Buhari to earn N14.4m annual salary

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2—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

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SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—3

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4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

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5 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13 2015

What President Buhari,VP Osinbajo will earn

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, has reviewed the salaries of the President, Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers in the 36 states of the federation, as well as other legislators in both the National and State Assemblies among other public officers in the country.

Based on the total package prepared by the RMAFC, President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s annual salary and allowances stand at N14, 4 million.

The break down shows that his Basic Salary is N 3,514,705 and Hardship allowance , N 1,757,350:50.

Constituency N 8,786,762:50 and Leave Allowance - N351, 470.

Buhari will receive a 400 per cent increase in his salary amounting to N14.

058 million, as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.

The Federal Government is to provide him with all his needs including vehicles, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, entertainment, security, utility bills,newspapers, medical bills and clothings.

The president’s estacode and Duty Tour allowance were not specified.

However, the Vice President is to receive an annual Basic Salary of N2, 064, 400; Hardship allowance- N1, 515, 786.25 and a Constituency Allowance of N7, 578, 931.25, bringing his total annual earning to N12.1million.

About 75 per cent of his annual basic salary would be paid for vehicles and their maintenance if he chooses to buy his vehicles and maintain them.

He is to receive another 25 per cent to hire his Personal Assistants; 75 per cent for domestic staff; 45 per cent for entertainment and 30 per cent for utility.

The VP is to receive a separate 20 per cent of his salary for monitoring; 200 per cent for accommodation and 300 per cent for furniture.

His duty Tour Allowance stands at N 35 , 000 per night and an estacode of $900 per night.

He is to receive 10 per cent of his salary as Leave Allowance and 300 per cent as gratuity upon a successful completion of his tenure.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Also, following a

downward review of salaries and allowances of both the National and State Assembly legislators, the Senate President will receive a basic annual salary of N2, 484, 242.50 and allowance of N6. 2 million, bringing the total to N8. 69Million. His monthly salary is about N724, 570.

In addition, he collects 250 per cent of his Annual Salary as Constituency Allowance.

However, his vehicles and their maintenance are provided by the federal government. Similarly, his domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal government.

Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Senate President.

The Deputy Senate President enjoys the same benefits except that his Annual Basic Salary stands at N 2,309,166.75, total allowance N 5,772,916.8, bringing total annual salary to 8,082,083.63 and a monthly pay of N 673,506.97 The Senate Majority Leader receives a salary of N12, 968, 960. The Minority leader receives a total annual salary of N12, 908, 168. The Whip receives N12, 867 . The same applies to Committee Chairmen. Incidentally in the last administration almost all senators were chairmen of various committees.

The allowances received by the members of the upper legislative chamber is far more than their salaries indicate.

For instance, each senator receives 75 per cent of the annual salary as allowance for a vehicle and its maintenance. They collect another 75 per cent of their salaries for domestic staff; 30 per cent for entertainment; 30 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent for robe (clothing); and 250 per cent as constituency allowance.

Others include, another allowance unspecified which stands at 53 per cent; newspapers 15 per cent; Personal Assistance, 24 per cent; and House maintenance 5 per cent.

In addition, the Leader receives 10 per cent for Responsibility; Minority Leader 7; while the Whip and Committee chairmen receive 5 per cent for the same purpose.

Ordinary senators receive a basic salary of 2,026,400.00; annual allowance of

N10,739,920.00 , bring it to a total of N 12,766,320.00.

Other non-regular allowances include 300 per cent gratuity for the Senate President; and estacode of $1, 00 per night for foreign trips, as well as, a N37,000 per night duty tour allowance.

All the senators who have just finished their terms at the 7th National Assembly are therefore entitled to 300 per cent of the annual salaries as gratuity.

The Deputy senate President gets N32, 000 per night as Duty Tour Allowance.

Senators receive $ 1 000 as estacode and a duty tour allowance of N23, 000 per night.

House of Reps At the House of Representatives, the Speaker receives a total annual salary of N 4,334,942.50.

Just like the Senate President, the federal government provides his vehicles and their maintenance . His domestic staff, entertainment, utilities, security responsibility, Legislative Aids, House Maintenance an, as well as a Special Adviser and a Personal Assistant are provided by the federal government.

Similarly Robe (clothing) and newspapers are provided for the Speaker by the Federal Government.

He receives 75 per cent of his salary as constituency allowance.

The Deputy speaker whose annual salary stands at 4,002,309.94 enjoys

From left: Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress[APC] Lagos state, Chief Funso Ologunde, Deputy Gov, Dr.[Mrs] Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akin Oyebode, during the 22nd Anniversary of the Annulment of June-12, 1993 Presidential elections held at LTV-8, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez similar benefits as the speaker.

The Majority Leader of the House, the Minority Leader, the Chief Whip and Chairmen of Committees receive annual salaries of N 6, 352,680.00.

In addition, they receive 50 per cent of their salaries as Vehicle and Maintenance allowance; another 50 per cent for domestic staff; 10 per cent for utilities and another 10 per cent for House maintenance.

In addition, they collect 75 per cent for constituency allowance, 25 per cent for personal Assistant. Other members enjoy similar allowances.

At the House of Representatives, the speaker receives $ 790 estacode per night and

N32, 000 per night for domestic trips.

The Deputy Speaker receives $750 and N30, 000 for estacode and Duty Tour, respectively. Members receive $550 and N21 , 000 for estacode and domestic trips , respectively.

Houses of Assembly Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly enjoy all the benefits as their federal counterpart where virtually all they need are provided with public funds.

However, their annual salaries stand at N 2,049,843.75 and a Constituency Allowance of N25 per cent of their Annual Salaries.

Deputy Speaker receives N 1,807,478.13 and 25 per cent of same as constituency allowance.

Members at the House of Assemblies receive annual salaries of N 2,473,866.25.

In addition, they receive 20 per cent for vehicles; 25 per cent for domestic staff, 10 per cent for utilities; 25 per cent each for robe, constituency , Personal Assistant and 5 per cent for newspapers.

The decision to review the current salaries and allowances of the nations’ public office holders received approval of many members of the public who had complained that the Nigerian law makers were about the highest paid in the world. These are the official earnings of these political office holders.

But their spoils of office amount to several millions and even billions of naira in recent past.

Senators express mixed reactions over pay review

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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OME senators have expressed mixed reactions over the review of remunerations of lawmakers in the country.

Speaking on the review, Senator Kabir Marafa, who represents Zamfara Central, on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, said the claim that legislators in the country were receiving high remunerations was untrue.

Marafa, while challenging Nigerians to go and verify from banks how much senators were earning, insisted that some Nigerians mistook constituency allowance, as part of the salaries which the lawmakers earned.

He said: Our monies are

paid through banks, they don’t give us directly; so let the bankers come out and say how much a senator earns.

“When you get the correct figure, that is when you and I can sit down and talk but you cannot invent an amount and then tell me how much I should reduce from it.

“I think there is general ignorance as to how much a Nigerian senator earns.

I would want Nigerians to know exactly how much we earn; then they can come up with criticisms on basis of facts,” he said.

When asked how much a Senator earns he still referred the reporter to find out from the banks.

Senator Dino Melaye, APC, from Kogi State, had vowed to champion a campaign for salary cut for federal lawmakers when the new National

Assembly resumes.

Melaye insisted that legislators must begin to sacrifice their comfort and allow a pay cut, saying that money realised from the exercise would be used for developmental projects and proper oversight roles.

Senator Ben Bruce, who represents Bayelsa-East Senatorial Zone, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said that he would support any reduction in the pay of members of the National Assembly, noting that he was elected into the Senate to render service and not to waste tax-payers’ money.

He said: “I subscribe 100 per cent to pay cut for National Assembly members; they can cut it to whatever they want, I am in support of it.”

But he warned against singling out lawmakers

for the pay cut, saying it must be extended to all other government officials, who maintained exorbitant lifestyles with the taxpayers’ money.

He further said, “The problem we have now is that people seek public office to enrich themselves, that must stop.

“If you seek public office, you must care about the poor people who voted you into power; the people who voted me into office live under the tree, the rich ones went abroad.

“If we come into office and we live this exorbitant lifestyle, and we consume the resources of our country, then we have failed them and we have failed God. “It cannot be business as usual; we are here for the real change, for the right change,” Bruce said.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

JUNE 12 CELEBRATION: Ambode, Falana, activists want national holiday for Abiola •Odumakin, Gani Adams, others want National Stadium renamed after him by the OPC at the Excellence claim his mandate after the

By Dapo Akinrefon & Ebun Sessou

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode, Lagos based Human Right Lawyer, Femi Falana and Dele Alake and other eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to immortalize late Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993, Presidential polls by declaring June 12 Democracy Day, in place of May 29 currently being celebrated.

They made the call at a symposium organized by the State Political and Legislative Powers Bureau in collaboration with the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations at LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja in commemoration of 22nd anniversary of annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential poll.

Also, pro-democracy activists yesterday reiterated the call for June 12 to be renamed Abiola Day in honour of the acclaimed winner.

The activists also called on the Federal Govern-ment to name the National Stadium after Abiola owing to his passion for sports in the country while he was alive.

Those who made the call were President of Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr Joe Odumakin; National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC); chairman of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr Debo Adeniran.

They said this at the 22nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 with the theme: “June 12 and Nigeria’s Political Administration”, organised

Hotel, in Lagos.

Notable Nigerians present at the event were, former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd); Professor Sophie Oluwole; President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima; Professor GG Dara; governor candidate of the Peoples Demcoratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Mr Gboyega Isiaka; Comrade Dele Akele, Comrade Joseph Eva and Mrs Adenike Lawal among others.

Rename National Stadium after Abiola —Gani Adams In his address, leader of the OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, said the June 12, 1993 election was about democratic principles and rule of law.

He noted that the election was about a people who “saw a ray of hope in the ability of Bashorun Abiola to lead them out of Egypt and take them to the promised land.”

He advised Nigerians not to forget “hat the fundamental thing about June 12 was that an election was held and Abiola won a convincing victory which transcended both tribal and religious lines.”

He lamented that the botched 1993 polls was caused by some cabals, adding that they plotted against Abiola and the Nigerian masses who freely gave their votes to Abiola. He said: “with their wicked plots, they denied Abiola the precious mandate.”

He added that “while, it is shocking that Bashorun MKO Abiola died in detention in questionable circumstance on July 7, 1998 when many had thought he would be released by then Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, to

death of General Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998, it is even more shocking to understand why our political leaders since 1999, have failed to give this icon, who gave his life for us to have democracy, the honour and respect that he deserves”.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to honour the late Abiola, Adams said “at this juncture, I wish to call on President Buhari to act on the recommendations of the national conference.

You will recall that among the recommendations of the national conference are the issues of local government autonomy, federalism and resource control.”

“It should be noted that the report of the national conference is a collective decision of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion and profession”, he added.

Make June 12 Abiola Day —Odumakin On her part, president of

CD, Dr Odumakin commended Abiola for paying the supreme price of death in order to uphold the mandate of the people.

She, however, noted that it was imperative for the federal government to make June 12 a national holiday in honour of Abiola.

She said “ we are marking the 22nd anniversary of an election that was the freest and fairest in the history of this country but it was annulled by a cabal. Abiola was a dogged fighter, who paid the supreme price so that he could uphold the mandate given to him by the people. As we remember June 12, we should also remember those who set aside a primordial interest. In remembering him, our demands are that the National Stadium must be named after Abiola. We also want to reiterate the fact that June 12 must be our own democracy day. We must not rest but continue in the struggle to ensure that democracy takes firm root in our land.”

Lagos Speaker describes June 12 as mother of democracy

By Ebun Sessou

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PEAKER of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election as the mother of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

Obasa noted that without the June 12 Presidential election, enjoying full fledged democracy in Nigeria might have been difficult for Nigerians.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, Obasa continued that it became imperative for Nigerians to not only celebrate the historic event but also reflect on its significance.

According to him, “It was a major political event in Nigeria history and it deserves to be celebrated.

“It was the harbinger of the present day democracy.

It was the fairest, freest and most accepted election ever not only in Nigeria but also in the entire continent of Africa, June 12 is thus the mother of our present democracy,” he said.

He further stated that without June 12, perhaps the military would have remained itself in power.

“The collective way Nigerians spoke during the June 12 election and the subsequent struggles to defend the sacred mandate, were enough signals for the military and indeed other anti-democratic individuals and groups that Nigerians are willing to embrace democracy and do away with military rule in all its entirety,” Obasa said.

Eko Foundation canvasses support for Buhari

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From left; Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of Oodua People's Congress, Prof Sophie Oluwole, former Head of Philosophy Dept Unilag/Executive Director Centre for African Culture Development, Prof Godwin Dara, former Chairman Editorial Board Guardian Newspaper, Dr Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, President Campaign Democracy and Women Arise, during the commemoration of the annulment of June 12 1993 Presidential election lecture. PHOTO; Kehinde Gbadamosi

KO Foundation, a non-political, socio cultural outfit has commended the national leader of All Progressive Congress, APC, for the dogged determination to rescue the entire country from the age long pangs of poverty due to poor leadership which held the fortunes of the society and the nation, by the jugular for so long.

At the just concluded monthly meeting of the Foundation, its founding chairman, Alhaji Hakeem Damola, alongside its President, Professor Wole Smith and the foundation’s Secretary, Mr Tayo Sasanya, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, and his deputy Idiat Adebule, and the party for the resounding victories recorded at the last election.

The foundation appealed to the teeming populace to fervently support the new governments in order to effect the needed change the country desires.

“To this end, since Nigerians should not expect miracles over night, it therefore behoves that all hands must be on deck for a successful realization of this noble project to bring the society and the great nation, Nigeria back to her very rightful place, she humbly deserves”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 — 7

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Oshomole hails IGP Arase’s giant strides

Buhari may submit list of ministers to NASS next week •Fashola, Fayemi, Dambazau tipped G

OVERNOR of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshomole, had re-affirmed his decision to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in the area of logistics. This re-assurance was given yesterday when the Governor visited the IGP at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Governor saluted Arase’s giant strides since assumption of office and maintained that the impact of the IGP’s wealth of professional competency is being felt in Edo state, as a result of his intervention in the security situation in the state adding that citizens from across the nation are now feeling the benefit of IGP Arase led NPF. Responding, the Police boss reassured the good people of Edo and the country at large of his commitment to advance Security in Nigeria and that he would ensure that Policemen exhibit the highest ethical standards in the performance of their duties.

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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RESIDENT Mohammadu Buhari is set to unveil list of his Ministers next week baring any unforeseen circumstances that may prevent it, Vanguard gathered yesterday.

Two of those expected to make the new list of Ministers are the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fasola who may be appointed the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi.

Similarly, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau (retd) may also come in for a very sensitive security appointment.

It will be recalled that Dambazau headed the Security and Intelligence Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council just as Fayemi also headed that of Policy, Research and Strategy.

The list may also be sent to the National Assembly which had formally resumed duties following its inauguration on Tuesday. A source from Buhari’s political party, the All Progressives Congress, APC told Vanguard that the president had had to delay the list because the 8th parliament was yet to come on stream.

However, the list, Saturday Vanguard gathered, would be received by the Clerk of the National Assembly on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki who would then make it available for screening immediately the senate resumes.

It will be recalled that the two chambers of the federal legislature adjourned on Wednesday to resume plenary on June 23.

One of the reasons for the two weeks break was to enable the authorities of the National Assembly to allocate offices for the newly elected lawmakers.

Apart from the Ministerial appointments, the president it was learnt would also make some others necessary appointments. This would include appointment into the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

Meanwhile, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the size of the Ministers may not exceed the constitutional stipulation of 36 which would see each of the 36 States of the federation producing one minister.

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja

•L-R: Former District 404B-2 Governor, Lions International, Lion Chief Stella Agbogun with the District 404B-2 Governor Lion Chief Biodun Adediji, Immediate past Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Chairperson Lions Internationals Services for Children, Lion Otunba Felicia Koleoso and the Permanent Secretary, LTV8 Representative, Mr. Ayo Agbesanya, the Director News during the 2015 Children’s Day Celebrations at LTV in conjunction with the Lions International District404B-2 in Ikeja.

In any case, a source around the president said that some ministries may be merged as a way of improving efficiency, focus and reducing the cost of governance.

It was learnt that Buhari was so keen in assembling a team of technocrats who have proven integrity to work with.

The source however said that president Buhari is under pressure to accommodate his party’s interest to compensate some politicians who worked for the victory of APC at the last general elections.

But it was learnt that the president may not bow to

such pressure.

According to him, what was still uppermost in the mind of the president is to ensure that before the first 100 days in office, security of the country would have been improved.

“President Buhari is so keen in solving the security problem of Nigeria by stamping out Boko Haram.

If you recall since he assumed office, he has not relented. He has travelled to the Neigbouring Niger and Chad. He also attended the G7 meeting in Berlin, Germany.

“In all of those meetings, the security of this country was topmost. I can assure you that soon Nigerians

would heave a big sigh of relief. These efforts would yield positive result. The president knows what he is doing. He equally knows that the first 100 days are very crucial and he is committed to making Nigerians proud of their country. The only thing he needs from Nigerians is their patience.

“On the ministerial list, he wants to get his acts right.

With the inauguration of the National Assembly, the list can be sent to the senate for screening. I can also assure you that Nigerians would appreciate the quality of people that will make the list”, the source said.

Buhari to act on Amnesty Int’l report

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has again reiterated his pledge that his government will closely study the report released recently by Amnesty International, in which top ranking officers of the Nigerian military were accused of gross abuse of human rights.

In a statement friday afternoon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said “The president is quite disturbed by the allegations contained in the report. The next step is to look into the allegations and confirm or disprove the disturbing details.

Amnesty International in its recent report accused some high ranking military officials, including the former Chief of Army staff of violating human rights in its prosecution of the war against terrorism in the north west, an allegation stridently denied by the Nigerian Army.

But in his statement,

Garba Shehu said “President Buhari has already determined that one of the first assignments of the incoming Attorney General of the Federation would be to look into the Amnesty International report and advise the government on an appropriate course of action.

“This is in addition to the internal inquiry he asked the armed services to undertake by

themselves”the President’s aide said.

He also emphasised President Buhari’s commitment to human rights, and his promise that there would be no human rights abuses under his government.

“Any allegation of human rights abuse that takes place during the tenure of President Buhari’s government will be swiftly investigated and dealt with,” he said.

Borno hails USAID N2bn monetary aid to states

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

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HE Chairman of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA), Alhaji Grema Terab has described the whopping $10.5 million (N2.08 billion) aid donated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to Boko Haram insurgency ravaged North-East states as timely intervention in managing humanitarian

crises.

Alhaji Terab; who was reacting yesterday to the $10.5 million USAID financial donation to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, said that the financial aid should attract more supports from donor agencies.

“The US government has done very well and this has given the opportunity to other well-meaning countries all over the world to come to Nigeria’s aid Borno State in particular,” said Terab yesterday in Maiduguri.

New TV soap, Taste of Love’ gets Glo sponsorship

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ASTE of Love, a serialised telenovella on television and cable networks which celebrates love and its attendant challenges has secured the sponsorship of National telecoms carrier, Globacom.

The sponsorship of the 65-episodes- per- quarter soap is to achieve deep customer engagement with a view to connecting the brand to its substantive and would-be customers” Globacom stated in a release in Lagos last Thursday The telenovella is already on AIT at 10-10 30p.m on Saturday and Sunday; Silverbird TV at 7.30-8p.m from Monday to Friday as well as on DSTV Channel 151 from 8.30-9p.m on Monday to Thursday.

According to Globacom, trend seeking youths as well as the middle aged people who may be dealing with issues of business realities or betrayals as it affects them or their loved ones directly will benefit mostly from the programme.

“It is a story of pain, joy, love, betrayal and intrigues that will also provoke the values of Nigeria and give our urban and contemporary audiences good quality televiewing”, the release said.

Ugwuanyi makes key appointments •Congratulates Ekweremadu

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OVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has made key appointments into his administration with former the permanent secretary to the office of the Governor, Mr Gabriel Ajah as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The Governor equally appointed the South East Bureau Chief of the New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Uwakwe Abugu as his Chief Press Secretary and the former Special Assistant to the immediate past Governor on Party matters, Mr. Louis Amoke as his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

Ugwuanyi also announced the appointment of Mr. Sylvanus Onoyima, a former Head of Service and the immediate past Special Adviser to the former Governor on SERVICOM as his Special Adviser on Due Process.

He also directed all Heads and Chief Executives of Government Companies, Parastatals, Boards, Corporations, Commissions and Agencies to submit their operational status and financial reports of their activities from 2011 to date, for more effective administrative purposes.

The Governor, who made the announcement during a parley with journalists, yesterday at the Government House, Enugu, revealed that the lists of his would-be Commissioners, Special Advisers and other immediate appointments are ready and awaiting confirmation of the State House of Assembly.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

B-R-I-E-F-S Okowa appoints four media aides

Salary crisis: Buhari to bail out states D •Benue’s debt burden over N90bn — Gov Ortom

By Peter Duru, MAKURDI OVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has said that President Muhammadu Buhari would extend bailout to states to enable them offset backlog of salaries and liabilities crippling their economic activities across the country.

He made this known yesterday in Makurdi, the state capital, during separate meetings with students and other union leaders from the Benue State University, BSU. Ortom further revealed that his predecessor, Gabriel Suswam left behind a debt burden of over N90 billion for his administration, contrary to the N9.2 billion debt as claimed by the former governor.

Benue is among the distressed states in the country. Others include Osun, Enugu, Kaduna, Plateau and Imo. Most of the states or their local governments are said to be owing between four to six months salaries of workers amounting to several billions of Naira.

However, according to Ortom, “the list of the debt (left behind by Suswam) include N50 billion incurred from ongoing contracts, N18 billion on certificated contracts, N12 billion on salary arrears and about N10 billion for bonds and bank facilities and loans.”

He stated that the President had agreed to avail the states some lifeline but noted that Benue State government had concluded arrangements to borrow funds to pay one month of the backlog of salary arrears across board and to also ensure the take off of both the executive and legislative arms of

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government.

He said the decision was prompted by the need to demonstrate to the state work force that he was determined to address their problems and to persuade striking tertiary institu-tion workers to call off their four-

months-old strike.

Earlier, President of the BSU Students’ Union Government, Bobby Taver-shima, had lamented that students of the university had been at home for four months but assured that they would not do anything to

E A D I N G Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has named music star, TuFace Idibia; rap artiste P h y n o ; and reggae dancehall singer, Patoranking as its Br a n d Ambassadors.

Others are one of Nigeria’s fastest rising comedian, Akpororo and renowned on-airpe r s o n a l i t y , IK Osakioduwa .

The Br a n d Am b a s s a d o r s w e r e unveiled to the public at a star-studded event themed, ‘The Icon,”which held on

ELTA State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has appointed Mr. Jackson Ekwugum as his Communication Manager.

Okowa also appointed Mr Victor Efeizemor, Mr. Ameachi Udemba and Jonathan Onwuka his Press Secretaries, print, electronics and community newspapers respectively.

The three press secretaries are to work closely with the communication manager.

Until his appointment, Mr Victor Efeizomor, who is the son of the Obi of Owa, HRM, Emmanuel Efeizomor II, was a correspondent with ThisDay Newspaper covering Asaba and its environs.

While Mr. Ameachi Udemba was a correspondent with the Channels Television, Mr. Jonathan Onwuka was a reporter with the Ika Weekly Newspaper, a community tabloid.

Oil workers protest non payment of salaries

By Festus Ahon, ASABA

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Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria (middle) with Nigeria’s reggae dancehall superstar, Patoranking; rap impressario, Phyno; Africa’s music legend, TuFace Idibia; renowned master of improvisation & on-air-personality, IK Osakioduwa; and Nigeria’s fastest rising comedian, Akpororo, during their unveiling as Airtel Nigeria’s Smart ICONS on Thursday, at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

EFCC files fresh charges against Sylva in N19.2b fraud

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday filed fresh corruption charges against former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Sylva is charged alongside Francis Okokuro, Gbenga Balogun, and Samuel Ogbuku. They allegedly used three companies – Marlin Maritime Limited, Eat Catering Services Limited, and HaloweenBlue Construction and Logistics Limited to

move about N19.2 billion from Bayelsa State coffers between 2009 and 2012, under false pretense of using the withdrawn money to augment salaries of the state government workers.

The action of the antigraft agency comes two days after Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court dismissed the 42- count charge of stealing brought against Sylva and his co-accused by the EFCC, with the excuse that the prosecution’s application to consolidate the charges against the defendants amounted to

Airtel unveils 2face, Phyno, Patoranking, others as Brand Ambassadors

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jeopardize the administration.

Also, a representative of the National Associa-tion of Nigerian Students, NANS, Gideon Obande appealed to Ortom to clear arrears of bursary owed students in order to alleviate their sufferings.

By Festus Ahon, ASABA

Thursday this week, at MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos.

S p e a k i n g on t h e occasion, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, stated that the new Airtel brand ambassadors, who are tagged Smart Icons are respected members of the society who have d i s t i n g u i s h e d themselves in their respective fields and as a result, have now become forces in the entertainment sector.

He said:“We have carefully selected

ambassadors who embody the values, character and overall image inherent to the Airtel brand, therefore making them a perfect fit for further endearing Airtel to millions of Nigerians whilst strengthening the relationship we have with our customers.”

He added that the selection of the highly talented ambassadors was also meant to encourage the teeming youth population and inspire them towards realizing their dreams.

an abuse of court process.

The Commission faulted the ruling on the grounds that it was premature as the accused persons had not taken any plea before the court.

The action of the trial judge stalled the move by the anti-graft agency to consolidate the charges against the former governor having, days earlier, withdrawn similar charges pending before Justice E.S. Chukwu of the same court.

The anti-graft agency awaits the assignment of the case, to pave way for the arraignment of Sylva and others.

It is not clear if the case would still be assigned to Justice A. R. Mohammed or another judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

ONTRACT staff of the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC attached to the Eriemu oil field, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, have embarked on a protest against the alleged non-payment of their six months’ salaries and bonuses.

The workers, who undertake production operation support, maintenance, security surveillance and housekeeping in the oil field, said “NPDC shall not operate the facilities until they have offset the workers’ entitlements,” reiterating that they will not resume duties until their demands are met.

In a protest letter addressed to the Commanding Officer, 222 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, the workers, under the aegis of Eriemu Field Workers Forum, lamented the deplorable condition allegedly meted on them by the company, listing other grouses to include non-payment of pending arrears “of last year (2014) and this year” as well as the non-provision of Personnel Protective Equipment.

The letter signed by the forum’s Chairman, Mr. Freeborn Adjanakpo and Secretary, Comrade Benjamin Ogbidjara alleged that “NPDC has proposed to hand over surveillance and flow line guards contracts to the communities through the Community Development Board (CDB) in the GMOU so as to enable the communities to pay the surveillance and flow line guards with effect from January, 2015.

NASS leaders’ election will deepen democracy – PDP stalwart

By Ochuko Akuopha, OLEH

S

TALWART of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State, Mr. Tam Odogwu, said yesterday, that the “transparent process” which characterized Tuesday’s election of principal officers’ into the National Assembly would further deepen democracy in the country.

He also congratulated the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator James Manager and the lawmaker representing the Burutu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, on their successful inauguration as members of the eighth National Assembly.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Odogwu held that, “It has not happened in Nigeria’s political history, what the lawmakers did by transparently and maturely electing leaders of their choice. This is a good development that will further strengthen our democratic process.

Wike swears in commissioners, others •Says appointments will always be on merit

R

IVERS State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the composition of his cabinet will be built on capacity, merit and track record of performance, insisting that nobody will be appointed on the platform of mere patronage.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, four commissioners and a

special adviser yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said all those who will serve in his government will have the requisite knowledge to improve the state.

Those sworn in included Mr. Kenneth Kobani, Secretary to the State Government, Engr. Emeka Woke, Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr Emma Okah, Commissioner for Housing, Mr Emmanuel

Aguma, Attorney-General of the state, Mrs Onimim Jack, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Fred Kpakol, Commissioner for Finance and Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor.

He urged the new appointees to get down to work and ensure that they deliver on programmes contained in the administration’s blueprint.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 — 9

BRIEFS Custom officers donate to victims of B/Haram insurgency

Buhari hails Vanguard publisher, says he O is a ‘Gentleman of the Press’ STORIES BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

P

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Chairman/ Publisher of Vanguard, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu on his 80th birthday, hailing him as a real ‘gentleman of the press.’

In a message he personally signed, Buhari said through his various contributions to the Media, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu“ has provided a worthy example on the fruits that professionalism; industry and teamwork to achieve desired goals, can yield to even the humblest and most silent among professionals, as well as the society members with whom they share their lives”.

The letter reads:”The Chairman and Publisher of Vanguard Media Limited, Sam AmukaPemu, turns 80 on Saturday, June 13, 2015.

This event provides an opportunity for me and my family and indeed millions of fellow Nigerians who have in the past three decades been readers of products from media houses with which he has been involved, including the Punch Newspapers, which he started with the late Chief Olu Aboderin, to felicitate with this talented “gentleman of the press”.

“Nigeria has been well served by the presence of the legendary Sam Amuka in the media in the capacity of journalist and columnist with the Daily Times Group, of which he served as Editor of the Sunday Times.

“It is impossible to forget his contributions to the Nigerian public through his famous column, Sad-Sam, which provided millions of compatriots much satirical, literary and even political communication satisfaction.

“The contributions by this veteran journalist to the progress of the Nigerian Press have been manifested not only in the growth and management of the Punch Newspaper and the Vanguard Media Limited, of which he became Chairman and Publisher in 1984, but also the principled positions he has consistently taken on political stability, accountability and the

rule of law.

“These were clearly demonstrated by his promotion of professionalism by the rank and file of the Police, particularly in the conduct of elections and efficient performance of their duties in every part

of the federation.

“Mr. Sam AmukaPemu has provided a worthy example on the fruits that professionalism; industry and teamwork to achieve desired goals, can yield to even the humblest and most silent

among professionals, as well as the society members with whom they share their lives.

“The Federal Government thereof wishes Uncle Sam good health and even more happiness and progress in the years ahead”.

...goes to S/Africa for AU summit

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari will depart Nigeria for South Africa today to attend the 25th African Union where he is expected to chair the meeting of the Peace and Security Committee of the AU Summit.

A statement by Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President

on Media and Publicity, said President Buhari will also be holding a number of bilateral meetings that will consolidate his ongoing drive to secure Nigeria and the neighboring countries from Boko Haram. The meeting will be the first continental meeting by Buhari since he took over after

defeating Goodluck Jonathan in the March Presidential Election.

President Buhari had met with the Presidents of Chad and Niger barely one week after assuming office as president, to express appreciation for the two countries’ support in the fight against terrorism.

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

FFICERS of the Nigerian Customs Service, who tasked themselves and raised numerous relief items from their personal belongings, have donated to victims of Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.

Presenting the items yesterday in Maiduguri, the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller General, Alhaji Tahir Audu Musa, said the officers have voluntarily contributed the relief items gathered from their personal belongings.

“We are here to present you some relief materials that were voluntarily donated by officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service. This is coming from the deep heart of our personnel,” Musa said.

He added that the items were not bought with government’s money, but were voluntarily donated by officers and men of the Nigerian Customs Service.

Igbo community in Kaduna fight over El-Rufa’i

BY AGAJU MADUGBA

T

HE leadership crisis rocking the Igbo community in Kaduna has taken a fresh dimension with splinter groups within the group struggling to get the attention of Governor Nasir ElRufa’i.

In a petition to El-Rufa’i recently, the Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA) alleged that Ohanaeze Ndigbo does not have a branch in Kaduna, under the leadership of Chief Austine Amaechi.

In the petition, the ICWA President, Chris Nnoli, urged El-Rufa’i to ignore an earlier letter from Ohaneze in Kaduna to the Governor, claiming to be the authentic umbrella union of the Igbo community in the area.

According to Nnoli, “it is also necessary to state that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo which Chief Amaechi claims to be President of its Kaduna branch cannot function as a branch of Ohanaeze given the arrangement and spirit of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation which provides for a single Ohanaeze for the Igbo without state or local government branches and with the headquarters in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

Buhari appoints Diana ag-AGF

P

From Left: Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu [rtd], former Lagos State Governor; Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of Oodua People's Congress; Prof Godwin Dara, former Editorial Board Chairman, Guardian Newspaper; Dr Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, President Campaign Democracy and Women Arise; and Smart Debo Adeniran, Chairman Campaign Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), during the “Commemoration of the Annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election” Lecture. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi

Adadamas/Amagus renewed war: 2 killed, 7 injured

T

HE lingering crisis between the Adadama Community in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River and Amagu Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has again claimed the lives of two persons with seven others injured.

About 37 people have been killed, including a Ph. D student and a Youth Corps member beheaded by militants since communal clash broke out over land disputes.

Recently, suspected militants from Amagus again allegedly invaded the Adadama farmland, launching a renewed attack.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that a young farmer named Bassey Ebongor Bassey was beheaded on his

farmland last week, while another farmer within the same axis escaped with bullet wounds, and has since been receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Itigidi.

A few days ago, three more farmers survived another attack with bullet wounds. The farmers were said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

According to a source in the community, the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade and his deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu last Saturday visited the community following a distress call sent to them.

The Deputy Governor, while addressing the war-torn community sued for calm and admonished the people not to retaliate in order to avoid

escalating the crisis.

Esu assured that the state government would deploy security men to quell the crisis, just as he promised to ameliorate the suffering of the people who have been deprived of accessing their farmlands with relief materials from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Furthermore, he assured the people that the new administration shall as a matter of urgency review the matter from where the past administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke stopped and ensure that the two states governments as well as the relevant authorities would bring lasting solution to the over two years lingering crisis.

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, has appointed Mr. Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, as Acting AccountantGeneral of the Federation with effect from June 12, 2015.

Until his appointment as the Acting Accountant-General, Mr. Dikwa was the Director, Funds Department in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Statement from the Office of the AGF yesterday had that Mr. Dikwa would hold the office until a substantive Accountant-General is appointed.

Mr. Dikwa has Bachelor of Science Degree in Accountancy and Master in Business Administration and Finance.

He had attended the Senior Executive Course 34, 2014 at the National Institute of for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. He was awarded Certificates in Public Finance Management Reforms, Leadership and Governance, High Performance Leadership Programme and Treasury Management at the Harvard University USA, University of Cambridge, Oxford University UK and Thames Valley University UK respectively.

Anambra gets another female speaker

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

NOTHER female legislator emerged yesterday as the speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

She is Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, Member representing Nnewi South 11 Constituency.

She took over from Mrs. Clair Nwebili who has already been made a commissioner after her unsuccessful bid to become a member of the House of Representatives.

Maduagwu’s ascension as the speaker made her the third woman to occupy the position since the commencement of the present democratic dispensation.

The other female speaker was Mrs. Eucharia Azodo, who is currently a member of the House of Representatives.

At the inauguration of the sixth state assembly yesterday, Anambra State Governor Chief Willie Obiano charged the legislators to see themselves as representing their entire constituency rather than the political party which brought them to power. While congratulating the 30- member legislature on their individual victory at the polls, Obiano reminded them that the period of electioneering campaign was over, adding that what was before the state now was the task of development.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

C M Y K

SATURDAY

•Oyegun

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—11

•Tinubu

When

APCfought

against itself •President Buhari

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

T

he controversy tailing the election of leaders of the 8th National Assembly may have been consequent upon the mistakes made by the national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC. This sounds incredible. It was unexpected. Was it a coup, a broad day light robbery or just a fate? What fate? Why would the party suffer to wash its hands clean only to crack the C M Y K

palm kernel for its “enemy?”

Complacency: that is the party’s funeral. The APC returned from a war called election. Yes, it recorded a landslide victory but later went to sleep. The worst was that the party thought that having produced the president, General Mohammadu Buhari who was successfully sworn in on May 29, every other thing would be given for the asking of it.

But that was a lie, a huge one at that. Before now, there were other hurdles to cross. The Senate

presidency and the Speakership of the House of Representatives were the hurdles. Those offices needed to be filled and it would naturally take the form of an election, any kind of election to fill them. And APC knew that. They also knew that they had the out-gone ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, their “enemy” to contend with. But it is either they were completely oblivious of this fact or that they took things for granted.

Yes, they did. That was why the

party that should have continued to square up against a common enemy until victory was finally achieved completely threw caution to the winds and and started an all out, in-house war with itself, refusing to learn from the terrible mistakes of the PDP. Internal partisanship, subtle discrimination, individual superiority, skewed political idiosyncrasies; these are some of

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

The coronation day

•Saraki

Continues from page 11 the mistakes. Otherwise, how can anyone justify the unprecedented level of intrigues, horse-trading and mudslinging that played out amongst members of the party, just because there was an upcoming election into the offices of senate president and House Speaker of the 8th National Assembly?

That someone so high in the party had a tenacious interest in the offices doesn’t mean that everyone else’s interest should not be given even the minutest consideration. That someone so mighty had interest in one or two persons, positioning them for the offices should not have caused a sharp division and hatred among party members, senatorselect and members-elect (as they were then called). That meetings after meetings were summoned by the party leadership should not have being to take sides with some preferred choices and jettison the others with perhaps, less vocal prowess in the party affairs. That some one so powerful helped to install a president shouldn’t have made him the lord of the manor.

In democracy, you don’t foist or impose your unilateral decisions on others and damn them. You make seek opinions in the consideration of the atmospherics. Politics is about give and take. It is about compromises. Sometimes, you can even forgo their ambitions especially when they run at variance with popular but to you unpopular views.

But that wasn’t the case in APC as far as the National Assembly leadership election was concerned.

Anyone who says it was, is being economical with the truth.

At a time in APC, both Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara who are now Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively were seen in most quarters of party as enemies just because they were “stubborn”, yes, positively stubborn with their ambitions.

Now, the picture is even clearer. In C M Y K

•Dogara case you do not know, they are not only recalcitrant but rebels, the black sheep of the family. You can bet this to emanate from the mouths of most party members who have chosen to be lackeys and also subservient of the powers-thatbe in the party.

How it all started April 22, 2015 proved a troubled day for APC hierarchy. President Mohammadu Buhari, and his vice Professor Yemi Osibanjo, both in their former garb of president and Vice President-elect together with a horde of other party national leaders had some difficulty in taking a decision on which geopolitical zones that would produce the senate president and the speaker of the House. They were louder on the senate

president and the party subtly zoned it to the North central.

No one had qualms with that.

It was voted and immediately Senator Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Kwara State and his colleague senate who was also a two term governor of Benue State and in fact, the minority leader of the 7th Senate, George Akume declared their ambition.

What came as a rude shock however was the sudden interest of the south west in the speakership of the House after the meeting had shown predilection for north east.Then, the horse-trading began. Dogara, a Minority Christain from Bauchi State was massively favored for the position of the speaker was almost written off at the beginning.

But when it became obvious that his candidacy was gathering momentum and that some artificial issues were working against the preferred choice of the big people in APC, they shifted their interest to north east. Destination: Yobe

State and Senator Ahmed Lawan

knowing that Gbajabiamila’s candidacy was not “marketable”.

Yet, the party was not done in its desperation to produce a Gbajabiamila as speaker and a Lawan as senate president.

Again, they scheduled for an emergency meeting all of members-elect of the National Assembly on June 4 at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja. But it failed.

The party was to later say it was put off due to the valedictory session of the 7th Senate and rescheduled it for Saturday Saturday, June 6.

The rescheduled meeting eventually held, but not without a provocation to many members of the House who staged a walk out. Dogara and his supporters left the hall and the meeting eventually produced Gbajabimila and Lawan as APC official candidates for the offices through a mock or straw poll.

But that was to the dissatisfaction of Dogara’s camp who felt “ambushed” as they were not told an election would hold to mobilize their supporters. Despite the “defeat”, they trudged on.

•Shuaibu Philips was picked. But that was apparently not in good faith. It was seen by many people as a move to dislodge Dogara since it was not possible for the senate presidency and speakership to be given to one particular zone.

Already, the south west, particularly Lagos state through the instrumentality of a powerful party leader had thrown up Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the great contest for the office of Speaker.

Indeed, everything was put into project just as Lawan also had everything from his paymasters to secure the seat of senate president.

Retreats as campaign grounds For one, no one expected the preinauguration retreats organized by the APC leadership for the senators-elect to turn to campaign grounds. Held at Ibeto Hotels in Abuja, the event was well attended.

But the hall became empty mid way into paper presentation when Senator Banabas Gemade, leader of Unity Forum alongside senators of like minds called for a press conference and endorsed Lawan and Akume as their choices for senate presidency and deputy respectively.

The development rattled Saraki’s camp and within hours, the camp organized theirs and got over 30 signatures for Saraki.

The same scenario also played out at Rockview Hotel, venue for House Members-Elect retreat.

Even before the meeting started, Hon. Mohammed Monguno from Borno had called a press conference and announced his withdrawal from the speakership race for Gbajabiamila. He however pitched tent with the office of the deputy Speaker. And you can bet that fliers and all sorts of campaign items for Gbajabiamila were handy.

Later that day, Gbajagbiamila accepted Monguno’s withdrawal.

But in all these, Dogara’s supporters were firm and resisted every overtures made to them. This placed the party on tenterhooks,

Clearly, both the gods and the people rejected senators Lawan and Akume.

Otherwise, how can anyone believe that on the coronation day, both men were not anywhere around the palace? They clearly behaved like the foolish 5 virgins who went to search for oil at night after they had waited patiently for the celebrant

Meetings with Buhari, Osibanjo—the last straw On Monday, the eve of the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly, also the day of the election of the leadership, another meeting was also summoned apparently to tame the recalcitrant Dogara, Saraki and co. This time, with the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo but no one showed up.

Apparently perturbed by Dogara and Saraki’s resilience and alliance with the opposition PDP lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly, another meeting was scheduled with the all APC senators and members-elect.

This time, the organizers went a little further in their craftiness.

They cleverly involved President Mohammadu Buhari, the man who had just arrived the country barley 5 hours after an exhaustive session with the G7 in Berlin, Germany.

But then, they were in for the worst shocker. Unknowingly.

The coronation day In a warfare, surprise can beat even the strongest. And this, exactly, was what played out at the National Assembly on Tuesday. Clearly, both the gods and the people rejected senators Lawan and Akume. Otherwise, how can anyone believe that on the coronation day, both men were not anywhere around the palace? They clearly behaved like the foolish 5 virgins who went to search for oil at night after they had waited patiently for the celebrant. Just when they stepped out, the ceremony started and the doors were shot.

And that was it.

Lawan and Akume who had campaigned so vigorously for the offices were not even around on the Election Day. Where were they? At the ICC with their masters as loyal party men waiting for the arrival of president Buhari when elections were going on at the senate.

In fact, anyone who saw the

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—13

Continues from page 12 national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu immediately words reached them that Saraki and senator Ike Ekwerenmadu had been elected senate president and deputy senate president would agree that the blood of an old man can be so hot when he is angry.

Upon hearing the news, Tinubu up mechanically began to pace about in fury, clearly avoiding some Journalists who rushed to him to ascertain what the next move would be. It took the blockage, nay human shield immediately formed around him by papa Bisi Akande to stop Journalists.

But the Saraki had already become the president. Unbelievable!!!

Meanwhile, even if Buhari was there at the time, his presence would not have limited the speed with which the members-elect who were at the meeting ran back to the House.

Indeed, both Gbajabiamila and Dogara got lucky that the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Salisu Maikasuwa started with the senate election first. Otherwise, that same fate would have befallen one of them.

Our party should accept their mistake—Hon. Philips Hon. Shuaibu Philips, a first timer on the Inauguration Day made history by seconding the motion that nominated Gbajabiamila.

But later in a reaction, he told Vanguard that APC made a mistake and should accept their mistakes.

He said: “The reaction is positive because members spoke in a loud voice though the contest was very close. For the the closeness also showed that APC has men of integrity and honour that the 8th assembly members can rally round. For Femi and him to have that close contest, 8 votes separating them shows that two of them are men of integrity and since one of the two won, it is left for all of us to support Dogara to make sure that he succeeds because if Dogara succeeds, APC succeeds. For me, I feel that what has happened is democracy at play. May be, APC members that conducted the polls that brought in Femi did not see what other members saw. May be that was why the poll went that way and for me, it is accepted and we should all rally round Dogara and I am he will do well.

“I agreed with that. I participated in the poll because the party wanted us to do that. For me, at the time it came it was not necessary. That’s my candidate opinion but I have to respect the wish if the party doing.

But in my personal opinion, if something should have happened, it should have happened earlier. For me, our leadership should take responsibility first. We should remember now that we are no longer an opposition. We are now the ruling party and we should act like one. I think we are still behaving like the opposition party and that also played out in the whole thing. But I am sure we will learn by this experience.

“The party has not declared it unacceptable. I am part of the party. I am a member of the party. The party has not called us to a meeting to discuss it yet. I am sure that when the party calls us to discuss it, this issue will be settled without any major rancour. It is obvious that one or two persons may not have done the wish of the party but at the sane thing, the party should a,so look at from the point of a learning process. The blame should be thrown to both sides. The party on its own side did not provide enough leadership. That’s the way I feel and with due respect to my party, C M Y K

•Gbajabiamila

•Akume

•Lawan

President Buhari’s disturbing silence since we didn’t show enough leadership, I think we should all embrace that there were leadership and talk to ourselves and at the end of the day correct all those mistakes. Th truth is that what Nigerians expect from us is not leadership tussle. What they expect from us is that change they voted for and what is that change: that from darkness, they now want light.

And that from unemployment, they now want employment; that from no water to availability of water; from an economy that has dwindled to a better economy. That is what Nigerians are waiting for.

And I think the earlier we cut down on who is the Speaker, who is the Senate president, better for us.

Was the election an attempt to whittle Tinubu’s power?

This is the question on the lips of most keen observers. For sure, Tinubu possess enormous power in APC. The Vice President was his candidate. To many people, allowing him to produce the speaker of the House and senate president would make him more powerful. With that he could do anything.

Court action Meanwhile, Lawan and Akume’s group on Wednesday threatened court action against Saraki. But Would that play out? The days ahead hold the answer.

Gbajabiamila, Mongonu accept defea, pledge support to Dogara’s speakership While the senators who lost power in the power game are threatening a court action, the duo of Gbajabiamila and Mongonu who were roundly beaten have accepted their fate with equanimity and pledged to work with Dogara for

the interest of the nation. Both made the pledged on Thursday when they led their supporters to the APC national secretariat.

Gbajabiamila:said: “We have just gone through an election in the House, so we came to meet with the party regarding the election and how the party is going to remain strong and united and move forward so that we can deliver the deliverables and programme of the party through the House.

“Go to court for what? I don’t know about the senate. I can only speak about the House. Nothing happened in the House.

“We will work with the leadership of the House and the speaker, for long that the party’s programme are properly articulated and pursued on the floor of the House. We will work with the leader of the House. He is an APC member. He is not the Speaker of the APC. He is the speaker of the whole House.”

Asked if he was in support of the party’s position to take disciplinary action against the erring members, the former Minority leader of 7th House of Representatives said “That is the prerogative of the party. All I know is that in every association, there must be discipline. Whatever the party decides to do, that is for the party. It is not for me.”

Similarly, Hon. Mohammed Monguno who ran for the office of the House deputy speaker from Gbajabiamila’s camp but lost to Yusuf also told Journalists they would allow peace to reign in the interest of the nation.

He however regretted that some members of the party ignored APC’s decision.

“Some members refused to respect the decision of the party and went to the floor of the House to conduct an election where with the support of

In fact, anyone who saw the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu immediately words reached them that Saraki and senator Ike Ekwerenmadu had been elected senate president and deputy senate president would agree that the blood of an old man can be so hot when he is angry

majority of PDP members, some people emerged as Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives. As it is now, that is a reality that is on ground and we have to deal with it.

“We will not take any step that is going to affect the interest, peace, order and good governance of this country. The emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly is a reality on ground and far as the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria is concerned, we have to deal with the reality on ground particularly the leadership of the House of Representatives”, he said.

President Buhari’s disturbing silence Meanwhile, not a few party men and women are currently disturbed by the silence of president Mohammadu Buhari on the matter.

Many had expected that he, being the leader of the party, could influence party’s choice. Even before the election Buhari made it he would not interfere in the National Assembly elections.

He kept his words. And this has elicited several subtle feelings in many people who are persuaded to think that a conspiracy of some sort may have occurred. But to be fair to Buhari, anyone who reasons this way is yet to understand the president when he repeatedly said he had no candidate for the National Assembly top jobs and was not not backing anyone. The person may not have also understood Buhari when during his inauguration he echoed that he belonged to no one but everyone.

For him, he would work with any one who emerged. And it is assumed he would have no problems working with the leaders that have emerged irrespective of party affiliations.

Last line From all indications, it appears that though “change” is APC’s motto, the party is yet to fully grasp the meaning. For Buhari, the repented soldier turned democrat, change has come and never would things be done as usual again. The earlier the party understands this, the better for them and Nigerians. APC should accept what has happened and provide governance for the country.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

BY HENRY UMORU

I

T was a new twist to Nigeria’s democratic landscape since the return to civilian rule in 1999 with two different parties producing a President of the Senate and the Deputy President of the Senate. While the ruling party and the one with majority, the All Progressives Congress, APC produced Senator Bukola Saraki as President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was elected the Deputy President of the Senate.

Members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives rejected the position of the ruling party on who should be the President of the Senate, the deputy, Speaker and the deputy. In what could be described as a replay of the 2011 political scenario when former Speaker, House of Representatives and governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and the 2015 Imo State governorship candidate on the platform of PDP, Emeke Ihedioha revolted against the zoning formula of the Party and with the support of members and some major players in the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, they emerged as speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively.

On Tuesday this week, the earlier position of APC to have Senator Ahmed Lawan and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives was jettisoned as both Saraki and Dogara defied the APC and contested for the positions. At the end of the day, candidates of the APC leadership lost as Senator Bukola Saraki from Kwara State, North Central emerged as Senate President with Senator Ike Ekweremadu from Enugu, South East retaining his position as Deputy Senate President even as a member C M Y K

Why is APC opposing this positive CHANGE? Top PDP members hail Saraki, Dogara emergence

•Sen Ike Ekweremadu of the opposition party.

Honourable Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State, North East emerged as Speaker, House of Representatives while Honourable Yusuf Lasun Suleiman from Osun State, South West was elected Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives.

Notable leaders, Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who

•Hon Yusuf Lasun Suleiman spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the development include former Minister of Defence and Acting Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed; former National Chairman, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor; former PDP deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; member BoT and former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope; member BoT and

former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih; former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Tunde Lakoju; National Vice Chairman, South South, Dr. Cairo Ojuigboh; Immediate past Special Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie.

The earlier position of APC to have Senator Ahmed Lawan and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as President of the Senate and Speaker, House of Representatives was jettisoned as both Saraki and Dogara defied the APC and contested for the positions Continues on page 15

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—15

Continues from page 14

It’s Democracy in Action, APC must not Interfere in NASS —Bello Haliru

Mohammed

Former Acting National Chairman of PDP, past Minister of Defence and Acting Chairman of PDP BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed said, “ What happened at the National Assembly this Tuesday was a case of “Democracy in Action”. It confirmed that our democracy is working in top gear despite the attempt of some anti-democratic elements to subvert it in their attempt to impose their will on the members of the National Assembly. We, in the PDP, are very pleased that the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives were able to choose their leaders in a true democratic fashion according to the dictates of the constitution of Nigeria and the standing rules of the House and the Senate.

“We commend President Buhari for taking a stand of non-interference in line with the constitutional guarantee of separation of powers and independence of the legislature. We however warn the leadership of the ruling party to avoid the dangers inherent in their tendency to interfere in the affairs of the legislature in their attempt to dictate the pace and direction under the guise of “party supremacy”. They should take note that the emphasis in the 8th National Assembly is the word “National”.

“The ruling party is no more a stake holder than the PDP, other political parties and the masses of the constituents as represented by the Members and Senators. The PDP will always stand up to protect the freedom of the National Assembly to legislate in the overall national interest; free from interference and the dictatorial antics of the so called “leaders”.

Tunde Lakoju Former member, House of Representatives, PDP leader and a federal Commissioner at the National Population Commission, NPC, Dr. Tunde Lakoju said, “Some APC leaders are busy building political and economic empires instead of building a political party that was hurriedly put together. Strange bedfellows, like a bowl of salad without cream. President Buhari is an ideological stranger in that contraption. Am scared for him and for Nigeria.

“For PDP, there is still serious work to do. By the time all the betrayals and impositions are carefully analysed and sincerely dealt with, the party can rise again very rapidly too. PDP can benefit immensely from the developments in the National Assembly, but it must first purge itself.”

APC will crumb like pack of cards because it has no foundation —Cairo Ojuigboh

C M Y K

National Vice Chairman of PDP, South South geo- political zone, Dr. Cairo Ojuigboh said, “ PDP is restructuring and reinventing itself.

The impediment binding proper political engineering within the PDP from playing normal politics for the good of Nigeria is being addressed.

Nigerians should not expect much from APC because it is not a Party, but an almagamation of political insolvent elements devoid of a course

•Haliru Mohammed other than to grab power,advance corruption and loot the treasury.

Mark my words, APC will crumb like pack of cards because it has no foundation. Nigerians will be tired of this angry people contraption “APC” soon.”

Saraki, A round peg in a round hole - Ogbulafor

Former PDP National Chairman Prince Vincent Ogbulafor said, “I’m happy for Senator Bukola Saraki as president of the Senate . A round peg in a round hole. A man with the requisite experience who will work harmoniously with all the elected leaders of the National Assembly and the President in the interest of Nigeria ‘ s nascent democracy . With Senator Saraki , there will be no victor no vanquished . God loves Nigeria .”

A combination of Saraki, Ekweremadu will stop Parochialism — Babatope

•Vincent Ogbulafor

Oyedokun

Alhaji Shuib Oyedokun who was Deputy National Chairman of PDP and he is a member of PDP NEC and BoT described what happened thus, “That was political maturity and dexterity at play for those who know the game better. That was in the true spirit of the presidential system that freely brings out the best admixture of diverse tendencies in the common interest of all, away from the ugly culture of imposition and winner - takes all syndrome . This provides a solid platform for PDP’s revival. A lesson to all, a lesson for APC that those who are too clever sometimes overreach themselves. Remember also NEMESIS and the law of karma. I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari as the greatest beneficiary of this divine development as this provides a cooperative Parliament. This is an element of change.

National Assembly is maturing — Alkali

Member PDP BoT, National Executive Committee, NEC and former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said, “What happened on the floor of the National Assembly was an act of God. God designed it to help Nigerians advance the cause of Democracy. Politicians in Nigeria will learn lessons from the event. The combination of Saraki of the APC and Ike Ekweremadu of PDP will help stop parochialism in politics.”

Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali who was the former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, served the immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan as the Special Adviser, Political Affairs. He said, “Let me start by congratulating Sen. Bukola Saraki, Sen Ike Ekweremadu, Hon Yakubu Dogara and Hon Yusuf Sulaimon Lasun for their well-deserved emergence as the new leaders of the National Assembly. Clearly the events of yesterday have shown that one of the pillars of democracy, the National Assembly is maturing and this is precisely what Nigeria and Nigerians need.”

A LESSON FOR APC: Those too clever sometimes overreach themselves —Shuaib

No single individual or group of individuals can be abo ve the PPar ar ty ttoo above arty subver subvertt the decision of

•Ebenezer Babatope

the PPar ar ty arty ty,, Josephine Anenih

Iyom Josephine Anenih, Pioneer National Woman leader of PDP and former Minister of Women Affairs “ “What happened at the National Assembly ( Tuesday) has been hailed by some people as a triumph of democracy, and by some as legislative independence.

We now have a National Assembly whose members cannot defend the ideals of their respective parties that are of no national interest.

“For the opposition Party, it is good for them that they are in a strong position in the Senate. It will be easier to oppose from inside. They cannot be treated as under dogs. We will have a senate where the minority is indeed in charge. It is good for PDP, but very bad for APC. We just have to wait and see how it works out. I hope it works out good for Nigerians.

“The President has said he is prepared to work with which ever leadership that emerges in the National Assembly. I hope the leadership of the National Assembly will make it easy for the President to work with them in the best interest of the Nigerian masses who earnestly yearn for good governance. I do not know what will happen when politicians succeed in destroying political parties that were supposed to be one of the institutions for maintaining and deepening democracy.”

Buhari’s seed of peace at NASS must be watered, Senator Owie

Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie said, “ I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari for non - interference in National Assembly( NASS) Affairs in the election of their officers as was the case during the years of political holocaust of 1999-2007, ending with the ill- fated third term.

President Buhari has started well and the seed of peace which Buhari has sown must be watered by NASS members in particular and Nigerians in general.”

There are flaws in APC that PDP can take advantage, Chris Ekpenyong

•Cairo

•Prof Alkali

Founding member of PDP and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Chris Ekpenyong said, “I must comment that the development at the national assembly clearly shows political maturity on the part of our national assembly men and women. It is also a serious indication that PDP is still intact and not relegated.

The APC took PDP for granted because of its minority position, but the PDP, in turn, took advantage of APC’s divided house, dovetailed and made fortune out of it.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

•Lai Mohammed

You Tambuwaled Me, I Sarakied You

BY ZACHEAUS ADEBAYO

“Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker…. The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its individual members. Consequently, the APC leadership is meeting in a bid to re-establish discipline in the party and to mete out the necessary sanctions to all those involved in what is nothing but a monumental act of indiscipline and betrayal to subject the party to ridicule and create obstacles for the new administration… There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party” .

-Alh Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secetary, APC

U

nless you saw the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gallantly defend the party’s position on national televisions, you would hardly believe that he indeed issued the statement, which excerpts I quoted above. It is a typical case of talking from both sides of the mouth.

It is easily recalled that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN’s spokesman applauded when Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal beat Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola blue and black against the zoning formula and directive of the former ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP through ACN’s conspiracy with some ‘rebellious’ PDP lawmakers.

C M Y K

It was all about Ahmed Bola Tinubu ensuring that the PDP did not have any rallying point in the South West and also to trigger internal discord. And indeed, the PDP and Jonathan’s administration never recovered from that blow.

Fast-forward to October 2015 when Tambuwal defected from the PDP to the APC. Again, hear Lai Mohammed: “I must say that this historic development means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic. On a more serious note, we welcome the defection of Tambuwal to APC. With this defection, APC has now taken the leadership of one arm of the national legislature. We think that having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a

•Bola Tinubu

Furthermore, APC’s tantrums over the election of Senator Ike Ekweremadi as the Deputy Senate President make them all the more bad losers

balanced setting in government and it’s good for democracy”.

Citing the example of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) accord in which the ruling party, the NPN, shared the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, NASS, he enthused: “When the accord concordia broke down, the then Speaker, Chief Edwin Umezoke, did not relinquish his position.

Those who are saying that this has not happened before and that Tambuwal should step aside as speaker, do not have the backing of history and the constitution”.

Today, the former Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is also crying foul. Hear him on Tambuwal’s defection: “We welcome and applaud the speaker’s decision… We are proud to acknowledge that the speaker remains not only a member of the House of Representatives but also

•Aminu Tambuwal its speaker. This position is consistent with the law and practice in a presidential system of government and Nigeria is no different. For the avoidance of doubt, the constitution requires only that the speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Representatives shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves. As a caucus, we pledge our continued support to the current leadership of the House of Representatives”.

Also, speaking at the APC Special Convention on October 29, 2015, the now incumbent President praised Hon. Tambuwal to the high heavens for defecting to APC and smartly retaining his office by shutting down House. Buhari’s exact words: “We will like to thank Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal for what he did yesterday. We were overwhelmed. Taking such a remarkable risk and sending everybody on holidays till December is an

Continues on page 17

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—17

•Ahmad Lawan Continues from page 16 achievement”.

In view of all these, one wonders what moral grounds the APC cries blue murder over the successful democratic revolution that took place at the NASS on June 9 against impunity. It is an incident that has further bared the ugly underbelly and hypocrisy among the APC leaders.

Meanwhile, Section 50 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides: “There shall be:(a) a President and a Deputy President of the Senate, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves; and (b) a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves”. So, what are the sins of the Senators and Honourable Members except that they simply obeyed the constitution, and spurned the selfish impositions by the APC godfathers.

Nothing could be more irresponsible and politically naive than the protest by the APC that the whole nation and the Senators-elect should have waited for them to conclude their breakfast meeting before going into the business of electing the presiding officers of the Senate. The NASS elections were held on March 28. If they could not put their house in order in 72 days, why should a nation be held to ransom because of the manipulations of some power-greedy politicians?

More so, when President Buhari had since sent the Proclamation of the 8th Assembly to the Clerk to the National Assembly, directing C M Y K

•Femi Gbajabiamila

•George Akume

You Tambuwaled Me, I Sarakied You him to perform the ceremony at 10am. The APC breakfast meeting and the inauguration of the NASS, which was more important?

Rather than complain that the Senate was inaugurated without a full compliments of APC Senators-elect, APC leadership should rather be grateful to PDP Senators for being honourable gentlemen and women. With an overwhelming number of PDP Senators in the chamber at the time the exercise began at past 10am, nothing stopped them from electing one of their own to take over the Senate. But they still delivered an APC Senate President. Could the APC have been this magnanimous?

Again, even if all the APC Senators were present, what difference could they have made when their house was already sharply divided between Senator Ahmed Lawn and Senator Bukola Saraki, while the PDP bloc votes were pledged to the later? To drive the point home, APC even stood far better chances of having their way in the House of Reps, but what difference did their full compliments make when PDP’s block votes ensured that Gbajabiamila was floored?

The APC’s problem is that some power mongers do not seem to understand that the National Assembly belongs to all Nigerians, not the APC

Furthermore, APC’s tantrums over the election of Senator Ike Ekweremadi as the Deputy Senate President make them all the more bad losers. When Tambuwal retained headship of the House of Reps after defecting to a minority party, the APC, didn’t Lai Mohammed say that “it means that our democracy is growing by the day and it is dynamic”? Didn’t he say that “having the head of the legislature from the opposition party makes for a balanced setting in government”? Section 50 of the 1999 Constitution does not expressly say that the presiding officers must come from the ruling party. So, Tambuwal’s defection to APC with PDP’s mandate can’t be right, while Ekweremadu’s democratic election as Deputy Senate President is wrong.

Again, if the APC has chosen to term it as an “unholy alliance”, the combination of the APC and PDP forces that produced the Saraki/Ekweremadu Senate presidency, it needs to be reminded that it first committed even a worse ‘unholy alliance’ in Benue State House of Assembly four days earlier when it connived with some PDP lawmakers to elect APC’s Hon. Terkimbi

Ikyange Speaker of a House where the PDP is in majority, while the PDP made do with only the Deputy Speaker Hon. James Okefe Ejembi. Ikyange beat PDP’s Hon Ucha to the Speakership. In Plateau State, Hon. Peter Azi of the APC was also elected Speaker of the 24Member State Assembly whereas the PDP is in majority with 13 seats.

The APC’s problem is that some power mongers do not seem to understand that the National Assembly belongs to all Nigerians, not the APC. It is not a must that whomever the majority party anoints for Senate President, Speaker, etc must go unopposed because whoever is elected as Senate President, for instance, will be Senate President of all Nigerians, not Senate President of the APC. Rather behave like a bull in a China shop or become too petty like Senator Oluremi Tinubu who snubbed Senator Saraki’s handshake, the APC should blame itself for not heeding sound pieces of advise on the composition of the National Assembly leadership, preferring to chop alone amid impositions. For instance, I warned in a widely published article “The Impropriety of an all-North Senate Presidency” that the “APC must be reminded that it is gambling away its goodwill so fast and its lack of sense of justice and equity could be the straw that might break its back”.

I continued: “Concerning the Senate in particular, I am deeply surprised that the APC leaders are playing the ostrich, burying their heads in the sand of greed and powergrab instead of taking a realistic evaluation of the situation…. With 59 Senators (that is, minus late Senator Zanna) against PDP’s 49, the APC cannot just do what it likes with the Senate because it does not enjoy the kind of majority PDP used to enjoy”.

You cannot just fly a LawanAkume ticket and expect everybody, including the 32 Senators from the South East and South South to clap for you simply because you are the majority party.

APC should stop playing the bad losers. What goes round comes around. If ACN (now APC) elements Tambuwaled the PDP in 2011, the PDP also has the right to Saraki, and even Dogara and Ekweremadu the APC. Enough of this hypocrisy!

*Adebayo writes from Ibadan

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

wants to appoint SSA or Aid should get a clearance from him. He seems to be well focused.

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

N

ational affairs commentator, Jimi Disi was on Classic FM for his usual Front Page News analysis, a review of newspaper stories and said the following on Wednesday, June 10 edition: On the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President when some APC members including Senators-elect were at the International Conference Center for a purported meeting with President Buhari: “...It was said that Buhari didn’t call the meeting, then who did? These are the questions but I don’t want to delve much into it. How can an election be fixed for 10 am and on the same day a message flies in that a meeting with the President will hold at 9 am and there was no news about the rescheduling of the election?

I think that Saraki read the whole thing well and outwitted them. I read a reaction that says APC rejects Saraki- Dogara’s victory. The ultimate leader of the party is the President.

He has recognized Saraki and Dogara. So who are the APC that are rejecting their victory? The Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has congratulated them. I once told you that these various groups have gone back to the trenches.

Lai Mohammed’s statement described Saraki’s style treacherous That is a tough one. It is treachery. But sometimes in politics, that is the name of the game. It is not a decent thing to have done but in politics, to a large extent, this is good.

House of Representative tussle Hon. Gbajabiamila was there. The truth is that the APC is not a tidy arrangement. That is what it is. Immediately they got victory, everybody went back to the trenches, they went back to their various groups.

And the ultimate target of all these was The Jagaba. The groups within the APC who want to whittle down his influence and I also said it last week and even yesterday that he has gotten to a level when the ovation is loudest in his political ambition. I believe he should have taken a quiet back step in all these. For example, he was responsible for what happened to Hon. Gbajabiamila. Ten members from the House of Representatives yesterday were interviewed on television and all their basic point was they did not want a speaker who would be C M Y K

Fuel crisis I don’t know when we will get over this fuel crisis but I hear that some part of the East is almost a total shut down as far as fuel is concerned. I just wish we knew the intention of this government by now. The week is almost running to an end and we are still where we were two weeks back.

*Jimi Disi

APC members have returned to the trenches — Jimi Disu

controlled from one man’s sitting room. And we all understand what that means. . . Now Buhari has a Senate President he can do business with, he has a House of Representative Speaker he can do business with, he has House of Representative members he can do business with, people who will not be on his neck. There is something called perception and the distance between perception and reality is very close. The President should feel much better. Tinubu’s influence is what is causing all these and I don’t think he(Tinubu) has handled it quite well.

Saraki and Dogara are both APC members. Elections were conducted to pick a Speaker and the President of the Senate in the National Assembly not in the party. If the party wants a candidate, they should tidy up their act.

Will Senator Bukola Saraki last on the seat?

Tambuwal did exactly the same thing and he lasted four years. Saraki is a fantastic politician in terms of depth moves.

Chief Bode George’s comment.

Chief Bode George, a former Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party PDP said that with the National Assembly election Tinubu’s

Chief Bode George, a former Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party PDP said that with the National Assembly election Tinubu’s political career was over

political career was over.

The former deputy chairman also added that Tinubu should have stopped after he successfully nominated Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as the Vice President and picking a Yoruba person as Speaker would backfire.

Jimi Disu’s reaction to this: “I know that Chief Bode George will gloat over a thing like this and I think if Asiwaju considers this statement and other developments, he might also do a rethink about his strategy and come up with something else. I mean Tinubu should take a back step and let other things revolve. I do not like the godfather element and monuments in politics. I believe in fair and square but you cannot ignore his political contributions.

Reduction of Ministries from 19 to 13 by the Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufia El Rufia just yesterday(Tuesday) told the Emirs that he will no longer allocate fertilizers to them.

You all know what the fertilizer is. And this is a cheering news and he has also cut his salary by 50%.

The Governor said this was intended to cut cost of governance and improve services. I also heard that any Commissioner who

Back to APC There is a division in the APC party. The President is leader of any party that produces the President. That is the norm. In every state for example, the governor is the leader of the party in that state . There is always a party chairman but the governor is the leader of the party in every state where the party is in control. At Federal level, the President is or should be the leader of the party. That is the tradition, I am not talking constitution now. If Buhari has accepted the leadership of the National Assembly which other party leadership are we saying has dissented? ... I hope the APC arrangement doesn’t fall apart because the cracks are widening. I know a couple of people who are close to this gentleman (Tinubu) who have told him he needs to be careful.

Because there is a fear of him, people know what he (Tinubu) can do if he is allowed to use his influence.

In any situation of every human endeavour, one must learn when to back down.

He was the governor for eight years, and governor for another eight years and another eight years probably. Nobody wants to be at the mercy of another person in today’s modern politics. The world has changed. The days of godfather have gone.

Everybody wants their wish done and recognized. But you must recognise his great contributions.

On education vis a vis unemployment He said “there are two sides to unemployment in Nigeria. We have lots of unemployed people and also unemployable graduates. Therefore, creating more universities without enhancing the ones in existence, without setting standards is worsening unemployment. We need to deemphasize what I call “paper qualification”. We need to move from the belief that every child must be a graduate. Kids should have different styles of skills. That is why we do not have trained mechanics and the rest.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—19

•Kogi State Gov. Idris Wada

BY BOLUWA OBAHOPO, LOKOJA

T

he increasing rate of kidnapping in Kogi has turned the state into an haven of kidnapping. The cries of residents are disheartening. From the Kogi Central Senatorial axis to the Eastern flank of the state, the gory tales of kidnapping have become a recurring decimal.

Even the Western Senatorial axis that seemed to be free from such dastardly acts has recorded its own fair share of kidnapping tales.

Since 2013, when kidnapping began to sow seed in the state, the rate has continued to increase unabated.

Previous Commissioners of Police, just like the present one, Mr. Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi had spoken tough against the perpetrators of the acts, but the threats appeared to have made no impact as kidnappers, on each passing day, seem to be on top of their game.

In recent times, the state has apparently equalled the trend of kidnapping common with its counterpart states in the Southern parts of the country, especially South-East and South-South, where kidnapping is almost a daily occurrence.

Presently, there is apprehension in the state occasioned by increasing cases of kidnapping as no one knows who would be the next victim. Wealthy individuals in the state now live in fear as they and their family members are the target of the kidnappers, who hold their victims and use them to negotiate for huge ransoms.

As to be expected, 80 percentage of such kidnappings are high-profile cases.

Though every victim’s family always claim not to have paid ransom for the release of their loved one, cases of kidnapping keep increasing in the state, thereby disputing the claims that no ransom was paid, and which clearly confirms the rising trend as lucrative to the masterminders.

Between June 2013 to last year June, close to fifteen persons were reportedly kidnapped with other cases dealt with silently to the ignorance of the media, a development which some pundits opine must have worked seriously against the state government’s frantic efforts to woo investors to the state.

The first reported case of kidnapping in 2013 occurred when one Mustapha was said to have been adopted at his

•Justice Samuel Obayomi

•Kogi State CP Samuel Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi

KOGI:

A growing haven for kidnappers There is apprehension in the state occasioned by increasing cases of kidnapping as no one knows who would be the next victim. Wealthy individuals in the state now live in fear as they and their family members are the target of the kidnappers, who hold their victims and use them to negotiate for huge ransoms

home in Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area of the state, but unfortunately, he was later found dead and buried inside a forest in the area some weeks after.

While that was said to be political, sometime in August of that same year, the younger brother of the former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu was kidnapped by gunmen at his Aloma home in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

He was later released after two weeks in captivity, followed by the arrest of the suspect whose bank account was used to demand initial ransom of N30,000 for the upkeep of the victim.

As the dust of Audu’s brother’s kidnap was settling down, the burser of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, in Idah Local Government Area of the state was kidnapped while his younger brother who was with him was killed in the process.

However, the bursar was released after three weeks in captivity following the payment of undisclosed amount as ransom.

In 2014, the kidnappers commenced their trade as early as February when the wife and daughter of the former Chairman of Adavi Local Government, Salihu Adaviruku was kidnapped in their house. The woman and her daughter spent over three weeks in

the kidnappers’ captivity before they were released after undisclosed ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Barely a month after the release of the Adavi Local Government Chairman’s wife and daughter, two sons of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Momohjimoh Lawal were kidnapped at his residence in Okene, Okene Local Government Area. The children had to stay in captivity for over two months as a result of the inability of the Speaker to meet up with the N200 million ransom demanded.

Though the police arraigned five women in court in connection with the Speaker’s children abduction, the case has continued to linger on without much positive result.

While the people of the Central were still battling with the kidnap of the Speaker ’s two sons, on May 28, 2014, Hajia Hawawu Bello, mother of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fair Plus Transport, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was also a governorship aspirant under the All Progressive Congress (APC) was kidnapped at her Nagazi residence in Adavi Local Government Area.

By and large, the kidnapping train moved back to Kogi East, as the rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Mathew Akpata was abducted but luck smiled on him when the vehicle in which his abductors were conveying him to their hideout got involved in an accident and the rector was abandoned inside the boot of the car.

Also on May 31, 2014, the registrar of the same polytechnic, Abu Kazim was abducted from his house at the institution premises.

The most dastard act last year was the abduction of 80-year-old American Missionary, Rev. Phyllis Sortor. Sortor ’s abduction too occurred two days after a director of Adavi Local Government, Abdulazeez Ohere who had been kidnapped, was rescued by the police from his abductors.

Rev. Sortor’s kidnapping nearly resulted in international problem for the country, which had to rely on Interpol and other security operatives to secure her release. Immediately after her release, she was whisked away to America and has since then never set

Continues on page 20

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

KOGI: A growing haven for kidnappers

•Okene town, Kogi State

Continues from page 19 foot in the state.

The kidnappers were said to have also recently invaded Emi-woro, a village in Ajaokuta Local Government Area at about 10 am, where their victim, a woman, runs a nursery/primary school, Hope Academy. They forcefully pulled her out of her office and scaled with her over the fence, then took her away through the forest behind the school.

How Chinese, Police encourage kidnapping in the state Kidnapping in the state has always occurred mostly in the Kogi Central Senatorial flank, and was not as frequent until the Chinese firm, CGC, came into the area. Saturday Vanguard gathered from a reliable source that since November 2013, when a Chinese worker was kidnapped in Ganaja village, a suburb of Lokoja metropolis, kidnapping has soared.

The police advice to the Chinese firm not to pay the ransom demanded was rebuffed. The Chinese firm refused to wait for the security operative to handle the matter. The Chinese firm, apparently not sure that the police could handle the situation, quickly danced to the tune of the kidnappers and paid the demanded ransom. That was a great undoing. Between the next 30 days, 7 other Chinese workers were secretly abducted, and ransom secretly paid for their release. The state government only got wind of the incidents when the Chinese Ambassador visited the state last December, and informed the state government of the ordeal his citizens encountered in the hands of the kidnappers while working on the Ajaokuta Road. Since then, the kidnappers have gotten serious with the ‘business’ in view of the ease in getting ransom as encouraged by the Chinese.

Another source also said kidnapping continued unabated in the state because some police officers are also part of the kidnapping cartel as they leak information to the kidnappers and also offer themselves as gobetween for the family in negotiating ransom with the kidnappers.

While the people of the state were about heaving a sign of relief from these ugly incidents, hoping the trend was gone with last year, unknown gunmen this year attacked and

kidnapped a high court judge, Justice Samuel Obayomi of Ebogogo High Court in Adavi Local Government Area.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the gunmen who attacked the judge while on his way to the office around 8:45am also shot his orderly, Cpl. Usman Musa who died on the spot.

The whole operation was said to have lasted only five minutes.

The official driver of the judge, Mr Ajayi Kolawole who gave insights into the incident said the heavily-armed

gunmen who were not masked but wore dark glasses and numbering about three, stopped the car at the front of Executive Guest Villa, GRA, Okene. “The gunmen had ordered the judge and his aides to lie face down. We all complied but the hoodlums perhaps saw the armed orderly as a threat and opened fire on him, killing him on the spot.”

Area Commander of the Okene Area Command, Mr. Kehinde Kolawole who confirmed the story said the police had detained the driver to help in their investigation, adding that the driver being an eyewitness, was likely to give them useful information.

Barely a week after Justice Obayomi’s kidnap, the state Commissioner for Land and Survey, Engr. Stephen Mayaki was also kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

The commissioner was kidnapped at gunpoint on his farmland located in Osara, in Adavi Local government Area of the state, the same LGA where the high court judge was kidnapped.

Sources said the gunmen, numbering about 5, and in a Prado Jeep, traced the commissioner to his farm where he had gone to oversee the operations of his workers. “The commissioner was on the farm when gunmen emerged from the bush and kidnapped him at gunpoint and took him away to an unknown destination,” a reliable source revealed.

The commissioner was said to have been abducted along with four others who were later freed to go and source for fund for his release. It

took a week before the commissioner was released. This time around, the police, keeping a sealed-lip over the ransom paid, only said the commissioner had been “re-united

with his family.”

N150m ransom Kidnappers of the high court judge were said to have demanded N150m ransom to effect his release, but they later slashed it to N30 million.

Rumours also abound that he has been killed following the failure of the family to raise the ransome. This however could not be ascertained as at when this report was being filed.

NBA, JUSUN embark on strike over kidnapping The situation has made the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) Kogi State chapters to down tools in the state, in protest over the kidnapping of Justice Obayomi.

The professional bodies, in separate statements made available to Saturday Vanguard in Lokoja, said the they were protesting what they termed “gagging” of justice in the state.

The NBA announced the withdrawal of their services from the courts across the state through a statement jointly signed by chairmen of four branches of the NBA in the state: Amechi Obiechina, Chief Tunji Ologbonjo, Ibrahim Isiaka and J. Akubo of Okene, Kabba, Idah and Lokoja branches respectively: “As a result of this sad event, lawyers in the four branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the state have resolved that no lawyer should engage in any court proceeding until the whereabouts of his Lordship is known”, the statement said.

It continued: “Lawyers cannot be engaging in court proceedings when the judges who preside over their cases are attacked and kidnapped on their way to court.”

The NBA however called on the state government to face the new crime escalation in the state with renewed vigour by deploying more police to crime-prone areas of the state.

The JUSUN in its own statement issued at the end of its emergency state Executive Council (SEC) meeting signed by its Chairman, Daniel Adinoyi and Secretary, Aminu, condemned the spate of kidnapping in the state, alleging that similar event occurred in 2013 when Justice Moses Gwatana of High Court, Ihima was attacked and shot by unknown gunmen.

The statement stated: “JUSUN condemns in totality the abduction of Hon. Justice Samuel Obayomi of the High Court of Justice, Ebogogo by unknown gunmen on the 25th of May, 2015. In view of the above, the SEC in Session resolved to embark on a three-day sympathy strike with effect from the 3rd of June, 2015 to 6th June, 2015.”

The body however called on the state government and security agencies in the state to expedite action on measures being taken to secure the release of Justice Obayomi, calling for adequate security measures for all judicial officers.

Kogi Gov places N5m bounty on kidnappers Piqued by the incessant rate of kidnapping, the State Governor, Capt.

Idris Wada placed a N5m cash reward on anyone who volunteered information towards the arrest of any kidnapper who had laid siege to the state in recent times.

Announcing the reward at the state Police Headquarters, Wada who paid a solidarity visit to the Police Headquarters said his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the state was safe for residents and investors.

His words: “My presence here today is to give moral support to men and officers of the state Police Command who have been toiling to ensure that the state is free of criminal elements. With my discussion with the state CP, I am confident that the police are capable of tackling the issue of criminality in the state.

“Let me say now that the state government has earmarked the sum of N5m for anybody who volunteers information towards the capturing of any kidnapper who has been terrorising the state in recent times. With the efforts of the people through rightful information, the security operatives will conquer these criminal gangs. We must not allow these kidnappers win this war.”

Wada donated N200,000 to each of the 12 police officers from the Command who died in the line of duty this year. He also promised additional 5 Hilux vehicles to those already procured by the State Security Task Force (KOSTF), as a means of assisting the police in fighting crime and criminality.

IG deploys 350 extra personnel to tackle kidnapping The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyemi Samuel Ogunjemilusi also said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has deployed 350 police officers to the state to assist the state Police Command in its effort to combat crime in the state.

The CP who commended the IGP for the deployment of the police personnel to the state, appealed to the people to reciprocate the gesture by giving useful information that would assist the police in their bid to rid the state of criminality.

Ogunjemilusi who said the state was winning the war against crime, added that the kidnapping case had put the state in a bad light because it involved high-profile people.

The rate of kidnapping in the state has reached its crescendo. If nothing is done, the image of the state will grow from bad to worse. No one is safe. Fear reigns all over the state. Even the state Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi was recently rumoured to have been kidnapped too. It is as bad as that!

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 13, 2015—21

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Is change coming to the beautiful game at last?

It is estimated that over a billion people watched the final on TV from all over the world. I don’t think any other regional sporting event could pull that kind on figure. Such is the allure and power of soccer which Pele, its most enduring ambassador, dubbed ‘the beautiful game’. But the beautiful game does have its ugly side. Although FIFA, the body that organises world football, has the banner ‘Fair play Please’ flying at every major soccer tournament, almost no one—from the

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ast Saturday was the kind of day you’d want to stay at home.

Apart from the fact that it was wet, cool and therefore cosy, there were two major sporting events lined up for the day, not to mention the Canadian Grand Prix for the growing number of Formula One fans. There was the female Tennis Final featuring Serena Williams, the black icon, in the afternoon. And there was the UEFA Champion’s League Final featuring Barcelona, the exponent of attractive soccer in the evening. I missed last year ’s final due to circumstances totally beyond my control.

My senior brother was celebrating his 70th birthday at the Civic Centre and I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. This didn’t stop me from envying those who left mid-way to catch the match though. My only consolation was that my brother was also missing the match because I know he would have wanted to be in front of his TV possibly with a glass of beer for company. Missing this year ’s final would have made it two in a row and it almost happened. There was a wedding I couldn’t get out of which threatened my pleasure and therefore peace. I tried to get my son to go with his mum but he politely declined and gently reminded me it was I who signed the dotted lines. This was obviously a bad time but it was ‘for better for worse, for good time and bad time’, he said. Earlier, friends had counselled that I arrange for the driver to come for madam which would then free me to make a flying stop-over to the venue. But I knew it would not fly with missus.

So I negotiated. I would miss the tennis final on the condition that we would be back for the Champion’s League Final. Although she agreed, I knew a lot would depend on how the party turned out. Fortunately, the table we sat at had close male friends who also wanted to watch the match. Our voices drowned the female voices and in a game of numbers, the majority wins sometimes as it did last Saturday.

of God’ by Maradona and Henry, two of the game’s leading ambassadors. All is fair in war and soccer it seems.

This beautiful game gets uglier when clubs, managers and even the footballers ‘throw ’ the game for financial gains or league positions. Or when under hand deals are made in the purchase and sale of players.

Financial Fair Play is another slogan that is often quoted and often, if not always, side-tracked. The business

Football administration is too powerful a tool and soccer too passionate a sport to be allowed to fall into the hands of manipulative leaders

fans to the administrators—respects that injunction. The fans would do anything permissible—legal or illegal— to constitute the 12 man or even the 13 man wherever possible.

They would sing, shout, heckle and hurl racial abuses, all to intimidate the opponent. Managers and coaches have been known to advice their players on rough tactics including ‘taking out’ dangerous players from the other camp. The Brazilian Ronaldo was said to have been drugged at a World Cup Final. The players themselves ‘ wind’ temperamental opponents up including head butting and elbow nudging. Then there was the ‘hand

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side of football management has become ugly, seedy and ruthless. It is a world inhabited by gamblers, blackmailers and white collar robbers.

Then the issue of who will host FIFA tournaments is another one that has been mired in under hand deals and corruption. The political and economic capital is so enormous that many leaders would want to cash in on it.

And FIFA’s collegiate system makes it easy to identify the power brokers in the body for corrupt inducements.

The whole shady system has been crying for a change and for cleansing for quite a while. But the cartel running the system is stronger than the Mafioso and just as impenetrable. FIFA has

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ow sold out are you to God and His cause/plans? Jesus said in Luke 2:49,”And He said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father’s business?”. The primary concern of Jesus even from a tender age was to do the will of God that sent Him. He was completely sold out to the will of the father. No wonder when the disciples came to Him to offer Him food in John chapter 4, He told them that food was not His priority rather His desire is to do the will of Him that sent Him and to finish it.

God made man and planted man in God’s garden to tend it. This implies that man’s primary assignment is to do the things of God. he glorified the name of God. Beloved, let you It is now time to have dedicated service and of God. At age seventy five, he obeyed God and love for God be so hot that the devil will not be left his home and family to follow God. God fellowship with God. It is time to seek first the able to thwart your rising. You will make it to instructed him to circumcise all the male kingdom of God and its righteousness and the top. Whoever is mocking you today will every other thing shall be added unto you (John children in his household which has never soon see your awesome beauty. being done before and he obeyed even though 6:33). Beloved having a zealous heart for God Job was a man with great substance yet he is profitable to all. You cannot be zealous for it could lead to death because of the age of feared God and eschewed evil. The devil some of the men.

No wonder God said of God and your journey does not end gloriously.

This is God’s plan. In Jer. 29:11, the bible says, Abraham in Gen. 18, that He knows that attacked him and reduced him to absolute nothing yet job said, “though he slay me, yet for I know the thoughts that I think toward Abraham shall command his children and will I trust Him: but I will maintain mine own you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not household after Him (God). Abraham was ways before Him” (Job 13:15). His trust in instructed by God to sacrifice his only son of evil, to give you aan expected end”. You whom he loved and Abraham said yes sir and cannot love God and not excel in life.

God could not be broken. Even W I G In 1 Sam.17, Goliath was tormenting the obeyed. Abraham was so zealous for God that when his wife asked him to curse covenanted people of God (the Isrealites) and nothing else mattered. No wonder God chose God and die he still believed that A W challenging them to a battle for forty days. No him to be the father of nations. his redeemer liveth. The way you The hotter your love for God, the higher you love God will show in how you N T A one was willing to confront the enemy. Fear was in the isrealites camp. David heard about will fly. Joseph’s rising was incomparable. He fear Him. D Y it and was willing to challenge goliath but his loved God so much that even when he was It is not where you are but who elder brother chose to intimidate him. David opportune to comprise, he said, how can I do you are that determines your A B A responded with the right attitude that gladdens this great wickedness and sin against God (Gen. result in life. What determines my heart always. He said in vs. 29, “And David 39:9). Slavery did not devalue his worth. In your marks on the earth is your M B said, what have I now done? Is there not a prison God made him to prosper. In the palace heart for God. Your A N E cause? David was so zealous for God that no mountain was big For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard D enough to stop him. He always Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town wanted the name of God to be or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: F A F glorified. He saw God first above Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust every other thing. In 2 Sam 6, A before the ark, as a king, David Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622.

N K O danced and danced and forgot about the fact that he was a king. Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:15T N He said God is the one that has 11:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing made him who he was.

E W E Abraham was a zealous lover every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

A zealous heart for God

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been headed by only two people for as long as I can remember and we are talking about half a century or more.

The same can be said for many of the continental leaders. So how can you reform a system when the sit-tight operators are not answerable to anybody?

I can understand why FIFA had had to be put itself above regional, racial and religious politics. Football administration is too powerful a tool and soccer too passionate a sport to be allowed to fall into the hands of manipulative leaders. But it is hypocritical for State FAs to take money from their governments and not be accountable to them. Again, I can understand the need for focus and the need to avoid legal distractions. But to say your decisions are not subject to legal interpretations is putting yourself above the law as the rest of us know it.

It is also according yourself an infallibility that is inhuman. So it is inevitable that the cookie is bound to crumble at some point and the desire to sweep the crumbs under the carpet when it did crumble, did not catch anybody by surprise—FIFA had been opaque and impenetrable for too long.

The US and Swiss law enforcement agencies did the footballing world a lot of favour when they stepped in to say ‘enough is enough’; that no institution should be allowed to operate above the law especially when it seemed that the leaders of the system, unfazed by the barrage of criticisms against them, were set to ‘re-elect’ themselves. It was a sad day when Sepp Blatter stepped forward to re- contest even after the arrest of his lieutenants on allegations of corruption despite his announcement in 2011 that he would not put himself forward again. It was even sadder that he won so handily in spite of the sleaze and the embarrassment of the arrests.

His announcement four days later that he was stepping down because other football stakeholders were tired of his leadership was a relief. His ‘stepping aside’ can mean one thing.

Change is possible. Even at FIFA. circumstances, career and profession is not what determines your height but your love for God. Stop worshipping God with your lips while your heart is far from Him. The love of God is the source of real life. Let God be the first place in your life. Make God your reason for living and He will give your life what it deserves. The hotter the love, the faster the reaction. God did it for Abraham, Joseph, Job and He wants to do it with you.

Do you want to experience fruitfulness of God in your life? Then you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Pray this simple prayer. Father, you said that whosoever shall call on the name of Jesus, shall be saved. I call on the name Jesus. Thank you for saving me and giving me the gift of eternal life. I praise you and give you all the glory.

For your praise report, prayer requests, testimonies and financial support, you can contact us through our contact details below.

God shall surely change your situation and make you to experience His realities.

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22—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

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pologies are in order, for a start. The office of Femi Adesina, veteran journalist and newly appointed spokesman for President Muhamadu Buhari, was merged with that of Akinwumi Adesina, newly elected President of the African Development Bank, on this page last week. The error is regretted.

Femi has been functioning in his new office, as can be imagined, since the President obviously has to speak now and then, especially when there is a matter of national import as we already have with the inauguration of the National Assembly. This was supposed to pass by as gently as a breeze. The former opposition party, The All Progressives Congress, APC, had scored a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. It would be therefore no major problem to elect a speaker among themselves.

That was what most of us thought. The APC surprised most of us still by holding a “mock” election among their elected members to choose the Speaker and his deputy. The erstwhile Minority Leader in the House, Mr.Femi Gbajabiamila, then emerged as the winner. It was, in the opinion of many people, just the right way it should go.

But in the view of many members of the party, it was all a “mockery” and they made it look like that by voting against him on Election Day. •Senator Bukola Saraki However, Mr.Gbajabiamila, it should for the Senate Presidency. members publicly. Nothing be noted, congratulated the There was no one to weakens a political party as man who beat him by challenge him, and he won. swiftly as that. And the shaking hands with him and It turned out that some lesson of the Peoples embracing him….echoes of executive members of the Democratic Party is too former President Goodluck APC had invited themselves recent to have been Jonathan who seems to have and the President to a lastforgotten, or discarded. truly set the pattern of minute meeting which When Bamanga Tukur enviable sportsmanship for clashed with the time for the adopted an unacceptable the reaction of losers in a inauguration of the Senate. avuncular stance in his political contest. The APC Did they not know the time treatment of the PDP subsequently announced of the Senate inauguration, governors in the past PDP that the party rejected the administration, he seemed to be unaware of their status as full-blown politicians who were more concerned about their constituency than the party, as a reference point. His stand was in the defence of the superiority of the party, or did they expect it to be result despite its openness which he believed was postponed because of their and probity. So much for the vested in his position as the absence? In any case, the Lower House.

Chairman of the party, but President did not turn up In the Senate, Senator he lost out in the end. for the meeting, and one Bukola Saraki, strongman of wonders if they had Kwarra politics as his father or quite a period of secured his acceptance of was before him, won the time, there had been the invitation to the presidency, hands down. He the dispute over the meeting, in the first place. was returned unopposed as superiority of the party and Or could it be that they felt no one was nominated that of the people, not only the President should be at beside him. But in the case in Nigeria but throughout their beck and call? That of the House of any territory pierced by the would smirk of an Representatives, a robust philosophy of, “one man, arrogance born of a sense election was conducted from one vote”. It further became of impunity, which saw off which Yakubu Dogara apparently sophisticated in their predecessors in office. emerged the winner as the the idea of, “one party, Speaker. But there was no same voice”. But the n any case, President election necessary in the people have always Buhari had delivered Senate as the APC members baulked at that directive all his position bluntly in his were AWOL, (away without over the world. Even in inaugural speech:” I belong official leave) so to say.

Nigeria, there have been to everybody, and I belong Saraki had given notice that issues with the idea which to nobody.” He gently he would not abide by any was strengthened by the extricated himself from the “mock” election arranged by abrogation of the entanglement of the party his party, by boycotting the independent candidacy in squaring up to its own arrangement, but would vie our Constitution, after the

*Opposition mentality

It would appear, on the whole, that the APC is still in the grip of the opposition mentality which orders an attack for every situation

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for the party to have shrugged it all aside and retired to lick its wound away from sight. It is simply too early in the day, after a resounding victory at the polls, to expose the damaged seams of disunity within the fabric of the party. A calmer attitude would have paved a way to bring everybody back to a position where an amendment would be easy to devise. Since the two principal leaders of the National Assembly are still in the APC, it may not be too difficult to close ranks. But there are a few lessons to be learnt.

The staging of a mock election, especially with such ballyhoo would appear not to be a right course to take in future. It hardly demonstrates true “internal democracy”; rather, it could be counter-productive in that regard.

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Civil War. Efforts are now being made to reinsert it into our Constitution.

It is very clear that some politicians are able to have a showdown with their party, and the sooner the party realizes it the better. All the talk about discipline and unacceptability of an open ballot is reminiscent of the old PDP. How do you discipline a member who wins election into office even though it is against the power and purpose of the party? And where is the betrayal in a situation which did not carry along any promise of support or agreement from the beginning? Yakubu Dogara had walked out in protest during the process of the mock election conducted by the APC for the position of the Speaker.

Bukola Saraki did not even attend the version for the Senate President. The reaction of the APC to the leadership elections of the National Assembly, if we may say so, sounds hollow and dumb.

Perhaps it would have been much better

he party— any political party—may take notice from now on that there are some “big boys” who will not be subdued by the mammoth image of the party.

Saraki, for instance, has spent the maximum term for a State Governor, been elected as the head of the National Governor’s Forum, and is in for the second term in the Senate. He deserves some respect. If members of a political party are pushed forward for their potential of bringing in new members into the fold, Saraki has it all. Thus his legitimate ambition may not be back-heeled casually into a corner.

It would also not usually solve any issue to invite the President into, or mingle his name with rows that are purely of a political hue. His position should be insulated from all but matters of policy and governance. This would protect him from petty issues of intra-party manoeuvres and foibles. For instance, Senate President Saraki was involved in a plethora of intrigues and horsetrading of mammoth volume some 48 hours prior to his emergence as the “No.3 man” of the nation. But not one speck was allowed to filter to the vicinity of the President.

It would appear, on the whole, that the APC is still in the grip of the opposition mentality which orders an attack for every situation. If they will go to pieces over a matter of a member wresting a position from another member, what are they going to do when real challenges in governance come up later in the next four years—as they surely will? It is apparent already that the centre is of dubious strength.

If it does not hold we will all be here when “things fall apart.”

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—23

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t is difficult to know what the military means by ‘concocted’.

But since ‘tactical withdrawal’ can mean soldiers turning their backs on the scrawny rabid dogs of Boko Haram and fleeing to ‘ refugee’ camps in Cameroun , ‘concocted’ must have some other ‘military’ meaning.

The evidence presented by amnesty international appears damning . Internal military memos revealing a frightening mortality rate of suspects in military detention camps. Res ipsa loquitur . A presumption of the existence of inhuman detention conditions and routine torture of suspects is almost irrefutable.

These are new troubles for our beleaguered military leaders. No one knows if the president’s certificate has been found. Their perceived biased meddlesomeness in the manner INEC was coerced to postpone the polls should also be forgiven. Our democracy is maturing. Like the DSS and their spokesperson , many presumably never contemplated the opposition’s victory. The president has promised to eschew vengeance. But he has a duty to uphold the law.

The Amnesty International released copious evidence of alleged human rights atrocities and mindless brutality perpetrated by Nigerian soldiers in the war against terrorism. These alleged acts are patently horrific. The new government has promised a thorough investigation while the military has characteristically dismissed accusations of brutality and war crimes . Nigerians have risen emotionally. A few , mainly residents of the north east region, welcome the searchlight of the rights groups.

Most wonder why Amnesty international and other human rights groups even bother about the rights of boko haram members , people whom they suggest have in a sense forfeited such rights by their inhumanity , by a predilection for mass murder and widespread wanton destruction property. Many others are offended by what they consider a skewed focus on the excesses of the armies of poor powerless nations while British and American soldiers routinely commit such atrocities and are never really held to account. They wonder if any US generals have been imprisoned for many acts that meet the definition of war crime and crime against humanity committed by the US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. They wonder why these organizations cannot preoccupy themselves with Guantanamo which is a log of inhumanity that must be addressed before anyone can talk about the speck of arbitrary detentions and torture anywhere else in the universe.

These sentiments and more are genuine and well founded. But they however do not address the unfortunate reality that many of those affected by arbitrary detentions in inhuman conditions and by acts of torture could be innocent Nigerians. The alleged atrocities have actual and potential consequences on the lives of citizens who live in these territories which are not helped by these excuses. Powerful nations and especially permanent members of

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THE BOKO HARAM WAR:

The Nigerian Army and Amnesty International

the UN security council can get away with so much while less powerful nations cannot. It’s an entrenched inequity we must live with for now.

Human rights atrocities in the north east of Nigeria are widespread. Are they inevitable?

Are they unavoidable collateral consequences ? It is true that it is difficult to engage an extremely brutal enemy like Boko haram without being extremely aggressive , without becoming correspondingly brutal. It is true that against such an enemy , respect for human rights and due process could be eroded by desperation. It is true that the more ill prepared and more poorly equipped the army, the greater their disregard for niceties of human rights and rule of war. It is hard to imagine how the army could have kept faith with due process in the north east where they were totally stretched to limits and where criminal justice structures practically no longer existed. I make no excuses for the army , I understand their difficulties. The rules are made for these sort of circumstances where the likelihood of war crimes and crimes against humanity is high.

There is admittedly no moral justification for rampant instances of extrajudicial execution of suspects and innocent people picked off the streets by gleeful soldiers and their civilian JTF counterparts. It is however a testament to the impossibility of that war at some stage for our military that so much fell on civilian vigilantes and militias.

The militia boys are driven by self

preservation and patriotism but ethical orientation.

The fact of the existence of a state of emergency is not a suspension of international humanitarian laws and laws that govern armed conflicts.

A truck driver well known to me had the misfortune of a flat tyre somewhere in Yobe in 2013. While fixing his vehicle , boko haram rebels attacked the vicinity and he was shot in the leg. Moments later, the military arrived and arrested the hapless , stricken, driver found crouched near the truck. He was dumped in one of the detention camps and no one knew his whereabouts for weeks. The magnanimity of a ‘good samaritan ‘ soldier who helped alert his family weeks after the arrest led to his discovery and a tedious process of his release. All through that ordeal he received no real medical attention. And hundreds of innocent people have met similar and perhaps worse fates.

The military may insist that the evidences of the human rights bodies are fabricated. They may choose to acknowledge that there have been a few instances of human rights abuses by a few ‘ rotten apples’. Or that the report of the human rights group is, in the main, grossly exaggerated. They may argue that any such abuses are not systemic and not part of any policy or military strategy. And they may be right, who knows? But if anyone remembers Odi or remembers Zaki biam , one may not be in a hurry to exonerate our military. Our soldiers are patriotic . But an investigation is imperative and urgent. Who knows.

The allegations may be false or exaggerated as the military insist.

In spite of the difficulties our

soldiers have faced , it’ s doubtful that heavy handedness is a good strategy. It certainly didn’t help in the effort to win hearts and minds.

President Buhari , has a difficult task on his hand.

Amongst many other consequences , a tarnished human rights records affords many western nations easy reasons not to avail Nigeria of much needed arms and training to combat the insurgency. He must act quickly. But Buhari must tread carefully. The military in any third world country remains a potent political force . Our soldiers have come to understand the sanctity of civilian rule but our democracy is not impregnable yet .Besides such dangers, any threats to the morale of senior military officers would impact negatively on the war against Boko haram and the security of the nation.

Many find it objectionable that we can even contemplate the prosecution of senior military officers who have sacrificed so much, who laid down their lives to protect us. So how can the president navigate these landmines? He must find a balance between military ethical compliance and military effectiveness . On the one hand , his troops must meet international legal standards in their conducts and engagements . On the other they must meet the expectations of our citizens by crushing the insurgency.

Thorough investigations and a proper ethical re orientation of the military must proceed simultaneously with keeping the military highly motivated and efficient.

We want our soldiers to aspire to international ethical standards, we must aspire to treat them better.

Soldiers’ well being must be our priority. Clear command and control structures, prompt attention to needs and adequate supply of equipment will raise the morale of soldiers and make any human rights investigations and prosecutions be appreciated as morally justified corrective and deterrent measures.

We hear so much and too frequently of erring soldiers and court marshals. We would like to hear more of the gallantry and the bravery of our soldiers . We want to see corporals and sergeants and captains , fighting at the fronts , bestowed with national honours at well publicized events on a regular basis.

Fallen soldiers must be given due national acknowledgment and the often shabby treatment meted to their families should cease. Rehabilitation and reintegration of wounded and retired soldiers must meet international standards too.

Tactical times. The president must be tactful.

Besides such dangers, any threats to the morale of senior military officers would impact negatively on the war against Boko haram and the security of the nation

Ugoji Egbujo

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

BY LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN

I

join the numerous friends and admirers of Mr Sam Amuka (Uncle Sam) to congratulate him on his 80th birthday and to wish him many happy returns in good health and contentment.

My admiration for Uncle Sam dates back to his “Sad Sam” column in the Sunday Times that he edited between 1967 and 1971. His witty, humorous, well-crafted and entertaining column was one of my favourites in the country ’s undisputable leading Sunday newspaper in the 1960s and 1970s.

By the time I finally met him in the early 1990s in the USA, Vanguard newspapers that he founded in 1984 had become firmly established as one of the leading newspapers in the country. Over a week or so I interacted with him in the company of his host, late Akin Fatoyinbo (Uncle Sam’s longtime younger friend and admirer), who was my colleague in the World Bank.

We had wide-ranging conversations throughout his stay. My takeaways from the memorable interactions with him were his infectious humour, his modesty, his light-touch but effective managerial style, and his passion for Nigeria Almost everyone who has spent time in the company of Uncle Sam is certain to experience a little bit of his modesty and sense of humour.

T h e f o rmer is

Uncle Sam @ 80 - An appreciation

•Uncle Sam natural while he exudes the latter with effortless ease. It was when conversations drifted to his work as the proprietor and chief executive of Vanguard that I teased out his managerial style and found that it was at the same time light-touch (an unusual

combination of hands-on and laid-back) and effective. My probing revealed his relaxed attitude to delegation to senior management staff who are held accountable with predictable sanctions and rewards as appropriate. I would later find during

“My position designed to reunite people of southernandnorthernKadunastate”

By Agaju Madugba

A

fter the inauguration of the first session of the Fifth Kaduna House of Assembly last Monday, 36 years old Hon. Gwarzo John Audu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and representing Kachia constituency in the southern part of the state, emerged Deputy Speaker of the House. In this interview, Audu recalls how he braced the odds to emerge victorious at the polls considering the fact that the Kaduna state Chairman of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as the party’s governorship Campaign Director come from his constituency.

How do you feel having emerged Deputy Speaker?

I want to first of all

C M Y K

•Hon. Gwarzo John Audu appreciate God because it is the Lord’s doing. I know of the steps the APC has always taken to reunite Nigerians and my emergence as Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna state

House of Assembly is a further step towards reuniting the people of southern Kaduna with the other sections of the state.

During my period as Deputy Speaker, I will do my best to make sure that we have the peace and development will strive in Kaduna, within the shortest possible time. I actually aspired for the position of Deputy Speaker and I prayed to God to choose the better candidate out of the two of us who were in the race. I have always seen leadership as a call to service. But serving the people may not be an easy task and one has to be prepared. I believe that if God has called you for something, he will give you all the necessary things to make it possible for you to succeed in that assignment.

For now, God has called us to come and lead our

periodic visits to Vanguard since the mid-2000s that he is the head of a happy family where the proprietor, senior managers, middle-level managers, intermediate-level staff and junior staff mingle cheerfully, especially at lunch break.

Although there were hints of Uncle Sam’s passion for Nigeria in many of his columns that I had read in the 1960s and 1970s, I found out quickly during our conversations that his attachment to Nigeria was very strong. His obvious love of travel did not prevent him from moaning that he missed Nigeria. For him, Nigeria was the equivalent of home in the Yoruba saying: ajo ko le dun ki o dabi ile (whatever the pleasure of travel, home is best).

He teased Akin and me about our long stay abroad but he always put it humorously during that visit. However, with the return to civilian rule in 1999, he would gently suggest that we consider returning home to contribute to national development whenever either of us was in contact with him.

Taking together his immense contributions to journalism over several decades (as a columnist, editor and co-founder of Punch in 1973 before he became founder of Vanguard in 1984) including active membership of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), his elder statesman

role in the South-South geopolitical zone, and his recent high profile role as a member of the National Peace Committee on 2015 Elections, he is, without question, one of Nigeria’s outstanding and genuine patriots.

Today, a little over two decades since I first met Uncle Sam, I count him among my egbons (affectionate Yoruba word for an older friend) and I know he counts me among his aburos (affectionate Yoruba word for a younger friend).

Uncle Sam is a kind, caring, trustworthy and dependable friend. In bad times as well as in good times, you can count on his unconditional support. I know this first-hand and I am sure that others in his extensive social network would concur.

Uncle Sam: This appreciation is for your reading pleasure in the distant land where you are marking your special day in your inimitable way, far from the maddening crowd at home. But all of us, friends and admirers, know that you are already missing Nigeria.

We all look forward to welcoming you back to sweet home, sweet Nigeria before the end of June. Enjoy your special day.

people and we pray that God will give us the wisdom to lead our people.

I am from Kachia local government and I represent the good people of Kachia constituency and the PDP state Chairman comes from there. The Director of campaign for re-election of former Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero is also from my local government, in fact, from my home town. I am talking about Hassan Hyet. So, it was a lot of battle for me. But because of the injustice that they meted out to our people, our people felt that they must react and that is why they demanded for change and they got the change.

They came out en masse, despite the hijack of ballot boxes in my area and thumb printing of ballot papers, God in His infinite mercies made it possible for me to scale through. They were not satisfied and they took us to court, thinking that they could manoeuvre their way but God of justice intervened in my case and confirmed my victory.

What efforts will you make, using your position, to ensure that there is change in the perception of the Legislature as a rubber stamp of the Executive?

We have a lot of work to do because there are changes that will certainly take place in the present dispensation because it is a government of change. We suffered a lot as an opposition political party.

But today, as the ruling political party, we have learnt a lot of things from the past leaders and we are going to put in our best and whatever we do, we are going to first of all take the people into consideration.

We started as ANPP before transforming into the APC we have today. When we were in opposition, the ruling party then turned everything upside down and they saw white and called it black.

But the leadership of the APC is government for everybody irrespective of your political leanings or affiliations.

Professor Adamolekun lives in Iju, Akure North, Ondo State. He contributed a weekly column, “Nigeria Notes”, to Vanguard between 2007 and 2009. He continues to contribute occasional short essays to the newspaper

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—25

By IYABO AINA

Beyonce uses star power to bring awareness to a great cause

s lk a t n w o r B is r Ch , d o o h r e h t a F t u o ab h it w ip h s n io t la Re Karrueche, Tour

….as she visits Children’s hospital in Haiti

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lobal superstar, Beyonce is finally using her star power to bring awareness to a great cause. As she recently visited Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital, the only children’s hospital in Haiti, as part of a United Nations humanitarian effort.

While there, she met with doctors, cancer patients, and newborns in a specialized intensive care unit.

Sporting a “BeyGOOD” T-shirt, named after her charity, as she held hands and laughed with the children.

The hospitalis known for providing medical treatment for disadvantaged and sick children in Haiti, but has recently lost funding resulting in cutbacks of staff and a decrease in the number of children that can be treated.

With the help of BeyGOOD, the hospital hopes to re-open an abandoned wing and continue to aid the people of Haiti. All proceeds from BeyGood T-shirt sales go directly to Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital.

R

nB superstar, Chris Brown has opened up for the first time about fatherhood and his recent blow out with exgirlfriend Karrueche Tran.

Recall that earlier this year; it was revealed that he is the father to a baby girl named Royalty, who recently turned one with a model Nia Guzman which lead to the breakup of Karrueche with Chris Brown.

On fatherhood: “There comes a time when people kind of have to grow up and become more of an adult and take on different responsibilities. I think this was just a blessing in disguise with my daughter because I get a chance to look at her and teach her the right path and also be a father in my daughter’s life. Just to see a smile on her face, just to see the littlest things is emotional for me, so I just love that aspect of being able to be a father now.”

On his relationship with Karrueche: “I’m going to be honest and be a man about it and just take it one day at a time. I can’t promise anything and I can’t jump over the moon, but it takes time for all wounds to heal. I take full responsibility for my actions and things that I’ve done in the past. I feel like it’s just a time thing.”

On whether he still loves Karrueche: “I’m not a hateful person.

Of course I still love her, but mentally right now, I think everything takes time. I just need to focus on being the best father I can be.”

On his tour: “It’s going around summertime, so I feel like that’s the best time for people to kind of have the greatest experience of their life.

I just got off tour maybe a couple months ago, but we’re going to go right back out because I got so much new material and new music that’s coming out for the summertime. I think it’ll be good for just people to have fun and I want to put smiles on people’s faces when I’m out onstage.”

*Beyonce

Stop bragging about your body …Kim scolds sister

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*Kim and Kylier Jenner C M Y K

fter Kylie Jenner shockingly revealed that she hasn’t worked out in two and a half years, Kim Kardashian is scolding her little sis for ‘bragging’ about her hot body.

Kylie Jenner, 17, is #Blessed with being able to not work out and maintain her smoking hot figure.

While she flaunts her lean bikini body every chance she gets, Kim Kardashian, 34, is telling Kylie that she must put an end to her “bragging.”

“Kim has told Kylie she better watch what she says about her body because

it will come back to bite her.

Kim further explained that she used to be like Kylie, never working out and eating junk food but those days are over. Kim wants Kylie to know it takes hard work, exercise, diet and willpower to look as good as she does.

The reality TV queen said in an interview that it’s been two and a half years since she last hit the gym.

“I haven’t worked out in two and a half years,” she said. “I’m living out my youth, not doing any exercise and eating what I want, which is pretty bad.

26 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA 08061644307 email: daise4000@yahoo.com

Bob Ejike:

The tale of a successful Entertainer

The Genesis

I hail from Oba in Idemili, Anambra state but I was born in Umuahia, Abia state on the 20th of April. I was too rascal as a youth to study any particular kind of course because I was always attracted to music and drama. I started playing with the masquerade groups and writing short stories before I even found myself. I attended Federal Government College, Umuahia and proceeded to UNIPORT where I studied English Language and Literature. During my National Youth Service, I was a teacher and I continued for many years.

ery young ted v e th to r r ula llywood sta t be so pop o o n N y n a e h m w e BOB Ejik not around to limelight wasn’t e r e w o h w e ride in of. Instead th t Nigerians , s a im o h b o to T ing ma’. to as just ‘Dra e structures were noth break, Bob moved is th aiting for h erian arts that smooth as w d n a e m Nig t ho of sitting a isseminated ideas of t movie Industries in s dd igerian to f the bigge N o Europe an t e s n ir f o e g th in uild ame ie helped in b Nollywood. He bec p their mov nt u t e s to d a e ic ll , I prese East Afr n Africa ca io in it a d d e n a is g th to U success. In rer of International e be invited g u h a is ctu hich ournalist, le nderful children.

Industry w /j r e it r w , r cto wo er to some to you an a th a f d n a ste repute, Arti Read on…

C M Y K

Along the line, I shared a page in the then ‘’Drum Magazine” with a renowned Writer, Ben Okri. I wrote a book on the story of the Biafra war as I had experienced it at age of six. At the moment, there is a negotiation going on for my book to be turned into fiction. We started a drama series on the State Radio, headed by Pete Edochie.

I got involved with actors like Nkem Owoh, Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Ejike Asiegbu and a few other distinguished individuals. There was only one major television station, N.T.A. They had little or no respect for us so we decided to take our drama to the next level by putting it into tapes. The first commercial movie I ever wrote and recorded was titled ‘’Echoes of Wrath” in 1982. The movie won an award in National Festival of Arts award (NAFEST).

After National Youth Service, I released a music album titled ‘’No

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13 2015 — 27

•One of his cars Vacancy ”. I was working with Reverend Chris Okotie, formerly called ‘’Wonder Boy ”, he gave me some voice coaching. My breakthrough came in 1987 when I was to go over to Italy to perform at a club opening in Santa Angelo. After the show, I got involved with a band and became their background singer and I settled there. I went back to school and inbetween schooling, I became a lecturer and started working.

•Bob performing live that people make within.

ACHIEVEMENTS

I was called by the Sun Newspaper to contribute to their newspaper like a columnist. I anchored Tropical rhythms in NTA channel 5. Meanwhile, as I was in Europe during my prime years; I got married to

CHALLENGES

It is not easy being oneself all the time like I did. I became a slave to the Arts at a great cost and my greatest challenge is that despite all that I have put into Nigerian Art, I have not gained back my money. I engaged in art in a country where people are hungry and their priority is their basic existence. The greatest challenge l have is that the industry hardly acknowledges the influence

•Bob in Europe

a European woman and we have children. I was in Rwanda some years ago and saw posters of our very own Nollywood stars. That shows how far we have gone. I was invited to Uganda, East Africa, to help create their movie industry; I spent six years working with actors, musicians and filmmakers.

At that time, Nollywood was the most popular front of entertainment in Africa, so we facilitated the coming of some actors to Uganda for shows.

The most interesting happened when Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme popularly known as ‘’Aki and Pawpaw, visited me in Uganda. There was traffic standstill from the airport to the Nigerian Embassy to the extent that we had to call on the military to handle the crowd. The likes of Psquare, Danfo Drivers and Flavour were also invited for stage performance and they pulled a crowd of over 300,000 people beating that of Akon.

Genevieve Nnaji and Tony Umez were also invited at specific occasions. I came back to Nigeria because our dream had developed into an Empire. And over a period of 7 years after I returned, I did 53 movies to gain prominence. And I have also worked with reputable names in the industry.

GIVE BACK TO SOCIETY

I opened a Professor Bob Ejike foundation for performing Arts in Kampala, Uganda solely for the purpose of encouraging African youths. I was also one of the few that started what has grown to be Nollywood today.

•His book on Biafra C M Y K

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

DJs tell their bittersweet stories before the fame

The ffir ir irsst big pay I got was N1,000 - DJ Jimmy Jatt

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Gone are the days Disc-Jockeys stayed behind the wheels to reel out potpourri of songs, mixed, scratched, poked but delivered with a melodious touch. Then, they were DJs, never to be seen but heard, just as loud as the music they jock could carry them. But now ,the scene has changed and they are not only being heard but seen with the best in the industry. They are eating into the big pies just as the singers and producers. But their story didn’t come easy, laced with oysters, it was a bitter-sweet struggle and some of them tell it all in this Showtime edition.

I started with N500, but now charges N2M - DJ Humility

T

HE name Benedict Afagwu does not ring a bell, but when you mention DJ Humility,everyone immediately knows who you are referring to.

The chubby DJ who is known for his trademark dreadlocks, came into the public glare when he was featured in Benson and Hedges DJ Championship in 2000.Since then, he has continued to stay true to his craft. But when he started out, he said DJs were not recognized.

“When I started, DJs were not respected. There were times we would go for an event and we would be asked to keep our instruments outside or under the staircase or in an enclosed place.

But today, no matter how small the venue or house,everybody wants to see the DJ. So, I feel happy being among the people

•DJ Humility who made Disc-Jockeying a respectable profession in Nigeria. I would also give a shout out to DJ Jimmy Jatt who I refer as one of my role models.”

He also shed more light on the lowest amount he was paid,when he started out in the game.

“I remember playing at a classmate’s birthday in 1994 and I was paid about N500. But I now get more than N2 million to do shows. I still play for free based on relationships. I like the fact that I have been able to make millions of Nigerians happy on radio, in nightclubs and events. I am happy today when I see young DJs making waves because we started the revolution.”

OOL DJ Jimmy Jatt, as he is fondly called by fans is an inspiration to young entertainers in the country. Revered as the King of DJs in Nigeria, the award-winning DJ didn’t climb the ladder of success by sheer luck,the father of two had to pay the price to be where he is today.

He puts it this way: “There are times when you ask yourself “What am I doing?Why am I doing this wahala”. But it’s never been enough for me to regret it. One thing I have come to realize is that everything in life has its own challenges,even if I had chosen any other profession, it wouldn’t have been easier. If you ask a doctor, he will tell you the same story. There will always be rough patches, especially in a country like ours. There are times like that, but the truth is, I’m passionate about what I do,you know what they say “Make your hobby a job and you will enjoy it” he says When asked the first pay he got as a DJ, he said,”I used to make tapes in Obalende studios when I was working for my brothers. They paid N5 per recordings I strove to make as many tapes per day. But when I started earning my own bookings, the first big pay I got was N1,000. It was an end of the year party and I scattered their party. I charged N700 but they eventually gave me N1,000"

I worked as a cashier at a Department Store

-DJ Caise

•DJ Caise

I star keying tto o earn startted Disc-Joc Disc-Jock extra change - DJ Xclusive

R •DJ Xclusive

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OTIMI Alakija who is known as DJ Xclusive stands tall among other top Djs. He honed his DJ skills at clubs such as Vendome and Tribeca Nightclub in the UK. The suave DJ has collaborated with Timaya, Olamide ,Kcee and Terry G, in his music.

“I started Disc-Jockeying in 2003 at the Student Union just to earn extra change.

It got to the point where I realized people were now taking me serious. I was working in the Bank and Disc-Jockeying at the same time but I knew my heart laid along the DJ lane. Then, I got a job at Bank HSBC and worked there for a about

•DJ Jimmy Jatt

a year and a half. You could wake me up at 2am and say come and DJ and I’m ready. But if you woke me up at 2am to say come and wear a suit and tie, I wouldn’t be ready. I met Akon at a night club in London and I remember him whispering into my ear, saying he was really impressed. I also met Jermaine Jackson at the African Music Awards in London and he said the same thing. To me, these were inspiring moments and I said I wanted to take this up. So I quit my job around 2010 and I moved back to Nigeria in 2011.”

Derin Phillips, known as DJ Caise is one of the fast-rising DJs making waves in the entertainment industry today. He gained entrance into the terrain when he released Gidi House Music, a creative blend of local and international sounds. He is the in house DJ for Beat Fm and also the official DJ for Chocolate city. But before all these enviable feats, DJ had to travel the rough road of life.

“I have worked in a consulting firm, I have worked as a cashier at a department store, I have done quite a lot of jobs but with music, I don’t have to try hard to do it, it’s just something that comes very natural to me. I think it’s just one of those things that I am meant to do.”

A lot of people often wonder how he came about the name Caise. He has an answer for them: “ I used to tell myself that whenever I get on the deck, it’s going to be a problem and from the problem everybody is going to dance and go crazy and we’re going to have a good time. Then the ‘Problem’ became ‘Case’ and I just put an ‘i’ there.”

The University Of Reading graduate has featured the likes of Waje, Ice prince and Emmy Ace in his songs.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 —29

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

DJs tell their bittersweet stories before the fame

•DJ Spinall

I had to battle rejection -DJ Spinall “The biggest issue I faced while coming up in the industry is rejection. Rejection in all aspect.

Even from friends.”

These are the words of Sodamola Oluseye Desmond popularly known as DJ Spinall.

Before ever becoming the official DJ for Industry Nite, Channel O Africa, touring major five cities in the United States of America and featuring Burna Boy and M.I, the cap-wearing Disc Jockey found it difficult to gain acceptance in the industry.

“I had a lot of problem with my dad when I started out because my dad is an educationist.

While my parents where patterning my life to be an engineer, they also allowed me to be experimental” he explains.

Commenting on the reason he wears the cap, he has this to say: “As I grew up I discovered that we needed to create a brand. I just started thinking and then I remembered that even Nigerian youths don’t like to wear caps, even when they wear their natives. I traced it back to the Yoruba race .Whenever you see someone wearing a cap, it means they are going to a party. I am the life of the party.”

People sometimes doubt m myy ability

•DJ Nana

N

C M Y K

In an industry once dominated by men,women are beginning to blossom and prove that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. One of such women is DJ Nana.

People started paying attention to DJ Nana when she came out tops to win the first ever Airtel and Barcaddi Cool FM DJ Competition. Under the tutelage of DJ Jimmy Jatt ,she honed her skills and was nominated in the maiden edition of African Global DJs’ Award, for the best female DJ category in 2013.

Nana gets mixed reactions, when she is being introduced as a female DJ. “I have gotten different impressions from people.

Some get excited seeing me handle their parties while some are disgusted when my name is mentioned. To them, a lady DJ would not give them what they wanted. Some would look down on me because they have this notion that a female DJ cannot be good. But I tell you, we have a whole lot of successful female DJs today doing the womenfolks proud. Above all, a lot of people do appreciate me and say that it is inspiring to see a female DJ performing so well.”

She recently collaborated on a song with Omawunmi,titled Know

I am serious about Maima, m myy girlfriend, Ice Prince declares

-DJ Cuppy

IGERIAN female Disc Jockey, Florence Otedola, known as DJ Cuppy is making efforts to become a household name as a DJ. The beautiful daughter of oil magnate, Femi Otedola was recently featured in Forbes Woman Africa magazine and currently an intern at Jay Z’s Roc Nation. She has been referred to as “Daddy’s little girl”,who is feeding off dad’s wealth. But Cuppy doesn’t love to be seen in that light.

“I am following my dreams and doing an exciting project and yet it’s overshadowed by my background or influence. It’s quite difficult, talent and passion speak for themselves.”

She further explains that people sometimes doubt her ability as a DJ, having the impression that she cannot deliver. “People sometimes doubt I could actually do the job. It’s a bit disappointing, I am a honest person, people should identify more with what do and how passionate I am about it. We all have our platforms, it now depends on you are making use of that platform. You can get opportunity based on different platforms that can only take as you go. After a while, if you are good at what you do, then you have anything to do afterward.”

My title as DJ disgusts some people -DJ Nana

I how

far as not•DJ Cuppy won’t

•Ice Prince

“Everything about my life is serious. Of course it’s serious.” This is the response of superstar rapper Ice Prince to a question about his relationship with Ghanaian-French beauty Maima.

The Choc Boi Nation artiste who is known for keeping his private life out of the public eye, makes this revelation during a no-holds barred chat session on the premiere episode of the new MTV Base show ‘Real Talk’.

The show, hosted by MTV Base VJ Ehiz and VJ Stephanie is a one-on-one question and answer platform, which enables fans to connect with top celebrities by getting answers to questions they have asked on social media. No questions are off-limits – secrets, guilty pleasures, old memories, phobias, everything is on the table.

In the course of the premiere episode, Ice Prince answers questions on a range of subjects including his opinion about Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, what age he stopped wetting the bed (15 or 16, he reveals shockingly!), if he has ever worn fake jewelry, and whether he has a thing for “Yvonne’s”.

Responding to a question about if he has ever had a fight with a fellow celebrity, he replies “I don’t get into fights, but maybe some altercations once in a while. Maybe somebody moved your verse on a song or someone didn’t release a song when they were supposed to, but we know how to find our way around it. There are so many years ahead for us to make music anyway.”

30 —SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

CONFESSION OF AN ACTRESS

I took my 3-month old baby to the set of Fuji House of Commotion —-Iretiola Doyle

•Speaks on her new deal as Fairy Brand Ambassador

C M Y K

do. I’m living my dream as an actress and it makes me a happy person. When I see any juicy script, I set a goal for myself to bring out the best in me,” she said.

Talking about the secret of her success, the Thespian said she’s her own critic. “I watch myself, I critique myself, I am harder on myself than anybody else and think of ways to do things differently, otherwise people will get bored and they will move on to the next thing.”

Has she ever turned down any role over the years?

Ireti replied, “Several, it is either we didn’t agree on script, or we didn’t agree on terms or my schedule could not accommodate it.”

However, reversely, Ireti said, one of the things that could attract her to a accept a script is the fact that the character has to be memorable. It also has to be a character you will remember and talk about for long. The script has to be tight and the conditions have to be right to suit what I can agree to. The director and producer are also very key to achieving a pretty good production.

On her new deal as Fairy Brand Ambassador

Ireti said, she’s absolutely proud to be selected by the number one brand in the world. “If I had to wait this long to represent anyone, it will have to be a major brand and that is what has happened with Fairy and I am indeed happy to be the Fairy godmother.”

According to her, endorsements are not things you actively pursue as all you can do is be diligent at your work and hopefully someone will look your way.

In the past, Ireti said she has been approached by

some brands but it didn’t work out. This, she said, means that somewhere along the line we are not the perfect fit and in just a matter of time, a brand will come along and it will be like a match made in heaven.

She said, what is bringing to the table as the brand ambassador of Fairy is her professional integrity, which is very important to her and which according to her, is another reason “I did not sign any endorsement all along.

What I am bringing to the table is my commitment, my professionalism and my voice to strengthen the Fairy brand ‘ which stands for excellence’ here in Nig eria and hopefully all

across the African continent.”

As fairy brand ambassador, Ireti confessed that she has been using the brand Fairy ever since it came into Nigeria and it is very effective. ”Everyone I know that has used it has shared the wonderful experience she had. I have several bottles in my Kitchen, my daughter who is married now has several bottles in her kitchen; other women that I know have several bottles in their kitchen. It is an effective brand to use when it comes to washing. Cooking is fun but washing of dishes could be difficult. Fairy makes it a whole lot easier. You get it done in half the time with less stress.”

“While I cannot tell you categorically right now that Fairy is the number one brand purely because it’s new, we are confident that, in

,

Y

ou cannot safely say that Iretiola Doyle is not your everyday actress. For her love for acting, the versatile actress, television producer, and scriptwriter, who is married to an equally popular actor, Patrick Doyle, recently revealed how she hit the set of the late Amaka Igwe’s TV series, “Fuji House of Commotion," with her threemonth old baby.

Ireti made this revelation while responding to a question on how she has been able to strike a balance between her career and her personal life as a mother.

She said, “I have been striking that balance for 14 years, which is the number of years I have been married.

Fortunately for me, my career and family grew alongside each other. My baby was three months old when I hit the set of Fuji House of Commotion. You need to see my car. I used to drive one nice “tuketuke” BMW at the time. I had everything, from the baby bath, stove, food to everything in my car because I had to go with the baby. So my kids grew up getting used to my kind of work.”

Speaking further, Ireti said every woman who is a working mother knows that it is not easy, adding that “You just have to strike that balance, and it is also a sacrifice. I am also lucky to have a partner who understands the business and he has given me all the support these years to raise our children who are grown now.”

Ireti, who got her first professional role as an actress in a soap produced and directed by the late Mike Tasie called “Riddles and Hopes”, said she’s living her dreams as an actress, which makes her a happy person. According to her, she’s driven by passion for the acting. “I love what I

I watch myself, I critique myself, I am harder on myself than anybody else and think of ways to do things differently, otherwise people will get bored and they will move on to the next thing

,

a short while, Fairy will be the number one brand, and I will tell you why: it delivers on its promises. All that is needed for you to do is to try it to see that it is very effective. A bottle of Fairy lasts two times longer than the other brands.”

Talking about what attributes that aligns her with Fairy as a pretty and elegant brand, Ireti said, “Without meaning to sound immodest, I consider myself elegant and self-contained. I have integrity and I try extremely hard to deliver on any promise I make. If I tell you I would be there, I will be there; if I think there might be a problem, I will leave myself a backdoor. I hate to promise and not deliver. So I think integrity, elegance, delivering on whatever promise I make. These are the major attributes that connect me with Fairy.

Recounting the story of her journey into acting, Ireti said, “Let me give you an insight by saying I studied Theatre Arts at the university of Jos and when I left school, I moved permanently to Lagos with one intention - to take over the Nigerian movie industry.

Can you see my choice of words; the arrogance of youth. I had it all planned out: I will come to Lagos, do one or two waka pass roles and by my third movie, I became a star actor. It didn’t quite work out like that because in this business of acting you will pay your dues, one way or the other.

You either do all the hard work, go from the bottom up or you do it lying flat on your back to do the work, I chose to do the work. Eventually, I got a job in a production company, where I learnt to produce and present and I became a broadcaster. From there, I started to produce and present my own show, the fashion show.”

Why she looks ageless

The actress said, “I cannot take credit for the way I look because I did not create myself.

I find it amusing when people list physical beauty as part of their achievements. What do you have to do with it? You are a recipient of grace and good genes which is what I tell people. I grew up skinny, very thin; I was always insulted and called different names while growing up. I just filled out nicely with time. I think, regardless of what you do to your physical size to keep looking good, you just need to rid yourself of the negative energy in whatever way it presents itself - be it

circumstances or people. “

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 —31

Ini Dima-Okojie

‘A o open ‘Ayyanda’ tto Durban International Film FFestiv estiv al estival

‘My husband is Chris Hemsworth’ R

T

HE highly anticipated South African film Ayanda, directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Real Eyes in association with Leading Lady Productions, has been announced as the opening night film of the 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from 16 to 26 July. Set in the vibrant, Afropolitan community of Johannesburg’s Yeoville, Ayanda is a coming-of-age story of a twenty-one year old Afro- hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she has to fight to save her late father’s legacy – a motor repair shop - when it is threatened with closure. She’s thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars once loved, now in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch to bring them back to life again. The film stars Fulu Mugovhani (Scandal) and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, with a South African cast including Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabola, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba and Vanessa Cooke.

ISING actress, Ini DimaOkojie has dropped a bo mbshell, naming an

Australian actor, Chris Hemsworth, who is best known for his roles as Kim Hyde in the Australian TV series, "Home and Away" and as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, "Thor" and "The Avengers" as her celebrity crush.

“Yes, I do have a crush on an actor, but he’s not a Nigerian. My husband is Chris Hemsworth”, she declared in a recent chat with HVP. Ini who quit her lucrative job as an investment banker to pursue a career in acting is one of the newest revelations in Nollywood. Her falling in love with Hemsworth may not be unconnected with her brief stint at the prestigious New York Film Academy where she graduated last year.

Explaining why she dumped her banking job for acting, the rising actress who hails from Edo State said she wasn’t feeling fulfilled as a banker regardless of the lucrativeness of the job. “I used to be an Investment Banker. It was a good job; it paid well and I learnt a lot. But as time went on, there was

this longing in my heart and I knew I wasn’t fulfilled regardless how much money I was making.

In my head it didn’t seem logical to abandon a career I had built over the years to pursue something that was just a passion. So, I kept doing what I was doing for another year. At a point, I applied to the New York Film Academy (the annex in Dubai) just to fulfill all righteousness as it were and see if the idea would die off inside my head but it did not. I eventually knew I couldn’t put it off anymore when I got to a point when I stopped ironing my outfits to work; I would just find something stretchy to put on. It was at that point that I really knew I wasn’t being fulfilled as a banker anymore, “ she narrated.

Ini said she has always developed passion for the arts right from when she was in the

•Ini Dima- Okojie university. Debuting in a short film titled ‘Bad Hair Day’, her first appearance on Nigerian Television was as Feyisayo Pepple on the hit TV series ‘Taste of Love’.

She has also featured in Mnet’s ‘Vanity’s Last Game’, ‘Desperate Housewives

Africa’, among other films.

Ike Nnaebue brings 48 Hour Film Project to Lagos

•Ike-Nnaebue BY

T

ANOZIE

EGOLE

HOSE who are aspiring to make a career in filmmaking have a unique opportunity of participating in a global Short Film competition, paving way for networking with other film enthusiasts around the world, plus greater possibilities of screening their works at international film festivals. Tagged the 48 Hour Film Project, the initiative which was started in 2001 C M Y K

by an American, Mark Ruppert, aims to advance filmmaking and promote filmmakers through festivals and competitions. In the project, filmmakers from all over the country will compete to see who can make the best Short Film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world for the title, “Best 48 Hour Film of 2015”. At the unveiling of the initiative in Lagos last weekend, the City Director, Ike Nnaebue, explained the tight deadline of 48 hours, as the hanger that puts the focus squarely on the filmmakers— emphasizing creativity and teamwork. “While the time limit places an unusual restriction on the filmmakers, it is also liberating by putting an emphasis on doing instead of talking,” he said.

According to Nnaebue, the filmmakers are at liberty to choose their themes, but each team must select the genre for its movie in a random drawing 15 minutes before the start of the competition.

He however noted that the teams are given a character, a prop and a line of dialogue that must appear in their film. Nnaebue said the credibility of the project resides the judges, who consist of film and video professionals. “These judges generally have extensive experience within the field. We require these judges to be fair and impartial. Our judges donate their time and talent to rate the films.

•Ayande

When Mr Ibu buried his mother

•Mr. Ibu and Osofia at the burial ceremony

T

HE sleepy town of Amurri suddenly rejuvenated last weekend as Nollywood stars stormed there to rally round one of their own, comic-actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu who was burying his late mum, Mrs. Victoria Okafor on that day.

Among the stars that were at Amurri were Nkem Owoh{Osuofia},

Patience Ozokwor{Mama G},Emeka Ike, Ken Erics,Victor Osuagwu, Prince Emeka Ani, Brownny Igboegwu, Dede One Day, Stan. K, Emeka Rollas, Dauda and Zolu Adigwe. Others were Diewaite Ikpechukwu, Offialagu Mbaka, Actress Uche Ogbodo as well as Movie directors,Andy Chukwu. Also, musicians J. Martins, Nigga Raw, Comedians Klint De Drunk, Fred Bright, Queen Benedicta Akpana, Miss Heritage Nigeria 2014/2015 and a host of other top celebrities were present at the funeral rites. The two -day superlative burial rites temporarily brought the community to a stand still as most of the natives thronged the burial venue to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie stars. Osuofia and Mr. Ibu took the shine off the ceremony when they greeted each other in a hilarious way, leaving the sympathizers reeling in laughter. They were later joined by Mama G whom many were delighted to meet at the ceremony.

The burial rites was coordinated by Mr. Ibu’s manager, Don Singles Nwazor who ensured that all the stars at the ceremony were entertained with choice wines and assorted delicacies for the two days the carnival-like-burial ceremony lasted.

32 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

Have the Igbos hijacked Nollywood?

Emeka Ike takes on Wale Adenuga

By AYO ONIKOYI

V

ETERAN movie maker and entertainment entrepre neur of the popular Super Story TV series, Wale Adenuga was our guest last Saturday as the Showtime Celebrity. The highly talented producer, who has made many stars, took his time out to answer a number of questions, on the problems of the movie industry especially piracy.

Then he took a cursory look at Nollywood and asserted that the Igbos have taken over Nollywood and explained in vivid terms why he feels that the Yorubas and the Hausas are not part of Nollywood.

He further added that the claim that Nollywood began in 1992 was a spurious one. Nollywood became popular with Living In Bondage, a 1992 movie that sold millions of copies and enjoys tremendous reference in the industry. Adenuga finds this misleading.

“They defined Nollywood as a product of 1992. It suggests that those who have been making films before 1992 are not part of Nollywood. That to me, is a dangerous claim.....When somebody claims he founded Nollywood, Oga Bello, of course I, cannot be part of that. When I produced my first film in 1983, Emeka Ike and his Nollywood people were still in school. They started their own filmmaking in 1992 and they are claiming that 1992 was the beginning of film-making in Nigeria” so stated Wale Adenuga in the interview published on this page last week.

It was an honest statement, probably made with noble intent but it was a can of worms he had opened. Emeka Ike did not hide his feelings. He was particularly irked by the statement that Igbos have taken over Nollywood and took his time to chronicle how the movie industry we know today as Nollywood actually emerged.

Emeka Ike’s reaction to Igbos taking over Nollywood

T

he Nollywood you know today is not the one that cropped up from Hilbert Ogungbe. Nollywood came about with the sales, marketing and multiplication of CDs. The Igbos got more involved

by their investments. The Igbos did what they had to do, whether good or not, it has given us the platform. They provided the medium for conveying our movies to every home.

After a while, the Igbo people decided to go into movie-making themselves. We should try to see how we can empower the different regional ethnic areas to make their movies, interpret their culture and at the same time have Nollywood at the centre.

It is wrong to start saying who started Nollywood, who did this and who did that. It’s not a good way to go for a man of his pedigree. When he made his movie, nobody knew him, just like we made our movies when nobody knew us.

The platform has been created by both the Yoruba and Igbo marketers in Idumota and he started making it more than even most of us that created the image that he took advantage of. Good for him, we are happy, he’s a visionary. But as a huge stakeholder in this industry, talking about the Igbos or Yorubas is unnecessary at this stage of our country’s democracy and development where we ought to come together and chart a course.

We should come together and frustrate the enemies of the industry, the enemies are those who have stood between the Nigerian youths and their pension money.

They prevent our youths from being paid when they are shown on TV. Actors should be paid each time they are shown on air, that’s how it is on international contract and movie making standard. Artistes should be properly remunerated anytime their movies are shown on air. These are things we should be working towards. I’m personally working towards galvanising Kannywood, Nollywood and the Yoruba movies together. We cannot be divided, we should have a central working system under which we would have different links: Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw etc. They should all be streamlined under Nollywood, creating a stronger product. For you to now start dividing, it is backward for a man of that pedigree. He should keep making good movies which we are proud of and then let’s see how we can chart a policy to make sure that the people acting in his movies get something back as remuneration - as their pension money, so that when they fall sick in future, they can see something to fall back on. That’s why most of our colleagues are dying because when they encounter difficulties, there’s no rescue except going to beg people.

There’s no pension money to help them, some people have coerced it. I can tell you that some people are taking the royalties of all the Nigerian artistes on DSTV.

People are stealing royalties belonging to actors

•Emeka Ike

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 — 33

T

hese are well known people in the industry, every time they show Nigerian movies on TV, they collect the royalties that belong to the Nigerian youths. When you mention Emeka Ike to them, they want to tear their skin, but that will not stop me from trailing them down. Go and ask African Magic, they pay people money. I don’t want to mention names here. I stopped fighting African Magic when I noticed that there were middle men.

They were paying the middle game, they now pushed the fight to me and African magic.

I am saying actors should be paid the way they do on the international scene. There are people who take money from AMAA Awards on behalf of artistes. There are people who take the money coming in from all around the world – Hollywood, Bollywood, France etc. A few of my colleagues sat on these money and all they do is scandalising those of us who talk. They paint a bad impression about us and make us look like troublemakers. Why won’t we make trouble? Why would there be peace when there’s injustice?

People like Wale Adenuga should join hands with us to make sure that his artistes do not suffer in the future. You make a huge star and you eventually don’t have programmes for the star. In all these pageants, millions are made, but they expose these models to prostitution. What is in all this for these people? These government of change should address all these anomalies going on and that’s what we are working on, to ensure that we remove those people in the middle. Go and ask the Ghanaian actors, when they show them with us on TV, they pay them in Ghana.

Right now, there’s change.

Everybody must be treated with equity.

Granted, artistes are desperate to become stars, they can do anything to become stars.

These are the things I want to correct and I will expect someone like Wale Adenuga to come on board. Let’s sanitise the industry to meet up with Hollywood standard. If our Ghanaian counterparts get something in return for starring in our movie, then Nigerian actors are entitled to something too.

If it’s 1 dollar, make it an alert on their phones. Let’s have biometric ID cards; these biometric ID cards can stand like a master card ATM card where you can go and take anything that has accrued to you from your efforts in the past.

How come Nollywood is predominantly Igbo?

Y

ou could be right about that but that’s not to say that’s how Nollywood should be. When he (Wale Adenuga) made his movie, it

was just a one-off. Several movies were made even before he made his own, that we didn’t know about. In that same 1993, Amaechi Obi and I made a movie that never saw the light of day just like his own didn’t.

But what we are talking about is history, pedigree. How did they start packaging this whole thing for export? How did investors get involved? How did all these become a budding industry? It is not impossible that Wale Adenuga would have made an unattractive movie. Let’s stop these tribal issues.

manipulate.

Our problem

H

ow come they keep calling billions, billions and yet Actors Guild is situated on a 2-bedroom apartment; who is fooling who? I am a straightforward man and some don’t like it that way; who is fooling who?

What were they doing in a 2bedroom apartment upon all the billions we kept hearing Government gave out in the name of the industry? These are the things we need to look at.

Let’s face the Nigerian youths, the Nigerian problem seriously.

Let’s bring the youths to the forefront; how do we market these youths? How do we make one million youths in every state have a place in Nollywood in the next two years? That is my target. My target is to give one million artistes jobs in every state in the next two years. We would situate a strong central system and then have electives

So many kids want to be actors tomorrow; they keep calling me, I don’t have answers for them. I will fight all of them till we all lose it or gain it for everybody.

What should be the role of Actors Guild of Nigeria, in unifying all the sectoral bodies in the movie industry?

Actors’ Guild of Nigeria means every actor in Nigeria irrespective of tribe and ethnic background.

What we are presenting to the government is a central working system.

The last president of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria is from Ijaw (South-South), before then, the last president was Yoruba and Emeka Ike is the next right now. If Actors’ Guild is a Nigerian product, I’m of the opinion that Kannywood, Yorubawood, Kadunawood, Igbowood should all come under a central working system. We’ve been operating on individual basis and that’s why the middle man has the opportunity to play the game he’s playing right now. If we are going to see any stakeholder, we should go with an agenda that covers all. When we get a film village, Kannywood should have their own department; Yoruba movie makers should have their own; the Igbo movie makers should have theirs too and producers should have theirs. Then everyone can work together as a central working system, not one that someone can

around the whole 36 states. These electives can now mentor every young child that has interest in the trade. The absence of this is what we see; confusion. So many kids want to be actors tomorrow; they keep calling me, I don’t have answers for them. I will fight all of them till we all lose it or gain it for everybody.

Open challenge to Wale Adenuga

S

o let him not think it is Uhuru here. Before Wale Adenuga opened his studio, I had opened my studio at Adeniran Ogunsanya.

Before he started making cinematographers, I had made several cinematographers in my office at Adeniran Ogunsanya. I trained over a 100 ex militants in Ghana which was about the best training in amnesty; I did not embezzle a dime and those boys, they love me as if I’m their father.

They call me daddy because my interest is their life. They know I mean well for them. That is how we should go about as responsible Nigerians not just make a way for our own juniors. If Wale Adenuga Junior will not suffer in life, what happens to other people’s Juniors?

So when they talk, they should know that the man they talk to, is a very intelligent man and not a riffraff or an idiot. I am properly educated, an Engineer is not a man you take for granted; I am painstaking in my decision and I am very concise in what I say.

I am not aware of anybody stealing what belongs to actors – Mahmood Ali-Balogun

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

R

EACTING to the allegation that some producers collect what’s due to the stars from Multichoice for using their works without remitting the same to them, Chairman of the newly established Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria,AVRS, Mahmood Ali-Balogun said, he was not aware of anything like that.

According to him, “ I am not aware of what you are talking about. I think the terms of contract the producers enter into, with the South African company, Multichoice will determine their relationship. AVRS stands to protect the intellectual property owners regardless of whom they are . We are presently doing enlightenment campaign, and we have not even engaged people who are using our works. I am not in the know of what you are talking about. AVRS is Nigeria’s sole collective management organization for cinematography films. Its sole objective is to enlighten stakeholders in the film and broadcast industry on the purpose, nature and operations of AVRS. He also said •Mahmood that the forum was Ali-Balogun held to explain to the stakeholders ‘their rights and obligations’

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

By BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

I hate to be tagged as female musician --- Waje

By BENJAMIN NJOKU & ANOZIE EGOLE

L

ast Sunday,Waje hosted her fans and friends at the popular Bogobiri House, in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event tagged, “Waje Live, the tale of an African Soul”, was part of the singer's way of appreciating her fans, friends and colleagues who have supported her all these years.

After her thrilling performance, Sibebeat cornered her where she shares her experience as ONE Campaign ambassador.

She also talks about the marginalization of the female singers in the Nigerian music industry, insisting that the female singers should be treated equal like the male counterpart.

While performing last weekend, you recounted how you worked with a record label for 10 years without producing an album. How did it happen?

Yes, I got signed to a record label when I was very young.

The owner of the record label was a family friend, I did not bother to read through or look at the nature of the deal I was going into. Sometimes, people do have good intention but in life, time and chance happens to everybody. Even me, I did not have the ginger because I probably was waiting for them to do everything. I did not understand the culture of going out there and getting things done for myself. But the good thing is that the contract did not expire. We ended amicably when I decided to go and pursue my dreams. At the time when I left the label, I released my song, “For a minute.” I did the song myself and at the same time shot the video. So

C M Y K

that is what happened. It was just a question of me not going out there to get things done for myself. I was waiting to be spoon fed. Not knowing that it is the other way that you have to go out there and hustle for yourself and not waiting for people to do it for you.

How old were you at that time?

I was 18 years.

How was the experience after you left the record label?

Like every other industry, I have to find my feet in many ways. This is because I do not know my left or right in the music industry. So, I have to learn a lot of things along the line. I am sure that is the experience of most people in the industry. I have to learn how to look for the right people to promote my songs and also learn how to look for the right producers to do my songs for me. For me, it was all about, let's go there and sing. I did not understand that as a female brand. You are also a show brand, how you look have a lot to say about your career. Basically, it has all been me learning with affiliation of all the people I have been meeting as I pursue my career in music.

Do you still have the fear of what your fans want from you despite the years you have spent in the industry?

Yes, I still have the fear, most of us also have the fear of what our fans want from us.

But one thing I have which I thank God for, is my team. I do not keep it all to myself because, you cannot know it all. So, when you finish a music, play it to your team and sample opinion. I am a strong believer in my talent. I strongly believe that for every •Anu on her Ekwe

single move you make there is a sound for that. And I feel that there is an audience to cater for as well. For me, African music as much as it is danceable still has a soul regardless of how danceable it is. That is why you could still get a soul out of Fela.

What is soul music, most times people think it is slow music but soul music is actually any kind of music that connects to your

Yes, I still have the fear, most of us also have the fear of what our fans want from us.

But one thing I have which I thank God for, is my team. I do not keep it all to myself because, you cannot know it all

soul. That is why you have people like James Brown. As far as his music is concerned, he was still the king of soul music to a lot of people. I feel that my music is all about me being able to cut across to the people I can be able to cater for. Regardless of if it is going to be high-life or Afro music. I am a fan of reggae music. But the thing is that there are certain messages you would want to convey to your audience. Even as you are writing the song, there is a genre that influences the song that you do not even know how you derived it. For instance, I a wrote a song recently about my daughter that I will be dropping in my next album. The song has 6-8 beat and I have never done a song with that beat before. But when I was thinking about my daughter that was the sound that came to my mind. I •Anu on her Ekwe

recorded it on my cell phone and send it to my producer.

He did the beat and send it back to me.

You performance at the concert cuts across all the genres of music. Is it because you do not want to be identified with a particular genre?

I think it is because it comes naturally. Sometimes, I even try to box myself because I feel it is a blessing and a curse in a way when you a bit versatile. What happens is that people sometimes, ask questions like what exactly is the sound. So I try my best to box my music but I just think that it comes naturally. So, I let the music flow as it comes.

You started your musical career as a chorister. When was the last time you sang in

continued on page 35

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—35

By BENJAMIN NJOKU njokujamin@yahoo.com

Being a single mother has its own challenges continues from page 34 the church?

I still worship in my church but I have not sang for a long time now. I think the last time I sang in the church was in 2013. I still sing in my church but not in the choir. However, once in a while I am invited to render special numbers with the church choir. I am a member of This Present House, (T.P.H) Ministry. I prefer not to be in the choir just because I want to be free.

You know we are all human beings and most times, we judge even when we do not mean to. I want to be free in the house of God so that any day I want to cry to my God I lie at the alter and cry without anyone wondering whether this Waje or not.

What would you say the challenges have been so far?

I feel that one of the challenges is being tagged a female musician. The same value attached to the work as well as structure as it applies to the male artistes also applies to the female singers.

We put in the same amount of hours in the studio. So, if I am to be appreciated as a musician I just want to be appreciated for my work. If you want to invite Waje to a show, you said you want me to perform just because you like my work not because may be, you have about six male artistes on the line up, and you just decided to include one female act. I feel like we all work hard. I do not think Beyonce is tagged a female musician.

Are you not being chauvinistic here?

To be honest, this is not all about feminism. It's just the fact. At the end of the day, we all push out the same work.

Somebody is not going to be fair to me because I am a woman. A producer will not say Waje is a woman so let's give her 10% discount. I think that is my greatest challenge when people tag us as female musicians while we are all musicians.

Can you share your experience with us as ONE campaign ambassador?

It has been amazing. Right now, it's the highpoint of my career. Sometimes, you draw a plan of where you want to find yourself as a brand. I do not only want to be known as a musician, but also, as a brand that is associated with things C M Y K

that I am passionate about.

Like I am very passionate about women because I have a daughter who has just

I feel that one of the challenges is being tagged a female musician. The same value attached to the work as well as structure as it applies to the male artistes also applies to the female singers. We put in the same amount of hours in the studio. So, if I am to be appreciated as a musician I just want to be appreciated for my work

finished her secondary education and is about gaining admission into the university. So, if I am doing music I must be rest assured that I have done things that can be able to change my environment. That she can as well enjoy a better upbringing and better opportunity that I had. When ONE Campaign invited me to

-- Waje

join them in this campaign I felt it would be good for me as a human being and also, to boost my career. I just got back from South Africa and we performed at the World Economic Forum. If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would perform at such an event, I would tell the person back to sender. Sometimes, the blessing do not just come in the number of cars or houses that you have acquired. But God positions you in places were you know that eventually you will do something. South African female singers, Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fasie were women that sat with the policy makers and that is the place I will like to find myself.

the ladies on the bill I have never heard of them before now. But I did my research and found out that some of them are actually big brands in their respective countries.

That's good because at the end of the day, we cannot be carrying flags to say we are Africans. We do not even know ourselves very well. I felt it was very good for me because it forced me to go in search of their music to ascertain their roots. I took the first line and the whole arrangement of the song was done by Cohbams. So, it was not like it was all my inspiration.

Has it changed anything about you?

It has actually changed a lot of things about me. If I have to follow that path, there are certain things I cannot take for granted. I cannot live selfishly. I now know that I am an ambassador and there are people that are looking up to me. If I am going to join this campaign because Waje is there, I am probably a Waje follower. If I do not act properly, I will probably lead someone into doing something they are not supposed to do.

How soon are you getting married?

Just join me in prayers. I know that when the right time comes you will know about it.

So how was it like working with other artistes in the campaign?

It was great because most of

Are you in love now?

Yes, I am in love with life.

Did you plan to be a single mother?

I was not married, so there is no way I would have planned it.

What was it like to be a single mother?

It has its own challenges.

But I guess what helped me was the support I got from my family. My mother is an Igbo woman. After I gave birth to my daught, I went back to school as my mother took care of her. I also have brothers who are close to me and are married, so most times she visits them. I think my family helped me a lot.

My mother is my gold, my diamond and everything.

She made bringing up my daughter easier for me.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Has this lingerie br and ffinally inally ffound ound brand a replacement for ‘plus-size’?

I

t’s no secret that many women can’t stand the term “plus-size,” and the luxury lingerie brand Cosabella is offering their own solution with its new collection.

The brand is now offering what it calls extended sizes, and while many shoppers were simply pleased the sexy separates are now available for all women, others were quick to notice the terminology: the brand’s use of “extended” instead of “plus size.”

Model Emily Nolan is the face of Cosabella Extended and has been outspoken about her distaste for the word “plus-size” on her blog.

She approves of “extended,” but says it would be even better if brands ditched labels altogether.

“It’s a term that piques people’s interest, instead of boxing our consumers into a broad and inaccurate term like ‘plus-size’ or ‘curvy,’” she said. “As a model, I also understand that companies need to alert their consumers that

there are more sizes available for purchase,” Nolan added. “After a successful launch, I’d love to see companies begin to drop all labels and integrate the new collection of additional sizes into the entire range they offer — without the need to separate by size.”

Cosabella is on the right track. The extended

Chinese businessman sues dating agency for failing to find him a ‘pure, sweet and young’ wife

Pakistani cleric sa ys women says who wear jeans are to blame for ear thquak es, terrorism earthquak thquakes, and rising inflation

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wealthy Chinese businessman has sued a dating agency for failing to find him a ‘pure, sweet and young’ wife, after paying seven million Yuan (£740,000) for their services.

The man in his 40s, who has only been named as Mr Zhang, was not satisfied with any of the eight candidates that the Shanghai-based agency had arranged him to date through national auditions.

A court ruled on Thursday that he should be given a four million Yuan (£420,000) refund, reported People’s Daily Online.

Prospective candidates were interviewed by marriage counsellors across three cities, and adverts were put in newspapers, online and on television, as a part of the contract signed between C M Y K

The company had said they would return part of the fees if they could not find him a girlfriend after two years.

The court ruled that it was difficult for the agency to claim they had met their contractual agreements after only providing

Mr Zhang and the unnamed agency.

Mr Zhang was looking to date ‘pure’ and ‘sweet’ women aged between 20 and 28, and who were between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 8ins in height.

eight candidates for him to date.

It’s no uncommon in China for dating agencies to organise national, largescale event to help wealthy bachelor search for ideal partners.

In such an event in 2012, about 2,800 single women from 10 Chinese cities signed up to join an audition in order to meet bachelors who boasted own more than 100 million Yuan (£10 million) in assets.

collection is an assortment of the lingerie brand’s bestselling pieces, in the same fabrics and colors but in larger sizes, so fans can mix and match the newer items with previous pieces.

The brand says it wasn’t trying to make a statement with the collection’s name.

“When we were throwing around names and thinking about the collection,

‘extended’ just seemed a bit more natural for us,” said Shanon Kogler, director of communications for Cosabella, adding that even if someone is busty up on top, it doesn’t necessarily mean they consider themselves plus size.

Guido Campello, CEO of Cosabella, said the company added the larger sizes in response to customer feedback.

“People have been waiting for this,” he said, adding that sizing requests “always come at both ends.”

“The important thing to realize is that no matter where you are, what you’re doing, where your life is taking you, you can always be beautiful,” Campello said.

The brand partnered with TOPLESS, Nolan’s nonprofit that promotes selfconfidence and positive body image, for the launch and will donate 20 percent of the collection’s proceeds during the month of June to the organization.

Pakistani Muslim cleric has become an online laughing stock after claiming that women wearing jeans are to blame for devastating earthquakes, acts of terrorism and rising levels of inflation.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who is also leader of the junior party in Islamabad’s ruling coalition, said ‘immodest women’ are responsible for a whole host of recent disasters around the world.

The hardline politician who reportedly described

the Taliban as ‘our brothers’ went on to compare women who do not fully cover their bodies in robes to weapons of mass destruction, before urging Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to carry out a military operation against women who wear jeans.

The comments made by Rehman - who leads the conservative Assembly of Islamic Clergy political party - were reported by the International Business Times, citing Pakistani news outlets.

The religious leader reportedly compared women to ‘sacks of flour’ and WMDs, adding that modern clothing is responsible for everything from earthquakes to rising

inflation in the south Asian country.

‘The Taliban are our brothers and their angst against the state is justified.

As brother Ansar Abbasi has so eloquently put in the past: TTP’s suicide bombings are just Allah’s wrath upon us,’ Rehman was quoted as saying.

‘And so there is a need to earmark and eliminate the real enemy of Pakistan: every woman who wears jeans,’ he reportedly added.

Rehman is said to have gone on to say that if ‘immodest’ women instead chose to cover themselves, the Taliban would no longer carry out terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

in front of her unexpected guest in her Dubai bedroom after alerting local police.

‘Came home to find a drunk intruder sleeping on my bed!! He tried to steal but ended up passing out. Best

attempted robbery ever!!’ the woman wrote on her Instagram page.

Later it emerged the man was a friend of the building watchman who, after a few too many, was in search of somewhere to rest his eyes.

Who’s that sleeping in my bed?

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fter a night on the town, most party-goers can’t wait to get home and climb in to bed.

But one woman was given a rude awakening when she returned to her apartment to find that a complete stranger had taken her place.

Sharing a photograph of the bizarre encounter on social media, the woman, known only as Rym B, posed happily

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015 — 37

BY FRED IDOREH

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he Nigeria Professional Football League recently took a break to resume in mid June. The League Management Company, LMC, announced that the break was necessary for them to take a quarter time assessment and for the clubs to engage with their owner state governments many of which now have new governors.

WHY NIGERIAN LEAGUE WENT ON BREAK The reasons declared by the LMC were just nice but economical ways of putting things.

Fact is virtually all the clubs were in financial straits. Against the rule, a number of them carried over defaults in long months of players’ salaries into the new season. Many of the league stadiums were also in sub-standard shapes. The clubs made undertakings to resolve these defaults by the first quarter of the year.

Outside the clubs, the leaderships of their owner state governments were deeply involved in politics and had scant attention for the clubs. Worse still, the states are having a hard time following their dependence on revenue from federal allocation which also depended majorly on crude oil which has fallen in price and volume in the global market. This also means deprioritising funding for the clubs. Playing on in the circumstance could only mean subjecting the players to severe hardships. These are what the LMC didn’t say.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS DEFY DEPRESSION The time-out underscores the sense and urgency in the call for professionalism in the clubs. In other climes, political processes or a downturn in the revenue of government does not necessarily constrain professional sports. In the heady days of the depression in America, the NBA and the MLS continued in business with their commercial and brands activities. So too did clubs in the EPL keep up their action and industry even with David Cameron, Ed Miliband and various MPs pitched against themselves during the elections in the UK. Still in the face of global economic challenges, the world witnessed the most stupendously lavish purse in the fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao.

These attest to the fact that professional sports has a life of its own.

The need for professionalism and a strategically managed detachment of Nigerian league clubs from the apron strings of state governments cannot therefore be overemphasised. As it is now, the clubs will have to rely on the interest and enthusiasm of the new governors to be able to come back to field and given the revenue challenges, some clubs might be at risk.

In this time out, a proper engagement with the new governors will require a presentation of what the club is about and its demand on the state treasury vis a vis its value to the people. Quite apart from merely pushing the image of the states or governments, the value of the states owning and sponsoring clubs is still a matter of debate especially as many of the clubs, negligently, do not have any deep connect with their communities. Lagos, the acclaimed Centre of Excellence owns none. It makes it clear that it’s responsibility is to provide its communities and peoples with necessary infrastructure and institutional support while

Nigerian league players

NIGERIAN LEAGUE CLUBS:

Beyond three goals and three points... businesses have to develop themselves to thrive within the potentials of their specific industries. Professional sports clubs are also simply businesses.

IF I WERE A GOVERNOR If I were a new governor, I will be asking the clubs a few questions when they arrive to ask for funds. I will ask to see their general turnover of income and cash flow and the balance sheet for last season and the first quarter of the current season; their business development template; their match day and ticketing revenue; share of broadcasting revenue; income from club generated sponsorships and commercials; income and profit from players sales and transfers. I will also ask for the average league attendance of the club’s games, the base of their supportership and followership, the value these bring to the club, the impact of the club on the life of the host community, especially local businesses, and the potential of the club to attract direct investment and commercial partnerships unto itself and its community.

Unfortunately, there are very few clubs, if any, that can provide clear and convincing presentations on these and, if

so, I will be lethargic, especially in consideration of competing and priority demands for education, health and infrastructure, to sign off on the requisitions of the clubs for continued funding.

GOVERNMENT’S ROLE Government sure has a role to play in the development of sports but this is clearly defined in the provision of facilities for communities and support for schools and amateur sports. It is always expected that having invested in these the industry of professional sports should take care of itself. A breach should be declared if this maturity does not occur because, indeed, babies must grow from boys to men.

The LMC has been consistent on the call for our clubs to embrace change in their philosophy of being, policy, structure and operations so as to ensure business viability and commercial success. It has suggested and developed templates for the divestment of certain percentage of government shareholding on the clubs for community participation through part ownership and funding. It has talked so much about the need

for the institutionalization of club feeder teams, a prime condition in FIFA/CAF licensing regulation, by which clubs can develop their own players locally at minimal cost, reduce the incidence of always having to buy plenty new players every season at huge cost and at the risk of disrupting the blend of the team, and, importantly, selling such players locally and internationally for profit afterwards. Conformity is still not very visible.

WHY LMC IS BARKING WITHOUT BITING Interestingly, the LMC seems to have good reasons to be barking but never biting.

It may not be about the fist of sand. They reason that a hard drive might leave us with no league as, presently, probably only a couple, if any, of Nigerian league clubs are registrable by FIFA regulations and a bang could be counter-productive.

Reminds one of Hamlets melancholic “to be or not to be.”

It is not exactly a Catch 22 situation but the association of club managers seem also to understand the fears of the LMC in this regard and are

thus playing “ you-can’ttouch-this” with the whole idea of the league reforms.

The hide and seek may leave us just shuttling in the crypt, with all motion and no movement.

While we wait for the club managers and their state governments to come to realization and effectively embrace the reforms, the incidence of inaction will continue to strain the treasuries of the states while the huge potential for the professional development and commercial growth of the clubs and the league, with the attendant deliverables and contributions of this sports industry to nation building, remains in dormancy.

To shift from this low point, I will, if I were to be a governor, engage the club management and support them to chart the part of professionalism and community involvement in the state club, not only to reduce the burden on the state purse but necessarily to help the club achieve its full industry potential for even greater delivery of benefit to the players, communities and the state itself. And, importantly also, so that, next time, we wouldn’t need to stop the league because oil revenue went down or because some new politicians are in. That is the definition of stability.

38— SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015

Community Football:

Uchegbulam wants Enyimba, Pillars, Rangers, 3SC to lead the way Amanze Uchegbulam is a house-hold name in Nigerian football.

He was First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation under Sani Sulu and a member of various CAF committees. In this interview with Jacob Ajom, Uchegbulam speaks on Nigerian football and the happenings in FIFA .

Excerpts:

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hat is your appreciation of Nigerian football?

Well, it has not been too bad, particularly, when you have a federation that first and foremost, qualifies for and participates in every major tournament. It is a rare feat because not every country that gets that opportunity to qualify for the five major tournaments — the senior World Cup, male and female, all the youth tournaments – the U20, U-17, etc. It is good for our football. It shows that we are actually giving opportunity to our players to graduate from one age grade to the next. It is good.

In terms of administration, I will say, it’s neither here nor there until we learn to respect our own rules; which is a characteristic of our football and has been in previous regimes. It is not good for our football.

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ou were a key figure in the last but two NFF administrations where you enunciated numerous programmes and policies. Has there been any disconnect in terms of policy implementation since you left office?

I think in terms of the age competitions – because we started the U-13 in 2007 – and the U-13 we had then in 2008 was the Iheanacho set. When we left, Maigari and Green continued with them and the boys won the U-17 World Cup in Dubai. They are the same set in the U-20 now and you can see the way they are playing shows a team that has been together since 2008. Our game plan then was to keep them together up to the senior level. The boys are still together, which shows C M Y K

continuity; which is good.

But I am worried that the U-13 programme has been abandoned.

My advice is that they should revive it because that is the only way they can replace this U-17 team and then check age cheats. You could see that the Dubai U-17 was the youngest we have ever presented.

In terms of administration, we notice that all the heads of departments we employed are still there; they were there with Maigari and are still there under Pinnick, it shows that there is a thread of continuity. Ojo-Oba has gone, he was replaced by Deputy Secretary, Musa Amadu. He too left and the Assistant Secretary, Dr Sanusi has taken over, I think it is good for our football.

•Eagles

•Amanze

•Pinnick

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ne of the developmental aspects of Nigerian football is the Nigeria Football Professional League. How would you rate the league?

I would not say I have enough information about what is happening there now, but all I can tell you is we started it. I was a pioneer member of the League when Obaseki was chairman, I served on that board.

But the way it has transformed to League Management Company and what it is now, honestly, I don’t have much information. However, I am happy with Dikko because he is very enthusiastic about what concerns the league and getting sponsors to run the league. But they should take it down the other leagues. During our time we created these other three leagues – the national league, the amateur league, what they call Nationwide league and the women

league. It is good they have been able to sustain them but they should assist them in getting sponsors. The NFF has to do a lot to tie them to the elite league to ensure that as they negotiate with sponsors for the elite league they also drive sponsors for them.

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he CEO of the LMC, Hon, Nduka Irabor is talking of community ownership f football clubs in the country, as a way of boosting their financial base and loosening government grip on football clubs. Is this practicable in Nigeria?

That is the trend all over the world and Nigeria cannot be an exception.

That is a good move, it’s a good drive, a good move that should be

applauded. Teams like Enyimba, Kano Pillars, 3SC, Rangers, Heartland can attract sponsors that can give them money to run their affairs. These are clubs that have made names for themselves. They should lead the way to autonomy, to professionalism and the community based football ownership that Irabor is talking about. When they throw it open and let government take a percentage share and not the controlling shares and let the people decide on the people who will run their clubs… where everything is professionalized. It’s a good move and let us all go in that direction; not the issue of using clubs like public relations outfits. I think it is a good move.

But some of these club managements are reluctant going public because they

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13 2015 — 39

you see him as one who will lift Nigerian sports and football, in particular?

I happen to know some of the people who actually packaged his emergence as civilian President and they actually mean well. When people have their impression about certain people, they call them names and talk about their past records.

But change can come in its totality.

Change can come in terms of administration, change can come in terms of your behavior or one can stop doing what he used to do before. Let us just move ahead and thank God there is stability and peace in the system. We have witnessed very smooth transition.

But I plead with him to be firm, which I know he would be; then there will be a direction. Once there is a direction I know Nigerians are very good followers, they will follow.

T

,

It is unfortunate that all the hullabaloo is on because England and America lost their World Cup bids to Russia and Qatar respectively. If they had won the bid, nobody would be talking about corruption

,

•Keshi

get easy money from government?

Yea! That is because there is a possibility of losing their jobs. Who wants to lose his job? But that is the ideal thing to do. We want to improve our football.

T

hat brings to mind the issue of the Bridge Boys, a team you are very much involved with. What has become of the Bridge Boys because it is a project that is close to what the LMC is talking about?

Well you are right, I am a shareholder in Bridge Boys, I am a director there. We are about ten or nine who pooled money together. We pulled out of the National League because we were spending over N15million every year participating in the championship without anything

coming in. We withdrew and decided to form the local league which we call the Metro League to keep the boys busy going. It has not been easy with us, pumping in so much money. But the dream is still alive because the Bridge Boys are still on.

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ny hope of maybe buying a space in the professional league?

We don’t need to buy. We have to play our way up to the elite league.

When the time comes, we will be there.

You have been in Nigerian football for some time now as you were around when President Buhari ruled as military head of state. Now he is back as civilian President, do

alking about sports, is there any hint that we are going to do well under him?

Yes, but let us wait and see his appointments. He is not coming to run sports; he is coming to transform the economy. Once the economy is good, sports will grow and more money will come into sports. Let’s see the people he will appoint. I hope he won’t appoint the kind of minister who would see football as the beginning and the end of sports; someone who will not interfere with the administration of football. That was the misfortune we had in a minister in the name of Biu who was actively interfering in the administration of football and there was conflict. That was when the whole of our problems started. Let’s have a minister who will understand that all we need from government is to give us the facilities; like what Fashola did in Lagos; in every open space you are either playing basketball or 5-a-side, the youths are kept busy and the sports associations will get facilities to utilize. That is what the government should do, and not to get involved in running football or athletics.

Create the facilities and the people will find them handy to use.

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ike we pointed out earlier, some sports officials find it easier to depend on government for funds than seeking sponsors to get money to run their affairs. Even when you were in the NFF you were almost 90% dependent on government funds. How can this tie be broken? Can the NFF be self dependent, financially?

Certainly, I have been an advocate of not getting money from government. Even when we were there I held a minority proposition on this issue. Government money is money people want to share.

Government money is money you go to one Senate Committee or the House of Representatives Committee, everybody trying to talk about their interests. I don’t believe

in that. I have always said, and if my colleagues had listened to me, we would have since severed from government funding because I believe football can fund itself.

Right now a lot of money is coming in from qualifying for the World Cup, you are talking about $8million or $9million.You get $1million for preparing your team and once you get to the World Cup, even if you are eliminated from the first round you get $8million. And that is a lot of good money for you to run, prudently the affairs of football. I maintain that government should help us in providing us facilities.

The way I reason is when you qualify for international tournaments, then there is government concern; where government comes out and bankrolls your participation in those tournaments. But in terms of day-today activity, we don’t need any government money to do that, if we can prudently manage our affairs.

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hat is the legal status of the NFF and the NSC? Is the NFF a legal body?

The Nigeria Football Association came in with Decree 101 and through the transformation of 2005 struggle under Galadima FIFA came in. We were the first set in 2006 that came in under the FIFA Statute.

There is a federal executive approval, which FIFA has a copy and which the Minister, then Bala Kaoje wrote in a memo to FIFA attached a copy saying that government had approved that we run our football affairs via our statutes. All we required to do was to domesticate that statute into our law for the President to sign. That’s all; to domesticate it, saying that the statute is an approved enabling law to run our football.

W

hat is your comment on FIFA crisis?

It is unfortunate that all the hullabaloo is on because England and America lost their World Cup bids to Russia and Qatar respectively. If they had won the bid, nobody would be talking about corruption. But that is not to say that I support any corruption in FIFA. But if England and USA didn’t lose the bids you think this crisis will be there? There would have been a way to ease out the corrupt ones and the institution will remain strong for the good of the game. It is unfortunate because they are now using that to blackmail FIFA. Corruption? Yes, people talk about corruption when it does not favour them. But I am happy that FIFA is a well grounded institution.

Blatter has said all those involved in corruption should answer their charges. And that is the way it should be; the family must remain together. Prince Ali took a wise step to withdraw after the first round of voting in order to keep the family intact. A few people are not happy; everybody cannot be happy

40—SATURDAY

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Vanguard,JUNE 13, 2015

Lifestyle:

lthough many people underestimate the value of breakfast, there are those who appreciate its importance. Many mothers ensure their children never leave home without a full stomach. Such mothers appreciate the value of breakfast. Nutritionists say eating a substantial meal within the first few hours of waking up is as healthy for an adult as for a child.

Breakfast can be described as the “fuel” that gets you going in the morning so you can hit the road. A good, healthy breakfast provides enough new energy for your body to get started and to keep you functioning until lunch.

While some persons say they are okay with just one glass of water, a cup of beverage drink with or without some slices of bread, or eat nothing at all, evidence shows that this type of routine is ill advised and potentially unhealthy.

For children, a good breakfast is even more important. Children that eat a healthy nutritious breakfast regularly tend to be more efficient and are better prepared for the day at school.

Children who do not eat a good breakfast become tired in school and have shorter attention spans, especially late in the morning.

By adding breakfast, children are more likely to get the vitamins and minerals they need. Also, children who don’t eat a good breakfast tend to eat more junk food during the day—snacks that are high in fat and sugar and low in nutritional value.

Breakfast benefits Studies show that breakfast eaters perform much better in their school work and show extra energy in sports and other physical activities. Besides assuring optimal development and growth, positive effects on alertness, attention, performance on standardised achievement tests, and other skills important for academic success are enhanced for those who eat breakfast on a daily basis.

On the contrary, Children who skip breakfast will be more sluggish, less attentive, and have less energy to carry out their morning tasks. Teachers observe that children who come to school hungry experience more learning difficulties compared to well-nourished children. Worse still, skipping breakfast actually makes the child more likely to snack throughout the day and eat a larger meal at lunch and dinner. As a result, skipping breakfast may cause weight gain by causing increased hunger and more food consumption later in the day.

•A good breakfast...

A good breakfast It’s not only important for a child to have breakfast every day, what the child eats in the morning is crucial too.

Choosing breakfast food that are rich in whole grains, fibre, and protein while low in added sugar boosts attention, concentration, and memory— which is what children require to learn in school.

A good breakfast should include nutritious foods from at least three food groups, start the day and to carry on through meal mid-morning. As the child gets carbohydrate, protein and fibre. For to lunch. Of course, children often used to eating breakfast, you can slowly learn most by example, so it’s children, a good breakfast could start increase the amount of food in the early important for parents to set a good with a refreshing glass of water or morning. orange juice. example and have a nutritious Breakfast tips This helps to boost appetite. There breakfast each day too.

A good tip is to stock your kitchen are so many good breakfast options, It takes no more than one minute with easy-made healthy breakfast but whole-grain cereal is an excellent for your child to open a cereal pack, options such as a high fibre cereals. If choice. If a child is older than two and prepare a delicious and the children are not hungry first thing years, this could be combined with nutritious meal before stepping out in the morning, pack a breakfast that additional food including plenty of for the day. High-fibre, they can eat a little later on the car or milk. carbohydrate-rich breakfasts help between classes. Fresh fruit, cereal, Cereals make a nutritious and children feel full longer and snack nuts, or banana sandwich are filling breakfast. Breakfast cereals less. nutritious, easy to make, and easy to are high fibre when made of whole An expert urges mothers to be take along. What not to serve for grains and contain nutrients fortified creative with their breakfast choices. breakfast is important too. Avoid oily with iron and vitamin A. For instance, mixing a variety of cooked meals and sugary pastries.

Such breakfast cereals when healthy breakfast with cereals, Make breakfast happen fortified with these important especially those that are fortified It can be difficult to make a healthy nutrients are perfect for children, with vitamins and essential breakfast happen when you’re rushing who love the taste and the ease of nutrients, but low in sugar, provides to get yourself and the children ready in a good source of carbohydrate and preparation. the morning, but it is essential to create fibre for children. Add generous If a child is not used to eating time for breakfast every day. The point breakfast, such child should be quantities of low-fat milk to supply of breakfast is to feed your child’s body encouraged to eat a small amount at the needed calcium and protein. with the protein and energy it needs to first and then have the rest of the Breakfast doesn’t have to be limited

Make breakfast for your child

to cereals but if a child enjoys it, it is one that can be a healthy choice.

Breakfast is best Breakfast helps improve mental performance and concentration during morning activities. While adults need to eat breakfast each day to perform their best, children need it even more. Their growing bodies and developing brains need regular refuelling often, from food. When children skip breakfast, they do not get what they require to be at their best.

A breakfast eating child is more likely to get fibre, calcium, and other important nutrients. That child tends to keep weight under control, have lower blood cholesterol levels and fewer absences from school. He or she would make fewer trips to the school clinic with stomach complaints related to hunger.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—41

What your hair says about your health Y

ou probably think about your hair on a daily basis— whether you’re having a good or a bad hair day or maybe wondering whether you should try a new style from the pages of your favourite magazine. But you might be missing clues that your hair is revealing about your health. Changes in your hair’s look, texture, or thickness can be signs of underlying health conditions. Here’s how you can tell whether your hair changes are due to a health problem or genetics, starting with clue number one: Sudden changes, such as a lot of hair loss, are more likely linked to a treatable health problem than are gradual changes, such as thinning. The next time you look in the mirror, look out for these hair symptoms.

Grey hair Stress turns hair grey.

Oxidative stress may affect pigment producing cells, and dermatologists do not know exactly why trauma and stress turn

Healthy hair hair grey for some individuals and not others, but when your hair greys is dictated in part by your genes.

Brittle hair Brittle hair is one symptom of Cushing’s Syndrome but there are many other more obvious symptoms of this rare condition caused by excess cortisol, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and back pain.

Treatment for Cushing’s syndrome may include changing the dose of medications that could be causing the condition.

C M Y K

Hair shedding If you are suddenly noticing a lot more hair in your hairbrush or on your shower floor, this could be a sign that your body has low iron stores, or anaemia, and may warrant testing. Iron supplements or a change in diet to include more iron-rich foods can help you keep your hair. Hair shedding can also happen (temporarily) with

sudden changes in estrogen levels and is often noticed after pregnancy or stopping birth control pills.

Hair thinning Protein is essential to building your hair, so if you don’t get enough, you may notice hair loss or thinning.

Most hair thinning, even in women, is likely due to genetics.

Yellow flakes

SEXUAL ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

PREMATURE EJACULATION REMATURE ejaculation occurs in two forms namely; Lifelong PE this starts early on, usually when you are a teenager experiencing first sexual contact. It is harder to treat and often has deeper psychological causes. Bad habits may also contribute (such as masturbating to ejaculate as fast as possible in order to avoid getting caught).

Acquired PE which happens later in life and is usually triggered by either psychological (stress or relationship issues) or physical causes (diabetes or high blood pressure).

I had an infection some years back which I didn’t treat well and now its really disturbing and also affecting my erection as I hardly can get an erection not to talk of making it hard and this situation is so embarrassing. I heard Cleanshield liquid can help cure the infection totally and if this is true, how does it work and what can I also use to correct the very weak erection? Shola Cleanshield is an alkaline liquid supplement that helps reduce the level of acidity in the body. For any microorganism. mostly bacteria that cause infection to thrive, it needs an acidic environment and that’s why you have the infection; Cleanshield reduces the acidic level in the body making it impossible for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive and cause infection. Cleanshield liquid has to be used for a period of time to totally erase the effect of the infection from the body. The best to correct weak erection is Prosolution pills. This herbal supplement helps correct weak erection and early ejaculation and also gives quick recovery time if you want more than 1 round. Prosolution pill is safe for use without side effects and even the diabetics or hypertensives can also use it.

I get erection easily but its not hard enough and I can’t even go more than one round and my wife is demanding for more, please help me? Chief Ohia Hello Chief, it’s good enough to know that at least you get an erection, though not as hard as you’d wanted. Some herbal aphrodisiacs that can give you hard erection on demand and also make you go more than one round without side effect include; Plant vigra, Rhino 7, X-again, Sexvoltz to mention but a few. Any of the above mentioned will give

P

•Changes in hair

you the good result you so desired without any side effect like headache or nausea.

I have been using Vigrx plus with Plump cream for about 2 months and I must confess that my penis is bigger than what it used to be. I’m getting more of penis’ thickness than the length and I actually need more of the length.

What can I do? Do I need to continue with the Vigrx plus with plump cream or do I need to take another product for length? Alh Ali Most times, the increment of the penis starts from the width of the penis and then progresses to the length and since you are in the second month, the length is just starting to come up cos result actually starts showing from the 6th week of usage. The increment in the length of the penis is just starting, so give it some more time by taking the product for the last month to make it three months in all and you will get more of length added.

I got Fertilaid for men with count boost from you two months ago for my case of azoospermia (no sperm cell in semen) and after I have taken them for two months, I went to my doctor for a test and to my surprise; sperm cells have been detected in my semen though in low quantity. How long do I need to continue taking them for full result? Roy The time you need to take fertilaid with count boost or motility boost to handle fertility issues depends on how fast you are getting result. I’m glad though, that result has started showing.

Thank you so much Viewden for the Cleanshield and oligosaccharide I got from you last week to handle arthritis and pains in my waist and legs. Believe me when I say I’m getting serious relief from the pains despite the fact that I have just used them for 3 days. I will use them for about 3 months just as you have advised. I will order for the next dose. Olamide These are all we can take for this week. Adults who needs any of these aphrodisiacs can call 08034666358, 07059294782 or place your order at www.viewden.com.

For further enquiries, send an email to us at: vieweden@yahoo.com, viewden@ymail.com.

Kemi Fawole (MD )

Yellow or white flakes in your hair, on your shoulders, and even in your eyebrows are a sign of seborrhoic dermatitis or dandruff. Over-thecounter specialty hair shampoos and prescription cortisones can help manage this condition. Dandruff, which can be caused by yeast on the skin or an inflammation of the skin, is usually worse in cold weather.

Damaged hair Although hair can tattle on your health conditions, people more commonly complain about the damage done by colouring and heattreating hair to within an inch of its life. Both heat and colour leave you with brittle, dry hair that’s hard to maintain. But perhaps most importantly, highly treated hair just can’t tell you what you need to know about your health.

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

On heavy duty trucks causing accidents and congestion They are supposed to ply the roads at night but a lot of them disobey the law, so it all boils down to enforcement. Sometimes, when you try to enforce, they escape and at the end of the day, it leads to loss of lives. But that’s not an excuse, there must be a way to enforce it, probably with the application of technology to catch offenders. We are looking for a software application that will be able to do that for us.

AMBODE TO MEDIA:

Don’t massage my ego, tell me when I’m not getting it right

Y

ou already know what I’m out to achieve because I said all that during the campaign. Now, it’s time for me to go and deliver on all I have said.

You already know what I want to do. In the next four years, I want to do two simple things; make life easier for every Lagosian and make them happier.

Every other thing revolves around these two.

With the added advantage I have, having worked in the civil service, I intend to work as a public administrator in the next four years. It is a process and we don’t want to make mistakes, even though we would. That’s why I wanted to meet you first. You tell me when I’m not doing it right.

Don’t massage my ego, tell me the truth. I want to know the areas where I’m missing it. I might not be 100% perfect, but I hope that whatever I do will improve the lives of the people.

That’s my major objective – to make life easier for people.

On merging of ministries We just created one ministry called the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. I have the ministry of Rural

Development and my intention is to reduce the cost of governance. Those people involved in the local government can actually deal with community related matters. I’ve made a promise that I’m going to create an employment trust fund and deal with issues that have to do with social and traditional entrepreneurship and labour exchange.. This is because a larger population of the masses are concerned about employment opportunities and wealth creation.

On Apapa gridlock and traffic control We’ll be having a traffic summit where we will look at issues bordering on roads, transportation and traffic control. All stake holders will come together and look for ways to proffer solutions. As regards the Apapa road situation, we promise that we will tackle that problem with the support of the federal government.

On fourth mainland bridge Yes, it’s on our radar, but we can only do it with the help of the federal government. We’ve done the feasibility studies on our

On instability in LASU Nobody loves a university in the centre of excellence that is crisis-prone. We’ve taking it upon ourselves to sanitize not just LASU but the entire education sector. It’s something that we intend to address.

part and we’re in the process of engaging the federal government support.

We’ll be having a traffic summit where we will look at issues bordering on roads, transportation and traffic control

On debt policy The debt policy of Lagos state is the same thing we have for all the states. As we speak, the debt rate of Lagos State is less than 3% of the GDP, so it’s in good stead.

The state is stable, strong and in good condition. Our concern is to what extent have we used that to improve the lives of our people. These are debts that are going to be paid in the next 20 to 30 years as against the revenue profile of the state.

On sports We have a very strong sports policy. My own way of complementing what the former governor did is to engage in community sports. We’ll create community recreational sports complexes all over the state. We need to develop sports from our communities. As regards the National Stadium, since it’s already ‘national’, I don’t think I’d want to take on the additional burden, but if we’re given access to use it, we would utilize it properly for the benefit of Lagosians.

On transportation and city sub-centres Lagos cannot be run by road transportation alone, it needs an integrated transport management system that works. The past administration embarked on a railway project from Mile2 to CMS. There’s no way the revenue of Lagos state can deliver that project or else we won’t be able to do any other thing. But it’s not a bad move. Someone has to start and it’s even better, we now have a centre that can support it. My own assignment is that I must deliver it with the support of the federal government or seek some credit finance.

The railroad is a development paradigm shift.

It takes attention away from the centre – V.I and Ikoyi.

With the road and rail transport, investors will come in, which will in turn lead to development. The airports we have in Ikeja are not enough, we are thinking about having another one in the Lekki axis.

Now, Ikeja is the capital of Lagos state, but the way Ikeja is isn’t the way a state capital should be. That’s why I decided that I must live there, improve it and upgrade it to a real capital. The intention is to spread development to the mainland. We are going to embark on other rail projects in the state – Lekki and Mile2 to Badagry. We also want to have a seaport in Badagry and Lekki so as to decongest Apapa. All these will give room for investors.

On Revenue Collection All revenues of the state go to the state coffers. If it’s possible for Lagosians to pay online or from the comfort of their homes, we will do it and that’s why we are saying that we want to apply technology so as to help people live simpler lives.

SATURDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—43

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

Otime yin A dams’ son w eds in Sapele Otimeyin Adams’ weds

T

L-R: Prof Osareme Osunbor, former Gov of Edo State, Chief &Mrs Otimeyin Adams, groom's parents, Tony Obuh, Commissioner, Special Duties, Delta State, Duke Akpona and Mrs Victoria Achioja, mother of the bride

he city of Sapele, Delta State was enveloped in glamour and gliz when the son of Chief Otimeyin walked the daughter of Mrs Victoria Achioja, down the aisle. The wedding which began with t r a d i t i o n a l engagement ended with a ‘white’ wedding in Sapele.

Many high-profile dignitaries from the government circles, from both Edo and Delta States graced the grand occasion.

Faces at Alimosho Inter-schools carnival

I

t was a flurry of activities at Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State recently when schools in the area came together for sports and entertainment carnival organised by Wonderland Entertainment. The carnival dubbed ‘Alimosho Inter-Schools Carnival’ was sponsored by many corporate organisations. Shalom Schools, Baruwa, Ipaja, was declared winner by organisers led by Tayo Adeyemo at the end of the various events.

Winner of the 'Bicycle Segment',Bolariinwa Favour of Shalom Schools with her Gift donated

by Cway Foods, Flanked by Mrs Juliet Okpalobi (L) and Tayo Adeyemo of Wonderland Entertainment

The couple: Mr & Mrs Misan Adams cutting their wedding cake

The couple with both familes

L-R: Mrs Juliet Okpalobi, Headteacher of Shalom Schools, Akeem Adeniyi of Tastytime,and Tayo Adeyemo with pupils of Shalom Schools, the overall winner .

The couple ; Mr &Mrs Misan Adams in traditional attires

The couple; Mr & Mrs Misan Adams dancing.

Chief Arah weds in grand style

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enultimate Saturday, Isoko nation and especially Owerri communities in Imo State were agog with who is who in Nigeria, when Chief Austin Ajiri Arah, an Ozoro-Isoko born business magnate based in Abuja, exchanged marital vows with his bride, Helen Ulumma.

Chief and Mrs Austin Ajiri Arah C M Y K

The event which took place at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Ekpan Warri,Delta State, had in attendance Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Akali Usman, a representative of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Hon Benson Ikpakpa, Commissioner for Transport and many others from all walks of life

Barbara Adekoya (C) of Shalom Schools, receiving her gift from Tayo Adeyemo (2nd R) and Mrs Juliet Okpalobi (L) of shalom schools

Sandra and Chidubem

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he marriage between Chidubem and Sandra took place at Living Messiah Deliverance Mis sion Agbor Delta State on the 9th May, 2015

The couple flanked by the groom’s parents, the Dibies and bride’s parents, the Mosenis

SATURDAY

S

unday, June 21, 2015, is Father’s Day, a very important day in the lives of Americans. It is a day set aside to honour fathers and celebrate fatherhood. But the children of Bruce Jenner will have no father to celebrate on that day, as many of you already know. Not that the children really care because they have been quite “supportive” since Jenner morphed into a “woman” now referred to as Caitlyn Jenner. Never mind that Caitlyn is still carrying Bruce’s male organs because, according to “her” Wikipedia page, “she has not undergone gender confirmation surgery (Changed his sex organs to a female’s via surgery).”

For the benefit of the few who might have missed the story, Bruce Jenner was the celebrated stepfather of the Kardashians, America celebrity family. In an April was made of sterner stuff, yet this year, Jenner came out as mentally he “felt like a a transsexual woman saying woman.” Bruce went “she had dealt with gender through three wives (and dysphoria (that phrase again) probably many girlfriends) since her youth. She said that siring six children in the her life as a woman is process, two from each wife. primarily a matter of mental He probably loved sex as a state and lifestyle… She said man, yet mentally he “felt she has never been attracted like a woman.” Bruce began to men and had exclusively physically transitioning in been attracted to women the 1980s with hormone before her transition, but replacement therapy, but currently identifies as quit after meeting and falling asexual,” meaning that in love with Kris Kardashian currently she is neither (the mother of Kourtney, attracted to men nor women. Kim, Kloe and Rob Hmmm.

Kardashian; Kendall and This is American wonder Kylie, Jenner’s children) in only they probably the early 1990s. So he loved understand. For 65 years, beautiful women enough to which is a better part of his abandon his childhood life, he has been a male. Why dream of becoming a woman metamorphose to a woman in for over 20 years, yet he the twilight of his life? I guess “has always felt mentally like it is better late than never. a woman.” Hmmm!

Bruce Jenner was no Jenner has been getting ordinary man (Please pardon support from all over me for mixing up the tenses America and Europe since or pronouns; it is confusion- the transition. He does not induced), he won an Olympic need and will scarcely get Gold Medal in decathlon, one support from Africa, not that of the most strenuous events it matters. I respect his in the Olympics, where you decisions. It is his body after need to be strong and good all. It is the cultural in many sporting events. imperialism and Among his fellow men, he neocolonialism of the west

Vanguard, JUNE13, 2015—45

Jenner’s metamorphosis that are getting to me. They decide how they want to live their lives, legalise same sex marriage, allow sex change, redefine marriage, family, man, woman and do many things to suit the “exigencies” of their society and it is okay.

We make laws to suit our circumstances and they threaten us with sanctions and withdrawal of aid. Our local proverb says: “you do not look at life with another

need, he says, is treatment.

He maintains that ‘the idea of sex misalignment is simply mistaken — it does not correspond with physical reality.”

Also Dr. William Donohue, president and chief executive officer of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, wrote: “Are transsexuals mentally ill? Until two years ago, the answer was yes. In the 3rd edition of

This is American wonder only they probably understand

,

person’s eyes; you use your eyes,” meaning your perspective of life must be guided by your environment and circumstances. Let Europe and America live and they should let us live.

Expectedly not every American is sucked in by these new ways. Snoop Dogg called Jenner a “science project.” Dr. Paul McHugh a former psychiatrist-in-chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, is convinced “that people like Jenner suffer from a mental disorder. What they

,

the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 1980, those who underwent sexual surgery were seen as suffering from a psychological disorder, often schizophrenia. When DSM-4 was published in 1994, they were also considered mentally ill.

But when DSM-5 was published in 2013, they were no longer listed.

Instead, it was determined that such persons suffer

from ‘gender dysphoria,’ not ‘gender identity disorder’; the new term refers to an emotionally distressful condition. What changed, however, were mores, not science”. I can feel Donohue; we were taught in secondary school that pure science is immutable, only social science changes.

Bruce, sorry, Caitlyn Jenner’s stock has soared since her metamorphosis. She will receive this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPY Awards next month. The award, according to ESPN, is given to individuals “possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and the willingness to stand up for their beliefs no matter what the cost.” There are television appearances and speaking engagements lined up, publishers are falling over themselves for the right to her memoir; there is a television series on the transition in the offing. Every corner she turns and everything she does or touches is now gold. It is all money, money and money, more fame and more visibility.

Hmmm, curious, but I no go talk pass so. I have already said more than enough to get me in trouble with the law if I were in Canada where this article might be considered hateful, offensive and discriminatory. Don’t ask me what happened to freedom of speech and expression there.

Anyway, happy Father’s Day in advance to all fathers. To all whose fathers are still alive, please show love; take good care of them within your means. Do not allow them to die of poverty or curable ailments and then you buy a “three million naira” casket to bury them and invite the whole of humanity to the burial.

(Text Only)

Panacea for all human ailments The Headstand

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he Headstand, one of the most potent postures, is often referred to as the “King of the Asanas” because of its manifold mental and physical benefits. Many rightly see it as a panacea for all human ailments. If you have only a short time for practice, and want to maximize the benefits, do the Headstand. In this inverted position, at least 90 per cent of the body weight should rest on the elbow.

Hardly any pressure should be taken by the head or neck.

•Shoulderstand

Technique: To perform the headstand, sirshasana in sanskirt, get on your knees, interlacing the fingers, place the hands on the floor in front of you. Lean forward and place the head on the floor and supporting its

back with the interlaced fingers. With the help of the feet raise the hips up in the air. Now, raise the feet and bend the knees until stillness is obtained standing on the head. Straighten the legs rather slowly until the whole body is in a straight vertical line.

Benefits: •Gives the heart a well deserved rest, as gravity helps to return venous blood to the heart.

• Regular practice helps to strengthen the respiratory system and the circulation, keeping them flexible and slowing down the rate of breathing and the heartbeat when at rest.

• The body is generally enhanced by the deep

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

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

breathing and the brain, spine, and entire nervous system receive a rich supply of nutrients.

This refreshes and rejuvenates the entire body.

Shoulderstand

Technique:

Lie flat on your practice mat or blanket with the feet stretched out and hands besides you. Now raise both legs up as well as the buttocks supporting them with the hands.

Then straighten up the trunk and legs and let your chin fit into the hollow at the base of the neck. You may now commence deep breathing for 15 to 30 seconds. To come out of the posture, simply bend the knees and roll down the trunk and legs much the same way you would a carpet. You’re ready to face the day!

•Headstand

46—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015 Dear Aunty Julie, My cousin had his 30th birthday party and I got so drunk and had a one night stand with a guy at a club and it happened very fast without us getting to know each other too much first. The problem is, the next day I felt extremely sad and depressed. I felt like I’ve been used and felt cheap. I was also sad that he didn’t ask me for my phone number or my name even though I wasn’t interested in him. I felt unattractive and worthless. Is it normal to feel this way? Do guys also feel this way too? How can I get over this postone-night-stand depression?

Aishatu, Lagos

Dear Aishatu, No strings attached doesn’t always equate to no feelings attached. Whether you feel sad, confused, or even empowered, it is perfectly normal to have different emotions after a one night stand. You may find that engaging in casual sex is not positive for your emotional health.

Studies have shown that at some point or another, most people feel that sex is more meaningful or enjoyable if it is with a partner that they are emotionally invested with.

Self-reflection is key to sorting out your emotions. Asking yourself some important questions can help you move forward. For example, what kind of

I can’t get over my divor ce divorce

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

I had a one-night stand and it bothers me relationship would you like to have with romantic partners? What role do you think casual sex will play for you in the future? These questions may help you better understand the pros and cons of different sexual situations you may encounter in the future. In the meantime, if you’re feeling down and out, keep your chin up! There are various ways to cope with your feelings.

In regards to gender differences, statistics indicate that more men than women enjoy participating in casual sex. However, this may be the result of a greater social stigma surrounding women who engage in casual sex than for men. That is, women who engage in casual sex are more likely to be viewed

as promiscuous.

As a result, studies also indicate that women were less likely to engage in casual sex with strangers in comparison to men. Despite these gender differences though, it is important to remember that people of all genders can have strong feelings after a one night stand.

If the days are flying by and your feelings still linger, remember that sorting out your emotions may take some time.

By treating yourself to some quality thinking time, exploring your emotions, and being patient, you can feel confident and balanced again.

I don’t think I still love him Dear Julie, I have been dating my guy for five years but things are not working out as they should. We have been having conflicts . I don’t think that I love him anymore! My friends think I should take things easy and give the relationship another chance but I’m confused. What should I do?

Juliana, Ughelli

Dear Juliana, Falling out of love with a boyfriend of five years is normal.

Exploring your feelings regarding your boyfriend and the reasons why you may have fallen out of love with him may be a helpful first start for deciding what you “should” do.

Sometimes “falling out of love” is due to withheld anger, outgrowing the other partner, changing your mind, and/or

developing or acknowledging different priorities. Sometimes it has more to do with one’s self than it has to do with the other partner. Although it’s unclear whether you believe that falling out of love with your boyfriend is itself the “problem” or whether having problems with your boyfriend led you to fall out of love with him, it doesn’t hurt to be a little introspective and examine more closely what may have led you to feel (or not feel) the way that you do.

You seem conflicted about the thought of not loving your boyfriend anymore. As such, you may want to consider asking yourself the following questions.

Does the fact that you may not love your boyfriend anymore bother you? How long have you felt this way? Do the two of you have mutual respect, friendship, and trust? Do you feel that your

Married Life A husband and wife were in bed watching TV. The husband had the remote in hand switching back and forth between the porn and fishing channels. The wife got pissed off, grabbed the remote and kept it on the porn channel and said to hubby.. “Leave it on the porn channel you already know how to fish.”

The Perfect Man A man walked out to the street and caught a taxi just going by. He got into the taxi, and the cabbie said, “Perfect timing. You’re just like Ryan” Passenger: “Who?” Cabbie: “Ryan Jay Robinson. He’s a guy who did everything right all the time. Like my coming along when you needed a cab, things happen like that to Ryan Jay Robinson, every single time.”

Passenger: “There are always a few clouds over everybody.”

relationship is a caring one? Does your relationship enhance or diminish who you are? Do you feel that you need some time apart? Can you picture him as a life partner? What would your ideal relationship (with or without your boyfriend) look like? Have you discussed this issue with someone you trust, such as a friend? Even so, have you considered talking to your boyfriend about this? While it may not be such a comfortable conversation to have, your boyfriend may certainly appreciate your honesty and your openness with your feelings.

In addition, he may be having his own feelings about the relationship as well.

Open and honest communication, in any relationship, is key to expressing wants, needs, and desires. Perhaps such a discussion would be a good opportunity to communicate what you like/don’t like about your relationship and how to improve it. Still, you may decide that taking some time apart would be a good experience for both of you, or that breaking up would be the way to go.

C O C K - T A L E S

Aunty Julie, I’m a man of 38 years who is going through a divorce. The process is so painful because of what I passed through in the hands of my ex wife.

We have been living apart for sometime now but the problem is that I haven’t really been able to talk to any girl since our breakup. We haven’t really signed any divorce papers, so I feel very obligated to stay faithful to her even though our relationship as we know it is over and done with. Will I still have this problem even when we actually get divorced? And will I forever feel bad about making the first move to end this relationship? For the past three months, I could neither sleep nor concentrate on my career. My commitment to her and my love for her was the only thing that helped my to go on with my life. Now that’s over, I am totally lost. My family thinks she fed me with a love portion. Please help me with my problem.

Sunkanmi, Ibadan Dear Sunkanmi, Passing through a divorce or separating from a partner is one of the most significant stressors life can throw at you, and the sometimes overwhelming feelings of guilt, distraction, and disorientation you are experiencing are so normal as to almost be expected. Knowing that these emotions are common might not seem to make them easier to handle, but it might bring some comfort to know that the process of grief and loss is indeed universal.

People cope with loss differently.

Some cling to feelings of remorse, guilt, and a notion that if they remain faithful to the relationship, they might be able to save it. Others feel numb and closed off from themselves and others. In both cases, it can be very helpful to focus on who you are, who you want to be, goals for your future, and tangible steps you can take get there It’s hard to offer a guess as to when you might start to feel better, whether it’s when the divorce becomes official or sometime before or after that. But allowing yourself to feel how you’re feeling and to fall apart a little bit may be an essential part of recovering your sleep and work habits, and emerging back into your life in a new way. You cannot rush the grieving process. Many people report that after letting themselves come undone, they are able to put themselves back together stronger than before. The path of healing may seem like an impossible uphill journey, but all mountains are climbed one step at a time.

back even if she was in the wrong; and his clothing was always immaculate, shoes highly polished too.

He was the perfect man! He never made a mistake.

Cabbie: “Not Ryan Jay Robinson. He was a terrific No one could ever measure up to Ryan Jay athlete. He could have won the Grand Slam at tennis. Robinson.” Passenger: “An amazing fellow. How He could golf with the pros. He sang like an opera did you meet him?” baritone and danced like a Broadway star and you Cabbie: “Well, I never actually met Ryan. He died. should have heard him play the piano. He was an I’m married to his widow.” amazing guy.” Passenger: “Sounds like he was something really special.”

Shoplifting Cabbie: “There’s more. He had a memory like a An old lady gets caught shoplifting. On court day, computer. He remembered everybody’s birthday. He the lady and her husband who goes with her knew all about wine, which foods to order and which stands before the judge and he says to her, “Why fork to eat them with. He could fix anything. Not like did you shoplift?” And she says “I was hungry.” me. I change a fuse, and the whole street blacks out. The judge says “What did you take?” She replies, But Ryan Jay Robinson, he could do everything “A can of peaches.” So the judge trying to figure right.” out how to punish her says, “How many peaches Passenger: “Wow. Some guy then.” where in the can?” The lady says “6”. So the judge Cabbie: “He always knew the quickest way to go in says okay, then 1 day per peach in jail that will be traffic and avoid traffic jams. Not like me, I always 6 days time served. The judge says, “ would seem to get stuck in them. But Ryan, he never made anyone like to say anything” and her husband a mistake, and he really knew how to treat a woman says, “ your honor, She stole a can of peas too” and make her feel good. He would never answer her

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard,JUNE 13 13,, 2015 — 47

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

N

Would you cancel the wedding for one indiscretion?!

O lover called by the name of another in a moment of tender passion is going to sit up and laugh. Both men and women are guilty of what is often seen as a moment of madness. A victim I recently came across was Rukky. She plans to get married early next year and wedding plans are in full gear. She is hurting. But what happened?

She told me: “My finance and I were making love recently after a few drinks. I couldn’t believe my ears, when he moaned, “come on Val, you know my favourite position is inside you...” I pushed him off and he looked bewildered.

“Val is his ex-girlfriend whom I know he is still very fond of and sees from time to time on a platonic basis. So when he called her name in the throes of passion, I was devastated and I’m now seriously considering to call One thing Rukky has the wedding off. I love him When I stated further that going for her is the fact that very much but after what he calling his lover’s name did her fiance showed remorse. did, sex with him can never not necessarily mean her The same couldn’t be said be the same. I told him he fiance wanted to sleep with for Alfred’s fiancee. Barely must still be sleeping with her, that he could as well be two months to the wedding her for him to mix us up. That thinking: ‘This is better he’d painstakingly planned he subconsciously desired than it ever was with Val’: with Janet, he found her more than me. But he Rukky looked at me as if I’d himself parked out at a assured me neither was the lost the plot. But it is true. vantage position in front of case and that he was sorry for In the glow of satisfaction, the bedsit he’d rented for the slip of the ‘brain’, that he he remembered that this her. “I’d heard talks of her didn’t know why he called was as good as he once had carryings-on with really her name. But his excuses and the thought slipped out influential men in the society, he said. “When she bought a brand new car and told me her dad gave it to her, her dad assured me it was true. But rumour had it that it was this particular

I’ve learnt not to ask too many questions in my marriage

,

just drove me wild. How can you be making love to a woman you intend to marry and be calling the name of an ex that showed you the door?”

I told her I wouldn’t dream of questioning her hurt or treating it as something unimportant. But it is a problem lovers have grappled with all over the world from time to time.

When a thing like that happens, the best attitude is to stay balanced and not be in a tearing hurry to throw away a relationship which hopefully is based on true, deep understanding of one another. Rukky’s fiance’s slip of tongue does not necessarily mean that he has slept with his ex recently. In fact, if he had, chances are that even with a few drinks under his belt, he’d be super-controlled and very careful not to let her find out.

,

without the name change. I told Rukky, that since she was still in love with the man, she had to salvage what was left of the relationship. And that should begin with her giving him the benefit of the doubt. It would be extreme to end a relationship that is heading for marriage for such an unproven cause.

“Are you telling me I would be foolish not to feel sure before committing myself for the rest of my life?” she wanted to know. Not in the least. ‘Keep your eyes and your ears open and with any luck, the day or night will come when you’ll be able to say ‘ what’s your favourite position now?’ And you’ll both be able to laugh about it,” I told her. The more we talked about the incident, the more I realised she wanted things the way they once were.

money bag that bought her the car. Then a close friend of hers tipped me the man would be coming for her at the usual Friday night time of 8pm. If I were to trust her implicitly I needed to have proof she would be faithful. So I held siege near the house.

“When it was well past the time Romeo was to show up and he hadn’t, I got ready to leave when a flashy car pulled up in front of the house. The man got out and confidently put his thumb on the door-bell. I got out of the car and moved towards where both of them were in a welcoming clinch. When Janet saw me, she wriggled out of the man’s embrace and quickly introduced him, ‘I know who you are,’ I sneered, ‘ you’d been sleeping with my fiance...’ as I moved closer to the pair menacingly, he just walked into his car and his driver drove off. ‘He isn’t even man enough to defend you,’ I shouted at her.

“Instead of feeling contrite, Janet was livid. She said the man was her dad’s close associate and a family friend.

As a matter of fact, he was playing an important role at the wedding and her family was relying on him for cash.

The more I argued, the more indignant she was. If I couldn’t trust her, she threatened, maybe we should call off the wedding. I loved her but I was damned if she could get off that lightly. I left and didn’t get in touch with her for a week. She had as much to lose as I did if the wedding didn’t take place. In the end, she sent round a few of her friends to ‘talk some sense’ into me. When they realized I wasn’t a walk-over, they started pleading and assuring me Janet had nothing to hide. If that was the case, she should come and tell me this herself.

“To cut a long story short, she did apologise, the wedding took place and we now have two children. I’ve learnt not to ask too many questions in my marriage and Janet leaves me alone to do whatever I want.

It’s not my idea of wedded bliss but in marriage, if you can’t have what you like, you learn to like what you have...”

Is the society trivialising affairs?

“Behind every loudmouth there is a queue of avid listeners hanging on to every naughty word and getting their own thrills and spill secondhand” so declared an angry male friend who told me he is sick and tired present day promiscuity.

“In the past” he continued, “married people, male or female, treated affairs furtively.

Today, they seem to want to get to the rooftops and shout about what wonderful affairs they are having. How affairs are supposed to be very refreshing. And how something must be wrong with you if you don’t have a ‘bit on the side’.

“Whatever happened to covert sex? The furtive

affair? The cherished thrill of naughty wellkept secretive love?

Well now that it is all out in the open air, what is the big deal?

Sex has somehow lost its dignity. It is so public and so tacky it is disgusting. So what if you’re having an affair?

And let me tell you, it is those that boast about it that are not getting it.

“The sexual adventures they so openly brag about are so disgusting and freakish that anyone who seriously indulges in them must be sick.

And where does it get them in the end? “I told him to be reasonable.

This is supposed to be the jet age where everything and anything goes! “To

where?” he wanted to know.

“To a state where selfconfessed lesbians parade themselves in public instead of checking themselves into a psychiatric clinic? To a state where you meet a girl for the first time and the next minute she’s turned into an Olympic gymnatic candidate.

“Only last week, a friend deserted his flat to come and stay the night with me. If he were to hang around for his female visitor, he swore she would kill him. She was so athletic she left him downing analgesic days after they first met!

“It is about time we all realised that there are more urgent commitments in life than finding out about various compromising positions possible.”

Well readers, what do you think?

48 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

YETUNDE AREBI

Is this the way love goes?

F

inally, it has happened. The much awaited but controversial wedding ceremony has taken place. They have now officially become man and wife.

Even if not fully supported by law, they have been able to use the lee way out to their advantage. After all, he has been technically a free man in the last four years, plus. Now, the new Mr. and Mrs. can carry on unhindered, at least, as far as their conscience will allow them, probably. For the duo, it has been a long journey to arrive at their present status as a married couple. They have both weathered great storms, if however self inflicted, together.

They have endured the shame of being labelled as the deceitful pair in the age long game of relationship, all, being fair in love and war. They have stuck together and disregarded the gossips, bad mouthing and sniggering from those who were openly or secretly against their relationship.

Their commitment to their love for each other, their professional calling and success seems to have paid off at last. If not for all the stake holders in the story, at least, for the two love birds. Mrs. finally got the blessings of her family, (which I know she'd always had from the first day) some of her husband's family( for not everyone attended nor were generous enough to send their blessings to the newly wedded couple) and the general public, especially those who are ignorant of their unholy beginning. As for God's blessings, I really don't know how He dishes them out, for according to the Bible, our ways are not His, and our thoughts are different from His too.

Whatever it is they deserve, will only come from Him. But they are Christians. And though the wedding did not take place in a church, a couple of Pastors were present at the lavish traditional wedding ceremonies to give their spiritual blessings and confirmation to the appropriateness of the auspicious occasion! (Hmm! God help us) The journey to Mr and Mrs. began for the love birds about eight years ago. They met as classmates on gaining admission to the University to study Estate Management, but they were not your regular run-of-the-mill students. They were not exactly young, fresh undergraduates and it was not their first admission into an institution of higher learning.

They both came armed with a diploma each in their resume and loads of responsibilities as both were already deeply enmeshed and committed in their respective relationships. Mr. was already married to his high school sweetheart, a relationship which started in their fourth year of C M Y K

Secondary School education and had lasted over 15 years at the time, producing three lovely children. Mrs. though, could not be said to have a steady relationship was also a mother of two boys from different fathers.

These however did not deter them from falling in love, as they say. They worked, studied and eventually lived together throughout the course of their studies, becoming almost inseparable. The fact that they were far away in another state, different from their states of residence, provided a safe haven for them and their relationship to thrive and blossom.

So they carried on, unsuspected by almost everyone, except for those they wanted to let in on their secret. Mrs. had everything to gain from the relationship and absolutely nothing to lose. A husband to boost her new status as a graduate and a willing and responsible father for her two young children. Plus, he was not an up-starting young man as he already lived under his own roof and had a thriving business co-managed with his legal wife.

The business had sustained both of them to live a posh life while in school. Now that he would return to base and take charge of the family business once again, her share of the juicy cake was more than taken care of. Very few women will not fall for the temptation to sink their teeth (rather, fangs) into such a cake. If Mr. was not bothered about his wife's emotions and welfare of his family, why should that be her own headache? It was Mr's. affair, so, he should sort it out!

Sort it out he did, and in the way he perceived most appropriate and suitable for the new lifestyle he had decided to live. Rather than allow his new found love return to her State of residence, he brought her back to Lagos with him and carried on with her right under his unsuspecting wife's nose.

He carved out a new office for himself within the compound that housed the same company he ran with his wife and introduced his lover as his new partner. Because she was new in Lagos and had no family of her own, one of the offices was converted into a Condo and she moved in. A perfect plan for their treacherous game. They could either check in into a hotel for the night or travel out of town to new "oyoyo's" home town or any other place that caught their fancy, or just chill in the new "office". He devoted more time to his new business and partner.

That was natural to ensure its successful take off.

Legal wife would however not remain blindfolded for ever as the proximity of the affair now made it almost impossible to be ignored, especially by the prying eyes of neighbours. Words soon began making rounds that Mr. had married a new wife

and even brought her to the family house. Madam could no longer keep quiet and pandemonium ensued. Mrs legal wife could not bear the truth of what had befallen her almost 20 years relationship.

She could not understand why her husband had betrayed her in such a reckless and heartless manner. She could not imagine why someone who had sworn to love and protect her and their children could stab them in the back in such a devious style. Why had he brought his lover so close to them if he really cared for their safety and welfare? After all, this is Africa and one cannot rule out the potency and influence of juju in such a precarious situation.

Her inability to come to terms with the loss of her first and only love and lover, the fact that she would now have to share him, body and soul with another woman, and that he would probably father other children besides her children and who will stand to inherit a part of the gains of their hard earned labour. The various issues she battled with, combined with an unrepentant and aggressive attitude from her once loving husband culminated in series of problems for the legal Mrs. First, it was emotional, then health and finally psychological and now mental. When the devastating effect of their actions on madam became obvious to family members, friends and neighbours, oga and his new "ogbonge lover" cooked up a new strategy to save their faces.

Business was not so vibrant in Lagos, there was need to expand. And what better State of the country than his new partner's? So, with the help of her family, they quickly set up a new office and oga began shuttling between the two States, till they eventually settled down. An action that finally sealed the fate of legal madam's world as she knew it. And even though she had a responsibility to mother three dependent children, this could not help her find her balance as she eventually lost her mind.

On the last sighting a couple of months ago, she had become a member of the APC, or so it seemed, as she visited a few family and friends, wielding a broom with a few of her belongings slung across her shoulder in a pillowcase. She had escaped her care providers and was promptly returned. A once beautiful woman with a well rounded African booty and enviable attack, she'd become a shadow of her old self, unkempt, incoherent and lost in her new world. Her loving and devoted father, who was her strength and backbone, died in the battle to restore his only daughter's health, leaving a devastated and helpless mother and siblings to continue the struggle. Yet, no solution has been found till date.

What other choice has oga in this matter but to move on with his life? After all, he is not the first man to take a second, third or even tenth wife and will definitely not be the last. (yes ke?) It is just legal madam was not endowed with the shock absorbers of the natural African woman, and wants to implicate oga and spoil his lover boy image.

No be so? After all, when things like this happen, the now second best woman is expected to take solace in her children and move on with her life (with or without her husband) chikenna! But can one really blame madam? Many of us women are just too trusting, especially when it is about people we claim to love or are in love with. A loving eye they say sees no wrong about its loved one. And even when the tell tale signs are written all over the wall, we often still fail to see the truth until the carpet is finally pulled away from under our feet. It is really unfortunate.

However, can one really excuse the actions of the women who take part in these grand acts of treachery. Does this make them smart and worldly women or evil daughters of Jezebel? Can they really be trusted by anyone afterwards, including the men they enter into these unholy alliances with? What about the families of these women, can they really be absolved of blame here? Were legal madam their own daughter, would they be happy that another woman caused such devastation upon their own child? I am very sure that not every family will accept such a fate, they will definitely try their own tricks too, not ruling out providing some spiritualists something to chew on for a while. Perhaps, it is true that women are their own enemies! But more important than any, how does the new couple reconcile with the children of legal madam? Will there ever be true love, trust and harmony between these camps?

Hmmm! Godu de oh! Do have a wonderful weekend!

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015—49 better fit with the identified customer segments.

Ekong further stated that the bank had just introduced a new individual current account product named, ‘Skye Ascend” targeted at the ‘emerging middle class’ customer segment which forms part of the new focus segment for the Bank.

She said the Bank’s new retail strategy has identified three consumer segments for primary focus, namely mass market, emerging middle class and mass affluent, which promise to deliver value to the customers.

Also speaking at the occasion, Head, Retail Banking Group, Nkolika Okoli, said the R-TAG project would help streamline the Bank’s product portfolio targeted at Individual and SME customers via the identification of primary focus segments, with a maximum of 2 products to

serve each segment.

She added that Skye Bank has also pioneered the issuance of FREE debit cards and cheque books to Retail customers as well as a removal of all withdrawal barriers on savings account types as incentives to encourage adoption of financial services by customers of all class by making banking services affordable to all.

Meanwhile, a businessman residing in Kaduna State, Mukaila B. Hamzat emerged the first winner of the Bank’s ‘Reach for the Skye Millionaire’ reward scheme. Mr. Hamzat, a former Mainstreet Bank savings account holder, now merged with Skye Bank, was selected during an electronic draw from over 400, 000 customers during the launch of the retail banking project.

Three customers would emerge as millionaires each month during the monthly promo draws.

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Amaka Onwughalu; Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Oguntayo; Executive Director, South-South/ South East, Retail, Ibiye Ekong and Head of Retail Banking Group, Nkolika Okoli all of Skye Bank Plc., at the launch of the Bank’s new retail banking road-map tagged Retail for Transformation and Growth (R-TAG) held at the Bank’s Headquarters, Lagos.

Skye Bank repositions retail banking for savings transformation I

n a quest to reposition its Retail Banking business and make it the centre-piece of its business focus, Skye Bank Plc. has embarked on a comprehensive transformation of its retail offerings, focusing essentially on the needs of customers in its identified target segments, Individuals and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs. The Bank’s new Retail strategy code-named Project R-TAG, ‘Retail Transformation and Growth’, is designed to simplify Retail Banking business and serve as a gamechanging business model with a focus on customer segments using unique value propositions rather than the product led approach commonly adopted by Retail organisations. This is the key to activating the Bank’s new retail sales approach which is based on a ‘Pull’ strategy, supported by a positive customer experience across its key

service touch points.

Speaking at the launch of the project in Lagos, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, assured that the new business transformation project would bring about customized and needs-satisfying financial solutions in a manner that will exceed the expectations of the customers.

Oguntayo said the trend in retail banking involves knowing the needs of the customer beyond finances to include Lifestyle needs and designing appropriate solutions to meet those needs, saying, ‘Skye Bank is poised to serve as a dependable partner to its customers across the country.’

He added, “Our renewed drive and focus on Retail Banking is anchored on the premise of building a long lasting relationship with our

customers based on trust as well as supporting the financial inclusion drive of the CBN so as to bring a lot more people into the financial system and the formal economy. This is why the Bank has instituted its ‘Reach for the Skye millionaire reward’ scheme as a product feature for its flagship savings product to encourage savings culture amongst the mass market segment.”

Oguntayo stressed that the current Banking environ as well as the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank, after integration, will significantly increase the branch footprint of Skye, signifying a clear competitive advantage for Skye Bank to follow the Retail Banking model.

In her remark, the Executive Director, South South, South East and Retail Banking, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, said amendments to the Bank’s existing retail products is to streamline and position them for

L-R: Prof. Jorge Laurencena, President of the IUP, Panama, presenting professorial Sonoris Causa to Dr. Chris Onalo, with Prof.

Jesus Santos Hernandez supporting, at the formal investiture of Dr. Chris Onalo as Professor of Credit Management.

Hayat Kimya unveils Molfix Diaper brand, plans new fact or factor oryy in Nigeria

H

ayat Kimya, a leading manufacturer of home care, hygiene products and 5th largest branded diaper producer in the world, as well as the number one fastestgrowing company in this category officially unveiled the Molfix diaper brand on May 25th and announced their plan to start production in Nigeria in the next five years.

The unveiling of the Molfix baby diaper brand took place during the sales meeting and gala dinner in Lagos for distributors across the country.

The company plans to reach 30% market share in Nigeria over the next 3 years. Nigeria will be positioned as a production centre for West and Central Africa. Hayat Kimya’s investment in the Nigerian market will make them a key player in the FMCG sector, and is expected to improve the balance of trade in Nigeria’s favour by increasing the goods and services available for exportation.

Hayat Kimya is a strong

establishment in the regions in which they operate, with approximately 14,000 employees and their 22 manufacturing sites, a US$3 billion revenue, and US$4 billion in assets.

Headquartered in Turkey, it manufactures in Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, Oran, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia Herzegovinia and Russia.

CEO, Mr. Avni Ki1l1 commenting on the company’s entry into the Nigerian market, said, “Nigeria is the key to West Africa and has a huge potential as a market, especially with a dynamic young population. We are committed to bringing high quality hygiene and home care products to the Nigerian market, and would like our distributors to be a key part of that vision. We will make Nigeria the production hub for West and Central Africa, and support the Nigerian economy by providing employment opportunities.”

Mr. Ki1l1, also said, “In every market that Hayat Kimya operates, we ensure that our distinctive operating ethos is felt.

GPC Boss to be honoured today as Babalaje of Papalanto land

L - R: Olawale Alao, Zonal Business Manager, Lagos West, Airtel Nigeria; Chioma Ohakwe, Founder, Bethesda Home for the blind; an inhabitant of the Bethesda Home for the blind; Adekunle Adegboyega, Zonal Business Manager, Lagos North, Airtel Nigeria; an inhabitant of the Bethesda Home for the blind and Femi Oshinlaja, Regional Operations Director, Lagos region, Airtel Nigeria; at the donation ceremony to Bethesda home for the blind recently in Lagos C M Y K

Chief C. E. Okonji

The Chief Executive Officer of GPC Energy and Logistics Ltd, Chief Chukwudi Elvis Okonji, will be honoured today in Owu Kingdom, Ogun state, with the prestigious title of ‘ Babalaje of Papalanto land. This feat places him rightly as the Grand Commander, Chambers of Commerce in Papalanto land.

Chief Elvis had a successful career in the banking industry where he rose as Senior Manager, Credit and Marketing in the defunct bank PHB now Keystone Bank. In a manner denoting great courage and resilience, he started GPC Energy and Logistics in 2009, a carefully nurtured dream, which gave birth to four other companies and now serving as a group.

His unarguably great passion for logistics had virtually seen him travelling round the globe to study, research on strategies and clear cut techniques on how to improve greatly on the business.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

BY LAJU IREN 07017860213 ELLEJAYMEDIA@YAHOO.CO.UK

Don’t forget old agreements’ —ASUU, NANS, NAPS to Buhari Administration

BY LAJU IREN

I

f Nigeria’s education system is in rubbles, then the higher education subsector forms the largest pile of stones.

Many graduates of Nigerian universities are reportedly unemployable and the Polytechnics lack infrastructure.

Lecturers at these institutions alongside their colleagues in the Colleges of Education have embarked on incessant strikes in recent times.

The solutions to many of these challenges, stakeholders say, can be found in written agreements with previous administrations that were not implemented. With a new administration in Aso Rock, stakeholders in higher education who spoke to Saturday School Life, SSL, shared their hopeful expectations for the implementation of old agreements, as well as the introduction of new policies for the betterment of the sector.

For the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the demands are almost identical to what they have been clamouring for since 2009; the implementation of the 2009 agreement the Federal Government made with the Union.

ASUU’s National Treasurer, Dr. Demola Aremu said the Union is particularly interested in Government’s fulfillment of its promise to pump N1.3trn in six years to fund public universities.

This was well enunciated the previous administration’s 2013 Memorandum of Understanding with the Union, another agreement whose implementation has not seen the light of day.

Aremu said: “As a Union, we had an agreement with the Federal Government in 2009 that still has not been implemented. Funding C M Y K

University education formed the crux of that agreement, as well as the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties. In the MoU, the Federal Government had promised to to pump N1.3 trn in six years to fund public education. There is also the issue of earned allowances which are being owed to University Lecturers. These are the things that the new administration must focus on. Education is currently in a very terrible state, and government needs to pay attention to it. Many education policies are now outdated. The government needs to go back to the drawing board and update these outdated policies.”

Reiterating Aremu’s point is Prof. Godwin Idoro, the Head, Department of Building, University of Lagos. His words: “We really have to look at the major problems in the sector, one of which is lack of infrastructural facilities. There are no facilities in Nigerian schools. The workshops are full of obsolete equipment, practicals cannot be held in many cases, particularly for technical courses.

The lecture rooms are not conducive. Generally, the facilities are bad. So what one would expect from the new government, is to first improve the facilities. One does not want establishment of new universities or polytechnics or Colleges of Education, but to really improve the existing ones, so that they can render qualitative education.

Vice President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, also called on the new administration led by President Mohammadu Buhari to ensure free education for Nigerian students at the secondary and tertiary levels.

Ogunkuade, in a statement made available to SSL said: “Nigerian students demand for free and affordable education from secondary to tertiary institution, reduction in exorbitant school fees; lasting solutions to HND/Bsc dichotomy as well as subverting seasonal industrial strikes in the subsector.”

The BSc/HND disparity was also a sore spot for the Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, Mr. Adeyemi Lukman who called on the new administration to “revisit pending issues in the sector. Some of these issues include full implementation of the 2009 agreement, bringing an end to the dichotomy between BSC/HND. There is also the recent upgrading of some Colleges of Education to degree awarding status, but the exclusion of polytechnics altogether in that development.”

Lukman added that there is no sense in graduating from school if there are no jobs. ‘’There must be development of the textile, iron and steel industries. Youths are the major constituency and must not be neglected.” NANS on its part demanded for an interactive session with the new President to air their views.

For the Education Rights Campaign, ERC, it is the new President’s own words he should

We had an agreement with the Federal Government in 2009 that still has not been implemented.

Funding University education formed the crux of that agreement, as well as the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding between both parties

seek to implement. National Coordinator of the ERC, Mr. Hassan Soweto told SSL: “In line with his campaign promises, the ERC expects President Buhari to immediately, and within his first 100 days, cause a supplementary bill to be sent to the National Assembly to increase the allocation to education to at least 26% as recommended by UNESCO. There should be no excuse or arm-wringing about this. The President himself has said at different fora that his experiences while touring the country for his campaign were that he realized a large number of youths are without formal education and jobs. Only by increasing funding to public education, cancelling tuition fees and embarking on a massive public works to improve facilities at all levels of education would offer millions of Nigerian youths the opportunity of a second chance to get good education and learn useful skills without which they cannot get good jobs even if jobs are available.”

The wind of change seems to be blowing all over Nigeria and in many ways education stakeholders are all too ready to embrace it. But when it comes to the old agreements the Jonathan Administration made with education unions, ‘implementation’ would be more readily accepted than ‘change.’

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—51

BY LAJU IREN 07017860213 ELLEJAYMEDIA@YAHOO.CO.UK

BY LAJU IREN Although there might be some variations across board, many Nigerians sum up the country’s problems in three words: Power, power and power. At the height of the recent fuel crisis, even multinationals and financial giants considered reducing their office hours to save power.

Although in the long term, there are hopes for increased power generation, improved power transmission and distribution services, as well as alternative sources of energy, experts say that making efforts to save energy could be an immediate as well as a long term solution to the power situation.

Emerging Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, HVAC, technologies are making it more and more possible to maintain energy efficient and healthy buildings to save power. This formed the crux of the recent public lecture hosted by the Department of Building, University of Lagos, UNILAG. Head of the Department, Prof.

Godwin Idoro said at the event that the issue of energy should without any doubt be a topical one and serious concern for every Nigerian because of the incessant power shortage being experienced daily. His words: “The power supply situation has got to a stage whereby darkness is almost becoming a norm everywhere.

The challenges posed by the power supply problem are enormous.

There are several options to look at in facing these challenges namely: increase power generation output, improved power transmission and distribution services, energy saving culture and energy efficient buildings.”

His words: “On energy saving or energy efficient buildings, institutions of higher learning and private bodies should emphasize this discipline in their training and development programmes. Energy efficient approach should be holistic covering design, construction and the use of buildings should emphasize natural rather than artificial lighting and ventilation.”

It was however, Professor Chandra Sekhar of the National University of Singapore who, based on his wealth of experience in this area, did justice to the lecture in his role as Guest Speaker, presenting different energy efficient HVAC systems that the Nigerian populace can take advantage of.

One of the options Sekhar mentioned is the Dedicated

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Mr Adegbola Abiodun, Regional Programs Coordinator, Junior Achievement Nigeria; 3rd Place winner, Aisha Williams Christland School; Mr Doyin Oluwole, Judge; 1st Place Winner, Miss. Chisom Duke, Pampers Private School; Mr. Ojo Olaniyi, Judge; 2nd Place Winner Mr. Dahiri Mommoh, bari Mbayo School and Mr. Osho Adeleke, Judge at an art exhibition competition organised by Junior Achievement Nigeria in Lagos

Academics ponder

energy-saving techniques

On energy saving or energy efficient buildings, institutions of higher learning and private bodies should emphasize this discipline in their training and development programmes

Outdoor Air System, DOAS, a HVAC system which consists of two parallel systems: a dedicated outdoor air ventilation system that handles latent loads and a parallel system to handle sensible loads. Another energy efficient method mentioned by Sekhar is the Single Coil Twin Fan Unit, SCTF. According to him, “the Single Coil Twin Fan system is an innovative air-conditioning and air distribution system that improves occupants’ thermal

comfort and indoor air quality in tropical buildings whilst significantly saving energy.

Energy is conserved because the fresh air fan and the recirculated cooling air fan are controlled independently to optimize their respective airflow requirements based on the individual, localized demand for ventilation or cooling.”

The use of the Single Coil Twin Fan, which combines the use of Air Handling Units with Heat Pipes can possibly lead to improved air quality, thermal comfort and humidity control.

The Personalized Ventilation System, also introduced to the audience by Singaporean Professor, makes it possible for air to be delivered directly to the occupant’s breathing zone. This is done by integrating a desk mounted Personalized Ventilation system with a ceiling supply Mechanical Ventilation system. His words: “This not only saves energy, but the air being ventilated is the right quality. Ventilation effectiveness is also not a problem as clear evidence shows that test subjects find the air acceptable.”

SCHOOL CRACKS Unbelievable home work excuses Here are some of the funniest excuses a child can give a teacher when they haven’t done their h o m e w o r k .

Unbelievable, but hilarious. · I lost it fighting this kid you said you weren’t the best teacher in the school. · I was mugged on the way to school and the mugger took everything I had · Our puppy toilet trained on it. · Some aliens from outer space borrowed it so they could study how the human brain worked · I loaned it to a friend, but he suddenly moved away. · I left it in my shirt and my mother mistakenly washed it · I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to add to your already heavy workload

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015 —53

N8b fraud: EFCC arrests another suspect

By Ola Ajayi, Ibadan S the trial of some staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other commercial banks over alleged fraud totaling over N8billion continues, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission yesterday told the Federal High Court in Ibadan that one of the runaway suspects had been arrested.

The commission through its counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) disclosed this during the sitting of the court yesterday.

Mr Rotimi Jacobs, who gave the name of the arrested suspect as Tijani Olusoga, informed the court that he would like to effect some amendment to try the suspect along with his colleagues.

Six CBN staff are standing trial over alleged forgery and stealing mutilated currency notes.

Jacobs said the suspect would be charged with an 11- count charge.

After arguments from counsel to all the applicants, Justice Faji, adjourned ruling on the bail applications till 19 June, 2015.

The accused are Kolawole Babalola, Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Philip,

A

Kehinde Fadokun and Olutunde.

In the second batch, Kolawole Babalola, Muniru Adeola, Toogun Kayode Philip of CBN while Ajuwon Bolade and Samuel Ogbeide, were also arraigned.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, on Thursday informed the court how one of the suspects standing trial in the over N8billion currency scam involving some staffers of the CBN and some commercial banks were exchanging notes boxes while the deal lasted.

The suspects, were listed as fourth and fifth defendants are Ajuwon Bolade and Samuel Ogbeide.

Reading the extract from the confessional statement made to the EFCC by the

NASS leadership: Saraki consolidates, receives British envoy •Says Nigerians deserve the best of governance

By Joseph Erunke

A

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right) before a novelty match.between former Abiola Babes International and the All Stars Team of Ogun State to commemorate June 12 at M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta,yesterday.

suspects, counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs,SAN, quoted that the fourth defendant in his statement said he assisted in exchange of

boxes of money containing N10million currency for mutilated currency and got N160,000 as compensation from the deal.

S the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, struggles to come to terms with the new leadership in the National Assembly, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is consolidating his grip on the Red Chamber.

Already, foreign nations among which includes the United Kingdom, have not only started pledging support to the Saraki’s administration in the Senate but also promising to support the establishment of a stable people-oriented parliament in the country.

The United Kingdom, led the path through a courtesy

Govt bans parliamentary agencies from use of camouflage uniforms •Restrict use to only the military

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

T

HE use of camouflage uniforms by various security agencies other than the Armed Forces namely; Army, Navy and the Air Force has been banned. The paramilitary

agencies however, have up to January next year withdraw such uniforms currently in their inventory.

The Nigerian Police will however use the uniform when in Joint Operation with the military or on special operation such as specific anti-riot missions.

This followed the proliferation and imitation by criminals and impostors using uniforms especially the camouflage, hence the concern in national security circles.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Defence

Information, Major General Chris Olukolade yesterday.

Apart from the Armed Forces, the police and Customs personnel among others have camouflage uniforms in their inventories.

call on the new Senate President, yesterday, in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit on him by the British High Commissioner, Dr. Andrew Pocook, in his office, Senator Saraki, who noted that Nigerians deserved the best of governance, pledged a very good working relationship with Britain, in order to move Nigeria forward.

The Senate President, who reminded his guest of the task ahead of the new administration in the country, sought the collaboration of the United Kingdom in tackling them, saying only through such collaboration that the challenges could be surmounted.

While commending the continued bilateral relationship between Nigerian and the United Kingdom, UK, during the brief occasion that saw the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in attendance, Saraki assured that the new administration in the country was determined to fulfill its obligations to the betterment of the nation.

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

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Ogun State notorious robbery syndicate smashed •I’m only an armourer —suspect

BY EVELYN USMAN

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he Ogun State Police Command has smashed a robbery gang which specialised in snatching exotic cars from unsuspecting eminent personalities, arresting its armourer.

Among those attacked by members of the gang were former professional footballer, Segun Odegbami.

The ace footballer

was attacked two years ago around Wasimi area, a boarder town between Itori and Obada Oko in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, with his car snatched.

Members of the notorious gang were reportedly also responsible for the attack on retired Primate of Anglican Church, Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola, on

*Suspect ...Rasak Adeyinka C M Y K

I kept weapons for four different robbery gangs.

The police only recovered an AK 47 riffle with three magazines and a Baretta pistol from me. The weapons belong to a particular gang December 24, 2013 at Aro, Abeokuta.

While these ones were dispossessed of their valuables and their cars snatched, same could not be said of driver of Rector of ICT Polytechnic, Abeokuta, D.S. Adegbenro, simply identified as Musibau, whose life was snuffed out by a bullet from the dreaded gang.

The late Musibau, Crime Guard gathered, was conveying his boss and the institution’s Bursar, when the bandits intercepted the Toyota Hilux car at Papalanto area of the state, in March 2013.

They reportedly fired some shots into the car, when the driver ’s attempt to escape. In the process, a bullet hit Musibau. The Bursar was said to have sustained bullet wounds while the Rector escaped unhurt.

Not done, the armed gang reportedly snatched the vehicle but abandoned it a distance away, owing to the tracking devise installed.

Same month, the gang reportedly struck

again. This time around, it was at Osupori area of the state.

They reportedly chased a commercial bus to the spot and ordered everyone to come down and lie flat on the road. Their target was reportedly the business woman who, according to police sources, was trailed. They reportedly shot her dead, after forcefully collecting an unspecified huge amount of money from her. Her three-monthold baby that was strapped to her back was said to have been kept aside by a member of the gang while the operation lasted.

Acting on a tip-off, policemen were said to have stormed the Owode area of the state, where a suspected member of the gang who had been on the command’s wanted list was arrested.

However, during interrogation, the 29year-old suspect, Rasak Adeyinka, stated that he had never participated in any operation with members of the gang.

Though he admitted he knew them, he said he only kept their weapons.

Hear the father of three: “I do not rob. I only kept weapons for robbers. After each operation, they would bring the weapons to me to keep. I usually kept them at Odo-Seje, along Ajilete Road, Owode. They are concealed in a bag and thereafter, I would use weeds to cover them.

At the end of each operation, I was paid N40,000. I kept weapons for four different robbery gangs. The police only recovered an AK 47 riffle with three magazines and a Baretta pistol from me.

The weapons belong to a particular gang”, he said.

Spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police was still on the trail of other fleeing members of the gang, assuring that they would get them.

58—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

LAMENTATION OF A WIDOWER

Police shot my son, extorted money from me

… as NOPRIN petitions IGP over alleged cover-up

BY EVELYN USMAN

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ith thoughts far off and stares blank, it was obvious that all was not well with 62-year-old Paul Ajugwogu, who queued among other customers in front of a local food vendor at Oriagu, in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

It took a shove from a visibly hungry man behind him to bring him back to reality. And with a sigh, evident of a frustrated man, Ajugwuogu approached the local food vendor and requested for boiled rice worth N100, with a piece of meat sold for N50. But as he made to cover the food, it fell from his hands. Rather than assist the helpless man, the hungry customer behind him looked away, as he ordered for his own food.

Ajugwuogu absent-mindedness attracted this reporter, who at the end of a short conversion with him, discovered that all was not well him after all.

The first tragedy that plunged the father of four into a dilemma occurred 12 years ago, following the demise of his wife in an accident, which saddled him with the responsibility of taking care of their kids all alone.

He eked out his meagre pay as a bricklayer, a skill he passed on to Obinna, his only son.

While the family was smarting from the harsh reality of their loss, another ugly incident occurred again on May 25, 2015. This time around, it befell Obinna Ajugwuogu, the heir apparent . penultimate Monday.

Obinna, Crime Guard gathered, went to a hospital which was under construction in Nkwoumunumo, to check if work had begun on the plastering, in order to apply for him and his father. Then all of a sudden, a team of armed policemen reportedly stormed the uncompleted building, during which one of them allegedly fired a shot which hit Obinna. The policemen, according to an eyewitness, took Obinna into their car and zoomed off, leaving a haze of dust billowing.

Tension at home Meanwhile, back home, apprehension had set in following Obinna’s absence at about 5pm, a habit described as usual of him whenever he was not at work.

Tension heightened at 10pm, after telephone calls to his friends and family members did not give the desired response.

In this interview with Crime Alert, Mr Ajugwuogu revealed: “We went to bed hoping he would show up with an excuse for keeping late.”

But he did not.

“Next day”, continued Paul Ajugwogu, “I went to the hospital under construction where I sent him to check if they had started work, only to be told he was shot the C M Y K

previous day by some policemen.

But nobody could tell where they took him to. I was afraid and begged God to spear my only son’s life.

“I went to Uriaga and Aba Police Divisions to look for him but was informed they did not have anybody like that with them.

Thereafter, I went to check the divisions around Orlu; he was not there either. The second day, I went to Okigwe Area Command, where the policemen checked for his name on the board. Again, my only son’s name was not there. I proceeded to Ukumago, under the Area Command, where I was told he was with them and that they had been taken him to Saint Mary’s Hospital.

“Before I left for the hospital, the policemen said I should refund N26,500, an amount they claimed they deposited for my son’s treatment. Aside that, they asked me to pay N3,500 for his bail. When I asked what his offence was, they could not say.

When I persisted, I was told that they saw him and two other boys gambling in front of the building under construction and that my son attempted to run on sighting them.”

Handcuffed at hospital Continuing, the widower said: “To my shock, when I got to the hospital, I saw my saw handcuffed to the bed like a common criminal.

My question is why would a person who did not steal be treated like a

common criminal. And to think that nothing is being done or has been done to the policemen is sickening, to say the least. Obinna is still at the hospital because the bullet affected his bone. I don’t have anyone to run to. I am a poor bricklayer. Obinna learnt the skill from me and he has been of much help to me and his siblings. I cannot work as much as I used to because of my age. He is the one assisting me”, lamented Ajugwuogu, who hails from Ehime, in Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

NOPRIN to the rescue Crime Guard gathered that the Network On Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), a network of 46 civil society groups committed to promoting police accountability and respect for human rights had, on Wednesday last week, petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, urging him to pay particular attention to what it described as “the excesses and lawlessness” of policemen serving in the South-East Zone. NOPRIN, in the petition signed by its coordinator, Mr Okechukwu Nwagunma, noted that citizens in the zone had consistently cried out about police alleged brutality, urging the IGP to prevail on the Imo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter at hand and bring the perpetrators to book.

The petition dated June 3, 2015 read in part: “No receipt was

From the foregoing narrative, it is very clear that if the victim had died, it would have been very easy for the police to cover up or label him an armed robber or kidnapper

issued to Mr Ajugwuogu by the hospital or the police for the amount paid. In an attempt to shield the hospital, the hospital personnel refused to issue any receipt to the victim’s father even when he demanded for receipt for additional payment of N1,500.00, which he made when he took his son for a check-up and for the removal of the stitches, and the dressing of the wound on the 1st of June.

The victim was also not issued with any hospital card or properly documented as a patient in the hospital. The doctor told the victim’s father that he would only give receipts for any payment for his treatment to the police who brought him to the hospital.

“All efforts by the victim’s father to get the details of those who brought his son to the hospital were rebuffed.

The refusal by the doctor to disclose to the victim’s father, the identities of the police officers who brought his son to the hospital suggests that the doctor is working in cahoots with the Okigwe Divisional Police to cover criminal and illegal activities.

“The victim’s father said that when he visited Okigwe Police Division and inquired about the police officers who shot his son, a policeman came up to say he was the Investigative Police Officer (IPO). The victim’s father said that the yet-to-be identified IPO told him that his son was involved in gambling with others at the site and that when he saw them, he started running. The IPO collected his details but refused to release his own identity, and promised that he would call him on his telephone number, a promise he is yet to fulfil till date.

“It took 11 days of efforts by an Owerri-based civil society organisation, CCIDESOR, led by Mr. Emeka Ononamadu to obtain the identity and contacts of both the DPO of Okigwe Division and the doctor of the hospital where the victim was treated. That it took so much time and resources for a civil society group to obtain such basic information is a clear indication of the level of impunity that protects law enforcement agents in the South-East Zone of Nigeria.

“But the identities of the policemen who carried out the illegal and criminal operation are still being shielded by the authorities at Okigwe Division.

“From the foregoing narrative, it is very clear that if the victim had died, it would have been very easy for the police to cover up or label him an armed robber or kidnapper.

“Currently, the poor boy and his father have been abandoned in their village without proper medical attention. There are fears that the victim’s left leg may become gangrenous and result in amputation if not properly and urgently treated.

“NOPRIN therefore calls on the IGP to direct the CP Imo to prevail on the DPO Okigwe to provide his men who carried out this operation.

They should be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action.

They should also be made to take full and adequate responsibility for the treatment and rehabilitation of the victim”, Nwaguma stated.

However when Crime Guard contacted the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Okigwe, Mr Iwu Christian, a Chief Superintendent of Police, he stated emphatically that no case of such happened in his jurisdiction.

Also contacted to ascertain the command’s position, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Andrew Enwerem, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, he said he was not aware of the case.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 13, 2015—59

AS I JOIN VVANGU ANGU ARD...

ANGUARD...

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y good friend a nd colleague

O n o c h i e A n i b e z e , Editor of the Saturday Vanguard, last week, approached me that as a regular and incisive contributor, it would be nice for me to write a column on Oil and Gas. He said my contributions were rich and written in a simple language that communicated well. He wanted me to start immediately. I must confess that I’m humbled by this gesture - to be in the leading position of this movement of a cherished newspaper: The Vanguard… towards a better life for the people.

The column ‘’Oil & Gas Summiteer” as conceived is participatory in nature: to reflect on the liquid fossil fuel of the globe and indeed the Nigerian economy. Expectedly, it would x-ray the upstream and downstream sectors; conventional and unconventional petroleum including shale oil and gas, and renewable energy.

Special analyses on pricing of petroleum and price intelligence, the vagaries of the market, finance and fiscal policies, legal and regulatory

frameworks, petroleum economics, on and offshore investments, sustainable development as well as the politics and geopolitics of petroleum are to be in close watch and scrutiny.

Environmental pollution and degradation and threats to communities’ survival would also be treated at regular intervals. We also squint at the activities of national oil companies vis-a-vis the international oil companies in the global oil business My experience in the roller coaster industry for about two decades now would be brought to bear in what would be served you. Numerous oil and gas conferences and exhibitions both locally and internationally (including OPEC) would be conveyed to you, the reader. A feedback mechanism would also be created to make our interface complete.

Sonny Atumah was a Special Assistant to a former Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the late Major General Mamman Kontagora, between 1998 and 1999. He is a regular Petroleum analyst on Television, Radio and also a regular contributor to Oil and Gas discourse in major Nigerian national newspapers. He is a member of the

Nigeria Union of Journalists, and belongs to many petroleum associations including membership of the prestigious Middle East Petroleum Club.

In this debut, we discuss the 167th meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which held on 5th June, 2015 at its headquarters Vienna, Austria without Nigeria presiding. Nigeria’s Diezani Alison Madueke who was elected first female President at the 166th meeting on 27th November 2014 was not to preside over the conference because she ceased to be the Petroleum Minister on May 29, 2015 when the government changed.

The alternate President HE Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, Ministerof Energy and Industry of Qatar extended a welcome to Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Special Duties and InterGovernmental Affairs who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the Nigerian delegation to the conference.

As the petroleum conundrum continues, watchers had predicted a cut in production by OPEC even before the June meeting to shore up prices caused by oversupply and speculation towards the end of 2014 and early 2015.

The plummeting oil prices had left many OPEC members like Nigeria with acute budget deficits and attendant effects on their economies.

Surprisingly, it resolved to maintain the 30 million barrels per day and urged members to adhere to it until the 4th December 2015 meeting. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) supporters’ hail this decision as a good omen for the industry to have a stable

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and balanced oil market with prices that would be in the interest of producer and consumer nations alike to stem inflation. It may however not be in the interest of the United States shale oil drillers who are hardly breaking even to keep their rigs busy.

This fight among world oil producers it is predicted, may force equilibrium of about $75 mark by year end. It is not however clear what effect Iran’s plan to increase production by 1 million barrels per day, and also Indonesia’s comeback plan would have in the volatile global oil market. A further increase in supply may not augur well for many OPEC members especially the dysfunctional countries like Libya and Iraq, and the declining countries like Nigeria where IOCs are divesting from onshore productions. Indonesia left the oil cartel in 2008 when she became a net oil importer.

Ecuadorian delegation briefed on the ongoing arbitration in a matter brought against Ecuador by Chevron Corporation and Texaco Petroleum Company. The Conference expressed its support to the Republic of Ecuador in the exercise of its sovereign rights over its natural resources, in accordance with international law, a right documented in the Algiers, Caracas and Riyadh Summit Declarations of OPEC Heads of State and Government. OPEC called for amicable negotiation and a good faith resolution for the dispute within a framework of utmost respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Ecuador, and without resorting to ex parte pre- judgment measures that would make impartial solutions more difficult.

hristopher Okigbo, one of the founding fathers of Modern African Poetry, and indeed, sometimes regarded as the father of Modern African Poetry, made this statement in the poem “Elegy to the Slit Drum,” in his last collection, Paths of Thunder. It is all about the concept of fall and an enquiry into our notions and perception of the same concept. By the way, I make bold to ask, why do humans also fall or why are we in a fallen state? Since there is no doubt that humanity is in a fallen state; then the serious question is why so? I wish I could proffer answers to that question now, and an answer devoid of emotions.

The news came as a shocking surprise, the news caster took time to pronounce the names and underneath the television, A TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (MRS). EDITH CHINYERE ASIKA the sound bits rolled through to support the clarifications of some of these where her husband, Ajie Ukpabi Asika people want to acknowledge voice … Death has been statements I have made, which appear was a lecturer. Soon, her husband was it or not, served very well in announced of Mrs. Edith hanging. And I should begin, from the going to be the Administrator of the restoring the stability of her Chinyere Asika. The local level because they say, Charity defunct East Central State, at the people. That carved her name question is why the begins at home. I and my elder sister creation of the twelve States by Gen. in the annals of the history of surprise? Isn’t death, as were introduced to Mrs. Chinyere Asika Yakubu Gowon. That automatically her people and the Shakespeare would intone through her photo image in my parents’ made her “the first lady … her announcement that she is dead should have actually a necessary end that would wedding photographs, where she was excellency.”

I recall that this was immediately been that “the elephant has come when it would … and in my mother’s bridal train. My mother if so, why is humanity ever was, and has always been extremely after the civil war and she had to face fallen.” We have to quickly and always taken proud of her. She referred to her as a people brutalized, humiliated and remember that she is unawares? Again, I do not “Baby,” “an oversea graduate with dehumanized by the war. Nda “Ochendom” … protector of have answers to these Masters.” This meant that she had a Chinyere was compassionate and the married women of questions but all I want to Master’s degree. I got to learn later that made several visits to her people. She Owerri, so the protector is not say is that there is always a she has two higher degrees, a Master saw their condition and like Esther, vulnerable to death.

Going beyond the local sense of loss and loss is of Science degree and a Master of the legendary Hebrew girl who saved painful. Mrs. Chinyere Library Studies, and she told me she her people from the harsh and level to the state, regional and Asika’s fall stirs up this got her second Master’s degree in 1965 tyrannical hands of King Xerxes of national levels, Chnyere sense of loss. Now that I (hope I am correct). Nda Chinyere, as Medes and Persia, she came to salvage Asika was the first lady of want to remember her, I the younger ones from her home, Egbu what was left of her people. I may have East Central State, and for ask myself, where do I Owerri, Imo State called her, was the the opportunity to say more on this record purposes, that start? Do I begin at the first child of Late Nathan Okoma later but right now, all I want to lay included entire southeast of local, state, regional, Ejiogu, the noble educationist, and bare is that in Igboland, it is said that today’s cardinal adjustment. national or global levels? former Chairman of the Public/Civil if one person cooks for the public, it is As the first lady, she had It is difficult for anyone, Service Commission of the defunct East easy for the public to devour the food, glamour, she had poise, she who is not experienced in Central State of Nigeria. Her father but if the public cooks for one person, had dignity, she had hardship to understand invested in the education of her it is obviously impossible for one to intelligence and she had what it means to suffer, so daughters being an educationist, who finish the food. Mrs. Asika, let me say, energy. She became the first also it is, as Demis Rousos, knows the benefits of education. Mrs. Chinyere Ejiogu, provided food for the public figure in Modern the songwriter said, it is Chinyere Asika, who has joined the public; provided clothing, provided Africa, (to the best of my hard “to sing a love song Saints triumphant, returned to Nigeria, other rehabilitation items like knowledge) to embark on when you are not in love.” after her studies abroad to become farming implements and seedlings for Mass Mobilization of women May be I should attempt Librarian at the University of Ibadan, the public, and that effort, whether in her pet-project “Otu Olu

THE ELEPHANT HAS FFALLEN ALLEN …

DOES SHE DESERVE HER FFA ATE?

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Obodo.” This programme was launched in 1975, and shortly after, the military government of Gen. Yakubu Gowon was ousted. Although the project did not last long, it, however, made a strong impact because of the excellent organization. I started a research into this pioneer work of engagement of women sometime in the late 1990s but I had to relocate to the USA in the early 2000s for an unbroken period of six years so the project suffered a setback. I still remember her zeal and I will quickly make it known that it was that pet project that inspired the very successful “Better Life Programme for Rural Dwellers” of Late Mrs. Marriam Babangida. The spiral effect of the “Otu Olu Obodo” project can be felt everywhere in Nigeria and beyond today. Virtually all wives of Heads of States and Governors have subsequently been effectively engaged in human and community developments.

Nda Chinyere, or Sister, as some of us called her, is indeed a typical expression of what my people tagged “Enyi” the elephant. Her matrimonial home, the ancient Onitsha Kingdom, has bestowed on her the coveted title of Enyi di bu Eze, which I understand is the highest traditional position for women. She was a noiseless achiever, steadfast, forthright, diligent and highly enterprising. She would make a joke out of her love for arts and arts collection that journalist refer to her as a “juju” woman. She will be leaving a big vacuum in the community of women that her sister, Dr. Kema honoured as women of her era.

60—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

US post-2015 development agenda to rejuvenate Africa R

epresentatives of the United States g o v e r n m e n t delegation to the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, whiledisclosing US strategy to ensure total mobilization of private capital to supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure across the African Continent, in addition to growth and vitality of Africa as an investment destination, stated that the post-2015 development agenda for Africa will focus mainly on rejuvenating the Continent.

The conference which kickstarted with remarks from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) President and CEO, Elizabeth Littlefield, deliberated more on key issues to developing Africa.

According to Ms. Littlefield, OPIC, an US government’s development Finance Institution’s mandate is to stimulate private capital flows into emerging markets, and in particular, into Africa, stressing that,”we do this by providing long-term financing and also risk mitigation, like insurance, to investors that are investing in sustainable economic development across the African continent She pointed out that the Obama administration has made Africa a priority, hence, the volume of business interest in Africa on an annual basis has grown five-fold.

“For example, we are financing the first independent power project in Nigeria in over ten years. We are also investing in private education through a private provider of education in Kenya I am pleased to say that we are seeing that kind of growth in Africa, and the fact that our business has grown so quickly is reflective of the fact that we are seeing more US investors interested in investing in the continent.”

Speaking also at the conference, the Vice President of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Ms. Beth Tritter, whose organisation’s singular mission is to reduce poverty through economic growth, said that, “We are heavily invested in Africa and we have partnered with about 16 African countries for a total of around $6.5 billion dollars,

which is more than half of our total investment portfolio. So, we work in the sectors that our partner countries, themselves, identify as fundamental to driving economic growth.”

She disclosed that in the coming years, MCC expect to invest $2 billion dollars across 5 countries, in power generation, transmission, and distribution, and household connections in support of the Power Africa effort.

Similarly, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director, Leocadia Zak, said that one of the biggest constraints to economic growth on the continent is the lack of infrastructure, and the need for infrastructure.

He stated at the conference that USTDA have had over 500 activities throughout the continent, with much focus on the development of infrastructure to meet the goals of each host country.

The representatives also disclosed that the US government is anxious to work with the new Nigerian government to finding opportunities that will enable privatization process stays on track.

“We have several transaction advisors on the ground in Nigeria, and we have a very active team at the US embassy that is already engaged, and has been engaging, with the incoming government to find opportunities to make sure that these projects will

continue to advance.

Nevertheless, while we are looking at the large gas projects in Nigeria, we continue to also look for other projects in the off-grid and renewable space, as well”, they submitted.

In view of the foregoing therefore, the State Department Senior Advisor for Development, Daniella Ballou-aares, told the World Economic Forum on Africa that US engagement in Africa is increasingly progressing.

“We look forward to collaborating with governments and businesses across Africa to achieve a new agenda for sustainable development that will endure for several decades”, Ballouaares added.

Hundreds flee Syria, take refuge in Turkey

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yrian refugee camps in Turkey cannot accommodate more refugees as hundreds of people have fled from Syria into Turkey as moderate fighters and Kurdish forces battle the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group holding the Syrian border town of Tel Abyad.

According to report, activists on the Turkish border said that Turkish authorities allowed Syrian refugees in Raqqa province to cross into Turkey after another group of hundreds crossed over to Turkey, saying that, thousands of civilians from northern Raqqa countryside have fled their homes and gathered on the Turkish border because of the ongoing clashes in the area.

It was reported that most of the refugees sleep in deserted houses or public utility in the Turkish border town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa province because Syrian refugee camps in Turkey

•Syrian refugee camp

cannot accommodate more refugees.

Recently, about 2,000 refugees were being registered after more than 6,800 were admitted in the area earlier in the week.

Neighboring countries set up joint military force to take on Boko Haram

Nigeria’s President, Buhari started his first official trip, visiting Niger, Chad, and other neighboring countries to set up joint military force to tackle Boko Haram insurgency.

The trip, according to some notable foreign government officials, signifies the importance Buhari attaches to the fight against Boko Haram.

It also meant to signal appreciation for these countries’ efforts, as well as conveys a continued willingness to work with them in fighting the terror group.

Some key quotes reveal that Niger is solidly behind Nigeria in the ongoing efforts to counter the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency. The government has reassured that with the new impetus in the fight against Boko Haram, the terrorist group will soon be defeated.

US authorities shut down schools, highways amid manhunt for NY killers

According to agency report, investigators believe a female prison employee had agreed to be the getaway driver in the escape of two New York prisoners, David Sweat and Richard Matt, who reportedly, used power tools to cut through steel and bricks and crawled through an underground steam pipe, emerging from a manhole outside a 40-foot walls of the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, about 20 miles south of the Canadian border.

The manhunt, meanwhile, have dragged into a renewed burst of activity by searchers in the woods close to the prison after bloodhounds were said to have picked up the convicts’ scent of both killers.

Person close to the investigation said that authorities believe that David Sweat, 34, and Richard Matt, 48, got made the escape with the help of Joyce Mitchell, an instructor at the prison tailor shop, where the two convicts worked.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015—61

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62— SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015

AFCON 2017 Qualifying.....AFCON 2017 Qualifying

KESHI TO EAGLES:

Crush Chad and put the past behind us

By John Egbokhan

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Enyeama

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OACH Stephen Keshi has ordered his Super Eagles wards to crush Chad in today’s opening 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifying game at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Still smarting from their absence at the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea, the three-time African champions go into the group G encounter with the less-fancied Chadian side, who are coached by Frenchman Emmanuel Tregoat and parade several players who ply their trade overseas ,from France to Morocco.

Keshi told reporters yesterday that he was confident that his charges will beat Chad in style and win back fans confidence after their failure at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and AFCON 2015 absence.

“The important thing for us is to beat Chad and I believe that the boys are hungry and raring to get off in convincing fashion and win back the support of the fans.

“We need support from every Nigerian and we all need to forget the past and focus on what we want to achieve in the 2017 edition. Playing at 2017 AFCON is top priority and we must work really hard for it” , said Keshi.

Also speaking, striker Ahmed Musa, who Keshi will be banking on to deliver some of the goals that will sink Chad was upbeat that nothing will stop the Eagles from romping to victory.

“We are ready for the game, it’s victory we are playing for and starting the qualifier at home is good and a convincing victory will do it for us,”

Ahmed Musa declared.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi and striker Emmanuel Emenike of Fenerbache will be missing today’s match as Keshi has opted to give debut invitations to the likes of Troost Ekong and Anderson Esiti, Besides Musa in the attack, Keshi can depend on China-based Aaron Samuel to fire in the goals while Babatunde Michael and Ogenyi Onazi will commandeer the midfield.

Today’s game is a first-ever clash at full international level between both teams.

Referee Assoumane Moussa Gnali of Niger is the centre referee for the game while Andy Quamie from Liberia is the match commissioner.

GYAN: Fans expect us to beat Mauritius silly

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says fans expect the team to beat Mauritius in tomorrow’s opening 2017 AFCON qualifying in Accra.

Gyan also feels playing at the Accra Sports Stadium is “quite difficult and always with tension” as compared to other home venues.

He is brimming with optimism that they can make a winning start to their qualifying campaign.

“I believe that fans, like everyone else, always want to see good football as well as the team winning. Somehow, such expectation and, perhaps, the reaction into our games compared to other venues. Our fans expect us to beat our opponents silly,” he told the Graphic Sports.

Ghana last played in the capital was back on 08 September 2012 since beating Malawi 2-0 in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 13, 2015 — 63

Next FIFA President must be of impeccable character – Pinnick P

resident of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has stated that whoever aspires to lead world football –governing body, FIFA, after outgoing Sepp Blatter must be a man of unquestionable character and someone known and proven to be on moral high ground.

Blatter is leaving after 17

years amidst a swirl of corruption allegations and investigation by the United States and the Swiss government, and apparent question marks over how the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups were awarded.

Speaking on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Extra Time programme on Wednesday afternoon, Pinnick was invariably of the

I am one of the African FA leaders who openly campaigned for Mr. Blatter, on principle. view that in view of the way and manner that SwissGerman Blatter, who became FIFA President on the margin of the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France, is quitting, the next man would have to be clearly seen to be above board.

“Whoever is coming now, whoever is contesting for the position, will have to be spotless. There is a new

creed; credible personality is required. I mean, a man who has never been smeared in anyway.

“Yes, I am one of the African FA leaders who openly campaigned for Mr. Blatter, on principle. He did so much and so well for the

Uniport abuzz as Ogba bags Ph.d

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oday at the University of Port Harcourt, academics will fuse with sports as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Solomon Ogba will be awarded a Doctorate Degree by the University of Port Harcourt for his contributions to the development of sports in the country.

Ogba will get his Honorary Degree of Doctors of Science (D.Sc. Honors Causa)during the 30th Convocation ceremony at the Convocation Arena, University Park Ogba was born fifty-five (55) years ago in Warri to Elder and Mrs. Cleofas Ogba of blessed memory.

He had a very challenging early life as he ventured into the intriguing political terrain rather too early. He had his elementary education in Warri in what was then known as Catholic School II and later went to the then United College of Commerce (UCC) and completed his secondary education at the Iluelogbo

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Grammer School, Iluelogbo Grammer School, Iluelogbo now Owhelogbo.

He was at various times in the defunct and now reopened Ozoro Polytechnic, Ozoro, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos and the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

He is currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree Programme in Sports Management at the prestigious United State Sports Academy, Dauphine Alabama, USA. He also attended Certificate courses in High Performance People’s Skill at the Kellogg Business School (North Western University) in Chicago U.S.A and the London Business School, London, United Kingdom.

Though an Estate Surveyor by training, he has devoted his entire career to Politics and Sports. No wonder he has a very enterprising and eventful political history spanning over thirty years. A very vibrant and pragmatic Sports Administrator. He is

arguably the most outstanding Sports Commissioner in Nigeria in recent times. He is a reputed sports tactician who won the National Sports Festival back to back and three times out of the last four editions from year 2000-2007.

Ogba is a recipient of many honours and commendations

•Chief Solomon Ogba

from both within and outside Nigeria. In recognition of his valuable contributions to the development of Sports, the Federal Government in 2003 appointed him amongst forty three (43) other Eminent Nigerians as Sports Envoys to the other African Countries during the 8th All African Games Nigeria hosted.

He was also appointed by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo into the 2010 Presidential bid Committee that got Nigeria the hosting right of the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He is a recipient of the prestigious veteran PIN award by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) He was also conferred with fellow of the University of Port Harcourt Sports Institute.

Married to Celestina and blessed with three lovely children, Ogba is a believer of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

African continent, and that is important to us. If you have someone who did well for you, you don’t forget him.

That is an African virtue.

“Blatter was huge for Africa in the area of infrastructure and development; there is no way you can forget such a man. A high percentage of the football infrastructure we have in the African continent today came during the time of Blatter. He brought the World Cup to Africa for the first time, and I even remember that between 2009 and 2010, Africa hosted three World Cup finals: the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt and the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

“I am not talking just for myself. Speak with Kwesi (Nyantakyi) in Ghana, Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia), Omari (Selemani) in DR Congo, and you will get the same line of argument. In Africa, we are an indivisible unit because we have real passion for the game and we are interested in who will develop our game in our continent..

“I have been an admirer of the English football culture for decades, and that is just what we are trying to build in Nigeria. The football culture here is number one. I admire football administrators like Adam Crozier, David Dein, David Gill and so many of the brilliant coaches, especially Arsene Wenger.

“Of course, I have met the Chairman of The FA, Mr. Greg Dyke, and he is an interesting personality. I know about David Gill who is a FIFA Vice President and who is also a man of impeccable character.

“There is no doubt that England will have a very credible candidate, if they throw someone into the FIFA presidency election. But they have to make friends. The truth is that Europe alone cannot elect a candidate.

They have to reach out to the other confederations.”

The Nigeria football supremo did not entirely dismiss the possibility of an African candidate.

“Of course, if an African candidate comes up, we will support him. If we are able to come up with someone credible and universally – acceptable enough, we will give him the backing. We vote as a bloc in Africa and we are an indivisible unit.

“Our interest is in the real development of the game, because we have genuine passion. Football is a beautiful game; we can use it to make the world a better place.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 13, 2015

Next FIFA President must be of impeccable character — Pinnick

>>63

>>62

Uchegbulam wants Enyimba, Pillars, Rangers, 3SC to lead the way >>38,39

Today’s AFCON 2017 Matches Malawi S/Africa Zambia Angola Uganda Nigeria Cape Verde Burkina Faso Senegal Mali Algeria

v v v v v v v v v v v

Zimbabwe 2:30pm Gambia 3pm Guinea-Bissau 3pm Central Africa Rep. 3:30pm Botswana 4pm Chad 4pm Sao Tome 4pm Comoros 6pm Burundi 7pm South Sudan 7pm Seychelles 8:30pm

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)MD/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert_(5) 4)Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), BrigadierGeneral Johnson_(7) 8)Japanese Currency Unit(3) 9)Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo_(3) 10)Italian “Serie A” Club-Side(7) 12)Manchester City Striker, Edin_(5) 13)L.G.A in Abia State(3) 14)Country in Europe(7) 17)Constellation(4) 19)Former PDP Chairman, Chief Tony_(6) 22)Uruguay Striker & Barcelona Forward, Luis_(6) 26)Former Secretary-General, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Fanny_(4) 28)Former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Babatunde_(7) 29)Fifth Month of the Year(3) 30)Bangladesh Capital City(5) 31)Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Full-Back, Sassou_(7) 34)Rodent(3) 35)Cereal(3) 36)L.G.A in Ogun State(7)

DOWN 1)Kenya “Harambee Stars” Midfielder, Victor_(7) 2)Former Niger State Governor, Mr Lawan_(7) 3)Tunisian President, Mr. Beji_(7) 4)Former Ethiopia “Antelopes” Coach, Ifeanyi_(6) 5)World Boxing Legend, Muhammad_(3) 6)Employ(3) 7)Lagos State Capital(5) 11)L.G.A in Borno State(5) 15)L.G.A in Imo State(4) 16)Frozen Water(3) 18)Melt(4) 20)Former Director of Currency Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Muhammad_(3) 21)L.G.A in Yobe State(5) 23)Former Kwara United Coach, Samson_(7) 24)Former Brazil Striker, Faria_(7) 25)Guinea “Syli Stars” Full-Back, Kamil_(7) 27)Venezuelan President, Mr. Nicolas_(6) 28)Major Ethnic Group in Ghana(5) 32)Number(3) 33)Zodiac Sign(3)

Solution onpage page Solution on 2121

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