Its act of lawlessness, impunity - Ameachi

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RSGH blockade: It’s act of lawlessness — Amaechi •We’re back in the days of Abacha — nPDP •Don’t incite Nigerians against Jonathan — PDP replies ...As Police hunt for members of nPDP in Bayelsa

BY HENRY UMORU,Abuja & SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa THE Abubakar Kawu Baraje led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday described the sack of nine Ministers by President Goodluck Jonathan as that targeted at the ‘ rebel’ governors and also designed to victimise those perceived to be supporting them, just as it warned that anarchy looms in the country if leaders of thought failed to intervene.

The Baraje led nPDP also said that the police barring Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his visitors Thursday night from accessing the Governor ’s residence through the private gate of the State Government House was an indication of the return of the dark days of former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, just as the group pleaded with Heads of State, religious leaders, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations, among others to save the country from those it said were working towards plunging it into a state of anarchy.

Also, commenting on the issue, Governor Amaechi and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, condemned the Police blockade, saying “it is the height of lawlessness and impunity.”

The Governor was returning to Government House, Port Harcourt with the Forum of former Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria at about 7.00pm after an inspection of numerous projects executed by his adminstration when it was discovered there was a police roadblock at the Port Harcourt Club junction along Forces Avenue.

The Governor also apol-

ogized to the ex-Speakers of Nigeria for the embarrassment by the Rivers Police Command.

“I apologize for the embarrassment you suffered during our return from inspection to various projects.”

He also explained the overriding need for the National Assembly and the various State Houses of Assembly to fashion out a Legislative Framework that would address retirement benefits of the exlawmakers and their welfare, especially as former elected public officers who represented their people well and served the nation meritoriously.

Also yesterday in a statement by the nPDP National Publicity Secretary, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the party said, “No matter the flimsy excuses being given by the Federal Government over the sack of nine of our candidates from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the truth of the matter is that these innocent Ministers were sacked because they were either nominated by us or sympathetic to our cause. ”We are aware that these Ministers had been under surveillance and denied the necessary tools to work with – in short, they were programmed to fail immediately they were indentified with us. Sadly, these innocent Ministers have been sacked while the most corrupt Ministers whose atrocious activities are well known to Nigerians, are retained.

The most pitiable case of these sacked Ministers is that of our mother, the Minister of Housing, Ms Ama Pepple, whose crime was approaching Mr. President to plead with him, even kneeling down to beg him to forgive Gov. Amaechi for whatever sins he is assumed to have committed against him.

”We wish to assure these victimised Ministers that their travails are temporary. They have nothing to be ashamed of; their fate is in the hands of God and their future is very bright. Therefore, rather than being sad, they should count themselves lucky for being part of the struggle to salvage our party and country from the hands of opportunists who are using a political party which they do not know how it was formed to torment and haunt the founders of the party and their supporters. ”We urge former Heads of State, Religious Leaders, Our Royal Fathers, Civil Society Activists and all men of goodwill to intervene before these misguided elements plunge this nation into anarchy.

This country belongs to all of us and we can no longer sit and watch an over ambitious cabal intoxicated by power brazenly inflict needless pain on us on a daily basis. ”It started like a joke.

After the state governors elected their leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, in a vote of 19 to 16, defeating Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau State to retain his position as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), PDP under Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and their collaborators in government preferred the defeated candidate. They improved on this when they engineered five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to attempt to impeach the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dan Amachree, in a House of 32 members with the intention of reconvening few hours later to impeach the Governor. If not for the swift intervention of the National Assembly, they might have succeeded in achieving their devilish aim without minding the consequences. ”These enemies of democracy did not stop there; they organised and stoned visiting Northern Governors on a solidarity visit to their Rivers State counterpart, not minding the consequences. ”They went ahead to illegally suspend a sitting Governor (Rt. Hon. Amaechi) against the spirit of the PDP Constitution, soon following it with the suspension of Gov. Aliyu

L-R Chairman, Itu LGA, Hon. Micheal Etim, UNESCO Chair on Eremology, Prof Donald Gabriels , Akwa Ibom State Comm forInformation, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Consul of the Kingdom of Belguim to Nigeria, Mr. jereon Dubois and the representative of Governor Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and commissioner for Health, Dr. Ememobong Bassey at the launching of the countdown to the centenary of the late Scottish missionary, Mary Slessor and commissioning of project at General Hospital, Itu. Wamakko of Sokoto State for not picking the calls of the tyrannical National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. As if this was not enough, they went ahead to suspend Senator Andy Uba for winning the Anambra State PDP Governorship Primaries just because they preferred another aspirant. And then from nowhere, they suspended PDP’s former National Vice Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja! ”Not yet satisfied, these enemies of democracy had the guts to remove the names of Governor Murtala Nyako and that of one of the founders of PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from the delegates list of Adamawa State for their failed Special National Convention. Haba! What type of politics is this?

And these people still want us at our ages to keep quiet and allow them to shave our heads while we do nothing! God forbid!! ”Against the spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that clearly stipulates freedom of association for Nigerians – even the freedom of factionalisation of a political party as stated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), our people are being hounded in various states of the Federation. In flagrant and outright breach of the Constitution and abuse of the rule of law, today our National Secretariat remains sealed by the Police. To

add salt to our injury, our Rivers State Secretariat which just opened for business has also been sealed by the Police, who claimed to be acting on orders from above. ”Indeed, General Sani Abacha must be lamenting in his grave that Nigerians wrongly abused him considering the high degree of impunities being encouraged in a democratic set up, with the Police being used as a tool to haunt political opponents. ”We are however consoled that while the G34 that gave birth to PDP was born during the dark days of Abacha, today a new PDP is being given birth to and is determined to legally and constitutionally fight these impunities being perpetrated by false democrats in our country. ”We urge our supporters to continue to exercise patience and avoid the temptation to meet force with force so as not to play into the hands of our enemies. We also urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for God to touch the hearts of our leaders so that these dark days of General Abacha during which people are haunted for expressing their views may be cut short.”

Meanwhile, the Police in Bayelsa State have launched man hunt for members of the group it tagged illegal political organisation under the name of “new PDP” forcing them to go into hiding.

The group, which declared support for the

Kawu Baraje led PDP faction was formed by loyalists of former Governor Timipre Sylva.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Okpara in a statement yesterday in Yenagoa confirmed that the security agencies in the state have been put on red alert to hunt for the purported members of the new Bayelsa PDP, describing them as sponsors of an illegal organisation out to disrupt the peace of the state.

Hillary Okpara in a statement said “the Police in Bayelsa State have alerted the public of attempts by some people in the State to form an illegal political organization under the name of “New PDP” and advised law abiding Bayelsans to dissociate themselves from the group. ”We warned persons associated with the illegal group, including their sponsors to desist forthwith, stressing that no such group or any other organization not legally registered would be allowed to disrupt the existing peace and tranquility in the State. ”The police and other security agencies in the state have been put on notice and urged members of the public to promptly report the existence or the activities of such illegal groups in any part of the state to the nearest police station or security outfit for necessary action.

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Tukur vs Baraje: Court hears case September 20

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

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HE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, slated September 20 to commence hearing on the suit filed before it by the Bamanga Tukur led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, seeking to declare activities of the “New PDP” illegal.

Justice Elvis Chukwu who presided over the case yesterday, said he would hear both the substantive suit and preliminary objection filed against it by the respondents, led by the factional chairman of the party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, on the same day.

Other respondents who yesterday urged the court to dismiss the suit as lacking in merit included former Vice President, Atiku Abukakar, national secretary of the splinter group, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Baraje’s deputy, Dr Sam Jaja.

It was the contention of the respondents that the suit not only lacked competence, but constitutes a domestic affair of a political party.

While challenging the jurisdiction of the court to

hear the matter, members of the ‘new PDP’, insisted that the case ought to have been filed before a state or Federal Capital Territory high court.

Arguing through their lawyer, Mr Raji Ahmed, SAN, the Baraje group, maintained that “This action is incompetent and this Court lacks the jurisdiction to hear it. The subject matter revolves around the domestic affairs of Peoples Democratic Party.

“It is only in matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under section 251 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that can be competently entertained in this Court.

“The subject matter herein is not cognizable under section 251of the 1999 Constitution, and this Court does not have the jurisdiction to entertain it.”

Consequently, they asked the court for “an order striking out the suit in its entirety for lack of jurisdiction.”

Meantime, determined to halt activities within the camp of the faction, Tukur and eleven national officers of the PDP, urged the court to restrain the four respondents from parading themselves as

officials of the party.

Equally joined as a respondent in the suit was the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Specifically, the plaintiffs prayed the court to restrain INEC from recognizing, dealing and relating with the Baraje led faction of the party as the national officers of the party, as well as restrain them from operating or opening a parallel national, State, Local Government Area and Ward Secretariat of the party pending the determination of the suit.

As well as, to issue an order, stopping the Baraje led faction from interfering with the duties and functions of the newly elected Executives of the party.

2015: Jonathan kicks off campaigns *as Gulak inaugurates 44-member Elders Committee *Nnamani, George, Mantu, Eteh, Aminu, Iwuanyanwu top list * Presidency denies political undertones on Ministers’ sack

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU, Abuja

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HE presidency has picked holes in the rumours making the rounds that the sack of nine Ministers by President Goodluck

Vanguard Publisher, others bid late Murray-Bruce farewell

BY EGUFE YAFUGBOEHI, PH

L

ATE Stephen Edward MurrayBruce of the famous Murray-Bruce dynasty who died 3 rd of September this year has been laid to rest.

The final journey home for the departed MurrayBruce began yesterday at St. Jude Catholic Church, Rumuaholu, Port Harcourt

where Francis MurrayBruce and arrowheads of the Silverbird Group, Ben Murray-Bruce and younger brother, Guy lead the family and well wishers for requiem mass.

Guests at the event include former minister, Graham Douglas and Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka who had been part of the funeral activities since the day before where a Service of Songs

Oduah, Chidoka commend Obi’s govt

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HE Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has described the return of schools to the Church by Gover nor Peter Obi administration as a fundamental initiative to recapture the core values of Ndigbo. P r i n c e s s Stella was speaking at the 2013, Sustainable Good Governance organized by League of Anambra Professionals in collaboration with Anambra State government at the Women Development Centre, Awka.

The Minister represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. George

Osi, noted that Governor Obi has raised the bar of governance through unique leadership style that has attracted a lot of commendation. She explained that the return of schools to the mission would help to raise the moral tone in the society and check the erosion of the value system and emphasized that Igbo values were fundamental in promoting unity, hard work, socio-economic and political growth as well as enhance team spirit and interdependence and c o m m u n a l achievements.

R-L: Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu welcoming Governor of Kano, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Lagos today.

was held for the Late Murray Bruce at the Forces Avenue residence of Francis Murray-Bruce.

The funeral train proceeded to the Port Harcourt Cemetery Town where remains of Stephen Murray-Bruce were interned before guests were treated to a reception back at the home of Francis MurrayBruce.

Born 1939, Stephen Edward Murray-Bruce is survived by a wife, children, siblings and extended relatives of the Murray-Bruce family including being uncle to Flytime Promotions CEO, Cecil Hammond.

Jonathan had political undertones.

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Matters, Ahmed Gulak explained that the decision to unseat the ministers was far from being connected with the current crises rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking while inaugurating a 44 member Elders Committee, Gulak at the behest of the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) stated that the unity of the country remained paramount over and above parochial interest of persons or group of individuals in the polity.

According to him: “This is the decision of Mr. President. It is his constitutional power to hire and fire. The ministers were working for Mr. President and it has nothing to do with the PDP misunderstanding and disagreement. I believed that ministers who were relieved of their appointments had already contributed their own

quota.

Apparently referring to members of the “New PDP” faction, Gulak who is the national coordinator of the GSG noted that the PDP-led administration would not be intimidated with the presence of any viable opposition political party.

Charging members of the committee to work assiduously to keep both the PDP and the country at peace, he said: “There are some few people who believe that power must always belong to them and who believe you and me cannot lead this country.

But we know that in this country, it is God that decides what he wants.

No human being is a partner to God. Anybody who tries to assert himself above where God has put us in Nigeria’s political development is only dealing with himself.

Power belongs to God. Reacting, former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu who was one of the Elders assured that with the constitution of the elders committee,

the PDP now enmeshed in internal crises would reenact its potency ahead of the 2015 poll.

Among members of the 44 elders committee were former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Sheik Dan Zangar, Rev Yusuf Turaki, Bishop Thomas Okpor, Maj Gen Patrick Aziza (rtd), Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, Bishop C.N William, Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, Prof Jibril Aminu, Gen Yakubu Usman (rtd), Gen Haladu Hananiya (rtd), Prof Jerry Gana, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Okwesileze Nwodo, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Chibudom Nwuche, Saidu Umaru Kumo, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abba Dabo, Lili Gabari, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Bode Olajumoke, Prof Jibril Aminu, Senator Umar Hambagda, Alha Musa Liman, Aisha Aliyu Zamfara, Aisha Alhassan, Sam Ode, Senator Ayoola Agboola, Patricia Etteh, Dr Eze Kano and Alhaji Danlkadi Maidugu.

Route appointments through party, Group tells Jonathan

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN

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HEAD of the reconstitution of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), President Goodluck Jonathan has been advised to allow the party play a pivotal role in the exercise, a group, Good Governance Front (GGF), stated this in a statement it issued yesterday.

The group in the statement, which was

signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Akintunde Ige said if the party must bring sanity and stability to its fold and the government, all nominations should be routed through the party.

The statement reads, “The recent cabinet reshuffle by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has thrown up a lot of issues. Speculations have been rife as to why the ministers were relieved of

their appointments. Many have attributed the action to various reasons; from political to poor performance, the need to inject fresh blood into the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and calculations towards the 2015 elections.

Others have adduced other reasons; from the reasonable to the outrightly ludicrous.

“A careful analysis of all the comments and opinions, one point that has

remained consistent is the fact that most of the ministers were removed because of the alleged loyalty to some godfathers, governors or interests, other than the common good.

“We wish to further add that the current storm in the party is partly due to the past tradition where some “big men” by-pass the party structure to get things done at the highest level.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 7

Mobilise your people for Jonathan — FCT Minister tells traditional rulers •Urges them to maintain total surveillance in their areas •PDP will continue to grow in FCT — Rep

BY HENRY UMORU, Abuja

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INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Senator Bala Mohammed yesterday asked traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory to support President Goodluck Jonathan in all ramifications, just as he stressed that the President and the administration need the prayers of the monarchs.

Speaking yesterday during the official installation and presentation of Staff of office to four graded Traditional Rulers in the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Mohammed who prom-

ised that the government will accelerate the procurement process of purchasing vehicles for them as well as renovate their palaces to place them at par with their counterparts across the country, however urged the traditional rulers to ensure that they carry out a holistic surveillance of their areas to ensure that illegal immigrants do not infiltrate the territory through their domains, adding that as traditional rulers, they must mobilise their subjects to support the transformation agenda of President Jonathan.

The FCT Minister who also charged the traditional rulers to help protect the laws and customs

of the people, however urged them to help provide purposeful leadership, adding that the government will never take for granted their goodwill.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power and the Senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda who noted that history was being made with the event, said that for sixteen years, the people waited for the presentation of staff of office to the traditional rulers.

Also in his remarks, member representing AMAC/ Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Zephaniah Jisalo,

who said that the FCT had long been waiting for the presentation of staff of office, however boasted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP will continue to grow in the nation’ s capital city.

In his goodwill message, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Emmanuel Jime said that for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, there must be good participation at the grassroots.

The Minister at the old Parade ground, Area 10, Abuja yesterday presented Staff of Office to Mohammed Bello Umar, Agora of Zuba; Ibrahim Danlami Yaro, the Esu Bwari; Hussaini Agabi Mam, the Agabe of Ugbada (Gwargwada) and Abdullahi Adamu, the Etsu Yaba.

Earlier in her remarks, Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akin-

*Gov. Peter Obi (left), making presentation to Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah (right), during 2013, Sustainable Good Governance Summit organised by League of Anambra Professionals at the Women Development Centre, Awka, yesterday

jide who noted that it was a promise fulfilled during campaigns, said, “the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Act N0. 7 of 1998, Laws of Federal Capital Territory established the FCT chieftaincy institu-

tion. With this law, fourteen (14) chieftaincy districts were delineated and successful candidates who sailed through the various selection processes ascended the various stools.”

Former Ondo governor, Agagu dies at 65

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN, DAYO JOHNSON & OLA AJAYI

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HE immediate past governor of Ondo State Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu is dead.

Dr Agagu reportedly died yesterday afternoon barely less than 24 hours after returning from a trip to United States on Thursday.

He reportedly slumped and died in his house in Ibadan, Oyo state while another source said that he died in his Ikoyi residence, Lagos. Saturday Vanguard gathered that he died before he could be rushed to the hospital. He was 65years.

The late Dr Agagu was to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan together with some Elders from the South West on Sunday over the crisis within the Party which had led to the formation of a new PDP. The State Chairman of the PDP Hon Ebenezer Alabi yesterday confirmed the death of Dr Agagu.

Alabi said “We spoke extensively by 10am (Friday) yesterday and he even threw jokes at me.

Dr. Agagu was born 16 February 1948 at Iju Odo in Okipipupa local government area of the state.

He served as Governor of Ondo State from 29 May 2003 until February 2009 under the umberrella of Peoples’ Democratic Party,PDP. His education and Po-

*Late Dr. Olusegun Agagu

litical career He commenced his elementary education at St. Luke’s Anglican School, (now known as St. Paul’s Anglican School) Okitipupa, in 1954. In January 1958. He moved to live with his cousin, Edward Fagbohun in Ibadan, where he continued his primary education at Ebenezer African Church School, OkeAdo, Ibadan. In 1959, he was transferred to Kano in 1959 where he studied at the Ebenezer Methodist School and Baptist Primary School Sabon-Gari, Kano. He then moved back to Ebenezer African Church School, Ibadan where he completed his primary

education in 1960.

Thereafter, he was in Ibadan Grammar School between January 1961 and 1967 where he passed his West African School Certificate and the Higher School Certificate examinations.

He was admitted to the University of Ibadan in 1968 to study Botany but later changed to Geology in which he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hons) degree in Second Class Upper Division, in 1971.

As an undergraduate, his academic record was replete with laurels and prizes.

Agagu went to the University of Texas between 1973 and 1974 for his Masters degree in

Geology. Returning to Nigeria, he obtained a Ph.D degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Ibadan in 1978.

Agagu was appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister of Aviation in 1999.

Once, while on a foreign trip, the people of Ondo received false reports of his death.

On 29 June 2006 President Olusegun Obasanjo commended him for the work he had done leading Ondo State, saying “You have taken time to plan. We have also seen that the execution of the plan is now showing results.”

In September 2008, a Senate ad-hoc Committee investigating the Transportation Sector summoned Agagu and others as part of its probe of the entire transportation sector, to answer questions about his tenure as Minister of Aviation. On 5 March 2009 Agagu was questioned by the EFCC for Alleged N25billion spent on OSOPADEC during his administration, while the new administration led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko also commenced probe of contracts awarded in the last six months of his administration.

Associates react Many associates of the former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu received the news of his death with shock.

When Saturday Vanguard called some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, they

said they had not heard of his death.

Senator Lekan Balogun, a notable chieftain of the PDP and a friend of the deceased politician was speechless for a moment before asking how.

When he later spoke, he said he received the

news with shock describing him as a great intellectual who would be missed by the party, the state, friends and Nigeria. In his own words, Elder Wole Oyelese, a former Minister of Power and Steel, said it was a great loss to the country.

Former minister, Rufai to resume as lecturer on Monday •Gov Lamido says removal was not political

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN

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RSTWHILE Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai is to report at the Bayero University, Kano on Monday to resume her position as Professor of Curriculum Studies, she said yesterday.

She gave the indication to thousands of enthusiasts who turned out for her homecoming in Dutse, Jigawa State just as Governor Sule Lamido distanced her removal from the Federal cabinet from the ongoing troubles in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. Thousands of people thronged the Aminu Kano Triangle and streets leading to the venue to welcome her after her three years stint in the federal cabinet.

Governor Lamido who lauded her for what he described as her spectacular achievements in office said he was proud to have been told by President Goodluck Jonathan that she was a major as-

set to his government.

Talking to journalists following the reception, the former Minister said: “I plan to go back to my University, I am a Professor in Education in Curriculum Studies and I will report on Monday and then take a brief leave to have a kind of rest, but I am going back to the university.”

Asked if she had any regrets, she said: “This is the fourth time that I am handing over in my life. I have been a Commissioner twice and I have been a Minister twice and it is really not a surprise and depending on what the circumstances may be,” just as she poured commendations on President Jonathan and Governor Lamido for the opportunity to serve. Lamido in his own remarks at the reception said:“Let me remind us that as Muslims, we were very happy when our sister, daughter, mother and grandmother was picked by our brother President Jonathan.”

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Stop meddling in political issues, nPDP tells Police

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

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ATIONAL Youth Leader of the breakaway new Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, Comrade Timi Frank has accused the police of becoming partisan in the politics of the country and abandoning its primary function of maintaining peace and order.

Comrade Frank advised the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to stop meddling in political issues and concentrate on tackling security challenges like kidnapping, terrorism and the insurgence of Boko Haram that have placed the country in a bad light.

The factional nPDP Youth Leader also dismissed the recent reports that the crisis rocking the PDP would soon be over, saying that peace would only return to the party if

all the conditions presented by the Alhaji Barajeled faction were met.

He said, “Reports just coming in indicate that some members of the New PDP in Bayelsa State are being haunted for identifying with the party, and the new PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt being sealed off by police.

“I dare say that if this is the case, then it would be a grievous mistake as actions like this will only worsen matters, and therefore urging the Nigeria police to concentrate on security issues and kidnappings ravaging the country instead of joining in internal political matters. ”The constitution of the Federal Republic is clear as it relates to freedom of association, more even as regards the factionalization of a party. It would therefore, amount to outright breach of the consti-

tution as well as abuse of the rule of law and denial of fundamental human rights for persons to be haunted or arrested based on the current crisis in the PDP. We shall resist such attempts as they are simply barbaric,” the youth leader said.

While asking security agencies to remain neutral and not to join in the present squabble in the party, Comrade Frank en joined party stalwarts, supporters and indeed Nigerians to remain steadfast in the bid to enthrone a new order and instill internal democracy within the ruling party.

The Bayelsa State born politician while reacting to the reports credited to the Political adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, that the crisis in the PDP would soon be over and that all issues were being addressed alleged that those that instigated the

GLO PROMO WINNERS IN ENUGU: The winners of N1 million in the ongoing Glo “Recharge to Stardom” promo, Joe Sunday, a businessman, Archibong Etim, a civil servant and Amos Iorkumbul, a student, after collecting their cheques from the Enugu State Commissioner for Poverty Reduction, Hon Godwin Ogenyi (second left), during the prize presentation ceremony to winners held in Enugu on Thursday. crisis were playing to the gallery.

He said that even though discussions were ongoing, the crisis will be far from over except all the

conditions given to the President were met within the stipulated time adding that after which failure to meet with the demands within the stip-

ulated time, the leadership of the new PDP would unveil its next plan of action to its numerous supporters cut across the nation.

Footballers, estate agent docked over alleged kidnap,robbery

BY ONOZURE DANIA, Lagos

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WO brothers and one other,were yesterday arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate court sitting in Ikeja, over alleged kidnap and robbery.

The suspects are Peter Falola 27, Mumini Kudoro 29 and Shaib Kudoro 34.

The defendants, whose occupations are football and Estate Agents respectively, were docked before Magistrate Mrs Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju.

The defendants are facing a three count charge bordering on conspiracy, kidnap and robbery, preferred against them by the police. The police prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, told the court that the defendants and others committed the alleged crime on October 16, 2012, at about 2pm. He said that the incident took place at Oko- Afo Secondary School in Badagry area of Lagos.

Okoi, also alleged that the defendants unlawfully kidnapped and imprisoned one Adeniyi Adelakun against his will.The prosecutor, claimed that the defendants robbed their victim of a cash sum of $3,220 US dollars, which is equivalent to N487,000, one Black Berry phone worth N60,000, one Nokia C3,

valued N10,000 and a Jewellery valued N8,500, all belonging to Adelakun.

According to the prosecutor, the offence committed is punishable under section 297, 409, 269 and 295 of the criminal laws of Lagos state of Nigeria 2011.

The counsel to the defendants, Bright Idahosa, told the court that the complainant in the matter, was actually the one that collected the said sum, from the de-

fendants and promised to take them to court as their coach, since they are footballers. However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Magistrate OshodiMakanju, granted them bail, in the sum of N 500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case to October 28, 2013, for mention.

Of co Offfa union elects new ex exco

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI, Ilorin

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he Offa Descen dants Union (O.D.U.) Lagos State chapter weekend elected its new officers.

Library and information science expert, Alh. Bisiriyu O. Afolabi emerged as the Chairman,in an election conducted smoothly by Dr. Funsho Oladip o .

Other members of the executives are; Abdul Rasak Oyeleke -1st Vice Chairman, Alh. Kamoru Taiye Balogun-2nd Vice Chairman, Barr. Lukmon Folorunsho-General Secretary and Mr. Shehu Tijani Popoola-Asst. Gen. Secret a r y .

Also elected were Mr. Jide Olatunde-Financial Secretary, Mr. Rasak Bello-Asst. Financial Secre-

tary, Alh. Demola Buraimoh-Public Relation Officer (P.R.O.), Prince Tayo Popoola -Social Secretary, Alh. Rasak Jaiyeola-Auditor, Mr. Akeem Oyewole-Treasurer, Mr. Bisi Salau-Ex Officio and Alh. A.A. Saliu- also an Ex Officio.

The chairman Alhaji Bisiriyu Afolabi in his acceptance speech thanked members on behalf of all the executives for their magnanimity and show of l o v e .

He pledged his loyalty, commitment and dedication to the cause of peace, unity and progress of Offa town and also solicited prayers, cooperation, unalloyed support, understanding and above all unity among all bonafide Offa sons and daughters in Lagos State. .

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 9

Hunger: Boko Haram kills three commuters, issues threat letters to traders •As Borno records 14 cases of Polio virus

BY NDAHI MARAMA, Maiduguri

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OLLOWING the dislodgement of Boko Haram camps in some parts of Borno State by troops which had forced many of the terrorists to scavenge for food to eat from villagers, the terrorists have resorted to armed robbery activities against innocent civilians killing three passengers after collecting unspecified amount of cash and food items from their victims along Bama- Banki road.

This is even as intelligence information available to the newly established Headquarters of 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri indicated that the terrorists have written threat letters to Dikwa Market/Traders demanding N1 million to enable them purchase food items and other logistical requirement or be ready to face deadly attacks.

These were contained in a press statement emailed to Journalists yesterday by the Acting Spokesman of the 7 Div, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Sagir in the statement said, “ at about 11:35 hours on 13th September, 2013, some troops of Banki Forward Operating Base (BFOB) on a mission of 202 Battalion Bama, on their way back to Banki, a border town with Cameroun Republic encountered some Boko Haram terrorists along Bama-Banki road carrying out armed robbery activities on innocent traders and travelers.

The terrorists had killed 3 passengers and collected unspecified amount of cash and food items during the robbery.

“Consequently, several terrorists also lost their lives during the chanced encounter with the troops. Similarly, intelligence available to the 7 Division indicated that in desperation to survive, the Boko Haram terrorists have written a letter to Dikwa Market/Traders demanding N1 million to enable them purchase food items and other lo-

gistical requirements or be ready to face their wrath”. Sagir stated in the statement.

Meanwhile, the sect’s insurgency has been identified as the factor responsible for the recent rise in the cases of poliomyelitis in Borno State.

The state, with 14 cases, the highest in the country, according to the Borno State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Salma Anas-Kolo was impeded in the fight against polio as a result of insecurity in many parts of the state which made it hard for health workers to immunize children in the state.

Anas-Kolo disclosed yesterday at a sensitization programme for traditional leaders in the state that Borno has 14 cases of polio out of the nation’s 37 and the global 44 cases.

She said that the sensitization programme became imperative in order to meet the 2014 World Health Organisation (WHO) target of freeing the globe of pol i o .

The commissioner, who explained that Maiduguri was picked for the kick off of the sensitization programme because it recorded the highest cases of six in the state

with the neighbouring council having four cases, said it was not all a sad story as the incidences could have been higher but for the dedication of health workers that withstood the insecurity and went to some areas to get children immunized.

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, who hosted the sensitization programme at his palace, called on his subjects to allow their children from 0-5 years to take immunization vaccine against the five killer diseases.

R-L: Special Adviser Projects Monitoring and Evaluation to the President, Prof.Sylvester Monye; Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah; Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi during the Presidential reception for Blessing Okagbare at the Aso Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja...recently Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

My father’s agitation paved way for Jonathan’s Presidency — Melford Okilo’s daughter •Jonathan, Shagari, Ekwueme, Dangote others to celebrate late Rivers Gov

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, Abuja

T

HE late one time governor of Rivers State, Chief Melford Okilo might have died as a fulfilled man following the revelation that his agitation for a Nigerian president of South-South extraction paved the way for the emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The daughter of the late former Governor of Rivers State and United States-

based Attorney, Dr. Eluana Okilo who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja said that her father was a bridge-builder whose efforts in uniting the country was instrumental to the emergence of President Jonathan from the minority part of the country.

Describing her father as a great nationalist, Dr. Okilo said the former Rivers State Chief executive died a happy man because even on his sick bed, he was fulfilled that his dreams for a minority

President was fulfilled with Jonathan’s Presidency.

The US-based Attorney who is a member of the Steering Committee of Melford Okilo Foundation in a press briefing to herald the public presentation of a book entitled “Okilo: Biography of a Bridge Builder” written by a civil rights activist, Mr. Marshall Okon and a fund raising for Chief Melford Okilo Centre called on Nigerians to support the President in

Police rescue NURTW kidnap victim in royal father’s palace •2 suspects held

BY EMMA AMAIZE,

A

National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, member, Bernard Oyeogun, kidnapped, Wednesday, by a rival faction in Agbor, Delta State, has been rescued by the police from

the palace of a royal father, (names withheld), where he was unlawfully held for one night.

Saturday Vanguard was informed, yesterday, that the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in the area, who acted on a tip-off, stormed the palace with policemen on Thursday and unchained the victim.

He was battered by his captors and there was fear, yesterday, that he might go blind.

There has been a simmering dispute between two factions of the union in the area and a source confided to Saturday Vanguard that the national executive of the union dissolved the chapter, yes-

Heavy rains kill baby, destroy 100 houses in Zamfara

A

five-year-old girl died following heavy rains which also destroyed not less than 100 houses with many people injured at Magami-maitarko village in Gusau local government area of Zamfara State.

One of the victims, Malam Adamu SarkinFawa, who is also the father of the deceased, told newsmen in Magami

village yesterday that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to SarkinFawa, farm produce, the value of which had yet to be determined, were destroyed in the downpour that lasted more than 10 hours.

He said that the victims were currently squatting with relatives while those injured were receiving medical

attention at various hospitals.

Sarkin-Fawa, therefore, appealed to all tiers of government to provide assistance to the victims to give them succour and ensure quick recovery.

When contacted, Alhaji Atiku Maradun, the Executive Secretary of the state’s Emergency Management Agency (ZEMA), confirmed the incident.

terday afternoon, after it was briefed on the development.

The royal father was said to be away from his palace when the incident occurred, but he, allegedly, has sympathy for one of the rival factions. However, two persons, aged 31 and 41 years respectively have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Delta State, Lucky Uyabame, confirmed the incident and arrest of two persons to Saturday Vanguard.

He said the Divisional Police Officer, Agbor, led his patrol team to the palace of the monarch, where they found the victim, who was assaulted and taken hostage from the AgborOgwashi-Uku motor park, Agbor by three members of the rival group.

his transformation agenda.

According to her, with the emergence of President Jonathan, the gap had been filled as the South-South was no longer marginalized.

She said, “On a very personal note, when my father was sick and ailing, he was reminiscing on Nigeria’s history. With his old sentiments, I believe that the gap for which my father had been yearning has been filled with the Presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan because he was specifically thrilled with joy that the Niger Delta has in fact produced somebody that has now ended up in Aso Rock.

“So, for my father that gap was filled, even though our environmental and economic issues in the Niger Delta have continued to be a source of concern. In keeping with my father’s joy that the gap for which he has been clamoring has been filled with Jonathan’s Presidency, there can be more bridge to be laid.

“If we want to honour the contribution of my father, all Nigerians need unification and support for Jonathan. Although toes may be stepped on, right now is the time to support our South-South President because it is in keeping with bridge building to unite our nation which was his absolute legacy.”

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14,, 2013

PDP: Old things are not past, the new is not come The People’s Democratic Party, PDP is in a nationwide free for all as entrenched factions dig in, with neither side having the capacity to give a knockout punch

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

O

ld things have passed away and the new PDP of Bayelsa is currently in charge of the State,” an associate of the immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipire Sylva boasted to some newsmen earlier this week as opponents of President Goodluck Jonathan pressed in embarrassingly in his home front.

The rebellion in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP that started exactly two weeks ago, when six governors and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar walked out of the party’s special convention had this week turned into a phenomenal distraction to governance.

President Jonathan’s dithering procrastination on rejigging his cabinet was set aside as the president at the end of the normal Wednesday cabinet meeting sacked nine ministers. In all but two or three of the cases, those sacked were allegedly fired because of their relationships with the president’s enemies.

The paralysis in governance was not only in Abuja. The crisis has also forced many governors belonging to the party to take permanent abode in Abuja, the federal capital, and by that, undercutting the service to their constituents. Even more wrenching is the increasing apprehension that the seat of the federal government, the Aso Rock presidential villa may have been turned into an annex of the ruling party.

For most of this week, several dignitaries visited the presidential villa for consultations with the president as the crisis in the PDP took centre stage in the polity. Erstwhile military

president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who has not been known to have a face to face meeting with Jonathan since the fractious 2011 PDP presidential campaign primaries, called on the president last Tuesday as part of the peace emissaries. The meeting came ahead of the anxiously anticipated peace meeting between the old PDP or mainstream faction of the party and the Baraje led PDP in the presidential villa on Tuesday.

Remarkably, those who had been supposedly marginalized in the party, and had laid low took opportunity of the crisis to surface. In Bayelsa though those who came out to identify with the nPDP according to independent observers may not have the muscle to derail the fortunes of the mainstream party, yet it was an embarrassment for

party including one time speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’abba, Nigeria’s incumbent ambassador to China, Alhaji Aminu Wali among others last Tuesday, stormed the national secretariat of the Bamanga Tukur led tendency of the party to upstage the Kwankwanso inclined state executive of the party in Kano.

The dignitaries who had been invited by Tukur were later disappointed as the presidency intervened to stop the coup. The intervention of the presidency was arguably informed by persuasions on the capacities of the Kano governor and his ‘troublesome’ Kwankwansiya movement in Kano.

It would be recalled that ahead of the 2011 elections, some persons in the presidency had sought to take

The new PDP will resist and match up any attempt by the Alhaji Bamagar Tukur led faction to discredit it, as the Abubakar Baraje led National Working Committee of the PDP which stands for equity and fairness the local chapter of the party in the president’s backyard.

“The new PDP will resist and match up any attempt by the Alhaji Bamagar Tukur led faction to discredit it, as the Abubakar Baraje led National Working Committee of the PDP stands for equity and fairness,” Comrade Esinte was quoted as saying.

Domestic foes of Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State, one of the rebel seven governors, also saw the development as an opportunity for them to take over control of the party.

Several chieftains of the

the party’s election ticket from Kwankwanso on the assumption that he could pose a threat in 2015. The ticket was, however, restored to him following security reports that doing otherwise could lead to a breakdown of security in the state.

Besides Kano, other states where the Tukur executive has threatened to dissolve the state executive of the party are Sokoto, Kwara and Jigawa which are all states in the sway of the nPDP led

by Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

The threat of dissolution was only one weapon that

•President Goodluck Jonathan was being used by the Tukur camp in the increasingly belligerent fierce conflict with the nPDP. Last Monday, Tukur in a strategic move aimed at formally identifying his allies among the powerful state chairmen, summoned a meeting with the state chairmen from across the country.

Twenty chairmen turned out and pledged support to the embattled national chairman. Some chairmen who are known to be indifferent if not hostile to the nPDP, nevertheless stayed away as they point to Tukur as the major problem of the party.

While Tukur was using the leverage of his office to fight off his foes, the Baraje faction in a seeming determination to spoil his fun, was at the same time piling up its own arsenal for battle.

At the beginning of the week, the faction unfolded a near complete complement of a national working committee, drawing extensively from Atiku Abubakar’s nationwide political structure, prominent among whom were Chief Chukwuemeka Eze (national publicity secretary) and Timi Frank (national youth leader).

Once Eze was named, he went into battle mood, castigating the Tukur led mainstream for posing obstacles to peace in the

party.

Meanwhile, the Tuesday night peace meeting was said to have been inconclusive. Present on the side of President Jonathan were Chief Tony Anenih, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT and some governors including Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom; Idris Wada, Kogi and Liyel Imoke of Cross River.

On the part of the nPDP were Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Babangida Aliyu; and Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto).

In approaching the talks, both sides it seemed, were resigned to the fact that nothing fruitful would come out of it given the extreme position taken by both sides on the demand on Jonathan not to stand for re-election.

In the end, discussion on that was deferred to the next scheduled meeting on Sunday.

The President, it was learnt, came into the meeting with a mindset of making peace with the warring governors but with the notable exception of Governor Amaechi, seen by the president’s associates in the Niger Delta as a betrayer of their trust.

According to a source privy to the deliberations, “The grievances of the

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 14,, 2013—11

•Abubakar Baraje

•Bamangar Tukur

PDP: Old things are not past, the new is not come Continued from page 10 governors were tabled and revisited one by one by all those at the meeting.

“When the issue of party structure in each of the affected states came up, the overriding interest of PDP was put into the consideration and the President and his team agreed that the authentic party structures should be restored in Adamawa and Kano states.

“As for Rivers State, the President and his team advised all the parties to withdraw their suits in court to resolve the matter.

“Although the President admitted that the suspension of Amaechi was illegal and the required 30 days had elapsed, everything was predicated on the resolution of disputes in court.

“There was suspicion by the G-7 governors that the Presidency came with a mindset to resolve issues except the crisis in Rivers.

They are trying to isolate Amaechi to deal with him.

“Everybody has been wondering why the President’s body language was different on Rivers State.

Jonathan was non-committal on the solutions to Rivers crisis.”

Governor Amaechi was equally reported to have rejected entreaties from the President’s camp to step down as Chairman of the

Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF. Following the decision of both sides to reschedule the talks for tomorrow, Sunday, publicists of the warring parties went to town to give their own versions of the talks.

Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak described the demands of the nPDP governors as unconstitutional. Apparently referring to the quest of the governors that Jonathan should rule himself out of the 2015 contest, he submitted that it was an infringement on the President’s constitutional right.

M

eanwhile, Eze, the firebrand national publicity secretary of the nPDP in two major salvos on Wednesday, took on Tukur, flaying him as the impediment to peace in the party.

Noting the efforts of party elders to bring peace to the party and the alleged efforts by the Tukur tendency to derail them, Eze also cautioned the Tukur camp against alleged offensive remarks against some of the peace mediators, notably, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Anenih.

Appealing to the duo not to be deterred, Eze said:

“We plead with them not to be deterred by those who are feeding fat on the crisis as we are ready to assist them in any way possible to enable them restore peace to our great party.”

Also noting the belligerence of the Tukur led faction, he said: “The latest of the belligerent actions by the Tukur

Jonathan, and PDP Elders for their various efforts at resolving this crisis which, if allowed to continue, can only lead to the further weakening of our great party. We appeal to them never to get tired until they achieve their set objectives.

We also appeal to Alhaji Tukur and his NWC to respect these distinguished Party Elders and give peace

We have noticed the erroneous insinuation and propaganda by Tukur’s faction that the distinguished Statesman, General Olusegun Obasanjo, had a hand in our staging a walkout during the ill-conceived mini-convention of PDP and that he is the brain behind most of our activities faction is the ill-advised move to take over the party’s structures in the States of the governors loyal to Baraje’s leadership.

We wish to advise Tukur and his NWC against this or any other action capable of worsening the crisis. We say: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” In a surprising twist apparently aimed at separating Jonathan from Tukur in the unfolding crisis, he said: “Meanwhile, we wish to commend the Party Leader, President Goodluck Ebele

a chance. The ball is in his court. We have noticed the erroneous insinuation and propaganda by Tukur’s faction that the distinguished Statesman, General Olusegun Obasanjo, had a hand in our staging a walkout during the illconceived mini-convention of PDP and that he is the brain behind most of our activities. We view this as disparagement on us, creating the impression that we are not matured enough to determine our political future and most important-

ly, it was as an attempt to smear the international image of General Obasanjo as a distinguished Statesman and father of PDP and rubbish his current efforts to restore peace to a party, the very existence of which is being threatened by the undemocratic acts of some of its leaders. We can now understand why Tukur’s faction is hell-bent on destroying every effort to bring peace to the party.

“We are also aware of the attempts being made to rubbish and ridicule the BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, for stating that we have genuine reasons for what we are doing. We want to assure Chief Anenih, knowing all his sacrifices and efforts in making PDP whatever it is by today, that we will not sit and watch some jokers in Tukur’s faction rubbish him or make him look ordinary in the affairs of the party. The truth will always see us through.”

Tukur, on his part has not kept quiet to absorb the blows. He has through his Special Assistant on Media, Prince Oliver Okpala been on the offensive against his foes, most notably, the former national secretary of the party and now the national secretary of the nPDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Reacting to assertions by Oyinlola that Tukur is a dictator, Okpala said: “Without equivocation, this statement is both laughable and ridiculous for the world know the antecedents of Chief Oyinlola as a military dictator and administrator, whose style of politics is at variance with the current political dispensation in the country. “It is a fact that Oyinlola was one of those military punch who held down our democracy for a long time. As a former military man, Chief Oyinlola is an unrepentant dictator of the first-order. “Under normal circumstance, he should not be heard to resort to platitudes or righteous pontifications on the ideals of democracy and the rule of law. This is because by training and orientation, he is a slave to Order and Command of the Military. He lacks any credible credentials to sermonize on democracy and due process including rule of law.”

With the ruling party engulfed in crisis, the opposition is not surprisingly ecstatic.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State said as much this week when he said the opposition is praying for the problems in the PDP to continue so that the opposition could take over in 2015.

12—SA TURD AY 12—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 14 14, 2013

For peace to return to PDP, there must be unity convention —Ugochinyere Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo is a house-hold name in the Peoples Democratic Party

when it comes to controversy.

Some label him as a hatchet man when there are turbulent issues in the party. He is the convener of the Stakeholders Forum in the New PDP. In this interview, he explains why Bamanga Tukur should go and why a new convention should be held.

Excerpts : PDP National Chairman has threatened to declare vacant the seat of lawmakers who have joined the factional new PDP, what is your take on this?

Tukur (Bamanga Tukur) is already blocking the chances of resolving this matter, this declaration of war is basically a smokescreen to hang on to office because he wants to draw a war. He is scared of peace negotiation which the outcome will be the termination of his deplored unlawful regime and again a fresh unity convention that will create enabling environment. So, he will prefer to sink the party than allow peace to prevail. But yesterday’s comment, I must tell you is one of the things I keep saying that shows that Tukur is not in tune with what is on the ground, because if Tukur is intelligent, he would have read the provisions of the 1999 constitution before boasting that he would declare any body’s seat vacant.

Under section 68 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the constitution stipulated grounds upon which someone’s seat should be declared vacant.

One, if there is recall of the legislator whether at the state or national level, if he is no longer a citizen of his country, if he denies his citizenship, if he decamps to another political party, if he becomes appointed maybe as a Minister or something.

But under the clause, if he decamps to another party there is a proviso, it says provided the man did not decamp to another political party as a result of division or faction in his former political party or as a result of merger. So, now the question is, is there a division in PDP, the answer is one hundred percent yes. There is a division and before we even get to the decamping, we have not de-

camped to anywhere, we are still in PDP, playing intra-party politics of saying that we don’t recognize you as the leader of this party, you have been removed, if the court will decide and INEC will make their recommendation, so declaring seats vacant does not even come in here. This is just internal operation of PDP versus PDP, but assuming that a senator today or a member of the House of Representatives because of this division announces his membership of PDM, Peoples Democratic Movement) or APC (All Progressives Congress), or Labour Party or any political party, that senator or Rep member is immuned from his seat being declared vacant because he did not move because he wanted to move but moved because his party is being factionalized and this faction is all about in a house where you have people.

Tukur should have embarked on reconciliation, rebuilding of the party but today as it stands, Tukur has destroyed a united house that he met. In the history of the party, he became the only chairman within a space of six months who suspended over 15 members of the party and especially members that he has no right to suspend. One of the key issues that I don’t want people to forget in this struggle is that this fight is about impunity, it is about defending the constitution of the party, it is about illegality. It has nothing to do with Mr. President deciding to contest or his fundamental human rights or breach any agreement he had with anybody. The main issue is, let there be a level playing field so that everybody can be able to participate.

But this mad ambition that is going on in the party has led to the forgery of the party’s constitution and that is why I keep on saying, two clauses were forged in the party’s constitution in a bid to realize this impunity. One, in the old constitution, it says that the NEC shall meet once every quarter and the chairman shall summon the meeting. Where the Chairman refuses to summon a meeting, with two third resolution of the NEC members, a meeting must be summoned by the chairman. In the new alteration, it says, if even with the two-third resolution being passed by the members of the

NEC, the summoning of the meeting will be at the discretion of the Chairman.

Then, another clause that was altered is one that has to do with Article 21, that has to do with the issue of discipline.

It says that once you have been suspended for a period of one month, you shall not lose the right to contest any election.

You know the reason for this is that, an accused is deemed innocent until he is proven guilty.

Assuming you are suspended for one month and you are later found to be innocent, and you have lost your right to contest any election, you have suffered a personal loss. But in

the new alteration, the NEC says that you can be suspended for one month and through which you shall lose

your right for an election. Do you know what that means?

That as we approach primaries for an election, Tukur and the President can decide to gang up and disqualify if there is any person contesting for presidency. They can qualify him a week to election.

The implication of this is that

,,

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

Ugochinyere

What I expected Tukur to do was, he came into a party that was united, there were only challenges of the opposition, Tukur should have embarked on reconciliation, rebuilding of the party but today as it stands, Tukur has destroyed a united house that he met of a unity convention there

he cannot contest the presidential primaries, and the only place he can seek redress is NEC. But the man refused to call NEC and you try to get two-third to force him, when you get two-third, he cannot summon it because the constitution says he is the only person to summon it. These two alterations are very fundamental to the survival of peoples desire to have equal opportunity in the party and that is why people now said no, coupled with the exclusion on Saturday. So, the impunity was so much that if people did not rise up on that Saturday, there would have been no party called PDP. What is the way out?

The way out is very simple, I have always told people who are preaching the way out, it is very simple. A unity convention, but then before you talk

must be a grand rule that will be set for the unity convention for it to be truly a unifying convention and a reconciliatory convention. One, apart from Tukur stepping aside, you are going to step aside the outcome of this Saturday’s election of Tukur followers at Eagle Square. Then, before you go to the unity convention, you have to reverse the illegal dissolution of the Adamawa executive; you have to recognize the executive in Anambra that the court recognizes led by Ejike Ogbuebego which was elected that produced Chief Andy Uba. You have to go to the South West and recognize Segun Oni elected executive and all the executive in South West that he has destroyed, you have to find a way to install Olagunsola Oyinola back to his position in which he was elected at the zonal convention but they gave an excuse that

the court said that the zonal congress was invalid. Was Oyinola a product of zonal congress, no, he should have challenged that court order but the party refused to appeal because they want the man out forgetting that the same Bamanga Tukur was suspended by the North East zonal congress but he is still the national chairman of the party. In River State especially, the gangster there led by Obuah should be disbanded.

We cannot because he doesn’t like Amaechi begin to ruffle our party constitution, no. Parties cannot be run that way, find a decent way to deal with Amaechi if you have issues with Amaechi but don’t ruffle our party constitution. You have to restore the executive of Rivers back.

When you have done all these things including the North West zonal Chairman senator Giri that was illegally dissolved and then all the suspension especially the illegal one; he has done that to Andy Uba, done that to Amaechi, done that to a lot of people and he should reverse all the suspensions, when these are done, we return back to the convention, let Sam Jaja and Uche Secondus lock hornsand anybody that wins becomes the Deputy national Chairman of the

party.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—13

Alcohol, smoking rule night life at motor parks

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN & ADERONKE ADEYERI

W

hen the sun goes down is when things really heat up at Motor parks in most parts of the country. The mixture of music coming from different stalls where cassettes, CDs DVD of different artistes are sold, the intermittent noise from loudspeakers calling passengers to board buses to different parts of the country, the blaring of horns by luxurious buses and articulated vehicles around including shouts and arguments in the area are enough cacophony of hoots and cackles that define night life in most part of the country. From Iddo, Jibowu, Maza-maza in Lagos to Sagamu, in Ogun, Iyaro in Benin, Edo State, Umunede in Delta, Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Sabon Gari in Kano are parks where night life thrives with a lot of bubbles.

Apart from the transportation of people and goods to other parts of the country, some travelers use motor parks as stop over, laze off the stress of long hours on the road, eat, drink and hang out with female partners while it also provides shelter for motor park workers and miscreants who do not have homes.

Saturday Vanguard investigation showed that many of the inhabitants of motor parks across these areas are young men who find shelter in abandoned vehicles, thatched

stalls where they lay their heads at night. Most of these people according to investigation are not bus conductors at the park but young lads who do menial jobs such as cartpushing during the day and find a resting place at motor parks. Although, some of them refused to talk to us, a few of them were seen hanging out in some abandoned vehicles while others laid on benches, with their wheelbarrows for a night rest. Oth-

wee hours. It was also gathered that different parks are famous for different delicacies. For instance, Umunede was famous for bush-meat delicacy. A lorry driver, Aremu Oluaye shared his experience in Umunede, saying: “When I was driving a tanker, my route mostly was the Eastern part of the country: Onitsha, Enugu and Aba sometimes. Umunuede was a must stop for me for bush meat. I enjoyed spending

Apart from the transportation of people and goods to other parts of the country, some travelers use motor parks as stop over, laze off the stress of long hours on the road, eat, drink and hang out with female partners ers are miscreants who rather than offer assistance to distressed people at nights, find pleasure in extorting money from individuals and adding more to the anguish of an individual spending a night in the park.

There were a number of distressed people waiting to get a lift to their destinations while others choose to stay through the night fixing their broken down vehicles.

It is not difficult to find food vendors around with sizeable patronage at every point in time especially before the

some resting hours like two or three hours there before proceeding on the journey. I stop only at Ore if I want pounded yam and dog meat delicacy.”

When asked about hanging out with girlfriend, Oluaye said: “It is possible as you always see men clutching to their women and at that odd hour of the night, what would you expect. But don’t forget they are all mature.”

In most of the parks visited, there are make shift bathrooms and places of conveniences. Every darkened and

obscure corner becomes the bathrooms and places of convenience for the inhabitants who are not hindered by the stench that oozes out from such areas.

Oyingbo/Iddo

The motor park meters away from the train terminus is full of local bars, even if only a few of them had patrons. What particularly draws attention of liveliness in the area is the assemblage of luxurious buses blaring their horns for passengers traveling to different parts of the country. Fairly lit with a few bus lamps and other rays from stalls, kiosks within the environment, a few of the popular local gin, paraga joints were noticed, but food vendors outshone, attending to customers. Officials of the park could not speak with Saturday Vanguard on what goes on in the park at nights, saying they were at their peak when we visited at about 9pm. Not until an hour later when the reporter left the area, it was a beehive of activities ready to offer all services as it may be required in the day.

Ojota Even as popular as it is for the volume of travelers that throng the park in the day, night activities is somewhat sleepy. Passengers desirous of boarding vehicle to other parts of the country will be disappointed even before 7pm. Reasons adduced for this by nearby dwellers are

that the areas is notorious for miscreants with regular reports of assaults and extortion, passengers were discouraged from boarding vehicles there at nights. Others noted that other wing of the park operate till 8pm only with commercial mini buses as different with other known areas like Mazamaza, Iddo and Mile 2 area of the state.

Umunede, Delta State

Umunede is a great spot for particularly drivers of lorries and articulated vehicles en route the Eastern part of the country. The cluster of lorries at most time of the night would revealed ‘ welcome to Umunede’ as it is a must stop for drivers of these vehicles.

Here, you will find bars that attract both drivers and passengers on transit and fairly local crowd that find enjoyment in motor parks at nights.

The area though not well illuminated, serves as advantage to those who clutch to their partners in the milieu of the dark. It is known for bush-meat delicacy. One of the best places to have some drinks according to a lorry driver who is acquainted with the place is Umunede. “For

me, I get satisfaction with whatever I need there, both food and drink and at the time I visited, the security of your vehicles and people was guaranteed.” People who really stop there are lorry drivers and it was representative of typical lorries’ park.

14—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

What goes on in most motor parks at night M

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

ost motor parks across Nigeria do not only serve the purpose of loading and offloading passengers. They also serve several purposes which people do not know.

Research has shown that major parks in Nigeria turn to mini international markets at night with different kinds of traders all struggling to sell and also, a conducive atmosphere for smokers to enjoy themselves as they feel very comfortable doing their thing at odd hours.

While many people retire to their various homes in the evening after a stressful day, others are warming up to come out for their own daily struggle which could take some up till midnight. The question now is, what could make a human being deny him/herself the comfort of his/her home to sell at night? Who are these people selling to? It will also interest you to know that, every goods has its market. Not only that they sell some goods which are mainly fake, motor parks at night is normally a hideout for all kinds of hardened criminals. Research has also shown that most rape cases were carried out in the motor parks.

When SATURDAY VANGUARD conducted a research to know why some people would prefer to sell at night especially in some parks, it was learnt that most of the people that sell at this time, from 6pm till midnight do that just to avoid registering with the council. They prefer to settle the Omonile to enable them do their businesses in the parks and the road sides.

Madam Bose, who sells hot drinks in one of the parks in Ikotun said that why they normally like to sell in the night and in the early morning is because that is when most of their customers have chance to take the products. “It is not that we don’t like sleeping and that we prefer to sell in the night but it is when we can sell our goods.

Most of our customers are drivers and conductors and it is only this time that they can sit and have some drink. They drink in the early morning before going to work and late in the night after work. I have been doing this business for the past three years now and this is the normal time we make much sales. Some people are ashamed to drink during the day especially, some corporate workers. They would not want people to see them taking the product. They come when they feel nobody will see them. I will tell you that the majority of my customers here are force people. They drink so much. They drink before they go to work. I am living comfortably and taking care of my family from the proceeds I make from my sales,” she narrated. According to Bose, she also sells outside the market because, she does not have that kind of money it costs to register in the market union.

Another trader Evans, who sells cloths at Oshodi market attributed the conversion of motor parks and road side into markets as work of people who

H O T D R I N K HAWKWERS

would not want to follow the normal process of registering their business with the council and be paying the normal association’s due attached to such registration. He also warned Nigerians to stay away from people who make such sells as most of them sell fake and expired drugs due to the fact that they cannot be traced. In his words, the 47 year old father of three said, “ I want to warn Nigerians to stay away from such people who always sells at night. What they sell are mostly fake. How can a normal person who believe he/she is genuine prefer to be selling in the night when it is dark. Ask yourself, what if this person sells poison to me, would I be able to know him? There is no address.

Because they are not real, that is why most of them do not want to register in their line inside the market to sell. They prefer to be settling all the Agberos outside instead of doing

things the way it should,” Evans said. “ The popular Bolade park is normally a different world in the night as that always serves as a very good hang out for many hoodlums.

“The kind of smoking that goes on in this Bolade park scares me sometime. You will see children below 15 years smoking different sizes of marijuana. The annoying part of the whole story is that, you’d see police men patrolling the road with little effort of arresting these delinquents. Night life here is normally another world entirely. There is no type of illegal activity that you will not see in this area as from 6pm. Different gangs of pick pockets operate. Sometimes, when night travelers going to other States want to come to the park to book their tickets, some will lose their luggages to thieves. They also rape girls here sometimes too,” he said.

Another speaker who pleaded anonymity sees no reason why people should trade in the park beyond 7pm. He said that anybody who is caught trading at that point and in the park is illegal and should be treated as such. “If you go to that park after 7pm, you will agree with me that anybody in that place at that time is not a human being.

Some people convert the park to their personal homes. There is no sort of indecent life that you well not see in the park. Some bath, sleep, and even make love to girls right there in the park. Rape is a normal thing in some parks in this state. If they can do their normal business of buying and selling, there won’t be any problem with that but, they go beyond that. If you go there during the night, there is no kind of thing that you will not see. You will see faeces of different kinds and sizes”.

According to him, all those ladies that hawk hot drinks in

buckets are all bad people. There is no crime that they cannot commit because, some of them know all these bad boys. “I know that some of these ladies, sell marijuana and cocaine. There is no kind of bad boy that you will not see there.”

For Iya Tosin, who is popularly called, Iya by her customers, she can’t just stop her business of hawking hot drinks which she has been doing for a very long time. Irrespective of the fact that most of her customers might have dubious character, that does not mean that she should stop her business. “ I cannot stop selling to my customers because, they have bad character. I don’t know what they do for a living but, they are my customers. I am not a thief and I don’t sell marijuana so, I don’t know what they do for a living. Though some of us might be dubious , I am not,” Iya Tosin said.

Why paraga sellers get more patrons at nights

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI bserving from a distance, one can not quantify the large num O ber of young men and women alike converging in motor parks with the aim of traveling very early in the morning and most

times late at night. Saturday Vanguard did a close up on MazaMaza motor park in Lagos recently.

It may however interest you to know that what attracts some of these men to this park most often is neither the intention of traveling outside Lagos state as people may think, but the idea of taking herbs soaked in dry gin which they believe is more effective in curing illnesses and also to brighten their day for a better performance at work and at night to refresh themselves.

These herbs blended in local gin popularly known as Paraga at the park have several roots which are used in curing many illness, while some also have branded names like Ogidiga, Alomo and others which are locally mixed by the sellers like Jedi, Monkey tail, Opaeyin among others. While some of the these spots however attract all kinds of people with the same intention of coming to drink, men with white collar jobs most times buy their stuffs and leave the scene not wanting to be noticed with miscreants as bus drivers and conductors as well as social misfits (touts) are often seen hanging around, discussing at length sports and politics.

When Saturday Vanguard sought the view of a seller, Iya Alagbo Jedi,as she is fondly called by her customers, she narrated how her customers come from far and near to get the feel of her herbal drink for all kinds of illnesses like pile, fever, backache among others.

She is however of the opinion that 80% of Africans prefer the usage of herbs for cure to modern day medicine. To affirm this fact, people rushed to the reporter with herbs that are mixed with local gin or water.

“Initially, people were preparing the mixture themselves, but out of busy schedule, they have no option than to patronize us very early in the morning and late at night.Although we have been accused by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC of lacking the appropriate measurement in selling our drinks but if our herbs mixed with water and spirit are not effective, why are people still patronizing us? In addition, many people that patronize us do so based on the fact that, what we sell is cheap and its medicinal value cannot be compared to the intake of beer” she stated.

Saturday Vanguard also gathered that most of the people patronizing these hawkers are majorly artisans and commercial vehicle operators. According to investigation,they believe herbs prepared with local gin are always effective.

In an interaction, some of the patrons of this local gin, claimed herbs prepared local gin helps incurring fever, back-ache andchronic pile among others.

Moshood Adewale, a commercial bus driver said that he takes local gin mixed in hot drinks because his work requires enough energy;“I can’t do without taking the one that is meant for backpain before embacking on any journey or that day would be miserable for me.”

Okechukwu Eze, a commercial bus driver is also of the opinion that it is good for its preventive qualities. “I drink it for preventive measures because I find it to be very effective and I have observed that it boosts my immune system for my sex life as well,” he said.

Also commenting on the issue, Salaudeen Abubakar an official National Union of Road and Transports Workers, NURTW said that life in motor parks is incomplete without these people selling herbs mixed with water or spirits; “ How can anyone confront these reckless drivers if you don’t do what they do? Even Military officers go to these parks most time to get the feel.”

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—15

And then there was one

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want to apologise for my column

this week to those who missed the classic US open last Monday night out of choice; especially those who don’tknow the difference between a serve and a volley. The last thing they would want is for somebody to waste ‘valuable’ space when there are more serious issues in Nigeria to talk about.

I also want to apologise to those who badly wanted Djokovic to win because they would not want any post-mortem which would remind them of the loss. But there is always something to learn. And in any case, there will be a next time to avenge the loss the way those two guys are playing.

Apologies out of the way, let me relive the moments with those who kept vigil for two nights in a row – first with the Williams/ Azarenka match, and then the Nadal/Djokovic duel.

The former was so turpsyturvy that some fans switched off their TV sets or changed channels for fear their hearts would explode. Many of these people supported Serena Williams and for different reasons. Some, because she is a fantastic player who has achieved so much and would not want her to lose in front of a home crowd.

Some, because she is a black person in a white dominated sport. Some — mainly men— because she has such a beautiful, some would say sumptuous, body. One would confess after the match that he wanted the gusty wind to continue even when it was affecting her game, because of what it was exposing.

Whatever; fans would be fans and the evening was worth waiting on. At the end of the day, the fighter in Serena overwhelmed the spirit of Victoria.

Azarenka is a mentally tough girl but it would take something special to beat Williams twice in a row on hard court. There will however be many more opportunities for Victoria to clinch the coveted trophy in future. After all, she is 24 to Serena’s 31.

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he fan base for Djokovic/Nadal encounter was more divided. Again, reasons other than tennis skills were adduced for pitching tents. One fan described Novak Djokovic as likeable; another described him as an entertainer while describing Rafael Nadal as too serious. One said Novak is elegant while

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knowing it could go either way. At the end of the day, what made the difference was in their personalities. Novak loves the stage. You could see that when he struts around the court like a thespian waiting to feed off his audience. You could see that when he roars like a lion after an inspired rally like the 54 shot rally which he won. The ensuing ovation, and the energy derived from it, propelled him into winning the set. In fact, he won six points in a row after that.

He draws energy from inspired moments and when the oxygen is cut off like Nadal did in the seventh game of the third set, he started gasping for air. The death knell came when he could not convert a 0-40 advantage on Nadal’s serve.

Nadal, on the other hand, was steady and took care of the little things even when it seemed the big picture was being framed by his worthy opponent.

Rafa is an animal on court.

One finds the way Rafa fidgets on court distasteful.

One lady said on air that Djokovic has a lovely body and wondered why a lady should not be allowed to drool over a man’s body.

However, more serious tennis fans refer to Nadal’s gentle mien off court (never mind his fierce look on it) his respect for all opponents irrespective of their rankings, his diligence and mental toughness (on court) as reasons for supporting him.

The contest itself was much anticipated for many different reasons. It was never going to be a contest between two contrasting styles like Agassi and Sampras or McEnroe and Borg. It was not going to be a contest between the best server versus the best returner- although Djokovic is regarded by many to be the best returner in the world at the moment. These two players have more similarities than differences. They are both hustlers who can turn defence into attack in the twinkle of an eye. They are both baseliners who only come to the net for the ‘kill’.

They are both age mates (Nadal;27 and Djokovic;26) with very little difference in their skill level. All these mean that any one could beat the other on a good day.

This unpredictability is one reason the match-up was anticipated, plus the fact that it was also their 37th meeting—no two players had played each other more often in the open era. It was also to be a contest between world’s numbers one and two.

When Novak was soaring in 2011, it was Rafa that shot him down during the clay season. Now it is Rafa’s turn to soar. Who should be expected to shoot him down if not Novak?

So we went into the night J

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ast Monday ’s three hour plus encounter was not only a contest of skill. It was also a contest of temperament. The steadier, more focused gladiator won.

P.S. It was this listless performance which lacked inspired energy that made people say Djokovic threw the Wimbledon final against Andy Murray in July.

Incidentally, he had come out of an energy sapping four hour semi just as he did last Saturday against Stan Warrinka. He needed, the roar of the crowd to energise him. The partisan Wimbledon crowd did not oblige. No top tennis player, least of all the world number one, who has his eyes firmly on history, will throw a match. I mentioned this to Chuka Momah, Nigeria’s esteemed tennis chronicler and he laughed it off. Credit, according to him must go to Ivan Lendl, Murray’s coach who put some steel into his ward’s mind.

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16—SATURDAY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

W

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e are at the mercy of the politi cians who rule us as masters rule slaves. They do not have any consideration for our needs and desires.

They do not care to honour even their word to us. They care less still for the pride of the nation, or her progress. They hold us in utter contempt.

But should they not hold us in some kind of esteem, no matter how little —some respect, some regard at least? After all, we put them there, didn’t we? It was our votes that helped to elect them into the House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, or the Senate. We were even responsible for the occupant of Aso Rock himself being there. We are important. We should enjoy a modicum of honour as citizens, at least. I mean, we are worthy, or are we? Or why are we not respected by people whom we boast of choosing to represent us, and who should return to us the dividend of the investment we made in them in choosing them?

But let us examine our relationship with them more closely — did we really choose them ourselves in a “free and fair ” manner? Think back on the conduct of elections even in the recent past. As if “free and fair” would not suffice, we appended the additional merit of “transparent” in our categorization of them. How far did that take us? We went through a spate of elections in which Chief Executives elected in no less than four states were disqualified in the law courts. Of course, we cannot then absolutely claim that we really “voted” the final victor into office by ourselves.

Even then, both the winners and the losers would be hard put to claim that their dealings with us, the electorate, were His Highness Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri strictly kosher. And neither were ours totally above board role of perennial thugs and into good quality schools with them either; for we were grant the member of the around the world. ready to sell our votes during National Assembly, or House And so we cry out in protest the election time, and so many of Assembly, or even the against our sorry lot. We of us did. That is definitely not State Governor after the come out to demonstrate a respectable action, and choice has been made, as against the rejection of our definitely not one that would woeful estate. We go out on their principals. have elevated us in the esteem So here we find ourselves. strike — for a short while — of people on behalf, and for We wail that no more than six and ‘then crawl back into our the benefit, of whom we clearly nations in the whole world shell like a frightened snail, cheated. , We might have produce petroleum products because no one else but those even committed those more than our country, yet we very legislators at all levels inappropriate actions at the cannot establish the facilities for whom we stole votes are behest of the so-called to refine them but have to now the only people who can “godfathers” who would have ship them out and then bring help us. But no one is furnished the grimy rewards listening.

They cannot hear us. Their ears are stuffed with the swift, sweet, ingress of lucre proceeding from the jam pot our stolen votes had handed them. They will not hear us because they can now really have no regard for ballot thieves, vote purloiners, we may have received for them back at exorbitant disreputable elements that selling ourselves so cheap, costs; we cannot generate an foul the stream from which we having played a losing game adequate supply of would have been refreshed. with our destiny. That in itself electricity for our own use, Why should the man or would: have also put us a step and yet other countries woman who knows you to be back from the line of depend on what we are able a despicable rascal respect uprightness. It would have to grant them for their you? No one is listening to made several of us to fade into sufficiency; we cannot you, my friend. No one is the crowd of thugs and hired produce our own food in a listening to me, either. ruffians who snatch ballot sufficient quantity and must We may accuse the boxes, and disrupt the law and buy from other lands politicians of all sorts of order in polling booths — whereas we are generously inadequacies and hoodlums that do not in any blessed with fertile soil; we insufficiencies headed by our way qualify for any regard. All are unable to provide proper usual hobby-horse, the same, a number of soeducational development for corruption. But we cannot called voters go further to our children within their really “come to equity” as we settle for their own “dividends own country and we are are with our hands soiled. of democracy” by retaining the constrained to scatter them There is no crime for which

*we, the people *born again

,

We wail that no more than six nations in the whole world produce petroleum products more than our country, yet we cannot establish the facilities to refine them

,

Almost overwhelmed with the profusion of political confusion spilling over all manner of discussion and even ordinary conversation these days, religion offered itself this past week as a relief in the choice of subjects in an interaction among friends .... or even

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enemies. The incident which has somewhat brought the issue to the fore, as they say, was the edict published by His Highness Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri, proscribing his title of Ogiame, reputed to be more than 500 years old, and the Warri national anthem.

The Olu’s reason abutted on his aversion to fetishism with which he alleged both the title and anthem were connected. As a Born Again Christian, he did not wish to have any part of them.

Those who disagree with His Highness were quick to point out that he had embraced Christianity to that intensity for many years before now. They are miffed about the timing, apart from the connotation. Not one Itsekiri man of note has come out to support him. Not even the well-known President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who is of Itsekiri stock, has said a word one way or the other. But one hardly ’need surmise on what side of the road he would firmly plant his feet in the matter. It is probably not to confound the confusion of the Olu that he has kept mute about the issue. However, faced with the massive protest, the traditional ruler has recanted.

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we could accuse them of which we have not been first guilty ourselves.

Devoid of a firm moral ground on which to stand, we lack the will to confront the evils, that surround and confound us daily. There is nothing very much wrong with the land. We, the people are our own problem. We, the people must solve it for ourselves. We have only one power — the power of the people, the power of the vote.

This then is to the people of Offa; it is also for the people of any area where decisions are being made, and must be made about the direction of the future. Defend the only power you have got.

Defend your vote.

We lack the will to confront the evils, that surround and confound us daily

his came at a time when peo ple in Oyo are celebrating the second Oranyan festival. It is in honour of one of the most illustrious names in Yoruba history, reputed to be the first Alaafin (King) of Oyo. His exploits were legendary, both as a warrior and administrator.

Though he was not actually deified, the invocation of his spirit may be repudiated by other people as being too close to fetishism. Not so in Oyo and its environs. Many of those who are involved profess to be Christians, but they hold fervently to what they consider to be purely a matter of “tradition”.

In fact, one of the chief celebrants is a “prince of the blood”. His name like that of Pastor Oritsejafor, is also Ayo, and he is also a high cleric but of the Methodist Church of Nigeria— Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu.

A conflict of conscience and faith is rampant in the lives of many Christians who have been steeped in the traditional beliefs and mores of their birth by circumstances”over which· they had no power of choice. They are then faced with repudiation or dumb acquiescence.

But could they, in a manner of speaking, roll to both sides of the bed?

The God whom we Christians serve makes no bones about being a jealous God. He only must be served and He alone, without any other. “I am the Lord, “ He says, “that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to graven images ... “ (Isaiah 42:8.)

The Ogiame has all of my sympathy.

Time out

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 17

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD,SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 Dear Aunty Julie, ’m a 25 year-old guy, av erage looking, and I think I have a normal personality. I met this very nice and pretty girl a little more than a month ago. Almost since the beginning, all she wants to do is go to bed and make love. This was great in the beginning, but, you and some guys out there may think I am crazy, I am starting to get worn out. I like her very much and we get along great in bed, but I want to date her just like my friends date their girlfriends, although my friends tell me they wish they had my problem. Anyway, when I suggest going out, she shrugs her shoulders and says that she likes to be in bed with me. I’m sure that you get a lot of inquiries about how to move a friendship over to bed. Can you give me some advice about how to move the bed over to a friendship?

Tingles, Benin

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Hello Tingles, Balancing the needs and expectations of your partner with those of your own may be challenging, but open communication may go a long way in resolving relationship concerns.

It sounds like you would like to nurture the relationship and give it time to grow and develop outside the bedroom.

I want to be more than just friends with her Aunty Julie, I am a 30-year old man. There is this lady I know and I take her out a lot. I like her a lot, but I don’t know how to tell her, because she thinks we are going out as friends. I would like to go as a little more than just friends. Also, last time we went to the beach, she kept rubbing my elbow with hers. Should I put my arm around her or what?

Kemi, Lagos

We ha ve ttoo oo much have sex but relate too little Have you spoken with her about what you want in a relationship?Consider telling your partner that you’d like to develop a friendship, both in and out of bed. Try using “I” statements, such as “I have noticed we have been spending a lot of time inside, and I think it would be nice to get to know you better over dinner.”

You may mention things you like to do: go to the movies, take long walks, play chess, etc.

Additionally, try to find out what your partner’s expectations are for the relationship, and what your partner likes to do. Perhaps you may plan a date involving one of these favorite activities. Asking questions about your partner ’s needs and interests may help you to determine if you will be compatible as friends, a roman-

Dear Kemi, Ofcourse, you can wrap your arm around her. Or, you can put your hand next to hers and then gradually and gently begin to hold or intertwine her fingers with yours. Remember to be aware of her response: Is she open to your move? Or does she back away from you?

Is she particularly resistant to your action? Or does she smile or seem to welcome your move? Does she seem uncomfortable in any way? A lot depends on reading the signals she gives you . You can try to gauge her feelings by the looks she gives you, how she responds to what you say, etc. So, let her response to you ; her body language, her facial expression, and her verbal comments help guide you on ; whether it’s to stay where you are, to proceed further, or to stop and take away your arm or hand.

If you decide to test the waters, whatever her reaction, after the outing is over, it would be good to talk with her to help clear up any possible confusion over a potentially awkward situation.

If she seemed to enjoy the closeness, you can bring up the conversation by saying something like, “I had a really good time with you tonight, and I hope you did, too.” If she agrees, then say: “I’d really like to get together with you again soon. What do you want to do next time? I’ll give you a call so that we can make plans.”

tic relationship, or purely physical. If your partner isn’t interested in developing a relationship outside of the bedroom, you may want to evaluate if the relationship you have now is worth staying in.

Are you comfortable staying with your partner for the sex?

Would continuing to have sex with this partner keep you from finding someone else with whom you might be more compatible? Can you stay in this relationship for what it’s worth without getting emotionally involved?

Although you perceive your concern to be different from many others, it’s not unusual. It’s good that you’re thinking about what qualities would fulfill your needs in a relationship.

People mistake me for gay

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Dear Dede, For one who is entrenched in a culture whose institutions perpetuate these rigid dichot-

,

Dear Julie, am what you may call a nice guy. I’d say I’m rather sensitive and easy going. I don’t really like sports, racecars, or other manly things. I’ve never had a girlfriend. Finally I enjoy theater arts and my favorite cable station is a decorating network.

You can see where I’m going.

BUT I ENJOY WOMEN. I’m very attracted, I think about them all the time. I check out female butts when I walk to class. Yet everyone, especially women, seem to think I am gay. It bothers me because it makes me feel like less of a man. Additionally, how am I supposed to get this woman that I’ve been waiting for all these years, if she thinks I am gay? Please help me!!!!!

Dede, Warri

To be entrenched in a culture whose institutions perpetuate these rigid dichotomies and strict gender ideals

,

omies and strict gender ideals, it may be extremely difficult to break the norms and be accepted for doing so. However, the fact that you are comfortable in your personal tastes, regardless of their alignment with these ideals, shows confidence which many women find extremely sexy.

Though some women may find a man’s penchant for cars and sports to be the seeds of at-

• A young lady visited the government matchmaker for marriage and requested - “I’m looking for a spouse. Can you please help me to find a suitable one?”The marriage officer said, “You’re requirements please.” ”Well, let me see. Needs to be good looking, polite, humorous, sporty, knowledgeable, good at singing and dancing.

Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don’t go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.”The officer listened carefully and replied,” I understand. You need a television.”

traction, it’s oftentimes more the content of someone’s character that truly tips the scales when it comes to love.

As you’ve experienced, if you don’t conform to a traditional male gender role, some people may label you as homosexual, “metrosexual,” “girly,” or simply just less of a man. Gay men may like sports and cars, too, and it has nothing to do with who they’re sexually attracted to. “Feminine” characteristics such as caring for others, expressing emotion, and getting enjoyment out of the arts, theatre, and fashion have nothing to do with anatomy but are still widely seen to be emasculate and unacceptable in males.

To be fully accepted by others, men and women may feel pressure to adhere to their respective gender role rather than finding their own unique placement on the spectrum of gender identity.

But why is that?

For some men, this feeling of being different, wrong, or “weird” may lead to denial of self. For example, this is often noted as one of the forces that keep homosexual or bisexual men in the closet.

One of the unfortunate side effects of this is that boys who are raised to strictly adhere to these gender roles instead of developing their own sense of self-identity often exhibit more violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and unsafe sex practices. This brings up the question of whether these roles are benefitting or hindering young men. Though for many, it may not be an issue, in your case, it seems the latter. The fact that you are able to step outside the proverbial box in spite of this is great. But being outside the norm may be difficult and garner criticism.

So the trick is learning how to manage that while maintaining your self-confidence.

C O C K - T A L E S •A businessman was being interviewed about his life and career when the subject of his wife of thirty years came up. ”To what do you attribute the success of your marriage?” asked the interviewer. ”Well,” replied the businessman, “You know that saying ‘Behind every successful man there’s a woman’?” ”Yes.” ”Well, behind every successful man’s woman is a prenuptial agreement.”

•A husband visited a marriage counselor and said,

One way to do this is to surround yourself with people who don’t make snap judgments on your sexuality based on surface traits like your affinity for the arts. It may take time and a little extra effort but first ask yourself a few questions: Do you find this judgment to be more prevalent within certain groups of people?

Could you try to shift your social circle to include people who may be less likely to assume your sexuality before getting to know you? Perhaps you could explore clubs, organizations, or common interest groups that would allow you to not only pursue your hobbies like theatre and decorating but also give you the chance to meet women in a more personal setting. This may help them get to know you and either avoid or get beyond any initial assumptions they may have about your sexual orientation.

“When we were first married, I would come home from the office, my wife would bring my slippers and our cute little dog would run around barking. Now after ten years, it’s all-different. I come home, the dog brings the slippers and my wife runs around barking.” ”Why complain?” said the counselor, “You’re still getting the same service.”

•A woman told a marriage counselor that her husband’s complaint that he leads a dog’s life is probably well founded. ” He comes in the house with muddy feet,” she said, “tracks across my clean floors, barks at nothing, growls at his food and makes himself comfortable on my best furniture.”

SATURDAY Vanguard SEPTEMBER 14 14,, 2013—19

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HE last time I had seen Labi was in my flat”, recalled Fade.

‘We’d been going out for close to a year, and he was as loving as ever. But I’d fallen out of love with him.

He was hinting at us living together and I realized I didn’t want to live the rest of my life with him. He was sad when I told him this. At first he tried to make me change my mind but when he saw I was adamant, he turned nasty. He was abusive and left assuring me I would regret my decision. A few months later I was at a friend’s party alone and having a good time when Labi walked in with a girlfriend. After the initial shock, he said hello.

Then looked me up and down and smirked, ‘Hmm, looks like you’ve put on a bit of weight...” The girl sticking to his side was tall, slim and well-turned out! I was dumbstruck by his hostility and just stood there with my mouth hanging open.

Afterwards, I thought of all these witty replies I should have given... But what good were they after the event?”

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e all must have experienced Fade’s dilemma one time or the other. You’re sure you’re over your lover. You’ve got a new love now — a new life and you ‘re having fun.

So,why is bumping into an ex again such mind shuddering thought? “It is because you know that’ll be exactly when you switch from being your usual outgoing, gorgeous self into an insecure, gibbering strangers, said Fade.

“Something like what

Face-to-face with your ex - who blinks first?

happened to me happened to another friend a few weeks later. She has always been known to be a bad-mouth. No insult passes her by her without her giving as much as she got — if not more.

She was on the dance-floor at a ‘showambe’ party when she was rudely jostled. She turned around and gave the person a mouthful when she realized it was her ex. She was mortified. According to her, it is that initial cringe that’s the worst. That tiny second when you clap eyes on each other and realize you’re going to be civil by having some sort of conversation. The shame is that, despite all the intimate things you’ve been

through together and have done to each other, you can’t think of a single thing to say...” Rita, a well-publicized socialite walked into a formal dinner once and, according to her, “I didn’t have just one or even two boyfriends to face.

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hen I looked around the gathering, the grand total of men I had slept with at one time or the other were about four! Every where I looked, I could see someone I’d slept with.

It was horrible! I held my head high of course as all four of them weren’t aware of each other’s existence. Luckily, I was on the high table and that was the facesaver. As soon as I decently could, I sneaked off!’ Things you

,

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do in the throes of passion have ways of hunting you at times! Instead of moping, how do you cope when you come face to face with your ex? Tips picked up over the years advise you try to find out if your ex is going to be at the same event as you in advance.Forewarned is forearmed. Remember to be subtle about this, asking about him will only give friends the expression you’re still hung up on him.

Don’t threaten your friends with a no-show if’ he is going to the same party. Just make sure you look gorgeous. Go the whole hog and treat yourself to a good hair-do, a manicure and a hot new outfit; you are worth it and it’ll boost your confidence.

Act like an adult,

Things you do in the throes of passion have ways of hunting you at times!

How to get the dating game right W

E all long for a partner who will love us unconditionally. But, when it comes to dating —the job interview of love— too many of us skip the delicious getting-to-know-you process, jumping too quickly from flirtation to full-blown romance. The problem is, this cut-to-the-chase approach tends to short-circuit true intimacy. Of course, dating can be a little intimidating, like a final exam we don’t know the answers to:Do we make the first move? How long should we wait before calling him back? How can we tell if he’s interested? But, getting to know a potential love doesn’t have to be so daunting,These tips, by writer Nicole Sannders, will help you get past the first flutter of infatuation to the deep sharing that can lead to abiding love.

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Adopt a positive attitude: Sometimes, we get so bogged down in wondering if a date is “the one” that we simply forget to appreciate his company and have a good time. Don’t look at dating as a means to an end but a process you can enjoy. What we seek, we’re likely to get. So, if you go in determined to enjoy yourself, the odds are that you will.

Don’t wait to be asked: It is one thing to trust that your soul mate out there, but quite another to wait for him to be magically delivered to your doorstep. That old proverbs “God helps those who help themselves”, is as true for dating as for anything else. Instead of waiting to be chosen, feel free to do the choosing. There’s nothing wrong with inviting someone to have a cup of

coffee or share a meal. And, if you ask in an easy-going, open hearted way, neither of you will feel pressured.

Make friendship the goal: Happily married couples will tell you that friendship is the glue of lasting love. So, it follows that there is no better way to begin a wonderful romance. But, if it becomes clear that your date is headed more towards the platonic than the romantic, think of it as an opportunity to learn more about men straight from the source. Even if he isn’t your soul mate, your date still could become a life-long friend, the one you call when you want to catch that film marathon or want an escort for your cousin’s wedding.

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acknowledge your ex and attempt to be pleasant. If you can’t do that, then just steer clear. Making an effort does not mean trying too hard, and if you were the one who was dumped, it is up to him to make the first moves.

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on’t try to make u r s e l f feel better by mocking his new potbelly, bald patch, or girlfriend. Just give him a look which lets him know you are not impressed by what you see. Walk away if he’s rude or upsetting, and leave if things get really bad. Try to make a slow exit over a drink or two. It is important not to let him know that he’s getting to you. It may be unpleasant but it has to be done — like going to the dentist. Don’t make a scene or ‘get too drunk.

If he dumped you, flirt with the tallest, most handsome man in the room. Of course, it could be a chore, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!

Be polite say, “It’s been nice seeing you, I’m glad you’re ok”, not “So long sucker, giving you the elbow was the best thing I ever did!” y

o

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14 14, 2013 aja and Kate got married five years ago and their marriage was

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the talk of the town. But Kate had an issue with her husband which many of their admirers didn’t know. Kate complained to her closest friends about her husband’s insatiable desire for sex.

“He’s a maniac,” she told her friends some of whom on the contrary wished their husbands had a libido as high as Kate’s husband.

Most nights, Kate found herself pleading head-ache so he would forget about love-making but because she also feared losing him to other women, she would comply.

According to her, she endures sex while her husband enjoys it.

Sexuality is not defined the same for men and women. As the hormones differ, as the genetic elements differ, sexuality too differs for both men and women. Both the partners look for satisfaction in love making but, the ways men prefer to get maximum satisfaction are very much different from that of women.

Men, of course, live in a dissimilar realm of fantasy and carvings when it comes to lovemaking. The reason for disgruntled sexual lives, most often, is the lack of understanding and unshared desires among the couple. Sharing the wishes and passions about sexual activities can to a larger extent render happy and satisfying bed hours to each couple.

It is a biological or psychological fact that a man turns himself on much faster than a woman does.

Male genetic mechanism turns on itself when it comes to sexuality but female sexual drives need a bit of time and efforts from the male counterpart to activate. This slow revved process is not liked by many men. It is a fact that a large group

What men look for in love-making

of men like women who turn on themselves on bed; also women who take initiative themselves are liked by men.

Lovemaking is no more just the activity of procreation for men.

They look for more fun and maximum possible pleasure and satisfaction in the activity. Certain practices are considered enjoyable by men. Exploring varieties is loved by men. The only solution is to talk on certain interests and

desires. Women fantasize much but men want to actualize the fantasies.

Suppressing sexual wishes is not the manly way of sexuality. They want it to be talked out.

Psychologists reveal that men always love to be guided in lovemaking. If his lady can guide him, expressing the pleasing ways to her, men perform better.

Many couples fail because they hesitate to discuss their sexual

passions, being afraid of the reaction of the partner. Talking and expressing their thoughts and desires help them to satisfy each other.

Men always look for variety in sexuality. The routine lovemaking with the same emotion and same mood will make him ruin the spirit of action. When you feel that your sexual life is growing dry, try to discuss with him/her and bring variety into the act.

The mindset of men is much different from that of women.

Most men do not tolerate women dominating over them, at least, in sexuality. Though, he likes getting guided of the counterpart’s desires, he wants to be the boss of the action always.

Sexuality is a realm where men seek fulfillment of his fantasies, ambitions and passions in the way he likes it. Though many men compromise on this part considering the partner’s desires, if she surrendered to his domination, he will enjoy sexuality more fruitfully.

Many times, it is the emotional heights that satisfy him the more .

Emotional elements will make him more involved.

Massages and talks will make him more satisfied. If he feels that each of his action is loved and enjoyed by his partner, he may grow more active.

It is always good to let him get the hint that you enjoy making love by talking or through physical gestures. This will make him more emotionally satisfied.

Love-making, basically, is the act of sharing your love and emotions; thus expressing and exploring it in the maximum possible ways will make the relationship ever fresh and satisfying.

She dumped me because I’m a virgin

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’m a twenty-year-old male. I grew up in a very conservative household and community and never really dated much in secondary school. Now I’ve been in the University for a couple years, I'm much more confident and have matured a lot. I’d feel perfectly comfortable having sex now, but everyone assumes I already have. How do I approach this topic with a girl? When the last girl I dated found out I was a virgin, she dumped me because she said she didn’t want to be the one to devirginize me.

Andrew, Sapele Ans: There is nothing wrong with being a virgin or not having had intercourse at all or yet. Everyone is different and has his/ her own path. Having said that, you are also in good company. Both men and women in secondary school and even in the university act “as if” they have had

intercourse, when in fact they have not.

Understandably, people want to save face. They foolishly believe that not having had intercourse means they are not popular enough, attractive enough, mature enough, or smart enough to get someone. Clearly, you are still a man, even if you have not had intercourse.

You feel burned by the last woman you dated. You trusted her, and she dropped you. It’s not clear what she thought was the matter with “being the one to devirginize you.” Some women would consider it an honour to be chosen.

So for some reason, this woman didn’t want to continue dating you. What is annoying you? That you were dumped when this woman found out that you were a virgin? That she didn’t want the “responsibility” to be the one to devirginize you? What if you tried on another word? How about “hurt”? Your feelings were probably hurt, but the other side of hurt is usually anger, and it’s important to deal with your hurt and

angry feelings before you venture out and about again in the social/ dating world.

Whenever you reveal something about your personal or sexual life, it’s a risk. As a result, it’s important to be judicious about when and how you disclose, and to whom, as well as to identif.y your expectation(s) as a result. All that aside, sometimes you are just going to be hurt. You’ll hurt for a while and then you won’t.

When someone rejects you, or chooses not to see you again, s/he is giving you a gift , the gift of time. You don’t have to waste one more minute of your precious time on this particular person who, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to be with you.

You are free to move on and get closer to the person who you want to be with, and who wants to be with you, regardless of your sexual experience or inexperience or whatever reason.

So the best thing to do, and the only thing you can do, is to be yourself. If you are, you can be certain that whomever you eventually have sex with will want to be with the real you, and not with the someone you are pretending to be. And that is the part that’s emotionally fulfilling.

In fact, your sexual experiences or the lack of them are part of who you are, yet they are only one part of who you are. People are virgins at University for a number of reasons, and the reasons really don’t matter.

Remember, the more you get to know and trust a person, or a potential sexual partner, someone with whom you can talk openly about yourself and your sexuality, about sex and all the feelings that accompany it , what you are afraid of, embarrassed about, curious or excited about , the more vulnerable the two of you can be with each other, and the more satisfying and pleasurable the sex will be.

from any part of the country aged 18-45

on 08121444610 *John, 47, male, from Edo State, Christian, based •Ikenna, 26, tall and fair, lives in Enugu in Lagos, needs a God-fearing lady of 23-35 for a and a graduate needs a mature lady from serious relationship on 07061222055 *Don Bee, 55,divorced, self-employed, wants to to hook up with a wealthy lady of 28-37 for a any part of Nigeria 08068817116 •Emmanuael,36, from Akwa-Ibom, meet a financially comfortable lady of 40-60 for a serious relationshipon 08074450030 based in Lagos an employed lady who is •Fada, 33, from Calabar, wants a good woman love and business relationship that would benefit well-behaved as his the wto of us on 07056719966 wife on Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want 08109870454 • Daniel, male, in his 20s wants a love relationshipwith a woman of 20-30 on •Tasha, 23, fat, beautiful, busty, from 07067976792 Do you want to be linked?

•Obinna, male, from Enugu, wants a Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting Delta State, needs a to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal informa- relationship that can lady of 20-28 for a marital relationship tion of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for lead to marriage on on 08103602490 07058641454 •KC, 32, single,tall and handsome, wants C M Y K

SATURDAY

Continued from last week

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From Russia with love (3) mistakes of others at no cost whatsoever.

Even the modern legend that is Usain Bolt has never attempted more than 3 events at any major championships. Efforts to persuade him to add the 400m or long jump to his illustrious repertoire have been consistently rebuffed. As they say – no be yam.

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ut someone somewhere had no qualms about formally entering our brightest (indeed, our only) prospect into 3 physically demanding individual events plus sprint relay (in fact, as the Championships wore on, she was incredibly also being considered for the 4x4 relay to try and salvage yet another lean outing by the nation on the global stage). This, despite the fact that a cursory look at the meeting timetable would have highlighted the clear disadvantage of competing in both the 100m and Long Jump, with both events scheduled to be completed in 3 consecutive days.

Meaning that whilst the vastly experienced and thoroughly prepared Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce (who had the fastest time in the world this year) was conserving precious energy for the climax of her signature

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also damaging to employers, who may be missing out on the best talent” (From an online source).

To be employed means a great deal to the disabled, not just for the financial remuneration, but also for a deep sense of self-worth, dignity and independence.

As mentioned earlier, there are huge

People with disability are a resource of abilities, and a pool of willpower

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benefits that can accrue to an employer and an organization by employing persons with disabilities. And this is apart from the code of moral ethics.

Research findings have shown that disabled employees are on the average, at least as productive as their non-disabled colleagues. People with disability bring to the work place, a diverse range of skills and abilities and

,

All these were history lessons available to be learnt from the mistakes of others at no cost whatsoever

‘Abeg! She can manage ... isn’t she a rugged Naija girl, unlike those ajebota Jamo and Yankee women?’

Okay o.

Anyhow ... I looked on anxiously as she cruised through the early rounds of the 100, then did herself a big favour by qualifying for the Long Jump final with her first and only jump.

‘Fantastic!’ I rejoiced inwardly. Maybe this thing could really work! She looked calm. Focused. Determined. Businesslike.

Professional. An aura rarely seen around our representatives at the highest level.

She looked like she belonged there.

What twinges of disquiet? The devil is a liar. Clearly, this was the year of Blessing!

She was going to – Then that wild-eyed American girl pulls out a 7.01m effort in her very first jump

The disabled — a power ful unt apped resour ce powerful untapped resource

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was discussing with a friend who lives in China and has decided to relocate to Nigeria, and has been upgrading his businesses in Nigeria in readiness for his relocation. He complained bitterly about the dearth of skilled manpower, and I asked him if he had tried to source for skilled labour from the disabled, he said no and I told him to read my article on the benefits of employing the disabled published on this column. Months later he confessed to me that it was an eye opener, hence I decided to serve you the article once more, enjoy it.

Every employer wants to employ the best hands to help achieve organizational goals, but not all of them know how to source for the best hands.

However,enormous benefits can accrue, directly or indirectly to an organization by employing people with disability. Disabled people are unlikely to be employed as non-disabled people, and this is simply not because they are all lazy benefit scroungers, but due to certain myths or misconceptions preventing people with disabilities in the workforce. For example, the perceived cost of employing a person with a disability; in terms of possible workplace adjustments, the perceived impact on their compensation and sick leave, the belief that people with disability will take up too much time to manage, the fear of other people in the workplace doing or saying the wrong thing, etc.

“The difference people find when they send in a ‘straight’, CV compared to when they declare a disability is quite significant. This level of prejudice is damaging to disabled applicants, but

of the final. Putting all her fellow competitors under immediate pressure. Especially the refreshingly ambitious Ms. Okagbare who spent the next 6 jumps straining every inch of her considerable frame to overhaul that mark, her final effort ending an agonizing 2 cm from the coveted gold position.

So silver it was. And we rejoiced. After all, the American was an Olympic and double World Champion. And this was only our second individual event, the young African pretender to her medal since 1987. But at what crown was busy flinging herself all over the cost? place, battling in Long Jump qualification, he following day ... 100m then 100m quarterfinals, then back to semi finals. Three of them. contesting the Long Jump final, before The favourites in the other two challenging for victory in the tensionduly won theirs in impressive soaked 100m semis and finals taking place style. Especially the Jamaican. within the space of a mere 2 hours.

And Okagbare? Well, she won

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he first twinges of disquiet came when, knowing my irrepressibly optimistic compatriots, I investigated a suspicion and discovered that the gazelle from Sapele had been registered for combat in 4 events at the Championships, three of which were individual (100m, 200m, Long Jump; plus the 4x100m relay).

Ahem. Okay. I mean, who does that?

‘Carl Lewis!’ my new converts shoot back triumphantly.

Yes, the great man won four gold medals in the very same events at LA ’84. But wasn’t he the outstanding athlete of not just his own disciplines, but in his entire generation? A legend in the making, competing for the greatest nation that world has yet known with the most sophisticated facilities and technical information at his disposal? Competing in his own backyard, spurred on by crowds ravenous for Glory USA? ‘Ehn, but ...’

Didn’t his equally talented female counterpart, Marion Jones, attempt an even more bombastic feat 16 years later by adding the 4x400m relay to the same suite of events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and end up with ‘only’ 3 gold medals and two bronzes, all of which she was subsequently stripped of after revelations that her heroics were only accomplished with the assistance of substances not provided or approved by any institution of fairplay?

Didn’t Allyson Felix, one of my favourite athletes, gun for quadruple glory in 200m, 400m, and the 4x1 / 4x4 relays at the 2011 World Champs?

Although a 3-time 200m Champion, she could only manage a bronze at her favoured discipline due to her earlier exertions in the 400 where she got silver.

All these were history lessons available to be learnt from the

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—21

a new and valuable perspective to work issues. They are; reliable and trustworthy, have good work ethic, passionate, have a positive attitude towards life and work, have a can-do spirit, and are willing to go the extra mile.

Employing disabled people can open up new opportunities and improve market share. Good customer service requires people to think creatively about the needs of all their customers. Those with direct experience of living with a disability provide an invaluable perspective. This could be in the front line as customer service staff, signaling to clients that disabled people are welcome and that their needs will be met.

People with disability are a resource of abilities, and a pool of willpower — they are real economical and social actors, they stimulate a wide range of interest, and bring to the table their experiences and approach to problem solving, which if effectively managed will improve productivity.

And what about the business angle; employing disabled people makes good business sense, the benefits of which includes:attracting and retaining the best

hers too. But it was sweet and sour. Sour because it was the slowest victory of the 3 races and her most sluggish start all season, fuelling a suspicion that the rigors of glory-hunting the previous day may have sapped vital freshness from the gazelle’s legs. Sweet because her formidable kick was nonetheless in full effect and carried her tearing through the pack to the front in highly impressive style.

So what did she have left for the all-important final, one of the two show-piece events of the Championships?

To be continued of the talent pool, including latent talent, improving customer service, strengthening workplace morale and productivity, being a good corporate citizen, complying with legislative requirements and meeting international standards.

The truth is, to possess a competitive and effective workplace, employers need to ensure they recruit the best person for the job while retaining and developing them. That being said, emphasis should be placed on the disabled worker’s skills and not their disability. If a section of people are excluded from the job market for reasons that do not relate to their ability to do the job, workplaces will inevitably miss out on skills, talent and energy.

Learning to respond creatively to life’s challenges means many disabled people develop good problem-solving skills, flexible and innovative ways of approaching issues, as well as determination and focus. Yet, despite these positive qualities and work records at the disposal of prospective employers, the percentage of disabled people in the workforce is still largely insignificant, this and the perception that the disabled people in the country, aged between 20-50 years have the highest unemployment rate of any population group in Nigeria; this is a very sad statistics. These talents wasting as a result of lack of job opportunity could help grow our Gross Domestic Products (GDP), businesses will grow and the economy will thrive.

22— SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

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SP Olusoji was serving in Yobe State. He was said to have just gotten married barely five months prior to this incidence.

Corporal Andrew Bitus, the junior police officer who shot him, was said to have decided to terminate his relationship with his lover and therefore demanded a refund of all monies spent on her. According to the report, at least on one other occasion, he had dragged the woman to the station where the DPO reportedly told him that it was a civil matter, and the he should take it to court.

On another occasion it is

Random things (2) said that the Corporal again arrested and detained the woman in a bid to get his‘refund’. As the senior officer on duty that day,

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AS it because the stars were lined in a particular way that made Assistant Superintendent of Police Olusoji Elegbede the most senior officer on duty that fateful day? I wonder what set of random events occurred to ensure that the lot fell on him to be the one to have to deal with the obviously unbalanced Corporal who was said to have pulled out his gun and shot him point blank and several times. Why, you ask?

The back story is something that reads like a bad B movie.

was reported began to ‘harass’ the woman at the station. At which the ASP was said to have told other policemen at the station to

Corporal Andrew Bitus, the junior police officer who shot him, was said to have decided to terminate his relationship with his lover and therefore demanded a refund of all monies spent on her

(the DPO was said to have travelled). ASP Olusoji Elegbede ordered him to release the woman reiterating what the DPO had said. Rather than comply, the junior officer it

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register a case against the corporal for his behaviour.

This was said to have infuriated the Corporal who began to insult his senior officer. In the ensuing argument the corporal was

said to have pulled out his gun, and shot the ASP at point blank range ‘many times’. It is reported that the even though the ASP fled, the Corporal ran after him ‘raining bullets’. He died in surgery.

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he Corporal has been dismissed from the police force and is facing a murder charge, and for some reason I am yet to fathom, the woman who was being harassed has also been arrested.

So what is this? A random set of bizarre events that led to the death of a man in his prime in active duty to his nation, in the one place where he should not have had to fear for his life…. or then again, maybe

not so random… I mean wasn’t it clear to everyone that Corporal Bitus was unstable? The point where he was using his office to clean up personal domestic issues should have been a red flag.

Some weeks ago it was a barber gunned down by a drunken trigger-happy MOPOL, this week it is an ASP gunned down like a dog by a Corporal – at the counter at a police station. Daily there are reports of indiscriminate use of fire arms by security personnel and again I ask; these people whom we are equipping with arms and charging with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and keeping us safe….

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ho is evaluating them?

Who is checking to see that these individuals in whose hands we put our lives are mentally and emotionally stable? Not just at the point of entry, but constantly, at regular intervals in the course of their careers?

Law enforcement under normal circumstances takes its toll, not to talk of being a law enforcement officer within the context of ‘Nigeria’.

Hm! May we not go out on the day the road is hungry!!

(Text Only)

Headstand and Eagle Spread Headstand

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he Headstand, one of the most potent postures, is often referred to as the “King of the Asanas” because of its manifold mental and physical benefits. Many rightly see it as a panacea for all human ailments. If you have only a short time for practice, and want to maximize the benefits, do the Headstand. In this inverted position, at least 90 per cent of the body weight should rest on the elbow. Hardly any pressure should be taken by the head or neck.

Technique:

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o perform the headstand, sirshasana in sanskirt, get on your knees, interlacing the fingers, place the hands on the floor in front of you. Lean forward and place the head on the floor and supporting its back with the inter-

laced fingers. With the help of the feet raise the hips up in the air. Now, raise the feet and bend the knees until stillness is obtained standing on the head. Straighten the legs rather slowly until the whole body is in a straight vertical line.

Benefits:

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ives the heart a well deserved rest, as gravity helps to return venous blood to the heart.

Regular practice helps to strengthen the respiratory system and the circulation, keeping them flexible and slowing down the rale of breathing and the heartbeat when at rest.

The body is generally en-

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

hanced by the deep breathing and the brain, spine, and entire nervous system,receive a rich supply of nutrients. This refreshes and rejuvenates the entire body.

Spread Eagle Technique:

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it down and spread the legs out as much as possible. Holding the legs just below the knees, lower the trunk while sliding the hands down to the ankles and resting the chin on the floor. Remain very still and breathe normally for a few seconds and then straightening up the trunk, bring the legs together and lay on your back for a brief rest.

Benefits:

The spread eagle stretches the spine,and rejuvenats the nervous system.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—23

Signs she’s on her way out I

t’s happened to the best of us: You are happily meandering along in a relationship, con vinced that everything is moving forward. Then, without warning, you’re dumped and you wonder, “Where were the signs?”

Well, like it or not, there are always signs of an impending breakup; we sometimes just choose to ignore them.

But knowing the warning signs can have a plus side for you: If you recognize them early enough, you can take the upper hand by trying to make reparations to the relationship or by canning her first.

Below are some indications that she’s losing interest and withdrawing from you. If she displays one of the indicators below, she might be losing some interest. If she displays two of the indicators below, she is definitely having doubts about you. Three or more? Prepare yourself for a breakup. * She calls you and/or returns your calls less frequently.

A woman who is in a happy relationship almost always calls back. So if you notice her phone calls are becoming sparse or she consistently takes a long time to call you back, she might be trying to put some distance between you.

Do not make the mistake of thinking she’s playing phone games. A woman sometimes plays games in the early stages of dating, but generally not once she’s in a relationship. * She prefers to go out with her girlfriends.

I’m not referring to a girls’ night out here. But if she consistently leaves you at home to gallivant in nightclubs with her girlfriends, then she is definitely losing interest in you. It may be that she wants time away from you, or that she is actually out perusing her options. Either way, it doesn’t bode well for your relationship. *She thwarts your attempts at public show of love If she once allowed you to kiss her and hold her hand in public, but now squirms away from that, she is defi-

nitely having her doubts about you. If she does this, she actually doesn’t want other people to know you are together, which is the first step toward an actual breakup. * She avoids referring to you as her boyfriend.

If she went from introducing you as her boyfriend to just using your first name, you can be pretty certain something has changed in her mindset. It may even be on a subconscious level, but this definitely means you have been demoted from boyfriend status in her mind * Her career suddenly becomes a priority.

Has she started working late every night? Does she disappear to the office on the weekend? Everyone can have a busy day, week or even month.

But if she is serious about you, she’ll make time for you. Enough said. * She draws attention to the views you don’t have in common.

A woman in love is usually willing to overlook a man’s differing political or social views. So if you find that she’s constantly bringing up your incompatible views, pay attention. She is probably starting to question your long-term compatibility, so note that a breakup may be impending. * She highlights mismatched longterm expectations.

Does she constantly mention your conflicting plans of where to live and how many children to have? Maybe she does actually see your long-term expectations as different, and this is definitely something to consider before moving forward. But this could also be her way of preparing you for a breakup . *She loses interest in sex.

Yes, you could blame work-induced fatigue or general routine for her lack of interest in sex, but you’d probably be kidding yourself. When a woman pulls away from sex, especially in the

PERT X E S E H T ASK

le. I have sex with my I am a 25-year-old ma my stamina is low and but a girlfriend twice a week le of minutes. Is there up co a n thi I climax wi ? solution to this problem emature ejaculation. If pr m Ans: You suffer fro daily is low, start exercising your physical stamina y to Tr . et di us nu tri tio an d ha ve a go od x. vin g a go od se lea rn mo re ab ou t ha ve d man. Whenever I ha I am a newly-marrie mco e sh , fe wi my wi th nse xu al in te rc ou rs e re su lt, I ha ve to pe a As . in pa of : pl ai ns ow kn to Al so , I wa nt et ra te ve ry ge nt ly . DS? Will it cause any AI does oral sex cause m? co ns um es m y sp er fe wi y m a di se as e if is x se ten to your wife as rWhat is the hurry? Lis pe hy alt he al sex between shared experience. Or . se ea dis sons causes no d y girlfriend is 20. I ha I am 21 years old. M

early stages of a relationship , she is often also pulling away from you emotionally. Take notice. *She picks fights with you.

If she unleashes her wrath on you just for leaving a couple of dirty dishes in the sink or for leaving the toilet seat up, listen closely. She is clearly bottling up some serious anger to-

ward you, and that’s why the littlest thing can set her off. If she does this often, she may even be hoping you’ll take the bait and break up with her first. Consider your options.

Read the signs When it comes to evaluating the demise of a relationship in its aftermath, hindsight is always 20/20.

But by then, it’s useless. So take the time to learn and recognize the signs above so you won’t be taken by surprise. You might not be able to change the course of the relationship, but isn’t it always a little easier when you see it coming?

ce of he r. Is th er e a ch an un pr ot ec ted se x wi th pregnancy? rse has ble door after the ho You’re closing the sta emist ch the m fro kit egnancy bolted! Get a urine pr ncy. and check for pregna I talk ars old and I am 21. If and My girlfriend is 28 ye ic top the s ge an quickly ch to her about sex, she n’t like thing else, which I do me so ng ssi cu r unbegins dis he ke ma rmal? How can I lp. he at all. Is she really no se ea Pl n? ng sex is fu t no is derstand that discussi e sh ly, us vio ob al. But a tch Of course, she is norm Wa s. ur amorous demand yet ready to meet yo behaviour al xu se the t ou ab k movie together and tal of people in the story. tes, but fe’s breasts and priva I want to suck my wi ? hat should I do she doesn’t allow it. W rs ua siv e m an ne r is to o pe ur Ob vi ou sly , yo ar d. Un ke s he r fe el aw kw de sp er at e an d ma u ca n al ec t he r wi sh es . Yo de rs ta nd an d re sp r. he in g to co nv in ce wa ys co nt in ue try

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 20133

But I can assure you that this is the last straw Dick. Just get out of my life forever!”, she thundered, shooing him away. Turning towards the door, he walked out downcast.

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

I

t’s Sunday on the Eastside of the woods. Although already six in the morning, the last thing on her mind was to get out of bed.

Stretching and rolling from one side to the other with the sheets all wrapped around her fair slender frame, she cuddled her pillow as if it were her lover. “Oh Sunday Sunday, how I’m not so liking you. Wish it’s still Friday so I can get some more rest”, she mumbled.

Managing to lift her eyes to the side, she soon realizes it’s almost seven.

“Okay Jane. It’s time to get your butt out of bed. You’ve gotta go to church”, she said to herself in the usual manner.

Slowly, she lifted herself and dashed into the jacuzzi. Minutes later, she was out, swiftly got into the nice purple dress her late father presented her on her twenty-seventh birthday.

And as she slipped on the dress, her mind wandered to the good old days, when she still had her family with her.

It was such a beautiful memory; her dad, mom and kid brother, Chris were a delight any time. But she’s all alone in this cruel world after losing them in a ghastly motor accident last Christmas.

“Well, that’s life for you,” she quickly shoved aside the sad memory, walked out of her room, down the stairs into the garage where her fleet of cars are parked. Her parents left a fortune to last her a whole life time but she’s been unlucky finding the right man to share her world with.

“All dem gold diggers!”, she absentmindedly hit the car horn and it let out a loud deafening sound.

“Thank God the service is over”, saying to herself, she tried pushing her way through the crowd towards her car.

“Jane!”, a familiar voice called out.

Turning to the direction where her name blared, Kate waved to catch her attention. Smiling and at the same time surprised to see Kate in church, she’d told her she was traveling to

Vegas.

“That’s so unfair Kate. Why didn’t you let me know you’re already in town?”, she queried as both ladies hugged.

“Oh I’m so sorry. Had to rush back yesterday cos Steve promised to throw a birthday party for me next week Sunday. Remember September 20?”

“Oh yeah. Thank God for you Kate. At least you have such a caring man,” Jane whinned.

“Oh not to worry, I’ll fix you up.

Here’s your invite. Make sure you’re there and don’t forget my present”, Kate smiled mischievously. “Cant you just stop being naughty for like a sec.”, Jane stretched her hand for the invite and they bade goodbye.

Peeping through the invite it reads ‘September 20 will treat you to a night of fun, cocktail, booze and music. Be at club Lavota on anything sexy...It’s ma birthday!’ “Anything sexy, what in the world is that?”, she said as she sped off.

At last, September 20 and Lavota is all set. Music blaring, food in surplus and of course booze, the dance floor went agog with guests getting all groovy. Kate who was nowhere to be found suddenly appeared hand in hand with Steve. Being more on the big side of life, Kate rolled her body to the music as the guests cheered. “Hip hip hip!”, a call went out from Steve and guests responded “hurray!”

“I’m happy y’all made it here to celebrate with ma girl, Katty. She’s twenty-seven today and I’m so happy she’s all mine”, slender Steve boasted as he pulled Kate closer and planted a soft kiss on her lips to the cheering of the guests. “Please go ahead and enjoy yourself”, he declared as they both approached Jane where she quietly sat in a dark corner, sipping and munching away.

“Jane dear, I’m glad you made it, and where is my present?” kate grimed as Jane handed her a pack, “happy birthday friend,” Jane added.

“Thanks uhn. Okay I promised to fix you up and that’s why I want you to meet an old friend, Dick. I’m sure either of you may have noticed the

other somehow but that doesn’t matter cos he’s a smashing young man.

You’ll love him.” “And what exactly are you up to Kate? I didn’t say I needed to be match-maked.”

But before Jane could catch her breathe, a fine, tall and slim frame approached, looking all captivating. “is that him coming Kate?”, she whispered. “Yeah girl.” “Now I get it.

He’s been stealing glances at me all through.” Kate pulled her up by the hand and they walked up to Dick.

He didn’t fall short of her ideal man.

Exactly her kind of guy. It was love at first sight and they immediately clicked. He was a smooth talker, romantic to the bone, and that got her heart spinning. ick honey where are you?”

It’s been a year after they met at Kate’s party and Jane dropped by on her way from work unannounced. She just felt like spending some time with her man before heading home. They’d chatted over the phone for minutes unending in the morning and he’s hinted he’ll be home all day. But where could he have gone leaving the house all open, she wondered as she went from one end to the other in search. She strolled to the verandah and he isn’t there either. “But why did he switch off his phones too? Or maybe he just went to get something around the corner. I’ll just have to wait.”

“Oh, the bedroom, maybe he’s slept off, naughty boy.” She headed straight for his bedroom, bursting inside like a speed of light.

“Oh my God!”, she gasped for breathe, couldn’t believe what just confronted her in the face. Soon enough, she passed out.

She didn’t open her eyes until the next day. The doctor injected her with sleeping pills to help ease the trauma of whatever she saw, at least until she could bring herself to talk. Struggling back to life, she opened her eyes and again wished she never woke up, Dick was by her side. “Why you?” she whimpered. “Get out Dick. I don’t

D

want to see you, you disgust me!” she pointed her finger towards the door, an indication that he should leave, hot tears streaming down her eyes.

“Please Jane let me explain. It’s not exactly what you saw,” he begged.

“After all I’ve done for you. I gave you my whole life and everything I have and you did this to me? Why didn’t you tell me you’re gay” “It’s not exactly what you think. I didn’t want to go this far with you in the first place.” “You devil! Why have you been pretending to be straight? So you’ve been sleeping with men behind my back. Yeah, I’ve been fooled again”, she mustered and slipped back into unconsciousness.

Soon, she was strong enough to be discharged. She’d been at the hospital for a whole week. Again she remembers her lovely family. If they were alive, maybe she wouldn’t have fallen prey in her quest for love. “Oh mom, dad, Chris, I miss you guys.

Why did you have to leave me all to myself,” she managed to keep her cool as she sped off towards the Woods.

As soon as he heard she was back home, Dick couldn’t wait to see her.

At least to explain himself even if they wouldn’t get back again. “I swear Jane, it was all Kate’s plan. I’ve never been a straight guy” And the moment he said those words, she felt like a sword was driven straight into her heart. Maybe she expected him to say they were just fooling around when she saw them both naked on the bed.

Obviously, she still felt something for him.

“Kate said you were desperately in need of a man. She asked me to date you for the money” “Really? And I must say that you got me. But I can assure you that this is the last straw Dick. Just get out of my life forever!”, she thundered, shooing him away.

Turning towards the door, he walked out downcast.

“September 20, what a day you were”, she said, shutting the door after him.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Is Chidinma dating Phyno?

Between Genevieve and her new mansion!

F

ollowing the way events are unfolding these days, Chidin ma seems to be the toast of her fellow male colleagues.

The petite singer who has been romantically linked with TV presenter, Adams for sometime now, has also been captured in some suggestive photographs with Vector in a playful proposal stunt. And now, a couple of pictures have surfaced online, linking her with another rapper, Phyno. The series of pictures which saw both cuddling and looking all lovey-dovey, has left just one question on the lips of fans. Is Chidinma and Phyno on a love roller coaster? Your guess is as good as mine ...

If the news making the rounds is anything to believe, then it will be safe to conclude that this year has been very rewarding for the Imo State born screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji who recently joined the league of Lagos landladies as she unveiled her multi-million naira mansion at Park view Estate, on the Lagos island.

The mansion, according to experts, was estimated to be around N220 million as no building goes beyond that amount in such a reserved area. It was further gathered that the acquisition of the new home by the actress has become the subject of discourse on the internet. The acquisition, however, is coming three months after the ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ actress built her parents a multi-million Naira home in Lekki.More grease to your elbow!

Gbenga Adeyinka, DJ Exclusive rock Star ‘Win and Shine Party’

D

ATE was Saturday September, 7, 2013.Venue was De Marquee, an upscale entertainment and relaxation spot, located at Mega Plaza. The ambiance, accentuated by the unique touch of Star lager beer’s presence was nothing short of exciting and the atmosphere was simply electrifying. On the wheels of steel, churning out club-banging hit, was DJ Exclusive.

The event was the first edition of the Star ‘Win and Shine’ party.

The organisers of the event are planning to host 99 more of such parties in different locations across the country before the end of the year. The party which was compered by ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka,kicked off on a lighter mood with a bit of karaoke and some trivia games as guests kept thronging the venue. The gig went full swing at about 8:30pm as Adeyinka held the guests spellbound with rib cracking jokes. It was indeed, a night to remember.

•Chidinma and Phyno

Finally, Princess Pat bows out of Glo X Factor

By AYO ONIKOYI

S

“

ister Pat, I love you. You’re an inspiration. Vicky, I love you too; you’re a fighter. Both of you deserve to wear the crown.

I’ll give my sister, the young girl, a shot. I didn’t just come up with that, Princess Pat, God needs you out there. Give the young girl a shot!”

With that verdict by Reggie, the quest for the X Factor crown ended for 49-year-old Princess Pat, whose full name is Mohie Patience Uyoyo Oghene, leaving Eshun, Vicky and DJ Switch to battle for the top prize.

Before the voting, however, there was a surprise performance

by Glo ambassador, Asem from Ghana. Decked in a white blazer

and blue jeans trousers, the singer crooned “Get down” which got the audience applauding on their feet.

Both Princess Pat, who never faced eviction threat and Vicky who has been drawn up three times sang for survival, after which a cacophony of voices rose up from the audience chanting both names as everybody waited for Reggie’s verdict. He was left to cast the deciding vote after both MI and Onyeka Onwenu had decided to save their respective mentees, Pat and Vicky, who were both in the bottom two.

After his pronouncement, Vicky couldn’t contain herself as she cried on Toolz’s shoulder.

Betraying no emotion, Princess Pat said, “It’s been absolutely wonderful. I hoped to get to the top three, but I’m so happy for

•Princess Pat

Vicky. Well done, you deserve it,” she said, congratulating the young

girl.

“It’s sad to see her leave. What are your final words to her?”

Toolz asked MI. The rapper was silent for a while, but he finally said, “Good job” without speaking further.

Princess Pat came back on stage to give a powerful and moving last performance as she shook hands with members of the audience for the last time.

Holding nothing back, she sang from the wells of her stomach.

The remaining three contestants came to join her on stage, with Eshum even crying.

After her performance, Princess Pat admonished the audience, “Whenever you feel lonely and feel like giving up, remember Princess Pat and keep working.”

26 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

W

hat would make you quit a lucrative job in the United Kingdom just to pursue your passion in acting back home? Actress Kelechi Ejelonu fondly called KC has all the answers to this question. She believes ”there is no place like home.” The beautiful actress who has a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in International Marketing in the UK, worked with Barclays before she dumped her lucrative job to follow her dream. She returned to the country in 2010, and since then, has not looked back. She speaks about her passion for acting, her dreams and love life.

BY SAM ANOKAM Why did you go into acting?

I have always wanted to become an actress since I was a little girl. I used to watch a lot of movies as a child. I would see an actress on screen and reassure myself that, it’s what I wanted to do in life. I remember, I watched Joke Silva a lot. She is part of my mother’s extended family. I used to tell her that I had a desire to become an actress and she would advise me to go for my dream. But my father kept on insisting that I should further my education to the level of becoming either a doctor in another field of study or an international business woman. I watched people like Joke Silva, Rita Dominic, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde and Genevieve.

I relocated to Nigeria to follow my dreams -KC Ejelonu

..Says she has no boy friend at the moment C M Y K

Why didn’t you kick-start your acting career in the UK ?

I actually did. I went for auditions.

They cast me for a role and they wanted me to loose weight to be size six. For every actor, it works but loosing weight to be a size six for me would not be good at all because there wouldn’t have any flesh again.

Apart from that, the media in the United Kingdom is going to attack you because I will really look sick .

And in the movie, the character wasn’t sick. I really don’t have to loose much weight to play that role.

For my first role, I don’t want to do that. The movie industry in the UK is not comparable to what obtains in Nigeria and the United States of America . The industry in Nigeria and in the US are far better off than what obtains in the UK . It will take years for a black actor to break even in the UK . What I love about the movie industry in Nigeria is that there is enough room for everybody.

Though, it was a hard decision to take, relocating to Nigeria while my family is still based in the UK . I am the only one here but I love it .

Since you relocated to Nigeria, how has it been with you?

I told myself if I didn’t feature in three productions at least, after my return, I would go back to the UK. But unfortuately last year, I was involved in four productions. I knew I didn’t follow the wrong path or dream. In my first year, I did a short film, Nkiru, directed by Bolaji Kekere. I worked with Desmond Elliot and Emem Isong. I did another three mo vies for Mo Abudu’s Ebony Life TV. I was in Heroes and Zeroes, Dark Side, TV series, Tales of Eve Season 2, No Where to be Found, Giddy Up Season 1. I also did a couple of music videos with Tiwa Savage, BB,

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 27

Lynxx. I shot a short film, called Silent Pain which I intend to release very soon. I will be producing my own series early next year.

Could you tell us what “Silent Pain” is all about?

Silent pain is based on a real life story. It discusses rape related issues especially as it affacts the country. Alot of people don’t like to talk about it. I have a young lady who narrated her ordeals to me and I decided to do a short film to that effect. I had always wanted to talk about it because I was really hurt when I saw the video of a girl who was ganged raped in Abia State . I was sick for a while. In Nigeria we don’t talk about it because of the stigma.

Does it mean that such things don’t happen in the UK ?

It happens in the UK and there are people who reports the matter to the Police and even go as far as tracing the culprits.But in Nigeria , if you go to the police nothing is done.

Even if you go to your local government, nothing is done except if a neighbour catches the person and they drag him out and probably beat him up or even kill the person.

Despite all these, I love Nigeria .

My parents love the structured lifestyle. My father wakes up in the morning, gets on the train, crosses over and he is at the office. In Nigeria it is different. I had a shock but I was ready for it. Though I used to visit home during Christmas celebrations. There are times when I will have a bad day like someone pissed me off and I would go home and speak to my aunty. She will tell me to let it go. I will go into my room and cry. And I’m up the next day ready for whoever will piss me off. Every country has got its trademark. But I love Nigeria .

What is your impression about the movie industry?

There is time to grow. One thing I like about the Nigerian movie industry is that there is space for everybody. It also happens in the movie industry in the UK and the US . My motto is; mind your own business. Be yourself, do your own thing, you don’t need to belong to a clique to prove yourself. Nollywood is booming and I am privileged to be part of it because I know we are going to go a long way.

Do you have any issue with our storyline?

Sometimes, I do. Sometimes I get script and they say they want you to play a particular role and you are not giving the time to read it. I usually ask the director or producer to allow me read it for a day in such cases. There was this director that gave me a script to read and I asked him to give me a day to study it, but told me, he have no time to spare. I asked him for two hours. But when I read the script, I wasn’t impressed.

What has been the challenges you have face since you returned to the country?

It has not been easy. Nothing is easy but for me, it’s either you are not the right size we need you to be or you are not fair enough to be given a role in a movie. It is good for a producer to know what they want but if you are going to invite people for auditions, state it

categorically that this is what you want. When you call for audition, a lot of people show up. People with different sizes, shapes and heights.

Why waste people’s time. That is one of the challenges I have to contend with. People just call for auditions and there is no breakdown of characters. After keeping you waiting for hours, they tell you sorry, you are too tall, you are not light skinned and all that.

What do you hope to achieve at the end of the day?

I want to be recognised. I want to be able to hold my own. I want to get married and have kids. Kudos to Omoni Oboli, Omotola Ekeinde, they are just fantastic. How they do it, I do not know. I want to touch people’s lives. Let my work speak for itself.

Have you experienced lesbianism?

Not all. I pray I don’t. I think when these people approach you, they look at you and know if she will answer me. When people look at me, you can tell that I will give you bullshit if you tell me bullshit. It depends on how you carry yourself.

What about sexual harassment?

I haven’t been approached or harassed sexually. But it boils down to how you present yourself. Most time, when you go for auditions, I see young ladies dress like they are going clubbing. They make up, wear short minis and all that. And I say to myself, a man will be a man. He has seen legs, so he will approach you, it is up to you to accept or reject. What I hear most times is that people want to get into the industry to be the next Genevieve. You can never be the next Genevieve. Genevieve is Genevieve. Why can’t you be yourself?

And they do so many things to achieve their dreams. If one director say they will make them the next Genevieve they fall for it because they don’t have confidence in themselves. If you are a good actor, you shouldn’t let anybody tell you, I will make you this or that. God is the

What role can you not play?

I cannot be totally go nude. I still love my private life. Despite the fact that I am an actress, I am still an African lady.

Are you married?

I am not married. I am not engaged. I don’t have a child though I love kids a lot. I am married to my work. My love life is very boring. I don’t go clubbing. If I am not working, I will be at home. I help my aunty whom I’m staying with, in cooking.

You don’t have a boyfriend?

I don’t.

How many times have you been heartbroken?

I have experienced it, three times.

They were not just into the relationship anymore.

At what point did you notice they were no longer interested in the relationship?

I dated for four years. Those were long distance relationships. They were based in the United States and I was in the UK . It was hard. I broke up with my last lover when I was relocating to Nigeria . I still believe in God. I am a hopeless

I am not married. I am not engaged. I don’t have a child though I love kids a lot. I am married to my work. My love life is very boring. I don’t go out. If I am not working, I will be at home

only person you need. When you have Him, he makes you what you want to be.

Who are your mentors?

I look up to the likes of Vivian Ejike, Rita Dominic, Mildred Okwo and Joke Silver. For the opposite sex, I admire Bimbo Manuel, Yemi Blaq and OC Ukeje. We have been friends before I got into the industry.

When I need help and advice, they help me a lot.

romantic and I will fall in love again.

I cannot marry an actor because of his busy schedule. Right now, I’m staying away. I want a man who runs a nine-to-five or has a business. If I marry an actor, I will get jealous. I am a jealous person.

What kind of man would you want to

marry?

He doesn’t have to be tall or dark or something, all that is rubbish. I want someone who is God fearing and educated because I need that person to motivate me. I want to learn new things from that person. I need someone who will love his family.

What else do you do aside acting?

Acting is the only thing I do. From the beginning of this year, two days after my birthday, it has been crazy.

I haven’t had one week of rest.

Before now, I would have three weeks apart before my next job. This year, I already have been involved in 10 productions from the month of January till now even outside Nigeria . I did one in Ghana , another in South Africa and currently on an MTV based series.

Did you have any push from anybody?

Not really. They only get me informed about an upcoming audition somewhere, I would go for it and do my thing. They don’t tell me to meet anybody. Nobody has helped me. I actually did say to them that I did not want their help because it will make me lazy and I will relax. I am a workaholic. I started working from the age of 16.

My dad had a problem with it. At a point, I had two jobs in the UK and when my dad asked where I went, I would say I went to the library. I enjoyed working. I want to make my own name.

How do you cater for yourself?

I do a lot of savings. I didn’t spend money carelessly and my father always give me pocket money.

So, my money is my money. I am not a materialistic .My friends would go on holiday or would buy designer ’s bags. I already knew what I wanted. I had a notepad where I write down things that I want to do. When I was coming to Nigeria , my dad was upset with me. He didn’t speak to me for three weeks. He didn’t give me a penny.

I booked my flight ticket and returned to Nigeria by myself. But now ,my dad is my biggest fan.

How many languages do you speak?

I can speak two languages now. I started learning Yoruba when I relocated to the country. I can’t speak Igbo fluently and I’m not happy about it. I am trying to learn it. It’s so sweet and Flavour, the musician makes it more interesting. My dad didn’t teach us how to speak Igbo. He is the only surviving child of his family. His parents and all are siblings have died long a go. For him, he didn’t see any need to be in Nigeria .

It was going to be boring.

My cousins from my dad’s side are all based in the US . It was lonely for him. So being in the UK was easy for us to even go to the US to see my cousins. I am trying to learn Igbo reciting the lyrics in Flavours songs.

C M Y K

28— Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Premier League players who could be heading on loan to the Championship

Jack Butland

The 20-year-old moved to Stoke City back in January for £3.5million on the pretense that first choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic would be moving on.

Butland has been one of the most sought-after youngsters for years since his being spotted for Birmingham City but hasn’t as yet managed to kick on.

The England Under 21 stopper needs a run of games. He managed that with the Blues at the back end of last season and said in August that he may need to move away temporarily to help his World Cup cause.

Nathaniel Chalobah

•Nathaniel Chalobah

The Chelsea midfielder was imperious at Watford last season and has been tipped for big things in the future. Gianfranco Zola has admitted he’d like the 18-year-old back at Vicarage Road but could be met with stiff competition from elsewhere.

As well as Chalobah, a number of midfielders could be tempted to make a switch in a bid to enhance their chances at parents clubs.

Cardiff ’s Craig Conway and Owen Garvan may use the loan window in order to sort a more permanent arrangement out in the future.

Craig Dawson

Renowned as one of the brightest prospects in the country at the moment, Dawson has captained the Under 21s in trying circumstances.

The West Brom central defender started his career at Radcliffe Borough before Rochdale signed him in 2009. Dawson was head and shoulders above the rest in the lower leagues and captained Dale when a teenager. Following a stint at Bolton Wanderers last year, a similar move to the Championship could really see his career take off.

Jon Flanagan Equally adept at playing on the right or left hand side, Flanagan has a big reputation at Liverpool.

The 20-year- old hasn’t had too many chances for the Reds, particularly under Brendan Rodgers, but is consistently in and around the first team.

Josh McEachran •Craig Dawson

Stephen Dobbie

Stephen Dobbie

Three promotions to the Premier League.

Three league starts in the Premier League. Is Dobbie the unluckiest footballer playing at the moment? The Scot was signed by Ian Holloway at Crystal Palace over the summer but is another new body to have failed to make their squad. Dobbie was at Brighton for a spell last year and with his Championship track record, teams will be falling over themselves to land him.

Billy Sharp Signed by Southampton in January 2012 for £1.8million, Sharp hasn’t managed to kick on at St Mary’s. The 27-year-old is prolific in the Championship and needs games to re-find the form that saw him take the division by storm when at Doncaster Rovers. Incidentally, Rovers chairman John Ryan said that they couldn’t afford the striker last week. Saints are reported to want clubs to pay the entirety of the player’s wages, but it would be surprising if nobody took him on.

C M Y K

The dust has settled on the end of the transfer window, but for Football League clubs their time to truly wheel and deal is now.

Although managers outside the Premier League are only supposed to be able to loan players in ‘emergency’ situations as the window opened last Tuesday.

From now we’ll really see which sides can strengthen strongly and show they mean business.

Teams are able to take loanees for three months, with this window shutting on November 4.

They are restricted to five loans per matchday squad, and eight in the club altogether at any one time.

•Billy Sharp

•Josh McEachran

Real Sociedad wanted to take Chelsea's Josh McEachran on loan but the deal never worked out. However he will join one of the championship sides.

But the talented midfielder is one the Chelsea coaching staff had high hopes for but he remains far from manager Jose Mourinho's first team.

McEachran spent last season on loan at Championship Middlesbrough but despite appearing on a consistent basis, Chelsea have continued to strengthen their midfield.

Ricardo V az TTe’s e’s Vaz Ricardo Vaz Te handed in a transfer request a few days before the deadline but failed to secure a move away from West Ham. Kevin Nolan insists should he be “welcomed back with open arms.

Just over a year ago, Vaz Te smashed home a late winner in the Championship Play-Off final, cementing his name in the West Ham history books and in the hearts of all Hammers fans. But then came last month’s request to leave Upton Park, one that eventually came to nothing.

•Vas Te'

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 —29

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

Independence Rugby Sevens Tournament 2013

T

his year’s edition of the Independence Rugby Sevens Tournament has been scheduled to hold at the National Stadium from 11-12th of October. The tournament is being sponsored by Building Maintenance Investment Co. Ltd (CMB) in celebration of Nigeria at 53. The event will be featuring different teams who will be taking part in the tournament including Cowrie Rugby team.

According to one of the players, Mr. Obinna Anaeto, the competition is aimed at celebrating our country, Nigeria. He promised that Cowrie team which has 5 years unbeaten record in West Africa will maintain its record and will try their possible best to win this year ’s tournament. “We will try our best to maintain the standard which the team has maintained for a long time by winning this year’s edition of the competition. We also aim at conquering Africa and to go further to compete with teams from other parts of the world,” Obinna said.

Endeavour to read an exclusive interview next week with Ramon Azeez, captain of Cowrie Rugby team. He reveals what you don’t know about a rugby player and many more. Watch out!

Cowrie Rugby team

I will walk away if Arsenal fail to win a trophy this season – Wenger A

rsene Wenger has said he will walk away from Arsenal if the club fail to win a trophy this season.

The 63-year-old’s contract expires in June 2014 and there has been speculation over whether the Frenchman will stay on at the club.

Arsenal have not won any silverware since 2005 and Wenger says there are ‘no new talks planned’.The pressure is on Wenger to deliver results and the £42.5million signing of Mesut Ozil has

*Wenger only increased expectations.

‘There are no new talks

planned. At the end I will decide how well I’ve done for this club. You judge a manager on how well he does with the team,’ said Wenger ‘We are not in hurry. We are in September my contract expires in June. There’s a long way to go.’

The Gunners face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on today and are suffering from a striker shortage after an injury to Yaya Sanogo left Olivier Giroud as the only recognised centre-forward.

Dor tmund join chase Dortmund for Casillas B

orussia Dortmund are the latest club to have joined the race for Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The Spaniard seems to be fed up with waiting for his chance at Santiago Bernabeu and is reportedly ready to leave the club in January.

Manchester City and Arse-

Eto: God led me to Mourinho

S

nal have been credited with an interest in the Spain international, but Daily Mirror suggests Borussia Dortmund are also keen. Even with first choice keeper Roman Weidenfeller keeping the rich vein of form and recently signing a new deal at Signal-Iduna Park, the Millionaires are desperate to get their hands on one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.

amuel Eto'o is thrilled to be reunited with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Eto'o was reunited with Mourinho when he joined Chelsea from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala on a one year deal at the end of August. It was a move Eto'o himself would once have never have agreed to. "Before meeting up at Inter, Jose and I didn't know each other personally, so our relationship was a lit*Eto tle tense," he said.

C M Y K

Villas-Boas: A deba Adeba debayyor will train with U2 1s U21s T

ottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas admits Emmanuel Adebayor won’t be allowed to train with his first team squad. AVB didn’t go into reasons for this, but confirmed the club had granted the Togolese leave.

Villas-Boas said: “At the

*Casillas

Zidane criticises Ozil for lack of strength

R

Adebayor

eal Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has had a subtle dig at departing midfield star Mesut Ozil, hinting that he lacked the strength to fight for his place at the club, according to Goal.com.

Ozil, who joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day for a club-record fee of £42.4m, has often been compared with Zidane in his style of play and importance to Real Madrid, and his surprise departure saw many of his former team-mates express their surprise that the Spanish giants allowed him to leave.

moment he’s not with us. We have granted him authorisation to stay until Monday in his country for personal reasons. He won’t be involved against Norwich. Up until I find it appropriate, he will train with the development team.”

Mo Moyyes e eyyeing Januar Januaryy mo or Song movve ffor M

anchester United are weighing up a January move for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song.

The Cameroon international left Arsenal last year for Barca, but has been left frustrated after being played out of position - when called upon.

AS says United boss David Moyes is aware of Song’s concerns and are exploring the prospect of bringing him back to England in January.

Moyes is eager to add extra steel to his midfield and the capture of Song would prove a transfer coup for the Scot.

30 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—31

32 — SATURDAY VANGUARD,SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

SATURDAY VANGUARD,SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 33

34 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

•Chris Ekejimbe

•Eddie Ugbomah

CONTROVERSY!

Akpabio’s N50m largesse update

More trouble as ANCOP members blast Zik Zulu •Eddie Ugbomah blows hot T he last is yet to be heard in respect of the on-going feud between members of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP, and the leadership of the Association of Movie Practitioners,AMP. Following the petition forwarded by the leadership of ANCOP to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) over the N50 million largesse donated by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State to support the Nigerian movie industry, AMP president, Zik Zulu Okafor last week dropped the bombshell, insisting that the president of ANCOP, Comrade Alex Eyengho was expelled from Nollywood after he formed a parallel association.

But in a swift reaction, two members of ANCOP, Chris Ekejimbe and Ejike Asiegbu during the week returned fire-for-fire. They accused Zik Zulu of deliberately refusing to address the issue at hand as he attacked the person of Alex Eyengho.

According Chris Ekejimbe, “I read with absolute dismay the interview Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor granted to Saturday Vanguard (Home Video People), attacking the person of Mr. Alex Eyengho, President of Association of Core Nollywood Practitioners(ANCOP). Mr. Zik Zulu in the interview refused to address the issue at hand as he decided to go into a street fight with Alex Eyengho. The issue is not about

verbal fight with Alex Eyengho.”

“The issues are quite clear; N50 million was given to the industry by His Excellency, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State. Zik Zulu and cotravellers obtained the money, lodged it in a special account and disbursed the fund without due consultation. Why? It was alleged that N7.5 million was given to Stephanie Okekere, and another N2

•Emeka Ike million given to few associations.

What informed the decision to disburse the fund without proper consultation? Zik Zulu claimed, they accessed the money under the auspice of Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations. For the record, CONGA is not registered and it’s not recognised under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ANCOP is duly registered like every other association in Nollywood.”

“We have over 20 associations covering different interests and ethnic groups. Why didn’t they consult everybody before disbursing the money. I met Andy Amaenchi recently, and he denied that the money had not been released to them. He pretended as if he has a good intention.

He assured me that once the money is released, they would organise a roundtable discussion to know what to do with the money. Unknown to me that the money had already been lodged in AMP’s account. As I’m talking to you now, AMP account has been liquidated. The matter is already before the Police. I’m sure the Nigerian Police are capable of discharging their duties. We are talking about public fund here. They have to account for it.”

“This is a clear case of segregation in the industry, propagated by Zik Zulu and his co-travellers. We want to know his intentions as well as what informed his actions. He said, Alex Eyengho was expelled from Nollywood. Who expelled him? Zik Zulu was a journalist when we founded AMP. I, Zeb Ejiro and Jude Oluchima founded AMP. We left AMP purely out of principle. ANCOP is an association of professionals, businessmen and progressive minded-people. But Zik Zulu’s AMP was not the AMP I formed in 1994. It was not the AMP that had Kenneth Nnebue as Chairman; the AMP that had Tunde Kelani , Wale Falu, Lola Fani Macaulay, Amaka Igwe and many others as pioneer members. For Ejike Asiegbu and Emeka Ike, nobody has the right to expel any practitioner from Nollywood.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development, veteran film maker, and BoT chairman of AMP, Chief Eddie Ugbomah has blamed Zik Zulu, Andy Amaenchi and Ibinabo Fiberesima for the ugly development.

According to him, the three guilds heads have a case to answer.

“I am the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for AMP as well as DGN. Actually, Alex Eyengho was expelled from Nollywood. But I seriously blame Andy Amaenchi, Zik Okafor and Ibinabo Fiberesima for their actions.

They have a case to answer because they have no respect for the founders of the industry. Many AMP presidents have come and gone. Zik Zulu’s tenure will also expire soon.

But I will remain as the BoT chairman of AMP. I read about the disbursement of the money in the national dailies. I was not even consulted when they accessed the money. Zik Zulu, I learnt suggested to them that they should release some money to me because of my Movie Makers Hall of Fame project. But they refused. Felix Duker got N1 million to organise his yearly Abuja Film International Film Festival. They distributed the money among thirteen guilds. And at the moment, they have spent about N26 million, out of N50 million. They took seven per cent for accessing the money. It is really embarrassing and I wish they will be dealt with. Akpabio released the money for them to organise an award ceremony and not to share it among themselves,” Eddie Ugbomah reacted.

TIFF: AMAA roundtable challenges African leaders try.

The Africa Cinema Business Roundtable organized by the Africa Film Academy, organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards during the 34th Toronto International Film Festival had Mr. Dayo Ogunyemi, Managing Director of 234Media, a Kenya-based company as the Keynote Speaker where he

F

ilm Makers and allied profes sionals who converged on the Tudor Room of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto have challenged African leaders to see film as the biggest medium to export the cultures and the rich history of the continent to the rest of the world by evolving policies that will support the indus-

spoke on Policy, Funding, Distribution and Sustainability. The highly interactive session which lasted for more than three hours generated much passion and debate among the participants mainly filmmakers and journalists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, Senegal, United States, Congo DRC and Nigeria.

In his presentation, Ogunyemi noted that governments in Africa should support the industry through enabling laws and regulations that gives tax incentives and lower the cost of making films adding that cinema is vital to the growth and development of film in terms of profitability and sustainability for filmmakers. He stressed that for film to have wider distribution and gross more revenues Africa needs more than 10,000 screens and the number of available screens in theatre across the continent is a far cry.

In her closing remarks, AMAA CEO, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe enjoined participants to collaborate as filmmakers from Africa and Diaspora and engage with political leaders and policy makers to develop policy options that will make the business of filmmaking profitable and sustainable.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 35

Pawpaw joins forces with PHCN N

ollywood actor and one of the prime movers of African Interest Initiative Movement ( AIIM), Osita Iheme,MFR, has joined forces with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, as he calls on Nigerians to be vigilant and protect power installations. Pawpaw made this call against the backdrop of the alarming rate at which power cables and installations are being vandalised on daily basis. He implored all and sundry to “Be on guard and help protect our common interest” He lamented that vandals and thieves are slowing down the wheels of progress in the power sector. “A situation where power cables and installations are easy prey to vandals is totally unacceptable”.

Iheme praised the doggedness of the President Goodluck Jonathan led administration in finding a lasting solution to the power sector. “The sincerity of the GEJ led government in tackling the power sector is commendable. It is not yet Uhuru but we sincerely believe we will get there. That is why the African Interest Initiative Movement {AIIM} is calling on Nigerians to reciprocate by watching over and protecting whatever the government installs to boost generation cum distribution of light in Nigeria.

Ngozi Ezeonu denies being sick N

ollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu is not a happy woman at the moment. Following rumours making the rounds that her ‘weight loss’ has something to do with ill-health, the former plus-sized actress has refuted the buzz, insisting she only worked on her body.

The actress who usually plays mother roles in movies has been sharing her recent pictures on her facebook page.

The pictures clearly showed that she has lost a lot of weight.

But explaining her predicament,she said, her weight loss has nothing to do with ill-heath, adding “ It was just from the need to be healthy.”

Also, she writes on her facebook page;“I will really appreciate it if some people will stop insinuating that I’ m sick just because I worked on my weight. Please I’ m not sick.. Wish us well instead of sickness or death.” Tongues have been wagging recently that Ezeonu’s weight loss cannot be unconnected with ill-health as it was the case with the “Fuji House of Commotion" star, Ngozi Nwosu, before she was later diagnosed of suffering from kidney related disease.

Genevieve Nnaji dazzles at Toronto Int’l film festival

...as NFVCB takes Road show to Canada

N

ollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji posed for the cameras in a white jumpsuit by Nigerian designer Andrea Iyamah, during the premiere of ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun’ by The Orange Prizewinning author, Chimamanda Adichie at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival, in Canada.

She was spotted alongside Thandie Newton, Anika Noni Rose, Chiwetel Ejiofor and John Boyega among others, at the Winter Garden Theatre.

The controversial film will make its African debut as the opening movie of the 3 rd Africa International Film Festival holding in Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State from November 10 through 17. (AFRIFF).

The Toronto International Film Festival ends on September 15. Director of the film, Biyi Bandele disclosed that the film has been selected to open the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, which opens on September 17. He hinted that the Nigerian premiere would be at the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF), which holds in Calabar from November 10.

At the festival, NFVCB set up an event using the platform of its International Roadshow to interact and support the bold initiative by the producers of the film.

The event was graced by Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Chief Ojo Maduekwe (CFR).

‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ was announced on July 23 of this year as one of the films on the official selection of TIFF, the largest film festival in North America and probably the most influential of all the festivals.

Hearts on Trial goes to MUSON LOVERS of stage drama will be entertained on Saturday, September 21, 2013 when a new play entitled “Hearts on Trial” will be staged at the Agip Recital Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The play tells a story of confusion and conflicts, love and rejection, secrets and fears as Pastor Edmund Akinpelu must save his name from shame, by dealing with his dysfunctional family, particularly his troublesome son, Ayo, who is privy to secrets that could tear the church apart.

Okafor, an eligible bachelor, goes through the trials that comes with the choices he made when he chooses the church’s newest member above the other ladies and consequently has to deal with the hurricane that becomes the aftermath of his choice. Their actions culminate in a sequence of events that puts the church on trial.

Fans can look forward to a thrilling theatre performance as the cast is bolstered with experienced thespians such as veteran Nollywood actors including Norbert Young, Efe Orhorha, and Arinze Okonkwo among others. Written by Patrick Ugele and created and directed by Thelma Etigwe-Uwa, Hearts on Trial will be performed by 7Letters Productions Limited.

36—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

My daughter's amputation spurred me into voluntar y service vice—Crystal Chigbu

BY OLAYINKA AJAYI Your background?

I will liken myself to the average Nigerian woman with a large heart giving assistance to anyone that needs it. I am a graduate of Bio-chemistry, a volunteer of IREDE Foundation. I was blessed to have the vision and like every other woman, I work for one of the FMCGs in the world.

What inspired you to start up the Foundation?

The IREDE Foundation came as a result my amputee daughter, who is about fouryears old. She was born with a congenital limb infection and we were told that they had to amputate her leg. So out of worry, it took us about two years and three months to do that.We amputated her as a child. She currently uses artificial limbs and that was what spurred me to start IREDE Foundation.

When did you actually start the Foundation?

The Foundation started precisely 23 rd of August

When little Beulah lost her limb as a child after suffering a missing kneecap at birth, her mother, Crystal Chigbu, the CEO of “Irede Foundation” after that harrowing experience vowed to provide solution to children in similar situation. In this interview, she expresses her determination to serve humanity by providing functional artificial limbs to amputated children. Excerpts:

s

It cost us about N1 million to get one limb done and so far, it cost us about N8 million to fix the limbs of six children.

2012, but the plan began in June 2012. We had done six limbs on five children and presently, we have a child that both legs have been amputated.

How do you source for funds?

It cost us about N1 million to get one limb done and so far,

*Chidiebere with daughter Beulah

it cost about N8 million to fix the limbs of six children. Today, most of our funds come from friends and kind- hearted people from all over the world who go out of their way to give their widow’s mite to see children fulfilling their dreams in life. Indeed, it is a lot of work for the team rendering voluntary and selfless service to see a child become great in life. As a result of the instability of costs in providing limbs for children, we always inform our donors on the fluctuation of the costs and how we expend their generous donations.

What are the challenges?

The biggest challenge we have today is cash because we cannot just walk up to people and start requesting for N1million to fix a limb for a child. The second challenge is that materials to be used are not always available in Nigeria. We work with doctors from different parts of the country.

Sometimes, there is delay in the importation of these materials and sometimes, we would have projected to spend one month with a child and we’d end up spending three months trying to fix a limb for a child.

Are there times you get frustrated on the job?

Well, for every great project,

*Crystal Chigbu

sometimes you get discouraged especially when the project is not flowing in line with plans. Sometimes, if we had planned to treat a child within a month and it is taking longer period, it could be very challenging and frustrating.

Also, there are times when we are sourcing for the funds and it was not forthcoming, it could be very challenging and most times we will feel like quitting. But as a mother of an amputee, I feel very cold and seriously challenged.

How have you been able to conquer these challenges over time?

It takes the grace of God to

keep moving on with a capital intensive project such as this and when I look at my team who are committed to the projects, it builds my inner strength and makes me to be more committed to the project as well. I also derive joy in seeing smiles on the faces of the children.

You talked about walking on 24 limbs in the next quarter, how feasible is it to achieve considering the cost?

Determination is our driving force and since there are children who are in need of it, we put our strategies in place and the funds will definitely come.

As a matter of fact,we are looking towards the time IREDE Foundation would deliver about 250 limbs within a year not just in South-West but in every part of Nigeria.

What will you say is your philosophy of life?

I believe that when you do not see yourself restricted, people will see you as someone who *Another beneficiary bewill achieve fore and after the operation something great.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—37

BY IYABO AINA

Miley Cyrus

T

hree months after finalizing their divorce and almost two years after their initial split , Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband Kris Humphries is auctioning off one of the last remnants of the couple’s 72-day marriage which is her 20-carat diamond engagement ring.

The NBA player has apparently listed the ring for an Oct. 15 sale at Christie’s auction house in New York City.

Humphries is not named explicitly as the seller, but

caught with get up underwear

Kris Humphries

T

auctioning Kim’s engagement ring

he button-pushing singer, Miley Cyrus was recently photographed in London, wearing a highly unusual get up a bra top and pants that have a split personality.

The bottom half of her all-black ensemble boasts a loose trouser look on one leg and a sheer skinny pant cut on the other. A view of the “Wrecking Ball” singer from the back reveals that she’s not wearing any underwear in order to pull off the look . The 20-year-old star topped off the outfit with a gold chain belt, slung low on the hips, by Chanel.

Also the former Hannah Montana actress has come a long way from her wholesome Disney beginnings. Her video for “Wrecking Ball,” in which she appears in the nude while swinging on a large demolition ball, broke the record for most online views in the first 24 hours following a premiere; and the video wracked up a whopping 19.3 million views in its first day.

according to report , the ring in question is identical to the one Kardashian wore during her brief engagement and marriage to the athlete.

A rep for Christie’s confirmed that the bauble up for auction is a Lorraine Schwartz creation with a 16.21-carat center diamond and two 1.80-carat side diamonds the exact dimensions of Kardashian’s ring.

The auction house could not disclose the seller ’s name but said it was “a gentleman.”

“It is 100 percent the same ring,” a source close to the reality star and new mom, 32, said. “Kim has been waiting for the day he would auction it. Everyone always asked

what Kim did with the ring she silently gave it back over a year ago . And Kris waited until the divorce was final to sell it.”

The ring is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $500,000 at auction, report notes significantly less than the $2 million it was reported to be worth when Humphries popped the question in May 2011.

“The ring is definitely not worth $2 million, not even half of that,” the source disclosed .

In any case, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star now has something she values much more a daughter, North, with boyfriend Kanye West. Whom she and the rapper welcomed in June.

•Miley Cyrus

Lady Gaga

dragged to court over wages lawsuit

A

•Lady Gaga

former Personal Assistant to Lady Gaga, who says she was cheated out of overtime pay has taken her case to court over wages lawsuit .

Jennifer O’Neill who worked for the singer in early 2009 and again for a year from February 2010, claims she was required to be available to her 27-year-old boss 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

According to her , she was paid at a flat rate of $50,000

annually when she was first hired and $75,000 annually the second time.

It is believed, she is suing Gaga for more than 7,000 unpaid hours.

Miss O’Neill had testified in a deposition that if Lady Gaga was watching a DVD in the middle of the night and grew tired of it, she woke her up to take it out and replace it with another.

“Every day is a work day for her, so every day is a work day for the rest of us,” she said.

Miss O’Neill had testified she was also responsible for monitoring the singer’s email a n d t e l e p h o n e communications and for handling all her luggage which is generally 20 bags

including clothing, accessories, makeup and toiletries.

She was also responsible for making sure that “special food” was available at every location and for making sure the singer arrived at performances on time and had ample time for hairstyling, makeup and voice warm-ups and that she appeared on stage on time.

She said, she assisted with costume changes during performances and was responsible afterwards for arranging ice packs, tea and a shower, along with dinner and an exit from the venue.

The judge noted that the women met after Gaga moved into Ms O’Neill’s apartment building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan before 2008, when they became roommates and friends.

•Lopez

return to the Idol panel after taking a season off.

It also comes two months after Lopez was criticized by the Human Rights Foundation and others for performing a private concert in Turkmenistan, whose government has been accused of restricting free speech and jailing political opponents. Lopez came under scrutiny after singing “Happy Birthday ” to President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov at the event. Young, founder and president of public relations firm The Fame Factory, handled the media crisis for Lopez. Sources disclosed that

Jennifer Lopez splits with publicist

J

ennifer Lopez has parted ways with her publicist, Mark Young after about three years of working with him.

The newly reinstated American Idol judge has signed with Sunshine Sachs, where she will be repped by Ken Sunshine and Keleigh Thomas Morgan.

The news comes just over a week after Fox officially confirmed that Lopez will

Lopez’s decision to part ways with Young was unrelated to that PR nightmare and instead was due to Sunshine Sachs’ presence in New York and Los Angeles and experience in such areas as branding and corporate communications as well as personal publicity. Lopez is the rare talent active in film, television, music, endorsements and several other endeavors.

38 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

...On veteran artistes doing duets with young ones

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

The fusion between music legends and artistes of this generation has continued to dominate discourse among scholars and industry watchers. Only recently, iconic Dr Victor Olaiya and energetic 2face Idibia remixed ‘Baby Mi Da’,an 1980’s hot single from Olaiy. The duet remains one of the greatest collaborations of all time. Many other artistes have since followed suit . Our reporter sought

the opinions of the entertainers on the development...

c i s u m s e d i v o Collabo prro o t to y t i n u t r rt o p p o legends k c a b e m o c a e g sta

Old wine in a new bottle!

iste Sunny Neji, Art

Safarie, Artiste

T

think it’s easier for the old musicians to stage a comeback when they do collaboration with the artistes of this generation; it is socially relevant to feat present day artistes. Taping into their fan base and you are already a winner.

younger borate with the their lla co es st ti ar d e doing reasons the ol ung artistes ar yo e th to do here are many ay w e may be decide preciate th ones. If they ap as rendering their songs, they young artistes well te with composition as h them. They also collabora launch them into the it w ib d poss ly ity to collaboration their talents an provides them the opportun se ca ow sh to it e, m probably so r usic world. Fo mainstream m k. stage a comebac

I

Liking your style and voice

T

Henry Nwaneze, Music producer

I

think it’s because they want to showcase the talents of the young artistes. And for the old acts, collaborating with the young artistes serve as a comeback to the industry.

They feature the young acts to put themselves back on track. Some do it for the money they would be paid by the young artistes while many others do it for personal reasons.

fans could be part of the reason!

Kefee, Artiste

here are many si des to the issue of collaboration.

For me, I would want to like the style of do collaboration if I the ar a collabo if l love tiste. I would do th and I have a song e artiste’s voice I think will wor k for both of us.

I feat Paul Play in one of my song s be style on tradition cause I love his al music. I didn ’t think about the fact that he started singing And he did a won before I did. derful job on the song. I will lo with Evi Edna fo ve to work r example. It We would be an ho nour for me to work with her be cause l enjoyed her music while l was a kid.

Collaboration serves as a comeback to the industry

Reaching out to Ige, mtn Project Fame

C Evergreen musicians pave way for us Marvellous, Artiste

We should always bear in mind that without the old sckol, our music wouldn’t be existing.

They made us what we are today; I particularly listened to evergreen music while l was growing up. I will definitely go into collaboration with the older artistes if l have the opportunity to do so any day.It would mean my work and talent is appreciated by the old; It would also mean that l have something to offer to the old. I don’t have a problem doing collaborating with someone l have always respected.

ollaborations has become a new trend in the music industry today. This is happening because both the old and young the artistes are trying to reach out to all their fans. The evergreen, nostalgic sound of the old blending with the very fresh, upbeat, new skool flavour makes it exciting.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14 2013—39

I don’t get carried away with food —Agbaje J

imi Agbaje is a Pharmacist. He is our guest in this edition of Celebrity Tummy Talk. He speaks on his eating style What was food to you while growing up?

My favourite food is rice. But, I’m not a food person. My wife says, “I’m quite boring to cook for”, in the sense that, I don’t get carried away with food. I eat because I had to. I take more of quantity than quality. I prefer to eat simple food than being served with all the delicacies. I prefer to eat rice and stew or rice and vegetables and beef or chicken instead of assorted meat.

How do you relax?

I enjoy good discussion with friends. I love to stay with my family too especially at the weekend. I spend quality time with my family and in the process, enjoy the best of the weekend.

Fruits?

I like all kind of fruits.

Nutritional Value of Garden Egg Why you should eat Garden egg Garden egg or egg plant is a fruit but it is classified under vegetables. If you really want to lose weight, you should eat fresh garden egg. It could help to reduce body weight.

Apart from the fact that it fill one’s tummy after eating, it helps reduce the food you consume, thereby reducing the calories and body weight.

The high fibre content in eggplant helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting the heart.

According to nutritionists, egg plant helps regulate the blood pressure, maintain and regulate the function of the heart.

Because of the high fibre and low soluble carbohydrate content of the eggplant, it controls glucose absorption and reduces the risk of hypertension.

It is very low in calorie content, so when you consume it and you are diabetic, it suppresses the sugar level and brings the blood pressure down.

It has anti-ulcer remedy that suppresses ulcer.

Nutritionists say that patients with glaucoma should eat a lot of garden egg because it serves as an antioxidant which prevents cells in the body from damage.

According to nutritionists, garden egg leaf is also useful in treating snake bites, which indicates that every part of the plant is useful.

Garden egg could be eaten fresh or prepared into stew and eaten with yam, rice or any other food.

* J i m i Agbaje...I

enjoy good discussion with friends

Today's MENU Coleslaw

TUMMYZONE 4 KIDS & TEENS Weekend food time table

Helping kids to grow intellectually is not only giving them quality eductaion but taking a step further to give them balanced food. The type of food children consume determines how vast they can become. Today, Tummy Zone 4 Kid and Teen brings to you food time table that might be of great interest.

On Monday, it is necessary to know that giving the children cereal and milk alongside banana slices is good, while, boiled yam with fish/vegetable sauce can be served as lunch and spaghetti/ noodles with shred chicken/vegetable (carrot and cabbage) sauce go for dinner and a banana as fruit delight. On Tuesday, bread and mackerel stew and beverage can be given as breakfast, plantain porridge as lunch, boiled rice with chicken stew and coleslaw as dinner and an orange as dessert. On Wednesday, bread and scrambled eggs with beverage as breakfast; garri and okro/egusi/ vegetable soup as lunch; boiled yam with stewed garden egg sauce as dinner and any fruit in season as dessert. On Thursday, cereal and milk as breakfast, boiled yam with mackerel stew and steamed spinach as lunch; spaghetti jollof and veggies as dinner and pineapples rings as dessert. On Friday, toast bread with baked beans and beverage as breakfast; amala and okro/egusi/vegetable soup as lunch; fried plantain or yam with corned beef sauce as dinner and watermelon slices as dessert.

On Saturday, moi-moi and pap as breakfast; pounded yam with egusi soup/ofe nsala/afang soup as lunch; rice with fish stew and coleslaw as dinner and fresh orange juice as dessert.

On Sunday, akara and pap as breakfast; jollof rice and chicken

Coleslaw simply means cabbage salad. It is a blend of finely shredded cabbage, carrots and a few other crunchy vegetables. It is then generously dressed with mayonnaise and salad cream.

It is generally eaten as a side dish to such foods as jollof rice; fried/ barbecued chicken; moi-moi and many other rice dishes. Coleslaw is usually served chilled to allow the dressing settle into the vegetables.

Recipes One small cabbage One small green bell pepper Half tin of green peas Two medium carrots One medium onion Five tablespoons of salad cream Tablespoons of mayonnaise Half teaspoon sugar A pinch of salt

use a knife to cut across the shreds to make the pieces even smaller.

Put the cabbage, green pepper, green peas, onions and carrots into a large bowl and stir till you get a good mix.

In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the salad cream, mayonnaise, sugar and salt. Pour the cream mix into the bowl of vegetables and stir very well. Chill and serve. Note: If you prefer the coleslaw creamier, you Preparations All the vegetables need to be washed. can increase the quantity of the salad cream. Feel Cut the cabbage, green bell pepper and free to add a pinch of ground pepper if you like it onions into very tiny pieces. Scrape and spicy. shred the carrots using a grater, then with steamed greens as lunch; sweet potatoes chips with

corned beef sauce and veggies as dinner and fruit in season as

dessert.

C M Y K

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

You can create your own reality

you. All you need is to discover your potential, develop and maximize it. There is hope for us all, we are the future and we need to get it right, and it starts right from within ourselves.

Take control of your life and destiny. Time waits for no body, cherish your time more than money. Be the best in anything you are doing. Stay clear from mediocrity. A

— Chinemenma Umeseaka Chinemenma (Chichi) is a young woman married with to a man that understands and supports her vision and passion to help teenagers. This desire was borne out of what she calls teens’ vulnerability and delicacy in dealing with issues of life. In this interview, Chichi talks about how she started her work with young people in that age bracket and how she is able to impact them. Excerpts.

My Background

I

grew up in Aba, Abia state in a very strict Christian family. I am a Mass Communication graduate from Abia State University. I am the second child of five children. I had a very close knitted family and my parents struggled so hard to give us at least the basic things of life. I also have certificate in Entrepreneurial Management from EDC, Lbs Pan African University.

My Motivation for volunteering

When I was a teenager I had very serious low self esteem.

I felt I was ugly, a bit fat, from a poor home, not meeting up with fashion and latest trends, and too fair in complexion (because people preferred to call me ‘Oyibo’ instead of my name. And a lot of other things and somehow I vowed to someday help young people who are dealing with personal/ emotional issues come out of it. Teens are vulnerable and delicate and need their zeal properly channeled.

My work and my family

I am a family orientated person. I love and cherish the man God has given to me and the children He has blessed me with. I give them my maximum attention. I can abandon everything just for them.

However, I’ve realized that my fulfilment also comes from maximising the potential God has given to me. I must say that my husband even believes in me more than I do believe in myself. Severally, I thought of quitting but he would encourage and then remind me that it’s too late to quit. So, for me, my family and my voluntary work are my life. Both must be adequately taken care of.

My initiative

My initiative is called “9INETEEN”. 9INETEEN is a

movement, will soon evolve into a global brand. 9INETEEN runs through a tripod strategic approach. 9INETEEN Magazine, a quarterly motivational magazine for teens, parents and all who need motivation. 9INETEEN “Rise to Dare school programme”. This is a face to face motivational/empowerment programme with teenagers in secondary schools. We are in partnership with the Lagos State and Abia State Ministries of Education respectively. Also, in the pipeline is 9INETEEN TV talk show.

Okay, apart from having passion for teens and youths generally, I realized that every magazine out there is talking to other age brackets, except for the teens. It was a huge need I saw and I decided to help.

Our event today

We have a free inspirational event coming up today, saturday 7th of September. At Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. It is tagged “TEENSPIRED”. Teenspired is a motivational get together of teens/ youths to connect with their favourite celebrities and role models. We hope that the celebrities would inspire

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

•Chinemenma

strong D E TERM I N A TION and BELIEVE and I had a total mind make over.

So, my core is to encourage young people to ‘C h a n g e t h e i r thinking from negative to positive, and automatically they would change their lives’.

What makes me thick

I am a young lady in my late 20’s and I am baffled, though always grateful to God for the little I’ve achieved in my life.

I started from nothing and I knew no man, but I had

Lagos Area YYouth outh Association (Laya) holds camp meeting

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AYA operating under the auspices of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church Inc at the head quarters of the church in Olodi Apapa, held its camp, with the theme “On the wings of double honour”.

The camp drew youths from various denominations within and outside Lagos. It equally featured many interesting and educating programmes during the course of the camp.

The Lagos Area Bishop and Coordinator of Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church Inc, Dr. A.I.R Umondia took out time to admonished youths to imbibe godly and good principles that would bring about the change needed in the country, stressing the vital role the youth have to play in the development of the country.

Similarly, the LAYA Coordinator, Pastor Daniel Ekanem advised the participants to be good ambassadors of the country in conduct and other aspect of their lives, shuning evil vices and becoming change agents in furtherance of the country’s advancement.

The youth members had an interactive session with a dynamic Youth development coach, Mr. Abiodun Odunuga who counseled the youth on career advancement, stressing that “there is a place for all”. He made the participants to understand that there is urgent need for individuals to locate their place of relevance and stay focus to achieve optimal success in a bid to moving the country forward.

The camp played host to other prominent voices in youth’s development and talented youth Gospel artistes including El-Levite.

My words to Nigerian youths

Sincerely, I am a strong believer that anybody can become successful anywhere in

Take control of your life and destiny. Time waits for no body, cherish your time more than money. Be the best in anything you are doing. Stay clear from mediocrity us with their stories of how they started and have persevered. It will be an unforgettable experience.

good name is better than fame. Be careful, whatever you sow that you shall reap.

Do unto others as you would like them do unto. Work extremely hard, you can become wealthy and successful without any form of illegalities or prostitution. Think outside the box, be creative.

Give generously. Forgive. Be patient, everyone has their moment. Love God and love your fellow human.

the world. I tell people ‘create your own realities’. I don’t really care about our government and what’s not working. We young people should work hard and smart.

Stop complaining about what’s not working or who’s not helping you and become the answer and solution to Nigeria’s problems. Search yourself, there is greatness in

R-L:Dr. A.I.R. Umondia, Lagos Area Coordinator, Master Joseph Ibanga, Winner of the 2013 Youth Bible Challenge competition, Bishop Ntigha, second row – Pastor Daniel Ekanem, LAYA Coordinator and other Ministers at the event

Cross section of participants

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 41

42— SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Susan Onosode dazzles @ 75

Celebrant, Mrs. Susan and husband, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode(middle) cutting birthday cake with her children and Chief (Mrs) Oprah Benson (3rd left)

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ast Saturday was a special day that dawned in the home of the Onosodes with special air of celebration and merriment as the mother of the family, Mrs. Susan Ebiuwairo Ixehiese Onosode, wife of boardroom guru, Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode chose the day to celebrate her 75th birthday.

The venue was Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos and the celebrant and family were joined by friends and well-wishers but the Onosodes, Susan and husband, Gamaliel, stole the show as they dazzled with scintillating dancing steps that got the guests cheering . Photos

by Bunmi Azeez

Mrs. Susan and husband, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, dazzling the guests.

L-R:Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chief [Mrs] Oprah Benson

L-R: Mrs. Rachael Ajari, Mrs. Uwa Idahosa and Mr. Ken Ajari.

Mr. Idowu Adebayo, Mrs. Duris Adebayo and Mrs. Oyefunke Adepoju,

Ms. Evelyn Oputu, Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Adelurie Toft and Dr. Adrew Gbinigie

Funeral Mass ffor or Lat eS ard Murra Late Sttephen Edw Edward Murrayy-Bruce Funeral Mass for late Stephen Edward Murray-Bruce was held yesterday at St Jude's Catholic Church Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Photos: Nwankpa Chijioke.

L-R: Mr Harcourt and Sweet Adukeho L-R :Mr Sam Amuka, Publisher, Vanguard Newspaper and Mr Hammond .

L-R: John Murray-Bruce (Son of the deceased); Esther Bode Murray-Bruce (Widow); Joy Murray-Bruce ( Daughter of the deceased); Elizabeth Offiong (Daughter of the deceased) and Stephen Murray-Bruce ( Son of the deceased).

L-R :Chief Rasaki Porbeni and Tonnie Egbuche

L-R: Ben Murray-Bruce; Barr June Baxter; Helen Hunt and Guy Murray-Bruce

L-R :Francis Murray-Bruce; Micheal MurrayBruce and Walter.

R-L: Mr Louis Tari Martins and Ebi Porbeni

L-R :Chief Mark Nwaiwu,Roy Graham and Edward Boateng.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 43

s’ teen camp Heirs’ Mike Okonkwo celebrates 68 amid fanfare ‘Kingdom Heir

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r. Mike Okonkwo the presiding Bishop of TREM (The Redeemed Evangelical Mission) was 68 on the 6th of September, 2013. Some of the activities lined up to mark the 68th Birthday included the 14th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture with the topic: Overcoming the Nigerian Security Challenges: A Panacea for National Growth and Development held at the Muson Centre, 5th of September. The guest lecturer was Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, two-time former Finance Minister and Chairman, Institute of Policy and Economic Development while Major General Ike Nwachuwu (Rtd) was the Chairman of the occasion with Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo as the chief examiner of the 10th Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

L-R: Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, wife, Bishop Peace Okonkwo , Prof. Akachi and Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd) cutting the 68th birthday cake of Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

L-R: Mark Nwabiankea, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Folatomi Balogun and Edet Samuel after the presentation of their prices at the 10th Aniversary of Mike Okonwo Annul Essay Competition.

L-R: Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Bishop Mike Okonkwo in a hand shake with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu while Bishop Peace and Prof. Akachi look on.

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ingdom Heirs Region of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, comprising of Teenagers from Ketu, Alapere, Magodo, Ikorodu1, Ikorodu 2, and LIFE Districts, recently concluded their teens camp tagged ‘IGNITE’2013 with the theme “ A Holy Nation”. During the camp meeting which held in Foursquare City, Ajebo Camp Ground between the 2nd and 6th of September, 2013, parents and guardians were challenged on the need to take the spiritual and character development of their children seriously because the duo hold the key to success for all human endeavours. This will in turn translate to success as a nation.

Rev. Wole Oke, national teens minister of Foursquare Gospel church in Nigeria.

Nestle Plc serving beverages at the event

Lovette Idisi bags chief taincy title hieftaincy

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otable oil magnate, politician, businessman and lawyer was among eminent personali ties bestowed with chieftaincy titles by His Royal Majesty Ukori 1, Ovie of Agbon recently. Chief Lovette Idisi bagged the title of the Osuoturode of Agbon Kingdom. Photos by Nath Onojake

Chief Lovette Idisi and friends.

Chief Lovette Idisi with family and friends

HRM Ukori 1 Ovie of Agbon conferring the title on Chief Lovette Idisi.

Chief Lovette Idisi as the Osuoturode of Agbon Kingdom

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Joined twins successfully separated after 18-hour operation

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he operation on one-year-old Nigerian sisters, Hussaina and Hassana Badaru involved 40 doctors, and is only the fourth such separation to be carried out in the world. The pair, who were born with a condition called pygopagus in Kano, Nigeria, were joined at the hip and had spinal cord fusion, while also sharing a lower gastrointestinal passage and genitalia.

Specialist surgeons at BLK Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, India, conducted the separation on August 12.

They carried out two procedures — one to divide the twins, and one reconstructive operation. The procedures — which cost an estimated £64,000 and were paid for by a Nigerian philanthropist — were so risky that doctors were forced to conduct practice runs on dummies before attempting it for real.

Dr Prashant Jain, the paediatric surgeon who led the team, said:‘The separation of the Badaru twins was a big challenge as they had unusual sharing of alimentary canal, genitourinary system and nervous system.

‘We overcame this with meticulous planning and team work. Rehearsals were carried out using dummies.

‘Every surgical step was defined and rehearsed over and over again till it reached precision.

Kenyan love rivals agree to 'marry' the same woman after she refused to choose between them

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wo Kenyan men have signed a written contract to share a woman they both love, who refuses to choose between them.

When the men realised that she had been having affairs with both of them for four years, instead of ending their respective relationships, the men decided that neither of them could live without her. Community policing officer Adhalah Abdulrahman in Kisauni tried to mediate between the pair.

Mr Abdulrahman said: ‘I heard people fighting and went to check, but I was surprised to see two men fighting over a woman who is said to be a widow and a mother of twins.

‘I tried solving the issue but they refused, each insisting he could not live without the woman.’

Mr Sylvester Mwendwa, one of the ‘husbands’, said he decided to share her with Mr Elijah Kimani. Mr Mwendwa told the BBC he loved the woman and that the contract was intended to ‘set boundaries’ and ‘keep the peace’.

He explained how it will work: ‘She is like the central referee. She can say whether she wants me or my colleague.’

They will both pay her rent and for the upkeep of any children that she has in the future.

Mr Abdulrahman explained: ‘We discussed everything and they agreed that even if the woman gives birth they will raise the child as their own since they have been taking care of the woman’s children together.’

In Kenya polygamy is legal but polyandry is also legal, though almost unheard of.

Polyandry is permissible as long as it can be proved that it is part of a tribal custom. The woman wishes to remain anonymous.

C M Y K

08116759759

Stripped, bound and shot in the head

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That will teach you to twerk!

ideo footage has emerged which shows the moment sev en of President Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian soldiers are executed on camera by rebels fighting to overthrow the regime.

The soldiers are stripped, bound and pushed to the ground where a number of rebels stand over them pointing guns at their bodies. Some bear vicious injuries on their backs and arms. Just before they are killed, the ring-leader Abdul Samad Issa — known as ‘The Uncle’, recites a poem before he fires the first bullet. ‘For 50 years, they are companions to corruption’, he says. ‘We swear to the Lord of the Throne, that this is our oath: We will take revenge.’The horrific scene filmed in April 2012 was documented in a video smuggled out of Syria only a few days ago by a former rebel who says he had become horrified by the brutality of the tactics his one-time comrades are using. He gave the footage to The New York Times.

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ne Californian mother publicly shamed her 11-year-old daughter for de fying her and twerking at her school dance.

Frances Hena of Bakersfield, made 11-year-old Jamie Hena spend two hours on a busy street corner with a sign that read, ‘I was disrespecting my parents by twerking at a school dance.’ Inspired by Miley Cyrus and her now infamous VMA performance with Robin Thicke last month, Jamie fell victim to the surge in popularity of the sexually suggestive dance, which involves thrusting movements of the dancers chest and hips.‘I want her to realize that she is just a child and that she can’t do that,’ Francis Hena told ABC affiliate KERO. ‘That’s ridiculous to even think that’s okay at a school dance,’ Hena told ABCNews.com. ‘When she’s 18, she can do whatever she wants. As of now, that’s not something she’s going to be doing.’ Addressing her daughter’s acute embarrassment, Frances Hena said she hoped her actions would inspire other parents.‘It’s not something kids should be doing,’ Hena said.

Ex-drug addict hands over apology note and $400 to grocery store he robbed at gunpoint 12 years ago family who run a grocery store in Nashville were A astounded and moved by the actions of a former drug addict and thief who robbed them about 12 years ago.

Somboon Wu, son of store owner Keosavanh Xayarath, explained that an unidentified man came into the InterAsian Market and Deli at the start of September and insisted they take an envelope. Though they were initially concerned about opening what he handed over, when they did they found a handwritten note of apology, a plea for forgiveness and $400 in cash. It turned out that the gesture came from the same man who had held up the store at gunpoint and stole $300 over a decade earlier. The letter read: ‘I do not use drugs anymore, and I feel I must make amends to the people I have hurt in the past.’ ‘We don’t care about the money. We are more inspired and touched by your act.

We hope you find peace in life and prosperity. Best wishes!’

Wu told Nashville Scene:‘Isn’t it amazing? We don’t know this guy, but we want to let people know he’s out there trying to fix his life.’

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—45

08056180112

Not all breast lumps are cancerous

women have been advised to examine their breasts on a monthly basis as soon as they attain 20 years of age

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questions, few answers. You may also know others who have had the disease — those who survived and perhaps those who didn’t. This may influence how you feel about your own breast cancer.

Mammograms are not perfect Looking for evidence even before symptoms appear is the key to finding breast cancer in its early, treatable stages.

Depending on age and risk factors, screening often includes Breast Self-Examination (BSE), clinical breast examination, mammography or other tests. Mammograms, are currently the best imaging technique for detecting tumours before they can be felt by hand. It is highly recommended for all women over 40.

But mammograms aren’t perfect. The rate is of failure is high for women in their 40s because women of this age and younger tend to have denser breasts, making it more

,

difficult to distinguish abnormal from normal tissue.

Breast Self Examination For years, women have been advised to examine their breasts on a monthly basis as soon as they attain 20 years of age. Most women have some lumps.

Goal is to find anything new or different and to seek medical advice. A breast exam is a selfinspection of the breasts. During the examination, you use your eyes and hands to observe the appearance and feel of your breasts. By becoming proficient at breast selfexamination and familiar with the usual appearance and feel of your breasts, the intention is that women would be able to detect early signs of cancer. Newer guidelines emphasize breast health awareness instead of a strict series of monthly self-exams.

Breast awareness What’s now stressed is breast awareness — being familiar with the normal consistency of your breasts and the underlying tissue, as well as inspecting your breasts for new changes that may signify potential breast problems. While

the guidelines don’t say you shouldn’t perform the exams, the importance of self-exams has been replaced by a general need to become more familiar with your breasts.

How to do BSE Lie on your back. It is easier to examine all breast tissue if you are lying down. Place your right hand behind your head.

With the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast.

Next, sit or stand. Feel your armpit, because breast tissue goes into that area. Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat the process on the left breast. Use one of the patterns shown in the diagram to make sure that you are covering all of the breast tissue.

Next, stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side. Look at your breasts directly and in the mirror.

Look for changes in skin

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W

hen Chinyere was diagnosed with Stage III Cancer in June 2012, it was the shocker of her life. She was in the shower one night when she found the lump on her armpit. Not expecting the worst, she went to get it checked out and it turned out to be malignant. No one could explain why the lump was found in her armpit, when just weeks before she had undergone a mammogram and a physical examination. At no point did she have a lump in her breast, yet she ended up with breast cancer.

Kate’s diagnosis of ductal carcinoma insitu (in the left breast) was another bombshell because she had no family history of cancer and was perpetually a healthy lifestyle buff. There was no tumour, so she opted for a mastectomy with reconstruction and put the episode behind her.

But her spell of “no cancer” life was short-lived, barely two years later, the dragon sleeping within awakened and reared it’s evil head again. This time around, Kate was diagnosed with stage 1-2 breast cancer, (in the right breast). Back to the operating table, mastectomy without reconstruction, months of chemo, hair loss, weight gain, sickness, tiredness, etc. She fought the dragon and won. She is still fighting and will continue to fight.

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming.

Suddenly you’re confronted with the fear and uncertainty of a life-threatening illness — one associated with a loss of femininity or sexuality. What’s more, you’re likely to be as concerned about others as you are about yourself. How will you tell your children? Will your partner be able to cope?

Who will do your job if you •How do you feel about your own breast ? can’t? Questions, more

report any changes. In general, testing is most beneficial if the results will help you make a decision about how you might best reduce your chance of developing breast cancer.

Treatment A diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most difficult experiences to face. In addition to coping with a lifethreatening illness, the woman must make complex decisions about treatment. In most cases no one approach is best.

Different factors, including the type and stage of cancer, age, risk factors, position in life, the size and shape of breasts, and feelings about the body must be considered. Most women will have surgery and an additional therapy such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Surgery At one time, the only type of breast cancer surgery was radical mastectomy, which removed the entire breast, along with chest muscles beneath the breast and all the lymph nodes under the arm.

This operation is becoming obsolete as majority of women are candidates for breastsaving operations, such as lumpectomy. Lumpectomy saves as much of the breast as possible by removing only the

,

She fought the dragon and won. She is still fighting and will continue to fight

texture, such as dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel. Also note the shape and outline of each breast. Check to see if the nipple turns inward. Do the same with your arms raised above your head.

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ot all breast changes are cancerous Not all breast changes are cancerous, however it’s important to have the changes evaluated promptly. If you’ve been treated for breast cancer, report any new signs or symptoms immediately.

These include a new lump in the breast or an ache or pain especially in a bone - that doesn’t go away after three weeks.

Breast screening guidelines Starting in your 20s, breast self-examination is an option.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, a clinical breast examination is recommended every three years. One annually if you’re 40 or older. Know how your breasts normally feel and

lump plus a surrounding area of normal tissue.

Reconstructive surgery Most women who undergo mastectomy are able to choose whether to have breast reconstruction. This is a very personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong choice. If reconstruction is an option, you will be referred to a plastic surgeon.

Radiation therapy Radiation therapy uses highenergy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. If you choose lumpectomy, or if a biopsy has confirmed that there are cancer cells in more than four lymph nodes in the armpit, the oncologist will likely recommend radiation to the chest wall after the mastectomy.

Chemotherapy Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommend following surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have spread outside the breast.

46 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

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HE activities of Fulani herdsmen in Delta State has be come a source of concern as they have become a major threat to lives and property to their host communities in the State. They have been clashing with farmers whom they destroy their crops, rape their women and kill those who challenge them in the process.

They have also been involved in various acts of transit robberies at different axis in the state. In this interview with SaturdayVanguard, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, speaks on the challenges of containing the menace of the Fulani nomads and kidnappers in the State.

What is the police in Delta State doing to contain the activities of these Fulani herdsmen which have new source of security worries for Deltans?

I must say that these Fulani nomads are a problem. Since my arrival in March last year, we have been having problems with them. But, it has been contained. I have to say that we cannot count the number of them that we have arrested for armed robbery.

Some of them, particularly along the Ogwashi-Uku axis that you are talking about, have been hit fatally in crossfire with the police, Along the Kwale-Nsukwa axis too, especially where we have Obasanjo Farm, there have been problems too with these nomads.

The problem is how do we contain them? Especially with their peculiar mode of operations. The way this people operate is amazing, they will strike within five and six minutes and disappear.

We have what we call visible security patrol. If you travel from Asaba to Agbor, up to the point where we have boundary with Edo State, we have no less than six patrol vehicles. But the way these herds men operate is baffling. There is no way the police can be everywhere at the same time.

That is why we have been telling communities along these axis that they have to co-operate and collaborate with the police to tackle the menace of these Fulani nomads. The idea of the vigilante security is borne out of the realisation that we cannot rely on

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he problem that we have is that those who come from outside the State come with rifles. Like few weeks ago, we raided the cattle market in Asaba, close to the airport, we made some arrests. They come in the night and wreak havoc, and disappear in the morning.

Those that are resident are good because they know that they would be caught.

For sometime now, I have been advocating that we need a task force that will consist of leaders of these nomads, and their host communities, the military personnel, police, C M Y K

•MD Abubakar, IGP

Police open up on the m ofFulani herdsmen,kidna e h t n o s k a e ….sp role of NBA

By HUGO ODIOGOR legal experts. Their job will be that where ever these herdsmen are sighted, they should raise an alarm. When this is done, we can then monitor these criminal elements that come at night to wreck havoc and disappear .

As soon as they enter into the state, the task force will track them and raise alarm for the police to step in and arrest and confine them for interrogation.

That is the only way we can check them.

We had complaints from the Obi of Onicha Ugbo that these Fulani herdsmen have been raping women, preventing people from going to farms, while there have been open confrontations at Ogume and Ibusa, what is the situation now?

I can recall that we had a

problem in Onicha-Ugbo where one of the robbers, a Fulani man was involved in a robbery and almost raped a woman. The situation almost degenerated into communal conflict as the youths of the town were about to riot.

We waded into the situation and peace was restored. The Onicha Ugbo people have elders here who have been collaborating with us. In Ibusa, we arrested one of them and we got information that one of them was receiving treatment for bullet wounds in Onitsha. We went there and picked him. He was arraigned and remanded in prison custody. The meti-allah assisted us to arrest them.

Again, along the Ogwashi-Uku axis that we are talking about, we arrested two of the Fulanis who were trying to buy bullet but they went to the wrong person who reported them and they were caught. They too were ar-

raigned and remanded in prison custody.

W

e are not relenting, but we need information.

Like the case of Ogume that you mentioned, yes, these nomadic Fulanis attacked there and some lives were lost. What we recovered were locally made shot guns. Double barrel shot guns. We arrested two of them that were trying to buy bullets for AK 47, we got them. We got information that some of these

,

government to do everything for us.

Some of these communities are supposed to have vigilante groups, but sometimes we wonder what these vigilante groups are doing?. They are supposed to be part of the grass root security network.

I am an indigene of Onitsha, and I contribute my monthly vigilante dues to my town, even as a Commissioner of Police. It is the vigilante group that guards my home in Onitsha, not the police, even though I am entitled to it.

So, those who are not in the vigilante group, can support and encourage the vigilante team by contributing their stipends to sustain the existence of such groups because they have become part of the grass root security network. The communities have to be part of the effort to tackle the menace of these Fulani nomads, especially those that invade villages from outside the state.

•CP Ikechukwu Aduba, Commissioner of Police Delta State

longer tolerate such violation of the safety and security of indigenes and communities, and we are committed to ensuring that these security breaches are contained.

The menace of these Fulani herdsmen seem to be all over the country, what do you think should be done to curb this emerging security threat?

I think the time has come for the National Assembly to muster the political will to pass a law creating grazing fields to

I think the time has come for the National Assembly to muster the political will to pass a law creating grazing fields to reduce the conflicts arising from the activities of those nomads.

kidnappers do rent weapons to these robbers. There are some of them that are on the run that we will declare wanted. About two of them are on the run.

At the bridge, they attacked a policeman and almost killed him. We were lucky we recovered the arms.

Recently, we held a security summit in Oghara when the GovernorEmmanuel Uduaghan made it clear to the leadership of these herdsmen that the government will no

,

reduce the conflicts arising from the activities of those nomads.

All over the place, there is almost a state of war from Rivers to Benue, from Imo to Delta, all over the country. These rampaging nomads are causing havoc, destroying the economic livelihood of their host communities.

They say they are looking for cattle routes. How can you talk of Cattle Routes in this millennium which may pass through some one’s land.

Creating grazing centres is a

Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 47

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menace appers sign of development. It could be source of revenue for government. In plateau State, we have grass in abundance, carry your cattle in a lorry, take them to the grazing fields, veterinary doctors will come there and treat them. You pay instead of allowing the cattle to roam everywhere, it will continue to create conflict between the Fulanis and the farmers.

We have to create grazing areas where they can take their cattle to graze and they are closely monitored. We have abundance of land where we can create grazing lands.

Creating grazing lands will ensure that the animals are not allowed to roam the streets. It is also a sign of development.

The owners of the animals will take them to the fields for grazing and veterinary doctors’attention.

Government can extend treatment and medical extension services to them in such places. It could even be source of revenue for the government. I remember that in one of the town hall meetings that we held in Warri, some of them said that some of the cattle belonged to top politicians. These animals C M Y K

hat is the situation with the case of Mrs. Mokobia who was abducted by kidnappers at her home in Abraka?

Honestly, we are doing everything that we can to crack that case. When I went to address the ASUU chairman at Abraka, I made it clear to them that we are not relenting on that case. Removing a woman with only night gown, from her bedroom in the middle of the night is satanic. We went after them and and within one week, we got the ring leader and other members of the gang. Awo as he was known and called happened to be from a crime family. We traced the ring leader to Benin and discovered that his grandfather was a hardened armed robber in Benin.

We have done everything to extract information from them, but these people are hardened criminals, they are on oath not to give out any information. On one occasion they agreed to take us to the location where they were holding the woman, but unknown to us, they had laid ambush and there was a crossfire, some of my men were hit fatally. We also lost four of the kidnappers. One of them who is a pastor is facing trial.

But we have received several petitions accusing the Police of indulging in extra-judicial killing over this issue.

Those writing these petitions have not shown concern for victims of these criminals or to the families of our men whom we lost in the ambush organised by the collaborators of the kidnappers. I recall that in one of the interrogation sessions, the husband of the woman was around and he witnessed our attempts to get the ring leader to tell us where they were holding the woman.

I can understand the agony of the husband and the family of the woman who was taken away from her bed at night, just in her night gown.

It is also a lesson to everybody to know how to engage people to work for them at home. Our investigations revealed that it was the plumber she called to work for her that organised the kidnapping of Dr. Mokobia.

We are not relenting on her case. The ASUU chairman is saying that I should produce the woman, but how?

Controversy over arrest of notorious gangster in Mushin …..as residents accuse police of witch - hunting

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

T

HE arrest of 29- year- old Muda Adigun by the police at the Area D Command, Mushin, Lagos, is steering controversy as residents of Idi-Oro—which has been at the centre of the bloody crisis in Mushin, are accusing the police of witch-hunting perceived enemies of a faction based at Akala, a notorious drug heaven in Mushin.

Adigun, a father of two, was picked up by the police, led by the Area D Commander, ACP, Omololu Bishi, at the South African Visa Application centre, Billingsway, Ikeja.

Residents of the area however, bemoaned his arrest and described it as “an effort to disrupt the current peace in Mushin, coming at a time when most of the boys who are ready tools for fighting are looking for other things.”

Bashiru Owolabi, a resident of Ogunjobi Street, in Idi-Oro, Mushin, alleged that the police are not comfortable with the current peaceful situation in the area and their continued arrest of enemies of a faction may drag violence back to the streets of Mushin.

“For quite some time, we have had a peaceful atmosphere here because some of the boys fighting have decided to stop and have their

,

should be kept in confinement.

They should not be allowed to roam the streets or go into the villages or to the farm lands to destroy the economic crops of farmers. This has been a source of conflict between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers in different communities.

•Muda prison, and the police went after him and apprehended him while he was trying to process a visa to travel abroad to start a new life. Actions like this have shown that the police do not support the peace process in Mushin and they are comfortable with the crisis.“

O

ne of Muda’s relatives, Bose Adigun, told Crime Guard that Muda was a changed man at the time he was arrested stating that he was striving to have a new life.

Adigun was formerly fighting for the Akala boys against the faction in Ereko, but he later switched sides after he was released from prison, and the police went after him and apprehended him while he was trying to process a visa to travel abroad to start a new life

minds fixed on other meaningful things. Some are currently taking up jobs in several fields and they are shunning violence. But the other faction at Akala, are not doing same, they still want the war because it favours them.

But some of their boys who are tired of fighting are currently switching sides.

They are all coming over here to join the progress, but the police are not allowing them. Adigun was formerly fighting for the Akala boys against the faction in Ereko, but he later switched sides after he was released from

,

According to her, “my brother was a very stubborn boy and he took part in some of the fights in Mushin, he fought for Akala, where they sell cocaine and other drugs, against one Toba Joel in Ereko, and he was arrested by the police for attacking peaceful residents of Ereko in 2011.

He was charged to court and remanded in prison where he spent over 11 months and during his stay in prison, he realized that Toba meant well for Mushin and it’s environ for wanting a clean-up of the drug infested Akala Street, which is

also a safe haven for criminals.

“He called Toba who was also the complainant in his case and begged him for forgiveness. Toba thereafter forgave him and also assisted him in getting his bail. Upon his release, Toba gave him a job and asked him to shun violence. My brother stopped hanging out with the Akala boys and faced his job and family.

His friends at Akala were not happy about this and they vowed to deal with him. He received several threats from them and at a point, he became so frightened, came to me and said he wanted to travel out of the country and start afresh. I supported him with the little money I had and his boss did the same but all of a sudden, I was informed that my brother has been arrested by the police and his accusers are his former friends.

Toheeb Sadiq, the man who accused my brother of shooting him was my brother ’s best friend.

They both fought against Toba before he was arrested and sent to prison. They are members of the same confraternity and there was no way my brother would have shot him.

In fact, my brother shunned violence after his release from prison and he is striving to make a better life for himself and his children before he was arrested”, she stated.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—49

agos - Activities on the Ni L gerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed for the week on

depressed note yesterday with the market indicators depreciating.

The All-share index depreciated by 126.38 points or 0.35 per cent to close at 36,098.06 against the 36,224.44 recorded on Thursday.

Market capitalisation of listed equities declined by N4 billion to close at N11.493 trillion from the N11.533 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Dangote Cement led the price losers’ chart, dropping N3 to close at N190 per share.

Nigerian Breweries dipped by N1.48 to close at N162 per share, while UACN lost 48k to close at N54.51 per share.

Champion depreciated by 44k to close at N15.55 per share, while IHS fell by 32k to close at N3.31 per share.

Airtel, Nokia offer opportunity to exchange phones

L

NSE index drops by 0.35% On the other hand, Nestle led the gainers’ chart with a gain of N3.26 to close at N938.26 per share.

Unilever followed with a gain of N1.25 to close at N60 per share, while Okomu Oil share price grew by 94k to close at N47.42 per share.

Jos International Breweries appreciated by 68k to close at N7.52, while Portpaint rose by 49k to close at N5.45 per share.

In all, investors exchanged

186.11 million shares worth N2.1 billion in 3,710 deals compared with N323 million shares worth N2.8 billion traded in 5,027 deals on Thursday.

Unity Bank emerged the most traded stock, accounting for 23.52 million shares worth N11.76 million.

Zenith Bank trailed with 14.32 million shares valued at N281.53 million, while Vono traded 12.91 million shares valued at 23.14 million.

Bridgeworld to unveil first Nigeria brand e xpo and TTV V a ward expo aw

F

or an opportunity much waited for among the brand world and entire business community to showcase their production lines, Bridgeworld Communications company, a brand professionals with repute, reporting brand through its Brand TV Network is out with its 1st edition of allimportant event in the brand calendar started about three years ago when it conceived the idea of promoting brands with exemplary performances in any given year under review targets to make a big difference come October 22 and 23 2013, at Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Managing Director, Bridgeworld Communications, Gboye-

ga Akosile, while addressing newsmen in Lagos, said, our platform, Brands TV Network has become a reference point in brand promotion and activation using the television media channel. Now is the time for the first Nigerian Brand Expo and the Brands TV Awards, he said..

On why the NIBEX, he said the Nigerian Brand Expo will feature renowned speakers from various institutions, FMCG’s, marketing communications sector as well as financial experts in both private and public sectors.

Akosile further said that NiBex 2013 and Brands TV Awards for Brand Excellence will also be an avenue to generate awareness about an emerging trend in brand promotion and market penetration, as well as learn new trends in technology for brand activation.

The event has been designed as a trade exhibition and Awards packaged by Brands TV, a production of Bridgeworld Communications Company, to aim at bringing together exhibitors of both consumable and non consumable products made in or distributed in Nigeria.

BUSINESS GUIDE

eading telecommunications service provider, Air tel Nigeria and Nokia, have partnered to provide Nigerians the opportunity to exchange any of their current handsets for one of Nokia’s swank smartphones, the Lumia 520.

To qualify for the Airtel/Nokia phone upgrade programme, customers need to visit any of Airtel shops with their old but functional device of any given brand and network, then pay an exchange fee of N23, 990, to own the Lumia 520.

The offer also gives customers who embrace it up to N10, 000 worth of value for exchanging their old devices for the new Lumia 520 as they stand to enjoy 6 months free airtime for on net calls and data worth N6, 000.

In addition, customers will also enjoy the device value discount worth more than N4, 000, based on the current market retail value of N28, 000.

Speaking on the offer, the Chief Sales Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Inusa Bello, said the initiative is another first by any operator in Nigeria, saying it will provide further value to Nigerians in line with Airtel’s commitment to becoming the most loved brand in the daily lives of Nigerians.

Said he: “the phone upgrade programme is yet another unique initiative by Airtel and Nokia to provide Nigerians a rare opportunity to own smartphone devices, complete with innovative applications to enhance their communication experience. Also, the additional value of free voice and data services is one more reason for consumers to port to Airtel.”

L-R: Chief Goodnews, Chief Solomon Ogbonna, chairman BOT Aguene Art foundation; President of Ohaneze, Chief Oliver Nmirie Ndiigbo Odokara Zimbabwe; Chairman South-South, South- East Association of Chiefs, Dr Ebigwe; Nollywood Stars, Chief Ebere Ubani, during Chief Solomon Ogbonna’s Art Foundation launching recently in Lagos.

“Ho w tto oe xplore the good of Geese farming” “How explore layers, active foragers (making hese days when governments are begin guard animals. them economical and useful as ning to direct attention to agribusiness in T Raising geese order to provide enough food and create wealth The production of this animal weeders), and the most alert and for its growing populations and more importantly create more jobs for the average unemployed youths in Africa. In the same vein, many developing countries now recognize the importance of livestock in integrated production systems to provide the sustainable increase in food necessary to feed their rapidly expanding population. Geese farming fits well into such system and are especially well adapted to the humid tropics. They can provide healthy meat and eggs from natural grazing and seems to be more resistance to diseases than other avian species. Yet, even given these advantages, geese farming has remained a neglected species. Geese play an important role in small-scale farming system as an economic and ecological alternative for weed control and as

gives farmers a big chance to increase their income and offers an alternative to chicken and also a means of addressing poverty. It is for these advantages that Jovana Farms launched a nationwide initiative to promote farming of Geese, Ostrich, Quail, Mushroom, Grasscutter, Antelope, Rabbit, Snail, etc.

According to the Managing Consultant/CEO, Jovana Farms, Prince Arinze Onebunne,Geese farming can commence even with a unit normally called a foundation stock, which is sold for between N40,000 to N60,000 depending on the specie. He said, a unit comprises 2-males and 6-females. Therefore with N65,000 you are already in good business. It may interest you to know that at Jovana Farms we have for sale fast growing species of geese and other animals including large quantity of quail and geese eggs.

“Geese are found all over the world, but at present, Geese farming is economically important only in Asia, America, some parts of Africa and Central Europe.

Breeds of Geese “Some European breeds, such as the Emden and Toulouse, have been introduced into tropical developing countries with notable success. Moreover, Chinese geese which are widely kept in South-East Asia, seem to be especially promising for smallholders. They are very good

“talkative” breed and they produce the leanest quality white meat”.

Geese as a multipurpose animal “Small-scale animal farmers subsist mainly on the product of their own farms, scarcity of land, labour and capital obliges them to reorient their livestock production towards species that are cheap and easy to maintain and that provide animal protein as well as cash income. Geese are particularly well suited to such systems. Mature geese are independent, larger than other poultry species and thus less vulnerable to predator when kept in small flocks and allowed to roam the farmland, field or backyard. They are adept scavengers, requiring less attention than any other domestic bird. Geese adapt easily to captivity if small quantity of supplementary feed are provided to boost their rapid growth. Thus, requiring little extra work, these animals supply nutritious meat, huge eggs and rich fat for cooking, as well as soft down and feather for bedding, clothing, upholstery, which makes them particularly appropriate for providing farmers with a supplementary income.

Visit us at www.jovanafarms.com or www.facebook.com/jovanafarm for more details. Choose also the nearest venue from the advert box in this page.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

‘My ordeal in prison’ *I’ve lost all my life’s savings in a bid to prove my innocence —Okoli, President, Aguiyi Ironsi Traders Association, Ladipo market

BY IFEANYI OKOLI

T

he embatlled President of Traders at Aguiyi Ironsi Complex, Ladipo market, Lagos, Jonathan Chibuzor Okoli has, just like a cat with nine lives,passed through a lot of tribulations and pains, all in a bid to remain the leader of traders in the market. He claims he has spent not less than two years in prison custody and police cells while being dragged from one police station to another on trumped-up charges.Also,he has lost all his life’s savings in a bid to prove that he is innocent of the frivolous charges preferred against him from those he alleged wants to take over the leadership of the market. In this interview, he opened up on the genesis of the crisis at the market and the role of female Commissioner of Police. He also proffered solutions to the crisis which has plagued the market for long.

Excerpts: How he assumed office

I left this country April 1st 1991, to Japan to hustle for greener pastures. I stayed there for about ten years. After that, I came back to my country. I brought in containers of fairly-used vehicle parts and motorcycles into Nigeria.While I was looking for shops my goods, I found out that there was a project going on at No 2, Akinwumi street, Ladipo. They showed me the flier that you could pay some allocation fee, it would be built and you own the property. So, I told my lawyer to study it and find out if it was real and original from the state and local government. I invested a lot of money at the site. I own block 17 in that market. The value of the building now is at N150million.

I also have several other buildings and shops in the market. Later, after the commissioning by the then Governor of Lagos State, who was represented by his deputy, although I wasn’t in the country, I came back after a month.

Suddenly, a female Commissioner of Police came with the Police and OPC to take over the affairs of the market.

As a result, crisis erupted there,and I was not in Lagos , I had to come back as the crisis lasted. We petitioned the Lagos State Government and a lot of meetings were held at Alausa. A memorandum of understanding that a 13-man committee should go and conduct election for the traders in that market was signed.

Cause of protest The protest was because the woman started claiming the ownership of the

market. The Igbos who built the shops and the buildings in the market said No... “ We are the ones who built, not you, not your husband. There was an agreement we entered with the company which gave us rights as the owners of the properties. So, we want you to respect that agreement; you cannot take it by force...” The crisis lasted for about three months,and the market was shut down on June 26, 2006. The traders suffered huge losses which affected their daily income and sustenance. After that, we appealed to Lagos State Government and they reasoned with us and reopened the market. After that, the 13-man committee was mandated to go and conduct the election, register the association for the traders so that the traders would have their leaders.

Consequently,the market was reopened. The committee took over the leadership of the market for a

•Jonathan Chibuzor Okoli

The protest was that the woman came up, claiming the ownership of the market. The Igbos who built the shops and the buildings in the market said no, we are the ones who built, not you, not your husband couple of months and organised the election which I emerged as the president out of five that contested.

But the woman did not relent using the Police to intimidate us with various charges at police stations in Lagos State. Later, we appealed to the governor of the state, but no response came. On May 28th, 2011, she met me at the C.P’s office, State Command, Ikeja. She ordered some Police men to arrest me. I asked them what was my offence and they said there was a petition against me. I followed them to the office,and told them the matter was in court—and if a matter is in court, the Police should respect the rule of law.

They insisted that I must make statement. I said I’ve made a statement at SCID, Panti, concerning the matter.

They said I should make another one, which I did. After they listened to me, the woman was there, and also her son.

They asked her that this thing you are saying is a market problem, can’t you settle with this people? I told the Police to ask her son what he wanted? The son said he wanted 50% of what is going on

in the market. I said I would discuss with the traders, that I am only their leader, if they say we should give you everything, we would comply. After about 9pm, they allowed me to go.

When I left the place, they asked us to come back in three days. On the third day, they ordered me to come with two of my executives, and the other man should come back with two people from his company. Eventually, when we got there, we saw some Igbos he was using to make trouble in the market. They were everywhere. I went with two of my people as I was instructed.

Threat to my life We were at the State Police Command from around 8am till 7pm. When the Deputy Commissioner of Police came, he said he was going to Alausa for a meeting but he would be back to end the matter. I was uncomfortable as I discussed with my people that DCP said he would end the matter he had heard nothing about. I asked some of the executives to stay back because I sensed danger. I was on my way home

when one of the executives,Emeka Eze called me, that the EFCC was in the compound looking for me.This made me remember the threat of the female Commissioner of Police when we (two of my executives) went to appeal to her to allow peace reign in the market.

Based on this,I petitioned the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the petition was forwarded back to Zone Two to investigate. They asked us to come for an interview and investigation.

Attacked by men in police uniform The next morning, I went to the market. In the evening, I was going home, near Five Star bus-stop, I saw a white Hilux pick-up van, it was Police with their siren following me.I had to park by the side for them to go but they blocked me, reversed , came down, shot at all the my tyres. They also fired inside the vehicle. Then I opened the door and came out. I was asking them, “what is it? They told me that they were anti-robbery squad. I asked them how may I help them? They asked for vehicle particulars, I said look at the particulars. They said that’s by the way; I asked if it’s about the problem at the market. I dipped my hand inside my pocket and brought out a copy of the petition we submitted. I said look, the IG had directed Zone 2 to look into this matter. They said which IG? I said we have only one IG. One of them came close and looked into the paper. He said you are challenging our madam, the next thing, they all started speaking Hausa language. I don’t

Continues on page 51

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013—51

convince the court that we are armed robbers. When it failed, they hatched another plan by forcing all the ardent supporters of our cause to enter into agreement that they should not come to the market if they released them. They collected money from their families who came to see them. So they arrested 13 of us, and took us to court. Instead of taking me to Ikeja High Court that demanded to produce me, which also had the jurisdiction to look into the case, they went to Magistrate’s court to remand us.

But our union lawyer tried. He explained to the Magistrate that this was market politics, that these people had taken over the market and put another people. They charged us for illegal possession of fire arms and a lot of things we didn’t know about. It was in the court that we saw they charged us for arms possession.

When our lawyer was able to explain to the Magistrate, he granted us bail. We went to Ikoyi prisons, perfected our bail and came out. We spent a total of 17 days at Ikoyi prison.

Some of the injured victims

‘My ordeal in prison’ Continued from page 50 understand Hausa, so I was just looking at them. Tthey opened fire on me. They shot and shot, I was confused. I then ran for my life. Many people were hit by their bullets. Later, when they saw that people were falling, they left. By the special grace of God, the bullet did not touch me.

Fortunately, one of the guys who laid on the ground used a camera phone to record what happened at the scene. We came back and used a tricycle to carry some of the people to the hospital. I called Oloso Police station and the Area Commander, Mushin to inform them.

I waited there for about two-three hours before Police came from Oloso.

They gathered pellets of bullets that were scattered on the ground. I followed them to the station and made statement.

When the Area Commmander called later, he was doubting the identity of the people that attacked me but I told him that it’s only the Police that use that vehicle, and they were dressed like the MOPOL without names, only the cap they wore showed they were officers. He said they were not Police officers, that they might have disguised themselves.

That made me leave Lagos. The ugly incident was widely publicised.

Then we put another petition because I know the source of the attack. Later, we were invited by the then InspectorGeneral of Police, Hafiz Ringim and after listening to our plight, he directed the then DIGs, Ivy Okoronkwo and Azubuko Udah to look into the matter.

The DIGs swore to get to the root of the matter because there was no smoke without fire. After they listened to us they asked us to come down to the market and bring our proposals asking what would be done so that peace would return to the market.

We presented our proposals , more than 30 traders from Lagos went to Abuja for it. Thereafter nothing happened again. I was pressuring them to do something about the case, because my life was in danger. Later they called us again, and asked us not to go to the Police for anything; that if any of us go to the Police for anything, that they would deal with that person; that they were going to resolve the matter, that we should go back to Lagos and trade on, that we would hear from them.

Police invasion We were in Lagos doing business for about a month, and on a Sunday, Police invaded my house. Unfortunately for

them, I wasn’t around. They went to the market, forced the gate open, the security man ran away. When they were firing in the air, the security man jumped the fence and ran. They caught one of the security officers and took him to the office of the Federal SARS at Adeniji Adele. Our Chief Security Officer, a retired Army Captain, Ogbonna, went there to see them.

When he got there, they told him that I’m the one they were looking for; that they would not release the captain until they see me. They even detained the captain till the next day before they released him. So, when Captain came back, he told me I should run out of Lagos that these people said they wanted me dead or alive. Based on this

Change of baton When I came out, they had taken over our leadership. I said it’s of no use going into the market because they would come with another charge. I went back to Abuja on December 2011 and complained to the IG with a petition. Police Headquarters invited the female Commissioner but she denied everything. After listening to us, the IG said I should go back to Lagos. That was how I came back to Lagos on December 22, 2011. On December 23, 2011, I went to Lagos State Commissioner’s office and put a letter that I would be going back to market. When they stamped the letter, I went back to the market. On getting to Ladipo, people spotted me and gathered around. Policemen were all over the market. The traders saw me, everybody was rejoicing, buying drinks . So, I addressed them and I went back to my building but they had broken everything.

My office was scattered, up till today.

Surprisingly, the market was closed down again immediately after I came back. We went to court because the matter of the market leadership was at Igbosere High Court. We went back to the same court and complained that despite the matter being before the court, look at what was happening; that Mushin Local

I want justice to be done in this case, for Lagos State Government to see reasons why justice should be done development, I went to court for fundamental human rights and they ordered that nobody should touch me.

Then I surfaced, started coming to the market, but I couldn’t go to my house because I was afraid of being attacked again.Yet,they succeeded in tracing me to the guest house where I was staying and arrested me. They took me to Adeniji -Adele. I was there for about a week before my lawyer came up. He told me that the very first day I was arrested, he came there but they didn’t allow him to see me. So, he went back to the court and got the order that we should appear on November 8th because they arrested me on November 4th, 2011. After that, my lawyer went back to the court and the court summoned them to bring me.

The next thing I saw, they brought a notice taking our pictures that we were armed robbers.

Immediately, they got me on November 4, November 5, they invaded the market, overthrew the leadership, and arrested 46 of the traders and those that worked with the union. Some people managed to escape. They brought everybody to Adeniji- Adele with cutlass, matchets and bottles because the thugs stationed at the market helped them to stab and do everything. So everybody was there. When I saw them, I was crying. After sometime, the court still brought another order for them to bring me to court that Friday.They were planning how to

Government had set a committee to take over the leadership of the market. By law, they have the authority to get revenue from the market, but not to take over the association which was registered. Then the court gave orders not to take over the market which the incumbent leadership was in court to determine the motion on notice. That motion has not been determined up till today. I had earlier told the local government to come and help us organise elections so that anybody that wins would be the leader of the market.

What they do is to normally use one government agency or the other to shut down the market over one flimsy excuse or the other. We protested even to the state House of Assembly without success.

Another invasion They invaded the market again on March 5,after the burial of Ojukwu, and this time, the Chairman came to impose on people he called real owners of the market, and they(traders) reacted. He came with armed military men and police Black maria. When he saw the impossibility of his action, he unleached some thugs armed with dangerous weapons on the traders. I knew I was the target and I cleverly escaped. Everyone ran helter-skelter. Some of them left in Police vehicle. We took our people to the hospital,and they hosptalised for about a month. We expected the Police after we made statements to start arresting these people but they did not.

Back to Police headquarters

On April 7, I went to Abuja to write a petition. On the 8th, we were before the IG, M.D Abubakar. He saw the picture and was angry. He asked us what happened and we explained. He signed the petition and asked the Police to report back within two weeks. After one month, Alagbon called us and we went and made statements. They started their own investigations. They invited Mushin Local government Chairman. It took him two months before he could go. He told them he was in his office when the thugs I brought from Bakasi did these things, not knowing that Alagbon had interviewed these people and they told them what happened. They asked him to produce the thugs and uptill date, he could not produce them.

Back to court, prison I was in the village when they called that they want to see me. I came back to Lagos in a night bus, went to the office and on getting there, they told me I would be having a meeting with the Lagos state Commissioner of Police. They took me in their vehicle to the Commissioner’s office and I explained what happened, showing him the pictures of what they did. After everything, he told me he wanted a thorough investigation into the matter.

He said I should follow the people to Panti for the investigation. When we got there, they started asking me questions. I was shocked when they presented all the evidence of their destruction in my stalls and at the market including pictures of those they wounded during their raids as evidence against me claiming that I perpetrated the acts. Even the investigators saw this but their hands were tied. They were afraid to release me after discovering my innocence.

After ten days of being detained, my lawyer fought for my fundamental right, they rushed me to Ebutte-Metta High Court. The person they accused me of having misunderstanding with someone.

They also pleaded with the Judge not to allow me into the market. When he questioned the accusations against me, they moved the case to Ikeja. I waited in jail for another one month.

There at Ikeja, the Judge said he had enough reasons to grant me bail and I was granted bail. Some of the bail conditions was that I should not parade myself as the leader of the market again. I signed this and came out on February 19, 2013.

The next thing, they closed the entire Ladipo market again around March, because I had filed to go back to the market. After the closure, the local government Chairman and his men broke the gate and arrested the security officers, paraded them on television and newspapers, calling them Bakassi boys, who were used to maim people. Monday Ubani was the lawyer we used to go after this case because the thing was so bad.

Two of of those security men spent about two months at Badagary prison before they were released.

Traders not divided Some people say Igbos in the market are divided.No it’s not the Igbos, the people they are using are touts,those that have nothing in the market. Traders cannot protest because they have stationed armed mobile men all over the market.

Nobody wants to suffer like me.

For justice to prevail I want Lagos State Government to see reasons why justice should prevail in this case— Yoruba, Igbo,Hausa are all Nigerians—and we have our rights; unless if one goes against the law of the state, the culprit should face the law. The state government and other stakeholders should find out the truth from what the female Commissioner of Police and the local government Chairman are presenting to them are all fabricated stories. Let them conduct a new election.

The Governor had set a committee to look into this matter, called ‘Ndi-Igbo Lagos’.

Ndi-Igbo Lagos has come out with their blue print that they would dissolve the exco but until I come out and hand over to them, they will not conduct the election. That’s the only way peace will be restored.

52 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Govt House blockade: It’s act of lawlessness — Amaechi Continued from page 5 ”While, advising members of the law abiding Bayelsa public to go about their legitimate businesses, it warned that anybody or group of persons that violate the order will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Tukur-led PDP reacts Reacting to the development, the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday urged the Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi not to incite Nigerians against President Goodluck Jonathan, the Federal Government and the Nigerian Police.

In a statement yesterday

by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP while urging Governor Amaechi not to drag the Police into politics, said, “Governor Amaechi must understand that the Nigeria Police is a sacred institution which should not in anyway be dragged into politics. In the same vein, he must understand that facts are sacred and should not be distorted under any guise.”

Metuh who also stressed that the governor was manipulating the media to his favour as well as alleged that he was distorting information, said, “the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in its entirety, the manipulation of the Nigerian press by certain individuals who consider themselves above the law. ”Of particular concern is the manipulation of the media by the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Governor Chibuike Amaechi to mislead Nigerians and create an impression that he was barred by the Police and the Federal Government from entering the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt. ”This distortion of facts is totally unacceptable and unbefitting of a State Governor. It is indeed condemnable that Governor Amaechi has continued to distort facts and interfere in the lawful activities of the police and security operatives ensuring law and order in Rivers state only to manipulate the media and portray himself as the victim. ”Governor Chibuike Amaechi was fully aware

that based on the ruling of the courts, the police had sealed off a secretariat illegally opened by some individuals under the name, flag and colour of the PDP, consequent upon which the route leading to the structure was also closed. ”However, in his usual defiance of law and order, Governor Amaechi chose to take the same route accompanied by unauthorized persons who sought to beat security and access the

sealed secretariat only for him to turn around to create a scene and distort facts so as to incite Nigerians against the police and the Federal Government. ”Governor Amaechi cannot feign ignorance of the fact that the route was closed as he must have been fully informed by his security details, otherwise he is running an incompetent government that cannot guarantee the safety and welfare of his state.”

Anambra PDP crisis: Court didn’t recognise Uba as candidate – Nwoye

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

T

HE Tony Nwoye Campaign Organization yesterday faulted media reports that the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has described Senator Andy Uba as the authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, saying the court never gave such an order.

Members of the campaign organization, including his lawyer, Mr. Clems Ezika, former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Kelue Molokwu, former Secretary to the Anambra State government, Mr. Osy Ezenwa, among oth-

ers said what the court said was that Chief Ejike Oguebego should remain the State Chairman of PDP pending the hearing and determination of the substantive originating summons.

They said: “The court has not said that Uba is the candidate. It only said that Oguebego should remain the chairman for now.

“By virtue of articles 58, 59, 61 and 62 of the PDP constitution and by virtue of article 51 and 52 of the electoral guideline, only the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has the right to organize the party’s congress which was how Chief Tony Nwoye emerged.”

The Executive Secretary Transport Secretariat, FCTA, Engr. Jonathan Ivoke (l) explaining a point while the leader of delegation, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Ed Fast (2r) and others listened when a Canada Trade delegation inspected the progress of the completion stages of the FCT Rail Project at Abuja...recently. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

Court sets aside Ukwata of Umukwata stool

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High Court sitting in Obiaruku, Delta State presided over by Justice Michael Nduka Obi has set aside the succession, recognition and the appointment of Chief Friday Abaja as the Ukwata of Umukwata, being the new traditional ruler and prescribed authority of Umukwata in Ukwuani local government area.

Justice Obi held, last

Thursday, that the Delta State Legal Notice of 2012, contained in the Delta State of Nigeria Gazette No. 20, Asaba-17th May, 2012 Vol. 22 (Delta State Notice No 20) which amended the traditional ruler title of Okpala-Uku of Umukwata and recognition of Ukwata of Umukwata did not follow due process.

He therefore declared

Adventist Int’l Professional and Business summit ends today BYBENJAMIN NJOKU

T

HE maiden edition of Adventist International Professional and

Business Summit which kicked off on Wednesday, September 11, at the upscale Golden Tulip hotel, Festac, ends

Maku takes over as supervising Minister of Defence … calls for collaboration among armed Forces

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

HE Minister of Infor mation, Mr. Labaran Maku has officially taken over as the Supervising Minister of Defence with a call for collaboration among all the Armed Forces to achieve Federal Government’s objective for peace and economic transformation of the country.

He made the call yesterday at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja during the handing over by the outgoing Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.

He assured the Armed Forces and the staff of the Ministry of Defence of his total commitment to the Federal Government’s drive to transform the nation’s Armed Forces.

“I have come here to cover for this Ministry because Mr. President has confidence in me to do so. Let me on behalf of myself and my family reassure the Armed Forces and the administrative leadership of this Ministry that for the time I spend here, I pledge total commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; I pledge total commitment to the goals and objectives of the Armed Forc-

es of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that together with you, we will do everything possible to ensure that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan realise the national objectives of ensuring the democratic consolidation of the nation; ensuring economic transformation in an atmosphere of peace and security, which is what this

Rivers govt trains French teachers

BY DAYO ADESULU

T

HE Rivers State Min istry of Education yesterday said, it will continue to improve the human capacity development of its teachers so as to achieve effective service delivery. The Com-

the Delta State Legal Notice No. 4 of 2012 contained in Delta State Gazette of Nigeria No. 20, dated 17th May 2012 unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

He upheld the claimants’ position that only the State House of Assembly is vested with the power to amend the law as spelt out in Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution.

missioner for Education Rivers State Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated this on yesterday at the flagging-off of the three day training of French Teachers in the State at the Alliance Francaise in Port Harcourt.

Lawrence-Nemi said,

Ministry is set up to provide,” he said.

He commended members of the Armed Forces for the sacrifice they have been making to secure the nation from internal insurrection and external aggression.

He said, “ a number of our good officers and men have lost their lives in internal security operations, which is not what any leader in the world would want to see”.

“Training and re-training of teachers is one of top priority of the State Government as the

demand for French Language is on the increase and the need to expose the students to an alternative foreign language was necessary.”

today in grand style.

The Summit, a novel initiative of the SeventhDay Adventist Church in Nigeria to enhance the capacity of its members across various professional and business fields had in attendance professionals and captains of industry.

Leading the pack was former World President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Dr. Jan Paulsen. Paulsen was recently appointed Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.

Others were Group Chairman, Pacific Group and Pro-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke (father of rave artiste, DAVIDO); HRM Elder Jacob Buba Gyang, the Gbom Gwong Jos and former Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service and Prof. JA Kayode Makinde, Vice Chancellor of Babcock University.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14,, 2013—53

that their ambition of getting the right person who cares about their welfare in power in the forth coming election in Anambra state, ASCEND has therefore, mapped out strategies to actualize their dreams.

The Anambra state chapter of the organization will endorse a guber candidate for the election which will be followed by the endorsement by the national body of ASCEND. After the national body has endorsed the candidate, it will be made known to the general public and the association will start campaigning for the candidate after reaching an agreement that the physically challenged will be carried along in his/her administration. “ The association will campaign vigorously for any candidate that we have chosen and endorsed. We are going to organize door to door campaign, rallies, road shows and media tour to promote a positive image and build favorable public opinion for the endorsed candidate. The association will also form a task force to ensure that people come out on the election day to vote for the candidate that they have endorsed. And also, some people will stay back to protect their votes. The resolve to participate actively in all future elections starting with the Anambra guber elections has stirred tremendous excitement in our community with our members from all nooks and cranny coming out to register, vote and participate in our activities to ensure that we realize our noble objectives. In the meantime, we have got 15 groups and countless number of individuals who have indicated interests and pledged to work with us to realize our dream of ensuring that the candidate who we endorsed will win the election. According to research, we have close

ASCEND begins the fight to win

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

I

n the Nigerian political, social and economic context, disability simply means you are incapacitated and unfit to handle any posit ion no matter how small it is. No matter how you struggle to show that you can do it, the political environment does not seem to believe that a disabled person has anything to offer. Physically challenged people are often relegated to ordinary beggars no matter their quality of education. It only takes the stupendously rich citizens who are disabled to emancipate themselves from this ugly trend. They have involved themselves in several peaceful protests to show the people that there are talents embedded in most physically challenged people but none seem to yield any positive result. The physically challenged persons, in line with making people feel the pains of being disabled, tried to convince some bankers, senators and some other top government officials to go to work either on a wheelchair or blindfolded and do their daily works like that just to make them feel the pains of disability but to no avail.

Dissatisfied with the result gotten from their protests and sensitization rallies from people, the physically challenged persons are on the verge of making history as they have decided to take Nigeria by storm with the formation of a body called, Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disabilities, (ASCEND), which was formed to ensure their active participation in politics as a means of mainstreaming persons with disability into the Nigerian polity. In light of the above fruitless efforts, ASCEND has decided to take the bull

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by the horn starting with the Anambra state gubernatorial election, 2013. The association has resolved that their votes and that of their families and friends will decide who wins the election in this country at all levels starting with Anambra which is the one at hand now.

The association has decided to put an end to the low standard of living which physically challenged Nigerians are subjected to.

Mr Cosmos Okoli who is the president of the ASCEND said, it is time for them to say no to living in fringes and to the physically challenged being subjected to abject poverty and suffering. He said that the only way they can liberate themselves from this kind of living is by active participation in Nigerian politics and that is the

Cosmos Okoli

ASCEND is not a political party as it is only poised to see that good governance which also sees to the welfare of the physically challenged is brought to Nigerians reason the association has come to stay. “ We no longer live at the fringes of the society, we have concluded that the only way to stop the marginalization of persons with disability in Nigeria with the attendant social, economic and political exclusion is to take advantage of our huge population and mobilize our members, families and friends to give block votes to candidates for any political office who has demonstrated understanding support to the plight of persons with disability and is prepared to carry them along if he/she wins the election” he said.

According to Cosmos, the reason why many parts of the Nigerian society remain largely inaccessible to persons with disability, why Nigerians with disability remain the poorest of the poor and why there has not been any person with disability elected or appointed to any high political office in the country is not because they do not have qualified person/persons who can take the postions available but because of the stigmatization and discrimination people in this group suffer in the country. Given the above scenario,and also to ensure

to 24 million physically challenged persons in Nigeria and close to 8 million eligible voters. So, if all of us agree and vote for a candidate, I think it will make a positive impact on the persons political career. ” Okoli also emphasized that ASCEND is not a political party as it is only poised to see that good governance which also sees to the welfare of the physically challenged is brought to Nigerians .

He said that they will select any candidate they know that will care about their welfare considering the person’s antecedents and not his political party.

He also lamented that because they selected somebody from a political party in an election does not mean that they will keep selecting from that party.

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Basketball: Union Bank gun for African champions slot U

nion Bank Basket ball Club of Lagos, one of the two Nigerian male teams for the African Champions Clubs Cup zone three qualifiers, has promised to win one of the two slots at the qualifiers.

The qualifiers, which is for both the male and female categories, would hold in Monrovia, Liberia, from Oct. 7 to Oct. 15. The 2013 edition of the African Champions Clubs Cup, also for the male and female categories, is to hold later in the year in Tunisia.

Union Bank, the runners-up at the just-concluded DStv Final Four championships and the champions, Kano Pillars, are the two Nigerian male teams for the qualifiers.

Other countries in the zone that will also present two male teams each are the Republic of

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Togo and host, Liberia. Coach Ayinla Johnson of Union Bank told NAN in Lagos that his club had immediately resumed preparations, setting aside the frustrations suffered from losing the DStv championship tournament to Kano Pillars.

Johnson noted that early preparation was necessary because the qualifiers in Monrovia would not be an easy task.

“We resumed preparations for the qualifiers immediately after the DStv championships because our ultimate goal is to pick one of the two continental tickets in Monrovia. `Our target is not just to qualify but to also win the African Champions Clubs Cup in Tunisia later in the year,” Johnson added.

Union Bank will be

looking at improving on their 4th position, their best record so far in the Clubs Cup held in 2005 in Cote d’Ivoire. However, no Nigerian male team has ever won the annual competition which started in 1972.

The First Deepwater and Dolphins Clubs, both of Lagos, will represent Nigeria in the female event of the qualifiers, also holding in Monrovia.

First Deepwater and Dolphins qualified as champions and runnersup, respectively, of the 2013 Final Eight champions of the Zenith Bank Women League in Lagos.

The other countries for the female qualifiers who would also present two teams each are: the Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Togo and hosts, Liberia

*DASHING... African Junior 200m champion, Divine Oduduru sprinting to gold during the Africa Youth Championships in Warri, Delta State.

Ethiopians lure Nigerian sprints coaches E thiopians are known for long distance races, but they have been making inroads into the sprints as exemplified by their junior athletes at the last African Junior Championships in Mauritius. Now

Lagos athletes will shine at youth games —coach

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agos Grassroots Athletics Development coach, Adu Uruemu has declared that Lagos State athletes will strive to dominate the athletics events of the maiden edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) billed for December 5-15 in Abuja.

Adu said the athletes had gone through the first phase of camping, ahead of the Games.

“Preparation for the National Youth Games is ongoing at the moment.

The athletes are in high spirit for the competition. We just ended a *SQUEEZING... Basketball action between Tony Skinn of Nigeria (right) and Rimantas Kaukenas of Lithuania at the London 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

Micura Stars beckon on Keshi as U-16 tourney ends ANAGEMENT of said the 16-team ChamM Micura Services pionship tagged “Kick Limited and organisers of the maiden Micura soccer Championships have appealed to Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi to witness their ongoing tournament and pick more talented stars for Nigeria ahead of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Sponsor of the 16-team championship that began on Monday at the Nigeria Navy Playground, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, Mike Ubogu

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Your Way to Europe” believes Keshi and other bigwigs of the NFF will be marveled by the great talents on parade at the Nigerian Navy Playground, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.

He noted that beside chances of players getting invited to the national team in the nearest future, a technical committee to pick at least four super talented players for trial with top

European clubs in the next transfer window has been inaugurated.

Speaking at Monday’s opening ceremony, Ubogu insisted that Ajegunle remains the home of young football talents after the emergence of the likes of Samson Siasia, Emmanuel Amuneke, Gabriel Okolosi, Ifeanyi Udeze, Monday Odiaka, amongst others years back.

The sports-loving Micura Services boss who confirmed Saturday September 14 as final date, hinted that the winner after the knockout series will pocket the sum of N100,000 while the sec-

the Ethiopian athletics federation is hoping to sign on Nigerian coaches that will make them thrive in the area where Nigeria dominated Africa over the years.

Ethiopian athletics officials sounded out some

three-week camp to prepare our athletes for the Games.

Most of the athletes we invited to the camp were discovered at the Premier Lotto Championship earlier this year,” he said.

Adu said the athletes would be invited for the second phase of camping later in the month, to hone their skills, adding that the selection of athletes representing the state at the fiesta, would be based on merit.

“The state’s grassroots programmes will enhance the performance of the athletes at the event,” the coach said.

Nigerian coaches in Mauritius, but there was no firm commitment.

During the Championships in Mauritius, Ethiopia was second in the 4x400m women relay, they also came third in the men’s race. Atareke Abrahaley was third behind Ada Benjamin and Rita Ossai in the women 400m.

According to an Ethiopian official, they were working hard at catching up with Nigeria in the sprint and there was no other way but to get a Nigerian coach.

Veteran grassroots coach, Tobias Igwe was one of the Nigerian coaches that was approached.

“They asked me for my CV and I have given it to them. But I have not heard anything from the Ethiopians. If you ask me, I would very much like to work for them.

They are a great athletics country and no doubt I can help them grow in the short and and long sprints,” said the coach

Usain Bolt: I cannot do without sex S

PRINT KING, Us ain Bolt has revealed how he snubbed his coach’s strict instructions to give up sex and partying if he wanted to achieve track stardom.

The fastest man on the planet claims he would have gone mad if he had followed the advice from Glen Mills who feared free spirit Bolt was bound to “get himself into trouble”.

In extracts from his new autobiography in The Times, Bolt writes: “One time he even told me to avoid sex.”

Mills said: “I don’t worry about you when

you’re unfit.

“It’s when you’re strong that I stress because your testosterone goes high - through the roof. You have the potential to get yourself into trouble.”

But the six-time Olympic gold medal winner decided not to listen as he needed to blow off steam to stay sane.

He said: “If I had followed Coach’s advice though, I would have driven myself insane. I knew that every now and then I had to live fast.

“It was the only way for me to stay focused.”

The 27-year-old Jamai-

can explains in his book – Faster than Lightning: My autobiography - how he coped with the pressure that comes from being a global brand.

“Going out occasionally, dancing and chilling with friends was a release valve from the pressures of living in the spotlight,” he said.

“It helped me to work properly on the track and nobody, nobody was going to tell me otherwise.”

Bolt described the attention from fans and sponsors as “overwhelming”, adding that he had to be careful not to be caught behaving badly.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013 — 55

Rivers Angels promise Nasarawa Amazons rough ride

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IVERS Angels of Port Harcourt team manager, Matilda Opuene said Sunday’s final of the women Federation Cup against Nasarawa Amazons will not be taken lightly by her players, she promised that their opponets will be

beaten to honour their teeming fans.

The match is billed to kick off at 1.30 p.m at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

Opuene told NAN her team arrived in Lagos a day earlier and in good “fighting spirit”.

Federation Cup: Fuludu tips Wolves to devour Enyimba F

ORMER Super Eagles midfielder, Edema Fuludu said that with a little bit of push, Warri Wolves are capable of pipping Enyimba of Aba to the Federations Cup billed for September 15 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Warri Wolves are gunning for the Federation Cup title to land their first ever silverware, but they have a formidable opponent in Enyimba who are twice champions of the Federation Cup in 2005 and 2009.

Enyimba has also won the CAF Champions League trophy twice, in 2003 and 2004.

Enymiba, are aiming to make history as the first club to win the trophy for the third time since it was rechristened Federation Cup in 2009.

Fuludu, in a telephone interview with NAN, urged Wolves players to be resilient in their approach during their final match against Enyimba on Sunday.

“Congratulations to Warri Wolves for making it this far, for the first time; their match against Enyimba is not going to be a walk in the park.

“Enyimba cannot be underrated, but it will also be at their risk if they think Warri Wolves are going to come easy at them. The team with adequate motivation

will carry the day.

“Both teams have played together a number of times and each time they met, it was always tough.

“Warri Wolves players need all the motivation they can muster now,” he added.

NAN reports that the manage-

ment of the Wolves has provided 20 luxury buses to convey fans to Lagos to cheer the team to victory during the match.

Hosts Wolves qualified for the Federation Cup final by beating Gombe United 1-0 at the Warri City Stadium.

Enyimba’s late three-goal rush

saw them beating Lobi Stars 3-0 at the Aba International Stadium, to also qualify for the final on Sunday.

The 2012 edition of the Cup was won by Heartland FC of Owerri after defeating Lobi Stars FC of Markurdi 2-1 at the final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

NPL Sack: Sorry we can’t help you, FIFA tells Baribote

BY PATRICK OMORODION

T

Okagbare Continued from B/P the last African Junior Athletics Competitions in Malawi promising to honour them at a different date.

He assured that his administration was not only interested in discovering athletes but that such athletes get the necessary support to win laurels.

In his remarks, the President of the AFN, Evangelist Solomon Ogba thanked the Delta State government for encouraging field and track events development in the country, stating that Delta is champion in sporting activities in the country.

While noting that Governor Uduaghan’s passion for sports could be traced to his being an athlete, Evangelist Ogba stated that Okagbare placed Nigeria in the 19th position in world ranking.

Responding, Blessing Okagbare thanked Governor Uduaghan for playing important roles in her success story stating: “my career has grown from good to better but, my best is yet to come.”

She appealed to the Federal and State governments to support athletes by developing sports through funding and proper management, explaining that “proper and adequate funding especially training grants to athletes will make them prepare properly for competitions and improve their performance.”

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She said they had been doing fine since arrival and were looking forward to Sunday’s clash. “We expect to give our teeming fans the best of football and then secure victory. We are gingered for the task of delivering on our promise,” the club official said. The team manager however said it was a rare opportunity for the club to be playing at the big stage in the competition.

“It’s a good thing to have our team play in front of a very big crowd and the hard-to-satisfy Lagos fans. “It has been a long while we played before such crowd. But then it has not been easy coming this far in the competition.

“However, come Sunday, we will make our fans proud and happy,” Opuene said.

Stretching development... soccer action between Warri Wolves and Shooting Stars of Ibadan during a Premier League match. Wolves have their hands full on Sunday.

Emenike wants Yobo back in Eagles squad S

UPER Eagles hit man, Emmanuel Emenike has declared that estranged defender, Joseph Yobo is needed in the national team because of his experience.

Yobo, played a cameo role for the team at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in February in South Africa, where coach Keshi preferred the defensive partnership of Kenneth Omeruo and Godfrey Oboabona.

And with Warri Wolves’ defender Azubuike Egwuekwe in the mix, it meant that Yobo was surplus to requirement.

Yobo with 95 caps for Super Eagles has contemplated retiring from international duty.

“Even though it is the decision of the coach on who he invites to the national team, personally I think we still need Yobo in the team,” Emenike said.

“I play with him every week and sincerely we need his wealth of experience in the Eagles.

“I am in the Eagles doing well today is partly because of the encouragement I get from Yobo and the coach.”

The Fenerbache striker, who described Yobo as “a senior brother ”, equally credits the former Everton star for scouting him out for the Eagles.

“He brought me to the Su-

per Eagles after we played against each other in a match in Turkey, before Samson Siasia came over to convince me to play for the country,” he added.

*Emenike

*Yobo

HE struggle by the erstwhile chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote to reclaim his position has finally hit the rocks with football’s world governing body, FIFA throwing out his petition against the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and warning him of the consequences of dragging the NFF to court.

In a four paragraph mail to Chief Baribote which was copied to both the NFF and the Confederation of African Football, CAF, FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke acknowledged the receipt of the former NPL chairman’s letter as well as that of his lawyer written of September 4 and 5 respectively intimating FIFA of an alleged case brought against him by the NFF. According to the FIFA scribe, the NFF was asked to furnish the Zurich office of the body with information on the crisis in the NPL so as “to get a clearer picture of the current situation”and the NFF responded with reports received on August 6 and 29, 2013.

After studying the reports from both Chief Baribote and the NFF, Valcke said, FIFA therefore deemed that “the matter is internal and falls under the responsibility of the NFF” and advised Baribote accordingly that “the matter does not come under the remit of FIFA and (therefore) we are unable to intervene as requested by you.”

Reminding Chief Baribote that FIFA was aware of cases of football filed in ordinary courts of law in Nigeria which violates some sections of the FIFA statutes, Valcke warned the Bayelsa-born administrator that he could be sanctioned by the NFF over his recourse to seek redress in a law court.

“Please be informed that pursuant to article 68 and paragraph 2 and 3 of the FIFA statutes, recourse to ordinary courts of law is, as a general rule, prohibited and the NFF shall impose sanctions on parties that fail to respect aforementioned obligation,” the letter warned.

Efforts to reach Chief Baribote proved abortive and calls put across to some of his aides and acquaintances were not acknowledged either as at press time last night.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 14 , 2013

T OD AY’S MA T CHES ODA MAT ENGLAND Man Utd v Crystal Palace 12:45 pm Aston Villa v Newcastle 3:00 pm Fulham v West Brom 3:00 pm Hull v Cardiff 3:00 pm Stoke v Man City 3:00 pm Sunderland v Arsenal 3:00

pm Tottenham v Norwich 3:00 pm Everton v Chelsea 5:30 pm

SPAIN

Atlético Madrid v Almería 4.00 pm Levante v Real Sociedad 6. 00 pm Barcelona v Sevilla

8.00pm Villarreal v Real Madrid 10.00pm

GERMANY

Bayern München v Hannover 96 3.30pm Bayer Leverkusen v Wolfsburg 3.30 pm Borussia Dortmund v Hamburger SV 5.30 pm

2016 Olympics: Delta backs Okagbare’s $120,000 yearly training grant preparation •Gets •Uduaghan Names her youth Ambassador G

OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterday honoured Delta-born Africa’s fastest woman, Blessing Okagbare with a charge on politicians not to distract the athlete as she prepares for the 2016 Olympics.

Speaking during a state reception in Asaba, Governor Uduaghan said those who desire to appreciate Okagbare should do so quietly without politicizing her

in order to insulate her for the set goal of gold medals in the 2016 Olympics.

“All support for Blessing should be done privately and quietly, we should insulate her from politics, she is a role model, she is not a political model,” Governor Uduaghan said, adding that Okagbare is “a pride to Nigeria and a pride to us in Delta State.”

According to him, “her feat has shown that

Federation Cup: Wolves promise Lagos soccer show •Uduaghan to cheer them

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

W

H E N Wa r r i Wolves file out at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday, they will be making history.

The last time a team from Delta played in the FA Cup was in 1969 when a Warri selected side lost to Ibadan 5-1. It is now renamed Federation Cup and Warri Wolves are poised to win it.

Getting to the final was well celebrated in Warri.

Winning the cup on Sunday will be unbelievable to their fans and supporters. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the sports loving governor of Delta State will be among those cheering them on. He is, no doubt, the most prominent governor in the area of sports development.

Delta produces more athletes for Nigeria than any other state. They have the best organised state Football Association in the country. Their state league, run by the Edema Fuludu board, is the best state league in the country. Warri Wolves produced three out of the five consistent local players in the Stephen Keshi Eagles. They are the best funded club in the country.

But they are yet to trans-

late their rich status into results. They begin that chase for titles on Sunday.

They hope to surprise Enyimba, a more established side, a side with the best club record in Nigeria, having won Africa’s Champions League two times, the local league six times and the FA Cup two times in five appearances in the final. This record can intimidate most Nigerian sides. But Wolves have the character to surprise any side on their good day. They needed some media bashing to wake up and justify the expenditure on them. At the State FA Cup final, they were lacklustre in their 1-0 victory against a lowly rated state side whose owner also plays for the team. The criticisms hurt Coach Ogbeide and he made changes in the team. That was the turning point that has brought the team to be league title contenders and now Federation Cup contenders. And their efforts will surely be rewarded especially if they win the cup.

“We are coming to Lagos with our soccer artistry,” Amaju Pinnick, Delta FA boss said yesterday.

He is confident the Warri side will shine in Lagos where gover Babatunde Raji Fashola will be a great host, as usual.

youths in the state have enormous potentials for greatness which if harnessed positively will bring great successes and positive changes to the state and the nation.”

Dr. Uduaghan said that his administration was determined to produce gold winning athletes for the country at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil and announced a yearly training grant of 120,000 dollars for three years to Miss Okagbare to support her preparation for the Olympics and also to reduce the distractions that may be caused by the number of competitions she would partake in before the Olympics Games in 2016.

He also charged the State Sports Commission to identify four young potential athletes capable of winning medals that would be nurtured and groomed to represent the state and country in the 2016 Olympics Games in Brazil, promising to give them training grants for their preparations and exposure to international training facilities.

Dr. Uduaghan announced a cash gift of N2.5 million to Okagbare, N2 million each to

•Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan with Blessing Okagbare yesterday Mr. Daniel Etsebiminor, the local coach that discovered her and Mr. Gabriel Okon, her Athletic Federation of Nigeria coach as well as 20,000 dollars to Mr. John Smith, her international coach.

In addition, the Governor appointed Miss Ok-

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1.L.G.A in Katsina State (5) 4.Former Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mrs Joy (7) 8.L.G.A in Taraba State (3) 9.Senegal “Terenga Lions” Striker, Mammadou, (5) 10.Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Mr. Isa (7) 11.Greek Alphabet (3) 12.Italian “Serie A” Club Side (5) 13.Country in Europe (7) 17.L.G.A in Kwara State (4) 19.German National (6) 22.National Security Adviser, Sambo (6) 26.L.G.A in Akwa Ibom State (4) 28.Former Sports Minister, Samaila (7) 31.L.G.A in Lagos State (5) 32.Barrier (3) 33.Swaziland Capital City (7) 34.Colour (5) 35.Lever (3) 36.Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFA) Vice President, Ademola (7)

agbare the Youth Ambassador for the state, gave her a parcel of land in Asaba and announced the naming of a stadium in the state after her.

The governor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the honour done to Blessing Okagbare and commended the

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team that have managed her thus far especially the local coach, Mr. Danie Etsebiminor who discovered her.

He also commended other young athletes from the state that have won laurels in different competitions especially Continues on page 55

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37.L.G.A in Kogi State (5) DOWN 1.China National President, Xi (7) 2.FIFA President, Josep (7) 3.Country in Africa (7) 4.Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu (5) 5.L.G.A in Plateau State (5) 6.Fabric (5) 7.Nigerian Capital City (5) 14. State in Nigeria Known as the “Sunshine State”? (4) 15.Donkey (3) 16.Stationery (3) 18.Precipitation (4) 20.Common Name for “Garri” (3) 21.Crowd (3) 23.State in Nigeria (7) 24.Enyimba International FC Striker, Akombo (7) 25.Former Super Eagles’ Player Furo (7) 28.Nigerian Vice President, Namadi (5) 29.Tanzania National President, Benjamin (5) 30.Former South Africa “Bafana Bafana” Defender, Lucas (6)

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