. The idea of marriage is for one to be there, stay there and give birth to children that will also procreate and create longevity and not the kind of marriages we have these days. We intend to create an awareness for marriages.” She Mainuna regrets that people don’t like to talk about the institution of marriage even when they are called upon to do so. She said, “We want to create an avenue where people can come and share their experiences in marriage so that people can learn from it and get their own marriages healed.”

Her TV programme, “Still Bonding”is a 30 minute weekly TV programme, resolving around the family as he •Kate smallest unite of the Henshaw society. “We talk about how you can cope

‘Why I can't become a producer’ T op actress, Kate Henshaw has vowed never to delve into film production until the menace of piracy is totally eradicated in the country.

Kate made the vow, in a chat with HVP, at the launch of Africa Magic new sitcom, “Do Good” during the week. She said, “I am not called to produce films yet, because I need to have everything perfect. Until the deal with piracy in this country, I won’t delve into producing films. Piracy need to be eradicated to a zero level in Nigeria.

The actress, who said her new movie, "Ëqual Journal”will soon hit the market, advocated the need for government to put strident measures in place to tackle the menace of piracy in the country.

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•Maimuna Yahaya effectively in marriage. We have observed that these days, marriages are breaking up for whatever reasons we do no known. By doing this, we want bring people together, and talk about marriages, the challenges that you have in your home and see how we can proffer solution and make our marriages work.

We see that divorce, separation and disconnection is not actually the way forward in marriage. So, if we can make it work so long as it is not at the expense of anybody’s life, let’s try and see how we can put I together. That how the Still bonding came about. But again, it also emanated from a talk called “ Bond” which talks about marriages. The programme is a platform for enhancing family existence by carefully examining the major factors that promote peaceful co-existence between all sections of the family unit. The programme airs on TV stations including, DStv, PRtv Jos, NTA Kano, Silvbird TV, ITV Benin among others.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Unforgettable scandal that made me faint – Regina Chukwu

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egina Chukwu is one of the leading household names in the Yoruba movie industry. She has done so many blockbuster movies that her name rings as loud as the very best in the industry. But Regina Chukwu is not a Yoruba woman. She’s Igbo, but her footprints in the acting business can only be found alongside top Yoruba acts. Her popular films include Akun, Ewatomi, Idaro, Awolu ati Awalu, and Ogunso, to name but a few.

But like they say, there is no star without scar. Regina has had to pay some prices to be where she is today. In this engaging interview she talks about her late husband, her struggle as a single mother, and one scandal she would never forget.

The name ‘Regina Chukwu’ doesn’t sound Yoruba. Where are you from?

I’m Igbo, I’m from Enugu State.

But you do mostly Yoruba movies?

Yes, I do mostly Yoruba films because I found acceptance among the Yoruba artistes.

It is what I started it and most comfortable with it. But I am trying to go into Englishspeaking movies soon. In fact as a producer, I am planning to shoot one this year.

But have you done any English-speaking movie at all?

I have done a couple of them; I have starred in some English soaps. I was in Family Ties, and Family Tussle which is running on air now. I have also starred in Face to Face, and I once starred in Super Story but it was just a minor role.

What are the challenges you faced as an Igbo trying to do Yoruba films?

Honestly, I cannot remember any. No one ever saw me as Igbo or anything like that. I don’t know why it is so, maybe because the Yorubas are very accommodating. The challenges I faced are the usual industry challenges and the most annoying one is piracy. It does not kill only financially It also kills creativity. Sometimes you have great C M Y K

ideas but afraid to put it to test because of pirates who are reaping heavily where they did not sow. There is also the issue of marketers who are underpaying artistes for jobs well done. .

Are there roles you cannot take on because of language limitation?

You must realise I was born and bred here in Lagos. I have no language barriers whatsoever. Apart from some dialects, like Ijebu dialect and others there is no Yoruba accent I cannot deliver perfectly. I can even speak as a Yoruba village girl, infusing the right accent as required. I was born in the Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos and had both my primary and secondary education in Alimosho area before proceeding to Laspotech, Lagos State Polytechnic for my tertiary education.

Has anyone ever pirated your movie?

Of course, virtually all the movies I’ve produced were pirated.

Though I will say the situation wasn’t as bad as it is now five-six years ago. Even the marketers would tell you they sell less than five thousand of some films whereas you see the film everywhere in the market.

Are you married?

I am a single mother with two kids; one twelve and the other fourteen. I lost my husband, four years into our marriage. Then my second child was just four months old. At a time in the marriage, while pregnant with my second child I had to hawk to survive because my husband of blessed memory was sick and bedridden. There was no one to cater for the family so I had to take it upon myself to do what was necessary to survive. I started the business with N5, 000 somewhere in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos.

Are you still planning to get married again?

Yes, if the right man comes along.

Who do you have chemistry working with on set?

I enjoy working with Funke Akindele. I have starred in two of her movies; Azonto Babes and one other one Have you had a crush on any actor before?

Yes, in those days before I came into the industry. Saint Obi, RMD and Ramsey

,

BY DAMILOLA SHOLOLA

Apart from some dialects, like Ijebu dialect and others there is no Yoruba accent I cannot deliver perfectly

,

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 — 29

Have you faced any scandal so far in your career?

Yes. There was one I would never forget. Before that unfortunate experience came up I was one of the scandal-free actresses in the industry. Before then I used to think most of the things writen on the blogs were true until I read about myself and how what happened to me was twisted and blown out of proportion. Though as they say, there’s no smoke without fire; but these bloggers don’t care to do their findings to know what led to what or why what happened. Naturally, I have a thick skin but this one got to me and I fainted when l learned about it.

What was it about?

Some two or three years ago, a guy walked up to me and said, “I’ve seen your movie, I saw Akun and I loved the movie.

How much would it take me to shoot that kind of movie?” Merely looking at that guy, to me he couldn’t be older than 21 years or thereabout. I told him that if he wanted to shoot something like that it

•Regina Chukwu C M Y K

,

Nouah, were those I really loved. Then, there was Genevieve, I used to think she was an angel, that, she does not exist in this world. Maybe it’s because of my love for the job so that anybody I saw on screen, I was love struck I heard you spent a lot of money making your Ewatomi movie?

Yes, that’s my latest; after spending money, please ask me how much I made? That’s what I’m saying; piracy is really killing us and it is killing creativity. The marketers are crying, we, the producers are wailing, things are not just going as they should because of piracy. This one I’m going to produce now, I’m scared they would pirate it again but what I cannot do is shoot a movie that is going to be below what I’ve been building. This industry is all about building yourself and building your name so you don’t go shooting a movie that is below the standards you have set for yourself.

Before then I used to think most of the things writen on the blogs were true until I read about myself and how what happened to me was twisted and blown out of proportion.

,

would cost him a lot of money. I didn’t go into the main budget but I just told him he would have to have like N4 million to shoot that kind of movie. He told me what if all he has is between N1.5 million or 2 million. To which I replied that the budget he has would determine the quality of the film and the cast. He now said okay, that for a start, he’s going to bring N1.5 million and I said no problem; I thought he was joking.

After then he was always coming to the set with some of my colleagues, hanging out and I noticed that he was a very heavy spender. The day he came to me, he gave me in Naira N500, 000, and 1,500 in Euros.

He said the money was for the movie, that, I should keep it. Immediately I took the money to my mum who took it to bank. But before we could deposit the money we changed them into naira. Mum said when he’s ready; I should go and withdraw the money for him so we could do what we wanted to do. She advised me not to spend the money and make sure we did a good job, I said no problem.

About a week later, I called this guy’s number, his numbers were not going. I pinged him, it was not delivering and I was worried. Before then, we were always communicating because there was this other actor he gave money too to produce. Like two days after, he called me early in the morning with an unknown number. He said something happened that he had to travel out to Ghana. He now said as it is, he wanted to travel to Benin Republic and he has some money with him that he wouldn’t want to take along and he wanted me to keep it for him. I said okay and asked him where he was. He said he was somewhere around Igando. I just put on my clothes even without taking my bath, I washed my face and then cleaned up; and drove to where he was.

When I got there he was in another car and asked me to follow him. We got to an office he had told earlier belongs to his father. We got to somewhere around Igando and we got down and went into an office.

When we got into the inner office, I saw someone I assumed was his father. When I greeted the man he just asked if I was Regina and I said I was. There were others guys in the office too but I noticed immediately that they were all hostile as they responded coldly to me.

Before I knew what was going on, the man, the guy’s father asked if the guy (Ibrahim) gave me any money. I was shocked so I asked if there was any problem and the man shocked me some more when he said Ibrahim has been stealing from him.

He then asked if I saw some girls at the reception on my way coming in and I replied that I did. He told me they were Ibrahim’s girlfriends whom he had been lavishing money on. He said he had detained them for three days and asked me if I could refund all he money Ibrahim gave me. I said it was no problem that I would come and give them the money.

I took them to my bank, GTB to withdraw #500,000 and then I took them to First Bank which is my mom’s bank to withdraw #500,000 too and then I gave them.

The man said he didn’t want the Euro that I changed to Naira in Naira that I had to go and change it back to Euros and as at that time, the value had gone up so I actually lost out but because I didn’t want any problem. I later balanced the remaining money.

I got to hear some two days later that I was arrested because I stole some people’s money. I was never even near any police station. It was I who lost money because before then I had already paid a costumier for costumes. I lost the N100, 000 given to the costumier because she never refunded the money. When all these things were happening, people started saying Regina duped someone of money, Regina did this, Regina did that, it got to me; it was painful.

Since I started my life, nobody had ever come and knocked my door that I owe them money. I don’t owe people, Instead of me owing people, people owe me; that is why I don’t do buy and pay later business because they would not give me money. It is unfair to write things that are totally false because you want to drive traffic to your site. If you hear anything about me, call me to clarify. I am a type of person that picks unknown calls.

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30—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

By BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

Black Uhuru’s ex-band member relives old tales hards. One Blood has been sampled by hip hop acts like Wu Tang Clan and The Game, and is a rallying cry for ghetto youth in Jamaica.

He recalled being in England in the late 1989 and observing the animosity between blacks and police in that country. Returning to Jamaica, he found hostility throughout inner-city communities; Reid also read about bloody gang feuds in Los Angeles between the Bloods and the Crips.

At home, he said, the situation was dire. “There was a tension in Jamaica, the streets was like a ghost town,” Reid recalled.

The universal friction inspired him to write One Blood, which was recorded at his studio and producer at Gussie Clarke’s Anchor complex. Backing him were keyboardist Tony ‘Asher ’ Brissett, saxophonist Dean Fraser, bass player Chris Meredith, drummer Cleveland Browne and guitarist Dalton Browne.

Reid said, he was pleased with the song but did not know how big a hit it would be.

“Nobody know when a song is going to be a hit.”

Reid credits the sound systems for breaking One Blood, which quickly became an anthem in the dancehall. In terms of popularity, it surpassed Original Foreign Mind and Fit Yuh Haffe Fit (which he did with Black Uhuru) as his biggest hit in Jamaica.

Its distinctive hook has been used by the Wu Tang Clan (One Blood Under W) and The Game for his smash 2006 hit It’s Okay.

The album of the same name, also released in 1990, is arguably Reid’s finest. It included the song Married Life, a cover of The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby, and Sound: *Courtesy of Jamaican Observer

S

INCE leaving the popular Jamaican reggae group, Black Uhuru in 1985, Junior Reid had spent considerable time out of his home country and had not had a massive hit song that period. He’s best known for the songs “One Blood” and “This Is Why I’m Hot” The 1990 cry for unity among warring factions throughout the world has become his signature, winning him fans among a new generation of dancehall and hip hop die-

Jack Daniel gives club owners real Jack experience

By Prisca Sam-Duru

O

wners and Representatives of Quilox, The Place, Play Abuja, Road Runners, Caribbean Lounge Abuja and Megaletrics enjoy an Activity Packed Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Trip to Tennessee.

The invited guests; Frank Okamigbo (The Place Lounge Lekki), Charles Okpaleke (Play, Abuja), Shina Peller (Quilox Night Club), Niran Odulana (Road Runners Night Club, Yaba), C M Y K

Abubakar Atodo Isah (Caribbean Lounge Abuja) and Chris Ubosi (CEO/Chairman Megaletrics Limited), departed Lagos on June 1st 2015. They were pumped and excited for their trip to Lynchburg Tennessee for a one of a kind Jack Daniel’s experience, and the purchase of their individually selected and personalized barrels of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel.

On arrival at Nashville Tennessee, the guests received a hearty welcome by the Jack Daniel’s officials who treated them to some southern

hospitality over a mouthwatering Jack Daniel’s infused barbeque dinner at the Hard Rock Café.

The following day, the guests took a coach to Lynchburg Tennessee, the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery.

On arrival at Lynchburg they met the master distiller, Jeff Arnett and his team who took the guests on a very thorough tour of the grounds.

The guests were shown the oldest building in the distillery that housed Jack Daniel’s office. It has been maintained in the same condition since his death.

Remembering Sunny Okosun, the Ozziddi exponent JULIET EBIRIM

M

usic legend, Sunny Okosun would have been 76 years on January 1, this year, having been born in 1947. Okosun was one of the nation’s most celebrated musicians of yesteryears whose bodies of work have continued to keep their names alive.

While he lived, he towered among the giants of contemporary Nigerian musicians with his signature fusion of reggae, highlife, Afro-funk, traditional melodies and rhythms. The catch-hall description, Özziddi” , Okosun was a major influence as far as the nation’s music scene was concerned. He used his music to tackle head-on the most critical political and social issues gripping the African continent, especially the abolished apartheid in South Africa. He joined forces with other African singers including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, the legendary South African singer and civil rights activist, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt and Stevie Wonder among others who spoke or sung out on behalf of late Nelson Mandela’s cause. His “Fire in Soweto”received a world acclamation just as his “Papa’s Land” took on South African abuses was a masterpiece. “Holy Wars” (1978) addressed liberation movements throughout southern Africa. His other songs include ‘Mother and Child’, ‘Which way Nigeria’, ‘Togetherness’, amongst others. But Okosun who launched into stardom in the early 70s with his fiery Öziddi”music was a strong voice and an advocate of a popular ideology geared towards liberating the oppressed people in Africa. It was on record that the Edo State born music legend used his last days on earth to win souls for Christ as an evangelist. His warm, genial voice effortlessly carried a moral authority that suited the social and political commentary of his lyrics. He called his ever-changing mix of reggae, highlife, Afro-soul, rock, funk and various indigenous elements “Ozziddi”, meaning “there is a message”. Best known for his anti-apartheid reggae anthem “Fire in Soweto”, he also espoused PanAfricanism and Black Pride, singing about the need for honest leadership in Africa, and the plight of the continent’s children.

By the late 1980s, his popularity began to ebb, but he reinvented himself as a gospel performer under the name Evangelist Sunny Okosuns. His 1994 album “Songs of Praise” reportedly sold almost a million copies. His death, which shook the music industry on May 28, 2008, in Washington DC after battling colon cancer marked the end of an era in the Nigerian music scene. Okosun will forever be remembered for using his music to promote African unity and black pride.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11 2015—31

Style It Thrice: Orange Silk Blouse

Africa Fashion Week London 2015 promises daily eye-catching runway shows A

frica Fashion Week London held it’s 4th edition in August 2014 at London’s Olympia. It was enormously successful, event generating a great deal of attention from fashion buyers, the international media and news outlets and over 8,000 visitors during the 2 days.

However, this year ’s event promises to be even bigger and better, with a number of African countries owning pavilions at the exhibition ground.

This year’s Africa Fashion Week London will be at Olympia West Hall on Friday 7th August and Saturday 8th August 2015. The London Olympia will again be C M Y K

transformed into stunning showcase; peruse and purchase statement and unique pieces from handpicked designers and brands.

Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is Europe’s largest catwalk event celebrating African design, talent and diverse ethnic influences that contribute to fashion all over the world.”

This 5th edition is promising to be the biggest and most inspirational yet” says Ronke Ademiluyi Founder of AFWL. Since debuting in 2011, this exciting event has gone from strength to strength; championing new and emerging designers who are inspired by the rich culture of

Africa and incorporate this heritage into their contemporary design.

With a unique and fashion-forward showcase, daily eye-catching runway shows and vibrant exhibitions, this 2-day event brings together fashionistas and industry professionals from around the world to Europe’s largest and most important African-inspired fashion event.

Emerging designers to look out for this year include; emerging designers such as Taiwanese AimeeKu who is flying the flag for African inspired fashion is her native Taipei City; and welcome back the favourites of the 2014 catwalk like Nigerian designer Needlepoint. Furthermore, the winner of the Face of Africa Fashion Week London 2015 competition, Scottish born Ugandan, Maggie Smith and AFWL Brand Ambassador Victoria Michaels joins the stellar line-up.

AFWL Model

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Watch out, Britney! ungarian singer Snowflake is on a mission to become H the biggest pop star in the world.

In her bid to become the next Britney Spears the 34-year-old bubbly blonde has released a new single called ‘My Mission Is You’.

The music video sees the 26 stone songstress don a transparent sequin body stocking, reminiscent of one worn by American icon Britney in her ‘Toxic’ video.

At 6ft 1in Snowflake, from Budapest, admits she hopes that being a fuller-figured singer will help her stand out and be more recognisable.

But she wants to be compared to mainstream stars like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry in the long run.

‘I think I look like Britney after she’s had her fifteenth child,’ the trained seamstress said.

‘In show business everybody has a perfect body and is photoshopped to be flawless - they are so far from reality. ‘I’m something new and I think being a bigger singer will help me as it’s really hard to stand out nowadays.

‘It helps if you have a special

feature that makes you easy to remember.’

The plus-size chart hopeful was spotted at a casting for a Hungarian comedy by its director who urged her to take singing lessons and learn English.

And eventually she signed to Drastique Records, while her music can also be heard everywhere from iTunes to Spotify, Amazon and YouTube.

Snowflake added: ‘The director loved my moves and suggested we stay in touch he said I could be an international phenomenon.

‘He also sent me to a singing tutor and while my voice got a bit better my English still needs work.’ ‘I’m something new and I think being a bigger singer will help me as it’s really hard to stand out nowadays. ‘It helps if you have a special feature that makes you easy to remember.’

The plus-size chart hopeful

music can also be heard everywhere from iTunes to Spotify, Amazon and YouTube.

Snowflake added: ‘The director loved my moves and suggested we stay in touch - he said I could be an international phenomenon.

‘He also sent me to a singing tutor and while my voice got a bit better my English still needs work.’ Her limited English means Snowflake - named after the missing dolphin in Ace Ventura - has to learn her song lyrics off by heart. ‘The idea behind the new song was that I’m having a crazy fantasy about hunting down my secret love,’ she said. ‘I also took my part in pre-production and

was spotted at a casting for a Hungarian comedy by its director who urged her to take singing lessons and learn English.

And eventually she signed to Drastique Records, while her

loved every minute of the process.’ Since launching her latest video Snowflake’s fan base has, well, snowballed.

‘I’ve got some very strange mail since it came out,’ she added. ‘Lots of marriage proposals, some weirdos and a lot of really sweet guys and girls. ‘I also saw a lot of nasty and hostile comments as well - but I know I can be shocking to some.’

Busted!

A

Peeping Tom has been arrested in China’s Shandong province, after he was caught dressing up as a woman to sneak into the ladies’ loos.

But the culprit – only identified by his surname Zhang – seems to have some very unusual ideas when it comes to women’s anatomy, as his outfit predominantly featured a pair of exceptionally large breasts.

Police arrested Zhang when he was caught lurking in a women’s toilets in a library in Tengzhou city, reported People’s Daily Online.

His outrageously garish outfit also included bright red tights, a mini-skirt, high-heels and thick make-up.

He had also donned a facemask that covered up his masculine features, and left

only his eyes peeping out from underneath a long, brown wig. Police officers reported that – apart from the abnormally large breasts – Zhang’s figure was definitely that of a man.

Is this the world’s deadliest job interview?

I

n the current job market, graduate interviews can be fierce.

One Chinese company has added a deadly spin to its recruitment process by asking prospective employees to kiss a live crocodile to prove their courage.

The company, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, designed the test as a first stage in their interview process to weed out the brave from the wimpy, the People’s Daily Online reported.

The company was looking for nine sales executives during a recruiting event on Wednesday.

Job hunters are led out into the street, where a small, live crocodile is waiting to be smooched.

Thankfully, the croc has its snapping jaws tied shut for the purposes of the stunt.

Anyone who successfully proves their mettle and kisses the reptile will not only get

through to the next round, but also receive 1,000 Yuan (around £100). While several ambitious male graduates have offered to kiss the croc, the company says it is seeking female employees, who should be ‘beautiful and wise.’

While this stunt may seem odd, it is perhaps appropriate for the company, which, controversially, sells ‘health products’ made from crocodiles.

Kissing the crocodile is meant to help interviewees overcome their fear of the creatures.

Peng Peng, a senior researcher at CASS Institute of Philosophy in Guangzhou, says using a crocodile as a recruitment stunt is a fairly common practice, and likened it to companies using nude or body-painted models in road shows.

However, Mr Peng warns that kissing a crocodile comes with risks, and companies should consider whether it is acceptable and morally right to coerce applicants to kiss a living creature for a stunt.

The ‘interview’ shown in these pictures was well-publicised with advertising and placards, and a large crowd gathered to watch.

But this isn’t Zhang’s first time playing dressup. Various snapshots of his large-bosomed get-up have been circulated online, as he patrolled the streets of Tengzhou city. The many different outfits suggest he has done it

‘Suicidal’ woman wins right to end her life by euthanasia despite being physically healthy The woman, known only as Laura, does not have any life-threatening illnesses but has still been told by authorities that she can voluntarily die A 24-year-old healthy girl has won the right to end her life by euthanasia because she claims to have had suicidal thoughts since childhood.

The woman, known only as Laura, does not have any life-threatening illnesses but has still been told by authorities that she can voluntarily die.

She is apparently the result of an unplanned pregnancy and had a troubled early upbringing and told doctors: “Life, that’s not for me.”

Laura later moved in with her grandparents in her native Belgium who

‘Suicidal’ woman provided her with “security, peace and structure” but despite that she just does not want to live any longer.

She has been in a psychiatric institution since she was 21 and told local paper De Morgen: “Even though my childhood certainly contributed to my suffering, I am convinced that I had had this death

on many different occasions.

Women have been warned of the danger of using public toilets in China, after a wave of reports of Peeping Toms in the last couple of years.

Rumours suggest that the hidden-camera market has flourished in recent years, as the trend gathers momentum.

In January 2014, the images of over 50 women using the toilet were circulated online after being captured by an undercover camera at Xiamen University, in Fujian province.

In May of the same year, a Hong Kong women’s group reported that perverts were using light bulbs and smoke detectors to conceal hidden cameras. wish even though I grew up with a quiet, stable family.”

“Death feels to me not as a choice. If I had a choice, I would choose a bearable life, but I have done everything and that was unsuccessful.

“I played all my life with these thoughts of suicide, I have also done a few attempts.

“But then there is someone who needs me, and I don’t want to hurt anyone. That has always stopped me.”

The only thing that Laura has enjoyed doing she said, is planning her own funeral but does admits that her death will be difficult for her grandparents and her mother.

She also revealed that she made friends with another suicidal girl who died 18 months ago. Assisted suicide has been legal in Belgium since 2003 and it is estimated that five people a day die that way.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 11, 2015 — 33

NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE WATCH

Who will dim Sunshine’s star?

Stories by John Egbokhan

W

hen will Sunshine Stars’ grip of the pole position in the league be loosened? That is the million naira question that the other 19 teams in the Nigerian top flight are begging to answer as the league approaches its halfway stage Not many league watchers ever tipped the Akure-based team to be amongst the top three sides on the table, lest of all see them topping the log after about 16 gruelling games that have seen some upsets, shockers and major disappointments from the

supposedly top teams like Kano Pillars and Enyimba.

The story of Sunshine Stars remains a mystery to all, not so much because of their lack of pedigree, but because they have consistently ground out results from seemingly impregnable teams.

After playing 16 matches, Sunshine Stars stay firmly pegged in first place, winning nine games, drawing thrice and losing four games to amass a princely 30 points.

But they are not the only side with that amount of points as two-time CAF Champions League winners, Enyimba also have 30 points, but are in

second place, no thanks to superior goals advantage that Sunshine Stars have over them. And as we enter into match day 17, the plot to unseat Sunshine Stars thickens with Enyimba hoping creeks side Bayelsa United will do them a massive favour by dimming Sunshine’s star in tomorrow’s match at the Akure Township Stadium.

But that may just be a wishful dream as the likelihood of Bayelsa United escaping Akure unscathed is pretty low given that Sunshine Stars have made their home ground a fortress and are likely to maintain their top spot at the end of regulation time.

Enyimba enter Wolves’ den

W

arri Wolves started the season with high hopes of going far, having qualified to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup and

looking to impress on the continent, with the players eager to impress and warm their way into the hearts of possible club suitors in north Africa.

Having crossed the first three stages of the

Table Team Sunshine Stars Enyimba Wikki Tourist Giwa Ifeanyi Uba Heartland Kano Pillars Abia Warriors Rangers El Kanemi Nasarawa Warri Wolves Akwa Utd Lobi Bayelsa Shooting Kwara Utd Dolphins Taraba Sharks C M Y K

P 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 15 16 13 16 16 16 14 14 16 15 16

competition, Warri Wolves, were just a whiskers away from crossing into the group stage of the Confederation Cup when they met their water-loo in the hands of AC Leopards of Congo, who progressed 4-3 on aggregate scores.

Wolves had lost the first leg played in Congo 3-0 and in the reverse fixture held at the Warri Township Stadium, Wolves scored thrice but were undone by a solitary strike

W D L 9 3 4 8 6 2 8 5 3 7 7 2 8 2 6 8 1 7 8 1 7 7 2 7 7 2 7 7 2 6 6 4 6 6 2 5 5 3 8 3 8 5 4 5 7 4 4 6 4 4 7 2 8 6 2 6 7 1 9 6

GF 25 20 21 21 19 22 19 19 17 14 15 16 11 12 12 10 13 14 13 11

GA 14 12 13 14 13 18 16 20 18 18 17 12 17 17 18 11 19 18 20 19

GD PTS +11 30 +8 30 +8 29 + 7 28 +6 26 +4 25 +31 25 -1 23 +1 23 -4 23 -2 22 +4 20 6 18 -5 17 -6 17 -1 16 -6 16 -4 14 -7 12 -8 1

from the visitors, turning the light off the Nigerian side’s campaign. That painful event happened on June 6 and with their exit confirmed, they have turned their focus back to the home front, where they have a backlog of matches to play, due to continental assignments.

They are the only team to have played 13 matches, winning six, losing five and drawing two to earn 20 points.

With three outstanding matches to play,, the possibility of Wolves rising to the top three is within reach should they win the aforesaid games.

But they know that will be a tall order as the competition for points this season has been so stiff. However, Warri Wolves must start winning, beginning with tomorrow’s encounter against Enyimba, with Kadiri Ikhana leading his charges into the Wolves’ den, hoping to escape unhurt and upstage Sunshine Stars from the top.

Shooting Stars shooting down F

rom the look of things, Shooting Stars are shooting down in their push to rediscover their lost glory. For a club with a rich history and fans support, things have certainly been far from being rosy for the Oluyole Warriors.

The Ibadan-based side are lurking within the relegation zone, no thanks to their miserly 16th points to stay rooted to the 15 position. This is not the position that they should be by any stretch of the imagination but that is the reality that daily

stares that is the reality that stares Coach Gbenga Ogunbote and his charges in their faces as the league approaches its half-way point.

Can Shooting Stars stop shooting down and return to winning ways when Giwa FC come calling tomorrow in Ibadan? That question will be answered after 90 minutes of football at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with fans hoping to rent the air with shouts of ‘’up Shooting’’.

•Ogunbote

Shar ks swim in inf es at er Sharks infes estted w wat ater erss S

harks began the season like a house on fire and have since been like that, earning the record of being the unenviable team in the Nigerian top flight, no thanks to their last position on the table.

With just 12 points from 16 matches, Sharks are really swimming in trouble waters and heading for relegation, if the tide continues to push them in the direction that they have been swimming in the last four months.

It is certainly so bad for the team from the much touted Treasure Base of the country, Rivers State, with all the money that the state generates internally and gets from the federation account, courtesy of the oil and gas contributions to the commonwealth.

Sharks are away at Kwara United tomorrow, where the general belief is that their fate has already been sealed as they continue swimming in infested waters, with no route of escape open to them.

34— SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 11, 2015

W

here do you stand on the disengagement of Stephen Keshi as Super Eagles coach by the Nigeria Football Federation?

Keshi is my friend and I was one of those who championed his recruitment when he was being shopped for and I supported him all through to the 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World Cup. We played

together as team-mates and so I am very unhappy that he lost his job and the way he lost the job is another cause for concern. I thought that if they wanted to sack him, it could have been done earlier or nicely done when the opportunity was right, when the conditions called for it, when everything was perfect for him to have gone honourably. But that he waited for this long and they also waited, only to now sack him shows that they were looking for any opportunity or the closest to an opportunity to sack him. And that is why we have this unfortunate incident that is generating a lot of discussions and debate in the country. It is rather unfortunate.

What is the way forward in this unfortunate situation as the NFF has said Shuaibu Amodu should be the interim manager of the team. Do you think they should get another coach so that the qualification process for the 2017 Nations Cup will not run into hitches?

Time waits for no one. The world just trudges on. That Keshi has been removed doesn’t mean that is the end of the world. People were sacked before him and people will be hired after him.

Looking forward, I just thought that the issue of Shuaibu Amodu coming in as coach will now draw up its own debate and controversies. As technical director, he has an assignment, he has his own mandate, so I think he should just stay within that mandate, instead of coming in.

There was a time that he came in when Keshi was sacked but left after Keshi was recalled. It implies a musical game of chairs and there is no justification for him coming in at this point. But I like what I heard that one, they say it is a temporary thing, two, what Amodu said he was not putting out his neck forward for that position.

So what do we do now?

I am totally not in support of a foreign coach. I believe there will be a hidden agenda behind hiring a foreign coach that will come to Nigeria. Let us see his credentials.

What has he won? What qualities does he have to be our coach? We are not going to look at his white skin to let him just come. Has he done better that the coaches that we’ve had and have? Has he done better than Keshi? Keshi remains the most successful indigenous coach in the history of football in Nigeria. There has never been anyone, foreign or local that was better than him. And some of us have said that from Keshi we should start to look at their generation. Players who played at every level, players who were coached by the highest level of coaches, players who have gone further to get higher education and acquire coaching courses to handle our national teams. We have said so and we should not go back on our word. There is one person eminently qualified to become the next coach of the Super Eagles. And I think he C M Y K

deserves to be given a chance. He is an international. He has the intellectual capacity to handle the team. He has demonstrated steady grasp of the game over and over again in his conversation and analysis of the game in the world.

We have seen him, we have heard him and we think he can do it.

That person is Sunday Oliseh.

Under no condition must anybody go and bring one foreigner to come and say he wants to coach a Nigerian team in this age that we are in. We have a Sunday Oliseh.

Give him the job to do. Don’t say he does not have the experience because if you don’t give him the opportunity, he will never get the experience. Keshi started from somewhere. Samson Siasia started from somewhere. Go to those foreign countries and you will find out that there are certain coaches who started their careers at the top. Oliseh qualifies. No uestion on it. Bring in Oliseh.

Those are my personal views on him.

— Od

•Says Oliseh best ma •Rat es Algeria higher highe •Rates ver Nationa •W eeps oover •Weeps

Are you not worried at all by his lack of coaching experience at the national team level?

Not at all. There is no other Nigerian qualified for the job than him.

People will disagree with you on that based on the fact that he has no experience for such a sensitive and demanding job as the Eagles Coach...

Of course, but who says that he has not been coaching. He has been coaching in Belgium.

•Odegbami

In an academy...

Coaching is coaching.

Caching at the national level is the easiest job in the world. It is easier than to coach a club, where you go and get players, teach them, train them and make them play as a unit and a whole lot of other things. The national team coach is the one that assembles all the best players available, has two or three days to talk to them, tell them how he wants them to play and they go and play. He doesn’t do much. Anybody can coach the national team of any country, it will now depend on their intellectual capacity, nothing else.

What about the managerial abilities?

That’s part of it. Where do you get the managerial abilities? It’s on the job. And the truth is that as a former player and academy coach, he has the experience. Coaching an academy is the hardest kind of coaching. As a former player, he has experienced what it is like to play. That is the best experience to be a manager.

And if you go to school like Oliseh has done, you have the knowledge to pass on. So let us see him impact the knowledge to our Eagles. In terms of intellectual capacity, I believe, based on what I know that the most qualified man for that job today is Oliseh. Give him the chance. We are playing in African, anybody who comes to handle the Super Eagles and cannot pass through the African qualifies for the Nations Cup does not deserve to be called a coach. Ninety per cent of them will take Nigeria there.

Anyway, so why not Oliseh.

That is my recommendation.

He has everything it takes, we have heard him, we have seen him, the world has recognised him, FIFA recognises him,

,

•

Keshi the po

Caching at the national level is the easiest job in the world. It is easier than to coach a club, where you go and get players, teach them, train them and make them play as a unit and a whole lot of other things

,

•Oliseh and Amaju •Buhari Super Sports recognises him.

During the last World Cup, he showed class. He is amongst the best analyzers of football that I know.

Just like you No I can’t do it But can he cope with the politics there?

It is good that he does not know that aspect because if you play the politics, then you will be consumed by it. If you go there and face your technical

job, you don’t have a problem.

Keshi was trying to play the two. Why did he remain? It was politics. Politics kept him there and politics sent him packing.

He didn’t leave the job now, they sent him away. How could they have had the guts to send him away but for the political change that occurred. That is the reality of it.

Which change are you talking about?

The political change. How did Keshi remain there? He

was consumed by olitics he played

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 11, 2015 — 35

an for Eagles jo b job 980 AFCON ffinal inal r than Eagles aatt 11980 al SSttadium

,

degbami

1

980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Segun Odegbami, during a visit to the corporate headquarters of Vanguard Media on Monday, spoke to us on the state of Nigerian sports, describing Sunday Oliseh as best man for the Eagles job. Twenty Four hours later, Oliseh was engaged by the NFF in London to coach the Super Eagles. BEN EFE and JOHN EGBOKHAN interviewed this soccer legend of our time.

I am not talking of the President.; But he was backed by the Presidency and we know they backed him because they felt that he was unfairly treated and that they should have treated him with modesty and decorum.

Anyway, those who were trying to get him out are also people who were put there politically

,

But you are also a politician...

I am learning the trade of politics. Previously, I was just a technical person, thinking that I could contribute my technical knowledge to develop Nigerian sports, but I have been told that it does not work that way. I have tried to be NFF President about four or five times but it did not work. I have left it for them because I am a political neophyte.

In this season of change, are you not thinking of a rebound?

In this wind of change, there is a storm that is blowing everybody, everywhere. When things settle, you never can tell where it will land

•Keshi was backed by the Presidency.

And I am not talking of the President.; But he was backed by the Presidency and we know they backed him because they felt that he was unfairly treated and that they should have treated him with modesty and decorum.

Anyway, those who were trying to get him out are also people who were put there politically. So why would you now use your political C M Y K

advantage to sack somebody else? They were all coming from the same pot of soup.

You have experienced your fair share of political misadventure with the NFF, so you are talking from experience...

Absolutely, that is why I say leave the politicians to face their game and you will have no problem

What kind of Sports minister are you expecting President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint?

One who is a visionary, one who captures the original action plan for the development of sports in Nigeria, which was on course and derailed through succession of bad administrators who had no idea of what sports development was. We want somebody who will come with a vision, a road-map and everybody can think clearly and which is implementable, taking it one step at a time until we get to the level we

hope to attain. It is not a sprints event. Anybody who comes and tells you that he wants to win the Olympic Games does not deserve the assignment.

Ask for somebody who will tell you that we are going to take the 15 million out of school children back to school, because we are going to use the instrumentality of sports.

Get somebody who will tell you that we are going to reduce the unemployment amongst our youths in Nigeria because we are going to promote sports to generate employment for our youths.

Listen to that person who will tell you that we are going to raise a generation of sportsmen who in eight years time will make Nigeria one of the foremost sporting nations on earth and we would now be competing for Olympic gold medals not tomorrow but in the future. So the foundation is essential. We should not rush. It is a marathon race.

You don’t sprint when you start a marathon, you have to lay the foundation and let it be strong.

Looking back at the old days that produced people like you, are you hopeful of a return to such glorious days?

Absolutely, I don’t even have reasons to articulate why. But the Presidency of Buhari, without raising a finger, without doing anything, the corruption level has dropped in the country. Discipline is returning to several arms of government. That is the benefit of having one person come into office, without doing anything.

That tells you that if he starts to do something, that the change that we all require will come.

And if he has good people around him, Nigeria would not be same in another four years time.

What emotions run through your mind when passing the National Stadium in Lagos?

I weep. Every time I pass there I shed tears over what has happened to this national edifice.

How did things get this bad there?

It is a reflection of Nigeria.

How had is Nigeria? Very, very, very bad. The state of Nigeria is very bad and the National Stadium is just there, serving as a picture on the wall, telling us how bad we are. When we fix the place, we can look at the new National Stadium and see the beauty of Nigeria.

The Super Eagles don’t even

have a base now, leaving some persons to call for their return to Lagos...

18 million people to support the Super Eagles, you can’t have a better incentive than the National Stadium. The National Stadium, when it was the National Stadium, was a slaughter house. If you came in there you would be intimidated, afraid to play as the fans would subdue you.

Were the Algerians subdued by the fans when you played them in the final of the 1980 AFCON? Of course, they were the best team in Africa that time. The Algerians had the young team, they had just returned from the World Cup. They were a team on the ascendancy. In fact, when we were going to play them, if you looked at the records of both teams, we didn’t even stand a chance.

If that game had been played outside Nigeria, probably we would not have won. The atmosphere in the stadium, the team, everything elevated us to a certain level that the opponents were intimidated and there was no way they could have won. But they came back later, less than two years and taught us a lesson, even though we still had some of the blame to take.

Any comparison between your generation and this current ones?

You can’t even compare. The level of sports administration is so low. The level of our administration is so low because we are not doing development. Don’t let me say negative things against people.

This is not it. We have shopped the production of quality players in Nigeria. Although in the past few months, truth be told, I have been watching what is happening in our league and I see there is a renewed interest and players are doing fairly well again. The domestic league is coming up and maybe that portends hope for us.

Your marks for the NFF after about eight months in office?

Maybe it is too early to judge them because they have a four year tenure. So far, I think it has been a mixed grill. They have done certain things well, confused us in certain things and I think they can do better.

It is too early in the day for us to start to condemn anybody.

Your word to the next sports minister on not interfering or intervening with the affairs of the NFF...

When you say a sports minister, you are talking about someone who is responsible for sports in the country. There is no way that he will not intervene in sporting issues.

He may not interfere, he may not disrupt but he definitely will intervene at critical times.

Don’t we need to draw a line between what they do in the sports ministry and the NFF? Of course, the minister has his mandate for him as sports minister. But I am not even in support of keeping the sports ministry. I think we should revert to our National Sports Commission so that we take the politics in the country away from our sports. That way technocrats can run the place rather than have politicians in the place. Once, you start politicising the place, of course, it affects our growth.

C M Y K

36 — SA TURD AY Vanguard, JUL Y 11, 2015 SATURD TURDA JULY

Che vr on’s FFrancis rancis Jimoh buries in-la w in style Hon. Mrakpor marks Chevr vron’s in-law

F

riends, well wishers, family and Church members of Mr. Francis Jimoh, Superintendent of Chevron Nigeria Limited at Escravos, all gathered at Uzea-Uromi, Delta State last Saturday for the final burial of his mother in-law, Deaconess Otiti Okosun who passed on at 90 years of age.

High profile dignitaries from different walks of life graced the occasion, turning the quiet town of Uzea into a Mecca of sort. Photos by Akpokona Omafuaire

Deacon Francis Jimoh and his wife, Mrs. Philomena Jimoh (daughter of the deceased)

bir thda hur birthda thdayy with cchur hurcc h gif o community giftt tto Hon. (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency recently celebrated her birthday with a gift of a church named Covenant Altar of Testimony King Jesus and I Chapel to her community, Ubulu-Uku in Delta State. The occasion was graced by prominent Nigerians, including the State’s governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Photos

by Nath Onojake

R-L; Mr. Mode Akoma, Mrs. Philomena Jimoh, DCN Francis Jimoh, Chief Thomas Eriyitomi, Prince Billy Mami and Mr. Blexons Omadoye

R-L: Gov Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Rt.Hon.Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Reps, Hon (Mrs) Onyemaechi Mrakpor, celebrant and Barr.Peter Mrakpor, husband and their children

R-L; Mr. Larry Okosun (eldest son) flanked by Prince Austin Okeghwale (R) and Mr. Imarenakhue Omoiku

R-L; Rev. Chukwudi Amutue, Rev. George Boma, Rev. Paul Ukpe, Rev. J.O. Awipi and Rev. (Mrs.) Awipi

L-R: HRM Edward Ofulue, Obi of Ubulu-Uku, HRM Uche Irenuma, Obi Of Abavo and HRM Dr.Ezenwali 1, Obi of Umunede

L-R; Prof. Victor Omozuwa, Mrs. Edosa Omozuwa, Air Commodore Ayodele Dudusola, Mrs. Bethel Munu and Solomon Osazuwa.

L-R; Mr. Anthony Abumere, Barr. Bosin Ebikeme and Engr. Victor Onome.

Ogudu G.R.A R otar elcomes ne w president Ro taryy Club w welcomes new The Rotary Club of Ogudu G.R.A had its valedictory night at the Protea Hotel, Maryland

Immediate Past President, Rot Fikayo Tunde-Ojo presenting handing over note to New President Rot Fidel Ogwuazor.Far left is Asst Governor Bala Yesufu and far right is Charter President Rot Onikepo Oshodi C M Y K

Lagos last week where the immediate past President Rot Fikayo Tunde-Ojo handed over the mantle of leadership of the club to the new President Rot Fidel Ogwuazor.

L-R:Barr.Peter Mrakpor, Archbishop God-Do-Well Avwomakpa,Chairman, CAN, South-South and Bishop Charles Isicheli.

Club members cutting the valedictory cake.

L-R:Dr.Paschal Oguno, Mrs Jossie Oguno and Prof.

Martin Gasiokwu

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015 — 37

(Text Only)

•The

Bridge

•The Crab

How best to get rid of Overweight

•Head-to-Knee

T

he Crab

Technique: Stand with the feet and three feet apart.

Bend the knees and from the inside, place the hands on the feet.

Benefits: The Crab, the leg and abdominal muscles are relieved.

The Boat Technique: Sit down with the legs extended in front of you. Raise both legs up and touch the toes with the finger tips.

Stay in this position for 20 seconds. Rest and repeat.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

•The Boat C M Y K

Benefits: The boat reduces the size of the belly and improves the muscles of the back.

The Bridge

Lie on your back and drawing up the knees, raise the trunk up and support the lower back with the hands.

Retain the pose for 15-to 20 seconds and repeat after a short rest.

Benefits: The Bridge favourably affects the abdomen and the thigh muscles.

Head-to-Knee

Technique: Sit with feet stretched in front of you.The forehead must touch the knees with the bent elbows touching the mat.Remain in the posture for about 10 seconds and repeat for two times.

Benefits: This exercise is a veritable tonic for the spine;and is of great help to females who suffer from periodic pains.It is also helpful to the muscles.

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Lifeline:

L

ast week I read Ann Brenoff ’s HuffPost article, ”Why The Thought Of Old People Having Sex Makes Young People Squirm.” She wrote a line that deftly captures the heart of youthful bias: ”younger people just believe sex isn’t something older people are supposed t o have.”

My reaction, when I read the piece, was anger: who are these young people to tell me I’m too old for sex? Why do we need to be reminded of the propaganda that great sex has an expiration date, and if yours is up, well, settle down for the next few decades on the sexual sidelines?

I thought of this article when my boyfriend Sam and I were dining al fresco at a local restaurant last weekend.

At 48 and 52 respectively, we’re two lust-driven middle-aged people who like to have sex and talk about sex as much as possible. Sam, in fact, was talking enthusiastically about a particular sex act when the waiter arrived with our artichoke dip. I glanced around the patio at diners who looked to be in their 20s and wondered— (a) if they could hear him and (b) what they thought about us if they could?

Were they surprised that we “still” have sex at our advanced ages?

Were they disapproving? Grossed out? I started to wonder why young people think they have the patent on sex when old people have been doing it a lot longer. It’s youthful ignorance, of course. You don’t understand what you don’t know.

And what I would like all those to the left of 30 to know is this:

•In the mood ...older people do it better.

What ever yone should know about sex after 50

You will get older too Yes, really. You will get gray hair and skin creases and you will still want to have sex. And you will not care at all what young people think.

You will still have orgasms They may not be as strong or as frequent.

Or they may be more powerful if sexual shame enveloped you when you were young.

But you will have them with a partner, and when you’re flying solo.

Older people do it just like you, only better Everything still happens, just with a lot more finesse than yours.

You don’t have to worry about pregnancy Worrying about getting pregnant, or not getting pregnant, takes up a lot of space in your head. When baby-making is no longer a concern, you can enjoy sex in its purest form.

Sex isn’t tied up with rings and babies Pregnancy isn’t the only issue that can make sex feel less sexy. The pressure to create an adult life, complete with the house and the kids and the holiday cards, can sap psychological energy and sex drives. One reason people often experience greater sexual enjoyment in middle age is that the exhausting tasks of young adulthood are behind them.

Older people don’t necessarily want to think about you having sex either Some older people get crept out watching frolicking porn stars young enough to be their C M Y K

You will still like all the same sex acts If you like it from behind when you’re 20, chances are you’ll like it from behind when you’re 60. You may not be quite as acrobatic, but you may be more creative, and with the pressure of rings and babies behind you, you may enjoy what you’re doing more.

•Sex act with

finesse, is about the journey...

children. Some older women would prefer not to read about yet another multi-orgasmic, dim-witted virgin.You may cringe at the image of your parents getting it on, but believe me, they don’t really want to think about you getting it on either.

The same body parts yield pleasure

Loose skin, lack of lubrication and erections that need coaxing don’t signify lack of desire or gratification. And because you are no longer taking the express train to Orgasmville, you will experience sex with greater nuance and meaning.

Staying sexually active keeps you feeling vital Some people welcome midlife and beyond as a time when it’s “okay” to stop having sex, and that’s a valid choice. But most people want to continue having sex in their second and third acts and find that the more they have it, the more vibrant they feel.

Sex is about more than orgasms When you’re young, sex tends to be onedimensional, with orgasm and validation being the goals. When you’re older, you realize that sex is about the journey, not the destination. You enjoy exploring each other. Sexual confidence comes from finally being comfortable in your own skin regardless of the appearance of your body parts.

Culled from article written by Erica Jagger in the Huffington Post

SATURDAY

Diet Doctor

How much sugar is in your food?

Why should you monitor your sugar intake? Just how much sugar there is in the food you eat? Far too many people are consuming too many calories from added sugars, yet it is healthy to cut sugar intake because of evidence that it can cause a number of adverse health conditions. These include obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Sugar is a simple category of food that belongs to a class of chemically-related sweet-flavoured substances. It comes in many different forms, but there are three main types - sucrose, lactose, and fructose.

Even though the human cells need sugar (glucose) to survive, consuming too much of it can cause numerous different health problems. Added sugar contains no beneficial nutrients and in excess only contributes to tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity.

Nutritionists say that added sugars contribute zero nutrients and are just empty calories that can lead to extra kilos or even obesity, thereby reducing heart health.

Being aware of the existing and added sugar contents of the foods and drinks we consume is vital for our health - even more so today because so many products have sugar added to them.

Sugar content and consumption According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar consumption should be reduced to a daily intake of 5 percent of total daily calories in order to tackle public health problems, such as obesity and tooth decay. Nutritionists strongly recommend against consuming more than 13 teaspoons a day. It is recommended that men consume no more than 150 calories from added sugar per day, and women 100 calories. To help keep track of how much sugar you’re consuming take a look at the listed common everyday foods and drinks, together with their sugar content.

Sugar in a chocolate bar With high sugar content, chocolate should always be viewed as an occasional treat. A standard milk chocolate bar (44g) contains 5.75 teaspoons of sugar. Your popular snickers bar (57g) – contains 7 teaspoons of sugar, compared to Milky Way bar (58g) that has 8.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Others are as follows: Marshmallows (100g) - 14.5 teaspoons of sugar; Caramel piece (10g) – 1.7; Butterfinger bar (60g) – 6.9; Dove chocolate bar (37g) – 5; Starburst

C M Y K

Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—39

•Monitor your sugar intake

levels of sugar range from one teaspoon per 100 grams in cranberries to four teaspoons in grapes.

Bananas contain approximately three teaspoons of sugar (fructose). Other fruits are as

packet (45g) – 5.5; Twix bar - 2.75 ; M&Ms packet (45 grams) – 5.75; and boiled sweets bag (100 g) - 11.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Sugar in soft drinks There is a direct link between drinking more than one soft drink a day and increased risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

Soft drinks often contain a high amount of sugar. Most cola drinks contain seven teaspoons of sugar per can.

Red Bull (one can) contains 7.5 teaspoons of sugar;

Lemonade (one glass) – 5.5; Orange squash (one glass) – 2.5; Hot chocolate (one mug) – 4.5 and fruit smoothie (one glass) - 3.5 teaspoons of sugar.

Sugar in fruits Fruits contain fructose, a type of sugar. Fresh fruit have no “added sugar”, but as you can see below, their

follows: Mangos - 3.2 teaspoons of sugar; bananas - three teaspoons of sugar; apples 2.6; pineapples - 2.5' grapes - 4 and lemons 0.6 teaspoons of sugar.

Kiwi fruit contains 2.3 teaspoons of sugar, apricots - 2.3; strawberries - 1.3 ; raspberries and cranberries - 1; blueberries - 1.7; and tomatoes - 0.7 teaspoons of sugar Sugar in cakes and desserts A medium slice of carrot cake contains approximately three teaspoons of sugar while custard cake contains 3.25 teaspoons. Others are chocolate mousse 3; cornetto (1 cone) – 3, Jam donut and fruit pie3.5 each; fruit cake – 5; one chocolate chip muffin – 4.75; Ice cream (1 scoop) – 3; sponge cake (1 medium slice) - 5.5 and one Swiss roll - 2.5 teaspoons of sugar.

40—SA TURD AY 40—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard,JUL Y 11 anguard,JULY 11,, 2015

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

When you turn out to be a cheat!

T

HE general belief is that most of those who cheat do so because they’re not getting what they want from their partner at home. A new research recently published in the archives of Sexual Behaviour has, however, punched holes into this belief.

The study found that men years and a father of four who are easily sexually thinks so. In the last five aroused are more likely to years he’s had two or three cheat on their partners and lovers. “In every area of that both men and women my marriage I’m satisfied with sexual performance except in the bedroom”, issue were also prone to he defends himself. “My infidelity. wife and I are just not “For men who are easily compatible and there’s no aroused, it’s not surprising chemistry any more. It’s being unfaithful would be not just passion I lack at tempting but the latter home. I don’t have that sounds counter- intuitive, much physical intimacy says Professor Robin either. There’s also no Milhansen, one of the romance, and that has authors of the study and a affected our sexual sexuality researcher at the relationship. With my University of Guelph in current lover, there’s sex Canada. “Those who have and emotional sharing. any number of sexual “My conscience is clear concerns are more likely to in spite of the fact that I’m be unfaithful. What we’ve cheating on my wife. I interpreted from this is that have a deep love and people with problems in the respect for my family but I bedroom, where their issues need someone else, with can become a self-fulfilling whom I can have a prophecy are more likely to connection. Like the look outside their saying goes, body no be relationship. With a new unit. Also, if you have sexual wood!” partner, they can start a performance concerns, get Rosie Freeman-Jones is clean slate and don’t have them checked out. You don’t a spokesperson for one of the history of these sexual need to cheat to boost your the numerous dating sites problems. They also don’t arousal. Lastly, men should on the web for married have to see their new partner be extra attentive to the fact people. According to her: again if problems do arise.” women are much more likely “If someone is going to Continues the report: to cheat if they feel have an affair, they will. A “People with sexual unsatisfied in their website like ours might performance concerns often relationship. inspire someone to go have issues with arousal, so online and have a look they seek out situations that So what kind of a cheat are around but it’s not the are highly arousing. Being you? same as jumping into bed with a new partner is risky Psychologist and sex with someone. It’s actually and exciting and might help relationship expert Donna more difficult to have an someone increase their affair online as the process arousal enough to avoid

,

My conscience is clear in spite of the fact that I’m cheating on my wife

,

sexual problems. In the study, almost a quarter of men (23.2 per cent) and 19.2 per cent of women admitted they had cheated during their current relationship. “There was a huge gender difference in the results,” says Milhausen. “We did find that men who were happy in their relationship and satisfied in the bedroom were just as likely to cheat as those who weren’t. It wasn’t the same for women. Women who perceived their relationships to be less happy and not sexually compatible were almost three times more likely to cheat.”

In other words, if things are not going right in the bedroom, does that give us a right to be unfaithful?

Kenneth, a successful engineer, married for 15

is a lot longer than just meeting someone in a bar.

It means you get a lot of people dropping out who aren’t really serious about it.

“According to her, her research suggests “that, for me at least, cheating comes down to personality and it makes no difference how happy one is in a relationship”. However, she has some suggestions for keeping people on the road to fidelity.

“I encourage people who are highly aroused and easily turned on by risky sexual behaviour to bring this into their dyadic relationship. A lot of men say: Oh! I could never do that, with my wife’, but we say. ‘Do it’, it’s a lot better than risking your family

Dawson says people cheat for different reasons.

The opportunist: This has nothing to do with their relationship and just means they’re in the right place at the right time and can get away with it. They might be curious and want to experience something new.

Infatuation Junkie: Men feel this more strongly as they are driven by testosterone. They are always looking for the

chemical high you first feel when you’re initially attracted to someone.

They stay around for as long as those intense feelings last before moving to the next one.

The affair of ego massage: People on longterm relationships might cheat to prove they’re still attractive. This usually happens when they hit a certain age and want to recapture their youth. It’s less about wanting a better sexual partner and more about wanting to reassure yourself that someone finds you attractive.

The affair of protest: This is when things aren’t going right in the relationship, and is particularly true of women when they don’t get enough attention at home.

In other words: I’m not going to be treated like this so I will find what I need elsewhere. “Sometimes, this is a cry for help and they will leave hints around so their partner will find out and react, which proves they care.

The serious affair: The one to watch. This person is willing to walk away from their home and kids. They are tired of who they’re with and they don’t care if they get caught. It can coincide with a mid-life crisis or the menopause.

Is that affair really worth it?

A

“ fter 20 years of marriage, my husband deserted me for a younger woman and caused me deep hurt”, wrote in Davina from Lagos. “He’d given me a big lovely card on our 20th wedding anniversary saying how much he loved me and how he was looking forward to the next 20 years with me. Yet, seven months after that, his torrid affair with a fresh graduate who didn’t want to be an ‘Outside’ wife was blown open. I later discovered that my husband had been unfaithful even at the time he sent me that card. Within months of his affair being blown into the open he’d abandoned his matrimonial home to set up home with his new woman in one of his houses. He had to use the help of the Police to eject the tenants!

As to be expected, I felt betrayed and dejected and sometimes alone in spite of our five children.

“Because of the deep pain this desertion caused me, I have vowed that I will never put any woman through such pain if 1 eventually remarry (though I don’t think this is likely with five kids). If I am lucky to find a man, I would make sure he is unmarried before entering into any relationship with him.

“As I write this, I still hurt terribly. But that doesn’t give me the right—should a man comes my way—to enter into his life without ensuring that he has no ties. As a Catholic, I believe in the importance and sanctity of the

marriage vows and it grieves me that my husband, who is also a Catholic, caused me to break those vows against my will.

“I don’t like to see people get hurt. A triangle of love and passion damages everyone —the betrayed wife, the cheating husband and the willing other woman. Any union built on the ruins of a marriage and at the cost of a spurned husband or wife is weakened by nagging guilt.” A lonely or needy person may be desperate enough to jump into an affair with a partner who is married; yet who amongst us would believe that it is satisfactory or preferable, to a relationship with a man who is also single?

“Women are sometimes tempted into having an affair with a married man precisely because he has proved his willingness to become a provider and having an affair with her, the man also clearly demonstrates his unfaithfulness and ability to deceive.” A wedding ceremony invites us all—and not just the happy pair—to respect a couple’s sacred vows of fidelity. We find self-respect by acting with integrity and protecting the marriage of others.

When a loving woman hears the word: ‘The truth is, I’m married”, she needs to respond instantly and firmly by saying to the man: “In that case, get out of my life and leave me alone!”

SATURDAY Vanguard,

JULY 11, 2015—41

BY LAJU IREN 07017860213 ELLEJAYMEDIA@YAHOO.CO.UK

Six ways to get ahead this summer holidays

BY LAJU IREN

E

veryone knows that there is no such season as summer in Nigeria, but that as it may, this long holiday season is one that every student across the country spends the entire school year waiting for. After months of books, books and books, you can now finally take a long, deep breath! However, if you really want to get ahead in education and in life, you can do more this season: · Internships You don’t need to be specifically mandated by your school to do a holiday internship. If you already have an idea of the field you’d like to work in when you graduate, then volunteer yourself for an

internship. Even if you haven’t decided on a future career, getting exposed to different work environments will not only help you make a choice and get firsthand experience, but will connect you to industry stakeholders for future employment opportunities. ·Travel Not everyone can afford to go abroad for the holidays, but travelling to exotic places is not the only way to gain exposure. There are so many landmarks within the country that you can go to and learn more about the world around you. Even if it may not improve your grades directly, it definitely does something for your knowledge base.

Good camps not only help refresh your spirit, soul and body, but teach you interpersonal and leadership skills you may never learn at school

·Camps You’d be surprised how

OOU 12 would not have died if…ERC

BY LAJU IREN

T

he Education Rights Campaign, ERC has said that the twelve students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU Ago-Iwoye who lost their lives recently to a fatal accident along the Sagamu-Benin expressway would not have died if not for the country’s poor transportation system.. The ERC, in a statement signed by the group’s acting Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Ademiluyi, the ERC said: “We hold that the gory tale of the nature of the fatal accident in which a truck laden with a container had an head-on collision with the commercial bus in which the students were travelling is a metaphor of the backward conditions of life in present day Nigeria. Despite enormous riches in oil, human and mineral resources, Nigeria parades one of the worst and backward transportation system in the world.” Continuing Ademiluyi C M Y K

much you can learn from summer camps. Good camps not only help refresh your spirit, soul and body, but teach you interpersonal and leadership skills you may never learn at school. ·Lessons and personal studies Do you realize that even from the first day of a new semester or term, some students already seem way ahead of the class? It is not rocket science that students who study during the holidays have an edge over those who do not. Don’t be lazy, find out your syllabus or course content and study ahead. ·Push yourself Perhaps you have been planning to write a book, start a business, or volunteer at a charity. Don’t wait until the end of your holidays, begin now. Also, work on your personal self development and ensure that you aren’t just ‘booksmart’ but ‘life-ready’ as well.

said: “If the railways were working as they should, there would be no need for trucks on our roads as haulage of heavy goods especially across great distances would be restricted to the railways. But decades of looting of public wealth by Nigeria’s capitalist ruling elites have reduced us to a Nation where the only available means of transportation is by road.

To make matters worse, even the roads are in most cases untarred and filled with potholes and gullies such that they have become deathtraps for vast majority of Nigerians.”

We support all the mass actions that have been undertaken by the mass of students and the demand that all the culprits of the ignoble act be brought to book. We hold that the fact the all the government agencies including the Police, Federal Road Safety Commission and the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement (TRACE) were not up to their task in providing urgent rescue and medical attention to the victims is an indictment on both the federal and state governments.

FUTA Student wins Microsoft challenge

BY LAJU IREN

A

student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Mr. Okusenogu Saviour, has emerged the only winner from Africa among the 10 global winners in a competition on innovative ideas organised by Microsoft Corporation, tagged Microsoft Youthspark Challenge for Change Contest.

Okusenogu, a 100 level student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, emerged the best in Africa in the contest designed to challenge youths across the world on ideas to bring change to their communities and the world using technology.

He got a Surface Pro 3 computing system, $2,500 cash award to enable him turn his idea into reality, a Windows phone, the ticket to represent Africa in Nicaragua and the distinction of being designated a Microsoft Youthspark Advocate.

Speaking on his project, entitled Become Inspired in Science and Engineering Technology, BISET, Okusenogu said many young people have a wrong perception of science and technology, so he decided to change this perception by starting with secondary schools students.

FUTA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, said Okusenogu’s feat further confirms that FUTA was not just a leading university in Nigeria, but internationally.

Of the 30 global finalists, with three Nigerians out of the over 2,000 initial contestants, Okusenogu emerged one of the 10 finalists, who will be at the grand finale in Nicaragua from August 3 to 16.

42 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

YETUNDE AREBI leased since Monday's revelation. Constand who claims the confidentiality deal on statements filed at the court has been breached with the expose of the excerpts on Wednesday went to court demanding that the whole documents be made public as the excerpt did not contain the total picture of what had transpired and could be misleading to members of the public. Also, several of the aggrieved victims of Cosby are now filling cases of defamation against him. So far, there has not been much coming from Cosby and his lawyers, except to insist that all they did was to protect the actor and his family and friends from embarrassment.

Somnophilia, Bill Cosby and his women F or followers of the Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations, Monday's release of excerpts of a court deposited statement in 2005 made by the actor may have finally provided the much needed leeway for the prosecution of the greatly acclaimed comedian. A US District Judge, Eduardo C. Robreno took the bold step to unseal Cosby's deposition which he made while undergoing interrogation on a federal civil suit of sexual assault filed by Andrea Constand,(one of his accusers), in response to a formal request by Associated Press. Robreno had concluded that the public had a right to see the stark contrast between Cosby the public moralist and the statements he made under oath about his lifestyle and conduct. In the documents, Cosby's testimony corroborates what the women had over the years claimed he did to them as he testified that he had obtained the drug, Quaaludes, then, a legal prescription sedative to give to women he wanted to have sexual relations with and that he had given the drug to at least one woman and other people. This revelation seem to have finally vilified the over 40 women and probably dozens more too afraid to step out with their stories, that these rape and many forms of sexual assault cases did truly take place as they claimed.

The first alleged victim of Cosby's weird sexual preference, Somnophilia, , (having sexual relations with an unconscious person) was Lachele Covington who in January 2000 claimed that as a 20 year old who played waitress on the Cosby show, he groped her.

Her case was thrown out by the office of the district attorney who claimed that no crime was committed. Then came Andrea Constand in 2004, and since then, over 40 women have joined in to corroborate her story, describing how the iconic actor and comedian sexually assaulted them after giving them substances they later found out to be sedative drugs. Perhaps one of the things that made Constand's allegation stand out was the fact that she was not a showbiz person like most of his other victims were. She had never been a part of the glitz, booze and drug lifestyle of famous Hollywood, so, her claims ought to have been given serious consideration at the time. Andrea was a football administrator in Philadelphia. Unfortunately she was the first to attempt to burst the bubble of America's African-American golden boy model and an iconic personality of power, means and wealth and so the criminal charges were dropped. Not satisfied, she filed a civil C M Y K

lawsuit against him but both eventually settled out of court with Cosby paying undisclosed amount of money to the alleged victim. Andrea claimed at the time, and still maintains that all she wanted was for her mentor and friend to apologise to her for what he had done. The same court documents have now been culled to seal the fate of famous Dr Cliff Huxtable as Bill Cosby is popularly called.

Constand, then an operation director of the Temple University women's football team met Cosby while planning to resign from her job, where Cosby, a famous alumnus and sports fan was a board member.

A position he would enjoy for over 30 years before being kicked out recently based on these rape allegations. All the other women have not been so lucky, having been muscled up by Cosby's good-boy image, his lawyers and PR handlers, the American law and justice system as well as the comedian's friends, admirers, fans and the public. Cosby would himself describe the women as Hollywood wannabes who wanted to shake him down for money. Their testimonies of the great violation done to them by Cosby and their cries for justice fell on deaf ears across America because all of them were allegedly perpetuated decades or several years back and the statutory limitations for redress had already lapsed.

Besides, it was a simple case of their words against his as no evidences were brought forward to buttress their claims. Yet, many of these women insisted that all they wanted was an acknowledgment of wrong done and apology from the famous and powerful man who had violated them.

Born, William Bill Cosby, the famous ideal model of American father, husband, grandfather, citizen and mentor to millions of Americans and aspiring middle class families across the world hit stardom when he became the first black man to earn a lead role on an American Television drama series called "I Spy" which earned him three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

He would go on to have several hit series such as The Bill Cosby Show, The Electric Company, The New Bill Cosby Show, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, The New Fat Albert Show Which helped to teach reading skills to young children. Cosby also recorded a number of hit songs and singles, such as Silver Throat: Bill Cosby sings which sold over a million copies back in the '70s. Famous also were his stand up comedy acts as well as books written by him. His works, views and comments also earned him various recognitions, honours and awards both from government and non government groups and foundations, as well as PR deals and advertisements.

Some of these awards have since been recalled in the wake of these sexual allegations against the now fallen hero.

As expected, a rush of activities have been re-

The sudden breakthrough in the case and attendant reactions have not surprised me in the least. I have always been of the opinion that there can never be smoke without a fire burning somewhere. Why would dozens of women from diverse backgrounds, who had never met accuse one man of the same crime, perpetuated in similar manner? Apart from one or two of the supposed victims, all these women were at one point or the other acquainted with Mr. Cosby and worked closely with him at some point. Again, Bill Cosby had confessed at several times to have had sexual contacts with women despite the fact that he loved to act the part of the devoted husband and responsible father. The case of Shawn Upshaw and her daughter, Autumn Jackson, remains indelible in our minds though I doubt it was ever resolved. Also, there are cited cases of under the table deals with several women and his lawyers, PR handlers and even media practitioners as issues of payments of hush money and spiked stories were mentioned by his accusers. Reading through an interview with Oprah Winfrey granted by Bill's wife, Camille, in 2000, where she admitted knowing about her husband's many escapades with other women, especially the Shaw paternity case, I got this sick, eerie feeling that she knew about her husband's perversion and what he did to all those innocent women when the stories began tumbling in later. A feminist and activist herself, I could not understand why she would question the integrity of these women. In my opinion, she was at the same time, insisting that they deserved what happened to them because they wanted to use her husband to climb the career and perhaps social ladder. I have no issues with Mrs Cosby defending her husband and her marriage. It is her right. But not when it involves the infringement and violation of other people's rights and lives. Her action is very different from that of Mrs. Hillary Clinton and some other women who have stood by their husbands when caught pants down in the web extra marital affairs. Clinton's case when consensual sex by two adults, not sexual assaults and rape of about 50 women including a 15 year old girl! (Haba!)

It is unfortunate that it would take the unearthing of a 10 year old document whose status has even been violated severally by Cosby and his handlers to open this very serious case of violence against women. It would take Bill Cosby, the accused, confessing to similar charges several years back to get the necessary authority to take a second look at what these women have been saying for several years. As things stand, since the statutory limit for seeking redress has long expired over all of these allegations except perhaps, one concerning Lili Bernard in 1992, and then 15 year old Judy Huth it is very unlikely that these women will ever get the justice they so much desire. Even then, what most of them are asking for is an apology and for him to quit acting the "saint" when he is not different from many other rapists. Would they eventually get this? Only time will tell.

However, a national sexual assault prevention group, Promoting Awareness Victim Empowerment, has written to President Barack Obama to revoke the Presidential Medal of Freedom, following Monday's revelation. The medal is America's highest civilian honour for distinguished citizens and was given to Cosby in 2002 by then President George W. Bush. Do have a wonderful weekend!

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—43

“How mother’s dinner

changed daughter’s face” •8yr-old-girl calls for help The trauma began three years ago when her mother, Awawu was preparing dinner for the family at their Aruwe’s street, Igbesa, Ogun State residence.

She had gone to the room to get other things for the dinner. Aisha, while playing hide and seek game with her brother in their lowly rated apartment, ran and fell on the boiling water. That changed her look till date

L

•Aisha Nurudeen

C M Y K

ying painfully in her hospital bed, eight-year-old Aisha Nurudeen asked her mum whether she would be well and look beautiful again. Despite a re-assuring response from her mother, she moved to tears, With a heavy agonising blisters on her neck stretching down to her chest, she feels her future ambition of becoming a Matron is under threat for no fault of hers.

How did it happen? The trauma began three years ago when her mother, Awawu was preparing dinner for the family at their Aruwe’s street, Igbesa, Ogun State residence. She had gone to the room to get other things for the dinner. Aisha, while playing hide and seek game with her brother in their lowly rated apartment, ran and fell on the boiling water.

That changed her look till date.

Although she survives, Aisha has dropped out of school since that accident. But survival is one thing, physical and emotional recovery are another.

According to Dr Alaba, of Okiki Hospital and Maternity, Lagos, who observed her, “she has to undergo surgeries to get rid of the scars.

“The issue was not well managed and that resulted to the the heavy scars on her face and neck. She will have to undergo plastic surgeries for the face and the neck.”Dr. Alaba said.

Her father, Jamiu Nurudeen, a vulcaniser, speaking with Saturday Vanguard said she has trouble eating solid food. “she eats eko with moi-moi, pap, and other light foods.”

Awawu who is a full time house-wife said: “I cry each time I look at her because it is always a frightening flashback.”

She continued: “They told us that she will undergo two surgeries each will cost N500,000. I just appeal to generous Nigerians to help us out so that we can pay. “ Mr Jamiu Nurudeen can be reached on 08065681118, while his bank details are C/o Olabode S.O, skye bank a/c no 1012741746.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Baba Bose,

the Kano born beggar who is the face of a Lagos Bus Stop

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

A

s you climb the bridge, his pitiable condition is bound to attract your attention. And when you try to engage him in a conversation, you will be amazed at his good command of the English Language. But Baba Bose, as he prefers to be called, is not just a beggar. He is a peculiar one.

At the pedestrian bridge at Ijesha-Tedo Bus Stop, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos, where he has domiciled for over 25 years, Baba Bose is seen as ‘a worthy landlord of the bus stop.” He remains there during the rainy or dry seasons, begging passers-by for alms to make ends meet.

Despite his challenges, he ensures he picks all the litters around the bridge and makes the place tidy. This self-imposed C M Y K

At that point, people were dashing me little little money to survive and when I put everything into consideration, I said to myself it is better for me to be on the street begging than to be parading myself as an office worker

assignment, however, has not only endeared him to many passers-by, but also, it has portrayed him as “a man of refreshing candour.”

He has been seen around the bus stop dating back to the late 80s and early 90s. Then, he was full of energies and bubbling with life. But the story is not the same today, as Baba Bose has lost so much weight, resulting from ageing. His head is covered with grey hair.

At 67, the veteran beggar has spent all his life on a corner of the street, begging as that is the only way he could raise money to survive. Some say he could quit if he wanted.

When Saturday Vanguard visited him, at the bus stop, during the week, Baba Bose who hails from Sabon Gari, in Kano State, took time to recount his pathetic story. His wife is

Yoruba Like every other person, Baba Bose said that as a child he was full of dreams and was looking forward to making his parents proud.

But this was never to be, as he became paralysed as a result of an injection that was given to him at a hospital, where he was taken to, by his mother when he was hit by a strange sickness during his childhood days. All efforts by his parents to save him from the agonizing situation failed, thus leaving him to his fate.

“I was not born disabled.

But I found myself in this condition because of an injection that was given to me when I was a child. My mother told me that when I was sick, she took me to a

hospital where I was given an injection that paralysed my two legs,”he began.

According to him, his parents tried their best to save him from this agonizing situation but to no avail. “They gave up on me, and that’s why I am in this condition today. I was born on June 13, 1948(67 years). I am married with five children and I live in Ejigbo area of Lagos. I come all the way from Ejigbo every morning to Ijesha bus stop. I have an okoda rider that usually conveys me to the bus stop,”he narrates.

Narrating further, Baba Bose said, when he became an adult and found himself in this condition, he did not give up hope, as he secured a job with the Ogun State Education Board, as an Accounts Clerk. But when the salary was not forthcoming, and given his condition as someone who could not do other things to help himself financially, he opted to embrace begging as a means of making ends meet.

“At that point, people were dashing me little little money to survive and when I put everything into consideration, I said to myself it is better for me to be on the street begging than to be parading myself as an office worker. “ Even though he doesn’t like what is doing for a living, Baba Bose said, he had no choice since he could not be employed by any organization.

However, he does not only live on begging. As a matter of fact, he’s into the business of buying and selling of locally made foot wears too. “ With the little money I make from begging, I decided to go into the business of buying and selling of foot wears. My wife goes to the market to make the purchases and display them for me to sell. This is what I have been doing for many years now.”

Though Baba Bose may not remember exactly how many years he has spent at the bus stop,some residents of the area testified that they started seeing the Kano Stateborn beggar at the bus stop from the late 80s.

At that time, gossips had it that he had bought cars and built houses all over Lagos. But judging from his recent looks, the veteran beggar cannot boast of providing for himself and his family. With age telling on him, Baba Bose’s immediate concern is how to provide for his five children.

He’s today gripped with fear of the unknown as he wants to do everything within his power to secure the future of his children.

Unknown to many, Baba Bose is a trained teacher.

According to him, he attended teachers training College and worked briefly as an Accounts Clerk with the Ogun State Education Board.

Though he did not reveal the school he attended, he promised to produce his Teachers Training Certificate to silence any doubting Thomas. For his condition, the 67year -old beggar would have loved to return to the classroom.

But he wants to continue with his business of buying and selling of foot wears. In this regard, he is appealing to well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to provide him with a rented store and small amount of money to boost his business so that he can fend for his five children.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 11, 2015—45 compact range is a statement on technological advancement and TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions offer s a unique platform to unveil it to the Nigerian public” he said.

He also hinted that select guests to TECH+ will have the pleasure of first-hand feel of the range at the

conference.

With the theme, ”Leadership in Digital Technology”, TECH+ will feature gaming sessions, exhibitions, digital school, programming, plenary and break-out sessions as well as panel discussions to be led by high profile speakers drawn from local and global brands.

Ambode inaugurates Brownsville College, seeks economic devt.

L-R: GM, Enterprise Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Oyinye Ikenna-Emeka, watches as GM Consumer Marketing, MTN, Richard Iweanoge, discusses with GM, Marketing & Corporate Services, Coscharis Group Abiona Babarinde, at the Media Unveiling of TECH+ Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos.

MTN, TECH+ agree on digital tehcnology for business devt.

R

ealising the driving impact of digital technology in the global competitiveness with resultant effect on developing economies, especially on the African continent and as well as everyday live activity, TECH+ and its partners ,with MTN as major sponsor, has decided in this season to match Nigeria forward with digital technology awareness, touching every sector of the economy for system growth and development.

One of the reasons for this technology workshop and exhibitions billed for July 24 and 25 at Eko Hotels and Suites by industry players in the technology sector is to promote creativity and innovation at the doorpost of business operators in the country. This is so because technology is the way forward Nigerians we cannot shy away from it if business must dance normal.

For Nigerians to benefit more, gurus in the industry across the globe as guest speakers will be speaking in the two-day workshop and exhibition which tends to eliminate illiteracy and reposition end users as part of lifestyle.

Mr. Tunji Adeyinka, whose company, Connect Marketing Services Limited, is organizing the TECH+ Conference made the call in his welcome address at the unveiling.

According to him, TECH+ is a “gathering of everything technology” under one roof, and it promises real time experience of the world of technology as well as the offer of a rich window of opportunities that could be maximized to whatever benefit.

“Tech+ is not just another conference and exhibition. It is unique in many folds. Technology is shaping the world and only those who understand and take advantage of the window of opportunities on offer can maximize their opportunities. We want to start a conversation and build a platform where we can bring together leaders in the industry and explore the possibilities available with technology. We would love that

Nigerians maximize this rare platform being put together with full support from our rich partnership ecosystem in the technology sector,” he said.

The exhibition will cover products and services in various areas such as healthcare and wellbeing, automobile, entertainment, education, computing, Smart Homes, Wearables, security, gaming, 3D printing, and displays, among others.

However, he implores Nigerians to make use of this opportunity made free to improve their knowledge of digital technology as such will benefit them in all ramifications. According to Adeyinka, attendees will smile home with cash prizes and other things as they participate in this life changing technology event.

At the endorsement exercise witnessed by newsmen in Lagos to unveil, solidify and support this initiative, industry leaders, Huawei, Jumia, Google, Coscharis Motors, Samsung, Terragon Group, Enplug Africa, Atlantic Exhibition and Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), made their statements.

GM, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, stressed that the global impact of technology cut across all areas of human endeavour and has made it more imperative that people stay in touch with the world around them to be able to identify with technological advancements that could reshape their world.

He enthused that technology is fast evolving and the world has become a global village where people from across the globe can communicate with one another with just a touch of a button. “At a time like this, it is important that we stay in touch with the world around us and keep track of the latest innovations that impact our world and our present existence.

According to him, “it has made easy business transaction anywhere in the world. MTN Business, our B2B arm, is proud to be associated with these developments.

Head of Communications, Jumia, Bertille Guitton, said her company’s involvement in TECH+ stems from the important roles technology has played in making life easier. She stated that the company has deployed technology to simplify commerce in the last three years of operations in the country.

General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Services, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde without mincing word, revealed the company’s readiness to launch Jaguar EX range at the TECH+ conference and exhibitions.

According to him, “we operate a business that thrives on innovations and this is why we are the unique market leaders in the elite automobile sector. Jaquar XE

Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has called for economic transformation and reformation of the Nigerian education system, starting with regular review of it curriculum.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Brownsville College, Ikoyi (BCI), Ambode said education remains the greatest weapon in the fight against poverty as well as a foundation upon which meaningful and sustainable development is based, thus the need for constant review of educational programmes.

He said it was in realisation of this fact that the state continued to encourage private sector participation in education, and also working assiduously to ensure that quality and standard are not compromised.

He said, “Advancement of knowledge is the single factor responsible for the various technological breakthroughs that have helped in addressing lots of human challenges. For us to achieve or goal of raising a new generation of responsible leaders, with a broad knowledge base, the educational system needs to undergo a wide range of reforms, with a curriculum that is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect current challenges.

“While we continue to encourage private sector participation in education, quality and standard will not be compromised. The Quality Assurance Department of the Ministry of Education will be strengthened and empowered to ensure that basic minimum standards are maintained.

He advised education managers to ensure young people are adequately prepared to face with confidence, present and future challenges.

Commending the founder and Chairperson, Board of Trustees of BCI, Mr. Hameed Kasumu, for joining the league of 666 public schools and 1,089 private secondary schools in the state in providing education to the Nigerian child, he enjoined him to ensure that its programmes are structured to effectively align with the changing times.

Ambode said, Äs you pursue the British curriculum, please remember to imbibe in the children, values of patriotism and national consciousness, while teaching them about national history and heritage.

He further said that our students need to know where we are coming from to be able to take us to where we are going.

In addition, Kasumu in his remarks noted that the urge to contribute to the wellbeing of mankind motivated the establishment of the college, adding that, Ï have resolved along with directors of the school that some of the profit would be channeled towards cancer research to enhance detection and ultimate cure. “BCI is established to deliver first class education and prepare students for the future. The college strongly reflects traditional Nigerian culture and values whilst preparing its students to live and work in a highly complex, challenging and competitive international world.

BATNF intervenes in farming operations with MEDP project In a renewed move to consolidate and sustain its agricultural intervention programmes, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, BATNF recently launched its Maize Enterprise Development Project, MEDP, aimed at reducing poverty and creating wealth among smallholder farmers in Bizara Community, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The 2015 MEDP which is managed by the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme, ADP, was the second phase of the Foundation’s three -year intervention cycle in the community. The project, originally launched in August 2014, is hoped to be completed before the end of 2016.

Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim, Zonal Manager, Maigana Zone, Kaduna State Agricultural Development Programme expressed his gratitude to the management of the Foundation for coming to the aid of smallholder farmers, stating that several farmers from different communities have benefitted tremendously from the Foundation’s intervention, including Zango-Aya Community of Kaduna State.

Umar Barau, who represented the BATN’s Cooperative Farmers Society in Zango-Aya Community, said it was difficult for most farmers to make ends meet prior to the advent of the Foundation’s intervention which provided trainings as well as inputs for farmers to boost maize production.

Chairman of Brownsville College, Mr. Hameed Kasumu, second right flanked by his wife and other Board members of the college at the commissioning of the school by Gov. Ambode, Park View, Ikoyi, Lagos.

46—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Why Buhari won’t intervene —Presidency

•APC executives

Continues from page 17 *That in the election of the House principal officers, every geopolitical zone of Nigeria deserves to be represented and it is embarrassing for some Members of the House to dismiss the issue of equitable representation as “hogwash”. *The argument that the the South East Zone produced only two “new” members, who do not have cognate legislative experience and therefore not entitled to be represented in the principal officers cadre of the House is most inaccurate and unfortunate. In the first place, any person acquainted with the Rules and practice of the House knows that a new member is regarded as having “cognate legislative experience” immediately he is sworn in as a Member as it is only new members- elect that are affected by the Rule. Secondly, established precedents in the Senate and House of Representatives show consistent respect for zonal representation in the election of principal officers, even when there are only a few from a zone. It is as a result of this , that the 7th Senate, elected Senator Ayoola Hosea Agboola, Deputy Chief Whip , even though he was the only Member from his party from the South West. Furthermore, in the 7th House of Representatives, Hon Mulikat Akande, was made House Leader even though she was one of only five members from her party from her Zone. Even only recently, in the 8th Senate, Senator Francis Alimikhena, from the South South has been made Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, a principal officer , even though he is a “new” member and the only member of APC from the South South. *In any case, apart from the South East being denied a principal officer position, the so called Party position completely shut out the North Central Zone with 33 APC Members. This so called Party position, if allowed to stand , would result in the South West producing the Deputy Speaker and Leader of the House and North East would produce Speaker and Chief Whip of the House. This is most unfair and inequitable. In fact , there is no evidence that any of the Organs of the Party, APC, such as the National Working Committee, the National Caucus or National Executive Committee, approved such an unjust outcome. We insist that this is not even the Party position. *For the avoidance of doubt, we need to correct the erroneous assertion that there was a resolution at the recent NEC meeting of APC on Party supremacy that recognized any one as House Leader or any other C M Y K

It appears that the only uniting factor that brought the three or more Political Parties that pulled together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the singular desire or ambition to grab power at the centre and edge out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that had been in power for upward of 16 years principal officer of the House.. The matter was not an item on the Agenda of the APC NEC meeting and no such resolution or decision was taken.”

But the advocacy was repudiated by Gbajabiamila’s camp. Read their position submitted through APC Loyalist group “We the 174 APC Loyalists group of the House are aware that there was a private discussion between Gov. Aminu Tambuwal and President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday evening at the State House . Also aware that Gov. Tambuwal briefed the press that there would be a meeting between him and Speaker Dogara’s group same day.

“To the best of our knowledge, no counter-offer has been made to the APC Loyalists group after her first meeting with Tambuwal peace committee wherein the APC Loyalists clearly stated that in line with party supremacy resolution reached at last APC NEC meeting, the position of the party on Femi Gbajabiamila as the House Leader is non negotiable.

“We understand that the Dogara group is now playing the zoning card after same group had hitherto before the speakership election of June 9th, 2015 rejected the zoning formula of the party prior to the mock election. Interestingly the six geopolitical zones in the country are not recognised by the constitution. But if they wish to play the zoning card then the Senate and House cannot be headed by the North.”

Where does this leave Nigeria and the people? Of what impact would the

discrepancies make on the common man on the street? When will this brouhaha end?

Following the unending fireworks, Saturday Vanguard sought the views of some Nigerians on the matter and a possible way out of it.

Hear what they have to say.

President Buhari should step in —Dr. Chekwas Okorie, National Chairman, United Progressives Party, UPP “The leadership crisis in the National Assembly is unfortunate and could have been avoided. It appears that the only uniting factor that brought the three or more Political Parties that pulled together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the singular desire or ambition to grab power at the centre and edge out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that had been in power for upward of 16 years.

The fact that the Parties in APC are strange bird fellows and lack ideological affinity is what is playing out at the National Assembly, and if not handled with care, may spill over to the larger society and dot every inch of the way of the APC in any government they control from the Presidency down to the Local Governments. This scary scenario portends danger to our nascent democracy and is likely to generate widespread confusion and acrimony within the rank and file of the ruling APC and by extension the Nigerian people.

•Chekwas Okorie

“It is a common saying that when two elephants fight the grass suffers. The tragedy of the unprecedented situation is that the elephants that are fighting all belong to the All Progressives Congress while the more intact and cohesive PDP are lurking in the wings waiting to strike at the APC where it will hurt it most at an opportuned moment. I have had cause recently to advise the leadership of the APC to accept the outcome of the high-wired politics that played out in the National Assembly which resulted in the emergence of the principal officers of the Assembly who are not the preferred principal officers of the All Progressives Congress. The fact that all the key officers except the Deputy Senate President are bonifide members of APC should be consoling to the Party. The leadership of the APC does not need to be reminded that the Party’s control of the National Assembly is marginal. It does not enjoy the overwhelming majority that the PDP had when it was in power. Common wisdom therefore suggests that APC does not in this circumstance have the luxury of flexing muscles or being inflexible in the situation it finds itself in the National Assembly.

“Resolving the National Assembly crisis in favour of the democratic exercise of the Senators and members of the House of Representatives across Party lines will be in the best interest of the APC. I had expected APC leadership to refer to the matter as a family affair as the PDP would do in such circumstance and return to the drawing board to take stock and face the onerous challenge of cooperating and collaborating with President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver his campaign promises based on the Party’s Change Agenda. Anything short of this will distract the President and project APC as an accident that happened on Nigerian people. As a Leader of a friendly opposition party, the UPP, this is not what I will wish for the APC which hapless and long-suffering Nigerian people are looking up to for rescue.

“There is always a day of reckoning for Party members who lack the discipline, commitment and loyalty to the Political Party on whose platform they won elections.

In less than 4 years from now every politician seeking an elective office will have recourse to his Political Party for nomination or re-nomination. The critical factors of loyalty, commitment, discipline and contributions to Party growth and development are considered during screening exercises before an aspirant for political office is cleared to contest election

Continues on page 47

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—47

ONE MONTH AFTER: Buhari walking his talk

•APC exectives

Dogara should respect party’s directive —Phillips Continues from page 46 on the platform of his political Party.

“I wish to seize this opportunity to advise President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint as a matter of urgency a former Senator with the requisite experience and character disposition as Presidential Liaison Officer to the National Assembly. I dare say that such appointment is actually long overdue. The significant role such a Liaison Officer will play now and in the future in establishing a friendly link between the Presidency and National Assembly especially at times like this cannot be over emphasized.

“I will further advise President Muhammadu Buhari to endeavour to give his government a shape and face in addition to his own as President and Commander-inChief of the Nigerian Armed Forces before proceeding to Washington to honour the invitation of the American President, Barak Obama. Many informed Nigerians were elated that President Muhammadu Buhari was invited to the recently concluded G7 Summit in Germany shortly after being sworn-in to office. That was a mark of respect and acceptance of his Presidency by the Super Power nations. It is a thing of joy that soon after the G7 Summit, the American President extended invitation to our dear President which definitely will be of immense benefit to the country. It is also a mark of respect and high regard for the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

I fear that the highly vibrant, independent and sometimes aggressive American media may confront him with questions on why he has been unable to form his government when there are no visible constraints restraining him from doing so. Such confrontation might constitute a deficit to such an important international outing.

This advice is given in absolute good fate and for the best interest of our country’s image with no ulterior motive whatsoever.”

Crisis unnecessary, diversionary and scandalous, Barrister Osa Director, Publisher, Nigerian Lawyers Journals “Certainly the crisis in NASS is totally unnecessary, diversionary and scandalous.

Especially when you consider the circumstances that heralded this administration into office. The economy is in decline. There is infrastructural deficit, insecurity and youth unemployment ravaging the soul of the country and all you can get for now is in-fighting in NASS. Such situation is lamentable, insensitive and opportunistic.

“However I am consoled by the fact that Nigerians are speaking their minds against such political banalities and inanity. The common Nigerian is the worse for it. But I am very sure President Buhari and APC will rise to the challenge being appreciative of the sentiments that brought them to office.

Party’s directive must be respected by C M Y K

Speaker Dogara—Hon. Shuibu Phillips, Member, House of Representatives from Edo State.

“As members of party supremacy group in the House of Reps, we are not unmindful of our primary reason for being elected which is to drive the change agenda of the APC. This is the reason why Nigerians elected us. The task of making laws to support the government of President Mohammadu Buhari must not be compromised on the alter of supremacy battle as to who lead the house or not. We are in a hurry to deliver on the change manifesto of the APC. However, we were presented to the Nigerian people for election by a political party in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution.

Therefore, the party is supreme and its wishes must be carried out by its members.

“Concerning the current leadership impase in the House of Reps, there are three issues raised in the recent position of the Hon. Dogara Group. The issues are zoning and the need to exclude South West and North West from the Majority Leadership of the House of Reps.

“We are of the firm believe that you cannot approbate and reprobate. The Dogara group canvassed against zoning in the election of the Speaker and Dep. Speaker, they have however now turned round to demand for zoning in appointing the Majority leader and other position. If you must come to equality, you must come with clean hands.

“If we must revert to zoning to determine the majority leader and other position, we may also need to revisit the need for either the Speaker of the Senate President to resign since both positions should not come from the North in line with Federal Character. However, as members of party supremacy group of the APC caucus

•Shuibu Phillips

Assembly to play the expected role of making laws that would bring about change in Nigeria, we are left with no option but to toe the party’s position.”

The Dogara group should also reciprocate this peace move by accepting the list compiled by the party in line with the wish of the majority of APC members in the House of Reps in the House of Reps. we believe that Nigeria has moved beyond the sentiment of zoning. We therefore would abide with the party directive to accept the Speakership of Hon. Dogara. The Dogara group should also reciprocate this peace move by accepting the list compiled by the party in line with the wish of the majority of APC members in the House of Reps.

“They have also canvassed that the position of majority leader should be filled through an election. We agreed to this only to the extent that APC members of House of Representatives alone would be allowed to vote in the said election to be supervised by the party.

“We stand firmly with the party and will defend its position on the leadership of the House of Reps with all the legitimate instrument at our disposal. For there to be peace and tranquility in the House of Reps, there must be justice. For there to be justice, the party position endorsed and supported

by APC caucus members must be implemented by the leadership of Hon. Dogara.

“We cannot continue to shift the goal post. Zoning today no zoning tomorrow, we must show in words and indeed that we are Honourable Members. Mr. Speaker should respect his party and do its will by implementing the list contained in the letter written to him by the National Party Chairman of the APC. “Precedents were set in the 7th Assembly when Hon. Tambuwa was elected and PDP majority member preferred Hon. Muriano but inline with the party directive and for peace to rain, Hon. Mulikat Akande was accepted as the majority leader. Also, in the 7th Assembly, one zone, North West in particular had more than one position among the principal officers. We should not deviate from this parliamentary tradition. For peace to reign and for the leadership of the National

Buhari will not intervene, will respect the principle of separation of powers —Presidency Those who had thought that President Mohammadu Buhari would wade into the matter had been disappointed. The president on his own would have loved to but he is obviously restrained by constitution of the land which emphasizes the concept of Separation of Powers.

Speaking exclusively with Vanguard, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said president Buhari would not do more than following an established process, discarding calls for assertiveness of the president.

“How do you become assertive when there is separation of powers? There is separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature. The Legislature is an entity on its own. The Executive does not superintend over the legislature. So, you can’t be assertive over a place you do not supervise.

So, I think to ask the president to be assertive over the legislature is to ask him to be a despot. It is to ask him to become a dictator and this president will not do that.

“Don’t forget that yes he is the president of the country and he emerged on the platform of the APC, so it is in that spirit that he attended the NEC meeting last Friday at the party secretariat. He also said that when they called the BoT meeting, he will attend.

But he cannot go and lord anything over them. He cannot.

“He also emerged on the platform of that party. The party is bigger than everyone.

That’s what is meant by party supremacy.

So, party supremacy does not even allow him to lord it over anybody. He can only be part of a process to sort out whatever logjam, whatever impasse they have.

“How can it further escalate than what we have now? Can it further escalate than what we have now? I don’t see that. The president is involved already because he has been meeting with various interest groups but he will not do beyond that. He is not going to ram anything into anybody’s throat because that will not be consistent with democratic ethos. He wouldn’t do that.”

Last line From every indication, Nigerians are not happy with the turn of events in the House of Representatives. To the ordinary Nigerian, the mad crave for position is annoying and it is also inconsequential who occupies it.

What he or she cares about is a healthy economy and secure environment to live in.

The lawmakers can fight for all they want but let it not affect the polity. But can this be possible? Both Dogara and Gbajabiamila’s groups need to think again.

48—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JULY 11, 2015

Economies tremble, oil prices tumble, inves investtor orss gamble

L

ast week the Greeks in a referendum overwhelmingly voted ‘’NO’’ giving their Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, a stronger mandate to negotiate with their creditors against further austerity measures.

Greek voters on July 6 2015 rejected austerity measures from the country’s creditors- European Cental Bank (ECB), European Union (EU) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in a referendum caused by the Syriza government. Greece’s debt to these creditors is $352.7billion; putting its debt -to -GDP ratio at 174.9 percent. Debt- to- GDP ratio measures a country ’s debt compared to its economic output.

Angela Merkel, German Chancellor and Euro zone leader holds two cards: a red and a yellow, which one does she issue to end the Greek crisis? There are other three members on the danger list of the debt-to - GDP ratio in Europe as follows - Italy (132.9 percent), Portugal (129.2 percent), and Ireland (123.3 percent).

The defining moment in Greece and indeed Europe has lowered equity and commodity markets around the world to a dangerous level. Ordinarily, this situation would not have caused a stare considering the fact that Greece is neither a major oil producer nor a consumer.

But the Greek scenario has been under investors’ radar as any default

in loan repayment schedule could cause calamity in Europe’s financial market. It is a frightening situation that has weakened the euro value and also caused a possible flight of investors for dollar equities.

The currency that oil is traded is the dollar. Oil price in dollars tend to move inversely to the United States currency.

An appreciated dollar has forced the price of oil down the low fifties, in the West Texas Intermediate (WTI), signaling another possible down spiral.

Experts’ prediction of a bull run in this quarter may have been dashed.

We hope Merkel’s card may hold the aces now for upper market equilibrium to prevent a price low of the forties in the WTI, as happened in early 2015 due to oversupply of oil from the Americas shale.

The unfolding event in China is for worry; the recently assumed world’s leading importer of crude portends danger for crude producers and suppliers. China is having its share of slowdown in its bigger stock market, the Shanghai Composite. Her Central Bank’s approval of the purchase of $19.3 billion worth of shares has not stopped the uncontrolled loss and plunge of the stock market.

The danger signal of battering oil prices is volatility in the crude oil market. OPEC’s decision to maintain 30 million output levels in June contributed to highest levels of oil in Western Europe. OPEC members’ share of this business is desperation and risk

of internal unrest. Survival of most countries is being threatened by depressing oil prices.

In Nigeria, many state governments have gone cap in hand to the Federal Government for a bail out to pay their workers’ salaries. Last week, the Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, in an order to commercial banks placed import fund restrictions on some goods that Nigeria produce locally to shore up her currency and reduce the depletion of its foreign reserve, now at $31.9 billion.

Nigeria had earlier devalued her currency. To increase our revenue base and to get real value and rely less on crude, investments in refineries could be more profitable. Nigeria should open the window for investors to come in.

Iran which is expected to get online about one million barrels per day, when the nuclear deal is zeroed in this weekend with the P5 + 1; as the removal of sanctions would compound the already precarious global oil market.

Again the American shale has appeared to be invulnerable to high production costs, thereby increasing the global glut which has lowered the price of crude. This affected the economy of Canada early in the year, as she has oil as her most important export commodity.

As the bubble bursts in the roller coaster business, energy stock investors absorb the quick punches. We learn from Warren Buffet investment advice of ‘’ be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful’’ This investor ’s guru’s wise counsel is always a delight.

With the attendant risks, many large companies including oil majors that plunged into shale oil production are reducing their rigs, retrenching their staff members. These companies are cutting their losses with their downstream investments in refineries globally.

Royal Dutch Shell according to Oil Price Intelligence, reports that the Anglo-Dutch company is sticking with its strategy to going big despite the

enormous risk. It is ready to drill in the Chukchi Sea a project that has cost the company about $7billion.

The company is ready to commit another $1billion to drill one well with its unique challenges in an area that other companies dread because they feel the reward is not worth the risk.

The area in the Artic has sea ice and with no onshore infrastructure.

The closest deep-water port is 1000 miles from the South Alaska. Oil Price reports that Artic Alaska holds a lot of oil and gas estimated to be 30 billion of oil and 221 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Elsewhere in Mexico, Shell has also approved the construction of its 8 th offshore drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. According to reports, Shell is targeting 650 million barrels of oil, 80 miles from Louisiana shore.

The company says it has devised means of reducing production cost by 20 percent, and can break even if oil price is about $55 a barrel. It is to produce 175, 000 barrels per day from the Appomattox and Vicksburg fields. However, four firms have pulled out of Mexico’s upcoming auction of offshore oil and gas investments.

As the big bets continue, oil majors, money managers and other investors are heading for Argentina where there is a shale boom similar to that of the United States. The United States Energy Information Administration reveals that the Argentina Shale has the capacity of 27 billion barrels of oil and 802 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Foreign companies including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Gazprom, Petronas, Dow Chemical, Wintershall, Sinopec among others have made commitments in billions of dollars severally and in conjunction with the Argentine National Oil Company, the YPF for investments.

Argentina holds the second largest shale gas and the fourth shale oil in the world.

With the bear run in the global oil business occasioned by Eurozone financial crisis, china stock market crash, the American shale, it is not clear whether experts’ prediction of a bull run of up to $75 per barrel by year end would be realisable.

I

do not know where this belief germinated from, that the Presidency is playing into my proposals.

“Grandiose Delusion!” I am not the only deluded person in my generation but ‘am certainly in the centre of it all because my edition of the general delusion belongs to the highest of all: grandiose … it is elegant, sublime and with a generous splash of gusto. In fact, it easily tunes me and in response, I oscillate like a pendulum from one spot to another, like the Biblical “double-minded man, captured as “unstable in all his ways” (Book of James). The generation I intended to talk about is actually the generation of “the doubleminded, my generation.” I proudly am of the “babyboomers” if we have to approach it all from a broader perspective. We always will remain grateful to the builders and the bridgers, our progenitors just as much as we sympathize with the busters the world. The English Romantic writer/ who come after us. Actually, we mystic, William Blake, once said that it is incidentally form the either “create your own system or be legendary “much-sought- enslaved by another’s.” I have remained after” group of children, at enslaved by the system I just recounted (above) for long and it is time for me to create birth.

We are told, judging from the my own system in response to Blake. This Western tradition that soon will form part of the proposal I am preparing after the world wars, humanity for Mr. President. I would rather you ask, longed for replenishment of the what is the use of what you are doing? How depleted population of the will it contribute to the progress of the country world and this continued until (which I assume people refer to as change)? the mid 1960s and early 1970s. The two questions appear the same, they are There was an unprecedented flaming; and thus will be doused with one encouragement to people to answer or the same answers.

Let me submit two answers that relate to procreate. We are the products of this. Like anything else, this, each other. First, there is a need to know who I suppose, hit its elastic limit (I we are and second, to know if there have still remember Hook’s Law of been changes … and if so, we also ought to Elasticity) before anyone could know the dimension and direction of the notice. It metamorphosed changes. I am an ardent believer in the from “bubble” to “burst.” Human Condition as a complicated web, Thereafter, measures were and in which there are really no changes; are still being introduced to however, events turn round the web and while control the burst. It is now, all some get stuck somewhere, some fall off somewhere and some keep rolling along the about dealing with the burst.

Being very much aware of web. Don’t bother to comprehend, if you have this western classification of not, because that is how complicated generations and generational humanity could be, and what actually differences, I am now attracts Humanists like us is an urge to struggling to domesticate this identify the mysteries of humanity, by or create another system constructing myths, while those who parade suitable for our own zone of as scientists try to interrogate these mysteries,

The m yth of gener ational myth generational conf igur ations and all of us configur igurations

C M Y K

with a view to proffering answers to questions and solutions to problems.

My duty right now is no longer to talk about my “double-minded” generation, but to construct a generational mythograph. Reader, I beseech you to know that the graph I construct is deliberate but plausible. I will focus on postindependence era. By the way, a country like America, there I go again, never makes reference to colonial America when serious issues of national interest are theorized in modern times. Sometimes I ask why America isn’t a member of the Commonwealth. After all, she was under the imperial system until the American war of independence. One day, perhaps, Nigeria will finally tear herself off the imperial hegemony. Nigeria came into being, for me, the day it became a Federal Republic. That, I suppose, is 1963. I thus recognize the generation that midwifed the new nation, the builders. While it would have been difficult to christen this generation of proud and great Nigerians, an event, a historical landmark made itself available to define and give focus to generations. This was the civil war. For this reason, I recognize the first generation, the Pre-war generation or in our daily common expression: “before-the-war generation.”

After them will naturally be the War generation, which in our daily common

language will be: “win-the-war generation.” Then those who came after the war, naturally the post-war generation still will remain post-war Nigerians.

However, they are equally captured through another historical landmark of the 1970s, which is the unprecedented wealth the country was literally thrown into as a result of the high yield of crude oil. This is why that generation should also be known as the “oil-boom generation.” As nature takes its course, it is clear that after the rumbling of the thunder then comes the rain, or we can say soon after the bubble is the burst. Thus, next to the oilboom generation is the austerity generation. This is as a result of the glut in the international oil arena which drastically reduced the worth of crude oil. The same generation becomes commonly known as the “oil-doom generation.” Finally, at the turn of the democratic dispensation in 1999, a brand new generation emerged and as Obasanjo tried to capture it, it becomes, in my opinion, the Hope-Generation.

As the president of the country, Obasanjo cried “…I SEE HOPE…” with a loud voice.

I am almost done with my graph, but why am I doing this … you may ask. My answer is simple. I am constructing a socioanthropological graph. It is a myth, and it is capable of

performing the canon functions of myths. Amongst several orthodox functions of myths, this particular myth will explain, because myths explain …why we are the way we are; why we do the things we do.

Myths embody our belief systems.

This therefore will present to us what we should believe. Myths are literally believed by the people to whom they belong because there are no reasons to disbelieve them; and myths are disbelieved by all other people to whom they do not belong because there are no reasons to believe them. I will not be held responsible for any major flaws in my mythograph, again, because there are no reasons to do so, after all, there are no elements of history.

The authorship will not even be traced to me because as soon as I drop my pen, I cease to be the author. I get submerged in the pool of owners of the myth. Authorship of myths is anonymous, or rather, collective.

Now that I have six generations, which converge to reason together and grapple with how to retain, tear down or remold this country, I see an unending conflict. While everybody is concerned about ethnic and religious crises, I am worried about generational clash.

I say so because the busters, which in our own case include the oildoom and hope generations, are not, in general terms, very responsive to ethnic issues. They have more serious matters to handle. As I drop this pen I call for a conference on this page. I invite The National Orientation Agency, The Human Rights Commission, The Federal Character Commission, Civil Rights groups, and other similar organization to reason with me and let us study the nature of these diverse temperaments, so that we, as Achebe would say, will begin to know where the rain began to beat us.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—49

There was one sad experience we went through six months after my retirement. I came back home one day and discovered that there was no food stuff again at home and I advised my wife that the leftover should be cooked for our little boy.

The food was so tasteless that even me as a father could not eat it.

We are lucky that we are still alive today and healthy. I thank God that I have a medical doctor friend who also assisted us.

Am owning my bank today as I have taken overdrafts, I can not go back until at least five months arrears is paid.

Retired workers waiting to collect their pension

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE, OSOGBO

C

ivil servants and retirees in Osun state who were not paid their salaries for several months by the state government recounted what they passed through during this period with Saturday Vanguard.

Excerpts: Sola Olojede, 58, is a retired civil servant of the state Teaching service Commission TESCOM. He retired in 2012. He has five children and a wife.

He captured what his family members went through these past eight months when pensions were not paid.

“For me, my wife and our five children, we have been through hell these last eight months. Our situation became very tense because my wife is also a civil servant.

It got to a point that school fees of our children could not be paid and we had to take undertaken with their school proprietors that their school fees would be paid as soon as salaries are paid. Luckily enough their school proprietors allowed our children to attend classes and also write their exams.

To compound our problems gratuities were not also paid since our retirement since 2012.

“We, the retirees made several efforts to see governor Aregbesola on these issues, but he did not make himself available.

Now that President Buhari has

decided to bail the government out I want to appeal to governor Aregbesola not to pay our arrears in piece meal but to pay all at once”.

Mrs Ogundeji Yetunde, is a primary school teacher in one of the public schools in the state.

She said she has never experienced the kind of hardship her family members went through these past months her salary was not paid. “The issue had completely gone out of hand because our children have since stopped going to school and to even eat had become very difficult for us. Our matter was made worse as my husband also is a retired officer from the state civil service. My parents, who I can also run to for bail-out, are also affected as the two of them are retired

•Adetoyese Shitu Alamu

teachers. It got to a point I started selling my valuables at a give away price just for us to survive. All the children were looking up to me as I was also looking up to the government to pay the salary for us to live”.

Gbenga Oyeleke a retired broadcaster with Osun State Broadcasting Corporation OSBC said taking care of five children including some siblings was better imagine. “My wife is on contract job in a private organization whose salary is not enough to take care of the family. We are very privileged to have some relatives who came to our aid by sending us some money to feed.

This assistance was not enough to pay school fees of our children and we had to appeal to their school teachers.

We, the retirees made several efforts to see governor Aregbesola on these issues, but he did not make himself available

Adetoyese Shittu Alamu, retired as a director in the state broadcasting corporation. He relieved his experiences to Saturday Vanguard. “It is God’s grace that made us survive. It is clear now that it is not advisable for one to solely rely on salary or pension for survival. Ordinarily, pension is supposes to be for me and my wife but today, that is not the case as I still have children who are still going to school.

Some people used to ask me why I did not join the protest and I answered them that as a retired director, my position did not allow me to participate in any civil unrest.

Over the years, I have come to realise that I needed to face the challenges of life as they come. Sometimes, as the head of the family, there are some days that I don’t have up to N1000 in pocket. There is nothing I cannot do to survive except stealing.

During this period, I engaged myself in some productive services like writing. Over the years I used to engage the services of a labourer to clean my compound but as the situation is today, I do it myself even at my old age.

“But between May and June this year whoever told you that it was not rough was only being economical with the truth. But we have survive and overcome it. I think the government should be scared to take the blame because it started a good plan that went sour. There is also the need for government and workers to play sacrificial heroism. What I mean by this is that government should apologise to the workers for making them go through this kind of situation for so long and workers themselves also should agree that what happen was not intentional.”

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

How I surv

assassinat – on my life Fighting for drug kingpins “Later, we found out that it was a ploy by him to fight on behalf of a certain man alleged to be the brain behind the notorious drug cartel ravaging our town. Obosi people generally know that the now retired AIG who was a CP then, has been working for this suspected drug baron for a long time, covering him, giving him back-up to deal with the law. They are the ones formenting most of the trouble in my kingdom. I have survived four assassination attempts, the fourth one was nipped in the bud before it came to fruition.”

Attempts on my life “The first time, the assassins came to my palace in 2012 and fired automatic weapons, AK 47. They exchanged fire with my palace security details, shot one of my security men. In 2013, my convoy was coming back from the airport where they had dropped me on my way to Abuja. When they were coming back, because my SUV is tinted, they thought I was inside the vehicle and they

Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Kingdom in Anambra State

He is just like a cat with nine lives. He miraculously survived three assassination attempts. Yet, he claims his life is still in danger. His offence is that he vowed to cleanse his community of all criminal elements, including drug barons who seem to have held his domain in the jugular for years. Igwe Chukwudubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III of Obosi Kingdom in Anambra State, now lives a seemingly itinerant life as he hibernates in hidden abodes, just to save his life. His case has been worsened by allegations that a retired top police officer is aiding and abetting the attempts on his life. The author and dramatist bared his mind to Crime Guard in an exclusive

interview.

Excerpts: OW it all started H “I was crowned in 2011 after an election was held

among the kindred called Umuezeagu family, who were at that time eligible to produce the king. I was the choice candidate from my kindred, while other kindreds presented their candidates. There were three of us at the election. I won with a landslide.

Immediately after the election, one of the candidates instituted a law suit saying that he was the rightful person that should have been made king, yet, we had an election, which I won.

Before the election, all the candidates signed a document that we were satisfied with the

panel that conducted the election and would accept the outcome of the election. So, it was a surprise and a huge shock to Obosi people when the suit came up. We found out the law suit was been sponsored by a man who at that time was a commissioner of police. He claimed that he was supposed to be the king maker. Since then, he has been very antagonistic towards me, alleging that he is the Diokpa (Elder) of the family and as such, was supposed to crown me. After investigation, we found out that his father was the Diokpa and under no circumstance in the tradition of Obosi Kingdom does his son become Diokpa. Diokpaship rotates in the family.”

,

• Igwe Chukwudubem

They came to my palace in 2012 and fired automatic weapons, AK 47. They exchanged fire with my palace security details, shot one of my security men

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started firing gunshots inside my vehicle. The police man that was in front of the vehicle was shot in the arm, his arms were scattered with bullets. My car was sprayed with bullets.

Again, in 2012, one of my security men, a man who claimed to come from Asaba, but was later discovered to be from Ebonyi State, was contracted to shoot me and we got the information from a criminal who came to pledge he will no longer be in criminality and that our vigilante should stop chasing him so that he would give us good information. We made a statement to the police and policemen arrested and took him away. In 2014, although there were several crisis and lots of problems from the cultist, there was no attempt on my life, till 2015, on the 8th of June. Assassins again struck in my palace and fired gunshots.

One of my security men was shot in the chest but he miraculously survived. I suspect strongly that the retired top police officer and the drug baron were behind these incessant attacks. I don’t have enemies except these two men.

They are after my crown. They are after my kingship and throne. This last attempt they made and failed, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, came to my palace with his entourage. The Commissioner of Police and his deputy visited my palace. They also vowed to give me support and also to conduct proper investigation to ensure that the criminals are brought to book.

The Local Government Chairman, Chief Idemobi, also came.”

Failed peace efforts “I must state clearly that prominent Obosi people have called these two men to try to achieve peace in the community but they vehemently refused. They are always talking about me coming out to a hotel for them to discuss with me; that they will not come to my palace,

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015—51

vived three

tion attempts

– Igbo Monarch Gateway of drug cartels “In 2010, before I became the monarch of Obosi, the same drug baron was a problem to the town. I can show you documents to prove that his boys were maiming people. He is into land grabbing. I can show you petitions from the Obosi Development Union from 2010 about how they killed people in the town.

These documents did not originate from me. These are from the town records to prove that this man has been a problem in this town for long.

There is a proverb in Igbo land that says if you hide a disease, that disease will consume you.

Some people like to hide the fact that there is a major drug trade in my town. The cocaine, heroine and mephaptemine trade in Obosi is tremendous. I give thanks to my friends in NDLEA. We petitioned NDLEA to remove the former commander because of cases of kidnapping in Obosi and then they brought the current one, Sule Momodu, who is working very well. He has been arresting all these bad eggs and prosecuting them.

“Obosi was described by one of the electronic media recently, as the gateway of drug cartels in the South-East. We cannot hide this fact. If we hide this disease, it will consume us.

Because of the drug problem, the former DSS Commander, Alex Okeiye, did so much also to help to disseminate the criminality in the area. Two NDLEA officers who came to Obosi to make some arrest told me that in the order of zones, in terms of drugs, Obosi is number one in the country.

There is too much cocaine and

heroin in Obosi Kingdom and that gave rise to junkies, drug addicts, roaming the town, stealing from people. So, we started going after them. We established a 25-man anti-drug squad, five from each village.

419 fraudsters are another problem that we have, and in the course of going after them, we were able to curtail the number of junkies. Many were arrested while so many left town because of the pressure.

They had never seen such arrest before. Many left town and the drug trade reduced to an extent and the drug barons are not happy about it. The man that owns the major drug trade in Obosi is not happy about it.”

My life in danger “That explains some of these attacks. They want to take my life because they want it to be business as usual, to be able to do their drugs and 419. They use cultists in Obosi. They are the ones that encourage cultists to thrive in Obosi and at a time, boys were fighting each other as they belonged to different groups. In March last year, about nine people were shot, including a 49-year-old woman who knew nothing about cultism. An interior designer who came from Enugu state was also shot. A pregnant woman was shot in the stomach because she resisted them from taking her bag. Eventually, they collected the bag and when they discovered that it was only N2, 000, they came back and shot her. Five people were killed in January and in the last one month, they have shot three people. So, cultistism and drugs are the major problems.

Governor Obiano established the local vigilante and anticult war which we appreciate very well. Also, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra established an anticrime outfit and they have been performing brilliantly. They have been working like the FBI.”

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which is not proper in Obosi Kingdom; for the Monarch cannot be removed to a hotel for peace missions. Whatever has to be done, we have tried our possible best to see what their problem is and see how we can broker peace and it is now beyond doubt that they will stop at nothing but to kill me.”

In 2010, before I became the monarch of Obosi, the same drug baron was a problem to the town. I can show you documents that show that his boys were maiming people

,

Punishment for cultists and barons “Most of theses cultists are youngsters who don’t have any properties. These are kids in their early 20s. We suspect they came into Obosi through drug dealers. The drug dealers should face the same punishment as the kidnappers in Anambra State. Though the police is doing a very tremendous work now by arresting them from wherever they are hiding. That has made the town to be so quiet now, many are coming out to denounce cultism and we are hoping that a permanent anticult war will be stationed in Obosi so that this cultism will be a thing of the past. Drug has to be stamped out because it is the grandmother of all these

crimes. It carries them on its head, on its back; all the criminal aspects are filled by the drug trade, because when a person becomes a drug addict, he becomes a useless person.

That person will stop at nothing to get a fresh dose of that drug when they need it. A drug addict will sell his belongings to support his habits. He can even pimp his daughter or wife, just to get a dose. That is why wherever drug enters, there is trouble.

So, I think that first and foremost, that drug has to go.

And that is what we are fighting and why these people are after my life because we are trying to break the drug cartel in town. So, I am using this opportunity to call on law enforcement agencies, NDLEA etc to step up efforts in fighting drugs. Cultism is already on its way out.”

Intervention by prominent people in the town “People like Emeka Anyaoku have been very valuable.

Anyaoku has done so much. He has contacted the InspectorGeneral of Police in the past over the issue. Even when DSS shot someone at Nkpor, these criminals went to Abuja and reported that the Igwe killed someone. And police came to my palace to invite me to Abuja, but Governor Willie Obinao refused and said that whoever wants to take my statement should come to the Palace, that the Igwe is not running, and will not expect to be treated less like the Obas, Emirs because that is what we are in our own communities.

Osita Chidi Akwa who is a member of my cabinet was highly instrumental in bringing back our security men who were falsely accused and dragged to Abuja, and they were languishing in the cell.

After the incident, DSS took the victim away. They also issued a statement in that regard. Yet, these criminals kept on deceiving the Police in Abuja that those people were kidnapped by me. These two persons helped to clear the air for the truth to prevail and even today, the same people are asking the DSS that they want to come and collect the corpse of their son. Even after the DSS issued a statement, there was a law suit made by this same people trying to destabilise the town. They instituted a law suit that I killed two people, shot and took them away. Even after DSS was joined in the suit and made a statement and swore affidavit that they were in possession of them, the police were still coming to arrest me.

So, the people doing these things are just a tiny minority in the town.”

Sanctions from government “I also have the support of Anambra traditional rulers made up of seven local governments who have written a communiqué to the governor to protest this incessant assassination attempts on my life because from their investigation, they also know that I have the support of my people. Since prominent men in the society, in Obosi Kingdom, have called severally

on these two men to bring them to a peaceful resolution of all these attacks and they bluntly refused, there is no other way than for the government to investigate these two men and ask them why they are trying to kill me. Because they are the ones. If anything happens to me today, the government should go after them.“ Effect of the crisis “Well, the community is losing because whenever we arrest a criminal, the retired top police officer will call the police to say that it is a false allegation and that the person should be released. He doesn’t know that he is hurting the community because the perpetuation of criminality in my town is partially because the criminals now have an umbrella to hide under. It is most precarious that such a man would just for the purpose of destabilising a Monarch’s rule, be giving an umbrella to criminals. It is terrible. The only way is for government to bind them over, to sign undertakings pledging to be of good behaviour. My advice to the good people of Obosi is to assist the police, no matter whose ox is gored, and our people should endeavour to give accurate information to the police about criminality in their neighbourhood? There is criminality even in their families so that we are able to fish out the bad eggs and make Obosi a better place. Many people have advised me, since they are shooting at you, why don’t you go out there and close the door, that traditional rulers are not to be fighting crime. That is not true. I can’t sit back and watch criminality take over my town and watch my town go into pieces. I have to fight it but I need the government to ensure that these two men are stopped from distabilising my town.

People see Obosi as a troubled spot.”

My achievements “My town is a semi-urban area. We don’t have communal land and for many years, that has caused a lot of trouble.

After I was crowned, people who were deprived, intimidated even within their family, we looked into all these pressure and deprivation and injustice within the community and we started to work against it. That is one of my greatest achievements. I have been able to protect the underprivileged and oppressed people who otherwise, would not have received justice. I have done enough in security. I can blow my horn really good in matters of security. I have made sure that our land has become calm and peaceful, to do with people, to do with humanity.

This ugly thing consumed my predecessor, Igwe Nwakobi, completely. In fact, it caused the removal of his staff of office. Now, they are trying to do the same thing and I said no. It is still the same people operating long before I became Igwe. What they did to him is what they wanted to do to me, but I said that I cannot be your puppet.”

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

‘Nigeria should adopt new available technologies to end power crisis’ C

onsidering the fact that access to clean modern energy services is an enormous challenge facing Nigeria and indeed African continent, expatriates and some economic experts have in various capacities disclosed that energy is fundamental for socioeconomic development and poverty eradication, hence it has become imperative for affected countries to seriously consider renewable energy solutions.

In line with this, many foreign missions have organised summits, urging the Nigerian government to increase efforts to adopting new available technologies to energy supply, having noted that about 60 to 70 per cent of the Nigerian population does not have access to power.

The expatriates also noted that energy efficiency leads to important social benefits, therefore implementing Nigeria’s renewable energy target will have significant positive impact on the Nigerian economy, as would be if Nigeria should break loose from the various serious problems inherent in a monotype-economy, adding that, being dependent on a single commodity–oil, and ignoring other important sectors of the economy is highly dangerous.

In other words, they are of the view that the present power crisis afflicting Nigeria will persist unless the government diversifies the energy sources in domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors.

And according to estimates, Nigeria is incapable of providing stable energy supply to over 160 million of its population and this situation is a heavy blow on the country’s economy.

*Segun Adaju, economist, Lagos frequently organizes programs which are targeted to educating Nigerians on the importance of experiencing uninterrupted energy supply, through alternative technologies, which in turn enhances the standard of living of a given country.

US government committed to flourishing African economies through power Africa initiative

R

eportedly, the United States’ Power Africa campaign aims at providing power to about 60 million homes and businesses across sub-Saharan Africa to enable economic progression.

President Obama stated

that the idea aims to generating clean and efficient electricity across the continent, where some 600 million people lack access to power.

According to report, the U S government is intending partnering with Africa to build the infrastructure t h a t economies need to flourish.

There are also additional supports to governments to ensure that the initiative meets its goal, thereby attracting more foreign investors.

Nigerian Economist

A

ddressing the issue with great concern, Nigerian economist, Mr. Segun Adaju, who pointed out that the scenario is having serious negative implications on the country’s development, told Vanguard that Nigeria needs to seek possible ways of diversifying the Nigerian economy.

Using descriptive method of analysis here in, Adaju disclosed that the country needs to improve on it energy sector, which he noted contributes over 70 per cent of

German embassy’s take on adopting renewable energy in Nigeria

G

erman embassy in Nigeria is strongly committed to efforts towards ensuring that Nigeria adopts renewable energy solutions.

According to the mission, energy is an important factor in all sectors of any country’s economy as it plays the most vital role in the economic growth, progress, and development of a country.

In view of this, the embassy ’s Energy and Environment Desk of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in

American Ambassador, James F. Entwistle

German Ambassador, Michael Zenner

the country ’s crippled production industries.

And drawing from the implications of not providing sufficient power and not putting forth concerted efforts to supporting solar energy, Mr. Adaju, who is also the President/CEO, BlueOcean Nigeria, a group with interest in consulting renewable energy, and plays a key role in creating access to clean energy for off-grid communities and poor rural households in Nigeria stated that, adopting solar energy will create huge economic impact in Nigeria by reducing the cost of generating energy as solar is getting cheaper by the day while energy from the grid and fossil fuel will keep increasing.

According to the Economist, “It is cheaper in the long term to adopt distributed solar energy as the cost of increasing transmission lines will be eliminated and it will also reduce energy losses from the grid during transmission. Standalone roof top solar installation will cut down the cost and time to deploy.”

In addition, he posited that increasing energy from solar will create more incomes and jobs for small scale enterprises such as farmers who can adopt solar irrigation technology to increase yield e.g. tomato and reduce importation, thereby conserving the nations’ reserves.

“Overall, if we quantify cost of emissions, man hours lost to sourcing for fuel etc., solar offers higher economic impact on a nation like Nigeria”, Adaju noted, expressing that, “It has become imperative for Nigeria to diversify its revenue base as global oil market is subject to volatility and prices on the downward trend which has had a negative impact on the revenue of the country and affecting the economy negatively, “Many other countries are finding alternatives to fossil fuel e.g. shale oil and thus the demand is on the decrease.

Nigeria spends huge sums on importation including food which can readily be produced in Nigeria but for the huge dependence on oil.

Diversifying into agriculture will create more jobs, increase the income of farmers and also the revenue base of the nation while enhancing food security”, he concluded.

OBSERVATION n view of the foregoing

I

therefore, it is a dream of every country to achieve energy independence, since according to economic experts this is the key to every nation’s prosperity. Although many people think that this is unattainable, many countries are now taking significant actions to fulfill that dream. Even developing nations are giving their best efforts to reach this goal. An example of this is Nigeria.

Nigeria declares that their goal is to attain about 8 per cent renewable energy usage by the year 2025.

However, the fact that approximately 70 per cent of the nation’s population do not receive adequate amount of power supply forces the country to start a renewable energy campaign which appears to be receiving encouraging recognition.

SNIPPETS

Iran nuclear future remains uncer uncertt ain

According to agency report, the international negotiations in Vienna on Iran’s nuclear program, is threatening to go past a deadline toward reaching a final agreement, as the nuclear future remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, the US secretary of State, John Kerry disclosed that the US and other major powers are not in a rush to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran, though Washington and its partners will not negotiate with Tehran indefinitely. “We are here because we believe we are making real progress, and we will not rush and we will not be rushed. We are not going to sit at the negotiating table forever.”

Kerry cautioned.

Iran and 6 world powers are close to an historic nuclear agreement that could resolve a dispute that lasted more than 12 years over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

However, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the main texts of the agreement, as well as 5 technical annexes were around 96 percent complete, adding that while the lifting of sanctions was largely agreed, Tehran’s demand for an end to a UN Security Council arms embargo was among the most contentious unresolved points.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

M

ama T. was 47, a grandmother, when she suddenly felt very sick one morning. She tried the usual self-medication that many of us normally start with. She did not get better and had to see her personal physician, who ran a series of test–malaria, typhoid, infections, etc–but they were either negative or insignificant. Finally, the doctor suggested the unthinkable: a pregnancy test.

“Are you out of your mind? I’m 47 and my last child is 14,” she screamed. But the physician insisted because “there is no harm in trying.”

The test was done and her worst nightmare was confirmed; she was nine weeks gone.

“But how could this have happened? But I was…” The inquest continued until she accepted her “fate.” She was pro-life which meant only one option: keeping the Normally, after child birth, it takes a pregnancy. But the taunts, expensive while for the woman’s cycle to jokes and curious stares were too much resume. Ovulation always precedes for a chicken-skin like her. Moreover, she menstruation. If the couple has felt, at 47, she needed special medical intercourse just before or during care. So she fled abroad where she stayed ovulation, the nursing mother can unknowingly get pregnant while still for a couple of years.

Unlike Mama T., Mrs. I. stood her awaiting her first post-pregnancy grounds. She was 43, a very senior officer menstrual flow.

Couples across board experience in her company, when her colleagues noticed that she was putting on weight. unplanned pregnancies. Those who The weight-gain soon metamorphosed use artificial contraceptives do into a protruding tummy. Her last child was eight and she had a reasonably-sized family, so the pregnancy was probably unplanned. Her consternated colleagues asked: “Mrs. I. what is this?” To which she responded: “How can you ask a experience failure or malfunction of woman who lives with her husband that these devices. What makes theirs stupid question? What does it look like to worse is that they put so much trust you?” She successfully warded off her in the contraceptives and throw “tormentors” while bearing her “fate” with caution to the dogs. Natural family planning is safer and more reliable, equanimity.

Unplanned pregnancies are quite especially if the woman’s cycle is common with married people. Young fairly regular and the couple has couples seem to be the hardest hit. You developed the needed discipline. see cases where the difference in the ages The only problem is that sexual urge of the first two children is a year. does not write letters or send SMS Sometimes, a two-year-old baby already before visiting. So when it visits has two younger siblings who are not unannounced around ovulation, twins. Sometimes it is planned, but most couples do “gamble.” Sometimes times, it is caused by “accidental they get away with it; at other times, discharge” (Police’s accidental discharge the wives must go on the ninecauses death; a husband’s accidental month (plus/minus two weeks) discharge brings forth life, interesting!). compulsory course.

Vanguard, JUL Y 11, 2015—53 JULY

Unplanned pregnancies I ran into one of such couples at a friend’s house. The woman had gone on two extra courses to increase her haul to six children. On each of the two pregnancies, the husband threatened her with divorce, dragged her before family members and church leaders, but she stood her ground. Today, the two youngest children are daddy’s, not mummy’s, pets. That is one of the ironies of life.

Even though I was meeting the couple for the first time, he

Some of these unplanned children have gone on to become massive successes

,

continuously urged me to beg the wife to forgive him for the way he persecuted her during those unplanned pregnancies.

As I wrote some time ago, children are like goals in a soccer match.

Whether it is a Lionel Messi’s spectacular, or a defender’s scrappy or “manual labour” goal, they all count at the end of the day. Planned or unplanned, children are children. My people have this chauvinistic but factual saying: “ you do not know the egg that will hatch the cock.” Some of these unplanned children have gone on to become massive successes.

But, married or unmarried, keeping an unplanned pregnancy does take enormous guts. There are so many

things to consider: the cost of raising a child and the quality time you need to devote to ensure proper upbringing.

You practically donate at least 20 years of your life to a child and the more children you have, the more time you donate, with the donation being heaviest at the earlier stages when the standard of care is highest. Childbirth and upbringing of children can also be very disruptive of careers, educational and financial pursuits, etc.

Sometimes, you worry about what people will say.

That is why I doff my hat for every woman (married and unmarried) and husbands who have been courageous enough to keep an unplanned pregnancy (some call God’s creations unwanted pregnancies) in a world where there are far easier options. I just pray that God will look at this heroic deed, forgive them their transgressions (where applicable) and bless them with the resources to cater for these unplanned children.

A note of caution from the physicians for those in their 40s and those with quick successive births; every pregnancy and childbirth carry some risks, more so for women who are over 35 years. So take prior precautions, but if it happens, take your antenatal and postnatal serious. Quick successive births carry risks both for mother and child, so women really need to be cautious, whether these pregnancies are planned or unplanned.

For those conscious of their weight, quick successive pregnancies mean you do not give yourself enough time to shed the weight you put on during the preceding pregnancy before a fresh one. When the weight piles up over time, shedding it becomes a herculean task, accomplished only by the most disciplined and determined. When you see the number of our mothers/ wives who are overweight, you get the eerie feeling that shedding weight is not one of their strongest points.

,

Here we are, Trans Ekulu beckons on Ugwuanyi

S

ullivan Chime is on record to have focused on roads in the Enugu municipality throughout his eight year reign as governor of Enugu State. He did well in this area but not all residents of Enugu share in this experience. Trans Ekulu is a huge area of the city but Chime ignored the inside streets of Trans Ekulu after his administration worked on the major road leading into the estate a legacy of the Jim Nwobodo administration that subsequent administrations only envied but could not dream of even with more resources from the federation account.

The roads inside Trans Ekulu are so bad that some residents can't drive into their compounds anymore. Pipe born water that ran in the area stopped just at the beginning of Nnamani Chimaroke regime. It remained like that throughout his reign.

Things became worse even with the Chime administration. Trans Ekulu never felt government for 16 years now. Those who enjoyed pipe born water now have wells in their compounds. No roads, not water, poor electricity and they doubt if they are still part of the coal city. But they have hope in the new governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Interestingly, Ugwuanyi has vowed to touch the areas his predecessor could not help. Trans Ekulu is one of them. Pictures here show Road 18 and two other roads inside Trans Ekulu. The car captured by our camera on Road 18 could not move further. Bad roads have made the once beautiful, serene estate a messy sight.

"Please, help us tell government about our plight," an aged man said when he sighted us taking pictures of streets in the area.

C M Y K

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 11, 2015

Nigerians will revolt against APC if there is no change —APC Chairman, USA

BEN AGANDE In this interview with Ben Agande in Abuja, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the United States of America, Mr Anthony Isama says Nigerians should allow President Muhammadu Buhari choose his

cabinet at the time he wants but warn his party on the dangers ahead. Excerpts: The president recently revealed the willingness of the world powers to assist Nigeria recover some of the stolen

monies kept abroad. What role will the All Progressive Congress in the Diaspora play in ensuring that such monies are traced?

We will use the legal tools in our various countries of residence to reach out to our

representatives in the congress to support the administration in this effort.

Despite several visits to solicit foreign direct investments, it has been argued that the result has not been commensurate with the efforts previous governments have put into it. What do you think is responsible for this?

Expectation is one thing and recognition of the realities of the situation is another. Basically, a business person wants a place that is safe they can invest and make some profit at the end. If you don’t have such a secure environment, you can make all the arrangements. It wouldn’t work. You wouldn’t get the right people. So our party will first move to secure our environment.

If we guarantee safety of people coming in, things will change.

Apart from the oil sector, there is little involvement of the United States of American businessmen in the country.

What would you say is responsible for this minimal presence?

There are several factors and they all come down to the same thing: security. The oil companies have all been around for a long time, even in our most difficult times. The key is how to project the country for the values it has for an investor coming in to say this is our population. change.

What are your expectations from the Buhari administration in terms of people that should

form his cabinet?

The president is experienced and he has come out to serve. He must have an idea on the character of the person that he would want to serve in his government. The essence of finding the right people remains the president’s prerogative and he has to give them his standard that he wants. We cannot define it for him.

Don’t you think that the crisis rocking the national assembly is capable of derailing the APC from its targets?

I don’t think so because the country voted for change and we cannot afford to fail the country.

The APC family will sort it out.

We cannot continue to do what we were doing under the Peoples Democratic Party. We have to recognise that the country wants that change that they sought and if we don’t give them that change, Nigerians will revolt against us. The populace will revolt.

Are you not scared that the PDP will take advantage of this disagreement to the detriment of the APC? I am not scared because PDP has consumed itself and as of now there is nothing like PDP. Maybe what is happening now may help to bring up some people to re-organise the party as a potential force which will be good for the country because we also need a strong a virile opposition.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 11, 2015 — 55

A

MERICAN world number one female tennis player, Serena Williams will today bid to win her sixth Wimbledon Open singles crown when she battles Spaniard Garbine Muguruza

Serena seeks 6th Wimbledon crown against Muguruza on the Centre Court.

Serena will be playing her 25th Grand Slam final of her illustrious career, putting together a 20-4 record in the first 24 of those, winning six Australian Opens, three

Today: 2pm French Opens, five Wimbledons and six US Opens. and seeking to add the Wimbledon crown to the French Open and Australian Open which she won earlier in the year.

The final could be a little different, though as Serena’s opponent, Muguruza has a win over Williams, too, a very famous one in fact, she beat her in the second round of the 2014 French Open, 6-2, 6-2, the worst Grand Slam loss of her entire career.

Williams leads Muguruza in the head-tohead series, 2-1, including a win since that French Openstunner.

“She’s beaten me before, and she’s improved too,” Williams said. “It’s not going to be an easy match.”

“It’s the best final you can play,” Muguruza said. “Serena in the Wimbledon final is the hardest match you can have. If you want to win a Grand Slam, when you dream, you say, ‘I want Serena in the final. “She’s one of the best players in all these years. So it’s obviously the best challenge to have.”

•Serena

•Muguruza

It’ s Djokovic, Federer’ s final It’s Federer’s

Defending champion Novak Djokovic swept into his fourth Wimbledon final with a ruthlessly efficient 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet on Friday.

He plays Roger Federer in tomorrow’s final after the Swiss maestro rolled back the years to deliver a superb 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 win

Tomorrow: 2pm

over Andy Murray. Federer will attempt to win his eight Wimbledon crown.

Djokovic, the world No. 1, survived an unusually sloppy start and eventually dismissed the French 21st seed with 12 aces and 46 winners in two hours and 20 minutes on Centre Court.

Rooney scores hat-trick, as wife expects third child E

NGLAND star Wayne Rooney has scored another hat-trick after announcing wife Coleen is pregnant with their third child.

The Man United striker said he was “delighted” the couple are expecting again, while Coleen confirmed the baby is due to arrive in January.

England skipper Wayne, 29, told his 11.5 million Twitter followers: “Delighted that me and @ColeenRoo have our 3rd child on the way”.

Ibori Golf and Country Club set for Asagba of Asaba tourney

A

MATEUR golfers from across the country will file out in Asaba on July 18 to participate in the 3rd Asagba of Asaba golf tournament to honour HRM Asagba (Prof) Chike Edozien (MD, CFR, JP), The Asagba of Asaba kingdom as he celebrates his 90th birthday.

The event is scheduled to hold at the Ibori Golf & Country Club Asaba.

The Asagba is the Grand Patron of IGCC Asaba and the C M Y K

tournament will be one of the activities scheduled to mark his 90th birthday celebration.

The Asagba of Asaba Golf Tournament has been played twice on previous occasions since its inception.

Captain of the club, Chief Uba Attoh said that this edition will be bigger and more prestigious since it coincides with the epochal celebration of the monarch’s birthday and it will also build on the antecedence of

previous editions.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Joseph Ikediashi assured that a warm welcome awaits all players and guests and called for solidarity among golfers and all to give the Asagba a befitting tournament.

Tee off is at 7am on Sat, then dinner and awards will follow as from 6pm that evening.

The monarch and top government officials are expected to be in attendance.

What Eagles’ ll gain from Oliseh’ s UEF A Pro Licence Oliseh’s UEFA

By John Egbokhan

I

ncoming Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh is in the news for all the right reasons following reports this week that he will be handed the national team coaching job by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Despite his lack of experience coaching a top team or national side, Oliseh was considered for the job because he possesses the UEFA Pro Licence, rated as the highest coaching qualification available in the world.

The UEFA Pro Licence is a coaching licence from UEFA. The UEFA Pro Licence is the final coaching qualification available, and follows the completion of the UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ Licences.

The Uefa Pro Coaching Licence is aimed at Europe’s elite band of coaches but it is actually more about management.

The qualification takes a year to complete and consists of a minimum of 240

hours, of which 90 hours are practical, and aimed at dealing with situations familiar to fans of the Premiership.

Modules such as handling top-class players, using the latest technology, analysing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and dealing with problems of players on and off the pitch are all covered in the course.

To pass, the coach has to prove that he or she is competent in the following areas: How to plan and evaluate your team’s strategic season programme; how to succeed in one key fixture during the season; improving the performance of one key player; improving your own interpersonal skills and building upon your existing coaching skills with specific emphasis As well as covering a wide range of topics, there are three meaty projects that the coaches must complete: handling professional players, match-related training methods and analysis of a key fixture.

More facts on Losciuto, Oliseh’ s assistant coach Oliseh’s

M

ore facts have emerged on the new assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Jean Francois Losciuto, who has been named by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to assist former captain Sunday Oliseh.

Losciuto, a Belgian, once worked with Oliseh, when he managed Belgian third division side, Vervietois.

Losciuto has also had

coaching jobs in Africa, with Togolese club Anges de Notse and led the team during their CAF Champions League games against Enyimba and also ASFA Yennenga of Burkina Faso.

According to the NFF, the Belgian will oversee “developmental programs and will work with clubs, youth teams and certified academies towards developing the game from the grassroots.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 11, 2015

Tomor row ’s Fixtu res Wikki Tourist v El Kanemi Heartland v Dolphins Shooting v Nasarawa Utd v Giwa Ifeanyi Uba Kwara Utd v Sharks Abia Warriors v Warri Wiolves v Taraba Utd Sunshine Stars v Enyimba Bayelsa Utd Rangers v Lobi Akwa Utd v Kano Pillars

4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm 4pm

Keshi was consumed by the politics he played — Odegbami >>34,35

•More facts on Losciuto, Oliseh’s assis assisttant coac coachh >> 55

Serena v Muguruza

Who will dim Sunshine’s star? >>33

>> 55

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

2pm

Wimbledon:

•What Eagles' ll gain fr om Oliseh's from UEF A Pr UEFA Proo Licence

ACROSS 1)Kano Pillars Chairman, Ibrahim_(6) 4)Head of Civil Service of Nigeria, Mr. Danladi_(6) 7)Greek Alphabet (3) 8)Nigeria (U-23) Coach, Samson_(6) 9)L.G.A in Delta State (6) 10)France Capital City (5) 13)Former Special Adviser to the Presidency on Media & Publicity, Mr. Reuben_(5) 15)Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Sarah_(5) 17)Spanish “La Liga”President, Mr. Javier_(5) 18)Country in Asia (5) 20)Former Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim_(5) 20)Flying Eagles (U-20) Full-Back, Wilfred_(5) 26)Lagos State Commissioner of Transport, Mr. Kayode_(6) 27)Former President, Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Mr. Bolaji_(6) 28)African Waterbuck (3) 29)Managing-Director, Public Affairs Department, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Ohi_(6) 30)Former Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Sani_(6)

DOWN 1)Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh_(6) 2)Country in Africa (6) 3)L.G.A in Lagos State (5) 4)Ethnic Group in Kenya (5) 5)Former Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon_(6) 6)Democratic Republic of Congo National Coach, Florent_(6) 10)Former Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Leke_(5) 11)Jewish Cleric (5) 12)Tunisia “Carthage Eagles”Midfielder, Ferjani_(5) 14)Barrier (3) 16)Former Minister of Sports, Mr. Adamu Isa_(3) 18)Sierra -Leone President, Mr. Ernest_(6) 19)Former South-Africa “Bafana Bafana”Defender, Lucas_(6) 21)Egyptian President, Mr. Abdelfatah_(2,4) 22)Our Continent (6) 24)Adult Male Duck )6) 25)England Premiership Club (5)

Solution on page 21 Solution on page 19

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