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SARAKI/DOGARA

Buhari steps in, stops further hostilities Continues from page 1 Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively, President Muhammadu Buhari has prevailed on leaders of the party to sheathe their swords. In fact, it took a personal communication between Mr. President and Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, before the breaks could be applied. Consequently, it was Chief Oyegun who told State House correspondents on Friday after a brief meeting with the President that the party has accepted Saraki and Dogara as leaders of the National Assembly – its 8th session. Sunday Vanguard gathered that Buhari, who had just a few hours after the emergence of the senator and the House member, issued a statement through his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Femi Adeshina, congratulating them and averring that a constitutional process has just taken place, used the opportunity of the presentation of the

•Why APC Chairman changed course

handover notes on Friday, to speak directly with Oyegun on the matter. Sunday Vanguard was also able to confirm that Oyegun, sensing the tone of the communication between him and Mr. President quickly used the opportunity of the press chat to make the detour, “as demanded by President Buhari”, a source revealed. Oyegun’s recant was in complete opposition to the earlier position, though unspoken, taken by APC’s National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, whose hands and legs were alleged to be in the heated politicking to ensure that Senator Ahmed Lawan and George Akume emerged as Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively, while Femi Gbajabiamila emerged as Speaker of the House. Indeed, sources close to Buhari informed Sunday Vanguard that by Wednesday, after the Senator Barnabas

Gemade-led Unity Group members of the Senate took their oath, and the drama that followed with the walkout and the threat of litigation, made worse by the snubbing of Senate President Saraki by wife of APC’s National Leader, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President and a few people in his inner circle were beginning to get worried. Therefore, it was agreed that before his trip yesterday to South Africa for the Africa Union Summit, the matter must be laid to rest. It was this decision that informed the presence of Oyegun at Friday ’s meeting after which he spoke to members of the

press. It was a difficult pill for a section of the leadership of the APC to swallow as almost all stops had been pulled to ensure that Lawan and Akume emerged, just as it was hoped that Gbajabiamila would win the speakership. It all turned out to be fools’ errand as none of these materialized. Even the last minute name-dropping, of summoning a meeting of APC legislators for 9am on Monday morning knowing that the inauguration was slated for an hour later, and claiming that the meeting was called by President Buhari, a situation which strangely gave way to the loss and

comeuppance, did not bode well with Mr. President. And whereas he had grudgingly agreed to attend the meeting that morning in honour of the party, President Buhari had been very insistent in maintaining that he would not interfere with the process that would lead to the emergence of the leaders of the National Assembly. Sunday Vanguard was made to understand that whereas backroom channels were also used to call some leaders of the party who were baying for blood to order, Buhari had been making it known to those who had sought his views on the emergence of Saraki and Dogara that the peace, stability and

progress of Nigeria far outweighed any individual’s ambition “to be in charge”. And although the source bluntly refused to be dragged into explaining the veiled phrase, political observers were clear in their perception that APC’s National Leader may have been the arrowhead of the wing of APC that wanted Lawan and Akume as well as Gbajabiamila. All attempts to get some leaders of the party to comment on the matter were unsuccessful. In fact, one of the leaders of the APC was so bitter about Oyegun’s statement that he charged: “Go and ask the chairman who made the statement”.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

THE GIFT OF GIVING —3 By Richard Eromonsele

es,givers never lack.However,in order to benefit from the blessings that goes with giving,we must give generously,cheerfully and without strings attached.The act should be done voluntarily and with a genuine desire to sow into that person,s life.Whoever gives grudgingly shall not be rewarded.Anyone that gives and subsequently goes about murmuring and dejected,will also not be rewarded.Furthermore,when we give,we must give our all.It is of no use giving something out, while we keep on monitoring its usage.This is why some people are not reaping the benefit of their giving today...

SOLUTION

ANNIVERSARY: Prince Bola Ajibola, founder, Crescent University, Abeokuta; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, guest lecturer; Prof Ibraheem Gbajabiamila (VC); and Oba Adegboyega Dosunmo, Olowu of Owu; at the 10th anniversary lecture of the university in Abeokuta, yesterday. Photo by BY WUMI AKINOLA

My re-election gave S/East,S/South sense of belonging— Dep. Senate President Ekweremadu BY FRANCIS IGATA

ew Deputy Senate President (DSP), I k e Ekweremadu, yesterday, stated that the decision of majority of the people of South-East to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was a decision they are proud of. He said that given another opportunity, the people will vote in the same manner. Speaking on arrival at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, where a mamoth crowd of

supporters and political allies gathered to receive him, Ekweremadu stated that he decided to take another shot at the position of Deputy Senate President when it appeared the people of the South-East were about to be sidelined in the new dispensation. The Deputy Senate President, urged fellow senators and indeed all political office holders to settle down for business to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians as days of politics were over. He advised the APC administration of President

Muhamadu Buhari to accommodate all Nigerians irrespective of party and ethnic inclination. “We have no regret. Igbos have no regret for the way they voted; if they have the opportunity tomorrow, they will do it again. We are convinced we voted rightly, and because we believe we are part and parcel of this country, we believe what we got is within our right. So we expect that APC should be able to accommodate the people of South-South as they form their government, because don’t

forget that Buhari got about 15 million votes; we have more than 150 million Nigerians, so he is not the President of 15 million people; the rest of the people must be accommodated,”Ekweremadu said. “In fact, that was why when we saw that it appears that South-East and South-South were being marginalised in the scheme of things, we decided to take a shot so that our people will be part and parcel of government, so that every part of Nigeria will have a sense of belonging”.

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•ROAD WALK: Participants during a road walk in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, yesterday.

•AMNESTY REPORT: Mr. Sonnie Ekwowusi of Sonnie Ekwowusi & Co; Mr Aham Njoku, Director, Constitutional Watch(Conswatch); and Mr. Wale Ogunade,constitutional lawyer & human rights activist, during a press conference by lawyers, civil society groups and Nollywood actors addressed on Amnesty International Report on Nigeria in Lagos.

N11m per annum pa or go vs: Small pa vish lif estyle payy ffor govs: payy, la lavish lifestyle BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

he life of opulence of state governors in Nigeria has no bearing, whatsoever, with their legitimate earnings, based on the approved ‘Remuneration Package for Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders’ prepared by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which became effective since July 1, 2009. Based on the package, a state governor earns annual salary of N11, 540,896. N 2, 223,705 is annual basic salary; and an annual leave allowance of N222,370.50. Based on that 2009 approved earning, the governor is entitled to 400 per cent of his annual basic salar y, amounting to 8,894,820.00, as loan for vehicles and maintenance. Governors usually go about with long convoys of four-wheel vehicles, SUVs and other luxury cars. The entire N8.9 vehicle loan cannot buy some of the cars in the convoy. Accommodation, furniture are provided by the state government. The RMAFC package, meanwhile, does not set a limit to the amount of estacode (allowance in foreign currencies for foreign trips) governors can take from state coffers. It also fails to specify the amount to be collected as Duty Tour allowance for local trips. The provisions of the regulations simply said that estacode and Duty Tour Allowance would be provided upon request by governors. The states also bear the medical expenses of governors. Any governor who successfully completes his tenure receives N6,671,115 severance gratuity. A deputy governor receives annual salary of N10, 772, 296 This is made up of an-

nual basic salary of N2,112,215; a vehicle loan of 8,448,860; and annual leave allowance of N 211,221.50. His accommodation and furniture are provided by the state government. Similarly, the state pays his medical bills, while, just like the governor, there is no limit to the amount of foreign currencies he is to receive when embarking on foreign trips, nor limit to what he can spend on local tours. Each Secretary to State

Government and Commissioner receives an salary of N10, 831, 522. This is made up of annual basic salary of N 1,337,225; N4,011,675 for furniture; N133,722.50 leave allowance; and N 5,348,900 vehicle loan. They receive a separate severance gratuity of N 4,011,675; $ 600 and N 25, 000 per night for foreign and local trips, respectively. Chairmen of State Civil Service Commission,

Governors annual salary: N11, 540,896.00 : N 2, 223,705.00 is Annual Basic Salary, Annual Leave Allowance of N 222,370.50. He is entitled to 400 per cent of Annual Basic Salary, amounting to 8,894,820.00 as loan for vehicles and maintenance.

Deputy governors:

N10, 772, 296.00 Made up of an Annual Basic Salary of N2,112,215.00 Vehicle Loan of 8,448,860.00 Annual Leave Allowance of N 211,221.50

Secretary to State Government and Commissioner: Receive salary of N10, 831, 522.00. Annual Basic Salary of N 1,337,225.00; N4,011,675.00 Furniture; N 133,722.50 Leave Allowance ; and N 5,348,900.00 vehicle loan. They receive a separate severance gratuity of N 4,011,675.00 as well as $ 600 and N 25, 000 per night for foreign and local trips.

Local Government Chairmen:

Receive a total of N5,994,659. Annual Basic Salary of N 908,312.00 N 1, 362, 468 for furniture ( once in four years) 90,831.20 as Leave Allowance; 3,633,248.00 vehicle loan Severance gratuity of N2,724,936.00

Vice Chairmen:

Receive a total of N5, 630, 169.60 N 853,056.00 Annual Basic Salary; N1,279, 584.00 furniture allowance vehicle loan of N3,412,224.00 Leave allowance of N85,305.60

state Judicial Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, State Independent Electoral Commission, Chairmen, and Chief of Staff to Governor receive similar pay. The accommodation of these public officers vary between 50 per cent , 60 per cent and 120 per cent of their annual basic salaries, depending on location of city or town. Local Government Chairmen, on their own, receive a total of

N5,994,659. This consists of annual basic salary of N 908,312; N1,362, 468 for furniture ( once in four years); 90,831.20 as leave allowance and 3,633,248 vehicle loan. They receive severance gratuity of N2,724,936 at the end of a successful tenure. The Vice Chairmen receive a total of N5, 630, 169.60. This consists of N 853,056 annual basic salary; N1,279, 584 furniture allowance; vehicle loan of N3,412,224; and leave allowance of

N85,305.60. They receive a separate N2,559,168.00 as severance gratuity after a successful tenure. Local Government Councilors’ and Local Government Secretaries’ receive a regular annual pay of N 5, 341, 380. This is made up of annual basic salaries of N 809,300; furniture allowance, N 1, 213, 950; leave allowance, N80,930; and vehicle loan N3,237,200. They receive additional N2, 427, 900 gratuity at the end of a successful tenure.

Over 100m Nigerians live below poverty line —VP Osinbajo *Says twin problems of corruption, dubious contracts hamper power supply BY DAUD OLATUNJI

ice President Yemi Os inbajo says over 100 million Nigerians live below the poverty line. The vice-president, who delivered the 10th anniversary lecture of Crescent University, Abeokuta, tagged, “The Nigerian Economy and the Future”, yesterday hinted that some tough decisions would have to be taken to put the country back on the path of genuine growth and development in line with the All Progressives Party (APC) programmes. Osinbajo also disclosed that large-scale corrupt practices and dubious awards of contract in Nigeria’s power sector by past administrations were responsible for inadequate and epileptic power supply in the country. He said that despite several billions dollar-investment in power generation and distribution over the years by government, businesses and Nigerians still suffer greatly on account of electricity. He said there should be total overhaul in the sector in terms of generation and distribution if all efforts on power production must be achieved. According to him, records showed that series of contracts were awarded in the power sector for several years and are still ongoing without tangible improvement. He said, “Though Nigeria

needs more than 10,000MW to stabilise economic growth, the present capacity of power transmission lines cannot distribute more than 5,000 MW since the improvement works on transmission lines have been stagnant over years and should be improved upon if Nigeria must achieve tangible output from the sector. “Unfaithful to awards of contract and execution of contracts being awarded are the major challenges. Several contracts in that regards have been awarded several years back, but have not been completed.

“What is being produced now is less than 3,000 MW. Our transmission grid today can only transmit 5,000 MW and we need to improve on transmission capacity to transmit enough power needed to stabilise economy. That is why the private investors have to increase capital investment in power sector. “Insurgency and instability of government is a major setback especially in the agricultural sector. Agriculture contributes 24% to Nigeria GDP but the 24% is under threat because of the insurgency in the North East”.

Nine pregnant girls rescued from ‘baby factory’ in Enugu BY FRANCIS IGATA

peratives of the 9th Mile Division of Enugu State Police Command raided a ‘baby factory’ located at Etiti in Amankwo-Ngwo Udi Local Government Area where they rescued nine pregnant girls. The ‘baby factory was allegedly operated by a suspect arrested on June 13 during a raid on his private house where he operated from. The state police command spokesperson, Mr.Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the arrest, saying pregnant girls were rescued during the raid. Amaraizu said, “We had strong intelligence from about his activities. We had to put a

tab on him for some time which eventually paid off. “Nine girls at various stages of pregnancy were rescued. Their name are Stella James, 19, from Ohaozara, Ebonyi State; Eze Jennifer,19, from Obukpa, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State; Ugwu Christabel,17, from Aku,Igbo-Etiti Enugu State; Happiness Mbaonu,17, from Nnewi, Anambra State; Ovunna Ifeoma,20, from Ezza, Ebonyi State; Esther Nwankwo, 21, from Nkalagu, Ebonyi State; Onyedika Agu, 23, from Isuawa Awgu,Enugu State; Blessing James, 23, from Ohafia, Abia State and Chibueze Ujunwa,24, from Nenwenta, Aninri, Enugu State.”

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015 — PAGE 7

DONATION: L-r: General Manager, Lucky Fibres, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani; founder, Hearts of Gold Children Hospice, Mrs. Laja Adedoyin; Head, Business Development, BD Consult, MS Tayo Azeez with Children of Hearts of Gold Children Hospice during the donation of specially designed children’s rugs and carpets to the Hospice in Surulere, Lagos.

VISIT: Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd left); Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal(2nd left); Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd right); National Secretary, All Progressives Congress(APC),Hon. Mai Mala Buni(right); and National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso (left), at Ibadan airport, yesterday.

BRIEFS

DEADLY DEVICE KEPT AT HOME

Blast kills 11-year-old son of police officer By Peter Duru, Makurdi

N 11-year-old boy, Adolphus Akua, has been reportedly killed by an explosive device suspected to be a grenade at Nyor Igyungu village, near the new Makurdi International Market. Sunday Vanguard gathered from a source in the neighbourhood that the deceased was a primary four pupil. According to him, the deceased only recently lost his father, Akua Mjoko, who, until his death, was an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, from Mbapupur Gaambe Ushin in Gwer West local government area. “The boy’s father, who died few months back, was an ASP. After the father’s death, his children have also been dying. In this particular case, we learned that the boy was clearing up their living home few days ago when he found a grenade in one of the bags in the room”, the source said. “Unaware of what the substance was, the boy took it outside and used it as toy with children within the compound and neighbourhood. “In the cause of toying

with the substance, he pulled off the pin on the grenade and the devise went off, killing him instantly while a younger girl, Torkase Anza, who was with him at the time, sustained serious injury.” He said the injured girl was receiving treatment at a public hospital in the town while the remains of the boy were buried almost immediately “because the explosive mutilated his body.” When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations

Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Austin Ezeani, who confirmed the incident, said the Police Bomb Squad had combed the area and the home of the deceased police officer to evacuate explosives materials that were not returned to the command before the death of the officer who, he said, served at the Guma Area Command before his death. He said before the officer died, he apparently did not return the canisters as-

signed to him while on duty, and his family members probably did also not know that the devices were in possession of the late officer hence did not return them. Ezeani stated that to forestall re-occurrence of the incident, “the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hyacinth Dagala, has directed that no officer in the command should for whatever reason be allowed to take explosive devices to their residence and private homes.”

Fire defies rain, razes three buildings in Calabar By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

MID downpour in Calabar, Cross River State capital, no fewer than three houses were, in the early hours of yesterday, razed by fire. It happened in Ephraim Street, Calabar South. Sunday Vanguard learned that the fire, which started at about 3:45am, was due to an electrical fault. It began from 60 (a) Ephraim Street before spreading to other buildings in the same

compound. The landlord of one of the affected houses, Mr. Monday Umoh, told Sunday Vanguard that it happened so fast that he thought it was a spiritual attack and he did not get a pin out of the house. He words:” I don’t know what else do to because I lost everything in this disaster; it was already morning because I could hear the cock crow. All of a sudden I saw thick smoke entering my room. At first I thought it was a small thing; it was

when I stood up that I discovered that the smoke was coming from the ceiling. That was when I started shouting for help. “Meanwhile, my neighbour who works with the Fire Service called them immediately and it didn’t take 25minutes before they arrived. But as you can see for yourself, nothing was salvaged, we lost everything. All my credentials are gone. “I came out with just these boxers, my phone and my eye glasses; my international passport is gone”.

Anambra, Kogi bloody clash: 2,500 displaced — Community leader By Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

O fewer than 2,500 people have allegedly been displaced since the commencement of the Anambra and Kogi states communal bloody clash about 18 months ago. Disclosing this yesterday, a community leader in Aguleri, one of the warring

communities in Anambra, and Patron of Omambala Indigenous Youth Foundation, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Abala, regretted that the states and Federal Government have not put a stop to the war. According to him, “these displaced people on the side of Anambra state need medication, food and shelter to help curtail the suffering

they are going through”. He stressed the need for the warring communities of Odeke and Echeno in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State and Enugu Otu Agulueri, Eziagulu Otu, Mkpunando and Agulueri, Anambra East Local Government Areas of Anambra State to have a covenant and boundary demarcation to end the war. “The traditional ruler of

Igala, HRM Attah Agabaidu Michael Idakwo Anieh Oboni, HRH Rev JJ Agbata the Doga of Echeno community, traditional ruler of Odeke, HRH Dominic Urana, the Doga of Odeke, Igwe Christopher Idigo of Aguleri and Eze Akajiofor Chukwuemeka Ezeani, were among the traditional rulers who endorsed our call for covenant and boundary demarcation”, he disclosed.

Okowa congratulates Uncle Sam at 80 By Festus Ahon, ASABA

ELTA State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Mr Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard newspaper on his 80th birthday. The Governor, in a statement by his Communication Manager, Mr Jackson Ekwugum, said: “Uncle Sam, as he is fondly called by admirers, is an icon of journalism in Nigeria with his impeccable credentials as a columnist, editor and publisher, spanning over four decades”. The Governor recalls that Amuka’s “Sad Sam” column in the Daily Times in the 60s and early 70s was a must read and contributed immensely to the library of thought and information on public policy and national development. Mr Amuka’s trail blazing strides in the pen profession continued when he co-founded The Punch with the late Olu Aboderin in 1973. “The advent of Vanguard, the ‘refreshingly different’ newspaper in 1984, greatly shaped the course of the journalism profession with its emphasis on racy news, balanced reporting, and incisive commentary. His Excellency is delighted that the Vanguard has continued in this tradition, and is thus a significant force in the socio-political evolution of Nigeria.

University of Roehampton, London introduces online Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership

ONTINUING its tradition of providing access to quality theological education, the University of Roehampton, London, has announced the addition of an online Master of Arts in Theology and Leadership programme to its Department of Humanities. The new MA in Theology and Leadership programme is designed to provide administrative, management and research skills to individuals with a background, occupation, orientation or interest in Christian theology and religion to aid personal, career and organisational growth. Open to working professionals of all faiths, backgrounds and traditions, students interested in the programme may be working as clergy and laypeople in churches, non-profit or nongovernmental organisations, hospitals, educational institutions or charities.

Flooding: Onuesoke Foundation advises Deltans on waste By Ephraim Oseji EAD of Operations, Onuesoke Foundation on Climate H Change, Mrs. Pearl Patience Igho, has advised the people of Delta State on the need to check the disposal of their waste products in order to avoid flooding and environmental disaster. She advised the Delta State government to increase waste dump sites in the state and increase campaign on waste control. Mrs Igho gave the advise following a three-day torrential rainfall in Warri and Sapele in the state in which no fewer than four buildings collapsed and properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed as a result of flooding. Addressing newsmen in Warri, after her sympathy visit to the flood victims, Pearl advised residents that to avoid future flooding, they should imbibe the habit of dumping their waste in dust bins for onward delivery to dump sites instead dumping them in drainages.

PAGE 8—SUNDAY VANGUARD,JUNE 14, 2015

knack for the job. If such skilled manpower was not gotten on a platter of gold, it can stand the test of time and cannot be toyed with. They cannot afford to abandon what they invested so much in (time and resources), and they can reap the benefits of the job one of which is sustainability in life and other prospects.

THE INTRIGUING WORLD OF A FEMALE COBBLER

I abandoned degree programme at UNILAG for shoe making —Bukky Nosirudeen

BY SIMEON NDAJI Shoe making is one of the trades you hardly find women engaged in. Meanwhile, Mrs Bukky Nosirudeen proves to be an exemption. She abandoned the university for the shoe making business in 1990.She speaks on what it takes for a woman to be in a business generally believed to be for men alongside her counterpart, Mr Tony Okere. Mrs Nosirudeen speaks first. How do you feel in a man’s world? It is a challenge to be in the shoemaking industry which is rather dominated by men. I see it as a great opportunity and a challenge, and I believe I can achieve success, I’m happily coping with what men can do. I have the zeal to compete with my male colleagues and excel.

What is responsible for lack of artisans? Youths of nowadays don’t have the patience to learn work, but they want quick money. There are some of them who may consent to be trained but you must pay them well on daily basis. There is another category of unemployed youths who desire to earn fabulous amount without any reasonable justification in terms of labour and productivity. That is why for those us in this footwear business we need to train artisans who will be productive to create room for expansion and growth of the business. We want Government to assist us financially to enable us pay artisans in training. I trained for five years, in all aspects footwear production. I know the job, and I can afford to produce alone…which some of my colleagues who lack profound experience and expertise

We want Government to assist us financially to enable us pay artisans in training. I trained for five years, in all aspects footwear production

on the job cannot afford due to inadequate training. When it comes to the nitty-gritty of the job they are incompetent to cope. They need hands which they cannot afford because they cannot pay them. That is why the Government has a role to play to fill in the vacuum…. Why can’t you engage youths and train them in shoe-making business? Most of the youths don’t want to work but they want to have money and enjoy. Some want white-kola jobs where they will relax in an aircondition office and work without much stress. But the background of children is very important, and parents have vital role to play to make them responsible and what they desire them to be in life. If you have a 14-year-old daughter, you as a mother or father should be able to introduce her to something to do in life where the white-kola job is not available. To learn work or business is very important as an alternative instead of staying idle at home. These youths roaming the streets were not properly handled and channeled to a particular course by their parents. That is why they are not willing to avail themselves of the available opportunity to be trained. They rather see it as not a worthwhile venture but they don’t know that footwear business is not just a paying profession but life-sustaining work if you like to work hard. How can we curb the dearth of artisans in Nigeria? Artisans need training, not short term, but to be sufficiently trained and be a well grounded professionals who know all aspects of footwear production, and such persons will have craving...and the

What does it take to acquire versatile skills in shoe making ? It takes determination, patience, endurance and love for the job. All of these I have imbibed in the course of my training as a dedicated apprentice at Ajegunle. My uncle exposed me to the rudiments of the job: industrial machines and other shoe-making equipment for mass production. It is interesting indeed, as a lady in a man’s world; I have all it takes to do the work as a one-man squad because I had the privilege and patience to train for five years within which I learnt how to operate all the machines, and I can handle all the tools and the equipments. I can produce foot-wears all alone from the beginning to the end; it is a herculean task and very stressful. As a married woman with children are you comfortable with strenuous job of producing footwears? I developed interest in shoemaking business about 1990, when I paid a visit to my uncle at Ajegunle, Olodi-Apapa; as we got discussing I narrated how I finished my school certificate exam the previous year, and got admission to read a science degree course at University of Lagos, but had to withdraw as a result of financial challenges; my parents could not afford to pay my school fees. Thereafter I had nothing doing. My uncle suggested to me to join him to learn shoe-making which though challenging has tremendous and sustainable rewards. My uncle’s counsel proffered a solution to my unemployment situation and an elixir for life. I left home blissful and with the resolve to go for a five-year training as a shoemaker apprentice. This singular decision to heed the counsel of my uncle is supporting and sustaining me and my family. My husband is in full support of the business. What are your challenges and weaknesses of the job? Lack of artisans (skilled labour), capital, financial aid from government and organisation that will enable us train artisans to ensure expansion and growth. Without money you can’t train anybody. With these challenges, expansion and growth in shoe-making industry as an individual will be a far cry. In terms of quality can you compare your products with Italian shoes? I use Italian quality leather, sole and other materials to produce quality foot-wears. The only difference is that the shoes are made in Nigerian, but they can last long like Italian products. How do you market your products? I sell to those who walk into my shop to buy, and I also supply to customers. If you go round Aguda, Ogba, you will see my products. I am into mass production to supply to other people in foot wears business.

Continues on page 9

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 9

TURMOIL IN THE ASSEMBLY

he leadership of t h e All Peoples Congress (APC) did not quite see it coming: while the party was still bickering over party choices for the leadership of the National Assembly, Dr. Olubukola Saraki and Mr.Yakubu Dogara, engineered something of a legislative coup. In swift, and adroit political moves, they formed a convenient legislative coalition with the rump of the parliamentary opposition, the PDP, and were elected as President of the Senate and Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives respectively, securing victories over Party favorites, Lawan and Gbajabimiala, and thus throwing their party ’s legislative plan into free fall. As a tradeoff, PDP’s Ike Ekweremadu was returned as Deputy President of the Senate. In actual fact, the position of the Deputy President of the senate has little political weight or significance, and is at best given only for the ride; but it does have just one important dimension: it guarantees the opposition presence in the room where important Assembly matters are to be discussed in a final caucus. Tongues are still wagging bitterly in the APC. In actual fact, the Lagos caucus of the party, feeling utterly betrayed, has

recommended nothing less than a scalping, or a piratical black spot for these party outliers. “They must be punished!” railed APC Spokesman, Lai Mohammed, in the party’s first official statement following the election of the National Assembly leadership. Now, the interesting thing is that President Buhari, who had made it very clear right from the beginning that he was loath to interfere with the process of electing legislative leadership, has accepted the election of both Saraki and Dogara, and has pledged to work with them. Two things should be noted here: Buhari is playing a smart game. If the President wants to accomplish anything within the term of his presidency, it would be foolhardy to begin by creating or affirming legislative instability. A great problem that marked and indeed nearly crippled Nigeria’s democratic transition between 1999 and 2007 was the onslaught on the legislative arm of government carried out by the Obasanjo presidency, which sought to undermine parliamentary independence, create an imperial presidency, and very nearly scuttled the foundations of democratic opposition, through what the late Chuba Okadigbo, former president

of the senate, once described as the “banana peels” politics constantly engineered by the presidency. Not much was accomplished by that government even though it had overwhelming legislative majority, and it could push its bills very easily through the parliamentary mill. Obasanjo wanted a full control of the instrument of state, and he set to accomplish this by weakening and corrupting the two arms of government. He succeeded magnificently, but left a legacy of profound corruption, and a parliamentary process whose growth has remained stunted because the legislative arm of government has failed since then to really grasp the extent of its power as the repository of the popular will of the nation. Buhari is signaling a shift, although some are also seeing some kind of subterranean game going on here: a sort of Fulani political insurgency, which has now, with very shrewd and tactical moves, captured the realm of power in Nigeria: from the presidency to the leadership of the National Assembly, and the governance of the Supreme Court. At the head of the triune power of the nation now are all Fulani men. I personally have no truck with this, except that it

might not be too far from the truth to imagine that President Buhari is staging, through his proxies, including old foxes like Atiku Abubakar, and new entrant like Tambuwal, a political shellacking of their coalition partners. Time will unfold this ultimately. But the more obvious reality is that Buhari seems to be clearly steering away from any controversies that might attend any visible attempts to indicate or register executive interference in parliamentary outcomes. But certainly, the president

Perhaps with the inauguration of the National Assembly, we might begin to see more vigorous governance, but thus far, this government feels too tentative and uncertain, and brooding, almost a month to the day after the president was sworn-in cannot, strategically speaking, not be interested in who steers the National Assembly, particularly if he has to push through his legislative agenda. The question of course, certainly is, given the emerging scenario, what is the President’s legislative agenda for these next four years? The picture is not certain yet, but Buhari is a passionate advocate for the resettling of the pastoral Fulani, and the guaranteeing of grazing rights for them and their herds, from their settlements in the Futa Jallon to the plains of Cameroon and

much of Central West Africa, where they are dispersing and generating conflict. It is not unlikely that one of the legislations that the President would like to see passed might be a bill on securing Fulani grazing rights as a pathway for peace, and as part of the omnibus Anti-terrorism bill that is likely to be introduced in this Assembly. Nigerians are, meanwhile, worried that the National Assembly is opening on a fragile note with the clear signs of a fraying of the coalition that brought Buhari to power. What happened last week, that saw the “ rebels” of the APC emerge as Parliamentary leaders, is in my view just a little storm in a tea cup. It will pass quickly. But the real hurricane is brewing, south of here: there is going to be a growing moving apart between the Northern APC, and the Lagos caucus of the APC, the most powerful sector of the party. Analysts have predicted a very quick collapse of the APC coalition, and a party crisis that will see realignments to the advantage of the PDP opposition. We must note that even now, and this was made quite clear with the elections of Saraki and Dogara, that the APC has but a tenuous majority in the National Assembly. It does not have the absolute votes to pass bills, and must rely on making deals with the parliamentary opposition if anything is to happen in the National Assembly. The APC might also lose its majority in the National Assembly, if it is unable to establish a common front right now, rally round its current political leadership, and establish clear governance.

If the party coalition, of really strange bedfellows is to last a good while, the party’s leadership must adopt a very pragmatic policy of engagement, otherwise, the “ rebel” arm of the APC, might begin to caucus with the PDP, and take control of the National Assembly. APC might then be left only with the control the executive branch, while a re-invigorated PDP might end up controlling the Legislature; and this might not actually be such a bad idea. In any case, the APC government is starting poorly: there is increasing concern about the slowness in the takeoff of the Buhari presidency. It is like a slow moving train; creaky, and ponderous thus far. The Presidency must begin to show signs of life. Perhaps with the inauguration of the National Assembly, we might begin to see more vigorous governance, but thus far, this government feels too tentative and uncertain, and brooding, almost a month to the day after the president was sworn-in. The APC coalition seems too fragile at this stage, and it seems to be a real deadweight on the presidency, which needs a firm coalition in order to govern effectively. With the APC, Nigerians might just have elected a ghost party. But only time will tell. One good news, though: Nigeria’s democracy is working. Bukola Saraki’s shrewd negotiations that led to his ascendance prove one important thing: to get anything done in this Assembly, the parties must reach across the aisle. That is a good thing, all things considered. Negotiations and consensus are good for democracy.

‘My movement from engineering to shoe making’ belts because I mastered the job while in training. It was very good and profitable business. It was not long I started taking care of my my siblings in the colleger even sponsored two of them up to university. After my brother graduated from the university he has not been a able to get job but he has joined me as you can producing foot wears, and this is what is sustaining him .

Continued from page 8

Tony Okere: Curious movement from engineering to shoe making As a man is shoe-making business the profession you chose in life? I started the shoe-making business in 1987, after my school certificate examination. While I was in school I wished to study engineering but my hope was dashed as my parents could not afford my university education. I then signed for shoe-making training for three years heeding my elder brother’s suggestion as the only succour. After one year and six months I was done with the training and I started producing foot-wears, assorted designs. Is shoe-making business profitable? Foot -wears business is good and profitable. My Oga, Mr Christantus Umoh was exporting the shoes we produced in Lagos to Cameroun, Chad and Niger. After one year and six months I was done with my training and I produced a lot of footwears, assorted designs.What I was producing on my own as an apprentice motivated me to start my own business. Shortly, I had to start my own business, producing foot-wears and

What do you think is responsible for the dearth of artisans in the shoe industry whereas women are taking over? Some artisans of nowadays don’t have the patience to work under someone they will prefer to own and manage the business. But they don’t have capital to start the business and run it successfully. Some artisans in the same vein who want to work will ask for big money which the owner would not be comfortable to pay. And women have observed that foot-wears industry is profitable and self-sustaining business so they are exploiting the available opportunity. When I go to market to buy materials women will fill the market buying foot-wears materials. Abroad more women are into the business than men. I have watched a documentary abroad only women are working in the shoe-making industry.

•Mr Tony Okere

Why do you specialise in production of sandals,pam(casual foot-wears) and belts instead of shoes? Casual foot wears, sandals and belts are in high demand so it’s worthwhile to produce and market what is in high

demand. Why don’t you train people or youths in shoe-making business? They are not willing to be trained, and they don’t have patience to work, but they want big money. One who came for training demanded for N2,500 daily pay—which is about N70,000 per month whereas some graduates don’t earn up to N50,000 per month in the private sector business. But they take solace in riding motor-bike, Keke Marwa. Would you mind your children stepping into yours after their education in future? Why not? I will like to train them to take over and do it on a wide scale. But I will need capital to expand the business before they can take over. How do you market your products? I sell to individuals,and I also supply to customers in Mushin, Oshodi and ‘other parts of Lagos. I am into mass production of the foot-wears and belts. Can you compare the quality of your products with Italian shoes? Very well. The only difference is that a Nigerian produced them. I buy Italian leather and sole. What are your challenges on the job? Expansion of the business,and I need capital to expand the business. Another challenge is power failure. If there is constant light business will thrive.

PAGE 10—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

Probing all past govts: Matters Arising “Don’t single me out for probe, Jonathan tells Buhari.” PUNCH, May 28, 2015, p 2. all it a plea for equity or an appeal for consideration, Jonathan’s published advice to Buhari was one few people, this time last year, would have imagined likely. It has never happened in Africa for an incumbent President to be clearly defeated in an election. Only the most die-hard faithful or those suffering from utter despair clung to faint hope that Jonathan would win. And, as long as he remained in office, there would be no probe of any kind. GEJ was a firm believer in letting sleeping dogs lie – even if they are afflicted with infectious ailments. At any rate, a probe by Jonathan would have meant probing his party men and cronies; and that was unthinkable; also unfortunate. Then the wheels of

fortune brought about unforeseen change and, like sharks, a lot of people smell blood of top people in the Nigerian political waters. They are moving in for the kill. Jonathan’s advice, which will be partly reproduced below, is the first of several which will be made in the future to stave off ultimate disaster for the former President and his associates. His closest associate, Mrs Patience Jonathan, had made the possibility of post-office imprisonment a campaign issue. “I don’t want to go and give my husband food in prison”, she said on many campaign trips. Why she thought there was any possibility of that happening might soon become clear – if, indeed, Buhari heeds the calls for probe of the Jonathan administration. Unfortunately for Jonathan many of the areas of investigation have been pointed out to him in the past; and, he had failed to take action.

Change the mindset “An empty stomach is not a good political adviser.” ? Albert Einstein

t is disturbing that in this day and age, people can work and not get paid and yet, it is expected, I mean, it is demanded that they continue to work and there is no promise of payment. Only in Nigeria! Nigerian mentality is oxymoronic. The logic is; you should be grateful, that you have a job, never mind that you have not been paid. This is cruelty of the highest order. This is brutal, how could some people say that they are in same boat while others starve and their children go to bed hungry? This logic is beyond me and it smacks in the face of common sense and decency. Many years ago, I worked as sessional worker in a radio station in Nigeria. I was young and naïve, but the lure of working at a radio station was a giddy experience. It quickly began to lose it allure when, I and others were informed that after many months of working, that we either put up or shut and stop asking for when will we get paid in

fact we were held over a barrel; you either get paid now, and get fired or you get paid whenever in the future and remain working. Hobson's choice: it was one option we had to either take it or leave. I did the latter but that’s because I had other options; many didn’t. This is the mentality of the Nigerian, the feeling of helplessness and gratitude never mind the fact that you have the right to expect a pay for a decent day’s work. No, you have to be grateful that you have a job at all, never mind that you are not paid for months. The last time I looked, slavery was abolished so why does it feel that it exists and thrives in Nigeria? The employer behaves like the plantation lord and tells you, that you should be grateful and do not rock the boat. They say don’t bite the hand that feeds you, but you have been starved and told not to bite! If you do, you will be replaced and the worker in turn, sucks it up and continues to suffer in silence. This is not the plantation and we are Nigerians, we are deserving of respect, pride and integrity. If I ramble on, it

And, whereas, his government might have provided soft landing for those indicted, none of them now has chance for leniency or amnesty. Jonathan is vulnerable

indictment of himself as well as twelve other governors in the 2007 class for deliberate under-declaration of assets. That said; let me quickly announce my total support for Jonathan’s call for total, instead of selective probe. According to GEJ, “I believe that anybody calling for probe must ensure that these probes are extended beyond the Jonathan administration; otherwise to me, it will be a witch-hunt. If you are sincere, it is not just the Jonathan administration that should be probed.” No greater truth had been told in Nigeria since

It will amount to partial justice if he goes down while some hypocrites who did worse are left to roam around and sermonize about corruption. But, on this matter, I am on all fours with him. I want him to receive a fair deal after leaving office to prosecution for one charge – evading Assets Declaration as required by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. It is doubtful if any court of law would accept as defense the fact that Obasanjo also committed the same offense. He also has outstanding a Code of Conduct Bureau

1914. We must start elsewhere. However, if the probes would not get bogged down, we should cast our nets, for now, only as far back as 1999. I will gladly send Jonathan a copy of my book PDP: C O R R U P T I O N I N C O R P O R AT E D ,

is, because I am trying to prove a point that is known by many and acknowledged by the very few. It is disturbing that in many states, workers in local authorities have not been paid for months. The excuse made by many of the accused states was that the federal government deliberately withheld funding to pay the monthly salary of local government staff.

churches to organise food banks where people can collect food parcel for civil servants who have not been paid for several months, shows that things have got that bad that the church is giving back! Osun is one of 22 states that are owing salary arrears to their respective workers. Hunger, they say is a poor political adviser, no one can function on an empty stomach and no administration should

No one can function on an empty stomach and no administration should sit back and watch while many are unable to feed their families and still expect them to be productive This is shocking beyond words, one month delay has a knock on effect but months of arrears,this is deplorable and inconceivable that these state governors that expected their staff to go without, should truly be ashamed of expecting people to be productive while they are starving . This is cruelty in its rawest form and unbelievable that a crass excuse; that the federal government deliberately withheld allocation payment cannot and should not wash while some are over indulging in feast while others starve. So, when some well-meaning people from the Christian Associations of Nigeria(CAN), called on

sit back and watch while many are unable to feed their families and still expect them to be productive. I know that GMB has instructed the states to pay their workers from the allocation that they had received from the federal government. But the states insist that they are short of funds to pay salaries. Something is wrong here. Where is the money? Speaking about the delay in payments, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya, chair of the Osun State chapter of CAN, called on church leaders to rally aid to assist them. He said that the church should go beyond feeding congregations with spiritual food especially at

which provides several starting points for probing the Obasanjo administration, including some people now taking shelter under the APC. In fact, no justice can be done if we don’t start with Obasanjo. Reading that book, Jonathan will discover that Nigeria was already being taken to the cleaners by the PDP government in Abuja while he was still a “Spare Tyre” in Bayelsa, by the same selfrighteous Obasanjo who had been highly critical of GEJ. Obasanjo designed the template for the corrupt practices which have occurred since 1999. Let me provide some examples. For eight years the OBJ administration allocated funds for the repair of Nigeria’s four refineries, for Tur nAround-Maintenance, TAM. The refineries failed to work. During Obasanjo’s regime a Group Managing Director of the NNPC lodged in the Presidential Suite at, now, Transcorp, racking up a bill about four times what would have been needed to provide a house for him. It was also under Obasanjo that the PTDF was robbed blind. (See Chapter 6, HOW PTDF WAS RAIDED). Left to me, any probe which does not include OBJ’s tenure would be incomplete and if GEJ needs materials to send a petition, in the event of such exclusion, he this time but should also rally round to offer them succour. He went on; “I talked about Christians and Muslims and others who are passing through hardship in Osun State because of the non-payment of their salaries for months. Workers are passing through hardship and some who have retired have died because of lack of money to take care of themselves. He went on that “We Christians have to emulate the action of the Good Samaritan in the Bible who assisted somebody he should not assist ordinarily, so, we should assist our brothers and sisters. I urge church leaders and local government chairmen to go back home contribute food and other items to assist all these people who are in need." This is not the job of the church to feed the workers in as much as that is laudable and altruistic to do so. I believe that if you work for an honest day work, that you should expect to be paid for your work. There is no quibbles here, you work, and you get paid. Although the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, described the situation as “ very painful” the inability of some states to pay workers’ salaries, it is cold comfort and there should have been some contingency plans in place to provide relief for this prolonged hardship. Aregbesola, went on to say that the challenge of unpaid salaries should not be seen as opportunities by some to pillory either his government or any other facing the same challenges.

should feel free to contact me. It will amount to partial justice if he goes down while some hypocrites who did worse are left to roam around and sermonize about corruption. But, on this matter, I am on all fours with him. I want him to receive a fair deal after leaving office.

OKONJO-IWEALA PUTTING US THROUGH CHINESE TORTURE.

“Even debts owed by states and this nation from 1960, they are saying it is Jonathan’s administration that is owing all the debts..The Attorney-General is aware of the massive judgment debts..it is about $1bn [N210bn]. Jonathan, May 27, 2015, Aso Rock, Abuja. Increasingly, the former Finance Minister is cutting the figure of someone not to be believed whenever she announces figures. Otherwise, how do we reconcile the statement by Jonathan about debts owed since 1960 with the announcement in 2004/5 that we had gotten out of debt; after she raided our external reserves to pay $24bn to creditors? And, for God’s sake, who ever, until now, heard about $1bn [N197bn] judgment debts? Why had governments not been paying and how much of the $1bn accumulated since 1999? Are we now dealing with incorrigible law-breakers in the Executive Branch? More than ever, there must be a probe. With all due respect, this means nothing to those who go to bed every night on an empty belly. I am sure it will be a different story if the state representatives pay was delayed by a day, there will be a solution post haste. One worker described his experience: “It has been very difficult to survive without salary for months. We cannot even afford to pay the school fees of children in private schools, while we also trek to the office sometimes”. This is not how a civil society operate and you cannot expect a society to function if the gap of the “haves” and “have not” is so wide. As a health professional working in psychiatry, I have seen the impact that poverty has on a person’s emotional health; the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness, the impact it has on the individual and extended family. I see that in some of the personal stories resulted from the protracted salary arrears. It is devastating and unjust. One of the cases is that of Ojo Owolabi, a senior civil servant in Obokun local government area of Osun State, who attempted suicide by drinking a large quantity of insecticide. The case of Owolabi moved me and I can only imagine the desperation he had been enduring to want to end his life because he could no longer cater for his family as a result of this debacle. Owolabi, who is a sanitary officer at the council, and depending on how you view this, he was lucky to have survived.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 11

The Nigerian media too must change

n the final year of President Goodluck J o n a t h a n ’ s government, hardly was anyone not fed up with his lackluster performance. When therefore the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) smartly designed the catchy phrase ‘change’ the wind blew us all in its favour. The few people who purportedly remained with the government of the day were its own appointees and other lucky gainers of the spoils of office. Every other person including many members of the then ruling party wanted change by all means. Thank God those who promised change are now in control of the nation. While expecting change from them, the rest of us who earnestly yearned for change must ourselves be ready for change and its implications because change by leaders cannot make appreciable impact without commensurate support by followers. Accordingly, our civil society groups must change their

ways. Among such groups, media organs stand out as they aggressively agitated for change through editorials

Having ceded our airways to politicians to put their interest above the public good, those of us in the media cannot escape from blame should our legislators this time around, spend 4 years on frivolities and reports and helped to effectively publicize the views of other people demanding change. Therefore, the media itself must not only change, it must lead the change process. It must do so by changing its own ways which in the past encouraged the poor performance of government. The media must change from serving personal and sectional interests to serving the over-all public good Some 8 years ago, this writer was in New Delhi to deliver a key note address to the meeting of the PhD,Depar tment of Philosophy, University of Lagos 08116759758 opuruiche2000@yahoo.com

Ndigbo and the burdens of history (1)

s a student of history, I have come to realise that it is only within the scaffolding of fidelity to its lessons that individuals and groups can positively transform socio-political reality in an enduring and meaningful way. In otherwords, those who ignore the lessons of history no matter how disagreeable they might be are bound to repeat terrible errors of the past. Ever since Nigeria was created by British colonial imperialism in 1914, efforts have been made to build a truly Nigerian nation that blends into a relatively harmonious geopolitical entity the diverse ethnic nationalities out of which the colonial amalgam was founded. Unfortunately, from the very beginning such attempts, especially by British colonial administrators, were largely disingenuous, biased in favour of the North and geared towards optimum exploitation of the newly created colony for the benefit of imperial Britain. The fundamental political philosophy that guided British imperialism in relation to the different ethnic nationalities in Nigeria can be encapsulated in three words, namely, subjugate, divide, and exploit. And even after independence was achieved, the departing colonial master left behind an economic system designed for the continuation of Britain's economic exploitation of the country and a flawed political

C o m m o n w e a l t h Broadcasters Association in India. Throughout my 3day stay, I saw nothing

architectonic which could not withstand the weight of deepening ethnic rivalries and tension already rearing their ugly heads before October 1, 1960. Inspite of the amalgamation carried out by Lord Fredrick Lugard, the separatist policies implemented by him and his successors increased ethnic and religious cleavages that eventually snowballed into the devastating civil war. The separatist strategy was consonant with the longstanding secessionist agenda of several members of the Northern establishment, notably, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Inua Wada. However, at conferences held in 1953 that midwived the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, the North shifted ground from secession and advocated instead a political structure "which would give the regions the greatest possible freedom of movement and action; a structure which would reduce the powers of the Centre to the absolute minimum." This eventually led to what Festus C.Eze described as "federation by disaggregation" that, in concrete terms,meant the formation of largely ethnic based three regions and three major political parties along the same lines. After independence, efforts to reengineer and consolidate the parliamentary democracy inherited from Britain were rendered ineffective mainly because the nationalists who

about politics, the media there was bothered only about governance featuring on-going development projects as well other public policies whose execution could easily be faulted. By so doing, government I gathered was being compelled to redress lapses and improve the lot of the people. Our Indian media colleagues told us that at the end of an election, in their country, further politicisation of public affairs is not allowed because it amounts to a distraction. This is a far cry fought for political autarky disliked domination by compatriots from other parts of the country much more than they loathed subjugation by British colonialists. Moreover, selfish myopic politicians who appealed to ethnic and religious sentiments to win votes during elections or score cheap political points against rivals worsened the problem. Thus, by the time mass slaughter of Ndigbo particularly in Northern Nigeria gained escalated in May 1966, the revenge coup of July 29 that same year and the civil war in 1967, the fragile wobbly foundations of the federation had almost crumbled completely. For haters of truth, especially those from the North and South-West, it is an abomination, at best an irritating scratching of old wounds, to revisit the troublesome issue of pogroms against Ndigbo from 1966 to 1970, and the extremely punitive policies implemented by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, ChiefObafemi Awolowo and others to further humiliate them when the civil war ended. Any Igbo man or woman who draws attention to the genocide committed against Igbo people during the war and to the need for justice is usually attacked viciously as "a divisive tribalist who would not let sleeping dogs lie for the sake of peace and unity." But why are Nigerians from other ethnic groups uncomfortable and bilious anytime someone brings up the issue of genocide and recurrent violence against Ndigbo if we really belong equally to one nation? What is the rationale behind hatred of the Igbo andrampant Igbophobia in a country where the people, despite their temperamental deficiencies, have contributed to the development of Nigeria more than any other ethnic

from the trend in Nigeria in which the media quite often leaves substance for cosmetics and substitutes the serious business of national development for comedy, and shows of politics. Nothing reflects this allegation better than the recent selection of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. As soon as President Buhari was inaugurated, the Nigerian media directed attention to the selection of Heads of the legislature as if it was next in the order of public concern. No one remembered that the rest of us have no say in who heads that arm of government. So politicking consumed the public space because the media allowed it. Unknown to our colleagues in the media they merely ceded to politicians their own power to set the national agenda. So, the nation was diverted to the coverage of intrigues to the extent that we got told about how Tinubu’s wife refused to shake Saraki! It probably did not occur to some media practitioners that nothing would add to or subtract from any public gain in the two senators shaking 20 times. The implication of this is that our media that called for change is itself not changing. But it has to because it has an obligation to contribute to the nations’ development. The media is exceedingly powerful as it reserves the right to determine what news item to cover and which to emphasize or downplay. By

so doing, the media serves as the agenda setter of a nation but where all media organs decide to project what the politicians relish in doing to the detriment of people-oriented events, it stands to reason that they all colluded to abdicate from their constitutional obligation. Otherwise how does the ordinary man benefit from a senate that is led by either Saraki or Lawan? Not being among those qualified to participate in the selection process why did the media decide to evolve effective publicity of the selection to all Nigerians? When compared to public enlightenment for the just concluded general election, it is hard to suggest that the media did well considering the exceedingly low turnout of voters which can be taken to mean that not many were educated to recognize the fundamental importance of participating in the nation’s electoral process. In addition, the large figure of invalid votes establishes that people did not know how to vote. In the case of the Saraki-Lawan contest, everyone was well informed and educated. Great broadcast presentations of what to expect from the contest; blow by blow account of how it was concluded and discussions on likely consequences made us believe that selecting the heads of our legislature was higher than health, education and other people- oriented projects. Having ceded our airways to politicians to put their

interest above the public good, those of us in the media cannot escape from blame should our legislators this time around, spend 4 years on frivolities and pass 92 bills in 5minutes on valedictory day. However, we have enough time to make amends by shifting our focus from publicity conscious legislators to monitoring the pace of development of our nation. There is so much that is begging for coverage in the interest of the people. Whether it is the unending fuel queues or whatever, the problems of our people should be in the front burner thereby stopping government from abandoning such issues. For instance, during the legislators’ intrigues, a more serious development occurred- renewed infliction of pains on fellow Nigerians and their families by insurgent groups. Thus the media can do better by shifting attention to the monitoring of the implementation of the directive of Mr. President that our military should move to the war zone. Media focus on it would spur action in that direction. While it remains expedient to keep a team to secure the nation’s capital, the current manual check points which further expose residents of Abuja and environs to the pains of irrational long queues will reduce. Indeed, media focus will push the military to appreciate the need to alter the mundane manual checks in these days of improved technology. s

group? Taking a cue from Prof. Chinua Achebe, the answer to the last question is ekwolo, that is, jealousy and petty ethnic rivalries because of the success of Ndigbo in establishing themselves as a significant socio-economic and intellectual force wherever they live outside Igboland. The average nonIgbo tend to dislike and fear the Igbobecause of that very success. Now, rivalries between individuals, across ethnic groups and within countries often trigger

Igbo problem" as a critical component of the pending "national question" that requires dispassionate analysis and fair resolution. As Usman Dan Fodio aptly remarked, "conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it." Although ascertaining the truth about any complex socio-political question is always a work-in-progress, it can be plausibly argued that only if Nigerians, especially members of the ruling elite, tackle the "Igbo problem" with open-mindedness guided by the desire for fairness and justice, would the lingering physical and psychological wounds of the Biafran war be assuaged. Obdurate refusal to discuss the war comprehensively as a very important though tragic episode of Nigerian history and unwillingness to teach Nigerians born from 1960 onwards about it so that they can learn appropriate lessons therefrom is, to put it mildly, evidence of hubris and cowardice. Similarly, namecalling or hateful disparagement of any Igbo for alerting compatriots about the predicament of Ndigbo and calling for a change of attitude towards them is a complete waste of time because the capacity to speak out against injustice is an essential component of human nature that cannot be completely stifled. It is possible to debate endlessly, with the benefit of hindsight of course,whether the decision to secede was the best option, or even the only optionfor Ndigbo. I have genuine misgivings about the secession. Nevertheless, Generals Gowon and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu bear ultimate responsibility for the decision to secede and the war that followed because, misled by sycophants, "they were blinded by ego, hindered by a lack of administrative experience

and obsessed with interpersonal competition and petty rivalries." Yet, it is a universally recognised principle that a fairly homogenous people with strong historical and cultural connections have a right to self-determination if there are compelling reasons for them to feel unwanted or do not have a sense of belonging in the larger group of whichthey are a part. Given the pogroms of 1966, clamour for secession by the Igbo was justified, although the means they chose to realise it is highlyquestionable. Anybody with a contrary view should answer the following question: would the Hausa-Fulani, the Yoruba or any ethnic group with significant demographic strength not have seriously considered secession if their brothers and sisters living in Eastern region were slaughtered en masse by their hosts? Very likely, they would. Besides, as indicated earlier,Northerners were obsessed with pulling out of Nigeria, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo reportedly told Gen. Ojukwu shortly before the civil war broke out that if the East secedes, Western region would not be far behind. Hence, although it is probably true that leaders of Biafra acted too hastily in pulling Eastern region out of Nigeria without adequate preparation for war knowing full well that Gowon and his cohorts would never allow it, one must also appreciate the tremendous pressure they were under to respond decisively to the senseless massacre of Ndigbo in the North. Vociferous andtendentious champions of "national unity" have not made serious effort to engage dispassionately with Nigerian history from 1914 to the time military regime was entrenched in the country. To be concluded.

Vociferous andtendentious champions of "national unity" have not made serious effort to engage dispassionately with Nigerian history from 1914 to the time military regime was entrenched in the country conflicts, with alternating periods of belligerence and peace of limited duration. It is within this context that the problematic interactions between Ndigbo and Igbophobic Nigerians from other ethnic groups can be understood. It is impossible to build genuine and sustainable national unity on the foundation of injustice, deliberate suppression of unpleasant or inconvenient facts and self-righteous accusation of tribalism hurled at anyone who brings up "the

PAGE 12, SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

G-7 Summit: Acting the part of a world leader Jo yful Homes Joyful

t must have been moment of pride for the newly sworn in President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, as he took his place among selected leaders of the industrialised world last weekend. It was in far away Germany where they were meeting, under the auspices of the G-7 Summit, to discuss global economy as well as on key issues regarding foreign, security and development policy, among other topics. President Buhari had been invited along with six other African heads of state to be guest attendees. Their attendance was an opportunity to meet with the G-7 leaders on the sidelines and raise their countries' "problems" with them. The invited African leaders were those with common problems of insecurity, "jihadism", and poverty. For Buhari, there could not have been a better time for him to meet these leaders and highlight his programmes to them and in the same breath solicit for assistance to get his broken country mended. Just two weeks after his inauguration, Buhari had the honour of "presence" in the "kitchen" of world leaders. Besides Nigeria's problem with the infamous Boko Haram terrorists, the president also has the task of convincing the world generally that Nigeria is now open for business under a new management. For Buhari as he prepared for the summit, the main thing on his mind will be to be accepted by these leaders, as a "new breed" "sheriff" with a mission to effect change in the way business is conducted in Nigeria. So armed with a "wish list", a heart full of prayers and three trusted aides - the former Lagos State Governor Raji Fashola, Borno State governor Kassim Shettima and Abdulrahman Danbazzau, a former chief of army staff Buhari headed for Munich on Sunday June 7, full of confidence. Buhari was his characteristic straight face as he walked gingerly through the guard of honour mounted by the Bavarian soldiers. However, give it to him, an ex-soldier he is, he did not misplace a foot. An occasional wry smile at the reception organised and hosted by the MinisterPresident of the state of Bavaria could well have been a good disguise for the butterflies in his stomach. You wonder what was on Buhari's mind as he got a welcome handshake to the summit from the host, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel the following day. Towering above the smiling Merkel, Buhari, in dark shades, was in his serious "mode", as he denied the chancellor a reciprocal smile, even if only for the

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photo opportunity. It will be recalled that Merkel, the leader of the G-7, was the brain behind Buhari's invitation to the meeting. Mercifully, President Buhari did not greet her as "President Mitchell of West Germany". For the other G-7 leaders, it was not a difficult task to spot the "new boy on the block". He made appearance in a black traditional flowing kaftan dress, with a matching hat, which easily gave him away among the "suit-clad" world leaders. He was not alone, as the Liberian President Sirleaf also came representing in her native dress. Buhari looked sharp and very athletic - everything the opposite of the image of an African leader, many of whom are synonymous with bulging tummies and rosy cheeks. His straight face in place, he did not miss photo opportunities with these leaders. Buhari's appearance with them reminds one of primary school days, when a new student joins midway into the school term. On the playground the new student is lost in "protocol", not knowing what group to identify with, what to say or who to say it to. In this process, he hovers around all the "gangs" of old students, assessing them and hoping one of them would take notice of him and take him into the group. It does not take long before the new student finds himself in the middle of a group telling his life story. At this stage, every student wants to know who he is, how intelligent he is and if he is worth associating with. They hang on to every word of the

The icing on the cake for Buhari would be the number of leaders he persuaded to "invest" in him to effect the change Nigeria urgently needs new student, while weighing if he is worthy enough to join the "inner circle". This is called the "playground politics". Buhari must have felt like one new student at this meeting. This was his first meeting with the group of world leaders after his inauguration. He might have been a head of state in the eighties, remember he was a military dictator who was not allowed to walk in

the corridor of venues where leaders of democratic countries met. After the "breaking of ice", these leaders would have been all over Mr President, asking various questions, some bothering a bit on the personal. The mischievous among them would have asked for his secret of political tenacity, coming back to win the election after three unsuccessful attempts. Yet, others would have teased him about his party's popular sound bite - change. At every "hello", the president would have probably attempted a false smile. He is getting notorious for finding it hard to smile nowadays. And as if on cue, would have gone into his well practiced "pick up mode", convincing the leaders that Nigeria is on a new journey and would need all the assistance that it could get from these leaders. The icing on the cake for Buhari would be the number of leaders he persuaded to "invest" in him to effect the change Nigeria urgently needs. As a refrain though, the president would have warned the G-7 leaders not to expect him to turn the fortunes of Nigeria around overnight. And jokingly add that he is no magician and if they think otherwise, their IQ must be same as that of ordinary Nigerian citizen. No doubt, the pressing issue on the president's mind was Boko Haram, and particularly the ISIS "partnership". It would be recalled that earlier this year, the retreating terrorist group operating in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, announced its allegiance to the ISIS. At a one-on-one meeting with the French Prime Minister Francois Hollande, Buhari raised this issue and asked for more intelligence to be shared on the evil links between these two groups. Hollande was said to have promised Buhari that France shall support Nigeria and the coalition forces in the fight against the Boko Haram threat. Apart from this official meeting with the French Prime Minister, there seemed not to be much on the itinerary of the President. His media aide Garba Shehu however informed Nigerians that Buhari was able to discuss with the leaders of Canada and Germany who assured Nigeria of their readiness to cooperate and help in its developmental efforts. Buhari seemed to have spoken to the other leaders on the "playground". It is understandable though if Buhari did not push for more one-on-one meetings with the likes of President Obama or David Cameron. He definitely was preoccupied with the "fire he left on the roof" before he left Nigeria - the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly and the election of the officials.

or sometime now, the issue has been the focus in our home videos, daily lives and larger families. I mean the issue of waiting for children by couples. In this part of the world, relations begin to grumble if within a year or two, couples are yet to procreate yet there are couples who have been waiting for over a decade to have children. First let us correct the impression that the essence of marriage is to have children. That definitely is not the essence of marriage. It is primarily for companionship. According to the Holy Bible, in Genesis, 2 vs 18 , the Lord God said, “ It is not good for that the man (woman) should be alone; I will make a helper for him”. This is further affirmed in the marriage vows that we take “ to love and cherish, in love, health , sickness etc”. The man and woman who have agreed to live together as husband and wife must never lose focus of this. Of course one is not playing down the role of children in a marriage. In the words of a respectable man of God, “ A house is not a home until it has children”. However, it does not mean that one cannot be fulfilled in life without children. This column is mainly to discuss this issue which has led to the disruption of many homes and separated genuine lovers. We are going to be discussing how to cope with in-laws who are actually intruders into the homes of young couples, share testimonies of people who have broken through in order to inspire others and also the challenges of couples who are still hopeful. May I make it clear that this column is not about medical science and its limitations, it is about faith and the power of the Almighty God to rewrite the stories of those medically written off. From one’s experience, societal pressure is more on the woman than the man but it could be physical , emotional or spiritual state of the man or the couple that is

The spiritual we are made to understand controls the physical. So, if you ask me, I will suggest you focus more attention on the spiritual responsible for the delay. Our attitude – For the couple, the attitude should be to stay together. Stick to your marriage vows. Do not allow pressure from relations, friends and inlaws to come between both of you. No woman should write herself off because she is waiting . To do so is to submit that God cannot step into the situation. This is false. I have seen women who have waited for over 20 years have children although this is not the ideal and I know it is not the wish of any woman to wait that long. Rather than brooding or looking dull, be yourself. Remain attractive for your spouse, engage in other activities that keep you busy such as studying, focusing on your career , spending your leisure time together etc. Be focused. Seek medical attention and also tackle the spiritual. The spiritual we are made to understand controls the physical. So, if you ask me, I will suggest you focus more attention on the spiritual. There are reputable churches that give special attention to couples in need of children. From the experience of several couples, it is better to spend more time together physically and spiritually than contemplating unholy alternatives. Let me share this story, and this a true life

testimony of a couple given at Laughter Foundation International Ministry. The couple had been trusting God for children for quite some time. Relations put pressure on the man to go and take another wife. He succumbed though secretly. Unknown to his wife, the other woman had a baby girl but the wife remained steadfast in prayer and a short period, God gave her a breakthrough and she had a baby boy. However, she observed that though her husband remained caring while she was pregnant, she noticed the excitement exhibited by her husband when the baby arrived fell short of expectation. The man rather than have a joy filled heart had a burden in his heart. He took the courageous step , revealed the secret to his wife and begged her for forgiveness which of course she gave him. Suddenly, the same forces who had been working against his child bearing life struck, and the baby of the other woman slept and never woke up. Some relations accused the wife though not openly but the man told them to shut their mouths saying “ My wife is no witch”. You would think that is the end of the story!. No. Madam’s baby too was attacked , the baby became ill but the favour of God through prayers protected the child and till today, the child is alive. That’s the spiritual. We’ll discuss this more in our subsequent editions. Today, couples can also take physical steps such as adoption . However, it must be noted that adoption is not an easy process. The first step is that the couple must agree on this option and then together take legal steps to actualize their dreams. One must say that it is a rigorous process but it is desirable and acceptable. Both parties must accept the child as theirs and give the child love and care. Whichever option the couple chooses, the end result is a Joyful Home. Readers, share your experiences and thoughts with us on joyfulhomes through email: 2015@gmail.com

SUNDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 13

Jega’s five-year tenure changed the face of Nigeria’s electoral process — REC Igini By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin City

HURSDAY, June 11, 2015 will be a memorable day in the life of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Mr. Mike Igini, as politicians, members of the civil society, friends and wellwishers poured encomium on the INEC chief, who is leaving Edo, after spending five months and four days. It was at a farewell meeting with stakeholders at the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office, in Benin City, where majority stakeholders, who took time to point out the positive impact Igini had made in INEC used the opportunity to recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari that Igini could replace the out-going Chairman of the INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega. The state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr.Anslem Ojezua, noted that the uprightness of Igini during the general elections was the reason a few candidates are going to Election Petition Tribunals in Edo to contest the outcome of the elections. His words: “There is no doubt that Edo people have seen the difference since you came as the Resident Electoral Commissioner. In previous elections, all our party craved for was a level playing ground while the PDP always brought people who come here to rig elections for them. It happened in 2007, before the Appeal Court returned the mandate given to Governor Adams Oshiomhole by Edo people. But since you came, things have changed. You have provided leadership in Edo INEC that is very obvious. The outcome of the elections in Edo is the reason you have few persons going to the tribunal. If you look at some other states, the RECs connived with the PDP to manufacture results both in the presidential and National Assembly elections. That you did not connive with people to rig the polls shows the kind of person you are and let me say that you are going to leave a very big shoe behind. I pray that whoever will succeed you will be able to carry on from where you stopped”. Speaking also, the state Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said “To a large extent, he came and played the role of an unbiased umpire. Of course, by the nature of his job, those who the outcome of the elections favours will speak very highly of him, those who probably did not do well will put a lot of blame on him. But from my own perspective, he did the

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best within the short period of his arrival; there was more interaction between the supervising body and the political parties and, through that, people knew what was happening in INEC. And that explains why there was less violence during and after the elections because a lot of the issues were explained to various political parties and it reduced tension. Political parties were made to have a better understanding of the issues so they were not worried. “But I want to advise that those charged with the responsibility of conducting elections should do all within their powers to retain some of these experienced hands within the commission because my first reaction was that he just came, why is he being transferred? But I was told that he has served his tenure and that is why he is leaving. But, to me, quite frankly, a lot has been spent training some of these commissioners and, with their experience, you cannot discard them and start recruiting fresh people. If the Commission must improve on its goal of attaining a situation where we can conduct credible elections in this country and consolidate on the achievements of the past, INEC must retain these

At all times in the last four years, we strove to do what is right, to put INEC at the service of the electorate, so that their reality becomes our reality at great risk to ourselves and loved ones

credible hands who are experienced based on the past elections which they conducted. It was nice working with him and I wish him well in his future endeavours”. On his part, Mr Omobude Agho, the Chairman of Edo State Civil Society Organization, noted that the REC was able to carry the civil society along during the elections, particularly in voter education which helped to the success of the elections in Edo. “We will continue to remember you for your good deeds and administrative prowess, integrity. And it is our strong belief that President Buhari should look for people like you who have the integrity to carry INEC to the next level. Prof.Jega has done his best for Nigeria and we need people with credibility like Igini to move our electoral system to the next level,’’ Agho said. Others who spoke at the event included the Benin Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, members of the UNIBEN Alumni Association and the staff of INEC. Igini, who almost betrayed and the emotions, while responding, said he was overwhelmed by the comments made about him, assuring that he will not relent on his efforts to sanitise the nation’s electoral process. He expressed gratitude to the staff of the INEC for their cooperation, just as he commended his wife, “for being there always for all the periods that we were not at home, helping to assist our children to do their school home work”. “Since we came on board, there have been tremendous efforts to change the attitudinal dispositions and values of the staff/stakeholders in order to sustain our democracy. The outgoing leadership of Prof.Jega promised integrity-driven electoral process to restore the confidence of the people in the electoral system. We pledged and committed ourselves to ensuring that INEC remains a national institution committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in our fatherland,’’ the REC said. “Looking back at the last few months here in Edo, and the totality of the last few years of our stewardship in the Commission as we take a bow

from INEC, we can say, with every sense of modesty, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, under Professor Attahiru Jega and indeed INEC in Edo has worked so hard to bring meaning, trust and purpose to the electoral process. We have striven to ensure that there are no more pre-written election results, no more incidents of assisted ballot box snatching and stuffing of thumbprinted ballot papers and same announced as results by the Commission. “The use of the PVC and the Card Reader to verify voters’ biometrics in the 2015 elections, despite a few challenges, no doubt, remains a watershed, a paradigm shift that brought about a tremendous energy of hope, credibility and integrity unequalled in our electoral history. At all times in the last four years, we strove to do what is right, to put INEC at the service of the electorate, so that their reality becomes our reality at great risk to ourselves and loved ones. On the question of due process, we never compromised or surrendered our values, but rather we showed the courage of our conviction to be true to them. All that every citizen needs to contribute is to be given a chance; we were given a chance and opportunity in the past five years, we devoted our time and served with all our hearts to rebuild our electoral process to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian people. “As l bid you all farewell, the staff and the people of Edo, be assured that wherever l am, whatever l do, l’m with you. Whenever you do the right thing by adhering to the template of electoral integrity that we built together, l am head and heart with you. In the past five years of the leadership of our Hon. Chairman and under my watch in this state in the past few months, it has been a continuing effort to ensure leadership by example and not by pretext. You have all seen that, indeed, it is possible to do the right thing, if we defer immediate personal gains for the common good. You have given me all that we achieved together in Edo”.

PAGE 14, SUNDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

The PDP opposition role strategy BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

his is the first time the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will be in the opposition at the centre following its defeat in the March 28 presidential election by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The party also lost most of its seats to the APC in the National Assembly and governorship elections; and so will be a minority in the assembly. How the party will bounce back ahead of 2019 elections was the issue at its one-day retreat in Port Harcourt for members of the National Assembly. The former Senate President, Senator David Mark, in his remark, expressed worries over the gale of defection rocking the party. Though he did not release any figure, he pleaded with members to stay back, expressing the hope that the party would rebound before the next elections. He pleaded with the members of the National Assembly to forge a united front, sinking personal interest for party ideology. According to him, the PDP should show its strength in the National Assembly when they speak with one voice. “In doing so, we must maintain a strong synergy between our members in the National Assembly and the National Working Committee( NWC) . The PDP is still a brand all Nigerians know. We just need to reinvent the wheels and move forward.” Deputy President of the Senate , Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who gave the keynote address, told the lawmakers not to see the new political order with the PDP in the opposition as a death sentence, stressing that it should be a time for the party to re strategize and build into a vintage position ahead of the next elections. According to him, the party took too many things for granted while it was in majority, noting that some of its inactions were responsible for its crash to a miserable minority in the country. “We did not appear to have managed our success well. We appeared to have taken a lot of things for granted. We did not also appear to have taken full cognisance of our successive dwindling electoral fortunes over the years or the trend of electoral revolutions going on in other emerging democracies around us in which ruling parties lost control of power to the opposition.”, he said. Ikweremadu, who was also the Chairman, organizing committee of the retreat said the party ignored several warning signs of impending defeat, arguing that it should have woken up to the challenge of real politicking after the losses it suffered in the National Assembly at the 2011 elections even though it still maintained its lead as the major party. “The loss of 55 seats in 2011 should have set the alarm ringing in the party. Likewise, our performance in the senatorial elections peaked at 87 seats in 2007 and shrank to 71 in 2011 before crashing to an all-time low of 49 seats in the 2015 general elections. Thus, the loss of 16 senatorial seats in 2011 should have served as a bad omen. Even in the gubernatorial elections, the drop from 28 states, which the PDP controlled in 2003 and 2007, C M Y K

•David Mark

The APC government must always bear in mind that both the party and the government are products of the atmosphere of democratic liberties promoted by the PDP government under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. That atmosphere must not be fouled by executive excesses, witchhunt or intimidation to 23 by 2011 was enough sign that

all was not well”, he noted. The Deputy Senate President, however, gave a ray of hope when he said majority parties had also lost their status in some Africa countries, citing political scenarios in Cape Verde, São Tomé, Zambia, Ghana , where opposition parties steadily grew to point of strength overtime. Ekweremadu said the retreat was an indication that the party was set to learn from its mistakes , suggesting that the party should put in place shadow structures to serve as watchdog on the activities of various government ministries and parastatals. “ I recommend that we in the opposition should set up shadow committees relative to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, to sustain a methodical monitoring of the APC performance and report to the whole world on real time basis.”, he said. He argued that the burden of driving the party as an effectively opposition rests largely with its legislators since they enjoy legislative immunity in the discharge of their functions. Ekweremadu however warned that the party should be seen to be constructive, positively critical and avoiding what he termed “market square propaganda that tend to incite the citi-

• Ike Ekweremadu zens against the government “. The Deputy Senate President enjoined the lawmakers to hold the APC government accountable to its campaign promises. Some of the promises, he said, included making the naira equal to the dollar in value, release of the kidnapped Chibok girls, zero tolerance for corruption, creation of two million jobs every year, and provision of uninterrupted electricity. Ekweremadu charged the new APC government not to stifle the democratic space even as he tasked the governors of the PDP to ensure they performed creditably in their various states. He also advised members not to defect to the APC. “The ruling party must not impose restraints of any type or suppress public opinion and public voice; otherwise, it will be guilty of undemocratic and authoritarian tendencies. The APC government must always bear in mind that both the party and the government are products of the atmosphere of democratic liberties promoted by the PDP government under former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. That atmosphere must not be fouled by executive excesses, witch-hunt or intimidation.”, he stated. Governors, who spoke, expressed optimism that the PDP would recover lost grounds, promising not to dump the party. Those who gave good will messages were Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, Ifanyi Ugwanyi, Enugu, Ifenyi Okowa of Delta. Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi was represented by his deputy. The host governor, Wike, drew at-

tention to how the PDP nurtured democracy in the country, stressing that the party had no choice but to play the role of constructive opposition. “No one can honestly deny the PDP its due credit for successfully nurturing, stabilising and consolidating Nigeria’ s democracy to heights never imagined in the country’s chequered political history,”the Rivers governor said. “Power has changed hands and our party is the official opposition at the centre. We do not have any choice than to play this role that has naturally fallen on our party effectively as possible”. “Fortunately, the PDP is not just one

of the numerous spineless parties that ascribe the word opposition to themselves. The PDP is the only alternative opposition party to the ruling APC. This means that the PDP is just one election away from taking over power at the centre and all other states it is currently relegated”. Dickson, on his part, reaffirmed the determination of the governors to remain in the PDP, assuring that they would build synergy with all stakeholders to further consolidate the party. “We governors of the party are committed to stay in the party, work with leaders of our party to ensure that the party wins the next round of the elections. We must collaborate to win the elections. The governors are committed to stay in in the PDP. There is no governor considering any move to cross over. We are determined to stay back and build our party,” he said. Dankwambo described himself as the only re-elected governor in the party. This drew general laughter. He pledged to work with others to strengthen the party. Former governor of Kano State and immediate past Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau, advised leaders of the PDP to strengthen internal democracy, noting that the party should build criticisms around issues and not individuals. According to him, the foregoing would further consolidate the party and endear it to Nigerians. On his part, former anti corruption czar, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, called on legislators elected on the platform of the party to be above board, adding that they should let the world know what they earn as lawmakers. According to him, transparency will advance the cause of the party. Mark had to come in again to make it clear that the budget of the National Assembly was in the public domain, stressing that the earnings of national lawmakers were also known to Nigerians. The retreat, no doubt, was timely as it gave stakeholders the opportunity to ventilate on the defeat the PDP suffered in the general elections and come up with ways to strengthen the party ahead of 2019. The retreat also made members realize their roles as the opposition party in the country.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PPA AGE 15

Enugu: Rural development tops Ugwuanyi's agenda BY FRANCIS IGATA

The discerning prowess of the electorate in Enugu State have notched higher in recent times as active participation takes centre stage to hold government accountable in all its programmes and policies.

OLITICIANS have over time been known for sugar-coated programmes and policies meant to curry votes during electioneering campaigns. A peep into the crystal ball in the days leading to the April 11,governorship election in Enugu State had shown vividly, where the pendulum of victory will swing, owing to the blistering popularity and goodwill enjoyed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Although former governor Sullivan Chime had played a pivotal role in Ugwuanyi's emergence at the party primary last year, Chime's role cannot be said to vitiate the pervasive acceptance among the electorates which they demonstrated by voting overwhelmingly for his victory. The impressive crowd which thronged the Michael Okpara Square to witness the handover on Friday, May 29 on account of mounting expectations from their governor were however, not crest fallen when Ugwuanyi reeled out his agenda of, "Seamless Continuity and Consolidation" anchored on employment generation, social services and good governance, rural development, security and justice. Inaugural speech In his inaugural speech, Ugwuanyi said,"under us,Enugu State will pay a special attention to rural development because majority of our people live in the rural areas. We will create more urban areas to boost economic growth. In line with this, we must equip and modernize Nsukka,a University town founded over half a century ago to compete with other Univeristy towns in attracting technology and knowledge-based businesses and other industrial support venture,bearing in mind that Nsukka is the second largest town in Enugu State. "In the same vein,the 9th Mile Corner is a long overlooked economic hub that we need to harness to enjoy the full benefits of our newly acquired status as Free Trade Zone. We will give attention to these places to speed up urban development,create fresh economic opportunities and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis." Chime's development agenda for Enugu Metropolis A retrospective glance at Chime's development agenda for the state showed that his strides were conscripted within the precincts of the metropolis. Ugwuanyi's administration in its inaugural pronouncement, took cognizance of the fact that the metropolis is suffocating with structures and buildings, hence his resolve to urbanize other towns for socio-economic growth and expansion. Economic diversification Continuing in his speech,Ugwuanyi said, "let me state categorically that while we are gearing to achieve so much,we C M Y K

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi must bear in mind that the resource flow has grown so lean across the country due to the noise-dive of oil prices in the international market. A political associate recently told me that this not the best times to be Governor of Enugu State. But i replied, that this is indeed the best time to lead Enugu State. "If former President Franklin Roosevelt could take America out of the great depression; and if President Barak Obama could lead the Americans out of the economic melt-down, I believe that we too can turn the present economic challenges into huge blessings. Since it is knowledge driven economies and not oil driven economies that rule the world, I believe that this is another great opportunity for Enugu State, and indeed Nigeria to look inwards and harness those potentials which free oil money has blinded us from exploiting. "It is an opportunity to live to our full potentials and discard the feeding bottle federalism syndrome. Importantly, I believe in the miracle of five loaves and two fish. I believe that God will give us the wisdom and courage to successfully navigate that state through the current economic crunch." Enugu's debt profile The optimism expressed by Governor Ugwuanyi is coming against the backdrop of the empty treasury he met with a humongous debt profile of over N60.8billion which Chime's administration plunged the state into, in the midst of an all time high allocation from the Federal Government during his eight years as governor.

If former President Franklin Roosevelt could take America out of the great depression; and if President Barak Obama could lead the Americans out of the economic melt-down, I believe that we too can turn the present economic challenges into huge blessings Retinue of aides "Howeverâ€?, he continued, â€œI also believe that we must match our faith with the right decision and good work. I will therefore be calling on Enugu people to tighten their belts. But the difference between our model of belt-tightening and the one you used to know, is that the belt-tightening under this administration will start with government functionaries and business. We will lead by example. "We will lead a lean government to free up resources and channel them to the real development issues. In addition, every

revenue-generating agency of government should be ready to generate and remit revenues to fund government development effort. Likewise, individuals and corporate entities should henceforth, start paying tax as defaulters will not be counted as friends of Enugu State. But one thing I must assure you is that every kobo you put into the coffers of government will be utilised transparently and in a way that adds value to your lives," Ugwuanyi announced. The immediate past administration led by former Governor Sullivan Chime was remarkable for the appointment of a retinue of Personal Assistants, Pas; Special Advisers, SAs; Senior Special Advisers, SSAs; Senior Personal Assistants, SPAs; among others who were mere political hangers-on created to settle political efforts and patronage. Stakeholders speaks The people of Enugu State have however, asked new administration of Ugwuanyi to hit the ground running with programmes and policies that will directly alleviate the sufferings of masses. A cross section of residents who spoke to Sunday Vanguard were however upbeat on the capability of Ugwuanyi's administration to deliver on its campaign promises. President, Enugu Unity Forum, EUF, Chief Tahil Ochi, said, "appointment of political offices should be purely on merit. Politicians who are professionals in different fields of endeavour and have a grip of the peculiarities of their sector should be appointed. "The governor should know that the 2019 re-election bid has started. His actions and inaction from the onset will determine his faith at the end of his four year stint. "Policies and programmes that are employment oriented to absorb the teeming unemployed youths that roam the streets should be given priority. Loopholes from where revenue leak should be plugged especially now that allocation from the centre is thinning out gradually." Former Commissioner for InterMinisterial Duties, Mr. Beloved-Dan Anike said, "this administration should walk the talk of reducing pressure on Enugu metropolis by developing other semi-urban centres like Nsukka and 9th Mile Corner to trigger socio-economic growth in those areas. "Improvement of workers welfare should by key in order to drive the wheels of government policies and programmes efficiently and effectively. The incessant killing, maiming, rape and kidnap of our people and despoliation farmland by the now dreaded Fulani herdsmen should be tackled frontally by this administration. "Most of our people are predominantly farmers. The activities of Fulani herdsmen have left tears and anguish in most families. Our agrarian farmland have greatly been devastated. It is worrisome that they have been allowed space to desecrate the land while security agencies watch in surrender." Economic, Elders Council to be reconsistuted At a stakeholders meeting weekend, Ugwyanyi assured that he will reconstitute the Economic Council and the Elders Council to advise the government on areas of priority. He also assured that local government council funds will be not touched to enable development permeate through the remotest parts of the state. Walk the talk As the clock chimes towards the first 100 days in office, observers are waiting with baited breath to ascertain if the direction of government, is in tandem with its inaugural pronouncement which will make or mar the confidence reposed on the administration.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 17

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rce It’s not by fo to feature y Wizkid, Bank W on my s album- Skale BY TOFARATI IGE

RESH off the release of his debut album, ‘Man Of The Year,’ former EME signee, Skales, now signed to Baseline Entertainment, is still basking in the euphoria that accompanied his album release party which attracted a lot of top guns in the entertainment industry. The ‘Shake Body’ singer was hosted by weekly entertainment networking event, Industry Nite on Wednesday and he addressed some of the issues regarding why he didn’t feature any of his former label mates from EME such as Wizkid and Banky W, on his new album. Apparently fed up with all the questions and insinuations that have been directed at him on the issue, Skales retorted that he was under no compulsion to feature any of the artistes. In a chat with Potpourri, and while responding to the question on why he didn’t collaborate with Banky W or Wizkid, he said, “It’s not by force to feature them. Besides, everybody have their different schedules, so the time didn’t fit in for us all. This album had been ready a long time ago, so that’s another reason.” On the nature of his disagreement with Wizkid and whether they had mended fences, he said, “Whatever happened has happened. Me, I’ve moved on.”

Juliet Ibrahim recounts Ghana flood experience M

OST parts of Ghana including the capital city, Accra, and major city, Kumasi, recently experienced what has been described as worst flooding in the history of the country. Floods, which in some places, reached beyond the chest, were reported, and many lives were allegedly lost. The flood, according to reports was no respecter of persons as it visited both the low and the mighty. Even actors had stories to tell. One of such actors that had a story to tell is beautiful Juliet Ibrahim who was shooting a movie at the time. According to her, the flood was so great they had to cut shooting. “Exactly one week today, Whilst filming my new TV series my cast and crew were all inside this house located in Trasacco area and the wall broke down, the house and compound was flooded and water level was as high as our waist. Cars were damaged, equipments damaged but we thank God for our lives and we made it out of the compound through the flood leaving everything else behind. The

following day we went back there and discovered that an alligator was inside the house. My body crept at the knowledge that we walked through the flood with such animals loitering around. May the souls of the departed of the tragic flood rest in peace. Amen! By the way, the tenants of the estate are leaving the place so only the landlord is left to occupy the place all by himself. We thank God for the revelation because it could have been worse” she recounted her experience in an Instagram post days ago. For a fan who commented that she should have gone ahead with her shooting in spite of the flooding, the actress replied in anger, “So, I should be walking inside water that’s up to my waist level and be video recording to satisfy your curiosity or doubt ? Clap for your wise self. If you can’t say anything relevant, don’t! You are obviously not a Ghanaian and didn’t see what most Ghanaians went through last week” she lashed out.

Pasunma pulls Yoruba actors for ‘Oruka’ video shoot

f you happened to be around the popular Jahlobia Garden along Airport Road in Lagos on Tuesday, you could have spotted a big party going on with everyone clad in allwhite with a touch of blue as accessories. Your first impression might be there was a big wedding going on. Yes, you are not far from the truth, but not right on spot. It was a wedding alright but a different kind. It was Pasunma shooting the video of his wedding song ‘Oruka’ released on May 15th and dedicated to Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole who recently got married to his new wife, Lara Fortez. Another unique thing about the

gathering was that it was strictly graced by Yoruba actors, males and females. From Adebayo Salami, Femi Adebayo to Fathia Balogun, Biodun Okeowo, Sobola Sotayo, Tope Osoba, Iyabo

Ojo, Lasun Ray, to Wale Adebayo. The list is endless. For years, Pasunma has been rolling with Yoruba actors and even featured in a handful of their films. It would seem his association with them has paid

off as it is unimaginable that Pasunma would have paid such retinue of stars who could have numbered between 30-50. most of them big time A-list in their own rights. The video was directed by Clarence Peters.

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PAGE 18— SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

The ‘fabulous five’ of Nigeria’s big screen T

he long dead cinema culture is gradually returning. Cinema houses are springing up all over the country and big bucks men are beginning to see it like the great gold rush of old. All thanks to Senator Ben Bruce – he started the plunge and took every other carpetbagging sniffer on the ride! Maybe the investors have done right, at least, by themselves, but the faces getting people to go chew popcorn and ice-cream while having their eyes peeled are the actors, both male and female. For the men, one would have expected the likes of Ramsey Nouah, Jim Iyke or

Blossom Chukwujekwu

Emeka Ike leading the bunch but it seems these guys aren’t such good swimmers as they used to be. Coasting home right now on the big screen are a new set of guys who seem to be snapping up all the scripts. They are dashing, daring and disarming, both in looks and talents. Though, there are many like them but it looks like those are only good enough for the DVD films. In the last couple of years these five guys have reigned supreme on the big screen in a big way. In no particular order here are the Potpourri’s top five guys ruling the big screen. We call them ‘Fabulous Five’

He earned his acting debut playing the lead in the 2009 soap opera; Portrait of Passion and has since been on a steady rise. His first feature movie was Vivian Ejike’s Private Storm starring Ramsey Noauh and Omotola Jalade Ekeinde. He is a surprise inclusion on this list but he has earned his place by being probably one of the most featured faces on the big screen. Blossom’s film credits include; Flower Girl, Finding Mercy, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, The Visit, Forgetting June, Commandment 7, among others.

Joseph Benjamin

OC Ukeje

oseph Benjamin made his movie debut at the age of 12 in the famed Tales by Moonlight. His first adult film was Crossroads, alongside Ramsey Nouah and Sandra Achums. Many will remember him as the cocky co-host of MTN’s Project Fame. He has won many awards including the African Actor of the Year award at the 2012 African Film Awards. He has done TV, DVD but he is currently one of the leading lights of the big screen. Most of his recent films are cinema movies. Top on the log are Mr and Mrs, Kiss and Tell, Tango with Me, Torn, Married but Living Single, and Murder at Prime Suites among others.

Alex Ekubo

kechukwu Ukeje known simply as OC Ukeje came into prominence after winning the Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show. Since then he has gone on to establish himself as a good actor who can deliver the goods wherever the scrips place him. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as he has raked in his own share of tops awards. On his shelf are to be found, AMAA, AMVCA, NEA, BON, GIAMA awards alongside many other honours. He is more of cinema actor than otherwise and he has to his credit a number of blockbusters that had taken the industry by storm. Among them are Half of a Yellow Sun, Confusion Na Wa, Awakening, Black November, Two Brides and a Baby, Hoodrush, Alan Poza and many others.

lex Ekubo’s film debut was a minor role in Lancelot Imasuen’s Sinners in the House in 2005. His first major role was in Ladies Man, couple of years later. In 2010 he emerged first runner up at the Mr. Nigeria contest. Since then he has won several awards and recognitions. His roll-call of films include: In the Cupboard, True Citizens, Dream Walker, Weekend Getaway, Gold Digging, Keeping My Man, Lagos Cougars, All That Glitters, Single, Married and Complicated, Champagne, among others. Most of his films are for the big screen, Chatting with Potpourri recently, the handsome actor told us what drives him as an actor. “What drives me as an actor is my desire to succeed in my chosen career and the desire to make my family proud. I wouldn’t want to let down those who believe in me and ultimately to be a good ambassador of my country and continent. Stating his dos and don’ts, he said “ I don’t compromise my standard; I don’t do African time; I don’t take more than I can handle at a time. So, I give my 100% to any project at hand”. His list of dos includes being open to correction; reading his script over and over again; keeping positive attitude and committing every project in God’s hand and praying very hard.

Uti Nwachukwu

OME may want to argue that this debonair young dude has made his name more as a model and a compere than as an actor. After his whirlwind romance in the Big Brother Africa reality show which he ultimately won in 2010 he tested the waters of acting and he found it much to his taste. Many controversies have trailed Uti but he has always found a way of shrugging them off and even coming out better off. Like other four actors in this category, Uti has done virtually nothing but cinema films. Tops on his log are: In the Cupboard, Red Hot, Deep Inside, Broken Silence 1& 2, True Citizens, One Last Word and a few others.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 19 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Afrocandy slams Nicki Minaj for copying her style U

S-based Nollywood actress Judith Mazagwu, popularly known as Afrocandy, has an attitude, so is American singer, Nicki Minaj. One common thing to both of them is that neither gives a hoot about how she is seen in public. Both have the knack of leaving their admirers speechless in their choice of style which, more often, is subject of sensual commotion. Though their paths never crossed, it would seem Afrocandy has gone out of her way to ram into the singer when she accused her of copying her dress style. According to her, she had an outfit for a while but because of weight, she had to wait a bit to shed some pounds only for her to see Minaj in that same dress. “I’ve had this outfit for a while but was waiting to lose weight before I could wear it, then I saw Nicki Minaj wearing a similar outfit. I said to myself, mmmmh; this person is copying my style. So yesterday, a fan called me. I was complaining about my weight and tummy, he told me not to worry that my fans love me the way I am with the big stomach. That gave me a lot of confidence even though I hear it all the time. I guess I am gonna stop worrying and flaunt myself the way I am. This is how I am rolling out today, I am bringing sexy look back!”, she wrote on her social handle. Nicki, who isn’t probably aware of Afrocandy’s outburst, hasn’t responded but many have slammed Afrocandy for craving cheap publicity. See if there is anything close in the dress styles

•Jackie Appiah

•Nicki Minaj

•Afrocandy

Cornell Ent er tainment un w star Enter ertainment unvveils ne new starss BY JULIET EBIRIM

t was an evening of pomp and pageantry on Sunday June 7, as Nigeria’s entertainment publicist and United Nations Peace Ambassador, Cornell Udofia, hosted friends, top celebrities and the media to the unveiling of new artistes under his outfit. The annual event tagged “New star to watch out for” took place at Club Vegas, Ikeja, and the new stars include Bryno T,

Double P, Don Leo, Samzy Fresh, Tina Newman, Missy Joe, Flexxy B, Austin Swagger and KoldSweat (Music). The new comedy stars include MC Smart, MC Pashun & Ojemba talented, while the rising movie stars include Gloria Otega and Ogechi Eboh. Others include Queen Maureen Obioma, Queen G-love Bernard, Lillies Trendy Fashion, Lagos Price & Elizabeth KomoLafe, Fish 105.9 FM, Prince STV, LuwyRave TV, Oxford Juvenis Magazine,

Watch Out Magazine, The New Star & Trek Magazine, Bendosh Studio & JB Productions, Star Flame dance group and The Mediators. The party also celebrated Cornel Udofia’s achievements in the industry with over 60 awards since 2007. Udofia said the aim of the program is to project and connect the upcoming stars to the established ones so as to bond them together for the progress of the industry. However, he advised the government to form a partnership with the private sector so that the industry can grow faster with the maximum effect of employment generation. Entertainers in attendance include Clarion Chukwurah, Amanda Ebeye, Comedian Koffi,

Jac kie Appiah donat es Jackie donates huge cash, gif ts tto o gifts flood and fire victims G

hanaian actress Jackie Appiah, yesterday donated huge undisclosed amount of money and several gift items to victims of the June 3 tragic flood and fire disasters in Accra, the capital of Ghana. She visited the 37 Military Hospital and later Nima, a suburb of Accra where she interacted with the flood victims. She donated several items including bags of rice, cartons of water, drinks, toiletries, other food items and an undisclosed amount of money to support the victims After presenting the items to the authorities of the 37 Military Hospital, Jackie also visited the children’s ward where she interacted with the children on admission and presented several items to them and their parents. Jackie said she was at the hospital to commiserate with those who had lost loved ones, help offer some relief items and wish those on admission speedy recovery. “Events of last Wednesday still leaves me in shock. Seeing the destruction, loss of lives and properties saddens my heart.” She offered a word of prayer to all those who were affected directly or indirectly by the twin national disasters of flood and petrol explosion. The actress also made a passionate appeal to well meaning institutions both in Ghana and across the world to offer any kind of assistance; both in cash and kind to the affected people to enable them rebuild their lives. Hakeem Rahman, Princess Anne Inyang, Baba D Baba, Sophia Williams, Clara Okoro, Ambassador D’BLING, Frank Dallas, Desmond Dozie, Frank Oshanugor, Afolabi Oyekoya, Ceruti Mike Osagie, Mr Patrick, Baba Nee, Kunle Rufai, Queen Precious Okon, Tokunbo Odedina, Ozzybosco amongst others . The show was compered by MC SMART,

while comedian MC Pashun was on the Mic. The show was also spiced with music rendition by Don Leo, Tina Newman, Missy Joe, Austin Swagger, Ozzybosco, Bryno T & Double P the new sensation who set the house on fire with their explosive performances. The show ended with an after party with DJ BABYLNN hosting the party till dawn.

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PAGE 20, SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015 Onikoyi68@gmail.com

Acting makes me expose my body too often

— Ginika Mauree n

Ginika Maureen started her career proper in 2013 and she is known mostly for her controversial role in ‘SS3 Students’ where she acted as a lesbian. Ginika has played a lot of bad girl roles in movies and because she is so convincing in her on-screen performances that some people have come to believe she is how she appears on screen. In this exclusive interview, she talks about her career in Nollywood, life and more. BY DAMILOLA SHOLOLA What is your latest movie? My latest movie out is ‘Losing Heaven’ with, Mercy Macjoe, Martha Ankomah, Slyvia Ukattu and others. What is it about? It’s about a family that has three kids, three girls to be precise. One is a born-again Christian, another a tomboy and a thief while the third one is a prostitute. The father is a drunk, the mother a slut and she is sharing same man with one of her daughters. Have you ever faced personal problems because of your career as an actress? Yes I have, family problems. Being an actress has cost me a lot. Most people now see me as a lesbian. Most people see me as a bad girl, many others say I don’t know how to speak English because of one movie I did where I spoke pidgin English. Acting has made me to expose my body often and normally I don’t expose my body all that. Have you limited youracting skills because of peoplecriticising you? Yes, now I select rolesbecause of what people say. I don’twant them to start seeing me like thecharacter I play in movies. I don’twant to have a bad name in the industry. Yes, it’s acting but most people don’t see it as acting, they see it as the real you and there’s nothing you tell them that would make them believe that it’s just acting. What has been your most shocking role in a movie? It’s the one I made love on a beach in a movie called ‘Ashawo Bar Beach’. Whenever people watch that movie, they call me and tell me ‘What is this’? It was serious sex but it wasn’t real. Were you naked? I was wearing a bikini C M Y K

Who starred in that movie with you? Mercy Macjoe, Moyo Lawal, Sam Sunny and others. Do you regret being an actress? It’s a privilege, I’m so happy to be an actress and I’ll be so sad if I stopped acting. I’ve never regretted it for one day, it’s my passion. Have you ever paid for a role before? They asked me once. A colleague of mine came to me then that I have to pay some amount of money to get to the top or I bleach my skin. She told me many actresses have been doing it but I told them that I wouldn’t do it. What does bleaching of skin have to do with anything? Most people believe that dark people don’t sell and we have to lighten our skin before we can sell. Have you ever acted as a lesbian? Yes, I have in two movies: SS3 students and Christabel. In ‘SS3 students’, I acted as a senior student sleeping

with all the junior girls, taking them to sleep with men but I don’t sleep with the men. After I sleep with the girls, I take them to sleep with men for money. In ‘Christabel’ I played as a lesbian from a very wealthy home and in the movie, Christabel tried to seduce my brother’s wife. How do you view Nollywood? Nollywood is a very good avenue for us to showcase our talents. It is not only a place for showcasing talents, they help people too . If you are an AGN member and you want to be a producer, they can help you produce and you gain a lot as an AGN member How do you become an AGN member? You go to their secretariat, register and get a form. After your registration, you’ll be getting

audition notices through SMS and you’ll be going for AGN meetings. Have you faced any scandal so far? There was once a rumour that a man bought me a brand new car, that his wife came, embarrassed me and took the car from me. It was everywhere and I was confused because I didn’t understand when it happened. I’m wondering who the man was that bought me a car, that his wife took away. Such a thing never happened. If you are not an actress, what would you have been doing? I’ll be working in a company as a customer service person because I like receiving people. I used to be a customer service person at Doshlaps. Why did you leave? I didn’t leave, they sacked me. What happened was, I went to Church on Workers Day, 1st of May. We weren’t supposed to go to work on Workers Day; they called me to come to work, I told them I was in Church already, that I couldn’t leave church. I came to work the next morning and I was given a letter that I was flashy and I overdress and that was their reason for sacking me.

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SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 21

How do you connect with a man’s feelings? BY ONOZURE DANIA

ou will learn about it briefly what doesn’t connect to him. When you tell a man about what you think about the relationship, or what you did that day, or what you think of the latest news you have read or the gossip at work, he listens. He participates in the c o n v e r s a t i o n .

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But his feelings aren’t triggered and so you chatter on about your life, but leave out the one part that would drop you suddenly into intimacy: Emotions. You share everything but who you are, you put up walls with him without even knowing you are doing it. You decide not to tell him the sorrow you felt sexy and amazinly feminine body needs a man aged 50 and above to call her man. 08052420758 •Cynthia, 26, not too dark with angelic beauty and very lovely, appealing body that can satisfy a man need a caring, rich man aged 50 and above. 07019141565 •Jen, 25, big, bold and beautiful, needs a God fearing guy, who is handsome and financially ok in Lagos. 07062095200 • Unique, a graduate and employed, needs a responsible tall Igbo, Bayelsa or Delta man, who is a graduate and employed for marriage, aged 34-38. 09022034277, 08153947527 •A lady 47 employed a single mother of one who based in Delta and hail from Delta need a widower for marriage 55-70 and a God fearing man. 08054412814 •Mirabel, 27 and resides in Delta state, needs a man, for a relationship. 08075900624, 09097209612 •Chidindu, 31, needs a caring, loving, hardworking and God fearing man, for a serious relationship, age 35-42. 08091357645 •Moyin, 42, a widow, needs a good man, for marriage. 08177505485 Kyrian, 27, needs a man for a serious relationship, that will lead to marriage, aged 32-36, in Lagos. 0814411034, 08075900624 Searching Male •Jeff, 20, a student and resides in Delta state, Warri, needs a serious lady, for a relationship, aged 20- 24. 08104037067 •Samuel 26 a graduate and employed, from Irrua, Edo State, needs a sexually active lady aged 19-28, for a serious relationship that will lead to marriage.08108424539,08054290088 •Stillson, 25, from Delta needs a busty lady within Asaba and Agbor, aged 30-45, for a secret affair and for financial help.07035476016,08182876272 •Johnny, a widower in his early 50s and resides in Lagos, needs an educated and beautiful woman, aged 45-53. 08077479056 •Innocent,35, resides in Port Harcourt, needs a God fearing woman for marriage.

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•Daniel,35, fair in complexion

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DISCLAIMER! Dear readers, please note that we neither operate, nor are we an affiliate of any match–making agency in or outside the country. Any reader who transacts business with any one claiming to be our agent does so at his/her own risk. Our mission is only to provide a platform for social networking. Also note that neither Vanguard, nor Yetunde Arebi will be liable for any error in the publication of requests which may result in any form of embarrassment to any member of the public. We therefore request that text must be sent through at least one of the numbers for contact. This notice is necessary to enable us serve you better in our refreshingly different style. You can send your requests to 33055. For enquiries, text or call 08026651636

You worry a lot. You make plans in your head for the next moment, the next day, or the weekend. But if you were to allow yourself to feel what you are feeling, and then speak from those feelings, you would make him feel safe and connected to you. But for so many ladies, it’s such a counter-intuitive thing. It’s difficult. They are not used to being juicy, sexy, feeling creatures. So many ladies are programmed to be doing, thinking, managing, worrying, and these are the

qualities that make a man feel nothing around you. These are the qualities that make him think of you more like a “friend” than his lover. When you become a feminine, juicy, sensual feeling creature, you become what I call a “siren” around a man. You magnetize him simply by being what you were always meant to be an alluring woman who is soft on the outside, but strong and resilient on the inside.

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•Vicky, resides in Onitsha, needs a sugar daddy, that will take care of her.08056924570 •Jennifer, 24, dark, soft spoken, very friendly and cool headed with a full breast and curvy shapy behind needs a sugar daddy to shower her with luv. 07081409657 •Favour, 24, sexy, pretty and bursty young girl needs a kind and generous sugar daddy for a hot and sexual relationship 08102362446 •Adebola, 21, plump, light in complexion and resides in Delta, needs a rich sugar daddy, to finance her education. 08075762916

Sugar Cares Searching Female

Searching Male •Pascal, from Delta state, needs a sugar mummy for a relationship, in Benin or Delta state. 08163599195 •Moses,30, resides in Abuja, needs a caring and loving sugar m u m m y. 0 8 0 2 4 1 7 6 4 7 8 •Jack, needs a sexy and romantic sugar mummy, who resides in Uyo or Ph aged 3045.07068567381 •Maro, 25, tall and dark in complexion, needs a sugar mummy, aged 40-42. 09098061848 •Benson, a graduate and resides in Lagos, needs a sugar m u m m y. 0 8 1 7 6 8 5 5 3 3 3 08084130555, 08063141543 • Michael, 23, a student, average height and resides in Abuja, needs a sugar mummy. 08036678192, 08093429424 •Samuel, 30, needs a sugar mummy in Lagos. 08166394199 •Godwin, 25, and resides in Ijebu Ode Ogun state, needs a sugar mummy.08163731200 • Maxwell, 26, tall, slim, chocolate in complexion and resides in Calabar, needs a sugar mummy.08169123032 •Clement, 25, a student, tall, fair in complexion and resides in Lagos, Am, Am looking for a sugar mummy 08187343855, 0813382830 • Ben, 32, needs a sugar m u m m y. 0 8 1 6 0 9 1 0 9 0 0 , 08020544997 • Paul, 27, lonely and hardworking, needs a well to do sugar mummy. 08075208390 •Roland,31,resides in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy. 07014565514, 08033455026 •Michael, 31, needs a sugar mummy for a relationship, aged 40-45.07010174280 • Smart, 35, needs a sugar mummy, who can take care of him, in Akwa Ibom state. 08165738802

Page 22—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

All letters bearing writers' names and full addresses should be typed and forwarded to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, Kirikiri Canal, P. M. B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E-mail: sunvanguardmail@yahoo.com

National Assembly saga: A ‘palace coup’ within the APC? Dear Sir,

atching the re cent unfolding drama at the National Assembly and the reactions from both the Presidency and the ruling party, All Progressives Congress,APC, could one might be tempted to suggest that what transpired on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, 9th of June 2015 was a case of a ‘palace-coup’ hatched within the APC itself? The President had reportedly called the meeting of APC leadership and the party’s Senators -elect which was scheduled for 9:00am at the International Conference Centre which he could not attend. And it was this meeting that gave opportunity to Senator Bukola Saraki to be elected unopposed on the floor of the Senate chamber while majority of his APC colleagues were waiting in vain for a peace-meeting with Mr. President which did not hold. If the happenings of that day is confirmed to be a case of a palace coup, with cross-over party chieftains suspected to be the main kingpins behind the ‘coupists’ who had inadvertently sold their party ’s birthright to the opposition for the realization of their inordinate ambitions; then some other chieftains of the APC should be prepared or get ready to receive more probable shocking moments in the coming days in the life of this administration. Again, if the scenario later confirms our suspi-

cion-‘palace coup’ within the APC, then the ruling party needs to put its acts together and mend its fences. It is too early for the them to start have internal wrangling that will make it lose its original vision of providing good governance and dividends of democracy to the electorate. Whether the subject-matter under review is a case of an opposition ‘coup’ or a ‘palace coup’ within the APC, it is the principal characters involved in this game plan who can tell. The ruling party has unwittingly played itself into the waiting hands of the opposition which may attract dire consequences in the foreseeable future, if care is not taken. And with the recent development at the National Assembly, the alleged suspected cold-war within the ruling party may be playing itself out. One may not even be surprised if some APC chieftains are crying blue murder and hatching high-level conspiracy within the party now. But the APC should try and manage its differences and egos, otherwise it will continue to yield more grounds to the opposition. In other words, they may be the ruling party by name while the opposition decides and dictates the pace or the direction of governance in the country. Or is the APC showcasing itself to be a group of strange bed-fellows so early? The same man who allegedly led the revolt that led to the break-up of the PDP may be on the

same mission within the APC again and the ruling party is yet to wake-up from its slumber. Why? Because of selfish-interests of certain individuals who staged the ‘coup’ on the NASS floor and with their godfathers outside the two legislative houses. The Ruling Party will do itself a lot of good if it places embargo or curtail the influx of opposition chieftains into its fold. The President has neither formed his cabinet nor

appointed his key aides and yet a big crack has appeared on the wall of the party that facilitated his ascension to power. He may need to manage his relationship with some of his party chieftains. It is not advisable to sideline them so early. The party and its chieftains played the politics and paid the price that brought him to power, and so he still needs them to consolidate and sustain his government that is yet

to be formed. Meanwhile, we will continue to pray for Mr. President’s good success and the grace for the ruling party to put its house in order in the overall interest of this nation And may GOD help us in JESUS name at these crucial moments of trial. The warning signs are still showing that the enemy of this nation is not resting. And so we too must not rest on our oars. Whichever may be the probable options behind

the unusual occurrences at the National Assembly earlier this week, what the Nigerian electorate wants is peace, tranquility and progress for this Nation. Politicians may continue to play their own politics, but the Nation should move forward. Shekena?

Gbemiga Olakunle, is the General Secretary, National Prayer Movement, Abuja gbemigaolakunle@yahoo.co.uk gbemigaolakunle.blogspot.com

Agi, please leave Ayade alone! Dear Sir,

e of Cross River Youth Assembly (CRYA) have observed attempts by some elements, who failed at the people’s court to mount the saddle of leadership in Cross River State, to bring down the best governor the state produced since the end of the Donald Duke administration in 2007. Duke left behind huge and an enviable legacy but was left unattended to for eight years, costing the state billions of naira and jobs. The coming of Ben Ayade is to return the state back to where it was, and the work has started in earnest. One of the factors that led to the collapse of the record of accomplishment left behind by Duke was lack of passion and existence of lethargy in the discharge of official assignments. Ayade has corrected it since his inauguration

in May 29. One thing Calabar was known for was her cleanliness, and that bestowed on her the status of the top tourism destination in Nigeria and one of the tops in Africa. Unfortunately, that fortune changed after years of neglect. It has been one of the dividends of democracy less than one month after Ayade ascended the throne in the state as most places now wear new looks. There has also been an immediate change for good in the dissolution of the anti-deforestation task force. Also, it was through due respect accorded the governor that the Academic Staff Union of University, Cross River State University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH) chapter called off its seven months strike. Meanwhile, the governor has his eyes on creating 1,000 jobs in his 100 days in office.

Ayade did not start his enviable performance when called to do so today. For instance, while in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, he sponsored many essential bills and was among the top three senators with the highest number of bills. He was active and related very freely with people from his senatorial district. The door to his office was always opened to listen to people. His constituency projects were among the best for the four years he served in that capacity. Unfortunately, people like Joe Agi have forgotten these good works because they failed to clinch the seat of power in the state. They have in their usual mischievous posturing vowed to ensure crisis continues in the state. Let it be told that CRYA will not sit by while this happens. While we appeal to Agi and few other dissenters who are lusting for

power to withdraw their case to allow the governor discharge the people’s mandate, CRYA would ensure that it gives maximum support to the governor to ensure he keeps the people’s mandate and carry out the statutory responsibilities bequeathed on him. No individual, whatever his status, shall be allowed to walk through the backdoor to snatch the mandate granted by God, given by the people and actualized by sheer hard work. For the interest of peace, we call on well meaning Cross Riverians to speak up and urge Agi to sheath his sword because no amount of intimidation, campaign of calumny with the flimsy excuse of age, and other unfounded allegation would see the light of day. A word is enough for the wise! *Isuma Mark is Co-ordinator, CRYA

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 23

Clueless man who wants to ‘treat’ his village mum!

bet quite a lot of us have that someone in our past we find almost impossible to let go of. First, it starts as a simmering romance that morphed into a sizzling romance; then comes the realization that this is one relationship you dare not shut the door on after it fizzled out. Fred is a man I have such a relationship with. I was on one of my rare visits to Fred’s dream house when I met his mother. In her mid-seventies, she looked regal and reserved as she sat on the sofa, watching television. She had obviously taken a lot of care to look ‘presentable”! Fred was out, she said, and would soon be back. I knew my way around the house by now, so I helped myself to a bottle of vintage red wine. If there’s one thing to be said of Fred, he enjoys his money and spares no expense. As I opened the bottle of wine, I purred like a cat – who no like better thing! Fred’s mum, who hadn’t said much, laughed nervously when I asked her if she wanted a glass of wine. “I tried as much as possible not to drink that much alcohol””, she told me, “except when I drink with Fred”. I arched my brow and she explained: “Deep down, I’m

a village woman. Fred is my only son – I have two other daughters. I’ve always been closest to him and I spoilt him al the time he lived in the family house. We all did. He was so cheeky. But, he was a very brilliant scholar and did well for himself, and thanks to a couple of scholarship awards, he was able to study in the best universities abroad. “When he came back from abroad with his new wife, I used to travel all those miles from the village, at least, thrice a year just to see them. Fred’s father, a primary school teacher, passed on just before he came back to Nigeria and I’m sure that was why he lavished so much love and material things on me and his siblings who were married. But, we certainly weren’t the gin-and-tonic types! “His wife plied us with expensive lace materials and guinea brocade. Sometimes, her generosity made me feel uncomfortable. She would invite her parents round on an evening of each visit I made and take all of us to dinner. I often felt awkward on such outings. Fred’s mother-in-law was probably my age, but her hair (or was it an expensive wig) was always well styled. I wore locally made

boubous and my home applied hair dye didn’t often disguise the grey successfully. I felt like a frump – and the food was something else. Fred suffers from ulcer, so he has to watch what he eats and it wasn’t in my place to tell his wife the bland food she always served wasn’t particularly up my street! I couldn’t cook meals I would love to eat in her kitchen as the electric cooker was out of my depth!” The more she opened up,k the sorrier I felt for her. Fancy not being able to come clean to her son on how she felt! I went to the kitchen and shook my head at what

the cook has prepared – as exotic as it was, it wasn’t a meal for a village mum. I asked her if she wanted something special to eat. She looked guarded until I explained that I had this special ‘buka’ place that boasted of amala and pounded yam dishes with stew and soups just like the village woman made it. Quickly, I sent my driver to the joint. He knew the place like the back of his hand. Fred’s mother settled for the amala with gbegiri (bean) and ewedu soup. Did she want fresh fish, snails, goat meat or cow leg with the her food. Her eyes rounded

excitedly as she made her order. I then asked the cook to set the table with a finger bowl so we could wash our hands and dig in. We were in the middle of this scrumptious spread giggling with happy village people when Fred walked in. He looked amused but happy that his mother was obviously enjoying herself. He declined our offer to have some of the delicacies because of his ulcer, but he did taste the fish. He left to have a quick shower and his mum confessed she didn’t know you could get food as local as what we just ought in Lagos. “First time I would feel at home in Fred’s house”, she confessed. “In my world, I’m quite happy in the bungalow Fred built for me, and my friends are of the same mould as me. We never had the privilege of shopping in supermarkets or going on holidays abroad, it dawned on me how different our lives had become. His flat was packed with trendy furniture and big family portraits of him and his family. And his friends were the jet-set types, always bragging of their financial success, holidays and nights-outs. Growing up in the village, I’d never really had a career except for a short sting as a primary school teacher. I just loved being a wife and mother. I also did pretty trading from

time to time and still do to award of boredom. “In fairness to my son, despite his sophisticated lifestyle, he was always glad when I visited as he couldn’t always come to the village himself. It’s a pity that he couldn’t make a go of his marriage. I tried as much as possible not to interferer in the way his wife ran the home and I’m glad we have remained friends to this day. She’s a lovely lade – a bit of an àje butter’ but she took good care of the home. I’m glad they still remain civil to each other”. Fred eventually emerged from his room looking like an advertiser’s delight for an expensive shower gel! His mother made to leave the room but I included her in the conversation. Shyly, she told us she always preferred a malt drink and when she eventually relaxed, I offered to let my driver take Fred’s driver to the ‘buka’ joint for when next his mum visited, and he agreed. I have a feeling the poor woman would look forward to her visit now she could be herself and even visit more often. Much as we would love to have a quiet session in the bedroom, I told Fred I didn’t feel up to it. Somehow, it appeared his old woman’s eyes were everywhere. Better luck next time!

Help your knees get back to normal MAILBOX

ood morning sir I am a 39 years old woman I fell down last year February

and dislocated both knees and I was treated but I started feeling pain in both knees early this year and I have been doing some exercises but

the pain is still there and I have been reading your health and fitness and I will be very grateful if you assist me. Thank you and God bless.

REPLY Look out for when I publish the Chair pose. It is a position whereby you squat but stay on the toes

and not on the flat of the feet with hands stretched out in front at shoulder level. That should help your knees get back to normal.

*Another variant of the Chair pose

Yoga Classes STARTED Physical Therapy Centre @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am

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*A variant of the Chair pose

on Saturdays

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Women who believe white wine make them do crazy things!

t was an exclusive 50th birthday party that boasted the best foods on the menu down to exotic canapé and choice wine and champagne. However, by the time desert was served, Veronica, 36, had changed from the polite, friendly lady who had initially charmed other guests, into an insulting and aggressive loud mouth. The reason? After guzzling a few glasses of Chablis, Veronica, a beautician, who runs an impressive salon insists she wasn’t drunk – but instead, had suffered a bad physical reaction to white wine. And like a growing band of women, she has sworn off it ever since. “My She said:

recollection of the night are very hazy, thank God, because I cringe from head to toe whenever I think about it. My partner filled me in the following day, telling me I’d been rude about the views and opinions of the other guests, shouting them down and insisting mine was the only take on any given subject worth listening to. When his friends tried to chat, I was so argumentative they backed off and went to find someone more reasonable to speak to. “Towards the end of the night, when it began to dawn on me that I’d offended all my partner ’s friends, I started slobbering over them, trying to apologise. I couldn’t bear the shame of facing these people again and my partner no doubt dreaded a repeat performance. It was inevitable we broke up shortly after ”. Veronica, who’d drunk no more than three glasses of wine was adamant it was the type of alcohol that was to

blame rather than the amount she imbibed. She’s not alone. It seems so many women believe white wine has a jekyll-and-Hyde effect – turning them into argumentative and aggressive shrews even when they’ve not drunk to excess – that professionals working in the field are wondering if there might be something in white wine that does have an effect. Sarah Tur ner, an addiction counsellor who offers cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling to women who believe they have a problem with drinking, has worked with hundreds of middleclass professionals. She says about a quarter claim to behave badly after small amounts of white wine, “clients tell me they get so aggressive after drinking it they have done things they wouldn’t otherwise dream of doing”, she says. “Smashing furniture, breaking windows, even driving off in a rage. I’ve even wondered if white wine could somehow be

raising testosterone levels in women as the effect can be so dramatic”. Theories about the impact of white wine range from its high sugar content – it has up to ten times more than red wine – and levels of sulphite, which are added as a preservative. And some believe high levels of pesticides levels in different wines and found they had up to 1,600 times the amount allowed in drinking water. The wine with the highest levels was a white. A few years back, Kike, now 42, used to love unwinding wine with a couple of glasses of pinot grigio at weekends. However, after numerous nights that have seen her, after a maximum of four glasses,dancing like “a possessed cow” trying to match the steps to some crazy tunes at parties or, worse, collapsing, she no longer sees it as the tonic she ounce did. “My friends say there’s no warning – I’m fine one moment, then the next, I’m legless”, she says. “Because I can’t

remember much afterwards, I spend a lot of time worrying about how I embarrassed myself. The anxiety I feel the next day is unbearable. I have no problems with other drinks, including red wine”. White wine is supposed to be different from red wine in more ways than colour. More sulphites – used to kill off bacteria and yeast, as well as preserve the wine – are added to white, which has lower natural levels of protective antioxidants. However, Professor Corder, author of the Wine Diet, says this is not enough to explain white wine’s more potent effect on drinkers. “Sulphites won’t affect the rate at which a person gets drink or change their personality ”, he says. “I’ve also heard it suggested that it could be down to there being more super in white than red, but there’s nothing to suggest the amount of sugar in a drink will affect behaviour, otherwise people would go crazy after a glass of orange juice, which has

DRAMA OF LOVE.....

OUR column to express your loving thoughts in words to your sweetheart. Don’t be shy. Let it flow and let him or her know how dearly you feel. Write now in not more than 75 words to: The Editor, Sunday Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos. E.mail: sunlovenotes@yahoo.com Please mark your envelope: “LOVE NOTES"

Love: we think about it, dream about it, lose sleep worrying about it. When we don’t have it, we search for it and when we discover it, we don’t know what to do with it. It is our one source of pleasure and pain. It’s an important word … Easy to spell, difficult to define and impossible to live without. Chris Onunaku 08032988826/08184844015. (BBM PIN:23C0E917)

LOVE Love is like a examination, the more you study and think, the more you get to know about love.

far more.” He says women are just in denial about he amount they drink. “Problems arise as a result of the amount of alcohol being drunk. What they need to do is reappraise those levels”, he explains. “They must also realise that drinking two large glasses a day is probably enough to raise the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent. I believe the key factor is not specific ingredients, but he fact that women often use white wine to relieve stress. They build up a tolerance, needing more and more of it to achieve the same result. “They therefore get more drunk and the following day feel worse than ever, which creates negative association with drink that once felt like a crutch. In my opinion, its not about the wine itself but the way in which its being drunk and the reasons behind that”. Time to give away those old clothes! How many times have you opened your wardrobe, determined to get rid of clothes, you definitely haven’t worn for years, only to come up with excuses why the clothes have to stay? When it comes to giving things away, a lot of us could be very sentimental. Recently, I went through the process of trimming down my wardrobe yet again – and got stuck as usual. It happens to al of us all the time. Determinedly, you approach old clothes. They are definitely going, you tell yourself. But wait a minute – isn’t that the dress your beau bought for you on his last trip abroad just before you broke up? And how many ‘goodluck’ dresses do you

have? Dresses you met your spouse in, the ones for those successful job interviews and he ones you convince yourself always make good things happen whenever you put them on! Could you afford to pass the luck they bring on to someone else? Then there are dresses that are a size or two smaller. What a waste of good designer clothes that cost a fortune! Supposing, just supposing you could slim back into such clothes! You were that size once, who says you couldn’t be that size again? But if you slimmed down what would happen to your other new clothes? Decisions, decisions! Whilst you’re making them, the clothes gather more dust. Thankfully, there are clothes you have to throw away no matter how expensive. Chain store dresses bought for you by a cheap-skate ex but

which you painstakingly wore to please him. Now that he’s thankfully out of the picture you happily give such clothes to say some younger relatives or any of the charitable organisations. Better still, why don’t you see how they look on the maid? Come to think of it, everyone of us has this superstitious belief that certain clothes are nothing but bad luck. We swear that whenever we put such clothes on, something disastrous always happens – so who do you give such clothes to? Your worst enemy? A friend who’s always been lucky with her man and who you secretly wish has just one tale of woe to tell? Whichever way you look at it, clothes, like photographs, always play interesting parts in your life.

Love is something that is attracted to our way of life, moreover love has a curriculum and it have it own advantage and disadvantage. One of the advantages is that the more you pet love the more you get loved. Disadvantage of love is that whenever it is tampered with or not treated the way it should be, it has no option than to make the relationship useless and make it to come to an end. CHARLES CHIDUBEM OGBONNA, 08169186581 charlesprince850@yahoo.com

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 25

• Tomato business at Mile 12 Market, Lagos

Food Prices Go Up!

.Yam, tomato, pepper worst hit BY UDEME CLEMENT

ood prices, especially those of yam and soup ingredients like tomato and pepper, in Lagos, are rising steadily. The reason for the rise, according to traders, is a combination of the scarcity and hike in the prices of petroleum products across the country. Some said the hike in the prices of the food items is seasonal. While many traders blamed the situation on the activities of insurgents in the North where these items are brought from, others attributed it to high cost of transportation, extra charges at the depot and shortage in supply of the goods. When Sunday Vanguard visited the popular Ketu market, Lagos, which is the depot for tomato coming in from the North, it was observed that the prices of tomato and pepper have increased by over 100 per cent over the past two weeks. For example, a small basket of tomato previously sold for between N5,000 and N6,000 now goes for N18,0000, while the big basket sold initially for N12,000 now goes for between N26,000 and N27,000 depending on the dealers and bargaining ability. Also, a medium basket of ordinary pepper increased from N8,000 to

A small basket of tomato previously sold for between N5,000 and N6,000 now goes for N18,0000, while the big basket sold initially for N12,000 now goes for between N26,000 and N27,000 depending on the dealers and bargaining ability

N15,000 while a basket load of Tatashe pepper now sells for N17.000 instead of N10,000. It was also observed that the prices of melon, yam, crayfish and stock fish are going up. For instance, a small paint-plastic of crayfish sold for N1,200 now goes for N2,500 and above, a big tuber of yam that went for N300 before the elections now goes for N600 and above. A tomato trader at the Ketu depot, Mr. Abdulli Isa, said the problem started before the just concluded general elections, when the supply in tomato and pepper into the depot reduced

drastically, such that the shortage greatly affected the quality of tomato coming into the market. He said, “Also, the dealers bringing in the items from the North incur financial losses due to some factors. These include high cost of transporting the goods to Lagos, the quantity of tomato and pepper that are destroyed due to the distance and method of conveyance. Sometimes we spend two to three days on the road to convey these items to the depot in Lagos, even after bringing them from the farm. Another challenge that triggered the

sudden increase in prices of the items is the scarcity and increase in the prices of petroleum products. So, when the items are finally brought to the depot, these losses are counted and the cost added to the goods, that is why prices are unusually high, especially at this time of the year. Another tomato dealer at Ketu, Mrs. Lawal, explained that, aside from the high cost of transporting the goods from the North, there are other charges associated with storing them at the depot. She said, “You have to also pay for keeping the items on the ground in the

market for the number of days you are going to sell. Another problem is that this period, the number of people bringing the goods from the farm are very few. We discovered that many people are now afraid of going to farm because they could be killed by insurgents in that area”. Meanwhile, two women running restaurants at the motor park, Ketu lamented the hike in the prices of food items, in particular tomato and pepper, saying it was affecting their business as customers were not willing to pay more money than they hitherto paid for food.

PAGE 26—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015

MANUFACTURERS’ SOS TO BUHARI:

Over-regulating SMEs will have consequence BY UDEME CLEMENT As the new government continues to review activities in various sectors of the economy, operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to save the SMEs sub-sector from total collapse. Some economic experts and entrepreneurs who spoke with Sunday Vanguard lamented the rapid decline in industrial activities in Nigeria and increasing number of SMEs closing shop regularly. The Chairman, Toiletries and Cosmetics (T&C)group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Ikpong Umoh, calls on the President to beam his search light on the activities of regulatory agencies, duplicating their functions, over regulating SMEs by imposing multiple taxes and high charges on them.

he current growth rate reveals that m a n u f a c t u r i n g contributes only between 5 and 6 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). What is fundamentally wrong with this sector? Frankly speaking, everything is wrong with the industry, from poor infrastructure to high lending rate and hostile operating environment. One of the problems killing SMEs now is exploitation by regulatory agencies. For example, over 130 manufacturing companies, mostly toiletries and cosmetics closed shop in Nigeria in the past few years. It should be noted that SMEs have enormous potentials to create jobs, and to reduce poverty. A vibrant SMEs is what makes China, India and Taiwan to become the Asian Tigers. Nigeria can achieve noticeable economic growth through deliberate policies to empower our SMEs to flourish. That is why we are calling on Buhari to rescue SMEs. In trying to revamp the sector, the President must have wider consultation on policy intentions for SMEs. We want to see a change from the practice of the past where government consulted with only the multinational-hijacked Organised Private Sector (OPS). He must be wary of advice from some members of OPS, who are giving government wrong information about activities in the sector on job creation and brandishing fake capactiy utilisation figures to cuddle favour for themselves and their firms. Their wrong advice contributed to why the previous government efforts in revamping the economy failed. They are very active now trying to get into government as advisers on industrial policies. Their target is to deceive government to maintain the status quo where SMEs are oppressed, shortchanged and continue their decimation agenda for market advantage, while courting favour for a few companies within their group. What gives you the confidence that Buhari can salvage the situation? Judging from his inaugural

•Mr. Ikpong Umoh speech, he gives us hope about moving the economy forward. The best way to develop our economy is to revamp the manufacturing sector. Our agenda for him is to look critically at all factors militating against the survival of our industrial sector. These include unbridled importation of goods that can be made here, excessive taxation, anti-trust activities and overbearing regulation.He should beam his search light on activities of regulatory agencies, whose activities instead of acting as enablement for SMEs have over the years been slowly decimating the sector. There are so many regulating agencies duplicating each other ’s functions, devising more frameworks to generate revenue for themselves. In the process, existing SMEs are being over regulated through imposition of multiple taxes. Nigeria has one of the harshest regulatory environment in the world as shown by IFC ranking, which placed Nigeria 147 among 189 economies measured in the report entitled, ‘Understanding regulation for small and medium size enterprises’. The President must address this self-inflicted wounds under the guise of regulation by reorganising these numerous agencies, merging those currently doing similar functions and funding them from tax payers money, as it is done in all progressive countries. What precisely do you mean by creating enabling environment for SMEs? This means giving SMEs access to loans to fund industrial production. The current high interest rate of over 25 percent must be brought down. There are institutions that have free funds, such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), commercial banks, insurance companies and even regulatory agencies that are killing SMEs with high charges. Such funds must be given back to SMEs, to increase productivity in the economy. He must tackle corruption in Civil Service, the ports and government parastatals. All raw

Government should put measures in place to streamline the activities of regulatory agencies? That is why we are calling on Buhari to save the industry because the agencies have become revenue generators from small scale industries they ought to nurture materials with no local substitute must have their duties. As a stakeholder in the industry, what pragmatic steps will you advise the new government to take in resuscitating manufacturing? Government should adopt a bottom-up approach in economic policies. Our economic strategy over the years from 1968 had been made and celebrated in Abuja or Lagos, following a top-bottom approach. This approach contributed to the crisis in the economy and must be reversed to bottom-up approach, for economic policies to be anchored at the grass-root where local government councils must be actively involved. Such bottom-up approach will stem

rural-urban drift to get jobs, and will also boost industrial activities across the country. For example, Toiletries/Cosmetic group of SMEs has low entry points and the size depends on the owner. When we started15 years ago, the start up capital was N3,000 and today, such industries employ thousands of people. Soul-mate and Emosbest, located at a valley in the East are among such industries. Local government must be actively involved in creating jobs, nurturing SMEs to grow and establishing new industries, not just collecting taxes from SMEs that are struggling to survive. No tier of government must talk about taxes without creating enabling ambience for industries to grow. Government must restrain regulatory agencies from pretentious antics of labelling locally made goods as fake and sub-standard in attempt to impede their growth and draws “blood revenue” that is killing local industries. Agencies like Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Industry (BoI) and the CBN must all have desks in local government councils for people who want to be involved in industrialisation to access them. This is what obtains in China, Singapore and other industrialised economies, because in advanced countries people are encouraged to get involved in productive activities to create jobs. The immediate past government emphasised so much on Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), yet Nigeria’s economy is still in crisis. As operator of SME, how do you think Buhari should handle the issue of FDI? He should resist the temptation of focusing on FDI to the detriment of SMEs because that has been done since 1999. He should focus on SMEs for industries to spring up all over the country. He should give each local government a target of creating minimum of five industries in every three months, based on raw materials available locally. If that happens, the foreign investors will be those running to Nigeria, and government will give them conditions. Not what is happening now, where they come and get involved in goods and services that SMEs and ordinary Nigerians can handle. Instead of building factories to engage Nigerians in industrial activities for job creation and technology transfer, they run super markets, barbar’s saloon, laundry and other services. Nigeria should take a cue from China where foreigners are restricted from certain businesses. In China, Nigerians are not allowed to be involved in exports of Chinese made goods to their home country. In India, foreign firms are not allowed in retail end of their economy. Retail business is exclusively reserved for Indians who run the “Kiranas” ( corner shops). Put together, they employ millions of Indians of every adult age. Why is our government not putting restriction on services that Nigerians can render?

This is the question everyone is asking. That is why we are calling on Buhari, we believe is transparent to come to our rescue.Their target is to kill our local industries.That is why, before they come here, they give government conditions to operate on global listing licence, which allows them to import whatever materials or goods they want to sell into the country. Today, about 96 percent cosmetics in Nigeria are foreign. These foreign investors deliberately refused to buy local materials. If government withdraws this global listing licence, SMEs will improve because the foreign firms will buy local materials. The issue of local products being substandard is not true, because these products are well cherished by the Nigerians consumers, in addition to being tested and confirmed good by NAFDAC. Today, we have many regulatory agencies all targeting SMEs, such that the industry is over regulated. NAFDAC is there and its regulatory fee is very exorbitant. NAFDAC uses Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) to regulate the industry. Now Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is also targeting SMEs. They are doing the same thing NAFDAC is doing, but giving it a different name (MANCAP). SON is demanding SMEs to pay about N600.000 as service charge before importing machines to expand their manufacturing operations under the guise of issuing SONCAP imports permit. This machine that is not available locally and the same SON does not have a standard for this machine. Due to this oppressive charge, some of our members have not been able to expand their operations in the last five years. Who’s interest is SON serving? We import goods through the sea port and pay duties to Customs, but SON, NAFDAC and other agencies are also at the seaport. What are they doing at the port? Are they saying that Customs officers are not well train to carry out examination of goods at the port? All agencies that have no business at the nation’s port other than drawing revenue under any guise should leave the port and allow Customs to do their work. Government should put measures in place to streamline the activities of regulatory agencies. That is why we are calling on Buhari to save the industry because the agencies have become revenue generators from small scale industries they ought to nurture to grow. Again, government should remove immunity from regulatory agencies. If they have the right to sue SMEs, we must also have the right to sue them without any preconditions. This will check their excesses and abuse of their mandates. Government should stop SON from issuing import permits on chemicals because NAFDAC is doing that already. Lagos State Environmental Agency (L ASEPA)is talking about chemical storage permit, which

Continues on page 27

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 27

With R-TAG, Skye Bank expands retail banking

he customer is king! This is an age old mantra that continues to inspire global businesses, leading smart CEOs and business leaders to re-align their processes to deliver value to the customer. In this market, Skye Bank seems to be taking the lead by reconfiguring its business strategy and product offerings in a bold new customercentric move labelled, ‘Retail Transformation and Growth’ (R-TAG). For several months and at various fora, Skye Bank had been talking about streamlining operations to play big in the retail (defined as Consumer and Small and Medium Enterprises) sectors; even the recent acquisition of Mainstreet Bank was ostensibly to fulfill that strategic intent. All doubts were however laid to rest last week as the bank formally unveiled the R-TAG strategy to its customer-public. The customer-public, is without doubt a major stakeholder group, whose consumption patterns determine the success or failure of any enterprise. With R-TAG, Skye Bank has moved its approach to retail banking from a product-led to a customer-led model with a clear identification of four primary focus segments

namely: mass market, emerging middle class and mass affluent (for consumer banking) and SMEs. In a release after the launch, the bank explained the imperative of R-TAG as, “designed to revolutionise retail banking business in the country and serve as a gamechanging business model with a focus on customer segments, using unique value propositions rather than the product led approach commonly adopted by Retail organisations. This is the key to activating the bank’s new retail sales approach which is based on a ‘Pull’ strategy, supported by a positive customer experience across its key service touch points.” Just before the launch, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo, said RTAG was conceived because of a desire to meet customers’ needs and that, it was the result of wide consultation. Oguntayo added, “With RTAG, our products are now streamlined but loaded with a lot of benefits because customers deserve a lot from us.” He expressed confidence that the program is second to none in the market, stressing, “We are confident it matches and surpasses competition.” For the bank’s Executive Director, South-South, South-

•Mr. Timothy Oguntayo East and Retail Banking, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong, it was the natural route to go. Perhaps alluding to the on-going integration of Mainstreet Bank and Skye Bank and the tie-in with RTAG, Ekong said, “That is not unusual because we have the network. Let us begin to work the network to deliver value to customers and ultimately to the organization. So, we have done classification of our branches, moved personnel around and engaged direct agents so that the footprints for retail customers are expanded.” Explaining further the process of arriving on the R-

TAG strategy, she said, “After that phase, we came up with a transformation agenda that sought to find out from customers what products they would want. ‘’We entered into the process of working with experts; with IFC, we worked with some retail experts and other international companies on how to design structures that will deliver value. What you have seen today is the first phase of actualization of that objective. “We now have products clearly defined and streamlined. We used to have a long array of products and

what you find is that people get confused, delivery becomes a problem; customers do not know how one translates to the other. We have been able to identify the product, clearly demarcated so that, from one level to the other you know what you are getting being a customer of the bank.” Speaking at the launch of RTAG in Lagos, Oguntayo assured that the new business transformation project would bring about customized and needs-satisfying financial solutions in a manner that will exceed the expectations of the customers. He said the trend in retail banking involves knowing the needs of the customer beyond finances to include Lifestyle needs and designing appropriate solutions to meet those needs, saying that Skye Bank is poised to serve as a dependable partner to its customers across the country. His words, “Our renewed drive and focus on retail banking is anchored on the premise of building a long lasting relationship with our customers, based on trust as well as supporting the financial inclusion drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, so as to bring a lot more people into the financial system and the formal economy.”

‘The risk-focused banking supervision we need’ BY UDEME CLEMENT

egulators and supervisors in financial institutions in the West Africa have been called upon to embrace modern riskfocused banking supervision and dynamic regulatory framework to promote stability. The Director, Banking Supervision, Bank of Sierra Leone, Mr. Dainkeh Tapsiru, made this known while addressing participants, at the opening course on banking supervision, intermediate level, organised by College of Supervisors of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), in collaboration with West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), in Lagos. According to him, the course was designed to give participants in-depth knowledge of modern techniques of risk-focused banking, supervisory skills and preventive measures needed to avoid bank failures. He emphasised that all banks with the potentials to thrive must be given the opportunity to operate. “Money launders should not be allowed to operate a bank to curtail financial crimes in the system, because once bad elements enter the system, it is difficult for them to be rooted out. If the gateway is well guarded,

it will lead to achievement of a sound banking system, which is the core mandate of Central Banks”, he stressed. Also speaking, the Director General of WAIFEM, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, said that globalisation and

liberalisation have added other dimensions to the challenges of regulation and supervision of the banking system. “A relatively new tool to deal effectively with the new challenges is risk-focused banking supervision, which

allows for development and maintenance of a dynamic supervisory plan that responds to organisation’s changing risk profile. Successful implementation of risk-focused supervision requires the existence of

efficient risk management architecture, adoption of riskfocused internal audit, a strengthened management information system and well trained personnel in risk management as well as riskbased audit”, he stressed.

‘Over-regulating SMEs will have consequence’ Continued from page 26 is duplication because NAFDAC’s chemical permit covers storage as well. Also, SON has no right to issue permit on machinery because they don’t have the standard. Standards reside in the industries and not one crafted as a regulatory framework. We in T and C manufacturing group of MAN believe that SON is acting beyond its mandate and acting surreptitiously to prevent SMEs from bringing it machinery to make products that can compete effectively in the market place with the multi-nationals. Arbitrary increase in fees by agencies must stop. They should follow due process of regulation by letting stakeholders know beforehand the rational behind such increase. Clean Report on Inspection and Production (CRIP)now required by NAFDAC on industrial chemicals from China must be jettisoned, because NAFDAC already has well established laboratories here to test materials. We see this as another attempt to kill SMEs.

Billions of Naira had been approved as intervention funds for SMEs. How come many industries are still going under despites the bailout? I do not know about any SME in T and C group that has benefited from such intervention funds. Let those in charge of the money publish the names of companies that collected the money for Nigerians to know, because the real SMEs are suffering. We know Buhari as a transparent person. He should ensure transparency in all departments of government. Agencies must not be set up to go round and tax SMEs to kill the already collapsing industry. Government needs timelines for certain raw materials to be manufactured in Nigeria and backward integration must be encouraged. Government still needs FDI for people to come here and do business, that may be why they are not strict in checking influx of foreigners into the country? FDI has never helped us because foreign investors are not building new factories to create jobs and transfer technology to the local people. Rather, they get

cheap loans in dollars, from abroad, convert to Naira, come here to rent old factories and begin to import goods from their countries to kill our local industries. For instance, people dealing in vegetable oil in

Nigeria must own a manufacturing plant here, rather than importing from Malaysia or Thailand. Government must revoke and review existing waivers and incentives to cut across all industries rather than a few.

L-R: Director, National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc (NASCON), Mr. Knut Ulymoen; Managing Director, Mr.Paul Farrer and Chairman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at the 2014 annual general meeting of NASCON, held at MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos. PHOTO; Kehinde Gbadamosi

PAGE 28—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015

Ondo kidnappers who sell human parts By Dayo Johnson, Akure

ometime, three years ago, the head of Ago Oyinbo Community in Okitipupa area of Ondo State, Chief Moyebbi Okeowo, met about 15 persons under the guise that they were movie producers looking for a remote community to shoot a film. The village head volunteered a place for them and even personally spoke with the owner of one of the abandoned mud houses to allow the supposed producers carry out their film shooting. After six months, the visitors came back to the village head to show him some film scenes supposedly done while in the community. Okeowo bought their story, hook, line and sinker. However, the visitors had an ulterior motive and the actual reason they chose the community was because it was remotely located and would not attract attention to them. For three years, they had a field day carrying out their activities. The cat was reportedly let out of the bag when some youths discovered stench. It was gathered that the youths, still not suspecting any foul play, thought some villagers might have defecated to warrant the offensive odour. However, some days later, a report was lodged by a youth that when he came out of his house at about 2am one particular day, he saw some elderly persons dragging a man into the building used by the supposed movie producers He was reported to have claimed that when he saw the people struggling to drag the man into the building, he thought it was

part of the said film they were in the community to shoot. According to a police source, the youth became curious when he did not see anybody carrying a camera and t hat it was still dark and that the person was blindfolded. The following day, villages youths mobilised and invaded the building. Irked by what they saw, the youths pulled down the mud building while six suspects were later arrested. Hell was let loose as the youths went wild and protested even to neighbouring communities looking for some of the people living in the building who had escaped. The youths reportedly dragged the community head and other elders to the scene. It was later learnt that the

It turned out that those who came to see Okeowo three years ago belonged to a syndicate which kidnapped people and butchered them to sell the parts to buyers

*Chief Okeowo

*The demolished 'shrine'

*Items recovered from the 'shrine' Sunday Vanguard gathered mud house had been that their mode of operation converted to a kidnappers’ was that when a victim is den by the fake movie kidnapped, he is brought to producers. the den. A source familiar It turned out that those with the case said if who came to see Okeowo three years ago belonged to negotiation with the family of the abducted person turned a syndicate which unsatisfactory, the victim kidnapped people and would be slaughtered and butchered them to sell the the parts sold to buyers. parts to buyers.

Items reportedly found at the site, located few kilometres from Benin-OreIjebu-Ode Expressway, included cow horns, different types of clothes reportedly belonging to victims of the alleged kidnappers, palm fronds, bottles of gin, calabashes, and, ‘Ghana must go’ bags. The community head of the Ago Oyinbo, Okeowo, while speaking with Sunday Vanguard, said that the den came to being in 2012 when the suspects came to him to beg for space in the village which they wanted to use as location to shoot film. On the request, the community head said he instructed somebody to take the people to the owner of the land. Okeowo said: “When they came to me to beg for a piece of land to shoot their film, I told them I was not the owner of the land and I took them to the brother of the landlord of the land who then took them to the wife of the landlord in Akure. “ So I learnt they were authorised by the wife of the landlord. “When I did not know what they were using the land for, I told their leader to go and report their activities to the police and he later informed me that he had done so.” The community head stated that he was unaware of the nefarious activities of the suspects until he got the information that they were using human beings for sacrifice on the land. Sunday Vanguard gathered that two security guards of a secondary school in the area were arrested by the police for conspiracy. The Principal of Community Grammar School, Kajola , Mr Joseph Edosama, confirmed that two of his security guards had been arrested for conspiring with the suspected kidnappers . Ondo State police authorities frowned at the activities of the suspects in the community for three years. The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Wole Ogodo, said the authorities were informed by the Duty Officer at Aiyetoro that some youths arrested six suspected kidnappers/ ritualists. The police spokesman gave the name of the arrested suspects as Omotayo Kayode, Stephen Adeyoki, Morokole Kolawole, Fasola Salami, Adeboye Olutemi and Ayelabola Mariam. Ogodo said the suspects had been moved to the police headquarters in Akure, the state capital, because of the sensitive nature of the crime while investigation had commenced.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 29

08116759757

*Najim Bakare (right) with other suspects

I armed cult group for N30,000 – 65-yr-old blacksmith

•My wife is aware I am a cultist — Suspect By Esther Onyegbula

65-year-old, arrested alongside three others for allegedly indulging in cult activities, has claimed poverty led him into selling arms. The suspect, who identified himself as Najim Bakare, said: “I got involved in selling guns because I was poor and needed to make ends meet.” Sunday Vanguard gathered that the police have recovered one of the guns Bakare allegedly sold to a cult group. Bakare’s co-suspects, arrested for allegedly fomenting trouble in the Mobil Road area of Ajah, Lagos, are Adewale Odusote, TairuTairu Idris C M Y K

and Dare Ayetoba. It was learned that 22-yearold Odusote, who hails from Epe, Lagos, was apprehended by the police attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) after a tip-off on a robbery incident. He was reportedly heading to deliver a gun to a robbery gang in a hideout. The gang took the police to Bakare’s house after they were nabbed by operatives. Apart from the doublebarrelled short gun, the police, according to a source, recovered one live cartridge and one jack knife from the gang. Bakare, a father of fire, it was learnt, told the police the gang members lied to him that they were security men and needed protection.

“I sold the gun to the gang for N30,000 and used the money to meet some domestic needs”, the source quoted the suspect as saying. “I am a blacksmith. I make hoes, cutlasses and other metal appliances. I also make guns. It is true that I sold the gun to the gang. I sell guns because I need to meet domestic needs. I sold it to the boys for N30,000. They did not tell me they were cultists. That was why I sold the gun to them”. According to the second suspect, Odusote, who confessed to belong to the Aye cult, more than 50 persons were initiated in March 2012 when he joined. “I dropped out of

I am a blacksmith. I make hoes, cutlasses and other metal appliances. I also make guns. It is true that I sold the gun to the gang

secondary school in 2012, and became an apprentice barber. It was a friend, Lukman, who introduced me to the cult. We were initiated in a bush around Epe. It was at about 9.30pm.They were beating us inside the bush. There were seven masters who flogged us with Koboko. We also drank some hard drink. That is all.” Idris, 25, from Ajegunle and married with two children, said he joined the cult to protect himself from attacks, adding that his wife knew he was a cultist. He said, “We do not see any big deal in cults. We joined to protect our area and ourselves because hoodlums were always invading the Alaguntan area where I stayed.” Sunday Vanguard learned that another member of the gang, identified only as Asunmo, was still at large. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, confirmed the arrests, adding that investigation was ongoing. He said, “It is confirmed, and we are continuing investigation.”

PAGE 30—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015

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ROAD CRASH

‘Speed limiter can save your life’ The spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Jonas Agwu, in this piece, speaks on the initiative to save lives on the roads through the use of speed limiter which mock implementation commenced on June 1.

n Wednesday, May 27, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and stakeholders in the transport sector agreed to commence subtle enforcement(without booking) of the use of speed limiters in commercial vehicles from June 1, while, from September 1, full enforcement will commence. This decision is a shift from the initial enforcement date of June I. The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, had described as “unacceptable avoidable crashes that are speed related, stressing that studies showed that speed related factors alone accounted for about 50.8 percent of crashes that occurred in Nigeria last year”. As has been proven, speed limiting devices automatically control the speed of a moving vehicle to the programmed speed limits against the tendency of the drivers to drive above the stipulated speed limit. The use of speed limiting device in vehicles is, however, not new in automobile technology, as some nations, even in Africa, had since introduced it. But for Nigeria, the speed limiter initiative could translate to a wholesome reduction of road traffic crashes nationwide by at least 35%. When the phase two of the initiative is C M Y K

extended to other categories of motorists, especially the private vehicle owners, road traffic crash fatality would have been brought under manageable control in Nigeria. This will certainly facilitate, to a large extent, the goals of the Vision 20:2020 of placing Nigerian roads within the league of the 20 safest global roads. Despite the novelty of the speed limiting device in stemming excessive speeding, stakeholders and motorists, as is usual with strategies and innovations by the FRSC to stop deaths and injuries on our highways, have always had two or sometimes three opposing opinions. While stakeholders, who are proactive in the use of best practices, are always quick to embrace the innovations, there are those whose response is often slow with initial apprehension and ultimately acceptance. The same has been the case with the speed limiter enforcement. I know of the stakeholders who, from the onset, embraced the novelty but at a recent press parley in Abuja appealed to the FRSC to postpone the June 1 enforcement date which they described as good. However in their opinion, the just concluded national elections ate into their advocacy campaigns meant to raise awareness and acceptance of the scheme. The stakeholders, drawn from the following unions,: Petroleum Tankers Drivers(PTD)of the

As has been proven, speed limiting devices automatically control the speed of a moving vehicle to the programmed speed limits against the tendency of the drivers to drive above the stipulated speed limit.

National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG),National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW),Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria(RTEAN), called on the leadership of the FRSC to rethink the date and grant them more time to enable them reach out to their members. The first to speak was Mr Salmon Oladiti,the Chairman of the PTD, who asked for a little time in order to sensitize his members across the country, noting, however, that speed limiter device was very good for our country as it controls our drivers on the highways. He observed that if their request for 90days or three months extension could be granted, it will be good. Alhaji Nojeem

Yasin,President of the NURTW,urged the regulators to delay enforcement for the next four months to also enable the union sensitize its members on the initiative. These positions were echoed by Mr Adeniyi Yusuf, the National Secretary-General of the RTEAN, who cited security concerns in some parts of the country among reasons for the call of a postponement. Although the FRSC boss, Oyeyemi, said only stakeholders could adjust the June 1 date, it is exciting to know that 72 hours after this appeal was made, key stakeholders rose from the May 27 parley with the commencement of subtle enforcement effective on that date and full enforcement from September 1.

Pyramid Club floats N13.3m education foundation T

he Weppa Wanno Pyramid Clu b of Nigeria The retreat, held under has floated an education the theme: “The fou ndation to emerging political dynamics: the tune of N13.3 million What next for Weppa to meet the dreams Wanno”, attracted well and aspirations of indigent me people of Weppa including High Chief Mike aning indigenes Wanno in Etsako East Local Ozekhomen who was Government Area the keynote speaker. of Edo State. Ozekhome called on com Disclosing this at a retreat munity leaders to held in Lagos, the always set an agenda for president of the club, Mr. politicians before Michael Otu, said electing them into positio education has been identi n of authority as this fied as a catalyst in wil l help to guide them.He als community development, esp ecially under the clubs to regularly come togeth o enjoined social new dispensation. er to form a common fro nt in order to get the right Speaking further on the edu cation foundation required for community dev leadership that is under the topic: “Pathway elo to an enduring help community leaders to pment as this will We pp a Wa nn o Py ram id for Clu b Ed uc ati on / agenda that will serve as mulate the right Scholarship Scheme”,Hi gh Chief Kennedy representatives. Other spe a guide for their Izuagbe disclosed that the akers at the occasion clu b ha s ma de include Mr Emmanuel significant impact on its imm Im ediate enviroment Resources Director, Cadbu oagene, Human in the area of education ry Nigeria Plc and Sir for close to three Stanley Amuchie, Chief Fin decades. ancial Officer, Zenith Bank PLC.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 31 08116759757

FATAL HUNTING EXPEDITION

Pregnant wife inconsolable

...as hunter is allegedly shot dead by bossom friend

BY EVELYN USMAN

he peace of Oghada in Uhumuode Local Government Area of Igbanke, Edo State was truncated following the alleged killing of a popular hunter by his colleague while they went hunting. The remains of the 52-year-old hunter, identified as Romanus Omorotiomwan, were discovered in the bush, with a deep bullet hole in his left shoulder. There are, however, insinuations that life could have been snuffed out of Roman, as he was popular called, in order for his alleged assailant to evade payment of a loan. The late Omoriotiomwan ,was reportedly last seen, penultimate Monday, preparing to go hunting. Sunday Vanguard gathered that at about 7am, his friend, (name withheld), a native of Onuiyi -Omuola , a neighboring community , announced his arrival with the screeching of his motorcycle

tyres . Together, they both mounted their respective motorbikes, with Omoriotiomwan’s pregnant wife wishing her husband a good catch as she bid him goodbye, unknown to her that she was bidding him the final farewell. Hours later, the unprecedented visit of some members of the community and other unknown persons at the Omotiomwans compound, arouse his pregnant wife’s suspicion that all was not well. Her fear was confirmed when the visitors revealed that her husband’s lifeless body had been moved from the bush to the morgue. This bomb shell was greeted with wailings and tears ,with sympathizers doing all they could to console the pregnant widow. The question on everyone’s lips was, how did it happen? Information at Sunday Vanguard’s disposal revealed that the hunter was allegedly shot dead by his bosom friend while they were alone in the

Delta Jones Creek host communities vow not to sign FTO with oil firms BY YINKA AJAYI Following alleged marginalization of the Jones Creek oil field host communities by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company and Nest Oil Plc running the facilities, five of the communities, namely, Kokodiagbene, Omadino, Ekpemu-Akpata,Okerenkoko and Akpata Gbe-Gbe, have vowed not to sign fresh Freedom To Operation (FTO) with the oil companies. A press statement by Austine Oniyesan, ComradeSheriff Mulade, Chief James Tangbowei, Chief Mosco Johnny and Isaiah Odu, chairmen,Omadino, Kokodiagbene, Okerenkoko, Ekpemu-Akpata and Akpata Gbe-Gbe communities respectively, after a meeting between Jones Creek oil field host communities and Nest Oil Plc, held in Warri, Delta State, stated that Jones Creek oil field is the largest single oil producing field in West Africa as it produces about 250,000 barrels per day. The statement alleged that in 2010, the fields were taken over by NPDC when SPDC divested its investments in the area, adding that, since then, the company and its major contractor, Nest Oil Plc, running the facilities, have continued to marginalize the communities. It went on: “Our findings have shown that some NPDC personnel have companies subletting contracts to the same companies to look as conforming with local content stipulations of the Federal Government. We have details of these companies and one of them is even trying to get an FTO from the host communities to do business with the company”. The communities expressed anger over the ‘’noemployment” policy of NPDC for the people of the host communities, describing it as appalling and atrocious. “Henceforth,payment of workers salary shall not exceed 10th of the preceding month. Host community flow line contractors shall be mobilized to site side by side on or before the end of July, 2015. Nest Oil management and community leaders shall visit the site for a head count of her work force at site because of her cruelty to host communities. Nest Oil will stop her flow line jobs on completion at the present location until community flow line contractors are equally and fully mobilized to site”, the statement said.

bush. A relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Sunday Vanguard : “ After my uncle and the friend left that morning from my uncle’s house, they went to the friend’s place where he picked Osagie, who is not a hunter, and headed to the bush. “ We were told that when they got to the bush, my uncle’s friend told Osagie to wait at a particular place while he and my uncle went inside the bush. At a point, Osagie said he heard a gun shot and, after a while, the friend rushed out and took him to the spot where he said he found my uncle in the pool of his blood stone dead. Therafter, he said my uncle’s friend asked him to follow him to the station where the friend told the police men that my uncle shot himself. The police followed them to the bush and removed my uncle’s remains to the morgue. “ All we want is justice. We would like the police to investigate and find out how possible it is for a man with a double barrel gun to shoot himself in the left shoulder when he is not with a pistol. The police should also ask the friend why he asked Osagie to wait in a particular place while he went into the bush with my uncle. They should also ask him why he took Osagie who is not a hunter with him on that day. “ Before now, my late uncle had

*Mrs Omorotiomwam...suspect claims hubby killed self been demanding for his money from the friend. At a point, it even led to a verbal confrontation . We believe he killed him in order not to pay the loan he took from my uncle. We are therefore appealing to the police to carry out a discreet investigation that would unearth everything”. Widow’s lamentation When approached by Sunday Vanguard, the widow, MrsJustinaOmotiomwa , was too weak to speak. She clung to her three-year-old son as if her existence depended on him . After what seemed like ages, she broke down in tears , lamenting : “ How am I going to continue to live without my loving husband? This was man who left the house without any sign of ailment, only to be told he was dead hours later. Who did I offend ? Who did this to me? My husband was a peace-loving man and kind-hearted. He had dreams of a better tomorrow for

his children. He was too gentle to a fault. If I had known his friend’s visit was an invitation of death, I would have prevented him from leaving the house that day. He left with a promise to come back and eat. Now, who will eat the food I prepared for him ?” At this point, she burst into tears. Police commence investigation Meanwhile, policemen at Igbake Division, where the case was reported, have arrested the friend and Osagie. They were transferred to Abudu Area Command, next day from where they were transferred to the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on the directive of Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Samuel Adegbuyi , who ordered crack detectives from the homicide section to unravel the circumstance surrounding the murder and bring the perpetrators to book.

DTHA: Oharisi assures Ughelli North of devt

EMBER of the Delta State House of As sembly representing Ughelli North Constituency II, Prince Eric Oharisi, has reassured the people of his constituency of better days ahead and his readiness to deliver dividends of democracy to their door steps. He also promised not to disappoint them, saying his door will be open to all.

Hon. Oharisi gave this assurance at the residence of the Secretary to State Government, Asaba while addressing members and leaders of the party after his swearing-in as member, Delta State House of Assembly representing Ughelli North Constituency II. While appreciating the role played by his political leaders, elders and members of the party in actualizing his victory at the poll, Hon Oharisi, assured that with

him and Hon. Ovie Agas as the SSG,Ughelli North will no doubt benefit more. He called for their total support for the member representing Ughelli North constituency 1, Hon Sam Marierie and the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas to attract developmental projects to the area. He urged the youths to be calm as they will work for their empowerment.

Pa Ajewole, 100, for burial A community leader in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Pa (Chief) Michael Adelugba Ajewole, is dead, aged 100. Pa Ajewole passed on to eternal glory on March 26, 2015. According to the burial programme, Christian wake up holds on Thursday, June 18 at his residence, 68, Ayegunle Road, Ido-Ekiti. Funeral service for the deceased – octogenarian is slated for Friday, June 19 at St John’s Anglican Church, Ido-Ekiti, to be followed by interment and entertainment of guests at Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti. Pa Ajewole is survived by many children and grand children including Mr Sola Ajewole of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Elizabeth Modupe Oyedele, Mr Oluwole Ajewole, Ms Janet Abiodun Ajewole of Tribune, Ibadan, Pastor Yinka Ajewole and Miss Ayodele Ajewole. C M Y K

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SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 33

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FEMI TOYOSI GBEDE

‘How we primed Eventplus Managers for success’

•Speaks on her new project, VIVO Femi Toyosi Gbede is the MD/CEO - VIVO Communications / Eventplus Managers Ltd. The name should ring a bell – especially for those in the events management business. He firm handled the grand opening of the IKEJA CITY MALL, GRAND TOWERS ABUJA MALL, Leisure Mall in Surulere and putting up some fun activities at the Palms Mall, Lekki, just to mention a few. She says she’s restless and full of life, yet, she never forgets to bring the God factor into whatever she’s accomplished in life. She would be 50years old on Friday. In this interview with Sunday Vanguard, she takes us through her life, her career and her new project, VIVO, which is a wellness publication. Married to Toyin Gbede, an architect and lawyer, Mrs Toyosi Gbede says this of her husband, “My husband, Arch. Toyin Gbede who happens to be a lawyer and an architect, is probably the major enthusiast. He is of great support and his wealth of experience in the legal, architecture and Marketing industry is something I tap into regularly”.

HAT were your years like growing up. From your profile I see that you started out primary school in the UK. Yes I attended a lovely private primary school in England. Infact, I was the only black child in the entire school, so I had a little dose of discrimination back then, but I scaled through. I spent a lot of quality time with them going to parks, sight-seeing and things like that. I think that added on to my creativity. I was able to appreciate a lot of things around me from an early age. I was always full of creative ideas. I always won awards either for my ballet dancing, public speaking, acting and things like that. Returning to Nigeria, my parents settled down in Ibadan and I was opportuned to continue my education in choice schools such as All Saints Church School, Jehrico, Interna-

tional School Ibadan, Fed Govt Girls College, Sagamu, before I finally went on to the University of Ife

On the career scene, I am passionate about anything that allows me to be creative, innovative and allows me to express myself

Since your graduation from OAU, you’ve had a very versatile career which spans Marketing Communication, Publishing, Training and Quality Assurance. How were you able to successfully fit into so many roles? I can say I am restless or rather , maybe I should say I’m adventurous. I have a lot embedded in me, so it wasn’t difficult to switch. Infact, if I hadn’t had the new challenges at different points, I would have been bored with life. Every aspect I took on as a new challenge. When I took up Quality Assurance and became the Quality Manager in a multinational company, I learnt a lot of new areas. I got exposed to what quality entailed in life.

It taught me that you had to live by standards and stick to the standards. It taught me about procedures and auditing every procedure put in place, so it actually gave me life balance…working in this capacity. As for training which was also part of my job, I saw this as a walk over. I‘ve always liked talking and relating to people. Infact, when I’m teaching or training, I always want to pour everything I can into the trainee. I like to see people succeed, so anything I see that might support or enhance their life, I am always willing to communicate it to them. So it was never difficult switching as lots of what I needed to make the switch at different times were more or less already in me. You’ve been engaged in various fields. What exactly are your passions.

When you talk about passions, I am very passionate about God and life application of his word. I am also very passionate about people. I love seeing people become the best they can be. I love seeing people succeed. I get concerned when I see people not attaining the heights they are meant to attain in life. I am also very passionate about family. I love the family setting .I’m passionate about family values. ….. I’m also passionate about womanhood . I believe a women should be a proper wife and mother, if she is married and if she is career-oriented, she must attain the peak of her career, businesses or whatever is her choice. On the career scene, I am passionate about anything that allows me to be creative, innovative and allows

Continues from Page 35

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015 — PAGE 35

‘How we primed Eventplus Managers for success’ Continued from Page 34 me to express myself. Tell us more about your career history and how you’ve been able to juxtapose the various job roles My career history has been rather interesting. I started out as a temp worker with a publications outfit. Despite the fact that it was a temporary job, I took it very seriously and was very interested in the job. I later had a marketing job and rose to be the head of marketing. I later started working with a Swiss company (SGS inspection services) where I took on a new challenge as Training and Quality Assurance Manager. It was exciting and new for me and I was trained both in and outside Nigeria for the job. I particularly liked the training aspect of the job. Each time I went on training from work outside the country, it opened me up to new levels and ideas. I think this was where I started nursing ideas on what I could do as an individual. Over the years you’ve built a career around the advertising/marketing industry, starting at Ultimedia ltd and ending up at SocieteGenerale de Surveillance. However, you resigned to set up your marketing and event outfit, EPM ltd, in 2004. How did you coin that out of you, considering the fact that you never worked in this area directly, or prior to this time? How did you come about setting up an event company? As I said, in all the areas I‘ve worked in, I’ve always gained a lot on the various jobs I have worked at. Especially in the last place of work I was as an employee at a multinational company. I came up with bold ideas. One of them, which started out like a joke, was when I collaborated with a friend to put up a commercial fair and exhibition tagged XMART FAIR. It was a start up for me in events and I realised that if I put my mind to it, the fair could become an annual event and we were able to pull a good crowd and have a number of stalls along with sponsors and advertisers at the event; but unfortunately, we didn’t have another fair on that platform. I could fathom anything and put it to reality. At this period I was also involved with some NGO’s where I also exerted my organisational skills and

event capabilities. Eventually I pulled out from work and allowed God to order my steps to the event industry and I started ..EVENT PLUS MANAGERS LTD. Since the inception of EPM ltd , what are the major projects you’ve handled as an event manager Well we’ve done a lot and some of them were really big time; but I’d particularly want to talk about those that we seemed to create a niche for. All of a sudden, we found ourselves being involved with different Malls all over the country . We handled the grand opening of IKEJA CITY MALL and we came up with a whole line of ideas towards promoting the mall in the first year of its opening. We also did a similar opening at GRAND TOWERS ABUJA MALL. And before we knew it we were also handling Leisure Mall in Surulere and putting up some fun activities at the Palms Mall, Lekki. Infact everyone was wondering what it was we had going with the malls. Friends thought I must really like shopping …. What major project(s) is EPM working on at the moment? We have just given birth to a new baby. The baby is another brain child of ours. We have come up with VIVO Communication platform which seeks to enlighten and discuss everything about

I think new baby projects like the VIVO project are just part of what keeps you agile and feeling young at heart. Age is in the mind. I feel as if I’m turning 30

wellness, wellbeing and Life balance. What does VIVO mean? The word VIVO refers to being alive, alert, zeal, on top, vibrant…..and that’s just what VIVO wants to communicate to our audience How did you come about VIVO? Well, I knew I wanted to make my voice heard, I knew I wanted to communicate what I felt would make an impact in peoples’ lives. I had stumbled on the aspect of wellness in the past and I saw it as the way to go for proper life balance and living a life that is productive and fulfilling. Hence, I had the desire to put it across to others and believe it, the birth of VIVO Communications. It wasn’t a one day idea. I’d wanted to put up a platform on wellness a few years back. Just didn’t follow through as at then. But I kept on researching, reading up and doing my findings about wellness in the last 4 to 5 years. I got the inspiration for the name VIVO more or less in a meaningful flash but as I said, I had meditated on the wellness concept for quite a while. Beyond that I strongly believe that ideas come from the creator of ideas ….the God factor. What does VIVO intend communicating? VIVO is about wellness and life balance. It is a means to make people have a more beautiful life experience. Our slogan says ‘life is beautiful’. It’s not just about physical wellness, but it actually benchmarks the entire wellness wheel concept which talks about Physical, Social, Intellectual, Environmental, Financial and spiritual Wellness. VIVO will talk about every aspect that contributes to life balance - be it playing a sport, watching a movie, cleaning your environment, just name it! As long as it will contribute to the human wellbeing we MUST talk about it. We’ve looked at the average mortality rate worldwide and it’s rather appalling to see the figures, so this calls for action. People need to be educated and exposed to more information. That’s our call. On what platforms do you intend communicating the VIVO brand? VIVO will eventually grow

•Femi Toyosi Gbede and span through all media platforms but we are debuting with our on-line Who is VIVO’s target audience? Our target audience spans all ages, gender and nationalities. There is something for everyone. But having said that, VIVO will be seen to appeal to the working class individual. Who are VIVO team? We have a very vibrant and intellectually sound team. We have a mix of professionals in their respective industries and we also have a crop of young and upcoming writers who are very enthusiastic about VIVO. We have the likes of Arinola Adeniyi, a Qualified Wellness coach and CEO of Venevici Spa, Dr Lekan Bello, a medical doctor, physiotherapist and life coach based in the UK, Muyiwa Afolabi , a motivational speaker, radio presenter/ producer and social architect. Taiwo Okpongete, a qualified career coach and human resource professional among others. When will VIVO magazine land at the shelves? It will first land on social media platforms on the 19th of June ( by the grace of God), as we come out with the online version of VIVO magazine. The print copy will hit the stands in less than 3 months after the online debut.

Where do you see VIVO in the next 5 years? In 5 yrs. VIVO will have explored all communication avenues and possibly will move on to new grounds, exploring other meaningful ways to make the Wellness concept acceptable to all. How about the family? My husband, Arch. Toyin Gbede who happens to be a lawyer and an architect, is probably the major enthusiast. He is of great support and his wealth of experience in the legal, architecture and Marketing industry is something I tap into regularly. You’ll be 50 years old on Friday June 19th, how does this make you feel? I must say I don’t feel a hoot about getting older. I can hardly believe that I’m attaining that age. I think new baby projects like the VIVO project are just part of what keeps you agile and feeling young at heart. Age is in the mind. I feel as if I’m turning 30 actually…. What excites you most in this season of your 50th birthday? I’m just grateful to God for letting me be alive and in sound health and still able to pursue dreams with my children and husband, friends and family by my side. It’s an AWESOME feeling and a catalyst to the next FIFTY years of my life….( laughs..).

PAGE 36—Vanguard, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015

The average age varies from 21 (in Turkey) to 23 in Lebanon, even younger ages of 15 or less in Nigeria. Some are minors, widows, others unmarried, many are unemployed, while others are professionals of one kind or another, some are illiterate, poor and others are middle class

•Suicide bomber

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

or over six years now, Boko Haram insurgents unleashed a reign of terror which claimed thousands of lives with Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa States badly hit, later degenerating into suicide bombings. Girls are recruited as suicide bombers. The typical terrorist bombers could only be men males of 16 to 45 years of age. No thought was ever given to females becoming terrorists. But terrorists all over the world seek out vulnerabilities in government's counter – operations and the lack of scrutiny of females now used for terrorism. Suicide bombers are today's weapon of choice; an action that was once so surprising, horrific and terrifying has become a common phenomenon. From Jerusalem to Beirut, Damascus to Baghdad,Tripoli to Mogadishu, suicide bomber is clearly the weapon of choice for international terrorists. In terms of casualties, suicide attacks are the most efficient form of terrorism. Although suicide attacks accounted for 5% of terrorist incidents, it caused half of the

TAMING TERROR

Anatomy of the female suicide bomber! total deaths from terrorism. Nigeria too is not spared of girls being used as suicide bombers. The success of suicide bombers is dependent upon the factors of surprise and accessibility to targets. Both of these factors have been met successfully by using females. The recent spate of women suicide bombers in different countries and by different terrorist organisations testify to this. Worried by the trend, the UN Secretary–General, Ban Ki Moon, called for more action towards preventing the use of females by extremist groups.

“From Nigeria and Somalia to Syria and Iraq, the bodies of women have been transformed into battle grounds for warriors carrying out specific and systematic strategies often on the basis of ethnicity or religion”, Moon stated, calling on the world to respond to the targeting of women and girls by violent extremists. On the way out, the UN scribe said that some progress had been made over the past years with more access in education for girls, more presence in business, governments and global

organisations as well as progress in maternal health. He noted, however, that even in societies at peace, too many girls and women were still targets of abuse, and that discrimination remained a thick barrier that must be shattered. Meanwhile, the use of females as suicide bombers posed some problem between fundamental religious leaders' beliefs and the tactical need for a more vicious weapon. The spiritual leader of Hamas, a Palestine organisation, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, in January 2002 renounced the

use of women as suicide bombers. In March 2002 after the second Fatah bombing, he stated: “Hamas was far from enthusiastic about the inclusion of women in warfare, for reasons of modesty.” That position dramatically shifted in January 2004 with the launching of the first Hamas female suicide bomber. Yassin defended this change as a “significant evolution in our fight”. He added: “The male fighters face many obstacles, and, therefore, women can more easily reach the targets”. He affirmed that “women are like the reserve army – when there is a necessity, we use them.” Consequently, terrorist organisations use women as weapons because the method provides: *Tactical advantage: stealtheir attack, element of surprise, hesitancy to search women, female stereotype (e.g. non-violent). *Increased number of combatants *Increased publicity *Psychological effect Human precision bomb' Magnus Ranstorp, Director of the US Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, shed more light on this. “It is the ultimate asymmetric weapon, you can assimilate among the people and then attack with an element of surprise that has an incredible and devastating shock value”, he stated. Continues on Page 37

Vanguard, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 37

Continued from Page 36 A commander in charge of training future suicide bombers was quoted as saying, “The body has become our most potent weapon. When we searched for new ways to resist the security complications facing us, we discovered that our women could be an advantage”. One trainer even described female suicide bombers as the new “Palestinian human precision bomb.” For those who studied Middle East cultures, another reason for the use of females in terror attacks is that, “the use of female suicide bombers by Palestinian militant groups is designed to embarrass the Israeli regime and show that things are so desperate that women are fighting instead of men”. Suicide bombers provide the low-cost, low-technology, lowrisk weapon that maximizes target destruction and instills fear – women do that even more with increased accessibility and media shock value. Profiles have been developed for specific sets of suicide bombers – like being young, unmarried, attends mosque regularly and so on. Ariel Merari, a leading Israeli authority on suicide terrorism, and Boaz Ganor agree on this assessment. Many suicide bombers tend to be of average economic status although some come from refugee camps. But as logical as the poverty – breeds-terrorism argument may seem, studies showed that suicide attackers are rarely ignorant or impoverished. Two other critical findings were that more than half had spent time in Israeli prisons and had expressed the desire to avenge the death or injury of a relative or close friend. Research indicated that the reasons for females participation in deadly attacks vary. In Nigeria, some parents sympathetic to Boko Haram ideology of Islamic fundametalism have lured their teenage daughters into becoming suicide bombers. However, female suicide bombers, just like their male counterparts, have a common characteristic – they are young. Recruitment The average age varies from 21 (in Turkey) to 23 in Lebanon, even younger ages of 15 or less in Nigeria. Some are minors, widows, others unmarried, many are unemployed, while others are professionals of one kind or another, some are illiterate, poor and others are middle class. Analysts have compared the Black Widows

TAMING TERR OR TERROR Anatomy of the female suicide bomber!

From Nigeria and Somalia to Syria and Iraq, the bodies of women have been transformed into battle grounds for warriors carrying out specific and systematic strategies often on the basis of ethnicity or religion

in Russia with the Palestinian suicide bombers as both appear to struggle for national identity with religious undertones. The selection of women for suicide operations and the methods used to persuade them are generally similar to those employed for men. The recruiters take advantage of the candidates' innocence, enthusiasm, personal distress and thirst for revenge after loss of close friend or family members. The recruiting strategy for female bombers is to get them while they are young, personally brainwashed. You need complete control of all their conditioning usually from the age of 11 or 12 years. Many believe that female suicide bombers are “sold”to terrorist organisations, drugged to perform such deadly acts, and or raped and blackmailed if they do not participate. Reward Generally, there are religious, nationalistic, economic social and personal rewards for becoming suicide bombers. According to findings, there are few differences between a man and a woman carrying out such a mission. Motivations are simply the same: they believe that they are committed, patriotic combined with a religious duty. Religious and

criminal terrorism (as we have in Nigeria – Boko Haram) is a particularly potent form of violence because it claims the religious justification for committing horrible acts. Islamic and religious fanatics attract suicide bombers using rhetoric to stir up feelings of neglect, poverty, hatred of the 'enemy' and a profound sense of victimization. Therefore suicide bombers see their actions as being driven by a higher order who provide rewards for them in after life. Muslim extremists believe that in death, every martyr, male or female, is welcomed by a minimum of 70 apparitions of unnatural beauty who wipe away his sins, open the gates of heaven and provide him with all the pleasures that God has given to mankind. After her death, the suicide bomber's family is showered with honour and gets substantial financial rewards. She sees herself as envied by those she left behind. In Nigeria, plagued by the deadly Boko Haram insurgency with a controversial ideology against Western education because it teaches evolution, capitalism and many other things that conflict with Islamic fundamentalism, female bombers have been deployed

on targets. In what was described as a bloody Monday on December 22, 2014, at the busy central market in Bauchi, a female suicide bomber planted a bomb near a fully loaded passenger bus getting ready to depart which exploded killing 10 people. Earlier same day, bombers hit Dukku Motor Park, Gombe, killing 20 persons and injuring 25 others seriously. On July 28, 2014, two female suicide bombers struck in Kano within five hours of each other, killing five people. Another female bomber blew herself up at a police checkpoint at Gidan Murtala by Kofar Nassarawa over-head bridge. According to the Kano Police PRO, the female suicide bomber blew up herself as she was about to be screened before entering the premises. When she approached security men conducting the search, she detonated the explosive device hiden under her hijab. A second bomb attack by a 19year old lady occurred at the entrance gate of Kano Trade Fair Complex in which six persons including two policemen were injured. The suicide bomber died. In Yobe State, on February 24, 2015, a female terrorist with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) hidden in her flowing veil detonated the device, killing 16 people at a crowded motor park. The incident came about 48 hours after another female suicide bomber killed herself and five other people with explosive hidden in her veil at the Potiskum GSM Market. In the Yobe park blast, according to eye witness, the female suicide bomber alighted from a tricycle and ran into waiting passengers before detonating the explosive. The most recent of female suicide attacks in the country occurred at Tasha Market/ Motor Park in Damaturu, Yobe State in which a 10-year-old girl detonated an explosive in the middle of a crowd, killing seven persons and injuring 31 others. Meanwhile, the Nigerian military, in cooperation with some West African allies, seems to be winning the war against Boko Haram, liberating captured territories including the dreaded Sambisa forest which was the fortress of the insurgents. Nigeria has a Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) mechanism which had been laid out for world support at the UN involving deradicalisation programme, strategic communication, counter – radicalisation and economic regeneration.

PAGE 38—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

BOK O BOKO BOK O HARAM HARAM BOKO

Buhari should go beyond moving military command to Borno --- General Ikpomnwen (rtd)

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN-CITY

rig. General Idada Ikpomnwen (rtd) is a former Provost Marshal of the Nigeria Army and a military lawyer who participated in court martial on several occasions. In this interview, Ikpomnwen speaks on the movement of the military command center to Maiduguri to tackle Boko Haram insurgency as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Muhammadu Buhari ordered that the military high command be moved to Maiduguri to fight Boko Haram. What impact do you think that will have on this war against terror?““I am very glad the President ordered that the command headquarters of the Nigerian Army be moved to the war zone. I think that is the way it should be. The order did not come as a surprise because I know the President from his past records that he will leave no stone unturned in attacking the problem of security that faces Nigeria today. Boko Haram is clearly the most outstanding problem we have. I am not surprised because I recall that when he was military head of state he brought Maitasine that insurgency under check. Even before he became head of state, when he was commanding the 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, he moved his Division to fight the“Chadian crisis then. The Chadians had been killing our people and even moving into our territory. It was Buhari as GOC of 3 Armoured Division that brought that crisis under full check. These antecedents, and the fact that he clearly defined his position that he will not joke with the security of this country, make me feel that what he has done is true to type. Abuja is too far from the scene of action. There is no better approach than to have the military command that is dealing with this Boko Haram scourge in Maiduguri. I think it is a move that must be applauded. ““But how does that check suicide bombings?““The main thing is that there is a war. When a movement has reached a level where they have acquired large membership, they have secured territories, they have mapped out their modus operandi, it is no more a skirmish, it

is war. The war is worsened by the fact that they have imbibed this idea of suicide bombing. I think that the war requires not only using the military might and means to deal with it, but also embark on some kind of campaign, to preach to the people that it is not a good ideology to create problem for your country believing that what you are doing is right. I do not think that any good Muslim will believe that waging a war against his own country is in line with the true tenets of Islamic. So I believe the Buhari administration should restructure the military, improve its tactics and embark on a campaign to show the people, to show the world“that all that belief which forms the basis of the Boko Haram fight cannot be justified by the tenets of Islam.““Amnesty for Boko Haram““I am not surprised people are calling for amnesty for Boko Haram due to what we experienced in the Niger Delta. Just like Boko Haram, the militancy in the Niger Delta created serious problems. People were being killed, the economy was affected. But the difference many people have failed to point out is that in the Niger Delta situation, there was this belief of injustice, cheating, oppression, denial of the people who own the resources and the resources were being used essentially to their disadvantage. Because when you look at the environment, you look at the effect of oil exploration and gas flare, animal life and human life in the area, you will agree that there was justification in the decision to fight the injustice. It was against this back ground that the Yar’Adua administration thought out this amnesty and decide to pursue it and thank God that pursuing it yielded the result that militancy was brought to a halt. I may not find any such justification to grant Boko Haram amnesty. I don’t think it is holy for anybody to want to kill in the name of religion. But having said that, I am one of those who believe that there is need for negotiation no matter the situation. What is important is for us to have peace. In fact disagreements always ended with dialogue. That is why we have the military to fight, we have diplomacy for people to sit down and discuss. It will be too rigid for us to say we want to crush this rebellion without listening to the avenues for negotiation. I am saying in effect that nothing wrong is wrong at any stage in this war to accept any opportunity of mediation. In fact this mediation

should have come earlier, the approach of the immediate past government, some of them were wrong. For example, the circumstances that led to the murder of Yusuf, the acclaimed leader of Boko Haram, was wrong. That made it more difficult to identify the people behind Boko Haram or the reason behind Boko Haram. So I support every move to crush the rebellion, but at the same time I do not consider nonsensical any attempt to open avenue or to accept any avenue for dialogue because the efficacy of dialogue can never be ruled out.““Do you think the Amnesty Programme for ex-militants in the N/Delta should remain?““The Amnesty Programme is quite expensive, there is no doubt about that. And it is like it is not holistic either in the sense that it is wrong to say that it was only those who came out to take arms to fight, who went to the creeks were the only ones who fought the injustice. A lot of people fought, some fought by speaking, some fought by writing, some even fought by going out there to the creeks. We went to the creeks under a panel set by the South South Peoples Assembly, to see the militants and persuaded them on the necessity to accept peace. I don’t think that the Amnesty Programme, as well thought out as it might be, is holistic. I think there are other ways that the people of the Niger Delta, in a more holistic manner can be

My wife and the driver had visited several police stations before my kidnappers contacted her through my mobile phone and demanded a ransom of $400,000

made to benefit from the proceeds of their natural resources than the Amnesty Programme.““For example, we can strengthen how the zone can benefit on continuous basis by being made active stakeholders in the exploration, processing and sale of oil. We could make such arrangement that all the component parts of the Niger Delta have a way of earning more income from that source. We can also ensure that the area is replenished, particularly the areas where you explore this oil, so much damages have been done. Go to Oloibiri, you will find that the place has become an eyesore. If government rehabilitates these areas that are directly affected by oil exploration and re-invest in one way or the other there, I think it will have a more far reaching effect. The President has said he may not be able to carry the Amnesty Programme, as it is today, beyond December this year. I really don’t see anything wrong with that, but I will urge the President not to forget to address much more holistically the way that the areas affected by oil exploration can continue to benefit and have respite even as exploration goes on. And I think there are many ways to do that. I was impressed when former President Jonathan asked the oil companies to relocate to areas of their operation so as to develop those areas. He was speaking our minds. This is one of the ways the nation can holistically address the problems of the oil communities much more than mere Amnesty Programme whereby you put people on pay roll and train some youths. Training youths is not a bad idea but it is rather a one-way approach, let us have a holistic approach to it. Getting the people directly into the business of oil exploration that is the best.““Oil theft ““Every undertaking that empowers some of our people is a plus, especially when you identify those people in the fore front of the struggle for the Niger Delta. But like I have said, these are not holistic approaches. Government must not run away from its responsibilities. The holistic approach would be to examine thoroughly what institution or organ of government can really take care of the security of our pipelines. Because of the level of contribution that oil makes to the economy of this nation, the protection of these pipelines must remain a top priority of government. Nigerian must hearken to the call to create organs that will be

charged with the responsibility of securing our pipelines. The same thing applies to our borders, the problem of our border fluidity is so serious that there is need for us to have a border establishment, well trained well armed, located in a reasonably close position to the border where they can readily move to the border when there is need for it, but at the same time not to be seen to be pointing guns at our neighbours. There is need for us to reconsider our security organs and to create a unit that will be responsible for patrolling our waterways. And we make them part of the nation’s armed forces. In the United States, we have the Coastal Guards, they have the Marines, several organizations that are geared towards specific missions. I say this because, in truth, on the strength of our Constitution, the armed forces have so many responsibilities. They have the responsibilities of preventing external aggression, maintaining territorial integrity and to aid civil authorities in surmounting internal crisis. If you look at the position of the Constitution in Section 217, you will find that it is not the routine responsibility of the military to do routine police work. It is not the responsibility of the military to do border patrol work or“pipeline monitoring or election matters. Therefore, it has become overdue that proper establishments are created by deliberate action of government to become part and parcel of the armed forces of this country to do this kind of military function. They must be armed, they must fight when need be and they must act like the military. Therefore we need more establishments if we must solve the problem of pipeline vandalization, borders and monitoring the coast because these are beyond the routine work of the army and the police. ““It is not that these forces need to be too large, but they must be there capable of expansion when need be. Meanwhile, the nucleus of these forces must be well trained, capable of carrying out their responsibility. The new government has a lot of challenges. To me, President Buhari is inheriting a state that is virtually down. The situation we have in terms of the economy, in terms of security, employment, even infrastructure really calls for serious work. And at the bottom of this is the need to really fight corruption because corruption is the root of our problem. If we fight corruption even in the oil sector alone, you will see that

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 39

Badeh, Minimah, Ihejirika and the AI war crime case BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, ABUJA

enultimate week, the international human rights watchdog, Amnesty International (AI), released a report alleging that top Nigerian military officers, who have been prosecuting the war against Boko Haram, were committing war crimes, while seeking a probe. In the report titled, ‘Scars on their Shoulders, Blood on their Hands: War Crimes Committed by the Nigerian Military’, Al accused the military of non-conventional tactics in the prosecution of the war on terror, citing torture, extrajudicial murder, starvation and suffocation of over 8,000 people as the battle rages. “More than 1,200 people were extra-judicially executed since March 2011 and over 7,000 had died in military detention facilities, it claimed, due to starvation, overcrowding, torture and the denial of medical assistance.“The group went further to name a former Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim; a former Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika; current Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; incumbent Chief of the Army Staff, Lt. General KTJ Minimah; as well as all the General Officers Commanding (GOCs) that have been appointed for the 7 Division headquarters in Maiduguri since its creation as culpable in the crimes. The AI allegation contrasts against the claim once made that Ihejirika was among the sponsors of Boko Haram. “Saying the report was a product of over three years of investigation and analysis of evidence, including military sources and interviews with more than 400 victims and eyewitnesses, the group called for the serving and former Service Chiefs to be subjected to prompt, independent and effective investigations on their supervisory function over the alleged crimes. “The AI alleged, "For years, the Nigerian authorities have downplayed accusations of human rights abuses by the military. But they cannot dismiss their own internal military documents. They cannot ignore testimonies from witnesses and high-ranking military whistle blowers. And they cannot deny the existence of emaciated and mutilated bodies piled on mortuary slabs and dumped in mass graves”. Military observers spoken to on the issue, however, believe that the timely response of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to the allegations aptly captured the thinking of a war ravaged citizenry of the North-East as well as millions of troubled Nigerians who accuse Al of selective crusade against the

•Ihejirika

•Badeh just and fair to all. “"Unfortunately in this case, Amnesty International has taken a premeditated position, which is far from noble. It is also curious that a body that has never been able to seriously condemn terror in Nigeria now claims to have done an extensive research with the aim of discrediting the nation’s effort at curtailing terror.“"It is clear that Amnesty International (AI) becomes more active in presenting distractive allegations whenever the terrorists are losing ground in the battle. It is very unfortunate that Amnesty International has used this report to further confirm its questionable interest in the counter- terrorism

•Minimah Nigerian military while turning blind eye to events in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other climes where Western powers are committing atrocities in the name of fighting terrorism. The DHQ statement noted that it was unfortunate that all efforts made in the allegations by the Al was a continuation of blackmail against the military hierarchy in which the organization had embarked upon as far back as the inception of the military action against terrorist in the North- East; insisting that officers mentioned in the report had no reason, whatsoever, to indulge in the allegations made against them. “It is unfortunate that the organization just went out to gather names of specified senior officers, in a calculated attempt to rubbish their reputation as well as the image of the military,” it said, pointing out that “the action, no doubt, depicted more of a premeditated indictment aimed at discrediting the country for whatever purpose”.“Continuing, DHQ said, “Each of the previous allegations had been thoroughly responded to and cleared in the public and officially. It posited that the title of the report, down to the body of the allegations, smacked of extreme bias, which was disturbing coming from an otherwise reputable organization that was expected to be

It is unfortunate that the organization just went out to gather names of specified senior officers, in a calculated attempt to rubbish their reputation as well as the image of the military

effort in Nigeria.“"Amnesty International is advised to stop playing the role of an irritant coming up loudly only when the terrorists are losing out and remaining silent or complacent whenever the terrorist heightens its atrocities”.“Meanwhile, what is baffling to security watchers is the fact that same Al has consistently flayed the Nigerian military in its operations within but has not seen anything bad in the operations of the same Nigerian military in foreign theatres where it received praises. In August 2014, the group had accused the military of war crimes and extra-judicial killing of over 600 in the North-East, especially Maiduguri and Bama, after the military repelled terrorists who had invaded, leading to the killing and maiming of over 1, 000 persons and destruction of communities including parts of Bama military barracks. In the Zaria debacle where a procession of an Islamic group turned sour, Al claimed it had video footage, images and testimonies to back up its claim that the military killed 33 people, including the children of a Shiite cleric, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky which was denied by the military.“In faulting the reports, the military authorities said then that the scenes depicted in the videos released by the AI were alien to the operations of the military.“The DHQ further expressed worry about the set of video footage being circulated and which became reference data for the Al in its report, noting that the military cannot condone any action or inaction that tramples on the right to life of any Nigerian; since the military takes the issue of human rights seriously.“The AI had also accused the Nigerian military of performing below par during the Boko Haram attack on Baga and Mongonu in Borno State, early this year, during which it claimed thousands of men, women and children were slaughtered and property destroyed even though military authorities said just over 150 persons lost their lives. "It is clear from our evidence that Nigeria’s military leadership woefully and repeatedly failed in their duty to protect civilians of Baga and Monguno despite repeated warnings about an impending threat posed by Boko Haram,” the Al stated in its report at the time. Nigerians and the military, however, await the outcome of the investigation of the latest AI report promised by President Muhammadu Buhari who himself recently ordered the relocation of the Command and Control Center of the armed forces to Maiduguri, the epicenter of Boko Haram, so that the insurgents will receive better air and ground pounding, because he is dissatisfied with the fact that the Islamist group is yet to be defeated.

PAGE 40—SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015 sameyoboka@yahoo.com

08023145567 (sms only)

The thanskgiving service for Mr Victor Ahiuma-Young, Asst Labour Editor Vanguard Newspapers who was shot by gunmen along the Apapa Oshodi Expressway was held at the St Joseph Chosen Church of God, Kirikiri town in Lagos, yesterday.Left Elder Phillips Ogbonna,Father General, Mr Victor Ahiuma-Young, celebrator and Comrade Joe Ajaero, factional President NLC at the occasion. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

'I have forgiven those

who attempted to kill me'

...V anguar d Assis or narr at es his or deal in the hands of armed rrobber obber ..Vanguar anguard Assistt ant Labour Edit Editor narrat ates ordeal obberss

By OLAYINKA LATONA

T was joy unspeakable as family members, church members and colleague from the Labour confraternity converged at the St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God, SJCCG, Cardoso Street, Kirikiri Town last Sunday for Vanguard’s Assistant Labour Editor, Mr. Victor Ahiuma-Young’s thanksgiving service. Factional president of the Nigeriia Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Comrade Issa Aremu, Labour writers, members of the Vanguard family, Pastor Victor Munzuni who representated the Spiritual leader, Apostle Hayford Alile were all held spellbound when Mr. Ahima-Young narrated his ordeal at the hands of two hoodlums who almost snuffed life out of him in Lagos. Ahiuma-Young was attacked by gunmen shortly after leaving a bank at Sadiku Bus Stop along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway where he had gone to withdraw some money. Church members heartily sang melodious choruses and danced to appreciate God who spared the life of their harvest committee chairman. Extending his sincere gratitude to all church who stood by him during the trying period, Ahiuma-Young prayed Almighty God not to reward

When I came and he showed me the pictures, what came to my mind was that it was an assassination plot disguised as robbery. We will not relent in praying for him because people perpetrating evil will want to be after the people doing his kind of job since they know that they will expose them

them all for their labour of love, saying: “Continue to pray with us and I know that the Almighty God will surely perfect that which He has started in my family’s life.” My Story “Brothers and sisters, you are seeing a living miracle. For those who have been looking for miracle, I am one. God is good and nothing happens without His knowledge. Sometimes certain things happen in our life to teach us a lesson. “On April 21, 2015 at about 10.00 am, I went to make some transaction in one of the banks. I left the bank and went to a nearby newspaper stand to buy a copy of the day’s Vanguard Newspaper and suddenly I heard a gunshot. I never knew I was the target and everyone around me started running but I heard a faint voice that said; “Give me that money.” As I turned to look at the person, he shot my thigh but I did not feel a pain. Immediately he fired the second one, the guy moved and I thought he wanted to run away because I felt no pain. I picked a stone and hauled it at him and he shot the third time which hit one of my fingers. Then I felt as if rain was falling on me and noticed that my thigh has been soaked with blood and started appealing to those around to take me to a hospital but they all ran. I was bleeding profusely and the people were just looking at me. “The gunshots were at very close range. Since those around the

scene refused to help me, I moved with all the strength in me to a nearby hospital and there the blood was stabilised and my wife and others arranged to remove the pellets from my body. Thirteen pellets were removed. “I am saying all these for us to know that when God wants to work, anything is possible. It is only those who saw the photograph that can really explain the extent of the gunshot at my back. I had an injury around my testicle and if you put a finger inside it, it will pass through but God was so kind that it did not pass through my body. The injury was so deep that when I saw it, I was scared. “Two weeks before the incidence, there was crisis in the Nigeria Labour Congress where elections were held and some people wanted to change the will of God and they believe that some of us were working against them. But since the person that attacked me asked for money, that is why I ruled out case of assassin. “Two weeks after the incidence, someone was shot but he did not survive the gun shot and I now know more that God is good. I did not know why He loves my family. But I can prove to the world that God is real, He is alive and He will continue to dwell in our life. “Also I learnt something from our father-general when he came to visit me. While praying

he made a statement that we have forgiven those who shot me but they must repent. However, before then, I used to say that they must die before the end of this year, today, I kneel on this altar to say that I have forgiven those who shot me and I plead and pray that they should repent and if they fail to repent God knows what to do.” Mr. Ahiuma-Young’s wife, Mrs. Charity Ahiuma-Young narrated how she received revelation concerning the incidence and prayed against its occurrence in the family, saying it was God’s intervention and grace that saved her from becoming a widow. “When I received the revelation, I immediately prayed against it. I used to hear a voice that was asking me what I would do if I lose my husband and immediately I rebuked the voice saying no, my husband will not die. I thank God that He revealed the plan of the enemies. I am more than grateful.” Pastor Victor Munzuni who represented the Spiritual leader, Apostle Hayford Alile, had this to say: “May the name of the Lord be blessed for what He did in the life of our brother. Before the incidence, a Christian sister called that we should pray against the devil’s plan to take a member of the church which will make the celebration sour and we got this revelation in Osopa London. We prayed against the evil occurrence and when I received the call, I was shocked. “When I came and he showed me the pictures, what came to my mind was that it was an assassination plot disguised as robbery. We will not relent in praying for him because people perpetrating evil will want to be after the people doing his kind of job since they know that they will expose them.”

Group canvasses abolition of obnoxious practices against widows By CALEB AYANSINA THE Christian Care for Widows, Widowers, the Aged and Orphans (CCWA) has called for the abolition of obnoxious laws and cultures against widows in the society, just as it admonished Nigerians to show love to the less privileged among them. Founder of the group, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, who stated this at a press conference ahead of the group’s convention scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja, said more people were being impoverished due to current insecurity in the country. The 23-year old organisation, according to her, had impacted many lives positively through scholarship to orphans, skill acquisition as well as free medicare. Ajakaiye said Bible teaches us to be Christ-like by being our brothers’ keeper, adding that many widows would have survived the circumstances of the sudden demise of their husbands, but due to the heartless relatives and obnoxious cultural practices, they were grounded and even probably died.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 41

F you cook a prophet his favourite meal and he prays for you, what kind of prayer is he likely to pray? He might pray that God should give you the desires of your heart. He might pray that God should prosper your business. He might pray that God should heal you of your infirmities. He might pray that God should give you your own husband; your own wife; or your own children. But what if you were to ask Jesus to pray for you? That might be a little dicey. Jesus just might ask God to kill you. He might say: “Father, please let Lazarus die of his sickness.” He might say: “Father, let Peter be crucified.” He might say: “Father, let the rich young ruler lose all his wealth.” Would you say “amen” to any of this if it applied to you? Shameful words Are Jesus’ words shameful? If they were not, today’s preachers would not avoid them like the plague. Jesus told one man if he followed him he would have to live under the bridge. He told another man to sell all he has and give the proceeds to the poor. He told others to hate their husbands, wives and parents. These unpleasant requirements don’t recommend Jesus’ discipleship. Why would Christians follow a “rock of offence” like Jesus? Why would we choose to live in a house built with stones experienced builders like Julius Berger rejected. Why follow a Jesus the world hates? Why believe in a saviour who refuses to save his own life? Because Jesus’ words are

SATANIC PR OSPERIT Y PROSPERIT inconvenient, the prosperity messages preached in today’s churches cannot be his words. Jesus’ words lead to defeat and death. His words spell trials and tribulations. His words don’t lead to Aso Rock but to the cross. Jesus makes the strangest of promises. How is this for a promise? Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). This makes tribulation a promise of God to believers. Vain blessings Many can only identify the work of God when it affects our stomach or wallet. God is at work when someone gives us money. He is at work when someone gives us food. But is God at work when there is an earthquake? Is he at work when there is a flood? Can we see God even when we are in the fire? Can we see him if Lazarus dies? Jesus does not say: “Blessed are you when men shall give you money. Shout and leap for joy, for great is your reward on earth.” Those are the words of men and not the words of God. However, such words of men are

BY OLAYINKA LATONA

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, an astute mathematics teacher recently established a link between the subject and success in every human endeavour. Speaking at a special prayer programme organised for leaders and potential leaders in the country with a theme: “Not by might” at the RCCG national headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Meta, Lagos, Adeboye revealed two linear equations to success, supporting each equation with relevant bible passages, stressing that he believed in using mathematical equations whenever he needed to explain important issues in a brief manner. According to him, mathematics is the language of life, noting “whenever I have to say something that I believe is very deep and I have to say it in a very brief manner, I turn back to mathematics because it is the language of life and you can say a lot within a short period if you use mathematics.” Adeboye’s first linear equation states that “Power belongs to God”, in accordance with Psalm 62:11, which states that all power either on earth or in heaven belongs to the Almighty God and equation number is “God respects the humble”, which can be found in Psalm 138:6 of the bible. The man of God stated that a combination of the two equations, automatically brings one face to face with the secret to success, explaining that God resist the proud, gives grace to the humble and enthrone them in place of power. Using biblical king Nebuchadnezzar as a case study, Adeboye explained that it’s God who controls every human affair and gives power to whosoever He wishes; “God resists the proud and promotes the humble. God has the power to pick up a beggar from the dunghill and promote him to sit with

Jesus’ words don’t lead to Aso Rock but to the cross preferred and parlayed in the churches of today, ensuring that many Christians end up frustrated with shipwrecked faith when these vain promises fail to come to pass. Christianity has become akin to playing the lottery. The few winners preach a gospel of their testimonies. But for every man who wins, there are thousands who lose their shirts and whose hopes are dashed. Nevertheless, the Christian lottery continues as a very lucrative business, raking in lots and lots of money for crafty pastors and televangelists. Hope in the Christian lottery disappoints. But hope in Christ never disappoints. A true believer might be a loser in the world. But he can never lose in the kingdom of God. If we are in Christ but don’t feel blessed, we only have ourselves to blame. It can only mean we are looking for so-called blessings God did not promise. The expectations of the

righteous are never cut off. (Proverbs 23:18). Some who say they are blessed talk of things that have nothing to do with the Lord. They often talk about wealth and riches. However, the blessings of the Lord are not riches. But the blessing of the Lord make rich. (Proverbs 10:22). Jesus says blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6). Had we hungered and thirsted after righteousness, we would have been fulfilled by the blessings of goodness. But when we hunger and thirst after other things, we have ourselves to blame if we feel empty afterwards. Jesus says blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8). But some can only see what the devil is doing. Peter’s discouragement The gospel of the kingdom is bad news to the rich but good news to the poor. Even to the poor, it holds no

promise of immediate alleviation of poverty. What it provides is peace in the midst of tribulation. That is kingdom dynamics. Peter disliked the gospel. It was not what he bargained for when he decided to follow Jesus. Jesus seemed a good bet for a life of luxury. A disciple of the “bread of life” can be sure of getting three square meals a day. But even though Jesus used five loaves and two fishes to feed over 5,000 people; nevertheless his disciples were sometimes so hungry they had to pluck the ears of corn in the fields to eat. Jesus’ disciples had great expectations. The Zebedee brothers saw him as a great statesman who would soon take over the government. They quickly recruited their Mama to lobby for choice positions in advance. But Jesus disappointed them by pointing out that there would be no ministers in his government; only servants and house-helps. Instead of being celebrated and extolled, Jesus warned them that persecution was what he had in store for them. Peter soon became discouraged. Why could Jesus not stick to the bread-

Mathematics for Success, By P ast or A debo Past astor Adebo deboyye

•Pastor Enoch Adeboye princes”. Enjoining political leaders to always put God first in all their activities and abide by God’s instructions, because on their own they are limited but they should rely solely on God who is unlimited in all ramifications. “It is not by your power that you become anything, it is God who gives power and any power that be is from the Almighty God. Whatever you see happening, God is involved and that is why He instructed us to obey those in authority because God puts them there. “Put your trust and limitations in the Almighty God who is unlimited. Great men are limited by sleep. No matter how strong you are, you will sleep but we have Almighty God who neither sleeps nor slumbers. No matter how powerful you are, you are limited

by death, incurable disease but thank God who always heals our infirmities,” he stated. Reminding the congregation about his prophecy years back that RCCG members would become presidents, vice presidents and hold prominent positions in the society, Pastor Adeboye said with Holy Spirit any miracle can happen. He added that the Spirit of God can make the impossible possible and when a man of God speaks, the Holy Spirit stamps it and makes it to come to pass, saying; “It takes the Holy Spirit to make the impossible possible. Several years ago, when the Redeemed Christian Church of God was still very small and I mean very small, I told them what God said that presidents will come here to worship but their amen was very weak. “I moved further to say that God says more than that. God said presidents will be members of the church. They will be ushers but the members then find it difficult to swallow that but mark my words, whenever God speaks, the Holy Spirit sanctioned it. “Also in our London church which was fewer than us here in Nigeria, I told them that royalties will come to the church and worship; they giggled and said amen. I went further that God said nobody will be in government without our permission and they laughed.

and-butter prosperity messages? He took the Lord aside and told him to preach another gospel. “Lord Jesus, why don’t you preach about showers of blessing or about breakthroughs? Why do you keep talking about the cross and dying?” But Jesus rebuked him sharply. He said to him: “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:23). Jesus said, in effect, prosperity messages are demonic. They elevate the desires of men over those of God. Prosperity preachers insist on man’s will. They do not want God’s will to be done. Hatred of Life Jesus told his disciples whoever desires to go to the Father must deny himself, take up his cross and follow his example of laying down his life. Then he dropped the bombshell: “Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” (Luke 17:33). We are back to radical Jeremiah here. Jeremiah prophesied that those who try to save their lives from the king of Babylon would die. But those who agreed to serve him would live. (Jeremiah 27:12-13). Salvation must come from agreeing to lose. It must be based on total submission to the will of God. The conclusion here is inescapable. The believer is not called to enjoy life but to hate life. (John 12:25). We are called to endure suffering and persecutions for Christ’s sake. We are called to die to self that we might live for God.

Female priests campaign to call God ‘She’ in ser vices services A GROUP of female priests are pushing for the Church of England to refer to God with the feminine pronoun “she” during services. Christian News Network reports the women, who are a part of Women and the Church (WATCH) believe referring to God solely as “he” is sexist. WATCH member Emma Percy said, “When we used only male language we reinforce the idea that God is like a man and, in doing so, suggest that men are therefore more like God than women. If we take seriously the idea that men and women are made in the image of God, both male and female language should be used.” The priests also argue that referring to God as male makes God sound more human than divine. “Orthodox theology says all human beings are made in the image of God, that God does not have a gender. He encompasses gender. He is both male and female and beyond male and female. So when we only speak of God in the male form, that’s actually giving us a deficient understanding of who God is,” said Jody Stowell, who is campaigning for the change.

PAGE 42—SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

By JAPHET ALAKAM CELEBRATION

he children are the future of tomorrow and that is why the world all over dedicates every May 27 as their day. This year, was no exception as various organisations, ministries, churches and even individuals organised different events to celebrate the future leaders. But one thing was special about the celebration that took place at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island. The event which was put together by Ajapa world, the folklore and child-friendly character Ajapa (The tortoise), apart from the usual fun and performances that characterize children’s day celebration took it to another level with a symposium on children and youth financial inclusion. To the organisers of the symposium, money plays an important role in the life of every individual so there is the need to introduce the idea of saving money at such a tender age to them, hence the symposium.

As early as 9.00 am, children from many schools gathered at the venue which was designed to prove its unique feature. The entire hall were filled red carpets, the seats all decorated in red and the children with the Ajapa Wise T shirts also in red. And at all the corners, were different fun playing games for children like Table soccer, scrabble, play station, jumping castles and others that made the day special for the children present. he day started with a match past by the children, who were colourfully dressed with the Ajapa wise red T shirts and black shots. They were later joined by the Ajapa mascot who danced and saluted all before joining them on the line. There after, singer and Ajapa ambassador, Obiora Obiwom joined and they sang the Ajapa anthem which was followed by the Nigerian anthem. After that there was an interactive session where selected children discussed the money matter, what they do with their pocket money,how they spend and save it, it was very interesting as the children narrated their experiences. They were mentored on the all important factor of ESS Intelligence, Earn, save and spend wisely. It was a very interesting session as the children and even their parents were lectured on the need to start early. The second session which was the symposium saw presentation by different speakers on the the topic. First was Mr Bolaji Ogunseye who expanded the knowledge of the audience on money matters with his topic: Shaping up from poverty to wealth: Why children’s financial

inclusion matters. He was followed by Central Bank of Nigeria representative, Hajia Khadijah Kassim who spoke on Financial Literacy

Inclusion in Education Curriculum: An imperative for socio-economic development. Kassim who acknowledged the fact that there is need to catch the children very young when you are going to inculcate into them the positive habits that you want them to exhibit as they grow stated that the CBN has identified the children as target group that will need to teach financial literacy so that like adults, they will be able to take certain financial decisions that will work as they grow up.

•Children with Ajapa Mascot during the match past

Ajapa world celebrates children in special way ...as CBN partners Education ministry to introduce financial literacy in schools In her presentation, she disclosed that financial literacy will soon be introduced fully into the Nigerian school

curriculum. Hajia Khadijah Kassim, who is the Head, Consumer Protection

We are celebrating with children today, and we are marking it with parents as a day when children, teachers will be thinking about the all important issue of saving money

Department, CBN, noted that financial literacy has become a major subject to be taught in Nigerian schools. She said,”We have started the development of financial literacy into the school curriculum and we are believing that in the next two years, we are going to have financial literacy being taught in the school system, the basic and the senior secondary school levels.” She explained that “all over the world, there is a new drive for everybody to financially literate, and unless you,

you cannot be able to take those financial decisions that will ultimately led to your financial well being.” According to her, the CBN has developed a financial literacy framework which is going to give the direction as to how financial

literacy is going to be taught across Nigeria. “That document is the blue print for how the Ajapa World’s, the media, the teachers, the institutions would become a stakeholder in ensuring that every Nigerian including the children are financially literate”. Meanwhile, Ajapa world has initiated plans to establish the teaching of children and youths the fundamental financial habits, through mentoring on financial awareness, knowledge of entrepreneurship skills and encouraging a saving culture.

On his part, the CEO of Ajapa World, Mr. Akin Braithwaite, said that “ we are celebrating with children today, and we are also marking it with parents as a day when children, teachers, parents will now be thinking about a very crucial matter which is money and how they can become more financially literate and how they can get into their own and build the future financially.” He also pointed out that 45 percent of the Nigerian population are children and there is no way we are going to solve the poverty issue in Nigeria, unless the children are taught on how to raise themselves out of poverty.

Epic exhibition of Achebe’s TFA opens in two cities By JAPHET ALAKAM VISUAL

bout 57 years after the publication of the iconic novel Things Fall Apart and three years after the demise of the author Chinua Achebe, three artists and scholars of repute are set to invoke and reignite another round of debate on the book with an exhibition of the visual narratives of the features and key moments of the novel.

The exhibition tagged In the Heart of Things Fall Apart, an exhibition of drawings and water colours which is scheduled to hold in two cities, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos is a three-man collection that gives a human face to the happenings in Things Fall Apart, a globally acclaimed novel by Chinua Achebe. In an interaction with one of the exhibiting artists and curator of the all important exhibition, Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi, he disclosed that the exhibition will feature 75 works, all in black and white, 25 works each from three artists and scholars, who have translated the operation of this novel into visual arts. The exhibiting artists are Chuu Krydz Ikwuemesi, George Oboh, and Henry Mujunga.

Kridz stated that the Nsukka leg of the exhibition will open

on June 15 and run to 19 at the Institute of African Studies, University of Nsukka, as a kind of honour to Prof Achebe as it was where he lived and worked. After that we come down to Lagos at Quintessence Gallery, Ikoyi where it will hold from Saturday 27th of June 2015. Art lovers, critics, and collectors will find this as another avenue to rediscover our heritage and relive our history as it promises to be worth your while. He also pointed out that the project which started in 2008, but suffered some set back and now been concluded is an attempt to see how Things Fall Apart, a literary art can drive in the visual angle. Though this is not the first time that the book will inspire visual artists, but this exhibition of drawings and watercolors is different because it comes with critical texts that help people to understand and interpret the novel better and also relive the author, but Chinua Achebe, even after his demise. The essays are

The exhibition is an attempt to see how literary art can drive in the visual angle

•A work by one of th e exhibiting artist, Krydz Ikwuemesi not just ordinary ones but rather one by great minds that have also documented and critically examined the

works, namely, Ben Obumselu, Chike Aniakor, Emeka Nwabueze, Peter Ezeh and George Agbo.

....as gr oup e xhibits Same Boundar group exhibits Boundaryy at Quintessence

n exhibition of paintings and sculptures by a group of artists with the same vision and live in the same vicinity, who has come

together to create awareness about their environment tagged Same Boundary opened yesterday, June 13th at Quintessence Gallery, Park View Estate Ikoyi, Lagos. Featuring about 25 works that address series of issues in the land. The exhibiting artists are Stella Ubigho, Oguntimehin Ariyo and

Okoro Nathan, who are all

painters, while Luke Iorah and Chijioke Nwoga are

sculptors. The paintings and sculptures in this exhibition titled Same Boundary, expresses our emotions in our celebrations and they also tell stories of the dignifying way we eke our living riding on buses and going through roughages with smiles on our faces.Same Boundary in relief and three dimensions is another exhibition that affords us creative excitement as the artists have been tested and have shown imagination. The exhibition will run till June 26th, 2015.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 43

By PRISCA SAM-DURU LITERATURE

he National Art Competition NAC, curated by the African Artists’ Foundation, AAF and sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries Plc, is no doubt, getting bigger, bolder and better as it continues in its desirable goal of unearthing world class artists. Last year, it was Erasmus Onyishi’s Lines, Patches and Pathos which got the Grand Prize of 2 million naira while Winner Outstanding Concept was Paul Mbah (The T’Eye’meline) and Modupeola Fadugba’s The People’s Algorithm and The Butterfly Effect, emerged Winner Outstanding Production. This year, being the eight edition of the annual National Art Competition with theme, Future Histories, promises to be even better than the previous editions as the organisers are set to assemble a crop of Nigerians who would be challenged to interpret artistic aspect of producing works that tell the future histories of the country. Briefing newsmen in Lagos, AAF director, Azubuike By JAPHET ALAKAM REVIEW

he power sector is one critical area that if not handled well will make or mar the development of any economy. In Nigeria, the sector has generated a lot of controversy, but one of the problems in it is that there are few books by experts that talk about it. It is in line with this that the coming of the book Nigeria Electricity Industry Law, coauthored by Okechukwu Ebirim and Anthony Nwajiugo, two distinguished Nigerian legal practitioners with very good academic background and professional interest in electricity law and regulation is seen as welcome development. The authors have in this work demonstrated extensive research and industry by attempting to cover all aspects of the subject from historical development of electricity in Nigeria to the current era of sector reforms and independent regulation whilst addressing salient legal and academic issues. The book, Nigerian Electricity Industry Law, is divided into five sections. Section one which is made up of two Chapters deals with the evolution of the Nigerian electricity Industry. Here, the authors introduced the subject by examining the electricity industry in general and provided an insight into the idea and definition of electricity

Race ffor or 20 15 National Ar tition begins 2015 Artt Compe Competition Nwagbogu who commended the Nigerian Breweries Plc for believing in the mission of the AAF said that the competition has been unique in that the collaboration with Nigerian Breweries has been able to set the right agenda in the creative industry. He disclosed that the theme Future Histories, will be challenging competitors to look back and ahead at the events that have shaped the history of the country and at the same time, those that may tell what its future is likely to be. The Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries

The competition aims to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria with a mission of raising awareness on relevant social issues

L-R Emeke Tonukari, Wunika Mukan, Kufre Ekanem and Modupeola Fadugba during the conference in Lagos.

Plc, Mr Kufre Ekanem, stated that the competition aims to promote the conceptual development of contemporary art in Nigeria with the mission of raising awareness on relevant social issues through the use of creative artistic expression. e said that as usual, NAC will be showcasing “Talent in diverse mediums as paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media, installation, and video art” stressing that the competition is open to aspiring artists.

On the theme of the 2015 competition, Ekanem disclosed that “Our objective is to encourage artists to think laterally about social, political and cultural climate of their local communities while exploring their creativity. He stressed that NAC places emphasis on the processes of artistic creation rather than solely on the end product. The competition which is now open to all mediums beginning from 9th of June, according to the organisers,

will be conducted by leading art professionals to assist the finalists enhance the conceptual thread of their proposal. The artistic selection committee, as usual is led by international acclaimed ward winner Professor El Anatsui who would be joined by other seasoned artists. Prizes to be won include; grand prize of 2 million naira and a solo exhibition, 1million naira each for the winner of Outstanding Concept and Outstanding production.

How to know your rights in the electricity industry law and made the salient point that the regulations in the electricity industry. It also discusses the establishment and objectives of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as an independent regulator of the Nigerian electricity industry. In section Two which is one of the most important sections of the book, the authors deliberates on the issue of licensing and participation in the electricity industry due to its significance and relevance to the relationship and interface between all stakeholders in the industrymarket participants, investors, regulators and consumers. Section Three deals extensively with operational regulations in the Nigerian

The book is a pacesetter, a commendable effort and diagnosis on the rudiments of Nigerian electricity law and practice

electricity industry. In Chapter Four under this section, the book provides a definition of Market Rules, citing relevant provisions of the Act to explain the mandatory requirement of compliance with the Market Rules applicable to a licensee. It further discusses the Operating Procedures for the Grid Code and explains in details the three primary transition stages of Market Development , the components and operations of Nigerian Nigerian Electricity electricity transmission system. Industry Law, Volume 1, It also examines the all Okechukwu Ebirim and important aspect of Metering in Anthony Nwajiugo; 2015 the Nigerian electric power sector. hat are the civil rights Nigerian Electricity Law’ and obligations in the was also looked into. Nigerian electricity industry? The issue of Consumer Here the authors analyse the Protection in the Nigerian basic relationship between torts Electricity Sector, the and electricity law, and principal objectives for the discussing the four torts of establishment of NERC negligence, trespass, nuisance under the Electric Power and vicarious liability as sub- Sector Reform Act 2005, the topics. It also examined duties of the Distribution contracts in Nigerian electricity licensee as the main fulcrum law by providing an insight of consumer protection are into the transition of the examined. electricity market in Nigeria as Chapter Twelve is centred well as the unique features of on the analysis of The Multi different stages of the transition Year Tariff Order (MYTO) process and the electricity which is the regulatory tariff industry in general. methodology for the The ‘Labour matters in Nigerian electricity industry,

are inviting entries from artists who are to submit their proposals for an unrealised work to nac2015 website, not later than 3rd of July 2015. After collection of entries, 12 finalists to be announced on 27th July, 2015 would be invited to take part in a week-long artist retreat in Lagos, where workshops

the purpose of tariff regulation and the framework for competition in the preprivatisation and postprivatisation stages of power sector reforms, as well as the mechanism put in place for checking anti-competition practices were highlithed. he book Nigerian Electricity Industry Law provides a solid foundation for anybody interested in the dynamics and workings of the Nigerian electricity industry as it covers all aspects of the industry from evolution to the current state of the industry as regulated. However, this edition did not delve into a critique of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act or other regulations and practices in the sector in order to assess present and potential implementation challenges which would bring about law reform. The book is therefore a pacesetter, a commendable effort and diagnosis on the rudiments of Nigerian electricity law and practice. I recommend the book as a unique educational and study material for electricity students. It is an invaluable resource and reference material in the libraries of legal and judicial practitioners, consumers, investors, the electricity regulator and general reading public.

PAGE 44 —SUNDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

n the eve of the just e n d e d administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the publication of the gazette authenticating the March 12, 2013 state pardon was released. Jonathan had done the state pardon as a Federal Government’s gesture to some Nigerians including Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was governor of Bayelsa State from 1999-2005 but was impeached and later convicted for corruption. Others extended the same gesture were the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; former Bank of the North Managing Director, Mohammed Bulama; retired General Oladipo Diya; the late General Abdulkareem Adisa; Major Bello Magaji and Muhammad Biu. Yar’Adua was a co-traveler with Olusegun Obasanjo, who had earlier been freed and pardoned by the General Abdulsalami Abubakar regime to enable him contest for the presidency in 1999. Obasanjo, Yar’ Adua, Diya and Adisa were convicted of plotting coup against the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in 1995 and 1997 respectively. While Yar’Adua died in prison in December 1997, Adisa died several years after he was released from detention. In the publication just released, only three of the six names of the officers involved in the Diya’s ‘phantom coup’ were stated to be truly pardoned. The two others, apart from Diya, a former Chief of General Staff, alleged to be the ‘phantom coup’ leader, are Adisa, a former Minister of Works and Housing, and Diya’s aide, Major Bello Fadipe. The three names left out of the gazette were those of former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Colonel Jando and the late Lieutenant Colonel A. Akiyode. This was despite appeals by many eminent Nigerians, including the now late former Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Colonel Olu Craig; a former Press Secretary to the Head of State during the Obasanjo military regime and former Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional of Rulers, Igwe Ezeoba Alex Nwokedi; and a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), asking Jonathan to see the pardon of the Diya group of six officers as a mere political issue that needed to be done to calm frayed nerves. One of the appeals went thus, “It may be pertinent to C M Y K

199 7 ‘PHANT OM COUP’, CORR UPTION 1997 ‘PHANTOM CORRUPTION

Diya, Adisa, Alamieyeseigha pardon gazetted; Olanrewaju, Akiyode left in the cold!

implore Mr. President to bear it in mind that it is only better for him to finish the good thing he has started with the pardon instead of allowing somebody else to come later and complete and then take the glory. No matter what the pressure is against doing it, he should give his directive and let the whole thing rest one and for all. This is importantly said here because, one is aware of pressure from some insidepower opposition, which perhaps has amounted to the delay in the release of the official gazette by the Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. Ironically, this unfortunate opposition is coming from those who themselves should by now have been forgotten in the history of Nigeria if not that they too were products of a state pardon.” Another eminent citizen put the issue this way, “This dragged pardon is one thing President Goodluck Jonathan should perfect if truly he does not want Nigerians, especially some of those, who had gone all out justifying his position on pardon for Alamieyeseigha to develop change of thought. Once he, by this

On the eve of the Jonathan government, the administration reportedly gazetted the state pardon but gave out the names of the beneficiaries as Diya, Adisa and Alamieyeseigha while leaving out Olanrewaju, Jando and Akiyode

delay in the release of the gazette cast doubts in people’s hearts, who then would remain for him as friends? He should do it and doing so is believed to have a way it helps him in resolving many of the issues and allegations of marginalization against his government from certain sections of the country. “No gainsaying that the President has many battles confronting him as a person and his administration as a system. These battles, the way they look, appear to be gaining grounds in rubbishing his commitment to good governance and the best and only available missile he can deploy to strike them groundslide is to make more friends with people, the Generals: Diya, Olanrewaju and even AbdulKarim Adisa (in death) inclusive. Once again, Mr. President should listen to the voice of reason which says, a stitch in time saves nine!” Even at a time, families of the affected military officers made fervent prayers, asking the Otuoke-born former President to temper justice with mercy and do the pardon for their breadwinners. Akiyode’s widow said she managed through contributions form her personal labour and

friends of the family to see her four children through the university but that they found it difficult to get job and that they were living in penury, hoping that, if the pardon was gazetted and her husband’s outstanding salaries and entitlements paid, she would find something to sustain the family. But on the eve of the Jonathan government, the administration reportedly gazetted the state pardon but gave out the names of the beneficiaries as Diya, Adisa and Alamieyeseigha while leaving out Olanrewaju, Jando and Akiyode. Meanwhile, it was gathered that the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, during a Presidential Campaign Contact Committee meeting in Abuja, hinted Olanrewaju: “You are in APC working for Buhari in PDP but I have told them that your name should remain in this committee.” This comment, many have thought, might be responsible for why Jonathan went ahead to gazette the state pardon and included Diya, the man at the centre of the ‘phantom coup’, and Adisa as beneficiaries, leaving Olanrewaju and others out of the exercise.

SUND AY SUNDA

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 45

the affairs of the House that eventually led to your resignation as interference? I don’t think so because most of those things had nothing to do with the official functions of the two arms of government because most of the people responsible for the lies were part of the legislature. It was not the executive. I was in my house when I was confronted with the fact that 18 of the 27 lawmakers had signed document to impeach the then Speaker and that the next Speaker was me, but I told them that I was not interested. In fact, I had excused myself from the sitting in the House of Assembly that day for another engagement and they insisted that I should not turn their request down. I told them that I would not be involved in the sack of the Speaker because he had not done anything to me but they insisted. I conceded especially since those who were very close to me and who had respect for me in the House had already endorsed the document and that was how I was dragged to the House and sworn-in as the Speaker.

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

etween 2007 and 2015 (eight years) when Dr. Muazu Babangida held sway, as Niger State governor, seven lawmakers served as Speakers of the state House of Assembly. But the one whose case is most intriguing is Alhaji Idris Ndako Kpaki, who was in office for only three days. Kpaki, who is the immediate past Secretary to Niger State Government (SSG), tells his story.

What motivated you to go into politics. Actually, my late uncle, who was deputy governor in the state and also Minister of State, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Alhaji Idris Alhassan Kpaki, lured me into politics and, since I picked interest in politics, I have been making sure that things are organized in a democratic way. In my village, I established an association which, till today is the only standing association of my age group and that is where I further developed interest. Before then, I had played politics during my higher education days while also participating in INEC works since 1978 For someone who had been involved in politics from the grassroots and risen to where you are today, do you think those at the helm of affairs especially, at the local government level, are the right people? Actually, some people have the syndrome of big man. But in my own case, after obtaining my master’s degree in 1996 and was already pursuing my Ph.D, I went for the council chairman position because I never saw it as a small job. I believe that if you really want to serve the people or play politics, the best thing is to start from the grassroots. My thinking is that we should make the House of Assembly or local government council not available for those who do not have at least a degree so that we know it is for highly productive people. For example, if you look at the caretaker chairmen we appointed before we left office in the state, you will discover that all of them were graduates. Politicians should start to realize now that if they cannot serve at the local government level because of their qualifications, then they may have no place to serve at all because there are turnovers of graduates and master degree holders all over the place. During your days as local government chairman, there was nothing like joint local government account, but now, there is in most states. Do you think joint account is the best? First of all, joint account has been badly misinterpreted. C M Y K

*Alhaji Idris Ndako Kpaki

NIGER THREE-DAY SPEAKER TELLS HIS STORY:

I was not impeached Joint account actually started in our period – 2003. To me, the joint account is okay. For example in Niger State, if the joint account had not been in existence, some local governments would have folded up because they will not be able to pay even their salaries based on what is accruing to them from the Federation Account. The essence of the joint account was to bring all the money accruing to local governments from the Federation Account, add 10% of the revenue generated monthly by the state and then redistribute based on needs of each council. I think it is a welcome development because if the councils are left on their own, many of them, wouldn’t have been able to pay salaries. The idea is not to siphon or divert money of the local governments but to give room for even development in all the councils inspite their economic status. If the history of Niger State House of Assembly is written, do you see yourself being addressed as Speaker, going by the crisis that engulfed the House some years back that brought you as Speaker for only three days? Of course, I see myself as once a Speaker because I was swornin and I presided over the House and adjourned for eight days before the tide turned. Again, that

I was portrayed as a traitor, but, today, I am happy because all those things have turned out to be positive for me

was a case of interpretation because my being there led to misinterpretation by people and I was portrayed as a traitor, but, today, I am happy because all those things have turned out to be positive for me. God did that to announce my arrival into a political landscape and, going by the appointment given to me in 2011, two years after that crisis, I was not guilty whatsoever of the allegation of being a traitor. I thank God for that opportunity because there are so many ways God can use to announce you, including that very painful process which I passed through. For the first 24-48hours after my exit as Speaker, I felt so bad but believe me sincerely, God came out in another form and vindicated me. I voluntarily quit the position of Speaker in order to give peace a chance: I tendered my letter of resignation, and because of this singular act, the the Governor Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu saw a different person in me and had more respect and confidence in me; that later led me to becoming a commissioner and later SSG under the leadership of Aliyu. But don’t you see the involvement of the executive in

Didn’t you see that there was no stability in the House having changed Speaker for more than two or three times? My appointment as Speaker led to the end of the crisis because, after I voluntarily resigned, I was consulted on who was going to take over and I suggested that who ever was going to be the Speaker should be among the 19 that signed to remove the former Speaker and not among the eight who did not sign and that is why Alhaji Maali, who is the present state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became the third Speaker in the 6th legislature and everything went on smoothly after him. You were part of the Aliyu government for years. How do you rate the performance of the government? I rate our administration high because it was the first government that took the opinions of the people into consideration before executing projects. And most of the projects were based on the thinking of the people down there and that was what gave room to this ward development projects and some other key major programmes that we worked on. The Jamaa Forum (Peoples Forum) was an opportunity for the governor and his cabinet members to meet with people and interact with them, know their problems and solve those that could be solved instantly. All the ideas we implemented were products of what was discussed and submitted through the forum’s visits from all the 25 local government councils.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

ladele John Nihi, Gloria Nweke and Ifey Chukuneku trekked from Abuja to Otuoke, the hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa State, in appreciation of his “statesmanship and service to the country”. Their trek, dubbed ‘the first Twitter Reality Show ’, attracted commendations from some Nigerians. In this interview, Abiodun Alade engaged the trekkers on the journey to Otuoke that spanned 19 days and covered 750km. Profile OLADELE JOHN NIHI My name is Oladele John Nihi, from Aiyegunle Gbede, Ijumu LGA of Kogi State. I live and work in Abuja. I obtained my B.Sc Political Science from Kogi State University, Anyigba and almost through with my M.Sc Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution at National Open University of Nigeria. Happily married and blessed with a son. My wife initiated the idea to trek for Jonathan and according to her, if there is anyone to trek for it should be Jonathan “ who didn’t allow his ambition to cause many Nigerians to be trekking in search of safety as a result of political tussle”. Moreso, the peace we enjoy today is as a result of his conceding defeat proving wrong the doom sayers who predicted many negative things about Nigeria before the election GLORIA NWEKE My name is Gloria Nweke, a native of Awka in Anambra State and a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I chose to trek in honour of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan because I wanted to draw the attention of the world to a man we regard as our democratic hero who in every sense of the word deserves to be celebrated. I wanted the world to know how much we appreciated what he did for us by not allowing his ambition to cause the blood of any Nigerian or disintegration of Nigeria. I also trekked to celebrate the peace and unity we enjoy in Nigeria today. IFEY CHUKWUNEKU My name is Ifey Jennifer Chukuneku. I’m from Delta State. A Chartered Accountant and a business woman. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his magnanimity showed great bravery and heroism during the last general elections being that not only did he conduct an election that has been adjudged by the world as the freest and fairest election Nigeria has ever conducted, but also the manner at which he received the outcome. The journey to Otuoke OLADELE JOHN NIHI The experiences are of two opposing sides which are positive and negative. Some of the positive sides are the reception, acceptance, encouragement, love and prayers of Nigerians home and abroad that I got on the way which serves as moral booster. Worthy of note again is the way I was accommodated and fed by people I never knew or someone I don’t share the same faith with. The negative side are the health challenges I faced such as headache, cold, chest pain and general body pain GLORIA NWEKE C M Y K

Why we walked 750km for Jonathan — Trekkers I had the opportunity to experience and explore some of Nigerian unique dishes like Banga and starch, bushmeat, native soup, fisherman soup etc. It was indeed a wonderful experience. But on the low, I had severe body pain. My joints were hurting, I also started having blisters on my legs, ultimately, it wasn’t an easy task. IFEY CHUKWUNEKU Well I wouldn’t say there have been any negative experiences so far, except for the injuries on my legs, having to walk on a lonely bushy road with heavy trucks on it at all time for many hours. Other than that, it was an amazing journey Expectations from Jonathan and Buhari We really don’t have any expectation from Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as regards our trek to honour him. All we wanted was just to celebrate and appreciate him and that we’ve done. Generally, our expectation will be for him to continue to be agent of peace in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large, especially now that the world sees him as a Hero who sustained and strengthen Nigeria peace. As for Gen. M. Buhari, our expectation from him is simple. Let him deliver on his campaign promises to the good people of Nigeria. We

would like him to further consolidate the democratic legacy that the Jonathan administration started or foundation he laid and that he should imitate Jonathan’s peaceful nature. Reception We were welcomed with love every where we got to all through this journey and it was really refreshing seeing that we still got such warm hearts in our land. We got love, gifts, calls, prayers and so on from people we never knew. They were always there for us. One major highlight of this journey so far is, seeing how united and caring Nigerians are towards one another despite our different values, religion, ethnicity and political parties. We had a grand entrance into Otuoke, hometown of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as we were received and cheered into the community by a large crowd of people, old, young, small, big, etc. Different groups such as Strategic Alliance, the CDC of the community, armies, group of drummers, everyone was out to cheer the three of us. Earlier before we entered Otuoke, we were officially received into the state by the governor, Seriake Dickson, who was represented by his Commissioner for Youths &Sports and Commissioner for Information at the Government House. It was indeed great.

Worthy of note again is the way I was accommodated and fed by people I never knew or someone I don’t share the same faith with. The negative side are the health challenges I faced such as headache, cold, chest pain and general body pain

SUND AY SUNDA

UNSTABLE GLOBAL OIL MARKET

The Ahmed move to decouple Kwara's economy BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, ILORIN

he inauguration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State for second term didn't come cheap. Before he was picked by the political leader in the state,Senator Bukola Saraki, as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressives Congresst (APC) in the April 2015 elections, there were other equally qualified contenders ?for the plum office; so he had to justify the need for the second term ticket to be given to him. Ahmed, who came into office on May 29, 2011 for the first time under the slogan of “Legacy Continues”, had done his best to add value to the socioeconomic development of the state. part from the fact that his first term was used to complete the projects left behind by the immediate past administration of Bukola Saraki, his government embarked on new programmes like Quick win, Kwara State Bridges Empowerment Youth Scheme (KWABES) and the renovation of five General Hospitals in Ilorin, Kaima, Offa, Omu-Aran and Share. The administration also constructed Ajase-Ipo vocational school and completed the Ilorin International Aviation College, among others. ? So,in order to gain the acceptance of the people of Kwara for the second term bid, the politica in his government, late last year, went to ? major cities across the 16 local government areas of the state for Town Hall meetings,where they met with the stakeholders of communities seeking their assessment of the

administration of Ahmed so as to know his performance rate and their expectations if given the chance for second term. At the end of it all,their assessment favoured the governor and this largely encouraged the leader of the APC in the state, Saraki, to approve his second term desire. Ahmed, fondly called 'Maigida',

became the second governor to have won second term. Saraki was the first. But like never before, the expectations of Kwara residents, particularly those in Ilorin, for the second term of Ahmed, are not unusual

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 47

but are very passionate about them. A vulcanizer around Challenge area of Ilorin, Rasheed Abdulllahi, who though said he did not vote, wants the returning governor to pay attention to the problem of youth unemployment in the state. Speaking in an interview with Sunday Vanguard,he said,"There is a big problem in the area of unemployment in Kwara, but I have not seen any serious action from our government,both past and present, to solve the problem. Bukola's government said he will build vocational centre in Ajase-Ipo. Up till now,we have not heard anything about. I have people looking jobs for the past five years,no work; they want to start business, no money. To feed at home has been difficult. That is why I didn't go to vote even though I have the permanent voter card. So,if Governor Ahmed can do something serious about youth unemployment this time, I will be happy because it will also in a way solve the problem of insecurity in Ilorin" Also, a former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Kwara State Council, Comrade Emmanuel Ayeoribe, told Sunday Vanguard that Ahmed, during his first term, did well in the area of prompt payment of workers salaries even when federal monthly allocations to the state get depleted every time. Another resident,Miss Elizabeth Anigioro, who owns a supermarket along Gaa Akanbi area of Ilorin, lamented unemployment in the state and called on the governor to do something concrete about it. Also, a plumber, Mr Adebayo? Balogun, a native of Offa who lives in Ilorin, criticised the Ahmed government on public water supply in the state despite the huge amount of money government allocates to it in its budget yearly. Meanwhile, despite fuel scarcity that hit many states ahead of the inauguration, residents of Kwara stormed the venue of the swearing-in of Ahmed and his deputy, Mr. Peter Kisra, for second term. As early as 7.a.m, the residents, who came from all the 16 local government councils of the state in chartered buses, arrived the venue early enough. The state Chief Judge, Justice Durosinlohun Kawu, first administered the oath on the deputy governor, and later the governor. Addressing the mammoth crowd after the swearing-in, Ahmed said his main priority in office remained the people’s welfare. He stated:“In the coming months, we will begin the process of decoupling our economy from a reliance on the unstable global oil market and the associated fluctuations in federal allocation. To

achieves this, we will build more schools, roads, hospitals ,power projects and structures needed to get more of our youths working, businesses growing, food on more tables and greater prosperity for everyone who calls Kwara State home. “This administration will upscale development and boost entrepreneurship to get a greater number of our youths working. Starting from today, we will begin the work of transforming our state to the North Central’s Economic hub. “We will create a new frontier of prosperity where everyone has the opportunity to better their lives subject only to their willingness to apply themselves”. Ahmed stressed, ”To begin with, education is the pivot of development and the most tested route to economic empowerment. In line with this, we intend to enhance functional education and expand access to formal education. “We will overhaul an initial 120 secondary schools across the state by building 1,274 new classrooms and rehabilitating 2,000 existing classrooms. “Additionally, we will open new campuses for the Kwara State University, KWASU, in IleshaBaruba with the establishment of the College of Agricultural Science and another one in Osi where we will locate the new College of Architectural and Environmental Studies”. The governor went on: “In keeping with our determination to bring portable water within the reach of all residents, we will expand the Malete and Okuta Waterworks and begin work on Oyun Water Works to meet the needs of an estimated 180, 470 people in seven communities. “Also, the final phase of the Ilorin Metropolis Water Reticulation and Distribution Network will be completed to bring piped-water to every connected home in Ilorin and environs”.“He promised to deliver more socio-economic development programmes to the doorsteps of Kwarans so as to create a new platform for economic prosperity in the state. Residents hope these statements would transform into reality in the next four years.

Orchard of Light Profession Day The children of Orchard of Light, Lagos held their Profession Day recently.

The children clad in their ‘professional attires’ C M Y K

The children with the Guest S p e a k e r, Barrister Emmanuel Iloba (back row, middle)

Pupils of the school with their teachers at the occasion.

PAGE 48â€”SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015

Rotar ernational on ttour our of US A, Canada taryy Int International USA

he Rotary International District 9110 Nigeria, recently embarked on a 2-weeks trip to USA and Canada for the Rotary Friendship Exchange Programme 2015.The eight-man team is headed by Rotarian Onikepo Oshodi, past Assistant Governor of District 9110 Nigeria.

The Major of the City of Windsor, Drew Dilkens (centre) flanked from right; Rotn. Fazhur Oshodi, Mrs Oludimu, Arch Tony Eigbokan, Kate Aiyenigba, leader of the team, Mrs Oshodi, Ify Ejezie, Kunle Oyatomi, Prof Olufemi Oludimu and one of the team's hosts in Canada, Adelina Trottier. Rotn. Onikepo Oshodi (M) with Rotn. & Mrs Utomi.

The team at the Rotary Club of Windsor Roseland accompanied by Linda Morrow (President), 6th from right and past president Kim Spirou (4th from left).

At Breach Repairers conference/debate contest

reach Repairers held their annual youth conference and debate contest on May 27th at Guiding Light Assembly Parkview, Lagos. Best overall speaker in the debate went to Dowen College Lekki. Photos by Akim Salau

The team at the Rotary Safety Village in Windsor, Canada.

Some members of the team at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, USA.

At 13th Babcock University graduation

Onifades, Soremek uns unit e Soremekuns unite

he thirteenth graduation ceremony of Babcock University took place at the University campus at Ilisan, Ogun State on June 7. One of the graduands was Emamode Pius Odueme, son of Vanguardâ€™s AGM, Brands.

C M Y K

The solemnisation of Holy matrimony between former Miss Morenike Oluwaseun Onifade, daughter of Dr & Mrs Olukunle Mobolaji Onifade and Mr Philip Adedoyin Soremekun, son of Mr & Mrs Adedokun Yemisi Soremekun took place at the African Salem Church, Mende, Maryland Lagos, penultimate weekend. Photos by Biodun Ogunleye

L-R: Mr Kono Ugen Kono, teacher with Cup, Miss Karen Ndudim, student , Pst Nduka Kingsley, Miss Cyinthia Moka, received cup and chairman Award of N150,000; with her is Mrs Rita Amuka, guest of honour

L-R: Pst Nduka Kingsley presenting a gift and cup to Miss Obata Ifeanyi and Master Opara Christopher while Mrs Rita Amuka looks on.

One of the graduands, Emamode Pius Odueme flanked by his parents; Mr and Mrs Fred Odueme.

The newly wedded couple, Mr & Mrs Adedoyin Morolake Soremekun.

Another graduand, Miss Chinwe Ezechukwu flanked by her parents, Mr and Mrs Gozie Ezechukwu.

L-R:Pst. Ituah Ighodalo, chairman of L-R: Dr & Mrs Olukunle Mobolaji Onifade, Breach Repairers, Pst [Mrs] Fidelia Aire, G. bride's parents and Mr & Mrs Adedokun O, Wonders of God, Mrs Rita Amuka and Pst Yemisi Soremekun, groom's parents. Nduka Kingsley .

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 49

Abia owes me N425m — Ex-Dep. Gov Akomas By UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE, Aba

former deputy governor of Abia State, Comrade Chris Akomas, says the state government owes him N425million as well as pension and other entitlements. Akomas, now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on July 30, 2010, resigned as deputy to former Gov. Theodore Orji, over irreconcilable differences. The former deputy governor told journalists in Umuahia that the money accumulated because he was not paid for a long time while serving as deputy governor. “As at the time I resigned, the state government was owing me N425million because I was not paid for a long time. It is just that I am not the noise making type. After leaving office, they are owing me pension and other entitlements. They have

not paid me up till now. It has been a matter for the media. I have been in court for it and we are following it. “But one thing I know is that the money will be paid because I worked for Abia people. No individual can stop me from getting the money. If I don’t get it

today, it will be someday because I worked for it and will get it.” He urged APC faithful to join hands with the leadership to build the party in the state, assuring that with the quality of people in APC, it won’t be long before the party takes over governance.

CHILDREN’S DAY: Chairperson, Lion International Services for Children, District 404B-2, Lion Otunba Felicia Koleoso, flanked by pupils participating at the 2015 Children’s Day celebrations atLTV8, Ikeja.

Delta police kill 2 suspected armed robbers •Five alleged cultists arrested By Perez Brisibe

ELTA State Police Command said it killed two alleged armed

robbers and arrested five suspected cultists, believed to be members of the Supreme Vikings

Confraternity in Delta State Polytechnic, OtefeOghara. According to a release by ASP Omo-Uwuigbe Nosakhare, on behalf of the state Police Public

Relations Officer, DSP Celestina Kalu, the suspected cultists were arrested while holding a meeting at Onodia Palm Groove Club, OtefeOghara. The release hinted that the suspected

Coca-Cola unveils ‘Billion Reasons to Believe’ campaign By Bilesanmi Olalekan

N line with CocaCola’s commitment to inspire and empower the youth, the brand has unveiled a new campaign tagged “Billion Reasons to Believe”.The

campaign is aimed at inspiring optimism among young people, challenging them to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. At the launch of the campaign, Patricia Jemibewon, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited,spoke

about Coca-Cola’s belief in the potentials and creative ingenuity of teenagers, noting that all that teens needed to blossom is the courage to believe in themselves and the knowledge that the limitations they perceive had been the stepping stones to success for

some other persons. She said the campaign would serve as a stimulus for young people through its message of optimism and by showcasing true stories of remarkable Nigerians who have leveraged limitations or challenges to leapfrog to success.

armed robbers were killed along Warri/Sapele Road and along Affianta Road, Ibusa respectively. It noted that while one of the robbery suspects was killed during an exchange of gunfire following an encounter by a gang with the police, the other died from gunshot wounds on his way to hospital Aafter his three- man robbery gang, suspecting a patrol team was on its trail, opened fire on the police team with his two gang members escaping after abandoning two locally made cut-to-size guns, two battle axes and one live cartridge.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 51

•Saraki •Dogara

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

ince Tuesday, June 9 when the 8th Senate was inaugurated and Senator Abubakar Olubukola Saraki emerged as Senate President, there have been questions begging for answers. Is the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, heading for extinction? Is the party breeding recalcitrant members? Is the influence of godfatherism in the party coming to an end? Is it a matter of welcoming back our ‘prodigal’ son by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or is the APC made up of strange bed fellows? The expected battle of giants expected that Tuesday at the inauguration turned out to be the ‘coronation’ of Saraki by the combined forces of some APC and the opposition PDP on the floor of the Senate. It was all surprises, though expected, as the Senate was inaugurated. Before the exercise, there were intrigues as well as nocturnal meetings over who becomes the head of the parliament and, by extension, the Chairman of the National Assembly. The APC leadership had adopted Senator Ahmad Lawan, from Yobe State, as candidate for Senate President and Senator George Akume, from Benue State, as Deputy Senate President in a mock election conducted in the early hours of Sunday, June 6 at the International Conference Centre. Saraki and his supporters in the APC boycotted the exercise after allegedly insisting that the mock election should be by secret voting to protect lawmakers loyal to him from intimidation by the party ’s leadership, a request that was turned down. However, the victory the APC leadership recorded at the mock election came to nought on the day of the inauguration. This was made possible by the high wired political alignment between the APC senators supporting Saraki under the aegis of the Like Minds, the leadership of the PDP and its senators-elect on the night before the inauguration that led to the adoption of the Senate President by the opposition PDP as its preferred candidate in the election. As it appeared that the ruling APC was somehow myopic over the impending ‘coup’ to be staged by the opposition PDP, C M Y K

Senate President, Speaker and the schism in the APC •How to heal the wounds – Senator Shehu Sani •Why I lost National Assembly top job - Ndume

There was the insinuation that the inauguration had been cancelled and that the President was to meet with the APC senators in the two camps ostensibly for an amicable resolution of the crisis threatening the unity of the APC

it failed to rein-in its members who were not in agreement with its choice. The adoption of Saraki by the PDP caused a stir in the ranks of the APC as it had to summon a meeting on the morning of the inauguration, though allegedly at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari with the elected members of the National Assembly including the two groups gearing up for the election: The Unity Forum, that supported Lawan, and the Like Minds backing Saraki. Evidence that there were fears and possibly danger in the offing manifested in the blockade of all routes leading to the National Assembly including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, on the day of the inauguration as the entire roads were taken over by the combined team of security personnel comprising the police, the Department of State Service, DSS, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDS. Not even the National Assembly workers, journalists and workers on essential duties, who had been accredited for the inauguration of the National

Assembly, could be allowed inside the premises of the legislature until about 9:45 am. The sealing off of the National Assembly was said to be a plan aimed at keeping the incoming legislators, mostly of the PDP fold, who were rooting for Saraki’s emergence as Senate President out, pending when the scheduled meeting between APC lawmakers and the party leadership, holding at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, would be through. As this went on, there was the insinuation that the inauguration had been cancelled and that the President was to meet with the APC senators in the two camps ostensibly for an amicable resolution of the crisis threatening the unity of the APC. Knowing what could happen in the event that the APC lawmakers returned to meet them, the PDP lawmakers, in what appeared like a conspiracy, drove into the premises, all within ten minutes and went direct to their various seats at the chamber. Even in the Senate lobby, visitors, who

Continues on page 52

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

Continued from page 51 were optimistic that their people would emerge, had taking over all available spaces. Most visible were the loyalists of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, donning their Kwankwasia red cap. But they wore gloomy faces after the exercise in the chamber. Around 10:05, the Senate chamber was set for the exercise. The Clerk of the National Assembly, CNA, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, read the proclamation letter from Buhari, titled, “A Proclamation” and under it, “Under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. It read thus: “Whereas it is provided in Section 64 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), that the person elected as President shall have power to issue a Proclamation for the holding of the First Session of the National Assembly immediately after he is being sworn-in. “Now therefore, I, Muhammadu Buhari, President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers bestowed upon me by Section 64 (3) aforesaid, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, hereby proclaim that the First Session of the Eight National Assembly shall hold at 10:00 am on Tuesday, 9th June, 2015 in the National Assembly, Abuja. “Given under my hand and in the public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this 1st day of June, 2015. Signed, Muhammadu Buhari.” Having performed the presidential ritual, the stage was set for the election of the presiding officers of the Senate. The CNA invited the Clerk of the Senate to proceed with the roll call of the senators in accordance with the Return of Writs received from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and it was done by the Deputy Clerk, Adedetun Durojaiye. After the roll call, it was discovered that out of the 108 senators, only 57 were in attendance, leaving 51 others, mostly of the APC, and few PDP members still outside. But the absence of the senators, including Lawan, one of the leading contenders for the Senate President position, apparently waiting to attend a meeting with the President, could not change anything from going on, as the number had formed the quorum. At the time Durojaiye called senatorselect to confirm their attendance for inauguration, it was glaring that the pendulum would swing in Saraki’s favour as Senate President. Earlier when Saraki entered the chamber, to take his seat all eyes were on him, with majority of the senators-elect in attendance clapping and looking in his direction even as others hailed and openly referred to him as “His Excellency, the Senate President”. After the roll call, the CNA requested the senators-elect to nominate someone among themselves for the position of the Senate President. Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima, APC, Zamfara Central, immediately nominated Saraki and was seconded by Senator Dino Melaye, APC, Kogi West. After the first nomination, Salisu requested for another nomination if any, but there was a deafening silence as no other nomination for the post of Senate President was made and he immediately closed nomination which made Saraki a sole candidate. After the swearing-in of Saraki as Senate President, the CNA requested senators-elect to nominate someone for the position of Deputy Senate President. At this time, information had gone to the Lawan’s camp at the ICC, that Saraki had been sworn-in as Senate President and there was confusion as they abandoned the venue and rushed back to the Senate. When the CNA called for nomination for the seat of Deputy Senate President, Senator George Sekibo from Rivers State C M Y K

•Senator Shehu Sani

•Senator Ali Ndume

APC AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CRISIS:

How to heal the wounds – Senator Shehu Sani

At the time Durojaiye called senators-elect to confirm their attendance for inauguration, it was glaring that the pendulum would swing in Saraki’s favour as Senate President

nominated Senator Ike Ekweremadu and was seconded by his kinsman, Senator Olaka Nwogu. But unlike the office of the Senate President that there was no second nomination after Saraki had been nominated and seconded, the position of Deputy Senate President got two nominations: Senator Ike Ekweremadu, representing Enugu East on the platform of the opposition PDP and Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno North, who was nominated and seconded by Senator Muhammed Ubali Shitu, APC, Jigawa North East, and Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, APC, Kwara South. After the exercise, Ekweremadu emerged with 54 votes against 20 votes scored by Ndume and one voided. Meanwhile, the ‘enthronement’ of Saraki generated controversy as the Unity Forum group supporting Lawan described his emergence as unconstitutional, illegal and signified interest to challenge it in court. But senators who supported the Senate President say the election followed due process. Senator Geshorm Bassey, PDP, Cross River South, said the inauguration was on the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari and followed all the constitutional provisions. Also speaking, a former Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Smart Adeyemi, said the emergence of Saraki would take the red chamber to greater heights. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East, said that with the election of the principal officers of the red chamber, the senators would go into action to enact laws that would see the transformation, infrastructural revolution, industrialisation and job creation. Ndume told Sunday Vanguard that he had expected to win the position of the Deputy Senate President, but was unfortunate that some of his supporters were not in the chamber when the election

was going on. The senator said the 8th Senate had been properly inaugurated with the swearing-in of Saraki as the Senate President, adding, “ I wanted to be the Deputy Senate President but I got only 20 votes.” Noting that quorum was formed before the election was conducted as stipulated by the Senate Standing Order, he stated that since the proclamation letter of Buhari was read by the CNA and the quorum formed, the next thing to be done was to conduct the election. “I was expecting to win; if my colleagues were there, I would have won. I was to contest the position of Senate President but, as at that time my party, the APC, zoned it to the North Central, that was why I stepped down.” An APC senator, Francis Alimikhena, representing Edo North, described the development as democracy in action. According to him, as an APC senator, he was told that the 8th National Assembly was to be inaugurated but nobody invited him to any APC meeting. A member of the pro-Lawan Unity Forum, Senator Shehu Sani, APC, Kaduna, said what transpired on the floor was a true reflection of the crisis in the APC, adding that if the party was unable to manage its victory, the country was heading to crisis. According to him, he had no problem as an APC member for an APC person to become the Senate President, but he had problem with the party sharing positions with the PDP. Sani said the inauguration was constitutional, had been done and cannot be canceled and that it was left for those that felt aggrieved to go to court. He called on President Buhari to heal the wounds within the two Senate groups and bring them together, though he said that what happened was an internal party problem.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 53

BYPROF.STEVEAZAIKI

resident Muhammadu Buhari, who has just been sworn-in, ended his last public assignment 16 years ago, when he voluntarily resigned as Chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF). That was on the eve of the take-off of the Fourth Republic with the handover of power by the last military regime of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Those who, therefore, measure Buhari solely by his tour of political duty as military head of state in 1983-85 often miss out on some critical lessons that Buhari most probably learnt during and after his PTF years. The Nigerian elite were vociferous in calling for the dismantling of the PTF, branding it a parallel government, and arguing that line Ministries should be funded with the PTF resources, to deliver on their statutory mandates. Perceptible persons, who had gauged the results of PTF, urged caution in the hysterical demands to jettison the interventionist agency. Rather than discard PTF, a creature of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, more sober voices urged the civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which was then to assume power in 1999, not to discard PTF, but instead reduce its scope of intervention to infrastructure delivery. In the end, PTF was wound up, not without controversy among some of its undertakers, but the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which emerged much later, was neither in a position to deliver on roads nor even to be anywhere near what PTF had achieved. The one obvious question from the foregoing is: Do not cut your nose to spite your face. Buhari has come into office now on the mantra of change. But he can be certain that the campaign rhetoric, which permitted the unrestrained and unrelenting castigation of the administration of erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, does not, and should not imply, that everything, or even most things, done by the Jonathan government must be changed. It appears to me that Buhari’s best bet is to adopt a philosophical disposition that flows naturally from his public acknowledgement of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rightful place in Nigeria’s political history. Former President Jonathan’s good deeds do not reside alone in his patriotic and selfless management of the electoral reforms that have brought about a new dawn in our polity. In several other spheres of our national life, the Jonathan administration had begun, or completed programmes, policies, and projects with positive consequences that many choose to forget, having been bombarded with the negative election propaganda by what was then the opposition party. This is why President Buhari should carefully, and on his own (not by assignment to even his trusted aides), study the handover notes given to him by his predecessor. In the notes, Buhari will find a succinct statement of the state of the nation. Those notes are a distillation of the bulkier notes prepared by the out-going transition team and handed over to the President-elect’s transition team headed by Alhaji Ahmed Joda. Mistakes, remedies Although the handover notes cover the Jonathan Presidency, they, in fact, encapsulate the country’s governance experience since 1999. The notes contain the goals and efforts, the mistakes and remedies, the successes and challenges, as well as tips and hints on an agenda for the future. The notes, therefore, roll into one the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan administrations. In studying the succinct handover notes, Buhari will discover that there is no point reinventing the wheel. Governments spend so much time trying to carve an identity for themselves, they lose time and goodwill in the process, and leave undone an array of projects and programmes. President Buhari will discover that the handover notes deal with the areas which he says will engage the attention of his administration: anti-corruption, unemployment, insecurity, and the economy at large. To achieve speedier and more enduring results, Buhari will find wisdom in taking his bearing from where his predecessor left off. For instance, you cannot pursue employment generation through agriculture and seek to ignore the gains and roadmap set by the preceding administration, nor can you ignore the goal of food security so relentlessly pursued in the last few years. Can you fix the economy and create more jobs

President Buhari will discover that the handover notes deal with the areas which he says will engage the attention of his administration: anticorruption, unemployment, insecurity, and the economy at large

observation and analysis of governance at the federal level over the years.

HANDOVER NOTES

Buhari must take personal interest in the content without industrialisation? Check out the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan of the Jonathan years. Can you drive the economy without investment in infrastructure? Check out what had been achieved in road, rail, and aviation—not just in terms of projects, but essentially the legal and policy frameworks. New gameplan The Jonathan administration had also achieved milestones in the power sector. If Buhari were to start afresh, by abandoning what went on before, he would superintend the building of so many new power plants, work out ownership arrangements, indeed restructure the power sector. How many years does he have? And can he afford the political cost (of continuing darkness) while he tries out his own brand new gameplan? Even in the petroleum subsector, which has attracted the most negative comments about the immediate past administration, Buhari will find that there were also new frontiers, and that he does not need to throw out the baby with the bath water, no matter how odiferous the water is. But, why did I advise that Buhari should personally study the succinct handover notes, rather than by proxy? It is probably the best armour he has, as well as the best source of his bearing that will enable him focus on the areas he has isolated to tackle frontally during his years

in office. Make no mistake about; Buhari will be bombarded with all kinds of ideas, proposals, and suggestions—and these are by persons who are outsiders pretending to know more than the insiders. These may also be persons who lost out in earlier schemes and are desirous of getting into the new groove. Some will advise the President to jettison what went on before, and present him with new templates that are either conflictual or would amount to reinventing the wheel. If Jonathan had been re-elected, a good many of such proposals would have been untenable. However, by arming himself with knowledge from the handover notes, Buhari will be better positioned to interrogate some of the proposals he will definitely be bombarded with. It will also help Buhari if he creates a back channel of communication with whoever served in the previous administration, to help explain, clarify, or put in perspective any matter arising from the past and especially as the new influence peddlers sneak in to the President to sell their ideas. I am making these propositions, not because I was an insider in Jonathan’s administration. I was not. I did not belong to his kitchen cabinet; I did not run any parastatal under his government, nor did I serve on any committee set up by his administration. I am making the suggestions based on my experience with statecraft at the state level, and my studious

Nobooby-traps On May 28, Jonathan also handed to Buhari a copy of the Report and 600-plus Recommendations of the National Conference of 2014. The President should view the National Conference Report and Recommendations the same way he has regarded Jonathan and his selfless contribution to Nigeria’s political and democratic maturity. In particular, Buhari should ask himself whether former President Jonathan was the kind of person who would lay boobytraps for him. Buhari might find the answer to that question by carefully examining Jonathan’s action in withholding his assent to the 4th Alteration Bill of the 1999 Constitution, and even proceeding to the Supreme Court, to seek judicial intervention. And yet, that was a President on his way out of office, and, therefore, had nothing to lose, as a number of the clauses in the 4th Alteration Bill sought to erode the powers of the President and vest same in the legislature, among other objectionable provisions. Already, some irridentists are urging Buhari to disregard the National Conference Report and Recommendations. But in this poor advice none has articulated any position that the Report and Recommendations were self-serving for former President Jonathan, who convened the Conference and was widely applauded by the Conference leaders and participants that he did not interfere with the proceedings or outcome of the Conference. The 2014 National Conference was by far more eagerly attended, and by firstelevens, than the Political Reform Conference of President Obasanjo in 2005, which collapsed upon rejection of the third term bid. Nor was the 2014 National Conference anything like the 199495 Constitutional Conference organised by the military regime of Gen. Abacha. Buhari will hear, loud and clear, the voices of Nigerians in the Conference Recommendations. He will hear the yearnings of Nigerians. If Buhari hearkens to the voices, he and the nation will have peace in the long run, even after the current honeymoon with his new administration is over. Buhari does not need to organise another Conference, nor should he ignore the outcome of the 2014 National Conference. Former President Jonathan set up a Committee to streamline the 600-plus Recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, into Policy, Legal, and Constitutional reforms. These were approved by the Federal Executive Council, and then forwarded to the National Assembly. Buhari should study this and use it as his article of engagement with the National Assembly. The 7th National Assembly concluded its business with the matter of the 4th Alteration to the 1999 Constitution in abeyance. But the matter will be revived in the 8thAssembly. Would Buhari want to treat it as a sole issue, or take the option of looking at the relevant Recommendations of the 2104 National Conference that have implications for constitutional amendment, and graft these into a new 4th Amendment Bill? That, I think, is the way to go. * Azaiki is Chairman, National Think Tank.

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Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

APC unraveling BY PAUL ODILI

LL Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, June 9, got a lesson in how not to be a majority party! Like many Nigerians, I was intrigued by the drama in the National Assembly. Beginning with the pre-inauguration footwork of members of the National Assembly and the final act on the floor of the two chambers, curious Nigerians wanted to see how the minority PDP, long Nigeria’s dominant and once self-proclaimed Africa’s largest party (surprisingly, APC is yet to wear a similargrandiloquent toga), was taking up its new role as the opposition party for the first time in 16 years. Wi l l t h e P D P, shaken to its overwhelming loss at the general elections, find the chutzpah of the old PDP—the swagger and rumbustious show of dominance-or would it struggle to establish its new identity as opposition party? No one was sure. But as it turned out, there was the still old trickery left in the bags of a once ‘dying party’. APC is rightly embarrassed over the turn of events and have not hidden its frustration. Clearly, this type of baptism into national politics was not what they bargained for. The shrill denunciation of the outcome of events by Lai Mohammed, Bola Tinubu and other South West APC chieftains makes good newspaper copy but little sense in real politick. However, as things stand, the APC just gave the PDP a shot in the arm. If APC loses the general elections in 2019, the foundation was its loss of the National Assembly. Weeks before the inauguration of the National Assembly, APC faltered on several grounds. The party’s decision on the allocation of offices, the zones and the candidates of choice rapidly deteriorated into a fiasco. It could not decide, one time it lurched towards zoning and the other decided against zoning. The party wanted to be different. APC was disdainful of PDP zoning

formula without offering a superior alternative, which did not help the confusion it was entering. Then the party decided that it was going to allow its offices open to everyone, but along the way, decided that (well, seems, to me zoning of APC has variety), it would not allow the Senate presidency to go to the North-West because the presidency is already there and there was the question of whether the South-West should actually get the Speaker, considering that it already had the vice presidency. Amidst this confusion, it appears the debate shifted to the North-East, which staked a strong moral claim the Senate presidency against North Central, which was also in contention. Along the way, there was personality politics. Bukola Saraki, Ahmed Tinubu, George Akume, etc flexed muscle. Tinubu, the National Leader of APC, was at the centre of this or so it appear. If media reports were to be believed, Tinubu had talked Akume out of the Senate presidency and sold him the deputy slot. He was said to have wanted the NorthEast to have a shot at it and North-Central to deputise, which at the moral level was not a bad argument to offer. However, his feint to have South-West produce the Speaker did not quite jell with the moral platform he articulated, although it might be argued that since the South-South and SouthEast, by their voting pattern, did not give APC much, it was very convenient for Tinubu and his manoeuvre. However, it does appear that in constructing his power base, Tinubu did not quite reckon with the other political forces. Saraki and perhaps Yakubu Dogara had no interest in his plan. This is so because Tinubu’s plan is a typical South-West template. As APC leader,Tinubu is pretty much the juggernaut who fashion’s the South-West political structure in the manner he deems fit. The trouble is that finally Tinubu has overreached himself, this time. Saraki is an experienced politician

•Bola Tinubu and can quite easily pull his weight against Tinubu in political brinkmanship if that was needed. Unlike in the South-West, where politicians swear oath of allegiance to Tinubu, to escalate his strategy to the national landscape is bound to be suffer grief. It is hard to imagine Saraki regarding Tinubu as his political superior. Tinubu’s plan was not also helped by his disastrous analysis of his party and President Buhari. APC Nigeria is not yet a political party. APC South-West is a political party. And that perhaps is the only zone where APC is really a political party. In other parts of the country, APC is not yet an organic structure beholden to a common ideology and vision. To assume that the decision he orchestrated using the instrumentality of the party leadership is binding is surprising,especially, if that is in conflict with the interest of major factions in the party. Without their buy-in, nothing constructed will work. Moreover, Buhari, the only man with the authority of his office to whip his party into line, ruled himself out of the controversy on this issue. Buhari’s calculation that he would be muddied if he ventured into this affair and could damage his moral authority, is both naïve and statesman like and it has cost

APC. When Buhari woke to the unfolding debacle by summoning the meeting at the 11th hour, when the business of parliament should be taking place and that nobody informed him of this was to complete the circle of disaster that was long in coming. Tinubu made this point in his public rebuke of Buhari on Wednesday. I agree that Buhari’s aloofness did not help matters. What is to be wondered is if Tinubu considered Buhari’s behavior strange. Buhari ran as a Nigerian leader seeking political support and not as a politician seeking popular mandate. There is a major difference. Ramrod, austere, and not given to trifles, Buhari is the type of leader who is not going to change his ways notwithstanding this present calamity or Tinubu’s fulminations. Like General Olusegun Obasanjo, Buhari must have a certain feeling of predestination and, therefore, will feel he is above narrow party interest. For all you care, Buhari may feel that he is the vehicle through which APC came to power, while Tinubu, the politician, will feel that it is the party that brought Buhari to power. With this clash in ideology as well as in the mechanics of achieving power, the unraveling of APC may have started. For the PDP, the APC fiasco has given a boost to its image. PDP has shown better organization and cohesion. Lucky for the PDP it has had 16 years to learn this lesson. What it does with this uppercut, will be seen in the future. Obviously, at institutional level, there is a lot of difference between the two parties. One and that is APC is at a level of development the PDP was 16 years ago, the PDP on the other hand got carried away by its frequent successes until its defeat in March. By and large, the APC’s change mantra is going to be tested severely in the coming months and years. How it manages its mandate will determine its survival. Right now, the auguries are not good. Nevertheless, for whatever it is worth, democratic rule in Nigeria needs APC to be strong and vibrant. Ultimately, healthy competition ensures growth and development of democracy. Odili lives in Asaba

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LEADERSHIP

The law of natural consequence BY PROF. RAZAQ ‘DEREMI ABUBAKRE

lot of thoughts have been advanced by different interest groups on the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Rt Honourable Yakubu Dogara of Kwara and Bauchi respectively. Different power houses should realise that their power ends where the right of another power is affected. The political leadership with the support of the grassroots in the party has the right to watch the emergence of the President of the nation, governor of a state or a senator, House of Representatives member or House of Assembly member through a fair, free and transparent process as witnessed during the emergence of Buhari in the APC primary. The leadership of the party needs to accord respect to the President, once elected, because the electorate voted more for the character and make of the candidate than the clout or lack of it enjoyed by the political leadership. By the same token, once members of the National Assembly have been elected, it would be more advisable to allow them to enjoy some level of independence and lack of interference either from the President or the leadership of the party. Luckily in this case, the President distanced himself from interfering in the process of the leadership of the National Assembly which is one of the positive steps taken by him. The National Assembly, going by the tradition of the seventh Assembly, seems to see itself as a distinct entity from different backgrounds coming together to form a body, a part of which may be head or chest or hand or abdomen or legs or hair or even nails; if any part of these is aching, the rest of the body

join it in pain and insomnia. Antecedents It has been a harrowing experience for sympathizers of the APC to see the party going all out in rejecting some of its hardworking members from elective positions in the National Assembly and accepting hook, line and sinker the candidacy of others. There are antecedents that should have been put into consideration. The North-West, where Alhaji Shehu Shagari came from as President, cherishes the political hegemony between the Gwandu emirate and Ilorin emirate. To build on this, the late Senator Olusola Saraki was key to the emergence of Shagari in the second republic. If not for the blackmail against Saraki, the North-West in 1999, was fully ready, especially the politicians from Sokoto axis, to support for the presidency in the All Peoples Party (APP) inspite of the adoption of the PDP. No wonder Senator Yerima Bakura was leading the campaign for Senator Bukola Saraki, the first son of Olusola Saraki, in the present exercise. Justice is the cardinal of any human interaction. The myopic view of life pertaining to injustice, if not nipped in the bud, may lead to the collapse of the whole structure. To illustrate this, there is a latent reason for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election due to myopic view of life which was tantamount to injustice when the then leading political party, Social Democratic Party was ignored what should not be ignored. In the structure of the party, the chairmanship was given to the South-South, the President to the South West, the president of the Senate to the Northern minority and the Speaker of the House of

Representatives was given to the South East. The only group that was left out in this scheme of things was the northern majority made up of Hausa-Fulani extraction. If during the primary of the SDP in Jos, the founder and leader of the party, whose emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the presidential election was annulled by the military, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, had asked Atiku Abubakar to step down for Abiola, it should have been a good decision for Abiola to make Atiku his running mate rather than Babagana Kingibe, who was also from the northern minority. Thus, aside from many other reasons adduced by all, for the annulment of the Abiola’s presumed victory of June 12, 1993, there was palpable fear in the rank and file of the military that the Hausa-Fulani northern majority had been marginalised in keeping with the spirit of Orkar ’s coup may be inadvertently. The relevance of this to the case in hand is treating with levity and disdain, the roles of the membership of the extinct New PDP of Atiku, of the five governors, of Tambuwal in the House of Representatives, of Saraki in the Senate, in the political fortunes of the other constituent parts of the mega party All Progressives Congress. While the North-West produced the President in this case and coming from the defunct CPC, the South-West produced the Vice-President with the defunct ACN, the remaining strong members of the alliance, is perhaps stronger than any other member of the alliance, is the New PDP. An exception should be made in favour of the President himself for all that is in him which endeared him to the voters in Nigeria and thanks to the INEC which prevented rigging.

For the APC to have stopped Atiku and Kwankwaso from emerging as President may be justifiable but to say that Bukola Saraki and Dogara should not emerge in the National Assembly is to frustrate Atiku and his men in the defunct New PDP to leave APC as he was frustrated to leave ACN after helping in the formation of the party and leaving many of his trusted political supporters behind such as Usman Bugaje, Audu Ogbeh, Tom Ikimi. among others. Sacrifice In reality, as noted before, membership of the National Assembly have demonstrated that they are one and as if they are putting the performances of each candidate from a state on a scale to measure. It is clear that Bukola Saraki delivered Kwara State better for APC than Yobe State where Senator Lawan came from. Also, Bauchi which produced Dogara, performed better in favour of APC than Lagos in the last elections, judging by percentage of victory. This is not to take away the eminent qualification of Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila for all his toil and labour for the party in the 7th National Assembly. But a sacrifice has to be made and it is also a noble person that can be made a sacrifice and will not complain. Such was the gesture of Gbajabiamila when he hugged Dogara, raised his hand and invited his supporters with his finger beckoning his supporters in the green chamber, that This is your Speaker, give him support, as if to compensate what is lost to the South-West, the National Assembly picked Osun State, which was the only faithful state to ACN in the 2011 presidential election in that zone.

SUND AY SUNDA

SENATE, HOUSE LEADERS CONTROVERSIAL EMERGENCE

The sound bites!

iverse reactions trailed the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki (APC), Senator Ike Ekweremadu (PDP) and Hon. Yakubu Dogara (APC) as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker respectively. Some of the reactions: Emergence legal - NBA President The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), said the election of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the Senate is legitimate “Inaugurating the National Assembly is considered as an ordinary business and, for an ordinary business, the requirement of a quorum is one-third. So, legally, there was a quorum. You can argue from a moral perspective but legally, it is in order,” Alegeh stated. “There is a need to have respect for institutions. If the Senate was having an inauguration, other people should respect that fact and schedule meetings appropriately. The day for the inauguration of the House is a very important day in a democracy.” It is fraudulent – Itse Sagay Law professor Itse Sagay believes the election of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu smacks of legislative impunity. “If you look at the moral point of view, that purported election was fraudulent. When you purport to hold an election deliberately in the absence of your opponent, knowing that he is absent, and intending to win at any cost unopposed by ensuring that absence, that constitutes fraud. Not only that, I think it’s an act of gross indiscipline, not just against his party, but against the whole country because we are all stakeholders in the electoral process, in who becomes the Senate President and we all felt cheated because there was no proper election”, he said. It is betrayal, indiscipline, treacherous- APC The All Progressives Congress, APC, described as totally unacceptable and the “highest level of indiscipline and treachery” the emergence of Saraki and Mr. Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. “Senator Bukola and Hon. Dogara are not the candidates of the APC and a majority of its National Assembly members-elect for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker. The party duly met and conducted a straw poll and clear candidates emerged for the posts of Senate President, Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, supported by a majority of all Senators-elect and members-elect of the House of Representatives. All National Assembly members-elect who emerged on the platform of the party are bound by that decision. There can be no higher level of treachery, disloyalty and insincerity within any party “The party is supreme and its interest is superior to that of its

•Oyegun

•Gbajabiamila

Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 55

victory for democracy. Lagos APC wants Saraki, Dogara sanctioned A statement released by Lagos APC’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igboke, said: “The purported election of Senator Saraki and Dogara as the Senate President and Speaker respectively, is a clear transgression of both the tenets of democracy and party politics. “The APC must come down strongly to mete out sanctions and punishments against treacherous members that perpetrated this ugly charade. “We see the clear road to enforce discipline in the treacherous conduct of some members of the National Assembly. “It is certain that these betrayers are not members of the APC and we feel the Party must weigh in now and discipline these betrayers.” ....Kwara APC attacks Lagos APC The Kwara State chapter of the APC berated its Lagos State counterpart for demanding that Bukola Saraki be sanctioned for anti-party activities. The Kwara APC Publicity Secretary, Sulyman Buhari, on Wednesday, described Lagos APC’s comment as uninformed, insisting that Saraki and Dogara did not breach the party’s constitution. Unity Forum kicks, threatens legal action A group of APC senators, led by

Senate President emerged through due process and should be embraced by all senators irrespective of political leaning. “The President, in his constitutional duty, sent a proclamation letter to the National Assembly. “In that proclamation letter, he stated categorically that the proclamation of the 8th Senate will be done at 10 a.m. on June 9, 2015. “How can Mr President on one hand send a letter of proclamation to the National Assembly and on the other hand, call for a meeting at the International Conference Centre? “If Mr President wants to meet legislators, the Defense House is there, the Villa is there, the banquet Hall is there; why International Conference Centre? “However, did Mr President eventually attend to anybody at International Conference Centre? Capital No”, Senator Dino Melaye said on behalf of the group. Gbajabiamila accepts defeat, pledges loyalty Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, the anointed candidate of the APC who lost to Dogara in the House leadership contest, pledged allegiance to the new Speaker. “We have just gone through an election in the House, so we came to meet with the party regarding the election and how the party is going to remain strong and united and move forward so that we can deliver

The election was one of the challenges the party had to face but added that it would wriggle out of it and the party had accepted him as the Senate President

•Alegeh

•Metuh individual members,” the party said in a statement issued in Abuja Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed. APC naive, unprepared for governance, says PDP The PDP rejected threats by the APC on the new Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary,

•Sagay

•Joe-Igbokwe Chief Olisa Metuh, said the claims of the APC were indicative of a party aiming to cover its naivety, inexperience and unpreparedness for governance. APC North-Central backs Saraki The APC, North-Central, congratulated Saraki. In a statement signed by state chairmen of Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Niger, the party described Saraki’s election as

Senator Barnabas Gemade under the aegis of the Senate Unity Forum, faulted the process that produced Saraki, saying his election lacked legitimacy. They were the main backers of Senator Ahmed Lawan, the man backed by the APC leadership for Senate President. Gemade, who spoke for the Forum, noted that the insinuation that members of the group boycotted the election was unfounded. His words: “The Clerk of the National Assembly, knowing fully well that the quorum for election of the Senate President had not been met, went ahead to conduct an election that shuts the door to about 53 other senators which would remain unacceptable until what would meet would meet democratic parameter is done. This process, which remains unconstitutional, cannot confer legitimacy on the elected Senate President. Our right to participate in the election of the Senate President is a constitutional right which cannot be taken by any person or group of persons. “The insinuation in some quarters that we boycotted the election is totally unfounded. As loyal party members, we would take all necessary political and legal means to strengthen our democracy and democratic process in line with the change that we promised our teaming supporters during our electioneering”. ... Like Minds Senators disagree The Like Minds Senators, a proSaraki group, insisted that the

the deliverables and programmes of the party through the House. “Go to court for what? I don’t know about the Senate. I can only speak for the House. Nothing happened in the House. We had an election. It is different from the Senate. In the Senate, people were deprived of their fundamental rights to express themselves and vote. “We will work with the leadership of the House and the Speaker, so long as the party’s programmes are properly articulated and pursued on the floor of the House. We will work with the leader of the House. He is an APC member. He is not the Speaker of the APC. He is the speaker of the whole House,” he said when he led about 20 supporters of his aspiration to the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja APC will recognise Saraki — Oyegun APC, on Friday, said it had recorgnised that the election of Saraki as Senate President was legitimate. The National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, gave the indication while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja. Odigie-Oyegun said that the election was one of the challenges the party had to face but added that it would wriggle out of it and the party had accepted him as the Senate President. “Of course, he has been duly elected by his colleagues. End of Story. We have a reality, and we must live with it.”

PAGE 56— SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015

We are working with African governments to address the connectivity challenge, Google reassures D

aniel Sieberg is Google’s head of media outreach across services like Google+, Google Earth/ Maps, Google Trends and many more. Sieberg who spoke with Emeka Aginam during recent Google Travel Event for Journalists in Europe, Middle East and Africa, EMEA, held in Madrid, Spain, talked about the Google digital map and how the app can help travellers navigate through their travel destinations. Assuring that Google is working to offer solutions that will enable people use the apps offline, Sieberg said that the search engine is collaborating with the governments in Africa to enhance connectivity. Excerpts: On the Google travel event What we have done is assemble select journalists from three continents to help demonstrate how you can use a number of Google apps such as Google maps, to navigate through a place you have never been to before or some place you may have been to but need to have more information on. Even in your neighbourhood, you may not have noticed everything

around you and these apps deliver the information you need at your finger tips. Here in Madrid, participants have embarked on a journey through the city using Google products to uncover and navigate around local gems including world renowned art and architecture.From Google’s point of view, the aim of the project is to use various Google tools during the event to demonstrate their usefulness and effectiveness in the real world. Using Google apps in Africa Traffic can be problematic in places like Lagos, Nigeria for instance but with an app like traffic data, you can find alternate routes to take. Traffic can also be a huge issue when you are travelling on the continent but you can tell the taxi driver where to go based on traffic data from Google maps and if they don’t know the best way to go, the Google digital map can make things clear and simple. What Google maps does is give you the best information that you can get to make an informed decision on whether to take a different route. Giving our users the best information they can have is our goal and it will continue to be our goal. Monitoring the Weather

*Daniel Sieberg With Google maps, you can use voice search to check on the weather conditions in a place. This is especially useful when you are travelling, to know how the weather will be like, even for a week ahead. The challenge of Connectivity

Intel created new core M processor to fill gap in PC ecosystem — Oluwatobi

he Enterprise Technology Specialist of Intel, Shada, Oluwatobi, has said that the Chip maker maker created the new Intel Core M processor in order to fill a gap in the market

Firm commends ipNX for expanding fibre-optic market F

or distinguishing itself in the fibre-optic convergence service market , ipNX has earned the 2014 Competitive Strategy Innovation and Leadership Award in the Nigerian market Based on its recent analysis of the fibre-optic convergence service market, Frost & Sullivan recognises ipNX with the 2014 Nigerian Frost & Sullivan award for competitive strategy Innovation and Leadership. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has leveraged competitive intelligence to successfully execute a competitive strategy that results in stronger market share, competitive brand positioning and customer satisfaction. “The launch of ipNX’s FTTH networks placed Nigeria in a league of a select group of

African countries offering the FTTH network technology,” Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Naila Govan-Vassen, said, adding that, “The bandwidth upgrade also

in Africa and Google maps Google recognises that connectivity is an issue in some places around the world but we are hoping to offer solutions that will enable people use our apps offline. We hope that as time goes on, we

improved customer experience with the company’s fibre optic service (FOS) and eventually, strengthened the ipNX brand and position as a market leader.

place. Oluwatobi who spoke to Vanguard in an interview recently in Lagos disclosed that before the introduction of the Intel Core M processor, there was no solution that delivered high performance within a thin, fanless design. Stating that the new Intel core M processor and platform power reductions raise bar on battery life, he said that the new solution provides outstanding performance with greater energy efficiency to enable long battery life in cool, quiet fanless designs. “Intel Core M processors are a great choice for consumer whose top priority is mobility.

MTN boosts subscribers’ experience with callerFeel service

will continue to experiment with ideas like Project Clone and that people would use these apps to make their lives better. Also, even if you don’t have connectivity, you can actually download the maps offline so that you can use them when you get some airtime on your phone or mobile device. Expectations for the participating Journalists Our goal is that at the end of this Google travel event, every journalist will leave here knowing exactly what tools they have within the device and how they help make their lives easier. Google also want their readers to understand the capabilities of the apps that can help make their lives that little bit easier, whether on-thego travelling or spending the weekend with their families. Challenges in Africa Connectivity is certainly the greatest challenge. Trying to get access to the internet is an issue that millions of people face out there in the world. We think it is important not to allow the situation deteriorate and this is why we are collaborating with governments in Africa to enhance connectivity. Specifically, on the Google Maps side, we are really dedicated to bringing Africa live on Maps.

upporting its customers with value added services, Mobile phone operator, MTN Nigeria has introduced CallerFeel, an innovative service that allows subscribers display personalized messages during calls. The message which appears as a pop up notification to the caller is another medium for MTN subscribers to express themselves. The MTN, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer, Bayo Adekanmbi, while speaking on the service explained that the service was conceived to give MTN subscribers a platform to express themselves. ”As Nigeria’s foremost ICT Company, MTN

is always looking out for creative ways to encourage our subscribers to express themselves. In our quest to put our customers first, we came up with MTN CallerFeel which is basically a medium of expression for our teeming consumers”. He added that MTN CallerFeel can be deployed for different personal purposes including Advertising, Status Messaging, Mood Description as well as special messages to specific callers. Adekanmbi stated that users can subscribe and unsubscribe from the service via SMS, App or WEB. Subscribers can access the CallerFeel service via the Callertunez App or Music + App.

*Oluwatobi Performance improvements on the Intel Core M processor are a combination of 14nm process and design enhancements. “The processor is also called a Central Processing Unit, or CPU. Think of the CPU as the computer ’s “brain.” It’s responsible for carrying out the instructions of a computer program, and it’s the main source of the computer ’s functions. Also, the CPU is responsible for dictating a PCs battery life, and performance. “There are six major components in a PC: the processor, the graphics card, hard drives, the memory, the motherboard, and optical drives. Of these, the processor is the most important part to consider. A powerful Intel processor will help you discover the possibilities of your new PC”, he explained.

SUNDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 14, 2015, PAGE 57

Obasanjo secretly repatriated 13,000 women from Italy — Patrick Dele Cole

r. Patrick Dele Cole served during the first term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Adviser on International Relations. In this piece, Cole speaks on the ill of African immigration to Europe. War costs money and, at the th end, someone th thhas to pay. In the 17 , 18 , 19 centuries, the vanquished usually paid in cash or by loss of territories. Germany had been asked to pay unitive damages after the First World War which it did for a while and, as recently as a few weeks ago, Greece called on Germany to pay war reparations to it for Germany’s Second World War activities to enable it settle its debts. Germany was supposed to have paid reparations for two World Wars but the experience of the aftermath of the First World War may have deterred the losers from seeking full reparations. After the World Wars, the Marshall Plan was executed. It was aimed at bringing Europe back from the heavy pounding and massive destruction of nearly all of both sides to the war. Hamburg Stuttgart, Berlin, Frankfurt were more or less flattened (not many people bothered about women and children when the allies pulverited Germany and Japan). Whatever else the Marshall plan was, it was also an admission by the US that it will be responsible for returning Europe to its feet and on the way to prosperity. In Iraq, there was no such commitment. The first invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent expulsion of Iraq from Kwait were paid for by Kuwait. The US attack on Iraq (the second time), the cost of that war has not been calculated and no one will have the temerity to ask Iraq to pay, not after the activities of the allies. But who will pay? When the allies destroy a country’s infrastructure, its civil institutions, all that is achieved is a ready made ground for extremist propaganda and easy recruitment. This is the reason for the success of the ISIS. Libyan territory has been tilled for the seeds of extremist radical Islamic propaganda and will pay for the irresponsibility of the West. The next war I have a rather whimsical view of these immigrants wanting to go to Europe. That is how it should be. Throughout history, the twentieth century is the most settled and sedentary century and there is something wrong in that statement. Man has always moved when necessity pushed him. It was necessity that pushed people to move to the Valleys of Tigrits and Euphrates and thus began the road blocks of modern civilization. Social scientists like Arthur Young, David Ricardo, Karl Max Darwin, Charles Maithus, Noan Chomaky, and nearly all those who study power and how it is used to move and conquer people, or the accumulation of wealth and the social pressure caused thereby inequality, can never be surprised that “immigrants” are moving into

•Patrick Dele Cole

•Speaks on Europe, US and African immigrants dying at sea Europe. Some even believe that plagues, wars, etc are essential curbs to population explosion. Others believe that the next war would be about access to potable water. Several centuries ago, Europeans arrived in Africa uninvited. No visa, no passport. They said they came to trade, that there was a new world wide doctrine of free trade. The Africans replied that they knew of no such doctrine and did not want to trade with them. From that time, Europe began a new drive that they had a manifest destiny to “civilize”Africa. The Europeans carried the free trade doctrine to India, China, and Japan. When China and Japan saw the deleterious effects of the socalled free trade, they baulked. The Europeans established houses, “consultates”, a legal system that exempted their goods, mostly heroin, and themselves, from obeying local laws. Heroin devastated China and Japan. Today, Syrians, Armonians, etc, are refugees and feel it is right to go to Europe. The Italians made a right travesty of Somalia, Eritrea, etc, leading these countries to their failed states status. The Europeans conquered Africa, colonized it. As for Africans, I do not have any apology if they went to Europe. Europeans came to Africa uninvited. They went to the US. The Red Indians who presumably owned the land were cajoled, bribed, killed and conquered. Today, they remain the poorest group in the richest country. Attitude to migrants The British Penal Colony, having failed in Virginia, the British had to find a new one in Australia. On whose invitation? The attitude of the Australians to immigrants must be the most morally reprehensible: First kill as many of the aboriginal inhabitants as possible. Then develop the country to the exclusion of the aborigins exept when they want to make a film of crocodile Dundee and Evoyne Goola-gang. When Indians or Polynesians or Melanedians want to go to Australia, they are put in detention centers. Why bother? Just gas them as Hitler did! No nation has travelled more than the Irish in the world. And understandably so. The Americas are full of the surplus of Europe, French, Spanish, Portuguese, English, Irish, Danes, etc. Their language, their colour, their food, in less than 300 years, the white people of Europe had done what even one billion Chinese have been unable to do, turn the Americans into an out post of Europe. Whatever the Pope thought he was doing in 1492 when, through a Papal Bill, he divided the new world between Spain and Portugal, he was wrong and owes the world an apology. If Europe had not gone to Australia, North and South America, where do you suppose there would be a war of xenophobia today? Just imagine a programme

where all Australians, New Zealanders, white South Africans, white North and South Africans were to be returned to Europe!!! Those in Europe who preach against immigration and the return of immigrants to their home countries should be warned. What would a Syrian, a Somalian or European do in his country? When the West was bombing Libya, praising a nonexistent democratic spring, what did they expect to happen? The trek across the Sahara is more dangerous than the sea journey across the Mediterrannean. And when you have finished that trek, what do you see in Africa? Nigeria, Ghana, Chad, Niger, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoirecountries exploited, admittedly with local cooperation. Europe is no paradise Are these stable governments for the immigrants to live in? I remember one of our more specific melodies about being in love in one world. The immigrants across the Mediterranean are bringing that one world nearer. To some, the above is just art, it has no solution. I believe the problem, to be serious enough, is to engage the African Union and the European Union (EU); careful records should be made of all those who arrive at the European ports, their agents hunted down and jailed. ECOWAS countries should have their representatives, as in Libya, at the ports gathering vital information. Every African embassy in Europe should be engaged in tracking down these disgraceful people whose images on national television merely emphasis the thesis of the black people coming to take over their jobs in Europe. Those who are

In 1999 – 2010, the Obasanjo administration repatriated 13,000 women from Italy. This was done quietly to avoid shame to the families

returned should be given vocational training so that they could find jobs at home. Europe is not the paradise in these people’s dream and many of them end up disillusioned and radicalised. The bill for this should be paid largely by the US, France and the UK for removing two of the best safely values: Ghadaffi and Mubbarak. It would cost a lot but means have to be found to prevent that money ending in the pockets of politicians and generals. The regional organizations of ECOWAS, EAC, SADAC and Magreb Union should be energized for the work. The African countries these people come from are not intrinsically poor. Their poverty is partly due to corruption freely engaged in by the West China, and the shadow governments they encourage in Africa. A commission should be set up to bring back those misguided and unfortunate people. Some in the Western press and government will fall into the sympathy cauldron of lesbian, homosexual and others who would claim that they ran to Europe to escape persecution, or female circumcision, now popularized as female genital mutilation (by the way, why is male circumcision not described as “male genital mutilation?). If this is a standard the West wishes to approve for refugee status, that commission should be able to sort this out and asylum could be given to these categories of people in Europe and the United States. The above is merely a first step. When we next meet for trade talks, then a simple question to ask is, why is it that most cocoa profit does not stay in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d’ Ivoire, etc? If these countries owned Nestle, Hershley, Cadbury, etc, then perhaps there would be less economic migrants to Europe. Just compare the wealth of Hershley, Cadbury and Nestle with the people who produce cocoa in Africa. The answer to this cannot be good corporate responsibility. Finally, France, Great Britain and the United States brought this debacle on themselves, the immigrants and Europe. They removed Ghadaffi and unleashed tribal tensions which have no where to go but to implode within it or to explode into some irrational radicalized notion of Islam, draped in black, with the obiqutous AK 47. It sounded fine that they were removing a dictator. How many have died since? It sounded alright to bring the price of oil down. There were Western nations buying Libyan oil as low as US$10 a barrel to fill up strategic reserves. They paid US

$10 but paid that amount in guns. Dying to reach Europe One last question: Apart from Iran and Turkey, Egypt, Iran, which Islamic state is making arms? Where are all these arms which fortify ISIS coming from? The AU should hold a conference on the disgrace of Africans dying in an attempt to reach Europe, to an uncertain future in an uncertain adventure. AU should demand reparation for Libya. It should take action in Eritrea, Somalia, etc. The money from reparation should be used in a program to help the would-be refugees to develop at home and avoid this horrible immigration. There are three United Nations Protocols on Human Trafficking and Treatment of Refugees. There is little problem with the first one, except the provision that a refugee must seek asylum at the first port of call. Many countries deliberately flout the second protocol – treatment of refugees. But people are exposed to danger in crossing the Sahara. Bedouin or Surwa Arabs or Puel’s tribes are the middlemen: the starting price for the journey is US$5,000 – then the price goes up to US$10,000 and possibly the sale of human body parts – Kidney, liver, cornea, then the would-be refugee is left to die. Women start the journey to Libya from Eritrea, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, etc with US$5,000. One set of traffickers then hand over these people to another set of traffickers who demand double. If the would-be refugee is a woman, she is sold into slavery or used as a prostitute until the debt is discharged. Then, on to a boat, another set of traffickers take over the helpless woman to prostitute for the same journey, which takes 6-10 years of stop and go. In 1999 – 2010, the Obasanjo administration repatriated 13,000 women from Italy. This was done quietly to avoid shame to the families. Protocols should be awakened, institutions built – robust campaign in the home countries must be carried out. Most work has to be done in the home countries. None of these “refugees”spend less than US$7,000: What would a person who is able to raise such money in Africa want to go and do in Europe? He or she may end up as traffic warden, car wash attendant, house boy or house maid. We must produce progammes where if you can raise such an amount here, you are better off investing it in Africa. Human traffckers trade routes must be traced and stopped at source. The routes should be policed.

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VIEWPOINT By Oluwakayode Adebanjo VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The road to a new party leadership

HE resignation of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, as atonement for the party’s loss in the general elections is grossly inadequate. Analysts contend that the resignation is also hugely inequitable. This aligns very well with logic. It, indeed, offends the sensibilities of members of the PDP to sacrifice Mu’azu for the collective failure, failings and foibles of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The sacrifice of Mu’azu cannot, sincerely, suffice for the monumental treachery, betrayal and tragedy that befell the party under the leadership of the NWC. The general view is that the entire NWC should have been sacked and that view

Dissolving the PDP NWC cannot be faulted, especially against the backdrop of the allegations of bribery that characterized the conduct of the party primaries for elective positions. Some members of the NWC were named in some sordid deals involving sale of the party nominations. Is it, therefore, not ironical that those individuals are still parading themselves as members of the NWC while Mu’azu is left to suffer the consequences of the committee’s actions and/or inactions? Does it not show the extent of the disarray, weakness of leadership and lack of purpose in the hitherto ruling party? If only Mu’azu, a northerner, could be forced out of office while the others are keeping their positions, it simply means the PDP is not ready to do the right thing. Doing the right thing would have entailed the passage of a

vote of no confidence in the entire NWC so that the committee would stand dissolved. Even that would have been too extreme. What should have happened, without sowing the seed of acrimony, would have been for members of the NWC to voluntarily step down from their respective positions. But for selfish reasons, which border

It, indeed, offends the sensibilities of members of the PDP to sacrifice Mu’azu for the collective failure, failings and foibles of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party

mainly on greed and personal aggrandizement, some members of the NWC decided to dig in their feet. They would not want to step down. This is certainly not salutary to the current efforts aimed at rebuilding the PDP This is not how to come to equity: he who comes to equity must do so with clean hands! Mu’azu has been made to do the right thing. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. The Bauchi-born politician was not the only one who ran the NWC. He merely played his part as National Chairman. By the way, without pointing finger at any one in particular, what happened to the controversial N750 million that an aspirant in a South-South state allegedly gave to some members of the NWC for the governorship ticket? Is it true that about half of the money was returned

Between ex-HOS Akinwusi and Osun people VIEWPOINT By Wale Bolorunduro VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF The hues and cries about a state’s finances

HE position of Head of Serv ice (HOS) is certainly an exalted position in public service (either at federal or state level). It personifies diligence, maturity and resourcefulness. So to start acknowledging the person of Mr. Segun Akinwusi, the erstwhile Head of Service of Osun State should not be seen as flattery or sheer indulgence. His rising to that pinnacle in his career indeed deserves accolade. That Akinwusi, who served under the Oyinlola-led PDP administration in the state, was also given the opportunity under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, should rather be seen as demonstration of “unparalleled maturity in the political landscape” of Nigeria and not to be interpreted that his manner of administration is atypical.

But it beats one’s imagination that unbridled utterances, particularly about public service and governance, can be linked to somebody of Akinwusi status. The usual hues and cries about Osun’s finances, as expressed by Akinwusi in a press conference to herald his political agenda, is worrisome and needs to be addressed for the purpose of enlightening the good citizens of the state. The claim of Akinwusi that the state has borrowed about N350billion since November 2010 is not different from the

It is appalling that Akinwusi was happy that his civil servants were still using typewriters and other archaic office tools until Aregbesola came in

opposition party’s usual false alarm, and in a way indicates who Akinwusi’s principal is. To start with, how would the “great administrator” absolve himself from the decision to borrow such colossal amount, afterall he was a principal officer, and, certainly, an executive member of Osun during the period. Meanwhile, Akinwusi, in 2012, made fruitless efforts to defend his role in the N18.3billion loan that the Oyinlola-led PDP administration irresponsibly took from a commercial bank at the wee hour of the administration. The white paper report of the panel of enquiry is being awaited. By virtue of his office, Akinwusi was a member of the state’s Funds Allocation Committee (FAC). This is a committee that appropriates the state’s revenue on monthly basis. Even if his lame excuses for not being part of the decision that led to the irresponsible loan is tenable, he is yet to absolve himself as a member of the state’s FAC that took the decision on the utilisation of the loan, a short term loan that was sourced for long term and

poorly-prioritised social projects. Perhaps a quick peep into Akinwusi’s scorecards will help us know the type of administrator he was. For instance, while neighbouring states embrace modern day working tools and skills as may be credited to their Heads of Service, he could not deny that he was a member of the state’s executive council that could not train its civil servants for almost a decade that the state was under their hostage. It is appalling that Akinwusi was happy that his civil servants were still using typewriters and other archaic office tools until Aregbesola came in. Akinwusi, no doubt, had a chummy relationship with the state’s labour union leadership. But he never used such control to implement relativity salary structure that would have kept Osun civil servants at par with their counterparts across the country. Despite the fact that the relativity salary structure or scheme was from his PDP-led administration at the centre, it was Aregbesola that came to implement the scheme in Osun. This is in addition to the much-celebrat-

when the deal went awry? Again, is it true that some members of the NWC got about N1 billion to secure nominations for members of a PDP group in Abia State? Who collected money from some governorship aspirants in Imo State and failed to deliver? Why did many leaders and members of the party become aggrieved and defected to other parties? These are issues that must be investigated. This process must be engaged and done with within the next two months so that the current leaders can quietly ease out of the NWC. This should pave the way for the replacement of the entire NWC and the coming on board of a leadership that is fresh, active and sharply focused to rebuild the party. If this is not the case, PDP sympathizers could as well bid the party a final goodbye.

•Adebanjo is resident in Ketu, Lagos. ed minimum wage law that the current administration implemented in the state. It is interesting to note that while Akinwusi failed to administer the pension scheme properly, he gave mandate to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to handle the monthly deductions (in the name of contributory pension funding) from the employ ees monthly salary. Unfortunately, the monthly deductions were never remitted to the Retiree Savings Accounts (RSA) of the contributors. In the same manner, the redemption fund that was meant to be transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was never transferred until the current administration stepped in. This is the fund that was supposed to replace gratuity and to be paid to the retirees under the contributory pension scheme. The administration under which Akinwusi served as the Head of Service accumulated huge pension liabilities, one of which was 142% pension increase (initiated by the Federal Government), amounting to N4billion. •Bolorunduro is the immediate past Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Osun State.

Urhobo unity, the Uvwiamuge declaration and lessons there in VIEWPOINT By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe

VIEWPOINT IN BRIEF

The way forward for an ethnic group

N the history of Delta poli tics, 2015 general elections will not be forgotten in a hurry. It turned out to be the most critical era for the Urhobo. It began with the “Uvwiamuge Declaration”, which sought to endorse an Urhobo son or daughter to emerge as governorship candidate from either the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressives Congress (APC). But what is fundamental is the involvement of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) in partisan politics which was widely condemned. That singular deci-

sion by the leadership of UPU rocked the boat of the Urhobo as two of its prominent sons, Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP) and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), locked horns in the quest for the office of governor of Delta. In the light of the above, I wish to raise issues which, in my opinion, will help to move the Urhobo from this deadlock and strategize for the future. The UPU needs total overhauling. The kings in Urhobo land should appoint a caretaker committee or a transition committee. The committee will look into the union’s constitution to ensure it has a section that prevents the leadership from involving in partisan politics. The constitution should also spell out the qualities of candidates vying

for the presidency of the union. This qualification should stepup to that of a retired justice, retired chief magistrate or retired senior civil servant not less than the rank of Permanent Secretary. Other qualifications may also include that the presidential aspirant must be a responsible Urhobo son and must have not less than 25 years of boardroom experience, et al. The proposed UPU constitution should also have a provision which makes it possible for the Council of Traditional Rulers, (Ivies or monarchs) to take over the running of the union once there is strong evidence that the executive members are getting involved in partisan politics. The constitution should make it possible for the audited accounts of UPU, to be published twice yearly. The audited ac-

count should be done by a reputable firm and will, during the annual convention of the union, answer questions revolving around the audited financial statement and the appropriation of funds. The Women and Youth Wing of UPU should be made to be autonomous such that it holds its meetings and generate funds. These two arms of the UPU together with the Council of Traditional Rulers should act as checks and balance on the National Executive and be able to move vote of no confidence on the executive whenever the need arises to give way for a transition committee to take over the affairs of the union for specified period of time. At the moment, the powers of the union executives are too much. They can do and undo; which is why it is almost impossible to checkmate them. Urhobo

is a large ethnic group and must be well organized to enable us take the rightful place in the comity of nations. Never again should any politician or political activist be elected as the President-General of the UPU. Political candidates should go to the field and not come to UPU for endorsement to keep the unity and integrity of the Urhobo. I am of the candid opinion that if the Urhobo are truly united, the future will be great for us all. Time for our royal fathers and prominent sons and daughters to tackle this problem and enthrone an era of new leadership in UPU is now. Our neighbours have made us a “laughing stock.” This must stop henceforth. Urhobo Ovuovo! •Oghenesivbe is a political analyst and President of Agbon Peace and Economic Transformation Initiative (APETRI).

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015,

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Celebrating Ambode at 52! VIEWPOINT By Habib Aruna TRIBUTE IN BRIEF Celebrating a governor’s accomplishments

HE first few days of Akin wunmi Ambode as governor of Lagos are adding up as eventful as his 52years on planet earth. Consider these: Within hours of his inauguration, Ambode announced well-received appointments, including the choice of the urbane and respected journalist, Tunji Bello, as Secretary to the State Government. In less than a fortnight of Ambode’s ascension, he has visited scenes of petrol tanker explosions at Iyana Ipaja and Idimu; he has met oil industry stakeholders; he has set up a committee and charged them to work out ways of putting an end to the excesses of fuel tanker drivers; he has met senior editors to honour them and establish the points that he will partner with the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm. It’s quite a handful with even more events yet to be mentioned. But to have a complete picture of the unfolding personality of the new governor of Lagos, one needs to look at the journey of his life: Ambode spent close to 30years in the public service; he has straddled the local government system, where he reached the apex in

the service; he went on to become the Auditor-General of Lagos State; he judiciously handled the finances of the state when the central government under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government seized the federal allocation due to Lagos such that the state did not go under or go abegging to fund its people-oriented projects. Academically, Ambode received intellectual exposure in some of the world’s best universities including Harvard and Pennsylvania; and when he wanted more action and felt he wasn’t challenged enough to offer his services to society, Ambode left the public service for the private sector where, again, he launched into several thriving enterprises. Now Ambode is back to the public service, this time as governor of Lagos. What is he going to give the people this time around? Most of us are getting a hint of what this illustrious successor of the great legacies of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola is up to, not necessarily from his worthy past or experiences. Our takeaway is from what the man has done in a fortnight. As the old saying goes, the morning shows the day. What you do in the morning charts the course of the day. What you do with your youth determines what you make of your old age. The principal characteristic of

Ambode’s speech when he was sworn-in was to pledge that ideas would form the fulcrum of his reign. Put another way, creativity would be allowed to blossom such that Lagos under him would accommodate the dream of every citizen. If Tinubu laid the foundation of excellence, and Fashola built on it, Ambode would exploit the successes of these two brave men to forge even more formidable exploits based on these invincible resources: creativity, ideas, dreams and the people. When you are armed with these – vision, ideas, creativity and human resources – you can’t fail. Ambode’s own life proves this. At a time Obasanjo had conspired to have Lagos as the only opposition state in the South-West and he had gone ahead to strip the state naked financially as it were, Ambode called upon his creative professional acumen to steer the state through. He did not need oil money to do it. The story of how he performed the magic when nobody expected Lagos under the uncompromising and principled Tinubu to survive will be fully told one day. But it is heart-warming that the man Tinubu’s government and the whole of Lagos counted on for survival is here again, and one more time at a critical point when oil wealth coming to the states from the central government is at its lowest depth. He isn’t scared by the

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is under-financed — Omotesho By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Professor of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management in University of Ilorin, Professor Olubunmi Omotesho, has urged the federal government in conjunction with various agricultural financial institutions in the country to drastically scale down lending rates to small farm operators in the country in order to improve the small farm operations and boost food production. Professor Omotesho who is also the Dean, Students Affairs, of the university, said this in the158th Inaugural Lecture titled,”Let the Small Scale Farmer be in Good Standing”, which he delivered in the university recently. Omotesho noted that,”Currently agricultural lending represents 2 percent of the total lending of banks in Nigeria”, adding that,”this performance is below the level of other developing countries

like Kenya which registers 6 percent”. He added that Nigeria’s agricultural sector is under-financed. Professor Omotesho further tasked the new administration to review,”in totality the incentives to banks in granting credit to farmers.

“The government also has to invest in the procurement of important storage facilities and make them available to the farmers through viable farmers co-operatives to ensure the spread of supply beyond the harvesting period” he stressed.

•Ambode challenges. On the contrary, Ambode is excited that he has work to do, that his skills of financial prudence are being put at the disposal of his fatherland. As we celebrate Ambode at 52 today, the thinking is that he has not arrived, even if materially he is classed as among the Joneses. He has not arrived in the sense that he wants to be judged more by how he strives to lift the poor from their poverty, how his government initiates and pursues policies to identify the administration as a compassionate one, how his team relates with the man in the street, how state institutions help the people to live their dreams, how a person of little substance but brimful of ideas

By Abiodun Alade

HE convener of the Forwarders Group, Oluwole Ben Eweoya, has urged for improved reading culture among pupils in primary schools and students in secondary schools. Eweoya noted this during the pilot of his ‘Reading Time’ with pupils of the St.Paul’s Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. Eweoya, who read the Jealous Cat, urged other members of the

FG to use 'card reader' to tackle poverty — Yesso By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

HE Federal Government has said it is building a database or Single Register (SR) for the identification of vulnerable Nigerians and those living below poverty level. Head of Operations, Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations, (YESSO) of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Mr. Andrew Adejo, disclosed this last week in Lokoja, Kogi State, during the fiveday World Bank Training of Trainers Community Base Targeting (CBT) for the Development of Single Register (SR) of potential ‘Beneficiary of

Youth Empowerment and social Support Operation’, for Kogi State. Adejo, who described the programme as seamless as the Card Reader device used during the last General Election said the scheme will aid government’s renewed effort in tackling poverty, “The database/singer register will be used the same way the card reader was used for the last general election. What the Card Reader did for our electoral process will be what the database/Single Register will do for poverty reduction efforts in the country. “The analogy is that the Single Register will serve the same purpose in creating a clearly

defined database as to who is who. If you recall in the electoral process, the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and the use of the Card Reader, a voter was clearly distinguished; you know the true voters; there was no debate about who voted or who did not. “With the Single Register we are going to have a data base with clear information on who is poor; because their indices is there, and you can see an indicator in terms of their living standard, dwelling characteristics, their social information that will be able to tell you in terms of their welfare status and you will now do a proximate test as a means of validation.''

and creativity would be honoured and rewarded, and in a word, how “everyone must have a voice in my administration.” The cynic in our skeptical society would want to pooh-pooh this mission statement of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as a tall order. But before they do it, I invite them to examine the lives of remarkable men and women. It was their great dreams and dogged pursuit of these dreams that earned them a place in history. I wish you a Happy Birthday sir, as you seek a place in history!

•Aruna is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ambode.

There is need for improved reading culture in public schools — Eweoya public to join hands in impacting lives at the grassroots, especially the children who are the leaders of tomorrow. “I find it a moral duty to give my one hour to them to broaden and impact their knowledge. With more resources, we will cover the other schools in the local government area. It is not a one man show; it is something we all have to do. Let us come with ideas. Change starts from here and we are changing their lives at this tender age. We must give back to our community. I remembered one Rotarian doctor, Tom Obayan that used to come to my secondary school back then. He will come to the school and gathered us in the hall, mentor us and talk to us about careers and the future. Maybe, I would have been someone else if not for such mentorship,” noted Eweoya who represented St. Paul’s Anglican Nur/Pry School in debate competition over thirty years ago

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S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 14, 2015

We can make our clubs as big as Man U, Arsenal — Ezeonwuka Rommy Ezeonwuka, is the first Nigerian to build and own a sports stadium. Over the years, he has nurtured the complex with professionalism, which most of the people entrusted with maintaining publicly owned facilities lacked. The Rojenny Stadium hosted the first ever athletics event to be held in Anambra State. This was because a modern tartan track, was laid courtesy of the State governor, Willy Obiano. Ezeonwuka says, he is partnering with the government, individuals and corporate organizations, not only to build a modern stadium, but to run a club in the mold of Manchester United, Arsenal and the rest of other big European clubs. In this chat with Ben Efe and Nwanbueze Nwankwo, he speaks of his experience and expectations.

HE Rojenny Stadium project is almost 30 years now. How have you been able to manage the facilities here when you take in cognizance that publicly owned stadia are not being adequately maintained? Ezeonwuka: Well it takes extra-ordinary will power to manage and maintain a complex such as this. Everything on it depends on how sacrificial someone is, how devotional and dedicated. Everything is possible, if you have this attributes of sacrifices, dedication, devotion and selfless service. That is the secret to the success of this complex. In the past we have the national teams coming

here for camping. Why have they stopped? Ezeonwuka: Well everything about our national teams has to do with politics and I am not a politician. It was when this country wanted the best that the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Association, decided that this is best place they can camp and achieve results. The teams were camped here and they achieved that result. But outside those group of people who thought that; no other group in the country ’s football administration has thought along that line. Everything is now about politics. It is politics that has ruined this country, people play politics not out

•Rommy Ezeonwuka of selfless platform, but out of selfish motives. If it isn’t politics then tell why such a place, which is comparable to any sports resort in the world should be overlooked? We have everything in place, sports facilities, place of worship for all religions, we have

You cannot stop athletes’ exodus to Arab nations — Ariyo By Ben Efe

e n o w n e d athletics coach, Taiwo Ariyo said from his base in Saudi Arabia, that it will almost be impossible to stop Nigerian athletes from seeking greener pastures in Arab nations. Mr. T, as he is fondly called by admirers stated that the near zero welfare package for Nigerian athletes back at home, makes it certain that more Nigerian juniors, were going to join the exodus to Arab countries, where according to him Nigerian athletes have found a new lease of life. “Some of our athletes in Bahrain have cars and are living in good homes. Athletes like Femi Ogunade and Samuel Francis are simply leaving large. “This is something that can never happen to

them, if they had chosen to stay back in Nigeria. “I was in a meet the other day. I saw one Nigerian junior straight from home who did 22.5 in the 200m. I was simply overwhelmed.I continued to wonder, when will our country wake up and do the right thing for our athletes. “If we can give a quarter of what Bahrain and Qatar give to our athlete,Nigerian athletics will bounce back.” He enjoined Nigerian officials to stop looking abroad for athletics talents, when in fact there are abundant and fresh talents in every nook and cranny of the country. “I know some of the young Nigerians that are doing fantastically well. Why waste time recycling athletes who are near retirement? “I know that Nigeria has the money to keep its young athletes at home.

“Look at the kind publicity an athlete like Blessing Okagbare is giving to Nigeria. “Money cannot buy that, but all we need do is to invest in our young athletes. The problem is that we do not respect our own product and this n e g a t e s development,”said the coach. He absolved the Athletics Federation of Nigeria board led by Solomon Ogba from all blame. But rather a system which have jettisoned result yielding methods of sports development. “I am not blaming Ogba for the problem. But rather I praise him for sticking out his neck when nobody is ready to do it. It is his efforts that have sustained athletics in Nigeria, otherwise the sport would have completely die off. “But things are not beyond repairs. If we start doing the right thing today, the tomorrow of our athletes will be bright.”

zoo, hospitality. We have recreational facilities for the football stars, where they can reinvigorate themselves. This is what America have that makes them America, this what Jamaica have that makes them Jamaica and this what Europe have that makes them Europe and if God has raised someone to build this kind of facility in Nigeria, our people would rather not want to encourage him. It takes a mad man to do what I have done here. Not only one person can invest what I have invested here. What will it cost to camp here compared to what it obtain abroad? Our national teams that

go out cannot get up to 50 percent of what they can get right here in Rojenny Sports and Tourist village, when they travel abroad. The cost to use this facility compared to what they spend abroad is peanuts. We don’t need to be taking huge amount of naira looking for dollars to buy to camp our teams overseas. What they will spend here will not even be up to 10 percent of what they will spend abroad and the footballers will get maximum benefit of this facility, compare to what they will get overseas. This is the first track facility that will be laid in Anambra State despite the fact Anambra is a catchment area for athletics? Yeah it is one of the fortunes of this State and I have to commend the governor of Anambra,Willy Obiano. He is the one that saw the potentials of this place and that of our sports men and women and he decided to install a tartan track here in his quest to bring sports revolution to the people of Anambra. We have been lacking this facility and the Rojenny Stadium is the only stadium in the State that has the space to accommodate an international standard tartan track. All other stadia in the State are soccer pitches and they cannot accommodate a tartan track. But the Rojenny Stadium has space to accommodate all track and field events facilities. It is a 50, 000 capacity stadium. There will be more development, the stadium will have to be

domed so that all the stands will be covered. It is will be open to the people of Anambra to invest and it will not just Ezeonwuka’s Stadium. It will be Anambra Stadium. With the tracks here do we now expect more athletes from Anambra? Oh yes most definitely, by three to four years time, I can assure you that Anambra will produce Olympians. You don’t have a club playing in the Nigeria league here in the State. With this Stadium will that be possible? Yes my intention with stadium is to partner with the government, corporate bodies and other individuals to bring forth a club like Man United or Arsenal to make us happy. We can have clubs like that in Nigeria, it is time we move up from one man club to a club for everybody, we should have a club that is patronized by the community and that club can be reckoned with. Can you recall some of the events the Stadium has witness? This is one the busiest stadium in Nigeria, it has hosted matches of three top clubs Udoji United, Jasper United and Gabros. This is pitch that has hosted about seven continental matches. We have camped a national team for 2 years and three months by coach Fanny Amun. Players like Nwankwo Kanu, Wilson Oruma, Celetsine Babayaro trained here. They came here 1991 and they left for the world cup in ’93 to win the Under-17 World Cup.

Athletics Heights... Coach Ariyo and IAAF president Lamine Diack during a meet.

S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 14, 2015 — PAGE 61

Copa America: Mascherano wants Argentina to ‘hold something’ J

AVIER Mascherano has urged his teammates to finally go and win something ahead after their opening game against Paraguay in the Copa America. The Albiceleste despite the array of stars have failed to win an international title in 23 years. Finishing as runnersup to Germany at the last World Cup was not enough for Mascherano and his colleagues. The Barcelona player said: “It’s not a matter of egos, but each of us needs to win something with the national team. “We want to consolidate the work that has been done in the last few years and it would be very good to add a cup to that second-placed finish in Brazil.” Not even winning the Champions League in Berlin last week was enough for the former Liverpool man.

“When you win something, which is not often at all, it’s like taking a drug,” he added. “It’s addictive and you want to keep on winning. “The national team are all set up to win the title. If you check through the names we have a great team. That allows you to start dreaming.” Now they are coached by Gerardo Martino, Argentina play with a more aggressive style, despite the fact most of the players are the same as when Alejandro Sabella was the boss. “As we put more players into the attack we will take more risks, but we will have more chances too,” said Mascherano. “Martino has brave ideas. I’ve been playing like this for seven years at Barcelona, but in the national team it requires a lot more work. Only over time will this system work.”

PRESSURE... Soccer action between Brazil and Argentina. Javier Mascherano feels the full weight of the pressure.

Messi’s resurgence down to diet N

MESSI ...Shining Star

UTRITIONIST Giuliano Poser has confirmed that he helped Lionel Messi change his diet, leading to the Barcelona star ’s outstanding 2014-15 campaign. Messi scored 58 goals and contributed 23 assists as Barcelona won the Champions League, Copa del Rey and La Liga Treble, making him a huge favourite for the 2015 Ballon d’Or award. This followed a disappointing 2013-14, which was disrupted by injury and saw Barca fail to win a trophy for the first time in six seasons. Messi then started the World Cup impressively but appeared to tire and was unable to prevent Argentina from losing 10 to Germany in the final. A number of reports put

his upturn in form down to a new diet, with Blaugrana transfer advisor Charly Rexach revealing that Messi had “eaten too many pizzas” in the past. The player was photographed meeting Poser in Italy during a break from action in April. In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, picked up in AS, Poser, from Argentina, said Messi had taken a tip from his international colleague Martin Demichelis and consulted him. “I am a good friend of Demichelis and he recommended he [Messi] visit me,” Poser said. “After the World Cup, something changed. Messi had the intuition and humility to try and do something different in his

professional life.” The 59-year-old kinesiologist, whose methods reportedly include the use of Bach flower remedies, emotional therapy and a balanced diet, said the change from processed to natural foods had allowed Messi to train with greater intensity. “He eliminated processed foods and replaced them with foods rich in vitamins — cereals, vegetables, fish and olive oil,” Poser explained.

EGENDARY B a r c e l o n a midfielder Xavi says teammate Neymar must learn to show more respect to his opponents on the field. With the Brazilian now in Chile for the Copa America tournament, Xavi shared his thoughts on the 23-year-old, who recently came under fire for perceived showboating in Barca’s C M Y K

Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao. “He should seriously think about how he acts [in the future],” the newly signed Al Sadd man said. “I understand people’s attitudes to his [rainbow flick] against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa [del Rey]. Some saw it as a lack of respect. Neymar helped Barcelona to the club’s

HIBAUT Courtois has admitted he would ‘understand’ if Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech decided to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. The Czech stopper has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal after playing second fiddle to the Belgian last season. Manchester United and clubs across Europe have also been linked to his signature, but it is Arsenal who appear to be in pole position, with Arsene Wenger desperate to strengthen between the sticks. Speaking prior to Belgium’s defeat by Wales in Cardiff last night, Courtois praised the impact Cech has had on his young career so far, and the relationship they enjoyed last season. He said: “Petr Cech is one of the best in the world. Our relationship in training was really good, we pushed each other to a higher level. “I think we saw that in the games for Chelsea. If I was not playing, he was playing and he saved the team as well. So I think it was a very good year for Chelsea. “I think during the year already, I have spoken a lot about Petr Cech. For me he is a fantastic guy and I worked really well together with him. “If he stays, I am happy. If he leaves, I understand as well.”

Khedira speaks of Real agony

E R M A N midfielder Sami Khedira described his last few months at Spanish football club Real Madrid as the most difficult spell of his

Xavi lectures Neymar on respect for opponents

Courtois: I’ll be happy if Cech stays

second-ever treble this season. “Those things in Brazil are accepted, but not so much [in Spain]. He should reflect on it because he’s an extraordinary guy, a hard worker and humble. “But he has this Brazilian trait, which sees such things as part of the show. [In Spain], it looks like a lack of respect.”

career. He also said that manager Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking saw him lose interest in a potential move to Bundesliga club FC Schalke. He will move to Italian champions Juventus at the end of the month when his Madrid contract expires after falling out of favour at the Spanish club last season. “I am very happy this is now fixed and I can now prepare myself for my new club. The last few months were perhaps the most difficult of my career because I could not show that I can still do it in Madrid,” Khedira was quoted as saying by goal.com on Saturday.

PAGE 62— S UNDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE 14, 2015

2015 Women’s W/Cup: African sides beaten I

T was a disappointing match day for the three African representatives as they all succumbed to losses. The Super Falcons were undone by Simon’s brace to give Australia a 2-0 win and increase their chance to make the next round. On the other hand, the African champions, who gave a good account of themselves in this game, face a do or die match against USA to stay alive in this competition. Thailand responded to Ivory Coast’s early goal with three of their own, meaning that not even the late strike by their opponents would deny them a win. Ange scored Ivory Coast’s first ever goal at the Women’s World Cup but her side surrendered to three goals from the Thais. Josee scored in the 88th minute to reduce the deficit but it was not enough to earn them anything from the game. Nevertheless, it was a huge improvement from the 10 goal walloping by Germany. World champions, Japan became the first side to reach the knockout round after a 2-1 win over Cameroon. The Japanese raced to an early two goal lead courtesy of Sameshama and Sugaswa, never letting up their hold on this game. Cameroon’s lionesses earned a late consolation from Nchout; they are now level on points with Switzerland whom they face for an automatic last 16 spot.

Super Falcons midfielder Halimatu Ayinde (L) vies for the ball with Australia’s defender Teresa Polias during their Group D match of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Winnipeg Stadium on June 12, 2015, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Photo/AFP

2017 Afcon qualifier: Warriors win in Blantyre

IMBABWE opened their Group L campaign in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Malawi in Blantyre on Saturday afternoon. The win sees the Warriors join Swaziland at the top of the mini league standings, after the minnows’ surprise 2-1 win over Guinea in Casablanca on Friday night. Zimbabwe started the match strongly and opened

Falcons coach Continues from B/P Australia,” he said, adding, “we have to get back out and score goals. We must qualify. Nigeria must qualify to the next round. So we must get back to the form we had against Sweden”. He however blamed the centre referee who handled their match against Australia who ended the match abruptly. Okon queried match officials’ decision to award Kyah Simon’s second goal on the night as legitimate and faulted them for short changing his side on added time by 4 minutes. C M Y K

“I don’t have much to say but at that level we are not happy with the officiating the second goal and the added time. “As long as we know, 2 or 3 minutes can produce two goals, cutting off 4 good minutes for a side was not fair because we believe with that 4 minutes anything could still happen on the pitch of play,” Okon said. “ I’ve maintained that no team at this stage is a bad side. We’ll go back and work because we must qualify to the next round, the children are aware, they know their mistakes.”

the scoring midway through the first half through Cuthbert Malajila, who took advantage of a terrible defensive error from Harry Nyirenda to find the back of the net with a low shot. But less than 60 seconds later the Flames drew level at 1-1, with John Banda crashing home a volley after the visitors slacked off at the

back. Malawi went on to dominate the rest of the first half, but found no further joy in attack. The second half saw the teams cancel each other out for the most part, though there were certainly scoring opportunities which were wasted at both ends of the field.

Nigerian footballer dies in Malaysia

I G E R I A N defender David Faramola Oniya died on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match between his Malaysian club TTeam and Kelantan. He was 30. Local media said the TTeam skipper collapsed three minutes into the match in Kota Bharu and was taken to hospital. •Late David Oniya T-Team CEO Syahrizan Straits Times. Mohd Zain said Oniya ‘The driver was at the did not receive medical stands watching the game treatment quick enough. when Oniya suddenly ‘He suffered a heart collapsed and our attack but it could have defender was deprived of been a different story had oxygen for several the ambulance driver was minutes.’ alert,’ he told the New

World Junior Softball Championship:

NBSA invites 35 to camp

HE Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association (NBSA) have released the names of 35 players expected to arrive in camp on June 15, ahead of the forthcoming 11th World Junior Softball Championship scheduled to hold in Oklahoma, U.S. The NBSA’s Secretary, Kehinde Laniyan said that the players would commence a 40-day programme in Port Harcourt and other locations in the country ahead of the competition. Laniyan disclosed that the invited players were selected from tryouts that were held in Ibadan and Port Harcourt in May. ‘The camp is for the purpose of preparing our players ahead of the upcoming championship and we are already putting everything in place to ensure a good outing for our team. ‘The invited players have already gone through tryouts which is

the first thing we do before inviting players to camp. ‘The 40-day time frame is to enable our technical officials work thoroughly, while feeding and accommodation for players and technical officials will be adequately provided,” he said. He added that 20 players would be eventually selected based on merit to represent the country at the championship. The scribe, however, appealed to corporate organisations and philanthropists to support the team’s preparations for the event. Nigeria is in pool A alongside Ecuador, China, Great Britain and Japan the defending champion. Nigeria is the only Africa representative among the 18 countries that will feature in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) sanctioned event holding from Aug. 9 to Aug. 15.

Enyeama Continues from B/P where he hopes to call it a day with international football. He called on fans to support the team to achieve the feat. He said that the Eagles are starting a fresh after missing out of the tournament in 2015. ‘ All we need Nigerians to understand is that we’re starting a new phase, we want Nigerians to start with us

afresh, everything brand new that Nigerian support and passion. ‘ Not the Super Chickens thing that is bygone. When you call the players super chicken it does not inspire confidence to play. We need to put it behind us and forge ahead. The entire country needs to be one team and go for the kill against opponents not turn on your own”Enyeama said.

Eagles Continues from B/P when the centre referee gave Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi the marching order, following a red card after he charged at a Chadian defender who had slapped him. In a post match address, Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi praised his boys “for playing according to instructions”. He also said that his team was still work in progress, hence the fielding of three new players including Ekong William, Madu Kingsley and Edison Anderson. In his own reaction, Chief Coach of the Chadian national team, Emmanuel Tregoat admitted that the Nigerians were better hence he was not disappointed with the result. According to him, Chad is a small team that hopes to grow one day like Nigeria.

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015 — Page 63

C M Y K

SUNDAY Vanguard, JUNE 14, 2015

Enyeama begs fans to support Eagles

UPER Eagles captain and keeper, Vincent Enyeama yesterday pulled two crucial saves to keep the team’s

confidence intact as they battled Chad in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Enyeama is eager to see the Super Eagles play at the 2017 AFCON

Continues on page 62

AFCON 2017 Qualifiers

Eagles subdue Chad 2-0 BY JUDE OPARA, Kaduna

•Chad coach happy with his team

HE Super Eagles yesterday began their quest to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a bright note with a 2-0 victory over their counterparts from Chad. Warri Wolves striker, Gbolahan Salami got the first goal in the 65th minute after a beautiful combination with Ahmed Musa. The goal was the needed tonic for the Nigerians who looked ordinary in the first half as they continued to mount pressure on the visitors’ half. The substitution of Babatunde Michael with Rabiu Ibrahim and Aaron Samuel with Odion Ighalo paid off almost immediately as the skilful Ighalo earned a penalty after he was pulled down in the vital area by a Chadian defender in the 65th minute. He rose to his feet and scored from the spot. However, the talking point of the game was

Continues on page 62

AFCON 2017 Qualifiers Nigeria 2 Chad 0 Angola 4 C A Republic 0 Uganda 2 Botswana 0 Zambia 0 Guinea-Bissau 0 Malawi 1 Zimbabwe 2 S/Africa 0 Gambia 0 C/Verde 7 Sao Tome & P. 1

•Salami

GOAL! .... Kyah Simon of Australia scores her second goal during the Group D match between Australia and Nigeria of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 at Winnipeg Stadium on Friday in Winnipeg, Canada. Australia won 2-0. Photo: AFP

We must qualify for next round, Falcons coach vows S

UPER Falcons coach, Edwin Okon has promised to ensure his wards qualify for the knock out stage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Okon who was speaking after the African champions were beaten 2-0 by a tactically superior Australia side, said his girls must come out and attack

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.Nobel-winning Archbishop (7-4) 5.Sailor (3) 7.Consumed (5) 8.Domesticates (5) 9.Ovum (3) 10.Electricity counting gadgets (6) 13.Highlander (4) 15.Poem (3) 17.One that contests (9) 20.Nigerian tribe (5) 22.Cereal (5) 24.Demoted (9) 27.Pig’s pen (3) 29.No one (4) 30.Sulks (6) 33.Away (3) 35.Presses (5) 36.Till (5) 37. Swine (3) 38. “The Man Who Saw Tomorrow” (11)

DOWN 1.Sleeping vision (5) 2.Possessor (5) 3.Tax (4) 4.Depressing (9) 5.Argentinian dance (5) 6.Wash lightly (5) 11.Greek letter (3) 12.Distress call (1-1-1) 14.English boy’s name (5) 16.Obstacle (3) 17.Bovine animal (3) 18.Mindfulness (9) 19.Alarm (5) 21.Help (3) 23.Village house (3) 25.Gnome (3) 26.Vast age (3) 27.Condescend (5) 28.Youthful (5) 31.Circular (5) 32.Trades (5) 34.Old Russian King (4)

against the USA team in their next match on Tuesday. Okon started by reflecting on the ill-fated encounter against the Australian ladies. “I thought it was a very good match. I congratulate the winners, Continues on page 62

Nigerian footballer dies in Malaysia •P.62

•Edwin Okon

Today’s Fixtures

See solution on page 5

Giwa FC Dolphins El-Kanemi Warriors Wikki Tourists Heartland 3SC Nasarawa United Kwara United Abia Warriors

v v v v v v v v v

FC Ifeanyiubah Sharks FC Taraba Enyimba Bayelsa United Lobi Stars Akwa United Rangers Sunshine Stars

5 p.m. 5 p.m 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

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