Kudirat's Murder: Appeal court frees Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan

C M Y K

2—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—3

C M Y K

4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUL Y 13, 2013 — 5 JULY

RIVERS CRISIS

Mayhem: Why Mbu must leave Rivers — Amaechi •He has compromised Rivers security leading to return of violent crimes •It’s evident Mbu is not desirous of working with me to achieve peace •It’s obvious he’s not willing to support me to protect lives and property bilised. In consequence of this failure of security at the instance of Mr. Mbu, hoodlums invaded the premises and Chambers of the House of Assembly. The attendant fracas led to injury to persons including members of the House.

“Upon the receipt of this information, I went to the Assembly Complex with my security details to rescue members of the Assembly. Thereafter, the House proceeded to sit and conduct its business for the day.

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

R

IVERS State Gov ernor, Chubuike Rotimi Amaechi, has pleaded with the Police Service Commission, PSC, to immediately redeploy the controversial police commissioner,M bu Joseph Mbu, from the State for his partisanship in the unfolding political crisis in the state.

Amaechi, who reeled out a catalogue of offences committed by Mbu against him and the State, said that the police officer, had compromised his post and professional ethics in the discharge of his duties.

The Governor’s allegations against Mbu are contained in a petition he sent to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Mike Okiro, which was copied to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Senate President, David Mark, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal.

In the petition dated July 9, 2013, Amaechi recalled all the atrocities committed by Mbu since he was posted to the state in February this year, culminating in last Tuesday’s shameful attempt to assist five out of the 32 members of the House of Assembly to assault the Speaker and his supporters.

Mbu unfit

Recalling that he had worked seamlessly with four other police commissioners before Mbu was deployed to the State, Amaechi made it clear that Mbu was unfit to serve in a sensitive State like Rivers since it was too clear that he had opted to work against the interest and wellbeing of the people of the state.

The governor said that apart from taking side with those bent on causing trouble in the state, Mbu did not show appropriate respect to constituted authorities as demanded of his job as a police officer and should therefore be shown the

R-L: Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Eng. Tele Ikuru; Rivers State Governor, R.t Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress Rivers State, Comrade Christ Oruge when NLC paid a solidarity visit to the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt. way out of the state.

The governor noted, “The actions and comments of Mr. Mbu have shown that he is unwilling to support me to protect lives and properties of everyone in Rivers State.

“He has compromised our regular Security Council meetings leading to reluctance on the part of other members to speak up during the meetings and therefore rendering the meetings ineffective.

“Besides his disparaging comments and discussions of security matters with scant regard for decorum, he has destabilised the security apparatus in the State thereby supporting the return of some of the key actors in the cult wars that engulfed the State from 2004 up till 2007.

Not desirous to curb crime

“Sir, it has become evident that Mr. Mbu is not desirous of assisting us in our quest for a crime free and peaceful Rivers State. It is also evident that he lacks the appropriate mien and disposition required of such a highly placed officer of the law and is unable to appropriately perform his functions as commissioner of police in Rivers State.

“I would therefore wish to respectfully request for his re-deployment from

Rivers State in the interest of the people of the State and to restore the confidence of the people of Rivers State in the impartiality of the Nigerian Police.

Security deteriorate

“Regrettably, since after Mbu’s assumption as Commissioner of Police in February 2013, the security situation in Rivers State began to deteriorate due largely to his approach to the discharge of his responsibility as commissioner of police.

“Shortly upon resumption of duties Mr. Mbu began to withdraw police security attached to principal officers of the State for reasons that were different from those given by the Assistant Inspector General of Police of Zone 6 during a visit to me.

“Police security attached to the Governor, the Speaker, the Attorney General and key judicial officers were withdrawn without prior notice or justification. This was followed by a daily redeployment of divisional police officers and heads of departments who understood the security dynamics of the State and had held their offices with great commendation,” Amaechi alleged.

The Governor lamented that apart from ignoring pleas from him to work with him in order to

strengthen the security of the state, Mbu unilaterally terminated the joint police/army patrol, which had been used as a formidable strategy to check violent crimes of kidnapping, armed robbery and car-snatching in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, while I was still making efforts to persuade Mr. Mbu to appreciate the peculiar challenges of the State and to adopt a cordial working relationship, which the State had enjoyed with his predecessors, Mr. Mbu began to exhibit conduct consistent with partisanship in the discharge of his official duties.”

Security dismantled

Explaining what led to last Tuesday’s crisis in the House of Assembly during which many members sustained various degrees of injuries, Amaechi accused Mbu of dismantling the security deployed to guard the assembly complex thereby paving the way for hired thugs to attack some lawmakers said to be loyal to him.

He said, “Following intelligence reports, security was enhanced within and around the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

“At about 09.00 hours, Mr. Mbu invited some of the personnel and directed that the security formations should be demo-

Decline invitation

“Further information reaching me in the presence of Mr. Mbu necessitated my inviting him to accompany me to the Assembly Complex, which he declined. On the advice of my security, I stayed back and directed that they should monitor the situation.”

The Governor pointed out that he could no longer tolerate the excesses of Mbu, having called him names including a tyrant and dictator and shown to the world that he had taken side with criminals who were out to bring down the State and destroy the property of the citizens.

Amaechi said that on many occasions, the CP and his men had turned a blind eye while allowing cultists and militants to cause mayhem in the State and in the State House of Assembly, which is opposite the Police Command in Port Harcourt.

He lamented that the militia leaders led by Ateke Tom and Solomon Ndigbara were unleashed on the Government House and major streets of Port Harcourt on May 22, 2013, shortly after he had met with the AIG in charge of Zone 6, thereby preventing the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and others who were in the Government House from leaving the state.

He said that Mbu had taken side with a faction of the PDP in the State led by Bro Felix Obuah and refused to obey any

other court order not in the interest of the faction, citing the continued occupation of the Obio/Akpor LG secretariat as a case in point.

He also said the police looked away as hoodlums torched the council and killed the aide of the factional chairman of the party, Chief Godspower Ake, in Erema in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where Obuah also comes from.

Meanwhile, a public affairs analyst, Phrank Shaibu, has raised alarm that some well-placed persons may be planning to take Amaechi’s life.

Shuaibu said the attack on the Governor by the CP, who should be working closely with him as his counterparts in other states, was an indication that the commissioner had been given a different brief on Amaechi.

“Nigerians should be aware that the withdrawal of some of the security details to the Governor is part of a knavish and villainous plot to kill him.

“It is a politically dangerous situation which calls for mass mobilisation and an urgent internal arrangement in order to thwart any further move by the enemies of the state and “external forces” from eliminating the Governor or “killing” the state economically.

“This crass refuge to the profanation of power, as Nigerians can clearly see, is not a sign of political strength but a clear manifestation of an annoyingly imprudent show of immaturity, especially by the Presidency, despite several denials as it bothers on their role in the ugly saga in Rivers State.

“Nigerians can see a semblance of the ugly treatment experienced by then Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State during which his security aides were suddenly withdrawn, paving the way for his unconstitutional removal from office in the offing.”

Continues on Page 6

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

RIVERS CRISIS

Edo ACN warns against impeaching Amaechi with 5 lawmakers

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

T

HE Edo State Ac tion Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has warned that any attempt by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach the Speaker of the House or Governor Rotimi Amaechi may mark the end of democracy in Nigeria.

The state chairman of the party, Thomas Okosun who also was former Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, described the Tuesday mayhem at the Assembly complex as unacceptable and a test to our democracy, just as he urged both the presidency and the National Assembly not to allow the political situation in Rivers State lead to the end of this democracy.

His words: “ What happened in Rivers State at the House of assembly where five members of the House attempted to impeach the Speaker in a House made up of 32 members, where only five members who claimed to be loyal to a

serving Minister attempts to impeach the Speaker is a rape on democracy. We urge those behind it to desist from t h a t .

“What is happening in Rivers state if allowed can have a rebounding effect in others states of the Federation.

Therefore we want to say that what happened deserves all condemnation, it is an attempted coup, it is a rape on democracy and should not be allowed to continue. Instead those five members should be properly sanctioned and those backing them should be asked to desist

IVERS state chap ter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has blamed the current security challenges facing the state on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Mbu. Chairman of the state’s NLC, Comrade Chris Oruge who spoke when he led a delegation of his members to the governor at Government House, Port Harcourt lamented the security situation in the state, adding that hoodlums had resumed their activities in several parts of the state.

“The security of the state has gone down since the posting of the ‘almighty’ Mbu (Rivers State Police Commissioner). Mbu has become another former INEC Chairman for us and everybody now is sleeping with one eye open”.

“All the militants, the bad boys who had left this state have reconvened

Vice President Namadi Sambo with Gov. Lamaran Yero of Kaduna State while arriving at Kaduna Airport for the graduation ceremony of Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Senior course 35 in Kaduna yesterday.

NUPENG decries violence in Rivers State House of Assembly

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

N

IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has condemned what it termed “the provoked violence that erupted in the Rivers State House of Assembly”, warning that the ugly incident portends danger for democ-

NLC blames Rivers CP for security problems in Rivers State

R

from it including the police because it is unheard of that five members in the house want to claim that they can constitute a quorum in a House of 32 members, five members cannot constitute a quorum.

“The worst still is that five members do not constitute 2/ 3 of 32 members to attempt to impeach the Speaker or anybody. Therefore I want to say that the governor of Rivers State as the chief security officer of the state did well yesterday (Tuesday) and deserves to be supported by all true democrats in this country irrespective of political affiliation.

and have been doing what they are doing.

The result of their actions is on those of us who have no security, have nobody to protect us except the Almighty God”, he said.

racy.

In a statement by its President, Achese Igwe, he argued that the action of some of the lawmakers in the House of Assembly was uncalled for and not in tandem with the tenets of democratic values.

While calling for caution on the part of the law makers to allow peace to reign, he said “we are unhappy with the partisan posture of the police that is supposed to protect the lives and property of the state.

That is why we are calling for the establishment of State police, which will be under the control of the Chief Executive of the State.

NUPENG therefore calls for the immediate removal of the Rivers State Commissioner of

Police, Mr. Mbu Jospeh Mbu on his inability to strengthen on the hitherto peace that has characterized Rivers State,

M

EMBERS of the Lagos State House of Assembly have unanimously condemned in strong terms the political situation in Rivers State and called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed to immediately re-deploy a new Commissioner of Police to the state in the interest of peace.

A member, Ajibayo Adeyeye, stated this under Matter of Urgent Public Importance at the sit-

ting on Thursday.

According to the Majority Leader, “The Lagos State House of Assembly view the political crisis in Rivers State where five lawmakers, said to belong to the G5 minority group, arrived with some hoodlums and impeached the Speaker Otelemaba Amachree and other Principal Officers as appalling”.

Adeyeye who represents Kosofe Constituency II, also wondered why the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA Network, repeatedly broadcasted the event giving the G5

ers State House of Assembly, as promised by the Inspector-General f Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar.”

Rivers crisis: ‘Danger to democracy’

BY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

A

governorship can didate of the Action Congress (A C) in Ondo State Hon Ademola Adegoroye yesterday said that the crisis in Rivers State portends grave danger to Nigerian Democracy.

Adegoroye said in a statement in Akure that it is “about ‘2015’ and a direct fallout of the election of the Chairman of the NGF in which governors exercised their rights to association and also freely elect a lead-

Lagos lawmakers condemn fracas in Rivers assembly •Call for the redeployment of Rivers CP

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

when his predecessors held sway. NUPENG calls for a speedy investigation of the fracas and breach of peace in the Riv-

publicity and parading a new Speaker for Rivers State.

He said it was established that the Police Command is not far from the Rivers State House of Assembly, but despite this some hoodlums invaded the House and beat up the lawmakers. This is bad and it is not good for our Democracy and the Rule of Law. Adeyeye wondered how five out of 33 members could impeach the Speaker and other Principal Officers. This is illegality that must be condemned in totality”.

er of their choice.

He however saluted the courage and timely action of the federal House of Representatives and commended their loyalty to the Nigerian constitution. ”Their resolution in taking over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly and asking the IG of police to immediately transfer the politician in uniform ,Mbu from rivers is not only well thought but and timely.

Adegoroye said that “it is indeed a right step in the right direction . History will judge them right. He lambasted the five members of the Assembly who threw decorum to the winds by attempting to lord their minority over the majority with the aid of thugs and the support of the Nigerian Police.

The governorship candidate said their unpatriotic action led to the inevitable sealing off of the Assembly and the take over of its functions by the National Assembly.

Adegoroye however criticized the Senate for not taking a firm decision on the Rivers State Crisis. ” As for the Nigerian Senate, it is indeed sad that they seem to have become too comfortable with their fat allowances and so anything goes.

”They also seem to have become be clouded by their own self serving interests and their own individual ambition post 2015 that they have abandoned their stabilizing role. ”I hasten to remind them that it is only when our democracy fledges that anyone can pursue and achieve whatever ambition that he or she may have now or in the future. ”I want to use this opportunity to call on Mr President to do all he can to protect the constitution having sworn before God and Nigerians so to do. ” Mr President does not need to be reminded on the circumstances that threw him up as acting President and eventually President and Commander in chief . ”He didn’t have to force God and Nigerian and he will not need to force God and Nigerians to enable him have a second term in office. ”The constitution which he swore to uphold and protect, guarantees that,subject to the wishes of the Nigerian electorate. ”If anything goes wrong with our Democracy today, he will be the biggest loser because as of today,he is the biggest beneficiary. Gove r n m e n t comes,government goes,Nigerians will remain.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013 — 7

Kudirat Abiola’s murder: Appeal Court frees Mustapha, Shofolahan

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HE Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday overruled the death sentence handed to Major Hamza AlMustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan on January 30, 2012, by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere.

According to the presiding judge, Justice Rita Pemu, “the lower court stroked to secure a conviction by all means.”

The appellate court therefore discharged and acquitted the duo of conspiracy and murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, 45, who was shot in Lagos on June 4, 1996.

The three female appellate court justices that discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan are Justice Rita Pemu (presiding), Justice Amina Adamu Augie and Justice F. O. Akinbami. Justice Augie was drafted into the panel following the decision of Justice Ibrahim Saulawa who disqualified himself from hearing the appeal.

Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and Shofolahan, a former Personal Assistant to late Kudirat, were both convicted by the lower court for the conspiracy and murder preferred against them by Lagos State.

The duo separately filed their appeals 24-hours after they were convicted, contending that the death sentence handed them was unwarranted, unreasonable and a manifest miscarriage of justice.

Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan also contended that the trial judge erred in law by arriving at the conclusion that they conspired to kill Alhaja Kudirat on June 4, 1996, and faulted the court’s reliance on the testimony of Dr. Ore Falomo on the bullet extracted from the late Kudirat.

Counsel to Al-Mustapha, Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), adopting his address, urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court.

He argued that the trial court erred in law to have based its judgment on the testimonies of PW1 (Sgt Rogers) and PW2 (Katako), which were contradictory. ”The testimonies of PW1 and 2 were inconclusive and contradictory. The court drew inferences from these contradictory statements, to establish the guilt of the appellants. It is my submission that those inferences, upon which the court based its judgment, were merely political evidence formulated by the respondent, and which the trial court ought not to have considered. I therefore urge the court to allow this appeal, and quash the judgment of the lower court,” Daudu argued.

Counsel to Shofolahan, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, also aligned himself with the submission of Daudu, saying that the prosecution called four witnesses and two of the witnesses were presumed to be star witnesses.

The appellants counsel submitted that the lower court relied on conjectures and inferences to support the conviction of Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan, which did not form part of the evidence presented before the court, saying “the constitution did not support the conviction. The testimonies of PW1 (Sgt Rogers) and PW2 (Katako) are not strong enough to warrant the conviction of the appellant.”

In his response, counsel to the respondent, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of merit and uphold the judgment of the lower court. He argued that apart from the evidence of PW1 and 2, there were other evidence from the defendants, which supports the counts of conspiracy and murder.

How Justice Mojisala Dada sentenced Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan to death by hanging After many years of waiting to know who the court deemed to have masterminded the assassination of late Kudirat, wife of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential elec-

tion, late Chief MKO Abiola, Justice Mojisala Dada of Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere delivered the judgment on a Monday afternoon of January 30, 2012.

Clad in a white robe and a prayer cap, AlMustapha watched as Justice Dada read her judgment which lasted several hours. Not left in wonder, Shofolahan, however broke down in tears when it became clear that they have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.

Justice Dada ruled: “Evidence proves Al-

Mustapha, Shofolahan killed Kudiratu Abiola.

Evidence was manifestedly heavy that they killed Kudiratu Abiola. In view of this, they are guilty of conspiracy and murder,” Dada said in her ruling which lasted several hours.”The prosecution has proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt. In view of this, they should be hanged.”

The judge described Shofolahan as a viper, saying “he acted like Judas Iscariot. He was friend to the Abiola family in the open and enemy in secret. He sacrificed his master (Abiola) because of his personal greed. He was a viper.”

Al-Mustapha

The Appeal Court’s judgement yesterday read: “In a criminal trial, the burden is to prove beyond reasonable doubt and this is a chain that cannot be broken. The prosecution listed four witnesses- PW 9, 10, 11 and 12 with which it intended to call in the trial, but never called any of them. PW 1 (Dr Ore Falomo) testified before the lower court that the bullet extracted from the forehead of the deceased, was white and of a special kind, but the prosecution failed to tender the bullet as exhibit and this is fatal to their case. The prosecution also called PW 4 (Investigating Police Officer) who investigated the death of the deceased, but this witness was never produced for cross examination by the defence, as he never showed up in

court.

“This renders the evidence of the police officer inconclusive as it denied the defendants their right to fair hearing, and no reasonable court can safely make a conviction on such an inconclusive testimony.

PW 2 (Sgt.Barnabas Jabila Mshelia, a.k.a. Sgt. Rogers) and PW 3( Mohammedd Abdul) in their confessional statements to the Police, said they were enjoined by the first appellant, (Al-Mustapha) to murder Kudirat, but this statement was later retracted by them in court.

PW 2 and 3 in retracting their earlier statements to the Police told the court that they were cajoled by the prosecution to indict

the appellant, with a promise to give them monetary compensation.

This is a contradiction in the testimonies of the witnesses; it raises doubt in the case of the prosecution, and it is unimaginable that the lower court did not expunge this evidence.

“For an offence like murder, I wonder why the Nigerian Police did not do a proper investigation. Jabila who was initially arrested as co-defendant, was later called prosecution witness; witnesses who ought to be called were never called, the bullet extracted was never tendered before the court. Once there is doubt in the case of the prosecution, as in the instant

case, it must be resolved in favour of the accused, and this doubt is accordingly resolved in favour of the appellants.

“One thing is clear, Kudirat was shot, but the big question is: who pulled the trigger? I find nothing in this case which sufficiently links the appellants with the commission of the offence. It is preposterous that in a 326-page judgment, the lower court was only concerned with securing a conviction at all costs.

Just as God is no respecter of persons, so also is this court. I hereby order that the appellants be discharged and acquitted while the conviction and sentence of the lower court, is hereby discharged.”

Victory at last — Al-Mustapha’s lawyer

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & DAUD OLATUNJI

I

N a terse statement by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said:” For now, we cannot make comments about the judgement.

Copies of the judgement are yet to be issued by court. I need to study it before making my comm e n t s . ” The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, spoke in the same vein on telephone with Saturday Vanguard.

Head of Abiola family, Alhaji Mubashiru Abiola yesterday expressed shock over the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Lagos which discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al- Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, for conspiracy and murder of Kudirat Abiola.

Bashiru who spoke in Abeokuta, said that the family was hearing the news for the first time.

He however, emphasized that the family would not make any statement over the matter for now until a meeting of the family over the

Appeal Court judgment which had not been fixed.

Kudirat’s first daughter, Hafsat Abiola-Constello also commenting on the judgement of the Appeal Court, said, the family would soon come up with a press release on the issue.

But for Mr Olalekan Ojo, Al-Mustapha’s Counsel. “It was a victory against injustice.

“The Justices of the Court of Appeal in Lagos have brought sanity to the criminal justice system of Nigeria. They were unanimous in condemning the attitude of the learned trial judge in the handling of the

case. “Again, they said that the learned trial judge shut her eyes to the facts and evidences placed before the court and chose to rely on sentiments and politics of the South-West and that criminal conviction cannot be secured based on such evidences. ”I am happy that at last, justice has been done, but I am sad because of two things. For 14 years, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was held in custody for a case that was doomed from the beginning. The case that was not properly inves-

Continues on Page 51

8 SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

Hezbollah: Court denies bail to 3 Lebanese suspects

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

T

HE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, declined to grant bail to three Lebanese suspects, Mustapha Fawaz, Abdullahi Thahini and Tahal Roda, accused of complicity in the illegal importation of arms into Nigeria.

While dismissing a consolidated bail application filed by the accused persons who were said to belong to the military wing of an alleged Lebanon based terrorist group, Hezbollah, Justice Ademola Adeniyi, okayed accelerated hearing into the six-count terrorism charge that the federal government preferred against them.

Besides, the court refused to issue an order compelling the government to unseal Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Resort, Abuja, which are business ventures co-owned by the 1st accused person, Fawaz.

Adjourning hearing on the substantive case against them to July 29, 30 and 31, Justice Adeniyi remanded the accused persons in custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, just as he directed that they should be accorded unfettered access to their lawyers, family members and doctors.

The judge described the allegation leveled against the accused persons as “grave”, noting that since they all have dual citizenship, there is the likelihood that they may not be available to face their trial if released on bail.

Justice Adeniyi stressed that despite the plea of not guilty the accused persons entered to the charge, he said having gone through the proof of evidence adduced before the court, comprising pictures of firearms and ammunition recovered from the suspects, he was satisfied that the government

successfully established a prima-facie case against them. The court said it was not persuaded by the medical report the accused persons relied upon to seek bail on health ground, saying it was not minded to exercise its discretion in favour of the Lebanese suspects considering that the case against them bothers on threat to national security.

It said: “Having perused the proof of evidence as regards exhibits 8(1) to 8 (4), which is a large quantity of negative weapons, there is the likelihood that the accused persons jumping bail if released.

“Moreover, once the security of the state is in jeopardy, it is difficult for the court to grant bail.

Therefore the bail application is hereby refused and accordingly dismissed.”

On the issue of sealed properties of the 1st accused person, the court held that, “The law allows the state to takeover premises of any body for the purposes of investigation.”

It will be recalled that the accused persons had pleaded with the court to order their release from detention, saying the Lebanese Ambassador had agreed to sign an undertaking to show that they would not jump bail.

Their request was vehemently opposed by the government which told the court that it has garnered enough evidence towards

establishing that the accused persons belong to a terrorist organization with a cell in Nigeria.

It will be recalled that the accused persons had

instituted N50billion suit against the government, contending that their continued detention constitutes a breach of their fundamental human right.

T

HE Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the National Population Commission [NPC], Dr. Sam Ahaiwe yesterday

member of Hezbollah which they said is a political party in Lebanon, once met and shook hands with President Goodluck Jonathan at Aso Rock.

N5bn pension Scam: Ex-Director secures N500m bail pension boss who was said to deposit the title deeds of

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

H

AVING spent thirtynine days at Kuje Maximum prison, a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to the former Director of Pension Accounts in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF, Dr Sani Teidi Shaibu, to the tune of N500 million.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola further directed the ex-

to have connived with a former manager with the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Mr Udusegbe Omoefe Eric, and diverted about N5 billion meant for pensioners across the federation, to produce two sureties in like sum..

Likewise, the court also released his alleged accomplice, Eric, on the same bail terms, stressing that the sureties must be owners of landed property with the jurisdiction of the court.

Besides, the sureties are

their property with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

According to the judge, “The accused persons should equally deposit their travelling documents with the court registrar and must not travel without the permission of the court. If the travelling passports are already with the court, they should be transferred to the registrar of this court.”

Before adjourning hearing on the substantive case against them till

President Goodluck Jonathan (middle), with Governor Peter Obi ( left) and the Speaker, National People’s Congress of China, Zhang Dejzang ( right) during Jonathan’s State visit to China

October 23, Justice Adeniyi directed that in the event the accused persons fail to meet the conditions upon which they were granted bail yesterday, they should be returned to Kuje prison.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier suspended ruling on their bail application indefinitely sequel to a petition the expension boss wrote against the presiding judge.

Induction ceremony The induction ceremony of the President of Lagos Anglican Diocesan Guild Of Stewards (LADGOS) Bro Olumuyiwa Adefope; admission of officers and re-dedication of all members of LADGOS is scheduled for tomorrow, 14 July 2013 at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.

The ceremony will be presided over by the Diocesan Bishop and Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) The Most Revd . Dr. A Ademowo.

All members of LADGOS would grace the crermony

Anyanwu, ex National Manpower Board secretary dies Edwin Umunnakwe Anyanwu, former Executive Secretary of the defunct National Manpower Board is dead.

A release from his family said he was a consummate Civil Servant who retired from the National Manpower Board as the Chief Executive. He died after a brief illness at the age of 68.

A requiem mass, scheduled for Thursday, 18th July 2013 would be organized in

his honour at the SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Mopol junction Nyanya – Abuja. His remains will be interred on Friday 26th July, 2013 at his home town Umuezeala-Ogwara, Ehime Mbano, Imo State.

The Late Eddie Anyanwu is survived by his wife, Mrs. Chinyere B. Anyanwu, 6 children and a host of other relatives.

He was born on 3rd March, 1945 to the family

of Mr. Benjamin and Mrs. Elizabeth Emekwuru Anyanwu of Umuduruoha kindred in Umuaro village of the ancient town of Umuezeala Ogwara in Ehime-Mbano LGA, Imo State.

In his early education, he attended St. Michael’s Primary School, Umunakanu II from 19511959 and later transferred to Stella Maris College Port Harcourt from 1964-1965 where he completed his

NPC boss laments rate of sexual abuse

BY ANAYO OKOLI Umuahia

They insisted that the large cache of arms recovered from them by the Military Joint Task Force, JTF, were mere HuntingRifles, adding that a top

lamented the increasing rate of sexual abuse in the country and recommended a minimum penalty of 10 years jail term for offenders.

The 10 years jail term, he said, would be without any option of fine, which

according to him would serve as a deterrent to people.

According to Ahaiwe, who spoke yesterday in Umuahia at a ceremony to mark 2013 World Population Day said that the present punishment of

two years jail term was not good enough and cannot teach offenders any lesson.

The Population Commissioner believed that “very little is done to address sexual abuse in Nigeria despite high rates of occurrence”.

Late Edwin Anyanwu

secondary school education in flying colours.

He taught at Santa Maria Secondary School while preparing for higher education from 1965-1967 before the start of the BiafraNigeria civil war. The end of the civil war marked the beginning of his chase for higher education which took him to University of

Nigeria, Nsukka from 1971-1973 where he obtained B.SC(Honours) in Economics.

After his National Youths Service, he attended many other higher institutions both at home and abroad and obtained more higher degrees from University of Lagos(1977-1978), North Eastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA(1981-1982), Royal Institute of Public Administration, London(1985-1988), University of Manchester(1988).

He specialized in Demography, Human Resources Development Planning, Economic Development Planning, Management and Administration.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013 — 9

Fasehun cautions politicians on 2015

BY DAYO JOHNSON Akure

L

EADER of Oodua Peoples Congress OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun yesterday warned that Politicians would not be allowed to turn the South West into a theatre of war ahead of the 2015 election.

Fasehun said this during an interview with newsmen in Ondo town. ”We sworn to preserve the peaceful atmosphere in the South West. We have been doing it for years and I thank God no insurgency is here, no crisis here, no assassination, no kidnapping, we thank God. ” I am not saying this is achieved due to the presence of OPC in the South West but for the grace of God and I pray that the peaceful atmosphere we enjoy in this part of the country will sustain. ”Like I said that OPC is to ensure there is peace in the South, is also determine to maintain the peace.

Politics does not embrace violence. I think Nigerians have realized that we can play politics without violence. ” But we are warning the politicians to please allow peace to reign and OPC itself will not involve in politics. ” If anyone attempt to throw the country into crisis we will wade in to confront such person. So, we will not encourage violence but if

you try to import violence into this part of the country, we will not keep quiet or fold our arms. It will be violence for violence. So the politicians have been

warned. ” If they bring violence into the South West not many of them will go back from the region.

Speaking on Boko Haram

cease fire, Fasehun said that, “which faction of Boko Haram has agreed to cease fire because Boko Haram has four functions. ” I think Boko Haram

LPHONSUS Ekwerike,a Nigerian born Harvard trained clinical researcher, professor of neuroendocrinology and invention technology programs at the Science Medicine Research Institute, Dallas, Texas ,USA and a visiting Professor to Nigerian universities has been awarded the 2013 global genes project’s Champion of Hope nominee’s award for his research works on a rare disease called Morgellons,the neurotoxic spongy fibrous syndrome. His contribution and research work presentation at the rare disease workshop at the National Institute of Health (NIH) ,Bethesda, Maryland ,USA helped gain this disorder a spot listing as a rare disease in NIH / global genes

According to him, “We made an approach about this but we are yet to be given the contract so I don’t know where our detractors found the news that OPC has been awarded contract.

LASIEC to boost voters’ turnout in elections

BY ONOZURE DANIA

T

L-R: Sir Henry Olujimi Boyo, KJW; Dami Lydia Ajoke Olojo, KJW, Sir Abiodun Sunday Ogunkoya, KJW and Sir Albert Abayomi Akinde, KJW at the 2013 Methodist Church Nigeria Conference Awards Service at The Williams Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago-Ijaiye, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

HE Lagos State Inde pendent Electoral Commission, LASIEC is to boost turnout of voters in elections in the state through the creation of more wards and polling units.

LASIEC chairman, Justice Afolabi Adeyinka, (rtd.) disclosed this during an in-

Chinese, Malian bag 6 months jail term for trafficking in ivory

BY FUNMI OLASOPO Abuja

T

HE National Environ mental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has recorded yet another victory in its war against trafficking in ivory, as a Federal High Court in Lagos jailed a Chinese and

a Malian for attempting to export ivory products from Nigeria.

Johnson Monday (Chinese) and a Malian, Diarra Fousseyni were sentenced to six months imprisonment each with an option of fine of N100, 000.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary Sule Oyofo, stated “the duo were nabbed by Officers of the

Nigerian Customs Service in May, 2013 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos while trying to smuggle out over 21 kilogrammes of processed ivory and elephant tusks.

“They were subsequently handed over to NESREA and were slammed with two count criminal charge each by

Prof Alphonsus Ekwerike gets 2013 Global Genes Project Award project on rare diseas- studies,advocacy and tional Institutions of

A

should first agree with themselves before consulting an external authority.”

He denied that the Federal government has awarded the contract of policing the pipeline to OPC

es. Global genes project is a US non profit organization,famous for r e s e a r c h

sponsorship of rare diseaseas .They partner with the US most recognized government Na-

H e a l t h , Bethesda,Maryland,USA in finding cures for rare diseases.

Glo backs African Fashion Week London with mega sponsorship deal

N

IGERIA’s National Telecoms Operator, Globacom has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming African Fashion Week holding in London, United Kingdom between 1st and 4th August, 2013.

The African Fashion Week London (AFWL) is a collaborative fashion and arts exhibition that will showcase the best of African fashion, as over 100 top designers from the continent and beyond showcase their designs and products.

According to the organisers, it has over

time become the biggest African inspired fashion event of its kind in the UK and Europe, and it aims to promote the works of Africa and African inspired designers and fine artists globally.

The fashion week will also be an opportunity to showcase Africa’s rich socio-cultural heritage in general, and Nigeria’s rising fashion pedigree in particular.

Globacom in a press release stated that the company is sponsoring the event to help promote and sustain

African fashion and cultural heritage.

“As a truly Nigerian company operating within the African continent, Globacom will continue to be associated with the development of African works of art, literature, fashion and culture”, the statement said.

Globacom therefore called on all Africans in London, and Europe to troop out in large numbers to the venue of the event to experience the best of African designs on the runway.

the Agency.

“They were prosecuted before Hon. Justice Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos by NESREA Legal team led by the Director, Legal Services of the Agency, Barrister Alabo Wokoma”.

Delivering judgment in the case, Justice Kurya sentenced the offenders to Six months imprisonment each with option of fine of N100, 000 for each of the two count charges.

The Judge also made an order repatriating the Malian and also the forfeiture of all the exhibits (worked pieces of ivory) to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The statement explained that trafficking in worked ivory is a contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

teractive forum on the delineation of wards and creation of additional polling units in Ajeromi Ifelodun local government area of the state.

Justice Adeyinka said the creation of more polling units would be achieved in the course of the delineation of wards and constituencies, adding that the decision to carry out the exercise was borne out of the realisation that Lagos State is under represented in the number of electoral constituencies, wards and polling units compared to other states in the country.

The chairman noted that in creating more polling units, LASIEC would also arrest the low turnout of the eligible voters at Local Government Council Elections in Lagos state.

He said, “there will be more representation by the people in the democratic process as there would be room for more councilors who would represent their respective wards in the councils.”

“The additional polling units will bring polling units closer to the people and will go a long way in reducing the apparent low turn out of eligible voters at local government council elections which a large number of the residents of the state have shown towards the electoral process.”

Alleged kidnap: Group defends Mutu

BY SIMON ADEWALE

N

IGER Delta Liberty Movement (NDLM) says Delta State Commissioner of Police Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba should ignore reported allegation of attempted murder and kidnap of Messers Moses Amatu and Kenneth Mezeh leveled against Hon. Nicholas Mutu. The body advised Aduba not to succumb to blackmail.

Comrades Ebiyekefe Stow and Felix Alas, President and PRO respectively of NDLM said it was laughable that Hon. Mutu was to have murdered Amatu and Mezeh due to planned protests against failed representation and intention to stay beyond 2015 as claimed by his accusers.

Read more news on page 50

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

Hon Evan Bapakaye at the Rivers State House of Assembly during the Crisis that rocked the house in Port Harcourt. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI & DOTUN IBIWOYE

T

HE mayhem on the floor of the House of Assembly in Rivers State last Tuesday had been brewing since April, following the shock displacement and replacement at the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Executive Council.

Ahead of the 2015 elections, the state was faced with imminent crises on many fronts. One is the Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan face-off over the former’s alleged interest in occupying a position in Aso Rock in 2015, an ambition that can hurt Jonathan’s yet to be declared plan to retain his seat.

There is also the battle for the control of Rivers PDP between Amaechi and Minister of State (Education), Mr. Nyesom Wike, who is said to be angling to succeed Amaechi in 2015.

Wike was Amaechi’s campaign director in 2011.

Before long, the combatants intensified their struggle for the soul of Rivers PDP and the matter was taken to the law courts.

Last April, Justice Ishaq Bello of the Federal Capital Territory High Court declared as invalid the congress that produced Chief Godspower Ake as State Chairman in 2012. Ake enjoys the support of the Governor.

Following the verdict, the Felix Obuah-led EXCO, which is loyal to Wike, started flexing muscles. It announced the immediate suspension of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who are loyal to Amaechi, from the PDP over the suspension of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council on account of alle-

RIVERS CRISIS

Muscle-flexing between power brokers The escalated chaos of Wednesday was not without fatalities as several victims were reported wounded in a duel between Pro-Amaechi supporters and the antiAmaechi five led by Evans Bipi gations of corruption against him.

Since then, the battle line had been drawn in the Rivers legislature between the five anti-Amaechi lawmakers and the majority 27, who swore to “swim or sink” with Governor Rotimi

Amaechi, raising fears that the state may return to the days of Rivers of blood before Amaechi took the reins of power.

What happened Tuesday on the floor of the House did not come as a surprise to keen observers. And the day after, it could have been worse as hoodlums, most of them professed exmilitants claiming loyalty to both warring factions, stormed the State Assembly and Government House, threatening public peace but for the timely intervention of security operatives who dispersed them with canisters of tear-gas. The chaos of Wednesday was not without fatalities, as several victims were reported wounded in a duel between Pro-Amaechi supporters and the anti-Amaechi five led

by Evans Bipi. The Bipi faction ‘impeached’ Speaker Amachree, who enjoys the backing of 26 lawmakers.

As they did with volatile Obia/Akpor Local Government following the State Assembly’s suspension and immediate replacement of its cabinet, the police in Rivers moved into the Assembly complex Wednesday. They also halted intended separate sittings by

the Anti-Amaechi five and the group of 27 in the Assembly chambers. Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu was quoted as saying the heavy police presence and restrained sitting were imperative under the fragile atmosphere.

Rivers residents sue for peace

B

arring the loud condemnation by several informed opinions, of the spontaneous House of Representatives decision to take over the affairs of the Assembly under the circumstance, some Rivers people, who feel the direct impact of the crisis, insist the situation must not be allowed to go out of control before a drastic action is taken. Describing the chaos in the House as unfortunate, Governor Amaechi, while receiving the 27 supportive members, on Wednesday, said: “It is sad. You can imagine what would have happened if I had not come with my own security team to save the situation just because the police is failing to do its job or seem to be on one side. But it is very necessary that you people (the House) strive to work together.”

Higher King, a lawyer and rights activist in Port Harcourt, said: “I am unapologetically disappointed at the Assembly members for not preventing the shameful fight in the hallowed chambers. Everybody saw it coming judging by the events of the past four months. It would have been wiser if they never attempted sitting in the chambers. The law does not restrict sitting to the chambers.

“Five lawmakers sitting to impeach

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—11

Continued from page 10 the Speaker in a House of 32 would seem null and void in the eyes of the law, but the ‘new Speaker’ has been on air and he can go on in such posturing and force a parallel leadership and a complicated situation only a court could resolve. Fidel Castro noted that in the land of lawlessness, the lawful is guilty. This is that perfect context. Both parties are being lawless in their actions over the crisis.

“The Reps at the National Assembly may not be far from the true position in voting to take over the Rivers Assembly. Presently, there is no government in Rivers in the strict sense of government. The government may not accept this, but that is reality staring us in our face. A state where the legislature is grounded in self-destruct and police defiant of the authority of the governor who is the chief security officer shows we are insignificant inches away from anarchy.”

Stressing the public tension being generated by the crisis, Livingstone Wechie of the Rivers State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, said: “We are already in a state of nature. Make no mistake about it. Those who should maintain law and order are the ones begging for anarchy with impunity. More than ever before, there is now total denial of social security and good governance. The greater danger is that under the prevailing atmosphere, the relevant government institutions including security operatives have been compromised, further eroding the right of the people to hold the leaders accountable.

So where does the ordinary man on the street find protection?”

However, serving councillors in the state under the Rivers chapter of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria affirmed the State Assembly remains focused and far from being grounded against the odds. Contending that five “antagonists” cannot stop 27 members from running a state assembly, the forum on Tuesday threatened “civil disobedience includes occupying the state assembly if the five legislators opposed to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi continue in the House’s business after alleging to have appointed their own speaker and principal officers.”

The day after (Thursday), student leaders under the interest group, Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation, RIVLEAF, further threatened “to take laws into their hands over the crisis if relevant authorities fail to honour

RIVERS CRISIS

Muscle-flexing between power brokers growing calls for redeployment of the State Police Commissioner, Joseph Mbu Joseph, out of the state” while speaking through their Spokesperson, Comrade Owhorkire Rhino.

Across the capital city, with farther reaching implications, the escalating crisis is also unfolding with economic setbacks aside the social dangers. “Key players are stretching an obvious partisan crisis to unsettle an entire state and create unnecessary tension.

Today (Wednesday), the state and federal courts are not sitting. Everyone is apprehensive. I am told other agencies of government are closed to normal business,” Higher King, a lawyer, lamented.

By Thursday, businesses and markets around the Town axis of Port Harcourt witnessed dull commercial activities as hoodlums, divided over the crisis, clashed on the streets. Charity Emerievwen who trades at the Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt, said: “Even from our shops at the market on Tuesday, there was tension when fight broke at the Assembly. On Wednesday it got worse. We don’t want to experience the better forgot-

ten past years of daily bloodletting in Rivers. I am begging these PDP people.”

Orlu-Orlu, also a lawyer, said, “Nobody will claim all is well. Nothing is working right now except that lawyers stand to gain from the attendant litigations. If the tempo of the crisis continues to grow in intensity, many investors may leave the state. Those in the process of raising new investments may be restrained.”

Victor Dike, an educationist, reacted, “We had the suspension and replacement of Obio/ Akpor Local Government cabinet. The stalemate has grounded that council, halted staff salaries and negatively affected businesses in that locality. Now we have a stalemate in the state assembly. This is not good for the people.”

While no one knows what trouble lies ahead as the warring foes remain at loggerheads, stakeholders wish Governor Amaechi and all interested parties could resolve the crisis amicably. King said, “This is the House Amaechi built now disintegrating into a war of supremacy and unsettling the entire state. He

has to find a way to pull it all together again. If it gets worse than we have seen, I won’t be surprised if a state of emergency is declared in Rivers.”

National Coordinator of Ogoni Economic Forum, Mr. Mmuen Kpagane, took a swipe at the five members of the Rivers House of Assembly and cautioned against introducing the riverine onshore-offshore dichotomy into the state.

In reaction to Tuesday ’s pandemonium at the Rivers State House of Assembly, Kpagane also stated that it is only in the 13th century that five out of 32 members will impeach the Speaker of the House.”

Kpagane urged the Niger Delta people not to introduce the 'Ijaw factor' into Rivers State because the adverse effect might engulf everyone around.

“It is only in the 13th century that five members out of 32 members will impeach the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The people against Amaechi should not introduce the onshore/offshore dichotomy into Rivers State,” he said, adding that President Goodluck Jonathan should not deny anybody the right to have an ambition.

"Amaechi is the president of Rivers State, just as Jonathan is the president of Nigeria. It is abnormal when someone’s

ambition is now used against him as a punishment. Only people without a vision will want to punish a man because of his ambition," he quipped.

The Ogoni activist added: “I am appealing to the Niger Delta people not to introduce the 'Ijaw factor' into Rivers State. Let those fighting Amaechi not introduce it because the adverse effect might engulf everyone around.

Amaechi is being punished only because he said there should be state police. He has a right to be the president or the vice president of the country. He has not made any mistake."

It’s desperation for power and 2015 fever – Uko Also, President of Igbo Youths Movement, Evangelist Elliot Uko, linked the incident to greed and desperation for

power and 2015 fever, lamenting that both quests had begun bearing negative fruits. “This greed for power and 2015 is a cancerous issue that will do Nigeria no good. We must, as a people, place the survival of our democracy and Nigeria high above every craving for higher political office.

This is just the beginning.

Nigerians will see more 2015-inspired drama as the days go by,” he said.

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

Domestic Violence 2

Are men also victims?

By CHIOMA GABRIEL

B

ecky could sense that s o m e t h i n g was wrong immediate

ly she got home that night. The reluctance of the security guard to open the gate on her way in signalled the danger ahead but she walked right into it. Her husband, Emi, wielding a long whip, was standing at the entrance of the house, his countenance warning her to turn back but it was too late!

It was 10.30pm. Becky had spent hours in the ever-busy Lagos traffic. She had left her office on the Island by 5.30 pm after a hectic day, but had no control over the ensuing logjam. On alighting from the car, her plan was to explain to her husband why she was so late. But that was not to be. He whipped her black and blue before she could do so.

The next day, Becky got to the office with a black eye and her skin was pock-marked with blotches. She lied to her curious colleagues that she fell down the staircase at home, and was given three days' break to treat herself. But unknown to Becky, her colleagues had noticed a pattern.

Over the years, she had often appeared at her workplace with bruises and the 'tired' excuse that she had an accident.

Before long, though, Becky learnt to fight back. Her matrimonial home became a battle field and eventually, her marriage packed up. But she made sure she left her guy with a permanent disability during a fight.

Recalling her experience,

C M Y K

Becky said she was 21 years old when they met.

“I met him when I was 21 and he was 10 years older than me. For the first couple of months, we had a great time, spending all our spare time together. I thought it would be fun but it wasn’t like that. He was a bit too serious and I admired that as a masculine quality. I enjoyed him asking questions about my past and other family members.

"But when we got married, he began asking about my previous boyfriends. He wanted to know how long I’d known them before I slept with them, and where and

anything or lose control of myself. He wouldn’t like this and would start questioning me about things again. It was like that for six years or so and during that time, we had two children. Also during that time, he would get angry occasionally and would call me names. I always thought that his behaviour was my fault, mainly due to the thoughts he instilled in me at the beginning of the relationship. “ When I started working in a blue-chip company on the Island, I thought things would be better but that was not the case. We all know about the Lagos traffic, and whenever I got home late, he

Men are often thought of as strong, domineering and macho. Boys, even at a young age, are taught that it is unmanly to cry. The idea of a grown man being frightened or vulnerable is a taboo. The idea of a man being battered is ludicrous how it had happened. When I was vague or didn’t want to answer his questions, he would get angry and I would get frustrated with him and plead with him to stop or tap him on his arm but that was always my mistake. He would hit me,leaving me with bruises, mainly on my arms.

The main effect of this violence was that I started to change. I stopped being myself. I would avoid any conversation with friends that would have anything to do with him. I didn’t look at or talk to other men.

“During sex, I didn’t initiate

would descend on me. He was in private business and managed his time, but because his business was not doing very well initially, he allowed me to work so as to complement his earnings. He used to take everything I earned until I began to resist that. Over the years, I grew in my job but that never mattered to him. The beatings even got worse until I started fighting back and we called it quits”.

Meanwhile, if you think women are the only victims of domestic violence, you have to think again. The catch, though, is that most men are

ashamed to tell their stories. No man, after all, wants to admit that his wife or partner dominates or abuses him. Men are often thought of as strong, domineering and macho. Boys, even at a young age, are taught that it is unmanly to cry. So the idea of a grown man being frightened or vulnerable is a taboo. The idea of a man being battered is ludicrous. Hence, many male victims of abuse may feel “less of a man” for their experience, as though they are in some way not manly enough and ought to have the ability to prevent the abuse.

John, a trader, admitted he has a domineering wife but has been able to check her excesses over the years. “ She discouraged me from seeing old friends, especially female friends. She threatened to use violence against them.

She would flirt with my friends, but then tell me that they were trying to seduce her behind my back. This left me feeling distrustful of my friends. Later on, I found out that she had been telling them they shouldn’t come around because I was insanely jealous. All this had the effect of damaging my social network. “ As our relationship progressed, she began to scream at me and hit me. She had attacked me with a knife once and I asked her to leave my house, but after intervention by in-laws, I brought her back to the house. But that didn’t stop her. She would even bite me and I would lie to my friends that I had scratched myself while shaving; whereas it was my wife who did it with her nails and sometimes her teeth.”

But not all men are as lenient as John. The truth of the matter is that many will hit back at wives who attack them, and when they do, they risk being accused of physical abuse themselves.

Abuse is not always physical, and a lot of men, in common with many women, face daily emotional, verbal and psychological abuse in silence for years, their self-esteem being slowly eroded and some get isolated from others around them due to shame.

Linus Nwafor recalls what happened to his neighbour.

“I was dumbfounded when I saw my neighbour getting struck by this woman he spent the night with. I was the one who called the police. I had to do that because my son was married to a violent young woman for a few months before he left her. My son was larger than her and nobody believed she abused him violently. She never used weapons, so she didn't come close to hurting him physically. But she hit him whenever she got the opportunity, cut up his clothes and threw them in the yard. She destroyed the properties he had accumulated over the years, including their wedding album. Neither party was blameless, but the physical violence was all hers. If my son had ever hit her, there would have been evidence for weeks.”

Pedro, an accountant who is still married, said he had witnessed hell in his marriage.

“I am in a marriage with a woman who has difficulty controlling her rage, which would frequently erupt with verbal abuse and screaming.

We fight a lot but she is always the one initiating it.

In one particular case, after she initiated a fight by kicking and throwing punches, she called the police to report me as the violent abuser! When they responded, I was seen as the bad guy, she was the victim! These days, I try to stay away from home, visiting friends and other family members at the close of work. Most times, I get home drunk and sleep in the sitting room. I stopped eating her food and she doesn’t care".

In the final analysis, no one - male or female - deserves to be hit, insulted and ridiculed or touched intimately if s(he) has asked not to be. No one deserves to be treated like a doormat, threatened, attacked with a weapon, shamed before peers, told what to do, when and with whom. In fact, no one deserves to be abused in any way.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—13

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

D

ESPITE the dire con sequences of domes tic violence, couples continue to inflict bodily and emotional injuries on one another after minor disagreements.

In African societies, although men are also affected by domestic violence, it is believed that women experience it disproportionately.

But developments have shown that these days, some women lose control of their temperament to inflict more devastating injuries on their hubbies - though this is considered a taboo in some cultures.

A young man whose wife has consistently turned the tables on him in this regard told Saturday Vanguard that nobody would believe that the so-called weaker sex could inflict serious injuries at the slightest provocation.

“Most times they blame the men for the beastly act of some of these women. They are more wicked than you think they are,” he said.

The 42-year-old man who asked for anonymity recounted the recent destruction of home appliances by his nagging wife after they had a minor altercation. He disclosed that she was already working against his moves to file for a divorce in court, maintaining that he had made up his mind to leave the house if she succeeded in the attempt.

According to him, “The marriage is about seven years old but it has been a cat and mouse affair ever since. I have tried my best to manage the situation but all efforts have come to naught. We have held series of prayers, we have been counselled severally, but there have been no improvements. I don’t want to be killed by this woman, it is better for me at this

Silence in face of physical abuse

Meanwhile, many such cases go unreported simply because men are often thought to be stronger and domineering while women are pitied even when they are on the offensive.

Besides, men more often than not remain silent in the face of persistent battering by their wives.

The reality, though, is that even if a man is physically attacked by his wife or partner, many will take a beating rather than hit back to defend themselves and risk harming their attacker. And even if they do, they are aware that they then risk being termed abusers themselves. But abuse is not always physical, and a lot of

abuse in silence for years, their self-esteem being slowly eroded on a daily basis.

Whether men or women, the Domestic Vio lence Law of Lagos state, which was enacted in May 2007, if properly used, will help check the trend.

Other states of the federation should also look into the possibility of enacting such laws. Domestic violence should be condemned in all ramifications - be it husband to wife, wife to husband or parents to children. In this regard, all efforts aimed at combating this ugly behavior should be supported.

There should be an effective response from government, including the health, justice and social service sectors as a step towards eliminating all forms of domestic violence.

I don’t want to be killed by this woman... marriage is meant for mutual enjoyment and not constant pains and debilitating injuries

stage to opt out of the marriage. It is not a do-or-die affair, marriage is meant for mutual enjoyment and not constant pains and debilitating injuries,” he decared.

C M Y K

men, in common with many women, face daily emotional, verbal and psy-

chological

Read more on page 44

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JULY 13, 2013 — 15

Be responsible, Presidency tells Soyinka We need a high pr of ile scapegoat ttoo oo prof ofile

A

big fish was spiked out of the muddy waters of politics and government in China early this week and hung up to dry.

Mr Liu Zhijun, the Minister of Rail Transportation was given a suspended death sentence for alleged corruption while in government. His trouble started when there was a train collision a couple of years back which called for a probe. The probe also coincided, unfortunately for him, with the President’s determination to rid China of corruption.

So you could say he was a scapegoat; a high profile tokenism in a corrupt ridden system.

M

r Zhijun had spent over 20 years in government and ironically, his tenure witnessed a rail revolution of sorts when better, faster trains were built. In other climes, particularly in Nigeria, he would have been described as a performing Minister and given a plethora of awards. It took an accident to unearth some undercover deals that eventually put him away.

On the same day that Mr Zhijun was facing his suspended death sentence, our own ex Transport Minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode was in court to defend himself against allegations of corruption. He has been trying to extricate himself from the EFCC net since 2008 according to his lawyers. A case of two countries and two Transport Ministers you could say. One got a death sentence while the other is enjoying the hide and seek game of a politically unserious regime. What does Mr Zhijun’s case say to the world about China’s promise to fight corruption? What does Mr FanKayode’s case say?

the minimum standard of accountability and transparency?

We used to say Nigerians would demand more transparency from their leaders once they started paying commensurate taxes. Now we pay taxes. At least much more than we used to pay. Yet as far as the profligacy of our leaders is concerned, it is more of the same. So why for goodness sake, do we allow our leaders to steal our money and get away with it because they have tarred some roads and built a few hospitals? Why do we also allow them to make governance so attractive for themselves and their offspring that it has become a family business? An ex governor who should actually be hiding his head struts about a State as if he owns it and talks about democratic dispensations as if we are all fools who can’t see or feel. At the last count, he has installed key members of his family and friends into prominent and lucrative positions. Nothing he has achieved —as a dogged political fighter, June 12 activist or Governor—entitles him to appropriate (or misappropriate) the commonwealth and demand a slice of every juicy pie. We hear and see things, and what we hear and see are damaging to say the least; especially to those who see him as a role model.

We should also commend the courage and speed of the Chinese judiciary.

,

One got a death sentence while the other is enjoying the hide and seek game of a politically unserious regime

T

here are a few lessons to learn from Mr Zhijun’s case as well. It is instructive that there were no elders and tribal warlords proclaiming political harassment. Whilst it is possible that there were political undertones in his arraignment and prosecution, Mr Zhijun is, according to law, guilty as charged having broken the 11th commandment which says ‘thou shall not be caught’. At this point, political and ethnic considerations must take a back seat if you really want to fight corruption and clean up your country.

That Zhijun played a key role in the rail revolution of his country did not stop him from soiling his hand; a lesson we must bear in mind in assessing those few governors we call performing Governors or the Ministers who are recipients of local and even international awards. How much is the civil society or even the press doing to hold these people to

C M Y K

,

Here, we have not made a head or tail of those who were indicted in the oil subsidy scam early last year. That prominent House of Representative official who was said to have collected bribe over a year ago, is still walking free and probably preparing for the gubernatorial election of his State. The pension thieves who have sent many retired people to their early graves are still enjoying the warmth of their wives.

When will justice be done to these people?

A

lso the length of the sentence shows not only the seriousness of the crime, but the seriousness with which it is viewed in China. Compared to this, our plea bargaining in Nigeria, makes us nothing but a laughing stock to the rest of the world.

When are we going to have a high profile case decided in a manner that will give us hope? i.e from indictment through prosecution to judgement within a period that shows some seriousness without the monarchs, elders and tribal warlords inputting ethnic, religious and political colouration to what is usually a simple case of daylight robbery?

The saying ‘Justice delayed is justice denied’ is never truer than in Nigeria.

Here, justice is initially delayed and eventually denied. And so, out again they go— with their colleagues— to sin some more.

...Blames Amaechi ffor or Riv er River erss crisis

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

S

PECIAL Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak has chided Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, asking him to be a responsible statesman that should not be commenting on issues he does not know the full facts.

Speaking on the crisis in Rivers state, Gulak said that President Goodluck Jonathan had no hand in the crisis, blaming Governor Chibuike Amaechi for the escalation of the crisis in the state.

According to him, the alleged physical involvement of Governor Amaechi in the crisis in the State House of Assembly escalated the crisis by emboldening his supporters to assault some of the assembly members.

“It is mischievous to say that the President is behind the crisis in Rivers State. The President cannot be part of the crisis in that state. He is a man of peace. ”The problem in Rivers State is due to the internal wrangling in the administration of the Governor. It is sad that when there are crises in the Assembly, the Governor will physically drive to the House of Assembly to be part of it. ”We have seen the videos. The CSO to the Governor, the ADC and his Orderly were right inside the chambers, taking part in the fight.

We saw the Majority Leader of the Amaechi group who was wearing a white dress and was using the mace to beat people. The video is clear. ”Immediately after he left the House of Assembly, he went and took a bed at the Government House Clinic pretending to be sick. ’’The Governor should be held responsible because if he did not go physically to the House of Assembly, those guys wouldn’t have been emboldened to beat up people there. ”More so,his security aides were right inside

the chambers, the sacred chambers, which ordinarily nobody is allowed to enter apart from the members. So Amaechi should be held responsible for what happened. ”He should not drag Jonathan’s name into this matter. Rather, it is the President that is the victim of Amaechi’s mischievous plan. He is claiming that the State is under siege and that the Commissioner of Police is against him whereas the Commissioner warned him not to go physically into the House of Assembly. ’’In Nigeria, we have seen crisis in Houses of Assembly before. There was a time Adamawa State House of Assembly was closed for three months because of crisis, we did not see the Governor drive physically into the Assembly.

Thereafter, the issue was resolved. ”The way out is for all parties to abide by the constitution. There is

separation of powers in the constitution. We have the judiciary, legislature and executive.

We in the PDP have put a machinery in place to see that this crisis is resolved once and for all and that is, if the Governor is still in the PDP because what we have seen is opposition members talking. ”Soyinka, without knowing the facts just went public to blame the President and his wife for what is happening in the state. He is an elder statesman, I don’t want to join issues with him but I will say that he should be responsible. ”I am not aware of any plan to impeach the Governor and the President is not aware even if there are such plans.

But what I know is that the House of Assembly intended to change its leadership. Rightly or wrongly, they have a constitutional right to do it if they have the majority.’’

4 die, 10 injured in Onitsha multiple road accidents

BY OKONKWO EZE, Onitsha

F

OUR persons were feared dead yesterday evening at the popular Upper Iweka end of Enugu/Onitsha expressway in double fatal accidents involving two trailers, passersby and moving vehicles.

The accidents ,according to eye witnesses, occured within 15 minutes intervals at opposite directions at Tracas bus stop at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.

Sources said the first accident occured at about 6p.m. when a tanker with Reg.No. Delta XG 613 AKR, suddenly developed brake failure and hit a Volkswagen Passat with Number Plate Lagos KTU 916 AJ which in turn hit a Dyna truck,killing a woman and two others on the spot and injuring five

others.

The second accident, the source stated, occured at about 6.15 p.m. when another trailer carrying a full load of cement also developed a brake failure opposite the same spot and rammed into a trailer carrying a container which resulted in the instant death of two others,including an okada rider.

It took officials of the FRSC, soldiers and the police time to control the heavy traffic as the two lanes were completely blocked.

Confirming the incident, the Unit Commander of the FRSC, Onitsha, Mr. Anthony Metta said they were still battling to control the traffic jam arising from the incidents as at 7.30p.m. yesterday.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , JULY 13, 2013

I

applaud the efforts of the House of Representatives whose ad hoc committee’s recommendation on the review of the 1999 Constitution has found their approval on the floor of the house. It was a fair appraisal of the yearnings of the people for a better future for the country. However, I find one aspect of the recommendation most appalling.

It would appear, all in all, that those who oppose the immunity granted by the 1999 Constitution to the President and the State Governors while in office are sadly out of touch with reality. At the moment, these high officials who function

*the reps got it right - almost

,

at the highest pinnacles of our national and state administrations are not fenced off from prosecution in civil matters, but are protected from criminal prosecution.

Hence they still have to face any action instituted against them pertaining to the conduct of their election into office, as we have seen at both the presidential and state levels. Going by the persistence with which those election cases had been pursued in every instance, one should rightly tremble at what could happen in a criminal case.

The first concern would, of course, be the frequency of such manner of litigation. It can be safely surmised that it would not be far from every other week-end. That is what would provide the distraction and worry that a person who lost the contest for any of these positions would wish on the man who defeated him. It would be in keeping with the “PHD (pull-him-down) syndrome” to which Nigerians are particularly susceptible. It may also reduce both the prosecuted party and the high office in the esteem of the people. And the anxiety generated by the action would definitely interfere with the concentration needed for the efficient discharge of important duties affecting the well-being of millions of the citizens.

The system has been abused in many ways ranging from nepotism to a downright negation of transparency

respect the politician. It was allowed in the Constitution.

The House of Reps has done a superb job.

•Hon.Aminu Tambuwal House of Reps.Speaker

system has been abused in many ways ranging from nepotism to a downright he present system has proved negation of transparency. But the idea of adequate; allowing the long arm of shifting the organization of local government Nemesis to come alive after the official had elections to the national election served his term of office. For instance, management body, !NEC, from the state guilty or not, how well could Gbenga commission does not appear necessary as no Daniel, the erstwhile Governor of Ogun reason was adduced for the change. In fact, State, have been able to remain focused at it does appear cumbersome and could be his table if the law had not waited for him untidy, and lead to a situation that would be until he stepped out of office? of far-reaching unprofitable results at that The recommendations of its adhoc level.

Committee on the Review of the Nigerian The chapter on the creation of more states Constitution has, however, presented a is, of course, not yet closed, though the healthy proposal in general terms about recommendation of the House of where the fortunes of the country should Representatives committee would so tend toward. The guiding principle seems suggest. It is my personal view, which is aligned to freedom - freedom of the people arguable, that the clamour for the creation to live a grander life. It favours the present of more states is on all fours, with regard to system of two fouryearly terms for the sheer commonsense, with the establishment President and the Governors, against the of more universities when the existing ones one-term of six or seven years’ duration as are in dire need of sustenance. So many of suggested by various sections of the public. the states cannot sustain themselves right A recommendation that has caused now, and we are crying out for more? The excitement throughout the polity is the committee is quite right to give such notions recognition of the local government as a a short shrift. full, autonomous third tier of government.

What thrills my heart most of all is the This removes the existing subordinate suggestion for the return of the “independent position of the local councils and grants candidate”. This would permit a citizen who them an independent channel of funds is qualified to vote the right to be voted for straight from the Federation Account. The without necessarily contesting an election as a member, or under the auspices, of any political party. That is sweet indeed.

It worked so well during the First Republic. A memorable case was that of Nwakpa of Port Harcourt history who had a row with is party, the National Council of Nigeria councils would also run a four-year term, just like the and the Cameroon, NCNC, other arms of government all over the country, and each and stood as an independent would be responsible for its own legislation. That appears candidate for a seat in the admirable, but there are still some grey areas that would House of Representatives. He need to be cleared up to make the proposal work smoothly. won, defeating the party’s There are also the possibilities of resistance to compliance candidate woefully. He then by the governors whose disposition had fallen short of went on to be re-admitted to the benign to the local governments in former times. But the party and even became a the local government is accepted as the nearest to the Federal Minister. Those were people and should therefore be able to deliver immediate the days when a balance of impact on the well-being of the people. respect was established: the It is also a welcome proposition that the caretaker member was expected to provision in which the State government practically ran a respect the party, but the local government by proxy would be abrogated. The party too was made to

T

The House of Reps has done a superb job

,

We felt that the rough passage with which Governor Ameachi of the Rivers State was subjected was undeserved, and we said so on this page. The reaction by a former colleague in the Vanguard, Mr. Willy Bozimo followed. He disagreed, as he has a right to, with my views, but he did so with respect and due regard to the point at issue. The reaction has been a mixed bag of vituperations both for and against his wellconsidered opinion. We should be able to disagree with one another’s views in a healthy manner, I think, since everyone, after all, is entitled to his own opinion. Here is a sample of what Willy Bee has ordered for himself: Echoes: (Lai Ashadele Willy’s 08023632992) reaction to “What A Shame!” proved an interesting aspect of humanity, that children from the same womb differ on issues in line with natural law. Willy must be commended especially for telling Amaechi, in clear terms, what he might reap from his political errors.

(E,Eghagha 08131692917) We can tolerate ‘gubernatorial delinquency or rascality’, but not presidential or a party’s.

Willy Bee missed the point. He rightly said he must earn a living.

(Ehidiane Igando 08052201960) It is not enough to castigate Governor Amaechi like Bozimo has done because he’s fighting a Southsouth president. We castigated past Northern Presidents for squandering our commonwealth but our Southsouth brother we thought would make difference is towing the same line, if not worse. What we need is a Nigerian President that will make life more meaningful for us all irrespective of the region he comes from. Jonathan so far has not justified his quest.

This democracy based on religion or ethnicity is pushing Nigeria many years backward (O.Olori -08023794203) I shake my head in pity - pity

,

for the future of our dear country that a man of his (Bozimo’s) standing is advocating politics of tribalism against merit, which is one of the root causes of our stunted development. Democracy is about the people. Until the people are allowed to choose their leaders, what we have cannot be said to be democracy.

(AMA - 08033925533) Help me ask (tribal) Bizimo: is democracy no longer about legitimate democratic aspirations? So without Jonathan, there will be no Niger Delta? ((08033266859) If Amaechi df!cided with his eyes wide open, and close his eyes and offer his head to break ‘coco-nut, Southsouth and other Nigerians will use coco-nut water as special wine and share coconut as cola during GEl swearing-in ceremony for second term. The dog that wants to get lost does not hear the master’s whistle.

(08037083767)Democracy is the right of citizens to freely offer themselves for political positions without let or hindrance. We should aim to build a free society.

The President should not be afraid of those who want to contest against him. His performance will decide his fate.

In summary, this country is then still a democracy - of a kind - and that is why we can publish all this stuff today without any fear of a sudden knock on the door at midnight - or one of those ‘invitations’ to the SSS. The point at issue, for me is, as someone has said above, whether a citizen may freely offer himself or herself “for political positions without let or hindrance”. And since we are in a democracy, I believe that nothing should interfere with that right, no matter whose toe is stepped on. I also believe that Amaechi would know how to guard his head with all his might from being mistaken, or misused, for a coco-nut.

It has indeed happened before in this our democracy —of a kind.

Time out.

,

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—17

C M Y K

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 13, 2013 Dear Aunty Julie, I met a guy during my graduation party at the university.

He looked cute and said he just arrived Nigeria from the UK. He just concluded a specialist programme in medicine and wants to settle here.

We talked throughout the night and I think I like him, but I’m not considering serious dating yet . I’m yet to attend Law school and he seemed possessive throughout my party. His cousin who brought him to the party said he likes me very much and might want me for keeps, which we have not discussed.

But the snag is that I noticed, since our meeting, that he has been running background checks on me. Some of my friends, including my elder brother, called to tell me he came to them and asked questions about me. I don’t feel comfortable about that in as much as I have nothing to

He’s always staring at my breasts

He’s running checks on me hide. What does he mean by running a background check on me? I have not told him I am crazy about him or want a serious relationship with him.

Stephanie,Lagos Hi Stephanie, There are indications that your guy wants something serious and wants to be sure you are not dating anybody yet. For

him to approach your elder brother means he has genuine intentions. He is only trying to make sure he is getting things right.

Another thing I suspect is that he might have been hurt in a previous relationship and might not want what happened to him before to happen again. People who are hurt in previous relationships

are usually extremely cautious when it comes to future relationships.

Such persons might be overly cautious, especially if a past relationship ended badly.

On the other hand, he might be trying to find out the financial strength of your family.

So, I would advise you to proceed with caution but let him have a field day too.

Does sex complement a healthy relationship?

Dear Aunty Julie, My spouse is a sex fiend and it bothers me. Does sex complement a healthy relationship between spouses? My spouse pesters me always but I need space to focus on my career.

Kaykay Lagos Dear Kay Kay, This is one issue that often affects married life and the truth is that sex is very important in marriage. For a healthy relationship, a healthy sexual life is a must. However, in that case, if one partner doesn’t perform well, then maybe it affects the relationship in all ways. And if this problem continues for long, there arises the situation of detachment or divorce and sometimes lack of chemistry.

One of the issues argued about in marriage may be the frequency of sex. The words ‘too little’ or ‘too much’ are often thrown around in this dis-

This is one issue that often affects married life and the truth is that sex is very important in marriage cussion. But regardless of which camp you find yourself, have you stopped to consider the impact the frequency of sex has upon your marriage? Over the years, there have been numerous research studies on the subject. It was discovered that young married couples tended to have sex approximately twice weekly. So, how much sex is “normal?” Sex experts are reluctant to quantify how much sex is enough sex. It could make some couples feel wholly inadequate, and other couples get along just fine

without much sex. But while fewer than 10 times a year is considered sexless, having sex once or twice a week is considered average.

Romance, with or without sex, encourages personal growth as each new relationship forces new insights and self-knowledge. The beginning stages of a potential love relationship can be intense and exciting. Most people easily relate to that “rush” of first love and romance; the stuff of songs, endless greeting cards and warm memo-

ries. Healthy intimacy, however, is characterised by more than romance, intensity and sex. Intimacy evolves over time. Loving relationships develop partially through utilising those first exhilarating times to begin to build a bridge toward deeper, longer-term closeness.

It can be difficult for anyone who is not a love or sex addict to understand how love or sexuality can be exploited or evolved into destructive patterns of addiction and compulsion. Yet for the love and sex addict, romantic love, sexuality and the closeness they offer, are experiences most often filled with pitfalls, anxiety and pain. Living in a sometimes chaotic emotional world of desperation and despair, fearful of being alone or rejected, the love addict endlessly longs for that “special” relationship.

So the advice is, plan your time well. There is time for everything. But enjoy your sex life.

C O C K - T A L E S * A lady was walking down the street when she was approached by a female beggar asking for money. The lady took a N100 note out of her purse and asked, “If I give you this money, will you spend it on chocolate?” “Don’t be ridiculous,” the beggar replied. “Does it look like I have nothing better to spend money on?” “How about shopping?” she asked.

“No,” the beggar said. “Don’t you understand I need money just to stay alive?” “Will you spend it on your hair?” the lady asked. Annoyed, the beggar replied, “No, I just need money for food and shelter. “In that case,” the lady said, “I don’t want to just give you money. I would like you to eat out with me and my husband tonight.”

“Why?” The beggar asked. “Well,”the lady said, “I think it’s important for him to see what a lady looks like after she gives up chocolate, shopping and hair appointments.” *There are three women. One is dating, one is engaged, and one is married. They decided to get kinky with their men and really pull out all the stops to make it extra special. The woman who is dating says, “Okay, so I bought black leather, red lipstick, fishnet stockings, and really got crazy. He loved it so much he thinks he’s in love.”

The woman who is engaged says, “I showed up at his workplace after hours wearing only a red coat. Let’s just

say he wants to move the wedding date up!”

The woman who is married says, “Okay, I really went all out. I got a babysitter for the kids and bought a black mask and a whip. My husband gets home, goes straight to the fridge and grabs a beer. Then he plops down on the couch and says, ‘Hey, Batman! Where the f*ck is dinner?!’” * A woman was nagging her husband to cut the grass, to which the husband answered, “What do I look like to you? A landscaper?!”

Next time the sink was dripping, she asked him again, “Honey, can you fix the faucet?” The husband replied, “What do I look like to you? A plumber?!” Two days later, a light bulb went out and she begged him again, “Honey, can you change the light bulb?” His reply was, “What am I? An electrician?!” A few days later, the husband comes home from work to find that the lawn is cut, the faucet is fixed, the light bulb is changed. Very surprised, he says, “Honey, what happened here?” The wife replies, “You know our new next-door neighbour? He came over and fixed everything.” The husband asks, “Honey, how did you pay him?!” “Oh, you know,he told me that I could either bake him a cake or have sex with him.”

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

Aunty Julie, My name is Esther. I am slim but big-breasted. I have been dating Steve, my boyfriend, for close to two years but he seems spell-bound by my breasts and never stops staring at them.

He calls them watermelons and despite the fact that we have been having sex and he has been seeing me naked for sometime now, he never seems to get enough of my breasts. I feel embarrassed. What do I do?

Esther, Alimosho Lagos Dear Esther, A lot of men are swayed by women’s breasts and I think your boyfriend is one of them.

Perhaps that was what attracted him to you first, but he might be interested in other things about you too. You can never tell with men. He can be more interested in your body features than what you have inside you. If you feel embarrassed, tell him this behaviour bothers you. If that doesn’t correct the problem, then nothing probably will. But as long as he does not disrespect you, let him be if you cannot get his eyes off your breasts. He is your boyfriend.

She doesn’t like my kiss Aunty Julie, She pulls back from a kiss. I don’t know what is wrong with her and all my efforts to kiss her have always been in vain.

Yet, she professes undying love but cannot stand me whenever I want to kiss her.

Is it me or is it about kissing?

Femi,Ibadan Dear Femi,

Communication is very vital in relationships. Always spend quality time with her so as to iron out some of these relationship issues. If you don’t talk and seem mechanical about things, she would be repulsed. So, talk with her a lot and find out what the problem is.

Either she’s not ready to kiss you yet or you may have bad breath. If it’s your breath, that can be easily corrected with a mint or spray.

SATURDAY

Vanguard JULY 13, 2013—19

It is sad that we were married for so long without my husband trusting me enough

,

,

Must ‘illegitimate’ children be hidden!

W

hen Bukky’s husband died suddenly of a heart attack in his early 60s, she was the inconsolable.

They’d been inseparable over the decades and the obituary she put in the papers would draw tears from a sadist’s eyes. She cut a pitiable figure as her husband laid in state in the beautiful expensive casket she had insisted be bought.

As sympathizers filed past the corpse,a little boy of about ten stood rooted to the spot, gazing with the morbid fascination chitdren have for the dead. The widow was now curious. “Whose child is that?” .

She wanted to know thinking he might be a relative’s child. Nobody offered an answer in spite of the fact she could be heard loud and dear. That ·really made her suspicious. She then asked one of her daughters to find out who the little boy was. The daughter shrugged and told her mother they would discuss the matter later. That she knew who the boy was.

S

he quickly forgot her grief and comported herself.

Were people laughing at her show of deep bereavement, knowing of the little boy’s presence and probably her mothers? Or do they fee’ sorry for her? Talk about the wife being the last to know! But did that make her departed husband any less the wonderful husband and father she remembered him to be?

“That’s hardly the point, is it?” She said heatedly a few days after the funeral. “He succeeded in deceiving me over the years. Things like

this happen all of the time for; heaven’s sake. Everyone has their skeletons rattling in the cupboard and I would have preferred my late husband to tell me about the existence of a child rather than find out in this cruel way. I mean you can imagine how desperate the

to tell her mum about her half-brother for fear of what? Some years back, I was with a relation when she had this male visitor who looked a bit apologetic when he was ushered in.

He’d obviously discussed money matters with her as

“My dad never acknowledge him publicly for fear mum would leave him,” she said. “As a matter of fact, it was the lad who came to introduce himself to me when begot admission into a polytechnic and his mother couldn’t afford the fees. He was a spitting image of

been in trouble with the law once and it was mum’s family that bailed him out. But that doesn’t mean he has to be grateful to her for the rest of his life.”

Wemi’s dad finally kicked the bucket early this year and the truth was out when the obituary came out with the man’s name as the third child. He’s done well at school and has a very good businesses selling cell phones and SIM cards to various outlets all over the place.”Mum pretended to be shocked at first,” Wemi said.

“But I had this feeling she knew all along about this man (you can hardly can him a boy now!).

H

boy’s mother would have been for lliin’apay his last respe,hgct to his father.

“She’d carefully dressed him up in his best suit and the boy had obviously been schooled not to utter a word.

He just stared. I will never forget that scene as long as I live. It is sad that we were married for so long without my husband trusting me enough to tell me of the existence of a wife with whom he had a child who was as precious to him as my children.” Wouldn’t it have saved a lot of people unnecessary heartaches if Buki’s husband had come clean about his other child before he died? And poor Buki’s daughter was so afraid

she presented him with a fat envelope. His gratitude was touching, refusing the offered refreshments, he bolted out of the door.

“That was my half-brother” Wemi, my relative told me, “but my mum knows nothing about him,and I will be the last person to tell her:’

A

pparently, Wemi’s mum is the type who has a tight control over her husband. He’d promised her when they got married that he would never take a second wife. But did that mean he would never have children by other women?

Wemi was just 15 when her half-brother was born.

my dad too and I promised to see him through his higher education. Since then, he’d always been there for me whenever I want anything done —unlike my fun siblings.

“When I asked dad about him, he looked a bit frightened. He pleaded I shouldn’t tell my mum but when I told him that I’d already agreed to seethe poor lad through school, he was so pathetically grateful that I felt sorry for him. Why was he hiding the child? What about the poor boy’s mother? I later learnt she hadn’t married wel1 and her three other children weren’t better off than my halfbrother. A little financial help from dad from time to time would have made a lot of difference. The thing is dad bad

e formally met mum before the funeral but came the day of the funeral reception, his table was impressive. It was with pride that I poached choice wine and food from his wife who showed me more respect than my siblings and their partners! I was proud of the difference I made in his life.

“I wish dad were alive to see how well turned out his secret son had been. He knew he was doing well, but he would never guess it was well enough to almost outshine his other ‘legitimate’ children.

Nobody gives a damn these days how you have your child or with whom as long as that child is not delinquent!”

Thankfully, as far as the law goes now, there’s no ‘illegitimate’ child as long as such child is acknowledged by its dad. This will surely bring some sanity to inheritance law and the right of the ‘other’ child.

Could the cure for that impotence be simple ?

C M Y K

who referred me to a clinic dealing wnh psychosexual problems. After a few questions, the therapist at the clinic told me: ‘I think your testosterone level may be low. That would be an explanation for your lack of energy and poor sex drive. ‘ “Blood tests were then taken. The results, which came a month later, confirmed I had a hormone

,

S

ome 15 years into their marriage, Sina discovered he’d lost all interest in love-making.

“At first I thought it wouldbe temporary”, he confessed, “but when my wife threatened to leave after years of being sexually frustrated, I decided to do something about it. So the next time I travelled, I complained to my doctor

The results, which came a month later, confirmed I had a hormone imbalance

imbalance. A normal testosterone level is around 20. Mine was nine.

“I was relieved when he assured me my problem was treatable. I was then

,

given a hormone gel to rub between my shoulders. It’s absorbed through the skin and within two weeks of smearing it in, I was like a floppy toy with new batteries

- I came to life with renewed zip and vigour.

“I was virtually unstoppable - and I’m still going strong after two yearsf” Which buttress the point I’ve always made that no one should be afraid to seek medical help no matter how trivial they think their ailment is.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013 08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

Weak husbands and dominant wives NO one could have imagined Emeka and Pattie had marital problems because from the outside, their relationship looked picture-perfect. He was outgoing and handsome with a gentle, personable manner.

She was fun-loving and family-oriented, faithful to God and Emeka.

Everyone loved being around them because they were so easy to get along with, but no one noticed their deteriorating marriage.

Pattie had first been attracted to Emeka because of his sweet, gentle nature but before long, it began to irritate her.

People were drawn to his kindness, so they went to him with their problems. He was a great listener but lacked the character and convictions to provide any solid answers.

He was a people-pleaser and so he couldn’t lead. That

leadership hangup was at the root of the problem between Emeka and Pattie. She appreciated his good qualities but found herself losing more and more respect for him.

When push came to shove, she took her frustration out on him by complaining. She

nagged him about the things he wasn’t doing, about his lack of leadership qualities.

Emeka, in turn, resented her remarks and attitude, and resisted making the changes she wanted to see. He was partly at fault, though, because he was

falling short of the call for men to dominate and rule over their homes.

But Pattie was as much to blame as Emeka. From the start of their relationship, it was her dominant personality that engendered his passivity. Rather than keeping her naturally aggressive and opinionated personality in check, she exploited Emeka’s personality and dominated him.

At a point, he had seemed to enjoy her strong personality and

The problem is that Pattie wanted to control her man, even though the reality is that a woman never respects a man she can control opinions, but now he resented them. Pattie was confused; Emeka was frustrated. Neither was happy.

The problem was that Pattie wanted to control her man, even though the reality is that a woman never respects a man she can control. For any weak husband, there’s always a basic need for his woman to disrespect and find fault with him.

Along the same lines, a man will struggle to love a woman who controls him. When this happens, the man tends to ignore her or

I have a crush on my friend Ques: My name is Rita and I’m 24 years old. I'm an undergraduate who has a big crush on a friend of mine. While we are pretty close, I am not interested in ruining a good relationship if he isn’t interested.

The thing is that I have begun recently picturing myself married to this guy in future and seeing him across the breakfast table talking about our kids. I’ve never felt this way about a guy before; it has usually been more superficial. I keep meaning to tell him but I get really shy because of my fear of destroying our friendship. I think about him often. What should I do?

Rita, Warri Ans: Before you start planning your future down the road with this man, it might be wise to find out if the feelings

* Clifford, from Imo State, fair, graduate, average height, is searching for a fair young lady who resides in Owerri or Port-Harcourt to settle down with on 08038746925 *Samuel, Medical Anaesthetist,28, based in Port-Harcourt, needs a female friend for a relationship on 08096507762 *Akin, 38, Msc holder, resident in Ogun State , AA, wants to meet a certified professional female of

C M Y K

are mutual. Although you could wait to see how things develop naturally, the most direct route would be to have a conversation with him about how you feel.

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

Before you jump into the heart-toheart, think about what you want to say and how he may react. Do you want to tell him you’d like to date? Or that you really like him and want to see where things go? What are some different possibilities of how he might respond?

Once you’ve thought about the conversation, you could choose a time and place that won’t be awkward and will make you both comfortable. You may want to talk with a friend or a counselor

good character for courtship on 08053871003 * Richard, 40, businessman, desires a lady of between 36-39 for a serious relationship on 08021360798 *Olalekan, 48, civil servant, from Osun State, needs a lady of 28-47 years for a relationship on 07034752194 Ayo, 28, female, gentle, affectionate,

prior to the conversation to figure out what you want to say, what you are hoping to hear from him, and how you will deal with his response - whether it is good or bad.

If your friend doesn’t share your feelings, how will you feel? If maintaining the friendship is your priority, you can let him know you don’t want to lose him as a friend.

This way, if the feelings are not mutual, you have made it easier for him to tell you that he wants to stay friends and you have salvaged the friendship. Of course, after a conversation of this nature, it may be a little while before the friendship gets back to “normal.”

That’s okay.

You also have the option of making a move, physically, and seeing how he responds. However,

reliable, wants a responsible male aged 30-45 for a trusting relationship on 07064539097 *Favour, 40, single mother of two, based in Abuja, civil servant, needs a decent God-fearing and gainfully employed man for marriage on 07068129308 *Wesley, 38, based in Lagos,

Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked?

Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

seek significance elsewhere.

So both spouses end up pushing each other away.

The solution is for the man and woman to return to the roles God has designed for marriage: a husband leading with love and the woman dependent on his leadership and supporting him as his helpmate and companion.

Emeka and Pattie’s story should serve as a warning.

They had the best of intentions but ended up miserable.

What about you?

Nowadays, some men are wimps before their wives, bowing to their every decision instead of being the ones in charge. Some even fear their wives!

In a female-led relationship, the woman is responsible for all major decisions, while the man takes the back seat. But that should not be the case. A real man has this natural dominance which is very attractive and even sexy to a real woman.

Women respect a man who is in charge. A real man never bullies or bosses his partner about. He has a natural and gentle way of letting a woman know what

he wants and expects from her. In return, he will take good care of her and keep her safe and satisfied. Above all, he loves her.

So ultimately, a dominant male and a real woman turn out to be a strong couple.

an unexpected and unwanted advance could really catch him off guard and force him to react abruptly without having the chance to consider your feelings.

Alternatively, he might welcome the physical aspect of the relationship, but without talking, it won’t be possible to know if he’s interested in a casual physical connection or a more serious relationship. Depending on your friend’s reaction, it might be difficult for the friendship to recover.

The idea of starting this type of conversation is scary and causes lots of anxiety. Some worry about the end of the conversation, particularly the possibility of rejection. Where do you fall? If you decide to talk to him about it, be honest about your feelings and hopes. After all, nothing ventured; nothing gained, right?

needs an understanding and sexy lady for a relationship on 07038510972 * Nedum, female, from Delta State, 29, genotype AA, fair in complexion , needs a man for a serious relationship on 08167967786 *Femi, 46, single father of two, needs a pretty, decent, working class lady or single mother with a good job for a relationship that can lead to marriage on 08179702712 * Owolabi John, male, 27, based in Lagos, needs a responsible woman of 20-27 for relationship and marriage on 08059826017

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—21

George Clooney, Stacy Keibler break up

G

EORGE Clooney is a bachelor yet again. The Gravity star has split with model and TV host, Stacy Keibler, after nearly two years of dating. The pair were first linked in July 2011, less than a month after the actor split with love of two years, Italian model/actress Elisabetta Canalis.

Clooney and Keibler, who had been friends for years, made their debut as a couple at the Toronto Film Festival in September, 2011.

During their time together, former World Championship Wrestling diva Keibler, 33, accompanied Clooney, 52, at many highprofile events, including the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. The pair also spent the summer of 2012 relaxing at

•George-clooney-stacy-keibler

Nicki Minaj plans to make U-turn

50 Cent denies domestic violence allegations R

APPER 50 Cent’s birthday week has been marred with charges of domestic violence, but the GUnit juggernaut is denying claims that he kicked the mother of his child and destroyed property in her California home .

“Curtis Jackson denies these allegations as made against him. It is important to note, Mr. Jackson has not been arrested and there is no warrant outstanding for his arrest,” 50’s attorney, Scott Leemon, said in a statement.

“We have been in contact with the LA City Attorney ’s Office and are currently conducting our own investigation into these allegations. Out of respect for the legal process, we will not be commenting any further at this time.”

Following last Wednesday’s report, news broke that 50 Cent now faces one count of domestic violence and four counts of vandalism.

“During an argument, Jackson allegedly began destroying the female’s property, allegedly when the female locked herself in her bedroom. Jackson kicked open the bedroom door and kicked her, causing an injury,” prosecutor said .

It was also learnt that cops were called to the scene of the crime on the 23rd of June and found a broken TV, lamp and chandeliers. But the rapper was not in sight. If

Clooney’s famed Lake Como compound in Italy.

Former Dancing With the Stars competitor Keibler has been tapped to host Lifetime’s Supermarket Superstar which premieres on the 22nd of July 22, on Lifetime. Clooney, meanwhile, will soon begin production on the movie Tomorrowland.

Keibler joins a long list of women who’ve romanced Clooney, including Sarah Larson, Krista Allen, Maria Bertrand, Lisa Snowdon, Celine Balitran, Karen Duffy and Kelly Preston. The actor, who is the only person to ever be nominated in six different categories at the Academy Awards, was married to Talia Balsam from 1989 to 1992.

P

OPULAR musical act Nicki Minaj, who recently disclosed that she is set to pursue acting, has also revealed that she is keen to become a mother in the future.

The platinum-selling artiste reportedly wants to start becoming the woman whom children will see as a responsible mother.

The 30-year-old rapper, Onika Tanya Maraj who was raised in Queens, New York, enjoys the fame and fortune she has acquired and largely credits her millions of devotees for her success.

Minaj, who was cast by director Nick Cassavetes for the upcoming comedy movie, ‘The Other Woman’, also revealed that she might stop rapping after doing her next three albums, and will focus

he’s found guilty, 50 Cent could face up to five years in jail and $46,000 in fines.

None of the drama has hindered 50’s birthday week plans. On Thursday, the G-Unit juggernaut celebrated the 4th of July, and on Friday, July 5, he is promoting a night of live ESPN-televised boxing in Hartford, Connecticut.

And today, the star rapper turns 38 years.

•50 Cent

•Nicky Minaj instead on acting.

The Trinidadian beauty advised her fans not to chase men as they love independent women and want to be nourished and pet like a dog.

Mariah Carey hospitalised!

S

•Mariah Carey

INGER-turned actress, Mariah Carey, was rushed to a hospital last Sunday after she dislocated her shoulder while filming for the remixed version of her song, “Beautiful.”

The 43-year-old singer took a tumble which caused the injury last Sunday. However, her representative has disclosed that Carey is presently feeling fine.

Carey, reportedly, was filming the video, which is directed by her actor husband Nick Cannon, with rapper Jeezy.

It is believed she may have fallen

due to the high heels that she was wearing for the video shoot.

“Mariah was injured while filming a video for the remix of ‘Beautiful,’ Carey’s spokesperson Cindi Berger said.

“She was taken to hospital late last night July 7, where doctors reset her shoulder. She is fine and is recovering at home,” said the spokesperson.

The injury hasn’t dampened Carey’s spirit, and she will take to the stage at the Hurricane Sandy benefit concert in Central Park’s Great Lawn July 13, even if she has to do so with her arm in a sling, said a source.

22—SA TURD AY 22—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUL Y 13, 2013 JULY

(Text Only)

The Triangle Technique: Stand with the feet quite wide apart and hands along the sides. Turning to the left bend the left knee to waist level with the right leg at a slant. Spread out the arms to shoulder level as you look leftward and hold the position for 5 to 15 seconds. Return to the upright position and repeat on the other side.

a g Yo

a i r e g i N in

The Chair Technique: Standing with the feet about a foot and halt a part raise the hands to shoulder level and then begin bending the knees and lowering the body till you come to sit on both heels. You start off flatfooted and as you get lower and can’t maintain the flat footededness any longer then gel on to the balls of

Benefits: The Triangle firms up the thigh muscles.

It improves the hip, knee and ankle joints by gently ridding them off their stiffness. It leads to a more upright posture for better carriage.

your feet with the heels off the ground.

Keep the hands at shoulder level all the time.

After a count of 10 or 15 begin to slowly raise the body till the whole body is upright and then drop unto your heels.

Rest a bit and repeat once more.

Benefits: the chair strengthens the muscles of the legs which improve the backflow of blood to the heart.

The chair posture also promotes good posture.

•The Chair

By Bonny

•The Triangle

The Plough Technique: Lie on your back with the legs stretched out and hands placed along the sides. Take in a deep “breath and drawing up the knees swing back the legs while breathing out and let the toes come to rest on the floor behind your head.

Keep the knees straight and stiffen up the muscles of legs. Keep the breathing normal as you retain the posture for about 10 seconds. To come out of the posture simply bend

the knees and just roll down the back, and straight out the legs flat on the floor again.

You may rest a little and repeat.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

Benefits: The plough improves the elasticity of the spine. It tones the leg muscles and helps to rid constipation.

•The Plough

H

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—23

The Bad Boy

ave you ever wondered why some guys have all the luck when it comes to women? It’s no secret that certain archetypal males have been proven over and over again to be irresistible to women — and it’s not simply because of their good looks or a welldefined six-pack.

The truth is that women tend to be attracted to certain personality traits and so, naturally, they flock to the men who possess them.

Below are some of these “ideal types” of guys that women are drawn to, and an explanation as to why these guys are so appealing. But don’t freak out or permanently alter your personality if you don’t fit into any of these categories because women will see right through that.

Ideally, you should exude some traits from each of these different categories. You probably already do. With a quick perusal of the list below, you should be in much better shape to understand what women are looking for, and most importantly, to make sure that you fit the bill.

The free-spirit guy goes where the wind takes him and the wind usually takes him on some kind of wacky adventure.

He might ride a motorcycle or skip work to take her on a lastminute road trip, but this guy doesn’t worry too much about the consequences; he just sees where his own devices take him.

Why he is so irresistible

Every woman wants a bit of a rebel . She loves his carefree attitude and hopes that it will rub off on her too. The bad boy spirit adds an element of youthfulness to the relationship and she loves to try taming him although she knows she’ll never actually succeed.

The Intelligent/Witty Guy He instigates conversations that are intellectually stimulating and listens to what she has to say in response. He makes her laugh with his clever sense of humour and has an uncanny ability to make politics interesting. He can shoot the breeze with her for hours and it will never get boring.

Why he is so irresistible

The Romantic Guy

He believes in classical romance. He is constantly bringing her flowers and chocolate and lighting candles during dinner. He calls her often to let her know he is thinking about her and looks into her eyes and tells her how he feels.

Why he is so irresistible

A woman loves to feel appreciated, and the romantic guy makes this happen. He uses romantic gestures to show her he is thinking about her. As an added bonus, she feels free to reciprocate and act on her own romantic tendencies.

The Confident Guy

He is totally secure and sure of himself. He is assertive in public and gives off an aura of power and control . In a relationship, he doesn’t get jealous of other men; he doesn’t feel threatened by his girlfriend’s male friends or coworkers.

Why he is so irresistible

Women are attracted to confident men. Consider this: If you think you are great, she will probably be influenced to think the same. The confident

As time goes on, your hairline may recede and your buff body may soften, but if you can keep her interested, you’ve won half the battle. An intellectual connection is a big part of what sustains a relationship and if you can show her that you’ve got that, she’ll be hooked pretty quickly.

Guys women can’t resist man doesn’t seek approval from women, and this makes them want him even more.

The Artistic Guy The artistic guy is spontaneous and lives for the moment.

Often, he will use his creativity to woo her, such as with a song he has written about her or a painting he has made for her.

Why he is so irresistible

Every woman wants to feel unique and special. There is no better way to make her feel this way than to use her as your source of inspiration. She is in-

Ask the Sexpert I am a 58-year-old married woman. For more than a month, I have t he urge to have sex; so much so that for the whole day, I am disturbed as my vagina begs to be tickled. I have tried masturbation twice a day, and yet after a half hour, I experience the same feeling. I am tired of it. Every week I have sex with my husband, but af-

trigued by the artistic guy’s creative mind and especially by the way he incorporates her into his art.

Charismatic, rebellious, smart, and considerate guys all get the girl.

The Foreign Guy

He comes from a faraway exotic country; he might have a cute accent or a unique way of seeing the world.

His social customs and everyday behaviour can be a little quirky, but he always manages to come off as uniquely charming. Note that you don’t have to actually be foreign to fit into

ter the act it’s the same. I had undergone hysterectomy 15 years ago and one of my ovaries was removed. I don’t take any hormone tablets. What should I do? I take medication for BP and cholesterol. I also take Allegra 120 every day for cold allergies as prescribed by the doctor. What should I do?

Check if something is causing an irritation in the vaginal opening and around the clitoris. If you have difficul-

The Considerate Guy

this category. If you are welltravelled or speak many languages, you might be able to pull off the charm as well as any sweet-talking foreigner.

Why he is so irresistible

Charisma, charisma and charisma. There’s not much more one can say about this one; it’s just that mysterious je ne sais quoi that is so alluring. Women often choose this kind of guy if they are curious about the world, but most of the appeal comes down to a fascination with dating someone from another culture.

ty figuring it out, visit a gynaecologist.

Meanwhile, apply Candid B and xylocaine gel 2% (or substitute). It should help.

I had sex with my partner twice.

The first time was within five days after her period, and the second was within 15 days. I am sure I did not ejaculate inside her. However,she has got a viral infection and has been asked to take ofloxacin and esomeprazole. Her periods are due

He holds open her car door and pulls out her chair. He foots the bill for dinner and makes sure to offer her dessert.

He always asks her out with reasonable notice and picks her up at her door. He is generally sensitive to how she is feeling and when she is ready to go home.

Why he is so irresistible

Surprised? You probably think that nice, considerate guys never get the woman. But consider this: Once a woman has gone through her share of the bad guy, the rude guy and the not-calling-her-back guy, she will likely re-evaluate her priorities. It takes a bit of maturity on her part to realise this, but eventually most girls come around and discover that they want a guy who will treat them well in the long run.

soon. Recently,she noticed dark blood flowing from her vagina which lasted about an hour. It wasn’t her period. Also some liquid is oozing from her right breast when pressed. Is she pregnant?

Unlikely, but guess work does not help. Probably it is the start of her period. Buy a urine pregnancy kit from a chemist and check for pregnancy. At times,the milk flow can occur without a pregnancy.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

08056180112

Food poisoning: Mild but deadly

H

E was vomiting a lot and stooling. There were blood stains in the diarrhoea and vomit. Every now and then, he complained of weakness, confusion and severe abdominal pain. A quick check of his vital signs revealed a high body temperature and rapid heart rate. One hour later, the symptoms were not settling — for example, vomiting for more than 1-2 days, or diarrhoea that does not start to settle after 3-4 days. Half an hour later, he was in hospital. The diagnosis was straightforward — food poisoning.

What it is Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness.

Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea that occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming contaminated food or drink. Depending on the contaminant, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may follow. These symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an outbreak). People frequently become sick from eating contaminated food.

Norovirus and salmonella are the most common infectious forms of food-borne illness. Salmonella causes the most deaths followed by Toxoplasma and Listeria. Travelers often encounter food poisoning in the form of traveler’s diarrhea.

Causes More than 250 known diseases can be transmitted through food. Unknown or undiscovered agents cause more than half of all food-borne illnesses and related

be water. Also, ideally, include some soup.

It is best not to have drinks that contain a lot of sugar as they can sometimes make diarrhoea worse.

Oral rehydration drinks are recommended for people with underlying health problems. Rehydration drinks provide a good balance of water, salts, and sugar. The small amount of sugar and salt helps the water to be absorbed better from the gut into the body. They do not stop or reduce diarrhoea.

Medical treatment

•Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms... or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination.

Self-Care at Home Short episodes of vomiting and small amounts of diarrhea lasting less than 24 hours can usually be cared for at home.

Do not eat solid food while nauseous or vomiting but drink plenty of fluids.

Small, frequent sips of clear liquids (those you can see through) are the best way to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated, or sugary drinks. Home remedies to treat nausea or diarrhea

There are no proven herbal food poisoning cures. Consult a health care practitioner before taking any natural food poisoning remedies

,

hospitalizations. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for a cause in every suspected case because it does not change the treatment or the outcome. Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the restroom

,

such as tea with lemon and ginger can be used for relief from symptoms. There are no proven herbal food poisoning cures. Consult a health care practitioner before taking any natural food poisoning remedies.

Fluids - have lots to drink

The aim is to prevent dehydration, or to treat dehydration if it has developed. Drink at least 200 mls of fluid after each bout of diarrhoea. This extra fluid is in addition to what you would normally drink. For example, an adult will normally drink about two litres a day, but more in hot countries. If you vomit, wait 5-10 minutes and then start drinking again, but more slowly. For example, a sip every 2-3 minutes, but making sure that your total intake is increased. You will need to drink even more if you are dehydrated. For most adults, fluids drunk to •Washing your hands can prevent food poisoning. keep hydrated should mainly

The patient may need to be admitted to the hospital. This depends on the severity of the dehydration, response to therapy, and ability to drink fluids without vomiting.

Children, in particular, may need close observation. Symptoms often settle within a few days or so as the immune system usually clears the infection.. The doctor will look for possible causes and check for signs of dehydration. They may check your temperature, pulse and blood pressure.

They may also examine your abdomen to look for any tenderness. Tests may be required from a stool sample. This can then be examined in the laboratory to look for the cause of the infection.

Eat normally

Be guided by your appetite. You may not feel like food and most adults can do without food for a few days. Eat as soon as you are able — but don’t stop drinking. If you do feel like eating, avoid fatty, spicy or heavy food at first.

Plain foods such as wholemeal bread and rice are good foods to try eating first.

Medication Anti-diarrhoeal medicines are not usually necessary. However, you may wish to reduce the number of trips that you need to make to the toilet. You can buy antidiarrhoeal medicines from pharmacies. The safest and most effective medications work by slowing down your gut’s activity. You should not take the drugs for longer than five days.

This information may save your life!

Preventing food poisoning

P

reventing food poisoningAlways wash your hands after using the toilet, before touching food and after handling raw meat and food ready to be eaten.

Always wash your hand properly after playing with pets because even healthy animals can carry certain harmful bacteria.

Take extra measures when in

environments of poor sanitation. Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage are essential to avoiding food-borne illness. Buy cold foods last during your shopping trip.

Get them home fast. Never choose torn or leaking packages.Keep it safe; refrigerate.

Keep everything clean! Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Chioma ChukwukaAkpotha set to bury mum T op Nollywood actress, Chioma ChukwukaAkpotha, is leaving no stone unturned to give her late mother, Mrs Grace Egoyibo Chukwuka , a befitting burial.

Matinee gathered that the screen diva has fixed Thursday, July 25, for the burial rites of her mum. The Christian wake-keep will hold at her Surulere residence on Wednesday, July 24; while the interment will take place at her home town in Anambra State the next day.

Patrick, a.k.a Finnest

Chioma Chukwuka-Apotha

30 Glo X Factor contestants survive Boot Camp R

ave-of-the-moment singing reality television show, X Factor, has moved into the third crucial stage - the Judges’ Home visit. This was disclosed by show sponsor and national operator, Globacom.

The Home Visit follows the conclusion of the first two major stages, the Auditions and the Boot Camp. The company added that the telecast of the show would climax with the unveiling of the Top 9 contenders and the live performances to be followed by the audience voting and evictions.

135 contestants who made it through the auditions in Nigeria and Ghana had last month gone into the Boot Camp where they were further screened and their number pruned down by the judges.

The 30 who scaled the camp have now been divided into three groups, with each group assigned to one of the three judges: MI, Onyeka Onwenu and Reggie

Rockstone. The judges’ duty is to mentor the singers assigned to them and help prepare them for the live performances. The contestants are grouped into the “Under 23”, “Over 23” and “Group singers”.

The Judges’ Home Visit is part of the mentoring process, and is also intended to help create bonding between the judges and their candidates, and further assist in the assessment of the candidates.

Multiple award winner and Glo ambassador, Sammy Okposo, had last week paid a visit to the Boot Camp to conduct a Masterclass for the contestants. He gave the excited audience tips on how to be successful in the show and advised them to be original in their singing and overall performance.

Globacom said the Top 9 contenders for the ultimate prize of N24 million and a recording contract with Sony Music would begin to emerge this weekend on Episode 9 of the show.

Sounds & Meknitz unveils Finnest

T

he entertainment indus try is indeed witnessing a boom in recent times, especially with emergence of young stars on the scene.

While the likes of Chuddy K, Wizkid, among others, are calling it quits with their record labels, some are seriously signing new deals while others are renewing existing con-

tracts. Recently, Sounds and Meknitz record label unveiled Herbert Patrick, a.k.a Finnest, as the first artiste to join the label.

The Imo State-born singer, who has dropped a few hit singles, is on the verge of making a bold entry into the Nigerian music industry with his debut album that will soon hit the market.

Bayelsa to host centenary-pageant contestants B

ayelsa State is on the verge of making history, as it will be the first to play host to the 37 contestants in the forthcoming Nigeria Centenary Pageant. The state will be hosting the event following the signing of a partnership hosting agreement between the state government and AOE Events and Entertainment Limited which will organise the event.

Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa C M Y K

recently, Director-General, Bayelsa Tourism Development Agency, Mrs. Ebizi Ndiomu Brown, noted that tourism is the next gold mine waiting to be explored, and the state government is looking for all avenues to attract tourists to the state.

She also promised maximum security for visitors who will be coming for the show.

Chief Executive Officer of AOE Entertainment, Nike

Oshinowo, said Bayelsa won the hosting right because of the level of peace in the state for some time now. “ They won because of the level of peace there. The camping in Bayelsa will enable the state to show the nation and the world what they have to offer. Through our eyes, the world would experience the Bayelsans, their culture and values,” Nike said.

26 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 13, 2013

Y

ou have some reser vations about the kind of questions journalists ask you during interviews?

Well, people always want to know more about my personal life, my relationships and all those stuff that the soft-sell magazines like to exaggerate.

I just think that serious publications should be interested in asking relevant questions.

So, if you were the one interviewing yourself, what would be your first question?

I would ask myself how long it actually took me to get to where I am today; the challenges along the way and how I’ve been able to overcome them. It took me about 15 years to get to this point. However, one major challenge I have always faced as an actress has to do with not being at home all the time and playing roles in movies that are opposed to my character.

Let’s assume you were born in a Christian home and you imbibe what you were taught from when you were a kid. All of a sudden, because of your profession, you are called to be a Buddhist or a mermaid. You are talking about being something you have never experienced. I have never seen a mermaid or transformed into a mermaid before, but I’ve acted as one.

You have to try and figure out how they talk, walk, smile and so on.

Another challenge is when you go to the extent of interpreting whatever role you’re given to play in movies.

People who watch the movie tend to associate you with that character. I’ll never forget an experience I had at Alade market, in Lagos, a few years ago. I went there to buy some things like every other person, but suddenly, some people started throwing rotten tomatoes at me. Many others were calling me unprintable names; a loose woman, husband snatcher. All because I played such roles in movies. I’m not like that in real life. I remember I acted a prostitute in the movie, Outcast. After the film was released into the market, I got a call from a guy based in Italy who told me that he just watched the movie, and he thought I was really hot. He said he would want to enjoy such a gesture like the guys in the movies any time he storms Nigeria.

There are so many other challenges. You are seen playing roles where you are really rich with several big cars and houses at your disposal. People assume you’re like that in real life, but it’s not always true. Everywhere you go, people expect you to settle ‘agberos’ and drop something, but it doesn’t work like that. That is the reason some practitioners tend to spend money they don’t have just to meet the expectations of their fans.

Have you ever lost a sense of identity because of the different roles you play in movies?

Acting is a job. As soon as I’m done with interpreting my role, I become myself again. I have never had the experience of being confused about my own identity. I know that many of my colleagues actually get cut off from reality; they want to be like what people expect them to be or spend the kind of money people expect them to spend. And so, they have to do one or two things that they ordinarily wouldn’t have done.But you can’t reC M Y K

My life, struggles and triumphs — Shan George

L

ike every other Nollywood actress, Shan George has had her fair share of scandals. She has been accused of going into marriage and coming out of it over three times, dating younger men and decorating her body with countless tattoos. What’s true and what’ s not? In this interview, the half caste actress shares her painful story with Showtime Celebrity. This is Shan George beyond the scandals.

ally get to know someone by watching that person on the screen.

So, what’s the real Shan George like?

I think everyone should know that Shan George is an ordinary person who was born and brought up in the village, grew up like every other village girl and I was privileged to be part of the movie industry at a time I found myself in it. I have been favoured by God in the industry. When you talk about a typical village life, I have experienced it and when you talk about living in a castle, I have also enjoyed the privilege.To be candid, the most interesting life is the village life. In the village, there are no fences, no gates, and no walls in between houses. We collectively go to the same farm, and fetch water from the same stream. It was a communal existence. I still travel

I think Shan George is an ordinary person who was born and brought up in the village, grew up like every other village girl and was privileged to be part of the movie industry at a time I found myself in it

,

LAJU ARENYEKA

home once in a while to identify with my roots. I am from Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

What was growing up like?

It was quite enjoyable. It’s just that I wish I knew my father. I’m the only child of my mother, and my father was a whiteman. My mum is a very wonderful person, but I guess there is always going to be that part of me that keeps wondering who my father

,

is. I tried several years to trace his whereabouts to no avail. While in search of him, I once travelled to where he used to work then, Turner’s Asbestos in Enugu. The company consulted their files and brought out his old address in Manchester. Consequently, I travelled to Manchester in search of the man that fathered me.

But my mission was not accomplished.

I even had to cross-check phone books and called about 100 phone numbers, all in the bid to trace his whereabouts.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 — 27

Don’t you think piracy is the reason for this shortcoming?

Let us be realistic, there are even American movies that are being pirated. Piracy is something I believe cannot function where you have a big community in dire need of it. It’s just like when you want to release a movie for over 150 million people and you only printed about 20, 000 copies. Don’t you think that people living in remote areas would want to watch the same movie? It is natural that pirates will help them get as many copies of the film as they require by any means. For example, I once travelled to Kano and saw a movie that was just released into the market, I was tempted to buy it. The funny thing was that the movie was recorded in a plain CD and they used a marker to write the name of the movie. I concluded that these sellers didn’t see the original CD for people to buy. I believe if the original products are readily available, the menace of piracy will reduce drastically.

W b

One question I asked each time I called any of the numbers was whether any member of his family ever visited Africa or Nigeria in particular. I gave up hope of meeting my father at the age of 35.

What is your take on Nollywood today?

I always tell people not to try to compare Hollywood toNollywood. It is like comparing an old man to a baby.

Nigeria itself is a young country and Nollywood is much younger, and so the extent at which we have grown is quite far. Right now, we are growing rapidly and producing movies that are shown abroad. We are doing advanced movies but the only place we are lacking today is in the area of distribution. We have very good movies but we don’t have people to distribute them. I know a lot of people who went

hich do you prefer, being e h i n d, the camera or in front of it?

I produced my first movie in 1998 while I was in my final year in the University of Lagos. I studied Mass Communication and I have been writing and producing since then till now.

There are different feelings actually.

Standing in front of the camera, you

,

to school to study Marketing and they are not practising their profession. The industry has grown rapidly but the marketing aspect of the business still needs a boost.

Tattoos are a way for me to express myself.

People wear clothes, fix their hair or nails, but for me, I love tattoos, that’s who I am. I have just two permanent tattoos, but sometimes, I wear artificial tattoos depending on my mood

,

are something else; while working behind the camera, you are being yourself. And aside being yourself, working behind the camera involves a lot of work because you have to organise everybody, everything and you are like the head of the family. I love producing more than acting because producing gives me the opportunity to have a platform for new actors. It also gives me the opportunity to write my own story and get it across to the audience.

What’s your advice for those who want to get into the movie industry?

The first advice I will give you is to acquire good education. Education is the foundation upon which you are going to build your future. Secondly, be committed; work hard and be ready to give it your best shot. You never can tell, one thing can just take you to the top.

And as a person, you have to agree that you want to do this job and also agree to grow gradually so that you will not get frustrated along the line.

Would you like to address some of the scandals that have trailed your acting career over the years?

It is really crazy. A lot of these things are not true. For example, I have two grown up sons. Anytime people see me pose for shots with younger men, they conclude that as old as I am, I like young boys and that’s not true at all. It is very depressing sometimes. You need the grace of God to hear things about yourself that are not true and still be strong and get going.

H

ave there been times when you nearly broke down because of what people were saying about you?

It happened many years ago when I was still a toddler in the industry. I remember driving some years back and I saw vendors selling a particular magazine with my photograph and a caption that read: “Even Pastors love my boobs.” That day was so sad for me. I couldn’t even believe that I was the one they were writing about.

What about the multiple marriage scandals; is there any truth to them?

There was a time someone called to congratulate me on my new marriage.

I was shocked. My first marriage was when I was 16, and I don’t count that because I was a child and I had no say in the matter. The ideal thing is that as an adult, you meet someone you like and you get married to him.

What happens most times is that I act a movie where I get married, the pictures go viral online and everyone says I am married again. And I am amazed because I wonder, people who read this, don’t they calculate the years? I married once and my two kids are for my first husband. I read on some blogs that I had a child out of wedlock and I have been hiding it.But I wonder if I got married at the age of 16, at what age did I have that child? I was so young when I walked out of my first marriage to pursue my education. Later on, as an adult, I got married again, but we aren’t really together anymore.

Marriage can be complicated. hat was it like being mar W ried at such a young age?

Being married at the age of 16 was just like a child still living with her parents. It was more like an obligation. I don’t really want to talk about it because of my children.

What is your relationship status now?

I have someone who is very nice and important to me. So, I guess you can call that a romantic relationship. I have always known this guy and he has been there for me.

Would you like to get married again?

Of course, I would.

How do you manage to look so good at 43?

Because the job is very stressful, I don’t really add much weight. But because I’m slim doesn’t mean that I’m fit. I can be very lazy about exercise.

However, I am very careful about what I eat; that’s why am not very fat.

What are your sons like?

My first son is an Economist; he is still in the UK and has refused to come back home. My second son actually is into music. He read Music Engineering and Production in London and now, he is in Nigeria trying to pursue a career in music.

What is it with you and tattoos?

Tattoos are a way for me to express myself. People wear clothes, fix their hair or nails; but for me, I love tattoos, that’s who I am. I have just two permanent tattoos, but sometimes I wear artificial tattoos depending on my mood.

Apart from movies what else are you interested in?

I used to own a boutique but am not fashionable. I don’t know how to sew, but I can draw and create designs. I have passion for putting smiles on the faces of people around me. I would love to be in a place where everybody is cared for. Not one person having all that others will worship. I am working on the release of my new movie, “Finding Good luck.” I am hoping to release it on DVD. It is in the cinemas already and this is a movie that has got to do with the image of the Nigeria Police and how people generally relate with the average policeman and how it should be at the end of the day. I hope the movie will better the lives of some people.

C M Y K

28— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13 , 2013 — 29

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers Transfers Transfers

Atletico Madrid snap up Demichelis

Pre-season training

Transfers Transfers

A

tletico Madrid have signed Malaga defender Martin Demichelis on a free transfer.

The Argentina international centreback has signed a oneyear deal with Diego Simeone's side after his contract with Malaga expired on June 30.

The 32-year-old passed a medical on yerterday and then spoke to reporters about the move, saying: "I'm very proud to have joined such a successful and winning group.

Altidore makes Sunderland debut in 13-goal bonanza

J

ozy Altidore has al ready made his debut for Sunderland.

Sunderland took on a local select XI at the club's training base in Italy, running out 13-1 winners.

“I’m absolutely happy about the performance because it’s the first game with many new faces on the field,” manager Paolo Di Canio said".

Sociedad sign Haris Seferovic

S

witzerland interna tional Haris Seferovic has left Fiorentina for Real Sociedad.

The 21-year-old striker took his medical with Sociedad before penning a four-year contract with the Primera Division outfit. A club statement read: "Real Sociedad have reached an agreement with Fiorentina for the signing of striker Haris Seferovic. The club have also finalised an agreement with the Swiss international for his incorporation into our team until June 30, 2017.

•Manchester United. Moyes watches on as his players display techniques

Chelsea. McEachran (right) and Kevin Michael Essien(L)listens to Jose de Bruyne (left)

Moyes with new signing Wilfried Zaha

Lukaku and Cahil

Man United set to sign Fellaini, Baines for £40m M

an United are reportedly closing in on Everton pair Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines as David Moyes steps up his push to raid his former club.

Having failed with an opening bid for 28 year old left-back Baines, said

to be in the region of £10m, Man United are willing to meet Everton’s £16m valuation as Moyes looks to replace French veteran Patrice Evra who is likely to return to former club Monaco.

Baines is keen to make the step up to join Man

seating Ashley Cole from Roy Hodgson’s England national team starting eleven.

Moyes has also been given the funding required to trigger Marouane Fellaini’s reported £24m release clause as he seeks to bring the Belgian powerhouse to

Arsenal reviving interest in Kondogbia

Madrid captures Illarramendi

• Illarramendi

rsenal are reviving interest in Sevilla midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia. The 20-year-old Frenchman has also been a target for Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United but with those clubs chasing other deals, the Gunners hope they can agree a fee with cash-strapped Sevilla.

Manager Arsene Wenger, who has also been linked with a move for Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, is considering whether to place a bid for Swansea defender Ashley Williams following Thomas Vermaelen’s back injury which threatens to rule him out of the start of the season.

strengthen a Man United midfield that lacks bite as well as a goal scoring edge, both of which the towering 25 year old can provide.

Fellaini has more than proving himself over the course of five seasons in the Premier League and David Moyes is keen to lure him to Old Trafford.

Juventus complet Ogbonna signing

A

R

eal Madrid have signed midfielder Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad after agreeing to pay the £32.8million buy-out clause in his contract.

The Spanish giants clearly see the 23-year-old as their long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in the defensive midfield role at the Bernabeu.

A Real statement read: "Real Madrid have signed Asier Illarramendi, who is now tied to the club for the next six seasons.

United and will no doubt hope that such a highprofile move would not only see the former Wigan Athletic man challenge for major honours, secure regular Champions League football as well as give the attack minded wide-man a better chance of un-

J

• Kondogbia

uventus have complet the signing of Ange Ogbonna from Serie A riv Torino.

It was revealed earlier Thursday that the defender w undergoing a medical in Tur He has sailed through t physical examinations and h penned a five-year contract Juventus will part with €13million (£11.2m) fee for services, which could rise b further €2million if certa targets are met and will be pa in instalments over the ne three years.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 —31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfersTransfersTransfers

DIS to sue over Neymar deal

After a long, gruelling season, the world of football will now be able to kick back and enjoy a long, hot summer as the game's brightest stars are on holidays in Ibiza, Spain

T

he supermarket giant that owned 40 per cent of Neymar's registration is threatening legal action over its share of the player's transfer to Barcelona.

DIS, a sports marketing company controlled by retailers Idi Sonda, claim it is entitled to more cash due to potential payments agreed in addition to the €57 million deal between Santos and the Spanish champions.

Executive Director Roberto Moreno has asked for full disclosure of the documents detailing Neymar's transfer to Barcelona as the company seeks clarification on future payments to Santos.

Reds put £40m price tag on Suarez

L

businessman who masterminded a £34 million VAT scam has been forced to hand over thousands of pounds worth of rare sporting memorabilia - including Wayne Rooney’s personally signed football boots.

Crooked Thomas Scragg, 56, was jailed for 17 years after being convicted of leading one of the biggest scams in British fraud history in July 2010.

He had almost £200,000 worth of jewellery he gave to his girlfriend, sporting memorabilia and cash seized by police. Among the items are a pair of boots, worn and signed by England star Wayne Rooney in the 2007 FA Cup final, in which Manchester United lost 1-0 to Chelsea.

Pirlo...with family at the beach

Monaco looking closely at Mikel

J

ohn Obi Mikel has emerged on the ra dar of French club Monaco according to sources.

The Chelsea midfielder is expected to depart Stamford Bridge this summer and has attracted interest from Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.

But it is believed the big-spending France outfit are looking to thwart Gala’s move for Mikel which would have had him reunited with ex-Blues teammate Didier Drogba.

Messi and Antonella Rocuzzo

Fabregas...

with

girlfriend

Q

Lampard...cooling off with wife

W

•Ogbonna

ILFRIED BONY says he will be Swansea’s version of Didier Drogba by proving to be a Premier League success.

Ivory Coast striker Bony finally completed a £12million- club record move to the Liberty Stadium on a four-year deal, subject to being granted a work permit. Drogba scored 100 goals in 226 Premier League games and won three titles for Chelsea in a successful eight-year spell in west London. But his compatriot Bony, who scored 31 goals in 30 games for Vitesse Arnhem.

Reina...warming up for new season

A

G

•Bony

ARY NEVILLE has warned Manchester United to learn from experience and not be left in the blocks by Jose Mourinho’s fast-starting Chelsea.

Neville was in the United team who lost 1-0 to Chelsea on the opening day of the 2004-05 season in Mourinho’s first game in charge at Stamford Bridge and never recovered, eventually finishing third, 18 points adrift of the Blues.

rewe are co-oper ating fully with police after seven players were arrested and bailed in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

The League One club had been on a pre-season training camp in Cornwall when the alleged incident took place in Redruth.

Footballer sold for 50 balls

Moyes must not let Mourinho get off to flier

Wilfried Bony: I’m new Didier Drogba

ted elo vals

Crewe assist police after seven players arrested for alleged sex attack

C

QPR to sign Crouch for the 5th time

PR boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Peter Crouch for a fifth time . The towering Stoke City striker is again wanted by the R’s boss as he seeks to fire the West London club back into the Premier League. Crouch has played under Redknapp at Portsmouth on two separate occasions as well as Southampton.

Fraudster to return Rooney's Cup boots, Maradona shirt and Pele pictures

A

iverpool may consider selling striker Luis Suarez if Arsenal increase their initial offer to £40 million, according to reports. After last week's £30 million bid, which has been labelled deplorable, the Gunners are set to have a second shot at landing Suarez, although it is unclear whether they would be prepared to add another £10 million onto their estimation.

te

on was rin. the has . h a his by a ain aid ext

Pirlo, Messi, Fabregas, Reina, Lampard make a splash in Ibiza

•Neville

s Manchester Utd prepares to offer Real Madrid a €50 million transfer fee in return for star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, it's good to know that some clubs have a sense of perspective. The Chilean second division side Puma agreed to let its star player go this week... in return for a big bag of balls.

"I asked for 50 footballs, it’s all sorted," said club president ".

32—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013

Dancing discovered me at age 9 —Enenche

H

ers was a journey that started at age nine, when her peers were still being spoonfed by parents. Today, she is renowned and has toured many countries to represent her state and country, Nigeria. In this enlightening interview, ALICE ENENCHE talks about her journey to the limelight; trips abroad for competitions, career as dance artiste for a national troupe from 2000-2005 and more.

Excerpts.

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

H

ow Dance discovered me I didn’t choose dance; l would say it was the other way round. Dance chose me because l didn’t grow up in a home where dance was appreciated. I was just fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. Destiny found me on that fateful day and the rest was history. I was only nine years old when l got on the platform to dance.

My family and I usually visited this primary school in my neigbourhood while we were growing up. We were attracted to the school because of the activities taking place there.

There was this dance group always practising there and we were attracted to their dance steps. It became a routine for us to visit the primary school and watch them rehearse. In fact, I became so captivated by the dance that l was always practising the steps at home. Then a day came when we were watching like we used to do. The instructor was amazed that the class he was teaching couldn’t get the steps right.

Out of exasperation he exclaimed that the little girl sitting and watching the dance would do better than they were all doing! So he beckoned on me to show the adults how the steps were done. I became a

member of the Ebony Dance Troupe, Makurdi that day. l was only nine years old when that event took place and it gave my life a turning point. I became what l am today because of that day.

The journey afterwards It was not the policy of the dance group to recruit young children for dancing until the youth is 18 years of age, but the law was rewritten because of me and chances were created for other young children to equally become dancers. A junior group was created known as the Junior Ebony theatre group. Eventually, l stayed with this dance group until the year 2000. In the year

ENENCHE...I didn’t choose dance; l would say it was the other way round. Dance chose me

was on secondment in the same national troupe.

Dance made me discover myself; perhaps l would have done something else with my life if nature hadn’t intervened 2000, I was given a full-time Civil Service employment in Benue State Arts and Culture as a Dance Artiste with the national troupe. My job was to represent my state in dance competitions and this took me to several countries in the world. It lasted from 20002003, then from 2003-2005 I

Challenges as a young dancer l was only a child and all l wanted to do was to play. I didn’t see it as very hard work; hence, l may not describe it as a challenge. But there were times that all l wanted to do was play and not dance. And there were also times l want-

ed to do something else other than dancing, rehearsals, school and home work.

My childhood was cut short because l started learning to dance like an adult at that tender age. I would say l grew up dancing. I have virtually travelled everywhere in the world with my dancing career.

State of Origin and theatre platforms I am from Akpegede in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Dance gave me the platform to travel to so many countries in the world. I made friends and interacted with so many people outside the country. I learnt so many cultures other than ours and discovered that some of these cultures are similar to ours.

Dance made me discover myself; perhaps l would have done something else with my life if nature hadn’t intervened that fateful day. It made me know what l wanted to be early in life. I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Dance.

Dance gave me job satisfaction. I wouldn’t have been happier in any other profession.

At age 20, l was given a full time job as a Dance Artiste in Benue and it was renewed for another three years until it became boring and I had to move on. I am no more in active dancing today; I am trying my hands in the movies.

Since dance is a part of Theatre, it is easy for me to work with because it is now a part of me.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013 — 33

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

Obesere pays homage to Mike Adenuga

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

P

opular Fuji musician and self-acclaimed Paramount King of Music (PK1st), Abbas Akande Obesere has been explaining why he dedicated his latest album,”Appreciation” to the chairman of telecommunications giant, Globacom, Chief Mike Adenuga.

Obesere who is not endorsed by the telecommunications

•Obesere

A

fter successfully hosting two editions, the stake is now high as Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite repackages.

Aside the fact that the monthly event solely designed to further celebrate broadcasters, On-Air Personalities, TV and Radio stations, has been rescheduled from every last Thursday of the month to last Saturday of the month, two winners of the yearly Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) will henceforth square up for the night of glitz and razzmatazz.

Relatively, popular DJ, Rainbow 94.1 FM’s finest, DJ Chascolee, is now the official DJ of Nigerian Broadcasters Nite.

However, come Saturday July 27, it will be the turn of model, singer, actor cum presenter,

giant as one of its brand ambassadors,said, he was inspired to do the album in honour of Adenuga, following his immense contributions towards the growth of the nation’s entertainment industry. He also wants to use his music to celebrate Adenuga’s resilience, business acumen, outstanding achievements and exemplary humility.

“What inspired me to record “Appreciation” was the desire to celebrate the great works of Adenuga. I have been hearing a lot about how he’s supporting the nation’s entertainment industry. I therefore felt that somebody like Adeguna should be celebrated,” he said.

He noted that, while the likes of Sunny Ade and Commander Ebeneezer Obey have respectively recorded albums in his honour, no emerging Fuji musician has done anything to celebrate the man. Consequently, he has taken it upon himself to immortalise the great works of Adenuga through his music.

“As Chairman of Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria(FUMAN), Otunba Adenuga has touched my constituency which is Fuji music. However, no Fuji musician has dedicated a

song in celebration of his great achievements and that’s the reason I decided to do this. My brother, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma has benefitted immensely as a Glo Ambassador and that is a big boost for Fuji music. He has transformed people who believed their careers were over into super stars and was the first Nigerian to use Nigerian stars as brand Ambassadors,” he added.

“I never believed I could meet him one-on-one so easily. I was so excited the day I met him at an awards ceremony. He shook

my hands and said, ‘Obesere, is this you?’ I was overwhelmed at his humility and unassuming nature.

He’s been a great source of inspiration to me. I am calling on other Nigerians to emulate his good works,” he added. Obesere has since presented the album to Adenuga. The album contains three tracks, including “Otunba Mike Adenuga”, “Gbogbo Alujo(Great Warrior) and Hip-hop.”

Seyi Shay to grace BBA stage E viction shows for this year ’s “Big Brother Africa – The Chase have been very hot as they ’ve seen performances from some of Africa’s biggest stars.

From the likes of Don Jazzy, Wande Coal, D’Prince, Mafikizolo, Radio and Weasel, E.L, Wakazi and many others who have thrilled audiences at the shows, the stage is yet set again for another music star to rock it. And the star is no other person than Seyi Shay.

Seyi arrived South Africa a

Uti Nwachukwu and famous TV presenter, Labi Olayori, to be celebrated at the Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite, holding at ‘Club Vegas; the celebrity hangout, situated along Sheraton - Opebi link Road in Ikeja, Lagos.

It would be recalled that Labi Olayori who works with TV Continental (TVC) emerged Most Popular TV Personality during the second edition of Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) that was held in 2011, while Uti Nwachukwu, the co-host of popular TV programme Jara, was crowned ‘ The sexiest On-Air Personality ’ in Nigeria during the 2012 edition.

Uti Nw ac hukwu, Labi Ola or ‘ho Nwac achukwu, Olayyori ffor ‘hott seat’ @ Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite

few days ago ahead of tomorrow ’s performance.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Deborah Oluwa-Seyi Joshua better known as Seyi Shay has been performing since she was six years old.

She got her break with the London Community Choir and hasn’t looked back since, performing around the world and collaborating with some of the hottest artists in the world. She signed her

first record deal in 2005, wrote and produced three songs for the Konami Game soundtrack, “Crime Life” and wrote You Will See for Mel C, all this, aged just 18.

Shortly afterwards, she auditioned for British Pop/R&B group From Above, winning the role of lead singer. Their debut album ‘Breaking From Above’ lent its name to their MTV reality show, which was broadcast in more than 166 countries around the world.

The band supported Beyonce on her “I Am” UK tour in 2009/ 10 and 2011 and presented an MTV EMA Music Award to Bruno Mars.

•Seyi Shay

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

How Timaya defied heavy downpour to thrill fans at Enyimba city

Ano ther call tto o sa Another savve a soul ...as Zara Gretti battles multiple sclerosis

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

W

hile Nigerians are still responding to calls to save music producer, OJB who

N

ot even the heavy downpour that disrupted activities in Aba last weekend could prevent music fans from enjoying the exhilarating performances from some of Africa’s finest artistes who headlined the highly anticipated 5th leg of Star Music Trek, 2013.

The event, which held at Recreation Club Aba, was touted as Aba’s biggest openair concert and witnessed a deluge of fans, many of who came in from cities as Enugu, Port Harcourt, Nnewi and other surrounding environs to be part of the music fiesta.

Apparently the ‘Limpopo fever ’ had reached Aba far earlier as Kcee mounted the stage to wild cheers from the crowd. The singer ’s most popular hit of the year, ‘Limpopo’, has stayed at number 1 on a number of music charts across the country and he gave a good account of himself singing other tracks including ‘Nack Me’ and ‘Okpekete’.

Wande Coal had no problems entertaining his captive audience. From the moment the Black Diamond sang his first verse to the last notes of his latest hit ‘Rotate’, the artiste had only to raise his microphone casually to the crowd to receive their thunderous response to his every line. He also sang Bumper to Bumper, You Bad, The Kick and others.

Performing right in his ‘hood’ with thousands of his fans hanging on his every rap, Mr Raw already had an ‘unfair ’

•Timaya home advantage. The artiste worked the stage effortlessly for 45 minutes with his classic Obodo, Ise and Strong Thing’ much to the delight of eager music lovers.

Budding rap star, XBUSTA who was discovered in Enugu by MI was also invited to free style on stage during Mr Raw ’s

performance.

Naeto C’s fervent prayers apparently had the right impact on the crowd raising it to fever pitch as he interrupted his performance to invoke blessings on the crowd. He also performed his award winning hits 10/ 10, 5&6 and Can You Do It?

OJB ready ffor or kidne kidneyy transplant A

OJB

fter raising the sum of N16 million,OJB Jezreel is getting ready for his kidney transplant scheduled for next month.

However, the ailing producer has put a stop to all forms of appeal or request in the bid to save him. “Now that I have gotten all the money needed for my medical bill, I want to officially put a stop to all forms of appeal or

Brymo denies law suit with Chocolate City

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

A

•Brymo

simi Olawale, a.k.a Brymo has denied the rumour that Chocolate City has dragged him to court for breach of contract and attempt to tarnish the company’s image.

The embattled act spoke through his manager, Lanre Lawal, saying nothing of that sort ever happened.

According to Lanre, Brymo didn’t receive any court summons as they learnt of the law suit from the pages of newspapers. He hinted that Brymo and himself are planning to meet with the management of Chocolate City for possible reconciliation.

It would be recalled that Brymo recently accused Chocolate City of cheating him, prompting his decision to dump the label. He called it quit because the label, according to him, was unable to fulfill its own parts of the agreed terms in their contract.

— 35

has been suffering from renal failure, another singer, Zara Gretti is in dire need of the same gesture.

The fast-rising singer who took the nation’s music scene by storm two years ago with the release of her single, “Akobo Ku”has been off the radar for a while due to complications from multiple sclerosis(an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord).

Currently in the United States, where she’s been on admission in a hospital, Zara’s recorded video where she appeals to wellmeaning Nigerians to come to her rescue is now going viral online.

According to her, she already started a fund raiser through this website- Gofundme.com.

In the video, Zara while lying on her sick bed says she’s shy to ask for help. request in bid to save OJB. I want Nigerians to know that I have gotten the N16million needed for my treatment.

Therefore, no donation should again be made to any source in respect of the said case. I’m sincerely grateful and feel blessed that people could go miles just to make me well again. I will be going for my operation by mid August,”OJB said, at a press conference during the week.

Still undergoing dialysis at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, the 47 year-old producer

The singer who could no longer move or stand without help has cut off her trademark hair,

dreadlocks, and now wears a low cut. She says her spine, joints hurt, can’t see with her left eyes, suffers memory loss and can’t even bend her head.

She is asking for help with her bills so she can return to Nigeria to continue her music.

•Zara expressed gratitude to all those who stood by him in one way or the other; by prayers and by financial support.

However, it has not been ascertained as regards who his donor is, or where the operation will be carried out.

Although those close to him may likely be travelling to India for the transplant.

Last week, Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi graciously presented the ailing producer with the sum of $100,000(N16 million) needed to cover his kidney transplant.

Celebrities gather for EMC open house party

I

t was a roll call of celebrities from the Nigerian entertainment industry last Saturday, as the Sam Onyekwelume led Entertainment Management Company (EMC), threw a gig in honour of the cofounder of TRACE, Olivier Laouchez, who is visiting the country as well as to unveil its new office in Lagos.

EMC, and the representatives of Trace Urban, Trace Sports and FAB Media in Nigeria and Anglophone West, certainly proved its depth in the Nigerian entertainment circle going by the huge number of celebrities and media representatives that graced the party.

According to Sam, EMC is in the business of providing winning platforms for the Nigerian creative industry to reach the international community. The company has developed a strong relationship with those in the Nigerian entertainment circle.

“Our platforms provide excellent opportunities for creative minds to fully maximise the merchandise value of their creative works.

TRACE Urban for instance, is the first international platform to feature Nigerian music,” he said.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

'Invasion 1897 is the next big thing for me’

Lancelo

t

I

f there is any ‘big thing’ that matters to popular Nollywood director and producer, Lancelot Imasuen apart from his family at the moment, it is the production of “Invasion 1897(Nogbaisi

Ovonramwen)”, a historical film that recaptures the story of the invasion of the Benin Kingdom by the British Empire in 1897, and how they carted away ancient artifacts belonging to the kingdom.

Imasuen, while in a chat with HVP, during the week, said, the film which teaser has been on Youtube since three weeks ago, is at the post-production stage and hopefully, will hit the big screen early next year.

Ngozi Nwosu yet to resume work

JANET OBOH

C

ontrary to reports that Ac tress, Ngozi Nwosu who recently returned to the country after a successful heart and kidney treatment in the United Kingdom has resumed work, the actress is yet to hit the big screen again.

News broke out last Sunday that the actress was spotted on set of the television series, Fuji House of Commotion.

But a source close to her, who refuted the reports told HVP, during the week that the “Fuji House of Commotion” star is

Ngozi C M Y K

on the verge of travelling back to London for check-up as advised by her UK doctors. “ It’s not true, Ngozi has not returned to work again. In fact, as I’m talking to you right now, she is planning to travel to London in the next two weeks for medical check-up as advised by her doctors,” our said.

Speaking further, the source said, even through, Ngozi is physically fit to resume work, her doctors however, advised her to stay off the screen for some time. Only after then, she will hit the set again.

Indeed, since her return to the country last month, the Imo State born actress has bounced back to life.

Meanwhile, HVP gathered that the actress is planning a “Thank You” visit to Governor Fashola of Lagos State. Fashola reportedly donated the sum of N4.5 million to facilitate her travel to the UK after reading of her travails in the national dailies

The respected film director said, apart from his family, the next big thing that matters to him at the moment is the production of the film. “ My family is very important to me. But after that, the next most important thing to me now is ‘Invasion 1897’. The film will answer certain questions that have to do with the invasion of Benin Kingdom by the British Empire in 1897. The stake is much higher than what we used to have before,” Imasuen said.

He continued, “We are at the post production stage. The teaser has been on Youtube for about three weeks now. The reaction has been quite impressive with over fifteen to sixteen thousand heat in three weeks.

Also, on facebook, about twelve thousand people have seen the teaser. That has been encouraging to me because many people are actually waiting to see the movie. You will agree with me that almost every adult in our society today read Ola Rotimi’s “Ovonramwen Nogbaisi”, as a literature text for WAEC and GCE examinations.”

“Ola Rotimi wrote the play from a Yoruba man perspective. I had so much interest in that work. Professor Ahmed Yerima also wrote the same play from

the Northern’s perspective.

But this is the first time that a Benin man will come out to document their own history. And we are using the best medium to do it. The film is a product of a very serious research. And we are capturing the story from the perspective of the art works that were carted away from us.”

On the choice of releasing the film early next year, the popular film director explained that it was deliberate, adding “It will coincide with the country’s centenary celebration and which marks 100 years Oba Ovonramen N’ogbaisi (the then sitting Oba) died in exile in Calabar, on the 14th of January, 1994, where he was banished by the British.”

Parading stars such as Segun Arinze Paul Obazele, Mike Omoregbe who played the lead character, with special appearance by late Justus Esiri, the film which has been endorsed by the Benin monarch, Oba Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo is indeed, a bold attempt by Imasuen to open up the hidden truths behind the invasion of the Benin Kingdom

AFRIFF gets new members

A

head of hosting of this year’s edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), from November 10 through 17, in Calabar, organisers of the festival have announced the joining of the team by some accomplished industry operator.

AFRIFF’s founder, Chioma Ude,in a statement made available to HVP, confirmed that the likes of Messrs Keith Shiri,

Chioma Ude

Andy Amanechi and Norbert Ajaegbu have agreed to lend their expertise and commitment to the aspirations and values of the festival.

“As part of our vision to constantly improve standards in the industry and provide the best services at all times, we are delighted to have several illustrious and acclaimed personalities join the AFRIFF team for the 2013 edition of the Festival. Messrs Keith Shiri, Andy Amenechi and Norbert Ajaegbu have agreed to lend their expertise and commitment to the aspirations and values of the Africa International Film Festival.”

Zimbabwean born, world renowned international film curator and writer on African cinema, Keith Shiri, joins the AFRIFF as the festival’s programmer and jury coordinator while Amenechi, incumbent President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and also a member of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), and Norbet Ajaegbu respectively join the team as Chairman of the jury and as its strategist.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—37

Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola, others battle for City People award ANOZIE EGOLE

C

ome tomor row, at Heaven Event Center, Ikeja, organisers of the annual City People Awards will announce the winner of the Face of Nollywood category, which is keenly contested by the quartet of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic and Funke Akindele-Oloyede.

The category is as important as others, but what makes the Face of Nollywood category to be one of the high points of the awards’ segment is the controversies among fans of the prolific actresses as to who is truly the face of Nollywood among the four nominees.

Another category of the awards is the Musician of The Year (Male) category which has Wizkid, Davido, Ice Prince, Iyanya and Flavour as nominees. The artistes are all qualified to win at the category based on the impact they have had in the music industry in Nigeria.

The toughest award could be said to be, the category of the Most Popular Song Of The Year. Ihe Neme (2Face Idibia), Limpopo (Kcee), Kukere (Inyanya), Shake Your Bum (Timaya), First of All (Olamide), Go Gaga Crazy

Genevieve

(Chuddy K), Alingo (PSquare), Gobe (Davido) and Sho Le (Sean Tizzle) will slug it out in that section of the awards. There is the Ghana section of the awards, which is also keenly contested.

Emerald hits airwaves A

fter so many years of background work, Emerald, a drama series that is poised to redefine Nigeria’s TV drama landscape, is set to begin airing on the two leading TV networks in Nigeria - NTA Network and AIT every Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.

Transmission will begin next week.

Emerald Season One, shot in full HD format is typically Nigerian with a mix of all the issues that affects us all in our

Emerald cast C M Y K

daily interactions. The viewer will be inspired by the different characters as he/she identifies with them through their pains, suffering and joyful moments. The story explores the age-long truth that when it comes to emotions, the barrier of status, whether rich, middle class or poor, is broken down. The setting of the drama is in West Africa and the cast parades some of the best actors in Nigeria, both established and budding.

Omotola

Rita Dominic

Cossy Orjiakor’s intimate revelation

C

ontroversial actress, Cossy Orjiakor will continue to be in the news whether for the right or wrong reasons. The busty role interpreter has repeatedly said, at different times and fora that people should desist from judging her by how she dresses and what she does with her life.

She recently dropped the bomb, stating that she hasn’t had sex for a long time. As a result,

she advices busy bodies to learn how not judge a book by its cover as she happens to be the only actress that has not slept with an actor

in Nollywood.

Orjiakor however challenged her haters to investigate her claim if they so wish. Reverend sister Cossy Orjiakor!

Cossy

Pawpaw’s one wish

Pawpaw

“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride them” so goes an English proverb and nursery rhyme. But for comic actor, Osita Iheme better known as Pawpaw, his one wish aside getting married to an intelligent and beautiful lady is to have a set of twins.

Iheme who recently voiced this out, is fervently praying for the miracle to happen, shortly after his wedding to his yet to be unveiled ‘Mrs. Right.’ At this juncture, we urge fans of Pawpaw not only to pray for him to meet the love of his life, but also, for God to grant him his heart's desire.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

VANGUARD, SATURDAY,JULY 13, 2013 — 39

What styling does to my hair — Adokiye

want to imagine myself on it because I just think, as a woman, my strength is my hair and my dad always made me feel he couldn’t stand a woman with no hair or with short hair .He made sure I had all the treatment to make my hair grow long and nice so there won’t be any excuse of not having hair. That is what I have been holding on to.

What is your kind of hairstyle ?

I like full and very long hairstyles . But in a situation where I’m not chanced to fix, I go on my natural hair because my natural hair is very long and silky.

Can you go bald for any reason ?

Well, because of the nature of my job, once I’m paid very well, why not? I can also go bald for a music video that requires me to do that. I mean a very outstanding video .

You seem not to be the braid type ?

Yes, I’m not the braid type. But again, as a professional, if my job requires me to go on braid, then I will.

HAIRSTYLE OF THE WEEK •Adokiye

A

-

BY IYABO AINA

DOKIYE Kyrian Yvonne a.k.a Adokiye is one of Nigeria’s fast

rising singers and recently debuted with two singles, Baby Baby ft Olamide and Kulumo Kulumo ft Black 70.

In this interview with Hair & Style, Adokiye speaks on what makes a great hair style and more.Excerpt.

How will you describe your hair texture?

Actually, I have a naturally thick hair but applying hair treatment has helped to make it soft and silky. I’d say it’s beautiful . My father has a lovely hair texture. His hair is curly and full. So, I took after his hair. I remember he used to wear a mini-Afro because he was too obsessed with his hair So what kind of special treat do you give your hair ?

I don’t really have any special treatment , but one thing I can’t do without is

shea butter . Also, I retouch at least once every month. But on a normal day, shea butter does the magic for me Any special relaxer for your hair ?

No. I can go for any relaxer as long as it soothes my hair. But I make sure they are really good products.

What is a good hairstyle to you ?

A good hairstyle to me is that hair that brings out the beauty of a woman . It gives you a unique look and makes you stand out.For me, hair styling is my power and it depicts me.

Have you ever done anything crazy to your hair ?

Of course. There was a time I went blond for a while. I felt very different and powerful because blond has its own strength . The usual hair colour preferred by most ladies is black.

So, wearing a blond hair made me feel different and outstanding. It made everyone I passed by turn around and give me a second glance.

So as a celebrity , which hairstyle will you not wear ?

Never will I be caught on skin cut .I don’t

40— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Glamorous looks from Mis s Nigeria 2013 —As Aku T

do emerges winner

his year ’s Miss Nigeria beauty pageant held last Saturday at the prestigious Intercontinental hotel Victoria Island Lagos sets the stage for future celebrity styles. .

The red carpet featured so much colour, bling, dazzling dresses, sharp suits and smiles to compliment the stars look. This year’s trendsetters include Ene Maya, South African model Millen, Eunice Efole, Elor Aisen and Opeyemi Awoyeami who dazzled in a black transparent and lace dress. The event which was well attended saw Twenty three year old Akudo Ezinne Anyaoha, emerge Miss Nigeria 2013.

•Alexs Nowe

Akudo a law graduate of Abia State University beat 20 other contestants to clinch the coveted crown.

By her win, she gets a brand new car donated by Quintessentially, N3, 000, 000m, a trip to California and one year free accommodation.

She is also the country’s International Ambassador that will uphold the Nigerian culture and traditional values in our modern way of life.

Here are some of the most buzz worthy dresses from the event as captured by Oscar Ochiogu.

•Bola Balogun

•Dakore

•Chilia Uwazie

•Bunmi Ademokoya •Eunice Efole

•Elor Aisen

•Milen

•Ene Maya

•Opeyemi

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

W

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

hen you engage a bright and creative mind you definitely will leave with an experience to remember in a very long time. Ayo walked into the Vanguard corporate office looking well dressed ,above all, exuding confidence that he is a young man with a vision to impact lives.

He is a Microbiologist with an MBA,and he is set to cause a generation change. Please read on: What was your upbringing like?

My first degree was in Microbiologyfrom Igbinedion University, and an MBA from Bayero University. I am from a family of six, the first son. My father is a seasoned hotelier while my mother is an educationist. I grew up with strong religious and moral values which I imbibed from my background. Like every other African first child, I am responsible for keeping the name and image of my family.

This made my mother spend hours grooming me with cane and a book everyday while my father ensured character and integrity were my watchword. I was involved in lots of debate competitions growing up and was always giving speeches in school or in church. I guess that was how I developed my immaculate speaking skill.

The one thing I know that was constant all my life was the fact that I caught the attention of people when I spoke, it was not until recently I realized it was a tool for destiny. It’s no surprise that I have grown to become a Brand and an idea strategist, speaker and an author.

What is the inspiration for this burden to bring about positive change in our society?

My experience serving in Yobe State a few years shaped me dramatically. I led the NYSC band which made me quite popular and allowed me to meet a lot of other Corp members. In my interactions with my colleagues I realized that a majority had absolutely no idea what they were going to do with their lives. Some were counting on good fortune, others were hoping for a miracle while some were willing to go by any means necessary. These were supposed to be university graduates but they lacked an orientation for the future. It C M Y K

Vanguard, JUL Y 13, 2013—41 JULY

M

oral Rearmament/Initiatives of Change recently concluded a Train the Trainers Workshop in Lagos.

Most of the participants who were majorly young professionals had as part of their testimonial a rewarding experience, as they walked away with fresh knowledge, new insight and inspiration to take action.

It 's either we innovate or we die — Ayodele Lawal Adio

was at this point I made up my mind to awaken my colleagues towards taking personal responsibility for their lives. I went on to organize a few successful seminars alongside Tylor the SAGE who was also serving in Yobe at the time. Together we set on a mission to renew the mind of young Nigerians.

H

ow in real terms are you doing this?

There is nowhere in history where the government was responsible for the economic prosperity of its citizenry. It is the tears, sweat and blood of citizens that translate to economic value. The truth is entrepreneurship is no longer an option but a necessity. It is either we

innovate or we die. Graduates are saturating the market, and unemployment is on the rise.

If we must salvage this impending doom then we must Start enterprises no matter how small. The start up generation is a platform I have created to encourage innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial activities by

can be mentored directly by accomplished ones to fasttrack their success. An advocacy and inquiry fora when policy makers and other stakeholders will be engaged in a dialogue to create a pathway to a successful

The truth is entrepreneurship is no longer an option but a necessity. It is either we innovate or we die young Nigerians through training and Mentorship. I seek to create an environ where young entrepreneurs

future. The project will be lunched on October 1st, 2013.

What are you currently working on?

I have been working on a couple of things. I just wrapped up the production of my audio series NO LIMITS and my book “Becoming a Super Achiever” will be out in stores soon. I also have been engaged with corporate trainings at Deliver consulting.

Any last words for Nigerian youth?

I urge young people to prioritize long term perspectives over instant gratification. No matter how small the start up is, with diligence and patience, a great company will emerge.

42—SATURDAY, Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

Veronica Chibo funeral rites in pictures

T

he final moments of Lt. (Mrs) Veronica Chigbo, mother of Enuma Chigbo, is one that would be remember for a long time by her family and kinsmen as she was laid to rest amid pomp and pageantry.

From the laying-in-state to the funeral service in Umuoji, Anambra State and Holy Trinity Parish, Enugu State, respectively, it was razzmatazz all the way.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Enuma Chigbo daughter of the deceased

L-R ;Auntie Rose (nee Chigbo), Mrs Obioma Liyel-Imoke and Enuma Chigbo, at the funeral mass service

L-R; Ifeyinwa Igbodalo, niece to the deceased and Anyanna Imoke, friend of the family.

Ikenna Chigbo (in white) surrounded by Elders of the Chigbo family.

Mrs. Obioma Liyel-Imoke, wife of the Governor of Cross River State with Blossom Ubani .

L-R Mrs I.B. Allagoa, Elenda Osima-Dokubo and Mrs Amie Georgewill.

R-L: Ifeoma Chigbo, Enuma Chigbo and Ikenna, children of the deceased.

Elders of the Okeke family

Some friends of the family C M Y K

Friends from Light House Christian Church, Calabar ,with Enuma Chigbo

Enuma Chigbo and Uncle Fidelis Chigbo, leading the burial procession

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—43

C M Y K

44—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE JULY 13, 2013

Wife turns husband to house help ByANOZIE EGOLE

I

N this shocking but alltoo-familiar tale of do mestic violence, Onyemma, a 29-year-old businessman, told this reporter how his uncle became a dummy house help in his own house at the hands of a nagging and brutal housewife. He says his uncle, Mr Gideon, has been stripped of his self-confidence as a man and his marriage has become a living nightmare.

Mr Gideon’s story A few years after their marriage, Gideon was like a little god to his wife but things took a different turn when he lost his job with a paint company. His wife suddenly became the bread winner, calling the shots in the house.

In his words, “The once happy home changed to something else when my uncle lost his driving job in the 90’s. The wife became a terror in the house. She would send him on errands, demand that he perform menial chores like fetching water,

sweeping the house, etc.

My uncle was doing it because he thought he was helping his wife, but little did he know that was the beginning of his trauma. Anytime he fails to carry out these home chores, he now gets the beating of his life.

He has been stripped of his self confidence and dignity as a man.

"This humiliation was so much to the extent that the elders of my kindred summoned her to know why she was treating their brother in that manner. But the intervention of the kindred did not yield any result as the wife had turned her husband into her property, manipulating him at will.

"As family members, we rarely visit my uncle in his house because we have found out that their relationship is dotted with incessant assaults and the silly attitude of a domineering wife. All manner of interventions for a loving relationship have proved abortive. So, if you ask him, he would not hesitate to tell you that men are mostly the

The once happy home changed to something else. When my uncle lost his driving job in the 90’s, his wife became a terror in the house v i c tims of domestic violence.

That is if his wife does not hear him say so, because he will get another beating of his life."

The lustful father who slept with his daughter Mrs. Janet, a 40 year-old trader who is also a mother of two, is always ready to tell the story of her husband who threw caution to the wind and slept with their only daughter, putting her in the family

way against tradition.

But she would always have herself to blame as she narrated that her prolonged absence from home created the gap that not only ruined her marriage but destroyed what was left of her daughter’s life.

“I was not always around.

At a time when my daughter needed motherly care and advice, I was not around. At the time she had her first menstrual period, my husband was at home with her and gave her the necessary care. But it turned out to be a sordid experience as the man took advantage of his growing daughter.

He began to sleep with her afterwards, telling her if he didn’t do that, the menstrual blood would continue. That continued without my knowledge until I discovered the girl was ill. I got the shock of my life when I was told my daughter was pregnant.

More devastating was the fact that her father had been sleeping with her,” she lamented.

According to her, the husband initially denied responsibility. But after the inter-

vention of their village head, he confessed to the crime.

“He was interrogated by the police, but he denied. Our king intervened and also interrogated him and he later confessed to the crime,” she stated.

On the punishment meted out to him, Janet said as is customary in the African culture, he was banished by the king from the community.

“He has been banished from the village, leaving me to take care of the 13 children,” she said.

Lamenting how she has been taking care of the children, she said the punishment should also have included taking care of the 13 children she has from the marriage. “It has been very excruciating, a more severe punishment should have been given to him to take care of the children rather than leaving me all alone to care for the 13 children. Although the man was not really doing anything serious before the incident, he supported from the little pension he collected from his former employer,” she disclosed.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—45

When men become victims...

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

what started as a huge joke between Romeo and Juliet snowballed into the death of her husband.

Apart from the fact that she currently battles with the psychological and emotional trauma that may permanently live with her, she carries the stigma of being a murderess. According to her, “It was a union of unending battle." The

couple quarreled over trivial issues until she accidentally ended her husband’s life, thereby making herself a widow. Narrating her trauma, she revealed to Saturday Vanguard that she could not explain what came upon her that fateful day.

"People refused to come to our aid as they thought it was just one of the usual quarrels we used to have. They thought it was the normal prelude to lovemaking between couples.

So, they didn’t bother to intervene.”

The widow remorsefully told Saturday Vanguard that “it was like that until that fateful day; after I had had my baby and my husband claimed he wasn’t buoyant enough to buy baby food for the new baby.

That degenerated into another fight.

"Although my husband could not be called a man of means, I didn’t believe he hadn’t the money I asked for to buy the baby’s food. We had quarreled over that and he had beaten me up like he was wont to severally. It was painful, and I decided to avenge the beating. So, I picked up a stone to hit him but it accidentally hit him on the head. I watched him bleed to death.”

According to a police source, the case has been charged to court, adding that Mary is awaiting trial.

Our source also disclosed that the two children were in the custody of the husband's family pending court judgment on the issue.

when my wife influenced me about our relocation to Lagos and I did not know it was the beginning of my trauma.

Victoria, influenced by our new environment (hustle and bustle in Lagos), started coming late from her shop. And anytime I cautioned my wife, she turned the situation into an ar-

gument. She changed from my loving wife to the abusive spouse calling me different names.”

On that fateful night, Israel and his wife had an intense argument and around1.00am,Victoria went into her husband’s room and poured hot vegetable oil on him. Israel lamented, “It was our neighbours from the other flats that took me to a hospital and I was there for a whole month.”

After his discharge from the hospital, Victoria pleaded for forgiveness and they were together again. But barely two weeks after, Israel was receiving a phone call from a distant aunt and his wife thought it was a conversation with an unknown mistress. Victoria accused him of infidelity. “Before I knew what was happening, she smashed my phone to the ground and started destroying all the gadgets at home. When I tried to stop her, she became more aggressive and stabbed me with a knife,” he revealed.

N

OTHING could be more cruel than a splash of pepper sauce on the face, but the ensuing drama was even more gruesome than his worst nightmares. He tried running out of the house while crying for help but his beastly wife descended heavily on him with a knife, stabbing him with all the power she could muster. He managed to shove her off and ran out of his house screaming for help.

As if that was not enough, she defied all entreaties by on-lookers, ran back into the house and returned with a bowl of petrol.

Bystanders ran for their dear lives paving the way for her heinous act. She poured the contents on him and set him ablaze. On the throes of death, Johnson staggered to a nearby gutter to put out the fire on his body, but that made no difference. She came after him yet again to complete the act with a knife. Even after Johnson was rescued from his murderer and rushed to the hospital, he could not live to tell the story of what transpired. That was the fate of Johnson for having a vampire as a wife.

The dastardly act occurred in Udu Road, Warri, Delta State last October. As the law was allowed to run its course, Rukvwe, a petty trader in her early thirties, is currently serving a life sentence in jail handed down by the court a couple of months ago.

According to our source, her late husband was a young footballer and pastor in the area.

Saturday Vanguard gathered

that trouble ensued after Rukvwe learnt that her husband had been going out with a young girl in Ughelli, Delta State and a marriage between both of them was in the offing. Sources said the wife, who was in her second trimester, got angry and decided to be brutal with her husband.

“The man (Johnson) had gone for a programme in Ughelli andstayed several days, perhaps longer than he had planned. He returned home to Warri to his pregnant wife; but the naive wife thought he had gone to visit his girlfriend.”

Sources added that the woman pretended nothing was wrong as they both went out for dinner that fateful day before the

gruesome act.

“She didn’t act as though anything was amiss. The man had taken his wife our for dinner that evening. They returned home that night and it was like all was well. But few minutes after they returned, she threw caution to the wind and killed her husband.”

For Mary Anozie, a resident of Ago Palace Way, Lagos State,

They quarrelled over trivial issues until she accidentally ended her husband’s life, making herself a widow

A society biased against males?

BY ADERONKE ADEYERI

W

HILE THE majority of domestic violence victims are women, male-oriented abuse occurs more often than many think.

Naturally, men are stronger than women but that does not necessarily make it easier for them to have their way all the time.

According to a 2010 National Survey by the Centres for Disease Control and U.S Department of Justice, in the last 12 months, more men have been victims of intimate-partner physical violence than women.

The survey also indicates that men were also more often victims of psychological aggression. It is not also impossible that gender-biased individuals have overtime managed to sway society into

believing that there are more female victims of domestic violence than men. Yet, men are being ignored and threatened by a double-edged sword; they are victimized by

An abused man faces a shortage of resources, skepticism from the Police and other major obstacles partners who also complain about being abused.

Also, an abused man faces a shortage of resources, skepticism from Police and other major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother.

Could it be natural or was it

designed by men themselves?

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Israel Obi, who was a victim of hot vegetable oil bath by his wife, narrated his ordeal: “I got married to Victoria May 2005 and settled in Odorasanya in, Ijebu Igbo of Ogun State. It all started

46 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13,, 2013

Politicising appointment of Service Chiefs won’t work —Gen. Ikponmwen

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin City

B

rig. General Don Idada Ikponmwen is the ex-Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army and also its former Di rector, Legal Services. Idada, who has been involved in several legal battles in the Army, including the prosecution of three Admirals over the missing MP Africa ship in 2003, expressed shock over the Federal High Court’s recent declaration which stripped the President of the sole power to appoint Service Chiefs in the Armed Forces. As an expert on the nation’s constitution and military laws, Idada noted that the declaration would not stand the test of time, just as he projected that if applied, it would politicise the Armed Forces and threaten the security of the nation.

Excerpts:

some of our Judges.

But what makes you feel the court was wrong in its judgment?

The provisions of our constitution with regard to the powers of the President in terms of appointments to high public offices including that of the service chiefs are very clear. Wherever the constitution intended to have conditions placed on the President like the need to consult, have a nomination from certain ex-

,

W

hat is your take on the recent judgment by the Federal High Court that stripped the President of the power to appoint Service Chiefs?

I was completely dismayed with such a declaration because it tends to turn the constitution upside down. It was even more shocking that the court agreed with the argument that the Armed Forces Act, which was first enacted during the military administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar and was a replica of the 1993 Armed Forces Decree, was declared to be a law not in the category of the existing laws in Nigeria. I think these are shocking declarations, and the least I can say is that I found it very disappointing and the decision cannot stand the test of time.

I don’t think we have seen the end of the matter. My worry is that many people, especially those who would not take the pain to read the constitution in all its ramifications both those living in Nigeria and outside - may just get the impression that it is the position of our constitution. I feel very disappointed about that judgment, and I think this is one of the reasons some people believe there is so much corruption, lack of thoroughness, lack of expertise amongst

•Ikponmwen... which deals with the appointment of Ministers, made it clear that confirmation by the Senate is a pre-requisite. Nobody becomes a Minister unless the Senate has approved the nomination. The same way with the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Federation. Section 230, sub section 1 requires not only that there will be a nomination from the Judicial Service Commission, but also that the nomination made by the President must be

In other words, the President, by default of the National Assembly, remains a man whose executive powers are not restricted to just the appointment of Service Chiefs, but the entire Armed Forces are at his discretion

isting bodies or the need for confirmation from the Senate, it is very clear on those points.

Even a casual look at the provisions of Section 147 dealing with the appointment of Ministers, the provision of Sections 230 and 238 will show that the constitution is not silent on the conditions necessary to appoint high officials to Federal executive positions.

Section 147 in particular,

,

sent to the Senate for approval and confirmation. Same applies to the appointment of the President of the Court of Appeal. On the nature of our Presidency, Section 130(1) says “There shall be for the Federation a President” and proceeds to add in 130(2) that “The President shall be the Head of State, The Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the

Armed Forces of the Federation.” On the strength of these provisions, it is clear that the President is not a mere figure-head or ceremonial President. dded to this is the fact that he is elected from all the constituencies of the Federation and is thereby vested with grassroots

A

support, which is greater than the mandate of all legislators put together.

Sections 133 and 134 of the Constitution explain the power exercisable by the President and Commander-In-Chief. Section 218(1) says “The Power of the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ar med Forces of the Federation shall include power to determine the operational use of the Ar med Forces of the Federation” The provision that is directly relevant to the question of appointment of the Service Chiefs is Section 218(2) which says “ The power conferred on the President by subsection (1) of this section shall include power to appoint the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, The Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff and Heads of any other branches of the

Armed Forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.”

From the foregoing, it is clear that the power vested in the President to appoint Service Chiefs is in no way fettered.

If the Constitution had intended to place any restriction or condition, it would have said so unequivocally as it has done with regard to other positions created by the Constitution; for example Sections 230(1) relating to the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court of the Federation and the President of the Court of Appeal. In all these sections, the Constitution, in no uncertain terms, spells out when either consultation with Council of States or nomination from some other bodies or confirmation of the Senate is required.

Section 218(2) is therefore unambiguous and does not lend itself open to any unwarranted debate or academic exercise. Section 154(1) provides, in general terms, that the appointment to the above listed positions shall need the confirmation of the Senate in deserving and specific positions; whereas section 154(2) proceeds to specify where confirmation shall not be required. Such positions not needing the confirmation of the Senate include: the Council of State, National Defense Council or the National Security Council.

Section 154(3) states clearly that in the appointment of persons to the position of chairman/members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Judicial Council, the Federal Judicial Service Commission and the National Population Commission, the President shall be required to consult the Council of State and no more.

From these provisions and others earlier cited, it becomes obvious, on invocation of the doctrine of expressio unius exclusio alterius, that it is improper to drag in the requirement of confirmation from the Senate or even consultation with any other body for the appointment of Service Chiefs in the Federation of Nigeria. Having come this far, it becomes necessary to take Continues on Page 47

SATURDAY

Vanguard , JULY 13,, 2013—47

‘Politicising appointment of Ser vice Chiefs won’t work’ Continued from page 46 a look at the existing laws to see whether, indeed, the relevant portions of the AFA are in consonance with the Constitution.

What about the issue of existing laws?

In its ordinary meaning, the concept of existing law carries the meaning of any law, any enactment or instrument whatsoever which was in force before the promulgation of the Constitution.

The Armed Forces Act, which was first enacted as Armed Forces Decree (1993) during the military era, existed before the promulgation of the 1999 Constitution. The fact that CAP A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (2004) altered the name of that law with little or no modification does not take that law outside the scope of existing Laws under the 1999 Constitution.

It is noteworthy that unlike the NYSC Decree 1993, the Public Complaints Commission Act, the National Security Agency Act and the Land Use Act, the Armed forces Decree/Act was not listed as one of the laws to be carried over in 1999 so as to enjoy the status of Constitutional provisions. On the strength of both section 315(2) and 1(3) of the Constitution which is the supremacy clause, the aforementioned provisions of the Armed Forces Act, in so far as they are not consistent with the provision of section 218(2), must be null and void to the extent of the inconsistency. Section 1(3) provides that “ If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution, the constitution shall prevail and that other law, shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void”. Whereas section 218(2) empowers the President to appoint his Service Chiefs at his discretion, the Armed Forces Act, which, on the contrary, places restrictions on the exercise of the same power vide section 18(1) and (2) of the AFA, makes the latter clearly inconsistent with the Constitution. I am not aware of the provision of section 218(4) (a) and (b) which provides that the National Assembly shall make laws for the regulation of the powers exercisable by the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and for the appointment and disciplinary

•Ikponmwen... control of members of the Armed Forces of the Federation.

It is seriously contended that the provisions in section 218(4) (a) and (b) are general provisions aimed at ensuring that laws are made to guide against arbitrariness and abuse of power. While pointing out that even the National Assembly has never made any such regulatory laws, it must be emphasised that the general provisions in section 218(4) cannot override the specific power granted the President in the same Section to appoint Service Chiefs without any restraint.

We practised the presidential system from 1979, then there was a military administration again. If you add Shagari’s regime to the regimes we have had after Abdulsalami handed over to civilians, you have a total of 18 years that we have practised the presidential system wherein the National Assembly is expected to pass laws to regulate the powers of the president in his exercise of powers as Commander of the Armed Forces.

But there has never been such a law. So the discretion of the President is the law as far as appointment is concerned.

However, because the president is a politician, his powers need to be regulated in terms of the use of the Armed

Forces. That is the area that should be of concern to the National Assembly. But the National Assembly has not even passed a single law in all these years. From the foregoing analysis, the provisions of sections 218(4) (a), (b) and 219 cannot constitute any justification to deny the President the discretion availed him by the same Constitution with regard to the appointment of Service Chiefs.

What about politicising the appointment of Service Chiefs ?

The declaration to the effect that the President cannot appoint his Service Chiefs without the confirmation of the Senate is manifestly wrong and dangerous for our nation as it will, inevitably, lead to negation of discipline, coherence in command and control of the Armed Forces which are predicated upon the existence of a unified Command.

The issue of Command of the Armed Forces is a very serious ,professional military issue which has very serious implications for the efficiency, efficacy and virility of the Armed Forces. Let me emphasise that the efficiency of the Armed Forces thrives on what we call Unity of Command. Discipline, promotion, deployment, everything that

has to do with the Armed forces must come under a unified Command where there can be no ambiguities, no conflicts as to responsibility, and this must be so because of strategic reasons.

The moment you divide Command in the Armed Forces, you divide loyalty and loyalty is supposed to be 100 per cent to the Command of the Armed Forces. The Command of the Armed Forces revolves around the Commander in Chief and officers commissioned into the Armed Forces that hold positions from time to time. The moment you break or negate this unity of Command, you don’t have an army. You will have a bunch of people who, for selfish reasons, are running from pillar to post, from senator to senator, trying to butter their own bread. Therefore, you cannot afford to make appointments in the Armed Forces an allcomers affair, and when I say ‘all comers’ in this respect it includes the National Assembly. The duty of the National Assembly is to make laws, conduct their oversight functions and regulate.

An attempt has also been made to highlight that a substantial part of the reason for the collapse of the First Republic was the absence of a powerful and clearly discernable leader, and that this phenomenon accounted for the choice of a Presidential system. In the same breath, the point has been emphasised that the Command and control of the Armed Forces must not be allowed to be compromised on the altar of politics.

This compromise would inevitably arise when the Command of the Armed Forces, particularly in terms of appointment, becomes an issue for the National Assembly.

But don’t you think this

will make the President dictatorial?

Very good question. Let me tell you that where we are today, by virtue of the type of constitution or the system we are running, is not by accident.

This country was used to a parliamentary system of government for many years - both before and after Independence, particularly after Independence. We were running a Westminster type of government for five years before the military struck and pulled down the first Republic. What was the reason? I want to emphasise that one of the reasons why the parliamentary system was dumped in this country is because it was too amorphous, cumbersome, it lacked an identifiable leader who commanded the followership and support of the generality of Nigerians. It lacked grassroot support. It was bedevilled by the concept of collective responsibility.

That is why Nigeria opted in 1979 for a President that will be powerful, who can make quick decisions, consult when it is necessary. So the President is deliberately a powerful man by our structure.

But that is not the end of the story. That is why you find Section 218, sub section 4 talking about powers to regulate that of the President. The National Assembly is supposed to use its laws to regulate such powers, but like I said before, no such regulations have been made.

In other words, the President, by default of the National Assembly, remains a man whose executive powers are not restricted to just the appointment of Service Chiefs, but the entire Armed Forces are at his discretion.

48 — Vanguard,

SATURDAY JULY 13, 2013

Crack down on rapists in Benue State —Police arrest gang that raped Pastor’s wife, teenager before father

T

he new Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adams Audu has taken his crackdown on crimes to the door steps of rapists and those who take pleasure in defiling unsuspecting women, with the arrest of five suspects in four rape cases. The suspects who were arrested in different parts of the town are currently helping the police in its investigations into similar cases in the state.

Investigations revealed that among those arrested by the Police were members of a gang who allegedly robbed and raped the wife of a pastor(names withheld) at Korinya Mbagwaza in Ushongo Local Government area of the state. The suspects who were said to be ten in number had few days ago, at about 2 am,invaded the residence of the pastor armed with dangerous weapons.

They allegedly robbed their victims of N160,000, cellphones and other valuables after which they raped the pastor ’s wife(names withheld). The matter was reported to the police who detailed their men to trail the suspects. Crime Guard gathered that acting on a tip off, one Aondona Tersugh and Aondowase Oryima, were arrested while the police are still investigating the matter just as it is still on the trail of other members of the gang.

,

BY PETER DURU, MAKURDI

The suspects who were arrested in different parts of the town are currently helping the police in its investigations into similar cases in the state

•CP Benue, Adams Audu

,

Also apprehended were Tersoo Ayari, residing at kilometer three Gboko road and Jondo Aondona who were allegedly identified by their victims as prime suspects when a four-man gang robbed and raped their victims at kilometer four, Gboko road. The gang were alleged to have stormed the residence of the victims few days ago at about 3 am armed with guns and other dangerous weapons with which they pulled down the doors of the houses of their victims.

According to our source, the gang allegedly robbed their victims of

seven laptops, 19 cellphones and other valuables. They also forcefully had sexual intercourse with one of their victims (names withheld) after having robbed her of her belongings and valuables. Luckily, the victims of the robbery and rape identified members of the gang who few days after the incident were arrested by the police in Makurdi.

Also arrested by the police was an 18year-old boy, Terhile Stephen who allegedly raped a fellow teenager(names withheld) in the North Bank area of Makurdi. According to our source, the rape victim was deceived by Terhile who urged her to follow him to his house which was located behind ECWA Secondary School in North Bank, to collect some money in order to buy pen.

However, on getting to North Bank, the suspect allegedly forced her into a friend’s room where he tore her underwear and forcefully had sexual intercourse with his victim despite her plea for mercy.

It was gathered that the alleged forceful intercourse led to injuries and bleeding from the private part of the

girl who was rushed to a police clinic in Makurdi for medical attention. The suspect was however, arrested by detectives who stormed the area few minutes after the said act was committed.

It was further gathered that the Police are also investigating a case of a teenager who was raped by a gang of six men who stormed the Benue Agric and Rural Development Authority quarters area of Makurdi town. The victim was said to have been raped in the presence of her father on the 24th of June, after the armed men forcefully broke into their living home, robbed them of cellphones and recharge cards after which they violated the girl.

When contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Daniel Ezeala confirmed the story. Ezeala added that the police was still investigating the cases adding that on completion of investigations, all the suspects would face trial. He stressed that the quick response of the police and arrests made in most criminal cases in the state in the last few weeks was in furtherance of the assurances made by the new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adams Audu who on assumption of duties, promised to confront all acts of criminality in the state headlong irrespective of who was involved.

The PPRO urged members of the public to always avail the Police necessary information that would aid the command fight all forms of crime in the renewed onslaught against criminals in Benue State.

Police in Enugu arrest notorious robber y suspect robbery

T

•CP Enugu State, Adamu

he police in Umuabor Division in Nsukka L.G.A of Enugu State have nabbed a suspect believed to be a notorious armed robber identified as Ezema Julius alias Mororo who has been terrorizing Ede- Oballa Nsukka and its environs. He was arrested by the operatives during a raid of suspected criminal hide out carried out in the area recently.

A statement from the police spokesman in Enugu State, DSP Ebere Amarizu says the suspect is now helping the police in their

investigations as he has made revelations about other members of his gang including their operations. Recovered from the suspect in his hideout are quantities of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp just as investigation into the incident has begun.

In a related development, a female suspect who gave her name as Chidinma has been nabbed by the operatives of the No 3, Police Mobile Force, Enugu State command, on a stop-and-search duty at Brown and Brown axis of

the state for attempting to steal a yellow tricycle (keke napep) with registration number NEN 919 QF and fleet no T21/99 at New Artisan market along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The tricycle is believed to be owned by one Sanusi Idris of Carta Street, Ogui Road, Enugu.

The apprehension of the suspect became possible following a tip-off received by the operatives from members of the public.

Meanwhile, investigations into the incident have commenced in a full scale.

Vanguard, SATURDAY JULY 13, 2013

Lagos Pastor docked for OBT, stealing

BY ONOZURE DANIA

T

he Police in Lagos, last Thursday, arraigned the General Overseer of Household of Destiny Church in Ajao Estate, Lagos, Reverend Praise M.C. Bassey, for alleged stealing and obtaining N3 million from a lady, Divine Arong , a staff of Cross River State Governor’s office in Calabar.

The 37-year-old Pastor was arraigned at an Ebutte-Metta Magistrate’s Court 8 presided over by Magistrate O.O. Olatunji.

Arraigning the suspect, the prosecutor, G.O. Osuyi told the court that the accused, on December 10, 2010, at Zenith Bank Plc, Lagos in the Lagos magistraterial district, fraudulently stole the sum of N3m, from one Divine Arong thereby committed an offence punishable under section 390 (b) criminal code, Law of Lagos State of

magisterial district with intent to defraud, obtained N3m from one Reverend Divine Arong on the pretext that he was in position to assist her purchase a Hyundai IX35 SUV vehicle from South Korea, a representation he knew to be false thereby committed an offence punishable under section 419 of criminal Code cap C17 Vol. 2, law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused •Reverend Praise M.C. Bassey pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted Nigeria, 2003. bail in the sum of N500,000 In the second count, the with two sureties, one who prosecutor told the court also must be a blood relation and that Reverend Praise Bassey, resident in Lagos. The court on the day and time, at the said also that the address of same place in the same the surety must be verified.

Biz man, 51, to spend 3yrs in jail over theft and fraud

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

fraud and theft, saying “I hereby sentence you to three years imprisonment without 51-year-old an option of fine.”

The prosecutor, ASP Julius businessman, Mr Patrick Oyakhilome told the court that Egbe, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at the convict committed the offences in November 2008 at Spring Bank, Victoria Island in Lagos and was first arraigned before the court on July 7, 2011 on the said threecount charge.

“He stole N2 million, by borrowing the sum from Spring Bank. The convict also fraudulently issued a Zenith bank cheque, serial No. 00000265 dated January 8, 2009, which when presented, was dishonoured due to lack of funds in the a c c o u n t , ” Oyakhilome said.

The offences, according to the •The Inspector General of Police recently honoured p r o s e c u t o r , Deputy Commissioner of Polcie in-charge of Interpol, contravened Sections Adeyemi Ogunjemilasi for his outstanding dedication 390, 419 and 516 of to duty in Abuja. DCP Adeyemi(L) receiving the award the Criminal Laws of from IGP MD Abubakar while DIG Peter Gana watches.

Lagos State, 2003.

A

Ikoyi prison over fraud and theft by an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

Magistrate F.O. Botoku sentenced Egbe after she found him guilty on a threecount charge of conspiracy,

Award for gallantry

— 49

Fmr. Telecom manager in court for stealing N50m in Lagos

BY ONOZURE DANIA

A

former Administrative Officer with one of the leading telecom companies in Nigeria (name withheld), Udoh Ekepete Kyrian, 34, and one other suspect, Ikechukwu Attah, 31, were, last week, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly stealing N50.9million from their victims.

The defendants who were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Demi Ajayi, are facing 38 count charges of conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretence and stealing preferred against them by the police.

The police Prosecutor, Superintendent Barth Nwaokoye, said the defendants and others at large committed the alleged crime between June and October 2011. He said that the accused, sometime in September 2011, at about 12noon at the telecom office, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island under false pretence, conspired to receive 500 cartons of toner cartridge worth N10million belonging to one Admin Jibunoh. He also alleged that the defendants defrauded one Vera Mene Weirst of N11million by receiving 600 cartons of toner cartridges from her under false pretence of supplying, selling and remitting the proceeds of the sale to her which they failed to do.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants stole the sum of N6million which they converted to personal use, adding that it was the proceed which they realized from the 300 cartons of Toner Cartridge they received from one Onyinye Enyinna, which they promised to supply and sell to the telecom company, a representation which they knew to be false.

Nwaokoye, further said that on July 25, 2011, at about 3pm, the defendants obtained N 6,300,000, from one Tony Esho, under the pretext of assisting him to purchase toner cartridge which they never did but converted the said sum to their own use. According to the prosecutor, the accused also stole N4,500,000, from one Blessing Odowaye, under false pretext that they were going to help her start a supply with the telecom toner cartridges but failed to help her start the supply.

Other victims that were defrauded are Nnosiri Chinedu, from whom they stole N3,100,000, Oziri Patrick, N2,600,000, Wilson Ekene Abia, whom they received one carton of cartridge on October 7, 2011, at about 3pm, at Amadu Bello way Victoria Island, valued at N2million.

They were also accused of receiving 50 cartons of toner cartridge valued at N1,250,000, which is the proceed realized from the sales of the goods which was entrusted to them by one Walter Molokwu. But they converted into their own use the sum of N1,400,000, belonging to one Goodnews Enwerem. The court was also informed by the prosecutor that the defendants also defrauded one Ibrahim Sule, by obtaining N 2,800,000.

Nwaokoye, said that the offence committed is contrary to section 278 (1) (b) and punishable under section 409, 312 (3), 285 (1) of the criminal code No 34, Vol 44, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the 38 count charges against them and Magistrate Ajayi, granted them bail in the sum of N1 million each with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned to October 23, 2013.

50— SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

N130m alleged fraud: Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State asks court to stop arrest

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

F

ORMER Deputy Gov ernor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Aderoju Ojikutu, has filed a suit asking the Lagos High Court to stop the Inspector General of Police, IGP, from arresting her.

Ojikutu, 67, and her son, Adebisi Ojikutu (Jnr), were both declared wanted by the Special Fraud Unit, SFU, of the Nigeria Police Force. The police said that the former Deputy Governor had a case involving a fraud of N130 million to answer.

She however, said the matter which culminated into the police investigation was a civil case involving the sale of her late husband’s land at Lekki, Lagos.

Ojikutu said she sold the land through her lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, to one Mr Cajetan Okekearu, adding that both of them (herself and Adebisi jnr) obtained their letter of administration at the Probate Registry of the Lagos High Court.

The police had alleged that the former Deputy Governor and her son allegedly conspired and sold a parcel of land known as Plot 24, Block 4 situated at Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos for N130 million to Okekearu.

But Ojikutu’s Counsel, Pedro asked the court to declare that the said land described in the contract of sale dated October 6, 2011 and entered into by his client and the third defendant (Okekearu), belonged to her late husband, Mr Sampson Adebisi Ojikutu, pointing out that they were the true beneficiaries of his estate by virtue of the Letters of Administration with reference No. PHC/ 2114/2010.

She then urged the court to declare that the IGP, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, and the Second defendant, the Commissioner of PoliceSFU, Tunde Ogunsakin, were not empowered under any known law to interfere with any civil matter arising out of a breach of contract in particular.

In the originating summons brought pursuant to Order 3 Rules 8 (1) and (2) of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2012, the plaintiffs, among others, urged the court to determine whether the IGP and the Police Commissioner could legally, lawfully or validly convert the case into a criminal matterandproceedtodeclare the Ojikutu wanted or put her through any investigation whatsoever.

Furthermore, they then prayed the court to determine whether they were entitled to the said land and whether Okekearur, as a purchaser of the said land was under an obligation to make inquiries or investigate the true ownership of the

said property.

“Whetherbyvirtueofclause 9 of the contract of sale dated October 6, 2011 entered into by the claimants and the 3rd defendant, the claimants are

under obligations to indemnify the 3rd defendant in the event that the 3rd defendant incurred any expenses or loss arising from the transfer of title in the property as

T

HE Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LLPC, yesterday, fixed July 16 and 17 to interview 44 legal practitioners shortlisted for elevation to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN. According to a press release that was issued by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court who doubles as the Secretary of the LLPC, Mr Sunday Olorundahunsi, “The General public is at liberty to

tract of sale dated October 6, 2011 and entered into between the claimants and the 3rd defendant,” Ojikutu stated. No date has yet been fixed for mention of the case.

President Goodluck Jonathan bids farewell to the Nigerian Ambassador to China, Amb. Aminu Wali while the First Lady, Dame Patience Jomnathan (r) watched during departure formalities for the President after a 5-Day working visit to China at the Capital International Airport, Beijing, China. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

Warri Council urges Delta State, Fed. Govt to end Itsekiri mayhem Itsekiri people —who they Council, DWSC, Chief

BY SIMEON NDAJI

T

HE Warri National Council yesterday condemned the mayhem unleashed on Itsekiri communities by rampaging Ijaw youths,and called on the Delta State and the Federal Government to put a stop to the crisis.

Chairman of the Council ,Chief Brown Mene in a statement yesterday, said, “We only want and demand that our rights to exist

along with others on equal terms be not abused or relegated...

Our legitimate desire is to live peacefully and in harmony with all our neighbours in Nigeria.”

According to Mene, ‘’the group of heavily armed Ijaw youths on July2, 2013, invaded Itsekiri communities including ,Udo, Ajamita and Gbokoda along the Olero Creek that flows into the Benin River and extends to Ijaw communities of Opuama and

Tsekelewu among others. ‘’The attack on the peaceful Itsekiri communities where houses were burnt, lives and properties indiscriminately destroyed is unprecedented and a brazen act of terror by Ijaw youths whose grievances stemmed from the fact that they want to produce the next Chairman of the Warri North Local Government which they share with the

LPPC fixes July 16 to screen 44 new SANs BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

aforementioned. “Whether the refund of N50million by the claimants to the 3rd defendant was done in good faith and in compliance and partial fulfillment with clause 9 of the con-

comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of any of the applicants. Such comments if any shall reach the undersigned on or before the 15th day of July.”

Those shortlisted for the interview are David Maiwada Mando, Joshua Olukayode Olatoke, Afolabi Hakeem Olatunde, Ocha Petersen Ulegede, Godwin Odumu Obla, Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo, Joe Ad’ Ojo Abrahams, Kehinde Kolawole Eleja, Olalekan Fatai Yusuf, Olasheni Ibiwoye, Elema

Emenike Sylvester, Emeka Benson Etiaba, Nwufo Kevin Chukwudi, Anthony Ikechukwu Ani, Anthony Chukwuemeka Anaenugwu, ChukwumaMachukwu Ume, Gerald Godwin E. Ezeuko, Jnr, Fredson Chijioke Alexander Okoli, Ejelam Ahamefula Ikechukwu Ike. Others are Sylvanus Aghumele Ogwemoh, Adele Eberechi, Wilcox Achace Abereton, Samuel Otseilu Zibiri, Biriyai Dambo, Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, Mba Ekpezu Ukweni, Chukuka Olujimi

Chukura, Uko Essien Udom, Tawo Eja Tawo, Olayinka Adebola Abiose, Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, Olumide Olusoga Sofowora, Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire, Akinlolu Timothy Kehinde, Olufunke Aboyade (Ms), Johnson Olalekan Ojo, Akinlolu Oluyinka Osinbajo, Emmanuel Adegboyega Aremo, Olusola Olaseni Idowu, Dr. Theophilus Akinpelu Onigbinde, Dekola Adeyeye Olawoye, Aliyu Maitasamu Abdullahi and Suraj Sa’eda.

never had any previous quarrel or dispute over anything.’’

Meanwhile, eminent personalities and opinion leaders have continued to condemn the mayhem.

Among them is the ViceChairman of the Delta State Waterways Security

Boro Opudu who said :”All hands are on deck to fish out the culprits.

The Ijaw and Itsekiri people have no quarrel in the state. I condemn the action and we are working to ensure that the matter does not degenerate into another Ijaw/Itsekiri war.’’

Obi presents 300 security vehicles to communities in Anambra State

G

OVERNOR Peter Obi will today present about 300 fully fitted security vehicles to 177 communities in Anambra State. While each community will receive a minimum of one vehicles, some will receive more than one depending on their size and population. We gathered that Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka will receive highest number in view of their commercial status and high population density.

Industrial hubs in the State will also receive more than one vehicles.

In a release made available to the press by the State Commissioner for Information, Chief Jeo Martins Uzodike, he said that the gesture was part of cocktail of measures devised by the State Government to

maintain the security the people of the State are comparatively enjoying. He said that the measure was also necessary to sustain the inflow of foreign direct investment the State was now witnessing under the Government of Governor Peter Obi. The release further stated that the vehicles were all manufactured and kitted by INNOSON Motor Manufacturing Company, Nnewi as a means of urging other Nigerians to patronize not just INNOSON, but other indigenous manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

The Commissioner revealed that the next set of official vehicles for Governor Peter Obi had already been ordered from INNOSON.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013—51

Group calls on Erewa, Aganbi to contest elective •There is hope in Nigeria •Says Susan Rice, Pickering, Abdusalami Abubakar, others must answer positions questions on MKO Abiola’s death

Fani-Kayode hails judiciary, judges

BY GAB EJUWA

BY HENRY UMORU & CHRIS OCHAYI

A

BUJA— FORMER Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode yesterday hailed the Judiciary and the Court of Appeal for quashing the death sentence handed to former Chief Security Officer, CSO to Late Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.

He also commended the courage of the Judges, Justice Rita Pemu (presiding), Justice Amina Adamu Augie and Justice F. O. Akinbami ‘’It is not really the issue of what transpired in the court, it is just a result of what happened at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos State today. ‘’ I am delighted about this fact. For almost 15 years, there was no conviction. So in our country, we locked up a man, put him in a cage for 14 years without getting a conviction. It was only after 14 years out of a lot of agitation from members of the public, that look, you can’t just lock him up indefinitely that, there has to be a conviction. ‘’But one way or the other, the Lagos State High Court now convicted him. And when they convicted him, the position that many of us took at the time...I wrote an essay on it. ‘’When he was convict-

ed and I looked at the evidence, I studied the evidence; there was no evidence for that conviction. And I thought it was unjust. Now I am happy to say that he went for the appeal and consequent upon that appeal, the Court of Appeal has not only said that evidence was not there, but they also said, that it was almost as if there was a desperation on the part of the prosecution and the state to ensure that he was convicted at all cost over something he had never done. ‘’The judges used very hard words for the state and the prosecution. And this gives me hope for Nigeria, it gives me hope for all of us, that no matter what anybody goes through in this country, at the end of the day, the court will do the right thing .”

Kayode however said that the outgoing Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, UN and the Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs at the time Chief M.K.O.Abiola died on July 7, 1998, Susan Rice must be made to come out with what happened and not for her to maintain her present posture of not making any comment on what happened to Abiola for personal

Group commends Delta govt

A

SOCIO-cultural group, Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, has commended the Delta State Government for its effort restore a permanent peaceful environment that will be attractive to investors in Warri and other parts of the state.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the group, Mr. Kes Agbosa said, “ the state government have laid which is paying off as more investors are coming to Warri, to this end he commended the ethnic groups in Warri for sustaining the peace and

urged them to continue to be hospitable.”

He said that the Warri.

Rebirth Initiative is building on the foundation of peace and to bring various ethnic groups of Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko,Igbo, Yoruba etc of Warri together under one umbrella as brothers, sisters as a family.

Mr. Agbosa, enjoined residents of Delta State, especially Warri to support the security and peace agenda of the State Government which has been attracting investors to the State. He added that Warri is an attractive investors haven.

GROUP, Proper Inheritance Political Associates (PIPA), has called on two illustrious sons of Iwere land, Dr. Meyiwa Erewa and Mr. Andrew Aganbi to contest for the Warri Federal House of Representatives slot and Warri North Local Government chairmanship slot respectively in the forthcoming elections.

In a statement jointly signed yesterday by the chairman of the group, Chief Sam Eyengho, [The Tieyemewei of Gbaramtu kingdom] secretary, Mr. Pekia Egodo and PRO, Mr. Eugene Eyube, called on Dr. Meyiwa Erewa, pioneer PDP Chairman in Warri South Local Government Area, seasoned administrator and successful businessman to contest for the seat of House of Representatives, Warri Federal Constituency come 2015.

The vibrant group that is made up of seasoned politicians across the state who are committed to good governance also called on Mr. Andrew Aganbi to contest for the chairmanship slot of Warri North Local Government Council in the forthcoming local government elections.

A

Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation. reasons. He also said that a former United States of America Ambas-

sador to Nigeria, Thomas Pickering must be called to answer ques-

tions on what happened, just like the then Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar.

Fasehun hails Mustapha’s Appeal Court judgement, urges him to forgive

F

OUNDER and Pres ident of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr Frederich Fasehun, has hailed the judgement “At last, I am vindicated! I knew Al-Mustapha neither ordered, nor had a hand in, the killing of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola; and that was why I stood by him.

“I commend the Court of Appeal. I salute their courage, which they displayed in the face of daunting politics and powerful interests who wanted Al-Mustapha hanged by all means.

“People used to tell me they could not understand why I would be going to court in support of an officer who served in a regime that detained me for almost three years, destroyed my health and destroyed my businesses. But I told them that I had lived my entire life based on the principle of justice. And I would still protest injustice being done to even my worst enemy.

The judgement gave way for healing to begin throughout the country as it has closed the chapter of an ugly era in the history of Nigeria.

“Mustapha and his family must find it in

their hearts to forgive Nigerians collectively. ”Many people, significant people, refused to speak up even when faced with the bare facts. Unfortunately,

while evil interests, unscrupulous politicians, took Nigerians on a ride for 14 years and toyed with the life of this innocent man, the real culprits had enough time to escape justice.”

Victory at last — Al-Mustapha’s lawyer Continued from page 7

tigated. A case where the evidences of prosecution witnesses were contradictor y.

The appellate court said, it was fool-hardy for the learned trial judge to have said there were no contradictions in the evidences by the prosecution witnesses.

AlMustapha’s mother died because of conviction: ”However, it is sad that Al-Mustapha’s mother died because of his conviction. From the day her son was condemned, she went into coma and never came out of it as she died less than two m o n t h s . ” N o w, t h a t i s a n irreparable loss to the family because of the perverse judgment of the trial court. I use this opportunity to call

on those charged with the administration of criminal justice to eschew gossip, religious bigotry among others in the adjudication of any criminal case brought before them.”

Ladi Rotimi-Williams, SAN. “I don’t know how they arrived at their conclusion. The law is an ass, I must say. It is surprising, very surprising and shocking.

And I believe the state will appeal that judgement. Honestly, it is surprising and shocking how they arrived at the conclusion that he is not guilty. Because the facts are there.

“Sometimes, I don’t understand what is going on with all my long years in the inner bar. I am not suggesting any impropriety or that there is some foul play but it is shocking unless the state prosecutor

hopelessly messed up the case; otherwise, I will say it is shocking.”

Mr. Yinka Odumakin, a chieftain of Save Nigeria Group, SNG. “The judgement is a direct license to murderers to shed innocent blood knowing that they will escape the long arm of the law. The killers of Kudirat Abiola will know no peace because her spirit will continue to torment them for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Richard Akinnola, Rights activist: ”Al-Mustapha’s acquittal, despite all the plethora of evidence against him, to me is more political than judicial. With due respect to the Appeal Court justices, it was a perverse verdict which the Lagos State Government should appeal.”

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 13, 2013

D

r. Adesegun AkinOlugbade, Executive Director, General Counsel, Africa Finance Corporation in this interview with Moses Nosike of Saturday Vanguard Business speaks on the need for power investment in Africa.

Excerpts:

We’ll bridge power investment deficit in Africa—Olugbade

What is the Africa Finance Corporation doing in Nigeria and Africa as a whole?

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is an African-led international finance institution, established in 2007 by a treaty between independent sovereign states. Currently, eight countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, SierraLeone, Liberia, Guinea and Chad have signed the AFC Agreement. AFC is private-sector majority owned, focused on projects in Africa, with the mission to improve African economies by proactively acquiring, financing and managing infrastructure, industrial and financial assets. The Corporation’s authorised capital is US$2.0 billion, of which over US$1.1 billion of paid-up capital has been mobilised from private and public African institutions and member countries.

Current Shareholders’ Funds total US$1.3 billion.

AFC is involved as a financier and developer of various infrastructure projects, and offers primarily advisory, financial arranging, project finance and private equity solutions, in addition to trade finance, other short-term structured finance products, project development and technical advisory services across the following focus sectors: Power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport infrastructure and telecommunications.

AFC’s differentiating value proposition is to use private sector solutions to translate longstanding infrastructure challenges in Africa into bankable investments and executed projects. The Corporation is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

Since its establishment in 2007, AFC has built a portfolio of signature projects and assets, creating an indelible infrastructure footprint across the African continent.

AFC is the lead investor in the awardwinning Cabeolica project, a US$90.0 million, 26MW landmark renewable energy wind power project in Cape Verde.

AFC is the Technical Adviser to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the CBN’s US$2.0 billion Power and Aviation Intervention Fund (PAIF). AFC is a partner with Vigeo Holdings Limited and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited for the acquisition of power distribution assets in the current Nigerian Government power sector privatisation round. AFC is also the lead investor in Cenpower Generation Company Limited (Cenpower), which is implementing the Kpone IPP project – a 340 megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Tema, Ghana. AFC is the lead investor in the Main One fibre optic cable project, enhancing West Africa’s connection to

Europe and the rest of the world through faster and more technologically advanced broadband capacity. AFC provided a US$50.0 million convertible debt investment in Athi River Mining (Kenya) Limited (ARM), the second largest cement operator in Kenya to support expansion initiatives across Eastern and Southern Africa, including: development and construction of a lime plant in Tanzania and expansion of ARM’s cement capacity in Kenya. The transaction marked AFC’s first bilateral investment in Kenya. AFC provided financing for Ethiopian airlines fleet expansion in the acquisition of Africa’s first Boeing 777 airline. AFC also invested in the Bakwena toll road project in South Africa and the EURO 270.0 million Konan Bedie Toll bridge in Côte d’Ivoire, the landmark transport PPP project under construction in Francophone Africa, underscoring its interest in investing in PPPs/PFIs in its focal sectors across the African continent.

In addition to these investments, AFC continued its debt-raising efforts aimed at optimising the capital structure of the Corporation closing a US$200.0 million 10year facility from the African Development Bank.

What development will the Corporation bring about in Nigeria and Africa through its recent partnership with Banque Quest Africaine de Development?

AFC is a key African partner selected to participate in the US Presidential Power Africa Initiative to accelerate investment in

Olugbade: We partner to improve p o w e r investment deficit in Africa

Africa’s power sector over the next five years. The key goal of the Power Africa Initiative is to increase access to clean, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy. It will help African countries develop newly-discovered resources responsibly, build out power generation and transmission, and expand the reach of mini-grid and offgrid solutions, by providing the capacity and resources to generate an additional 10,000MW of power.

The International Energy Agency has reported that sub-Saharan Africa will require more than US$ 300 billion in investment to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030. AFC will provide additional investments in energy projects annually, far in excess of its commitment to the Power Africa Initiative; and to provide not only access to finance, deal structuring and sector technical expertise, but also advisory services, project development capacity, funding to bridge the power infrastructure investment and access deficit. AFC will invest over US$250 million in the power sectors of Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, while catalysing a further US$1billion in additional investments in sub-Saharan Africa energy projects.

What sector of the continent is the partnership targetting?

As mentioned earlier, AFC has eight

member countries, predominantly English-speaking, in a continent of 53 sovereign states. The partnership with Banque Ouest Africaine de Development will enable access to Francophone and Lusophone African countries which are not currently members of the Corporation, specifically: Benin, Burkina-Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

Considering the level of development in Africa, what is your strategy to achieve results?

Africa’s growth requirement and its vast reserves of natural resources cannot be harnessed without increased collaboration in financing and project development between Public and Private sector Institutions. AFC’s mission is to foster economic growth and industrial development of African countries. The Memorandum of Understanding provides a strong framework for collaboration between BOAD and AFC through the facilitation of trade and provision of crucial infrastructure - specifically through membership in AFC of the BOAD member states, the origination and LEADING telecommuni- “They can also enjoy low Speaking on the Airtel Ra- execution of infrastructure investment cations services provider, international call rates to madan service, the Chief transactions, leveraging and capacity in Airtel Nigeria has un- select destinations across Operating Officer (COO) the areas of project development, project and Executive Director of the structuring and technical appraisal. veiled special Ramadan the world”. offerings to enable cus- “Services customers will company, Deepak SrivastaHow do you assess development in tomers connect to families enjoy include prayers from va said the offerings further Nigeria and Africa which brought and loved ones at afford- Mecca - offered for free for demonstrates the impor- about this initiative? able rates and also boost 5 days. With this service, tance Airtel places on the The scale of Africa’s and indeed their spiritual well-being customers will be able to spiritual wellbeing of its cus- Nigeria’s infrastructure investment with Islamic inspirational join their Muslim Faithfuls tomers across board. requirements can only be addressed by quotes throughout the in Mecca as they pray to He reiterated that the pur- structured collaboration between the holy month of Ramadan. Allah during this Ram- pose for the Islamic season public and private sectors. would be further enriched According to manage- adan”.

Africa’s infrastructure requirement and ment source, customers Other services available with the Airtel Ramadan of- investment deficit is conservatively can receive inspiring, in- free of charge for five days fer as every customer that estimated at over US$40 billion per formative and enlighten- include Ramadan rules for subscribes to any of these annum over the next ten years (Source: ing services from Airtel by fasting, Douaa and Hadith, unique services would be World Bank, 2011). The opportunities greatly uplifted. simply dialling *786#.

Sahur and lots more. to finance, develop and accelerate the implementation of much needed infrastructure in Africa can only be achieved through collaborative partnerships.

To secure a platform for accelerated infrastructure FOUNDER of Pink Pearl productive members of the investment and contribute and initiator of Rubies society. to the economic growth School of Women “Absolute poverty is and industrial development Empowerment, Mrs measured by the number of of Africa, AFC has Orode Ryan Okpu has people who can afford only established partnerships disclosed that economic the bare essentials of regionally, with other empowerment of women shelter, food and clothing. institutions such as the is the solution to ending It is a known fact that the African Development poverty in the country. bulk of those who are Bank, African, BOAD, She noted that one of the affected by poverty in our Export-Import Bank, PTA most successful strategies society are women.

Bank, Islamic Development to curb unemployment all “Through the use of skill Bank, the Nigerian over the world is skill acquisition, a lot of women Sovereign Investment acquisition. According to have become productive, Authority (NSIA); and her, Rubies School of better mothers, and L-R:International coordinator, Dr. Raphael Oko presenting an award to Dr. Joseph Women Empowerment supportive wives as a result Internationally with the King Eze Odhomo (J.P) as an abassador for peace, during an inaugural session at the was created to further of learning skills such as China Africa Fund, the Universal Peace Federation, National Secretariate, Abuja; flanked by Ambassador empower women and tailoring, bead making, I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Development Finance Monday Akhilomen. help them become catering, etc.

Company of India, etc.

Air Airttel un unvveils special Ramadan of offfer

‘Empowering women key to ending po ver ty’ pover

SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 13, 2013—53

08116759759

My ordeal as Gadaffi's sex slave

Update

World’s oldest dad W orld’s oldest dad says his three-year-old son has been kidnapped after the boy disappeared 55 days ago. Ramjeet Ragav, 97, is terrified Vikramjeet has been sold to notorious gangs. The boy disappeared after mother, Shakuntala fell asleep at a bus station. Mr Ragav said he will not rest until his son is found. The couple hit headlines when Mr Ragav fathered Vikramjeet at the age of 94.

A

personal account from one of Muammar Gaddafi’s former sex slaves published in the New York Post today sheds more light on the strange and terrifying lifestyle of Libya’s late dictator.

Soraya was just 15 years old in April 2004 when she was handpicked by Gaddafi to become one of the many sex slaves in his harem. French journalist Annick Cojean details Soraya’s life as a sex slave in a new book titled: ‘Gaddafi’s Harem: The Story of a Young Woman and the Abuses of Power in Libya’ due out this September from Grove Press.

Soraya hated the way he ate garlic cloves for breakfast, chainsmoked, got drunk off of Johnnie Walker Black and was constantly high on cocaine.

"He was repulsive and he was the president of my country,"Soraya said.

Now Soraya lives in Tripoli, smoking three packs a day in her apartment, completely friendless and wondering if anyone will ever acknowledge what happened to her and others like her.

"I didn’t dream it!" she told Cojean. "You believe me, don’t you?"

The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for Gaddafi four months before he died, but no one would step up to testify to rape.

Turkish housewife empties marital home S

corned Turkish housewife takes EVERYTHING from marital home including roof and windows (and yes, she took the kitchen sink!).

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and it appears Fatma Idem,34,has taken the ageold maxim to heart.

Fatma decided to get even with her spouse —by taking everything from their house when she left, including the roof and windows. she took crockery, cutlery, carpets and curtains when she left husband Sahin, 40, before returning to remove parts of the actual building.

Stripped easels

eird and wacky displays of W art on humans at the international bodypainting festival.

Hundreds of models and artists flock to the annual Body Painting World Festival. The event, which takes place in Poertschach, Austria, is now in its 16th year. Artists take inspiration from nature and science fiction as they vie for the prestigious top prize. Her face painted blue, a crown of leaves on her head and her arm transformed into a Biblical serpent, this woman becomes an alternative Eve as she clutches a tempting apple. The Eden-inspired model is one of hundreds of people whose bodies have been turned into living canvases as they depict all things wild and wonderful in a brightly-coloured spectacle.

Pregnant woman critically injured in car crash

ei Liu was 8 months pregnant W when she was seriously injured in a crash. Doctors at Manchester

Royal Infirmary performed an emergency caesarean. Wei suffered a severed artery above her heart, fractured ribs which had pierced her liver, a fractured cheekbone, broken foot and a shattered pelvis. She was put in an induced coma for 3 days before waking to meet her son.

54—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 13, 2013—55

God’ll see Eagles through Brazil World Championships 2013: AFN still searching for funds to 2014 qualifiers — Onazi camp athletes •Says music makes him stay indoors ITH only a month left for the IAAF World W Championships to begin,

O

NAZI Ogenyi has had a steady climb from the Under-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets from where he shot into prominence when he featured for Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup which Nigeria hosted in 2009 to earning a place with the Super Eagles. Following his superlative performance at the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa where Nigeria emerged eventual winners, the midfielder has become a news maker of sort. Recently supersport.com engaged him in an interview session while he was on holiday before the Serie A resumes.

Tell us who Onazi is?

I was born in Jos and come from a family that has three brothers and I’m the last born in the family. I pretty much grew up in Jos and that is where my career started.

How has the experience been so far in the green and white shirt?

It’s a great opportunity and great experience that every footballer wants to get and I always give thanks to God for giving the grace that has seen me manage to secure a chance to feature in this level for my country.

You were focal in Afcon which saw your team win the title, was that your greatest achievement as a player?

It is certainly one of my greatest achievements since I started playing football and I’m happy I got the opportunity through God’s

•Onazi grace to feature in the greatest competition in the continent. The country was in search of the title that evaded them for a while and we managed to bring it back home.

Well, every player has a role model out there, who makes you tick and why?

I can’t single out any individual. There are great people out there who inspire me and I manage to pick certain aspects from all of them.

You missed out on the Confederations Cup, what’s the extent of your injury?

I suffered a knee injury and it wasn’t that terrible and by the grace of God I’ll be going back to club since I’ve recovered.

As a young Nigerian footballer, what do you think the upcoming players should do in their bid to thrive?

Most important thing they should value is hard work, discipline and pray to God and they should as well play as if everything is dependent on them on the field of play.

How has Serie A treated

you so far?

It’s been a perfect experience for me and it’s a good platform for young players to learn with every chance given to prove your worth because if you fluff you chance you lose your opportunity.

What do you do when not playing football?

I’m a good gospel musician and I play instruments. This is one of the things that make me stay indoors, I love music.

What do you make of Nigeria’s World Cup chances?

We are not there yet, all I can say for now since we are in the campaign is that God’s grace will see us excel and go through to the tournament.

What do you make of African football?

African football is really progressing and I was surprised that Cape Verde eliminated Cameroon to qualify for Afcon. Other countries also played well like Burkina Faso and that highlights how greater they climb up in terms of level of play.

Imoke rescues cash-strapped NFF again •Agrees to host Eaglets camping

BY JACOB AJOM

G

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has again come to the rescue of cash-strapped Nigeria Football Federation as his government has agreed to foot the bills for the camping of the national U-17 football team, the Golden Eaglets ahead of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. As a result the Eaglets are expected to resume camping in Calabar immediately.

An NFF delegation led by the first Vice

President, Chief Mike Umeh met with Governor Imoke and the state Commissioner of Sports, Patrick Ugbe in Calabar on Thursday.

At the meeting the governor consented to the idea of having the Eaglets camp in Calabar at the state government’s expense.

Confirming the development, Chief Umeh said, “I led a delegation to Calabar to congratulate the Governor on his birthday and to also decorate him with

his silver medal which the Eaglets won in Morocco.

“We also asked the Governor for assistance in the camping of the Eaglets ahead of the U17 World Cup which he graciously agreed and called for the immediate resumption of the boys called to camp.”

An evidently happy Umeh said, “the Governor said he has adopted the Eaglets as sons of Cross River State. The boys will move to camp immediately.”

Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN is yet to commence final rehearsals for its team. And from all indications, Nigeria is likely to bank on the element of luck to win a medal in Moscow, Russia.

It was gathered that the AFN is still searching for funds to start camping of the selected athletes as efforts by the board led by Solomon Ogba has yielded no result.

“There is a saying that it is only money that can bring your plans to fruition.

We would have loved to camp the athletes for at least two weeks. But for now there is no such thing, we have no funds to make

the camping happen. “Our major worry is our relay teams. They have a good chance to win medals for us, but if they don’t practice, we would have to go there and try harder,” said an official of the federation yesterday.

He added that the only avenue opened for the relay teams to fine-tune their strategy will be on July 26, when Lagos State is likely to host an athletics meet.

“After that we are hopeful that we will get some funds to at least have a week of concentrated preparation before the championships.”

Meanwhile IAAF president, Lamine Diack has disclosed that more countries will watch the events of the World Championships live, as broadcasting agreements

are in place covering more territories than ever before in the history of the IAAF World Championships.

The 14th edition of the championships will be the largest global sporting event of the year, with an anticipation that the nine days of action will reach a cumulative audience of more than five billion TV viewers.

“We eagerly await nine days of scintillating action during which the cream of Russian athletics, names like Yelena Isinbayeva, Anna Chicherova and Ivan Ukhov will compete in front of their home fans alongside world stars of the calibre of Usain Bolt, Allyson Felix and Tyson Gay. It’s any true sports fan’s dream,” said Diack.

CHANGE OVER... Nigeria’s 4x400m girls Regina George and Ajoke Odumosu in action

Ajunwa tips Okagbare to erase African “Depending on her frame records The two records have of mind and what she FORMER Olympics women long jump champion and continental record holder, Chioma Ajunwa has predicted that Blessing Okagbare will erase the long jump and 100m African records if she puts her mind into it at the World Championships in August.

Ajunwa holds the African long jump record; a 7.12m she did at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. She, at one time held the 100m record with a wind aided 10.84 seconds set in 1992. It was bettered

by Gloria Alozie with a 10.90 seconds run in 1999.

continued to gape at Nigerian women jumpers and sprinters until recently when Okagbare gave warning signs that she could take both records out.

The Delta-born athlete in two Diamond league meetings, put up encouraging performances.

She jumped 7.14m in Doha and ran 10.89seconds in Eugene, Oregon, however both efforts were above the permitted wind levels.

“From all indications Okagbare can take both records at the World Championships, if she puts her mind into it.

wants to achieve, I have a feeling she will put her name in the records book. I did it during my time and even now Okagbare has height advantage, she is taller and has greater speed.

“It all boils down to techniques. And if she comes up with a good plan she can make it in the long jump, it takes only one crazy jump to do the magic,” said Ajunwa.

She advised the Nigerian hope to keep her head down and not get distracted by the usual rancour in the Nigerian set up.

Idowu bows out of athletics

RIPLE jumper Phillips T Idowu said that he is stepping aside from track and field after foreseeing a ‘bleak future’ in the sport.

Idowu, world champion in 2009 and silver medallist at the Beijing Olympics, has jumped competitively on only one occasion since a London 2012 campaign ruined by injury.

“After some careful consideration I have decided that for the fore-

seeable future I will be taking a step back from athletics,” the 34-year-old athlete said.

“I feel this is the right time for me to make this decision.

“I greatly appreciate all of the support I have received over the past years, particularly from the British public and my team and sponsors.

“It has been an extremely happy and successful time.

I’m excited about pursuing

other interests and taking other opportunities that present themselves to me during this break.”

Idowu was seventh in the Diamond League meeting in Rome last month and has dropped to third in the British rankings behind Nathan Douglas and Julian Reid.

British Athletics performance director Neil Black wished Idowu all the best.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 13, 2013

U-20: France, Uruguay battle for historic title

A

S the curtain draws on FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013 today, there is one last piece of important business for both France and

Uruguay to take care of before heading for home. Having played six games each of the tournament’s 51 prior to the final in Istanbul, the

CHAN 2014: Eagles sure of ticket to South Africa

BY JACOB AJOM

•We’ll attack and attack—Okonkwo

T

HE second leg of the 2014 African Nations Championship(CHAN) qualifier between Nigeria and Ivory Coast comes up in Abidjan in a fortnight but Super Eagles Coach and players are already thinking and talking beyond Ivory Coast.

The morning after the 41 drubbing of Ivory Coast at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, the African Continental Hotel camp of the Super Eagles was quiet, even as the players and officials prepared to depart to their various destinations.

However, one thing was clear: the degree of optimism and assurance among them was high.

From the coach to the fringe members of the team, the answer was the same; we can do it.

Chibuzor Okonkwo, one of the longest serving players in the Eagles squad was the first to speak with Saturday Vanguard sports.

“Our result in Kaduna shows our statement of intent. When we go to Abidjan, we are not going there to defend. We will attack and at least score a goal. Who says we cannot beat them in their backyard because there is no way they can score four goals against us.”

He noted that the Elephants whose performance was overshadowed by the two red cards they got will play like wounded lions in the second leg.

Notwithstanding, he remains confident of a positive outcome. “We have a very good team and all it takes to be in South Africa in January 2014, I don’t see Ivory Coast stopping us.”

HOT CHASE... Super Eagles attacker, Chibuzor Okonkwo (right) chasing an Argentine player during a match. He says the home-based Eagles will attack Cote d’Ivoire without stop in the second leg of the 2014 African Nations Chmpionship qualifier in Abidjan next week.

Beyond Ivory Coast, Okonkwo said Nigeria will qualify for CHAN and go to South Africa as African champions. “We are not just going there to answer present. We will go there and bring the trophy.”

Another Super Eagles player who dressed but did not see action, Dele Olorundare believes the 4-1 advantage from the first leg is enough to see Nigeria through.

“We can beat Ivory Coast in their home,” he opined, adding, “All I have to say is victory. We will go there and see to it that we qualify for CHAN.” Head coach, Stephen Keshi also shares this op-

TODAY’S MATCHES FIFA UNDER-20 WORLD CUP Ghana v Iraq France v Uruguay

4 p.m.

7 p.m.

timism as he harbours that strong belief that his wards will go to Abidjan and achieve the CHAN 2014 ticket.

“Although I am not God

to predict what will happen in Abidjan, I see that we are carrying a huge advantage into that match. We still have at least two weeks to pre-

pare for the match. We are going there to play football. We have a great chance,” the big boss said.

pair’s quest to claim their first-ever FIFA U-20 title is just one step away from completion.

While both nations command a great deal of respectin the world game, neither were seen as favourites to reach this stage at the tournament’s outset.

Both had finished third in their respective continental qualifiers and were seen as being tough opposition, but outside the top tier of challengers.

Inconsistent group stage showings from both sides cemented this early perspective, but the pair kicked into gear as the tournament went on, showing flair and tenacity against some of the best sides at Turkey 2013. France took a grip on the title of tournament top scorers, so far at least, with four-goal tallies against hosts Turkey and Uzbekistan, before seeing off a valiant Ghana side in the semis, with a mix of slick interplay and some quality finishing. The golden bootchasing Yaya Sanogo is no doubt grateful for the support he has received from Messrs Pogba, Kondogbia, Thauvin, Digne and Bahebeck in unlocking opposing defences.

Uruguay on the other hand have shown their battling qualities in the knockout stages, striking late against Nigeria, in extra-time versus Spain and taking Iraq to penalties after another last-gasp goal. This hard-to-beat quality has been built on the spine of captain Gaston Silva and the uncompromising Sebastian Cristoforo, with the flair of Diego Laxalt and Giorgian De Arrascaeta providing a delectable counterpoint. While somewhat more unpredictable, and maybe slightly less fancied, than the French, Juan Verzeri’s side have what it takes to go headto-head with anyone at this level.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga – (6) 5 Italian Capital City – (4) 7 President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Peter – (5) 8 Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Deputy Governor, Tunde – (4) 10 Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Precious – (4) 12 L.G.A in Osun State – (3) 14 Plateau State Capital – (3) 16 State in Nigeria Known as “Sunshine State”? – (4) 17 Golf Peg – (3) 18 Seventh Month of The Year – (4) 19 L.G.A in Rivers State – (3 21 Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah – (7) 24 Feline Mammal – (3) 26 Period of Seven Days – (4) 27 Common Name For “Garri” – (3) 28 Greek Goddess – (4) 30 Large Vehicle – (3) 32 Number – (3) 34 L.G.A in Edo State – (4) 36 Minister of Labour, Mr. Chukwuemeka – (4) 37 Manchester City Striker, Edin – (5) 38 L.G.A in Kano State – (4) 39 Italian “Serie A” Premiership Side – (6)

Down 1 Former Cross-River State Governor, Mr. Donald – (4) 2 Africa’s Longest River – (4) 3 Zodiac Sign – (3) 4 L.G.A in Ogun State – (4) 5 Colour – (4) 6 Ebonyi State Governor, Martin – (6) 9 Telecommunications Outfit in Nigeria – (3) 11 L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom State – (4) 13 L.G.A in Katsina State – (5) 14 South Africa “Bafana Bafana” Goalkeeper, Moneeb – (7) 15 Cease – (4) 20 Tantalizers Plc Boss, Folu – (5) 22 Crustacean – (4) 23 Minister of Science & Technology, Professor Bassey – (3) 24 Russian Currency Unit – (6) 25 Greek Alphabet – (4) 31 Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Vice President, Chief Mike – (4) 32 Japanese Wrestler – (4) 33 Barcelona & Spain Midfielder, Hernandez – (4) 35 CBN Director of Currency Operations, Muhammad – (3) 36 North Korean Currency – (3)

SOLUTION on page 47

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Editor: 08052201257 (TEXT ONLY). Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: weekend @vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com.

Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) EDITOR: CHIOMA GABRIEL. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K