Alamieyeseigha's pardon: US blasts Nigeria

2—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard, MARCH 16 16, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, MACH 16, 2013 — 3

4—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard, MARCH 16 16, 2013

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16 , 2013 — 5

US denounces pardon for Alamieyeseigha, others

BY EMEKA MAMAH, SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North, SIMON EBEGBULEM & SAMUEL OYADONGHA, With agency report

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ONTROVERSY has continued to trail Wednesday’s state pardon granted the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha and eight others with the United States of America yesterday joining the league of those opposed to the Federal Government’s action.

President Goodluck Jonathan who approved Alamieyeseigha’s pardon served as his deputy in office.

The US Embassy in Nigeria made the country’s position on Alamiesiegha’s pardon known on Twitter in Lagos yesterday, describing it as a setback to the fight against graft in the country.

“We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption,” Embassy spokeswoman Deb MacLean said.

Jonathan takes Nigeria backward — Malami A Seniour Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Abubakar Malami, has also criticised the pardon granted Alamieyeseigha and others indicted for corruption, saying that the action had ridiculed Nigerians before the international community.

Malami spoke in an interview with Saturday Vanguard in Abuja yesterday, pointing out that Jonathan had taken Nigeria many steps backwards in the current fight against corruption by that ‘’singular act of indiscretion.’’

However, Senator Clever Ikisikpo defended President Jonathan for granting pardon to Alamieseigha saying it was to right the humiliation meted to him by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Ikisikpo said it was the Nigerian government that actually offended

Alamieyeseigha by stripping him of his immunity as a serving governor which led to his arrest in London and consequent impeachment and prosecution. He blamed the former governor’s troubles which he said were not only ‘’political but orchestrated,’’ on Obasanjo.

Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, also commended President Jonathan for the gesture, just as he frowned at those criticizing the pardon granted Alamieyeseigha, pointing out that “after all former President Olusegun Obasanjo was pardoned after he was released from prison before he became President”.

Pardon not wrong — Owie Owie who said that there are Nigerians who had ‘’committed more heinous crime than Alamieyeseigha but who are walking round the streets freely today,’’ stressed that there was nothing wrong pardoning any repentant Nigerian, since “we all ask God every day to forgive us our sins.”

President Goodluck Jonathan had granted pardon to eight Nigerians i n c l u d i n g Alamieyeseigha, the former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya; the late former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and brother of late President Umaru Yar’Adua; Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; Major Bello Magaji, rtd, Mohammed Lima Biu, former Head, Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama, Major Segun Fadipe, rtd, and late Major General Abdulkareem Adisa (post humus).

However, of all those granted pardon, Alamieyeseigha and Bulama’s had been generating a lot of criticisms, with many of the critics saying that the government’s action had dealt a death knell to the war against corruption in the country.

President Jonathan served as Alamieyesiegha’s deputy

while in office and his impeachment marked the start of Jonathan’s rise in Nigerian politics.

The Associated Press, which reported the position of the US on Alamieyesiegha’s state pardon stated, ‘’The United States has criticized Nigeria for issuing a pardon to a former governor convicted of corruption who is a political confidant of the nation’s president.

In messages Friday on Twitter, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria said it was deeply disappointed over the pardon issued this week of former Bayelsa state Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was impeached and later convicted in Nigeria.

Investigators said he likely stole millions of dollars while in office. We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption. Embassy spokeswoman Deb MacLean said that officials had no further immediate comment.

Nigeria is a top U.S. crude oil supplier.’’

It’s vexatious action by FG In his reaction to the the state pardon for Alamieyesiegha, Abubakar Malami, SAN, expressed disappointment with the Federal Government, describing it as ‘’vexatious.’’ Malami further said that the government had lost the moral right to talk about fighting corruption by freeing those who were prosecuted and jailed for high level of graft running into billions of Naira thereby stifling the nation’s economy.

“I am so disappointed by the action of Mr. President on this vexatious pardon granted to people who stole the nation black.

What lesson is he telling other criminals who are lurking around the different sectors of the Nigerian economy? ‘’Although the President had the right to grant pardon to prisoners of conscience, the law does not permit him to grant amnesty to criminals who have stolen the nation’s resources with impunity. As far as I am

•President Goodluck Jonathan flanked by the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor (4l) and the Executive Secretary Christian Pilgrims Commission, Mr. Kennedy Opara (4r) while others watched shortly after the presentation of the 2011 Christian Pilgrimage Report to the President at the State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida concerned, Jonathan should have been mindful of the timing of the pardon considering the current effort by anti-corruption agencies to tackle high calibre corrupt individuals in the country as well as the current political situation in the country.

Obasanjo was equally pardoned and made President Senator Owie in has reaction described as absurd, the criticisms against Jonathan when former President Obasanjo was also pardoned in 1998 and later made president.

“It is unfortunate that many of us in this country always want to play to the gallery. What is wrong in Alamieyeseigha being pardoned.

Is Alamieyeseigha not better than those who spent over $16.5 billion for electricity and not a megawatt was produced? Was Obasanjo not pardoned when he was brought out of prison and made President of Nigeria. Did he not seek a third term after spending two terms of eight years as President?

Who is not guiltless?

“Our Lord Jesus Christ was specific when he said: let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her.

Alamesiegha’s assets were forfeited, he was jailed and he completed the jail terms. What else? After all what has happened to Obasanjo and Ribadu who got Alams impeached ille-

gally? What happened to those who organized the official kidnapping of Governor Chris Ngige, then a sitting governor of Anambra state.

“Let those who have turned themselves to be judges in this matter be guided by what St Paul said: all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Let those pardoned and still alive engrave in their hearts, the injunctions of our Lord Jesus Christ which says go away and sin no more” Owie added.

In his spirited defence of Jonathan, Senator Ikisikpo told Saturday Vanguard at Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State yesterday that Nigerians should support the President for his bold stance in correcting the wrongs of the past instead of criticizing him.

His words, “ recently Mr. President granted state pardon to Alamieyeseigha and others and there has been lot of criticisms on why he should grant pardon to his benefactor.

Many people will not know why the man, Alamieyeseigha is supposed to get pardon.

“Alamieyeseigha was a governor of Bayelsa State; he served his first tenure and was in his second tenure and under our law every governor has immunity and no person in Nigeria including the President has the right to strip any governor of his immunity. But the then President Obasanjo stripped Alamieyeseigha of immunity which was wrong because no person by law in line

with the constitution of Nigeria has the power to do that.

“So, that gave the opportunity for the British police to arrest Alamieyseigha and lock him up. By right, it is the Nigerian government that o f f e n d e d Alamieyeseigha for stripping him of his immunity. So what Mr. President has done is to correct the injustices done to him; the humiliation meted to Alamieyeseigha.

“So when people start criticizing, I believe they did not look at the law properly. If they do, they will give kudos to Mr. President for what he has done. Jonathan is out to right the wrongs that were done.”

Need to reabsorb ex-convicts — Okupe Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupe had while defending the state pardon to the former Governor of Bayelsa State, said that the very idea of a pardon showed that it was not meant for the innocent, but for those who might have been found guilty of some offences and have either finished serving their sentences or in the process of serving those sentences, adding that ‘’the framers of the Nigerian constitution envisaged the need for some exconvicts to be re- integrated back into society especially if they have shown penitence and willingness to contribute positively to societal growth.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16 , 2013

Lagos releases over N1bn to victims affected by devt •as 1000 property owners get sub-lease title document

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

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HE Lagos State Gov ernment has released over N1.025 billion as compensation to owners of landed properties that were affected by development activities in the state.

According to an official statement by the State Lands Bureau, the compensation was paid to property owners whose landed properties and buildings were acquired in the overriding public interest according to the provisions of the Land Use Acts.

The beneficiaries of the compensation include: owners of buildings affected by the on-going expan-

sion of the Orile-Badagry Expressway , the o wners of land in Isiwu Community in Ikorodu, as well as owners of land and buildings affected by the ongoing expansion in Ago Palace Road.

Other beneficiaries whose compensation are under processing to be paid include those affected by Ikorodu road expansion, Lekki/Epe Airport project, Re-settlement project for Free Trade Zone among others.

Meantime, another batch of 1,000 allottees who bought their properties from Lagos State Government Housing Agencies, before January 2000 are to collect their Sub- Lease Registered Title Documents.

The home owners, according to Lands; are expected to receive their Registered Title Docu-

ments at Alausa, the Secretariat, Ikeja on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Governor Babatunde Fashola administration had initiated the registered sub-Lease tittle documents process of allowing the

Tukur strategises with S/W PDP chieftains on 2015 elections

BY OLA AJAYI , Ibadan

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•Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke(R ) presenting cheque of N85.4M to representative of one of the 56 communities in Calabar, yesterday.

Alscon: BPE unaware of Rusal’s stoppage of production

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North with agency reports

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ESPITE the stop page of production by the Russian Aluminium Company at the Aluminium Smelter Plant in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’s privatisation regulator, the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, yesterday claimed ignorance of the development.

Rusal had shocked the world on Friday with an announcement it was suspending production at the Alscon, pending the outcome of its legal battle with U.S.-based BFI Group Corp. over ownership of the former stateowned plant.

“The on-going situation around the illegal attempts to challenge Rusal’s rights of ownership to the plant and the recent decision of the Supreme

Court of Nigeria to cancel the sale of Alscon shares to Rusal impede long-term investment in the smelter,” the company said on Friday..

The Russian aluminium giant also cited a lack of reliable power supply at the loss-making gas-fired

plant.

But the firm gave hope that production would resume as soon as the uncertainty over the ownership status of the firm was cleared.

Nigeria’s apex court in July revoked the 2007 sale of the Alscon to Rus-

al, saying BFI Group was the highest bidder, ordering BPE to complete the sale of the firm to BFI Group.

However, the BPE denied knowledge of the suspension of production

by Rusal, saying that BFI Group had not paid the

stipulated amount for the transfer of ownership.

The spokesman for the BPE, Mr. Joe Anichebe, said that BFI Group was yet to pay the ten percent of the money to indicate it was ready to buy the plant as ordered by the Supreme Court last July.

Lagos to introduce night sittings for Magistrate Courts — Fashola tainable development

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS state government is making moves to introduce night court proceedings in the magistrate courts across the state.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state, who disclosed yesterday at the 9th quarterly Executive and Legislative parley, themed:” Law, order and the enhancement of

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house owners in government housing estates to get title documents, which would serve as their proof of ownership as well as to also use their properties for business transactions, especially to secure mortgag-

living standards in Lagos state’ held in Lekki, Lagos, said that the aim of the initiative is to strengthen the judiciary sector and further promote the enthronement of law and order in the state.

According to Fashola, “In the fullness of time, as I have been told by the state ministry of Justice, we may begin night sittings as we review some of the laws in the state.

“Just recently, we commenced the Saturday

court sitting processes in Lagos state. The aim is to ensure that in six days instead of five days, residents of the state have access to justice at the lowest level. This level is the first contact of the citizens of the state with the justice system,” he added.

Fashola said “the enthronement of law and order was a pre-eminent condition for a free and safe society; no nation or state could achieve sus-

without it.”

He added “the strict enforcement of law and order by the state government had ensured security of lives and properties, adding it had enhanced living standards.

“If we look at some of the events in our state in the last few weeks, we would see what could have happened differently or conversely, where we have seen the enthronement of law and other, or where we have seen some optimal implementation. ``We had a fire outbreak in Jankara in December and all of the makings of law of compliance were forsaken in that part”.

HE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party said yesterday in Ibadan that the party would certainly regain the South West it lost to the Action Congress of Nigeria.

He said this during the national chairman’s town hall meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the party at its state Secretariat, Dandaru, Ibadan.

Tukur urged the teeming members and other stakeholders of the party to re-strategise ahead of 2015 elections so that the party can achieve victory.

He told the party faithful to “reconcile and rebuild the party. You are the rightful people that should be in governance in your respective states.

If you don’t get power, you can’t serve your people. Please reconcile so that this can be achieved.

South West is very strategic. Eliminate them with your votes. I want the caucus to meet and reconcile the parties”. ”So let this be the last time that the South west will be under any party other than the PDP”, he said.

For the party to regain the zone, he pleaded with feuding parties to forget the ugly experience of the past, avoid political bitterness and forge ahead to realize the objectives of the party.

According to him, in politics, there are no permanent enemies.

Mr. Chief Ishola Filani, leader of Caretaker Committee in the zone said he had begun moves to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

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SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16 , 2013 — 7

Centenary City to be listed on London Stock Exchange

BY BEN AGANDE , Abuja

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ITH the subscription of $100milion as the capital call for the Centenary city which is being planned as part of activities for Centenary celebration, the Federal Government says plans are underway to ensure its listing on the Nigeria and London Stock Exchanges.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, who disclosed at a dinner President Goodluck Jonathan had with top Nigerian Chief Executive

Officers at the Presidential Villa as part of activities marking the nation’s centenary celebration reiterated that no government fund would be committed to the project.

According to the SGF, “it is the desire of the promoters of the city that in the nearest future, the stock of the city would be quoted on the Nigeria and London Stock Exchanges”.

He noted that the production of the city’s final master plan, was at advanced stage while foremost consultants, Price Waterhouse Coopers had been appointed financial consultants for the project.

Dr Anyim noted that Messrs DDB, Lagos has been appointed the official marketer of the centenary activities. ”The entire celebration is planned to be invest-

ment driven such that nobody should put in a kobo without getting value for it,” he said.

In his welcome address at the dinner, President

Jonathan said the involvement of the private sector in the project was a demonstration of his government’s confidence in the sector.

He noted that apart from

ALGON writes EFCC

Gunmen attack prisons, free inmates in Borno

BY NDAHI MARAMA , Maiduguri

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NIDENTIFIED gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect were said to have attacked the Gwoza Prisons in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, setting the inmates free.

One civilian was said to have been killed during the attack at about 6.30pm Thursday.

The gunmen reportedly attacked the prisons with Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and petrolbombs, before setting the unspecified number of inmates free.

Earlier on March 4, some gunmen had attacked same prisons as well as the Divisional Police Station and a second generation bank at Gwoza at about 10pm.

Gwoza, a border town with of Cameroon, is 135 kilometres southeast of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

An eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity for security reasons said, the gunmen took the police and other security agents unawares, when they arrived in three

vehicles, chanting, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar” in Arabic Language, meaning God is great, God is great, before detonating IEDs and throwing petrolbombs at the prison building, located near the Emir of Gwoza’s palace in the evening adding that in the process, a civilian was shot and killed by stray bullets.

He said the gunmen did not encounter any resistance from the security agencies, as the prison prison was being destroyed with explosives, even as residents and passers-by, scampered for safety. The victim of the stray bullet was hit in the chest and died while he was being rushed to hospital for treatment.

APC registration lingering crisis: From left : Concerned Nigerian Activist, Salihu Lukuman; Barrister Abdul Aminu Muhammed and Hon Kawu Idris Hausawa, addressing pressmen on the fake application INEC Form PA.1 used by African People’s Congress (APC) in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Presidency behind APC crisis, group alleges sion, INEC, to be regisBY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURA & GABRIEL EWEPOAbuja A group of Concerned Nigerians made up of some past presidents of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS and former Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,

has accused the presidency of being behind the controversy raging in the registration of All Progressive Congress, APC. Two new political groups with same acronym -APC, including the African Peoples Congress and the All Patriotic Citizens are laying claims to have applied to the Independent National Electoral Commis-

FG set to commence work on 2nd Niger Bridge technical team that comThe Minister further dis-

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HE Federal Govern-

ment disclosed yesterday at a stakeholders meeting held at the palace of the Obi of Onitsha, HRM, Igwe Alfred Achebe that all was set for work to commence on 2nd Niger Bridge.

Addressing a mammoth crowd, the Minister of Works, A r c h i t e c t Mike Onolemomen who came with a high calibre of

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the Centenary City which would provide all the facilities that Nigerians travel out of the country to go an enjoy abroad, unity squares would also built in all state capitals to add to their beauty.

He said “the private sector should take the lead in realising this our national aspiration. Your support will identify you and your brand with national success. We are encouraging a citizen driven commemorative event that will replace negative narrative of the nation with a story of a blessed nation”.

prised mostly civil servants and building experts, said the time had come now for serious action on the 2nd Niger Bridge.

He said Obi’s efforts towards the project contributed a lot in keeping it alive. He recalled many letters and visits by the Governor to the President, himself and relevant stakeholders pleading and requesting the commencement of the project.

“Even at our last event at Transcorps Hotel Abuja, Gov. Obi was there and made strong point on the imperative of commencing the bridge now”, the Minister said.

According to the Works Minister, the project would be completed before the expiration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2015 as part of efforts to deliver on the campaign promises of the present government.

LOSE OF R OF O Notice is hereby given that Original Right of Occupancy No BN 5466, issued to David Daladi Nyitse by Ministry of Lands and Survey, Makurdi is missing. If found call Tel No 07057437942 or contact the nearest Police Station.

closed that the need for the completion of the second bridge across the River Niger was apt to ease transportation problems as well as fulfill President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign promises.

Mr. Onolememen who traced the history of second Niger Bridge said it was Governor Obi’s efforts that enlivened the project otherwise, it would have been a closed chapter, adding that the project will span from Asaba to Ozubulu and Ogbaru areas.

He said he was in Onitsha to acquaint Anambrarians with the latest development about the s Bridge and that the project was designed in such a way that there would be a ring road from Asaba to Onitsha to ease traffic challenges.

In his contribution, Governor Peter Obi described the project as very gigantic and assured the Federal Government that the state government would provide adequate security and other necessary sacrifices that will enhance effective completion of the project.”

tered as political parties just as the APC claimed that it had the intellectual property of the acronym being the first to have announced same on February 6, 2013, with the proposed merging of three parties. They include the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, the concerned citizens alleged that some some people within the presidency were behind the controversy, adding that they had been working with some persons in INEC to scuttled the ongoing merger talks among the opposition political parties.

Spokesperson of the group and former Vice President of NLC, Comrade Sani Lukeman also claimed that the documents paraded by the African Peoples Congress which unveiled its constitution, logo and emblem on Thursday were forged with discrepancies in both the signature of the acting National President and the General Secretary.

The group specifically identified one of such forged documents as INEC FORM PA 1, alleging that instead of the sea green colour which was yellowish green, the one reportedly unveiled by the African Peoples Congress was ‘’green in colour.’’

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

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SSOCIATION of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Imo State Branch, has dragged Governor Rochas Okorocha and other state functionaries to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged abuse of office.

Writing through their lawyer, Chief C.O.C. Akaolisa, ALGON, alleged “criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, stealing, misappropriation of public funds and the financial rot in Okorocha’s administration in Imo State”.

It was the considered opinion of ALGON that the probe of the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, has exposed the various schemes perfected by the present administration to unwholesomely divert public funds.

While stating that “this is done through phantom award of road contracts without any contract document”, ALGON wondered how a three-kilometer road would cost N1.2 billion as confirmed by the assemblymen.

After giving a rundown of all monies left by the Chief Ikedi Ohakim’s administration, members of ALGON alleged that “these funds were never appropriated in any budget of the state since taking over office and control of same”.

The local council operators equally told EFCC that the entire 26.27 billion have been squandered without the knowledge of Imo people.

They were also irked by what they termed “criminal violation of Imo State Bond Law and misappropriation of the N13.3 billion Imo State bond proceeds.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Impeachment: Imo House writes Chief Judge as Agbaso goes to court

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

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HE last may not have been heard as the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Uwajimogu, has sent a mail, IHA/CL/ S.14/IV/577, to the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Benjamin Ahanonu Njemanze, to constitute a panel that would probe the alleged sins of the embattled Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.

The letter reads: “May I request Your Lordship, pursuant to Section 188(5) of the 1999 Costitution (as amended), to constitute the panel members to investigate the allegations as contained in the article of misconduct attached to the notice of impeachment served on His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso, the Deputy Governor of Imo State.

“The request arose from the fact that the motion to do this investigation was passed in the plenary sitting (of) Wednesday March 13, 2013, by 25 out of 27

members, which is more than 2/3 as provided in Section 188 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended”.

The Speaker equally attached other documents, including notice of commencement of impeachment processes forwarding a petition signed by one third of the lawmakers, particulars of his misconduct, report of the House Special Ad-Hoc Committee and list of members that supported the motion for investigation of the allegations.

Meanwhile, Sir Agbaso has dragged the House to Federal High Court

sitting in Owerri, seeking to stop his impending impeachment by the Assemblymen.

Registered as suit number FHC/OW/174/ 2013, Agbaso mentioned “lack of fair hearing” in the Chief Simeon Iwunze’s House Special Ad-Hoc Committee that investigated the remote causes, stoppage/ abandonment of works on some roads in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe towns.

He equally urged the court to order the suspension of i m p e a c h m e n t proceedings initiated by the House of Assembly against him, until the determination of the matter.

FG commissions Benin Airport as Oshiomhole hails change in aviation sector commissioned are the that the airport became came true and his joy full

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

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T was a dream come true for indigenes of Edo state and Governor Adams Oshiomhole in particular when the remodeled Benin Airport

terminal in Benin City, Edo state capital was commissioned last Friday. The airport is the third to be commissioned among the 11 airports listed under the first phase of the Airport Remodeling Project. The two already

Peace sustains Rivers economy — Amaechi pay money. They will give

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IVERS State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has described the prevailing peace in the state as what sustains the Rivers economy.

Governor Amaechi recalled that when he became governor, the state economy was at its lowest as companies and expatriates relocated to other parts of the country on account of insecurity in the state. But he said with steady efforts to tackle insecurity, his administration was able to restore peace to the state as the economy also bounced back. He assured that he will continue to maintain the peace in the state.

Governor Amaechi spoke during a town hall meeting with the people of Okrika at the Okrika Local Government Council headquarters on Thursday.

Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (sitting) and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker (who is from Okrika) share a joke at the governor’s town hall meeting with the people of Okrika Local Council in Okrika, Rivers State...Thursday

The governor said, “I will discuss security in line with what I consider my contribution to the growth of the state. When I became governor of Rivers State, you all know how Rivers State was. You know that it was bad. I hardly had time to sleep because if one group is not attacking me here, another group is attacking there. They were all everywhere and it was like a war zone. And it occurred to me that as a young man, if you don’t confront these young boys or young men, we would not have a state called Rivers State. Our economy was crashing, people had left the city, companies had folded up, whitemen had gone, we had no business again. When I took over, they used to pay them to come and bury somebody in either Okrika or Buguma or Abonnema. You must

you one or two hours to come and bury and go. So the micro-economy was going, that economy had crashed in the riverine areas. We sat back, we discussed with the military, we discussed with the police, we argued and argued and at the end of the day, we took one decision – we will not pay anybody anymore.

From today henceforth no more payment, because before I became governor, government was paying kidnappers N250million, N500million, so people were even arranging kidnapping.

“I am a Christian, so I sat back and I prayed to God that this war is not mine, it is yours and you must fight to redeem your people and the people are Rivers people and that includes Okrika people and the first place we attacked was Okochiri(in Okrika).

Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 1, on October 22, 2012 and the General Aviation Terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on January 21st, 2013.

The colourful ceremony witnessed several dance groups from the ancient city of Benin and it was visible in the eyes of all that the once mushroom airport is now beautified with state of the art facilities. Keen observers in the state would attest

busier since the inception of the administration of Oshiomhole as governor of the state due to the activities of foreign companies handling different projects in the state and investors.

Consequently, after his one year in office, Oshiomhole told the Federal Government that there was need to upgrade the Benin Airport and also increase the flights with a view to meeting the demands of the people. His dream

so to speak last Friday when he had the opportunity to commission the remodeled airport.

The Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, said: “ We consider today’s event significant because the remodelling of the Benin Airport terminal, more than any other airport in the country, readily reflects the true face of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the aviation industry.”

Mimiko closes defence, says election was free, fair and credible convenient to not to conBY DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

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OVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko and the Labour party yesterday closed their defence at the Election Petition Tribunal insisting that the election that brought him back to office was free, fair and in compliance with the electoral law.

Dr Mimiko called 14 defence witnesses to prove that the election was free, fair and violence free across the 18 council area of the state.

At the resumtion of his defence yesterday, one of the governor ’s counsel John Baiyeshea SAN, told the three member tribunal

headed by Justice Andover that the respondent (Dr Mimiko) has found it legally convenient and prudent to close his defence having established that the election was free, fair and without violence.

According to him, the respondent having critically analysed the situation on ground has found it convenient not to continue with the defence.

The hurried stoppage of the defence after calling 14 witnesses caught many unawares, but counsel to the governor said that they have been able to defend the victory that brought the governor back to office.

Baiyeshea said that, “My client finds it more

tinue his defence.”

Similarly, the LP counsel Ayo Olanrewaju also informed the panel that his client was equally willing to close its case.

Olanrewaju informed the tribunal that the party was satisfied with the witnesses called by the first respondent (the governor).

Counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mr Tunde Fasola described the development as surprising and asked the tribunal to give him till Friday to open INEC’s defence.

In his ruling, the head of the tribunal cautioned INEC against delaying proceedings at the tribunal.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 9

400-member homosexual club found in Benue State

BY PETER DURU Makurdi

A

S Benue state contin ues to grapple with the rising figures of HIV/AIDS in the state, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BENSACA), Mrs. Grace Wende has revealed that the agency recently discovered a 400-member homosexuals club existing in Makurdi the Benue state capital.

She said the organisation otherwise known as Men Sleeping with Men, MSM, has a large membership of male students from higher institutions in the state.

Wende who made this disclosure yesterday at a one day Training of Media Practioners on HIV/AIDS in Makurdi, said the existence of the gay club in the state was not helping the state government’s efforts at curbing the spread of the HIV virus in the state.

According to her, “the club was discovered during

I cannot eat without smoking Indian hemp — Suspect

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE, Benin

O

NE of the suspects paraded by the Public Relations Officer of the 4 Mechanized Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Captain Rose Managbe, Kennedy Eromosele yesterday in Benin said he smokes Indian hemp because it makes him to eat well.

“I smoke Indian hemp before I work. It makes me eat well”, he said.

Kennedy Eromosele, was among five suspects arrested when the JTF code named Operation Thunder Storm raided a suspected criminal hideout at Obehi Avenue , off 2nd Ugbor Road , Benin City .

Other suspects arrested are Nosa Okoro, Noruwa Okoro, Miss Precious Aimusu and Miss Sharon Ehiororo.Captain Managbe while parading the suspects said four big size cutlasses, one big hammer, wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp and one Military Kit bag where the cutlasses and the hammer were hidden, were found at the hideout.

an Epidermic appraisal carried out by our Canadian partners in colloboration with BENSACA following the state government’s resolve to fight the increasing trend of HIV/AIDs in the state as shown in 2011 survey.

”In fact my office is already interacting with the group of young men who are mostly undergraduates in various higher institution of learning located in the state.” She stressed that the idea of identifying with the MSM which usually

holds their meetings in December in Makurdi was meant to reduce the spread of HIV virus commonly found among them.

Mrs Wende further urged all stakeholders to join the fight against the virus in

the state, stressing, “there is a heightened need for scale-up of effective and efficient HIV prevention

Woman electrocuted in Abeokuta It was learnt that, as she

BY DAUD OLATUNJI Abeokuta

T

Mr. Ji Peiding, (c) Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman Diplomatic Association of China and Mr. Liang Yinzhu, (Right) former Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and Namibia on a courtesy visit to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at his residence in Abuja, yesterday.

RAGEDY struck on Thursday evenning when a middle- aged woman ,Mrs. Comfort Bitrus was electrocuted in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital, while speading her clothes on a rope outside her house.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that,the tragic incident occured at OkeIbode area of the town when the victim had a body contact with a live wire around the place and got electrocuted.

She reportedly died before she got to hospital few minutes after the incident.

Nigerians own 52% of active oil blocs, foreigners 48% — DPR •Nigerians’ 52% accounts for 6% crude oil production •To revoke licenses of undeveloped marginal fields next year •New fields to be allocated soon

BY MICHAEL EBOH The Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, weekend, revealed that Nigerians currently own 52 per cent of the 173 active oil blocs, while foreign oil companies own 48 per cent.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Oil and Gas, NOG Intelligence, a weekly print and online oil and gas newsletter in Lagos, Mr. Osten Olorunshola, Director, DPR, further disclosed that the Federal Government is

considering undertaking another bidding round for the country’s marginal oil fields, while it will revoke the licenses of some fields awarded in 2003, next year.

Olorunshola who stated that the bids will be conducted as soon as it gets the go-ahead from the Presidency also disclosed that the federal government does not allocate oil blocs and marginal fields to individuals and corporations based on region or where they come from, adding that it has no records of 83 per cent

Northern ownership of oil blocs anywhere.

He said of the total of 388 oil blocs, Nigeria has awarded 173 blocs to individuals and corporations, with Nigerians owning 90 blocs while foreigners own 83 blocs, adding that 215 blocs are yet to be awarded.

Nigerians 52% account for 6% crude oil production He however, lamented the fact that the 90 blocs awarded to indigenous

UBA foundation to host mini-marathon for Prostate Cancer Awareness awareness so that men

U

BA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa Plc, is organizing a Mini-Marathon in Lagos to create awareness on Prostate Cancer.

The event which is in continuation of its annual prostate cancer awareness initiative is scheduled to hold on Saturday march 23, 2013.

The race will commence from the UBA Head quarters on Marina , Lagos and terminates via

Western Avenue to the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos , where other health and fitness activities and free screening for Prostate Cancer has been lined up.

Speaking on this year’s plan, Managing Director, UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso, said prostate cancer in men is curable if detected early saying: “we are thus committed to promoting that

above the age of 40 can get screened regularly and seek treatment if they test positive”.

According to her, “there will be free Prostate Cancer screening at the National Stadium Lagos immediately after the marathon, for men from age 40. This is billed to take place simultaneously in other centres in Nigeria and other parts of Africa in line with the mandate of the Foundation”

efforts in the state if we must all win this war against the virus.”

players only account for six per cent of the country’s total crude oil production while the 83 blocs awarded to foreign oil companies account for 94 per cent of the country’s total crude oil production.

was rushed into the Emergency Treatment Room(ETR) of State Hospital, Sokenu in the town,the Doctor on duty reportedly certified her dead.

Saturday Vanguard who had a glance of the doctor’s report showed that, the woman was brought in dead. Patient was said to have been electrocuted.

The remains of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue, while the victim’s families were seen making arrangement to collect the corpse for burial as at Friday.

Meanwhile,members of the families of the late policeman, Sunday Angulu, 32, and his adopted son,Moses, who were also electrocuted last Sunday in Abeokuta have collected their deceased’s corpses .

Saturday Vanguard who witnessed the collection of the corpses saw the families leaving the hospital with the corpses at about 9.00am for onward journey to Ogam in Agatu Local Government of Benue State for their burial.

Delta community petitions IG over invasion by armed bandits

T

HE people of A g a d a m a Community, Uwheru kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have raised alarm over an alleged invasion of their community by dreaded armed bandits just as they called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Delta State Government to come to their rescue.

The people said that the call for assistance to Mohammed Abubakar has become expedient as several efforts made to get aid from the Delta State police authorities have failed adding that the development has now compelled them to sleep with one eye closed.

Earlier, High Priest and Chairman Uwheru Clan

Vigilante group, Chief Famous Eritomi disclosed that the vigilante group has been encountering series of road blocks mounted by armed robbers along the Ughelli/ Patani highway since December last year, adding that the group has had gun battles with armed robbers in ten different occasions.

“I called the DPO of A’Division and told him that we have arrested an informant of the armed robbers that are disturbing the road. The boy confessed that he is the one that always carry their guns for them. He said he uses an insecticide pumping can to carry their guns for them. He also confessed that they have two AK 47 riffles recovered from Fulani men some years ago.

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Anambra Elections:

The past, present and future

BY CHIOMA GABRIEL

A

s the clock ticks for the exit of Gov ernor Peter Obi of Anambra state from office, the issues in the politics of An ambra state of South-East Nigeria are becoming more intriguing by the day. Since the dawn of democracy in 1999 , the case of Anambra state has remained confounding.

For one thing, it is the only state that has paraded five governors under controversial circumstances in the dispensation of 1999-2007.

The chronicle of its governors ranged from Chinweoke Mbadinuju who became governor from 1999-2003. He was of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Dr Chris Ngige became the governor of the state from 2003 to 2006 on the same platform of PDP but he was removed in March 2006 when the Court of Appeal in Enugu asserted that his election victory in 2003 was rigged.

He was succeeded by Peter Obi of All Progressive Grand Alliance,APGA, who in turn was ousted by a faction of the Anambra State House of Assembly on November 2, 2006 and was replaced by Virginia Etiaba his Deputy at that time. However, the circumstances became more confounding and on February 9, 2007 Mrs. Etiaba handed power back to Obi after the Court of Appeal had nullified Obi’s removal.

The governorship election of April 14 2007 where Andy Uba, the candidate of the ruling PDP was announced the governor was declared illegal on June 14, 2007 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria which replaced him with his predecessor Peter Obi, citing illegality in Andy Uba’s election on April 14, 2007 Indeed, the political history of the state has been checkered since 2003 when Dr Chris Ngige became governor. The issue he had with his political godfather, Chris Uba held the state hostage for months and brought about a lot of carnage and destruction.

In the Ngige era, the destiny of the entire State was reduced to a personal quarrel between two individuals until the two men at the centre of the crisis were persuaded to sheathe their swords What made the Ngige and Uba problem more bizzare was that their struggle was over the actualisation of an agreement they both swore to before the Okija shrine. But as fate would have it, Dr Chris Ngige was removed from office on March 17, 2006, barely a year to the next election.

The situation was so bad that a presidential committee was set to resolve the issue after which Dr Chris Ngige and his estranged political sponsor, Mr. Chris Uba pledged to forget their differences in the interest of the State .Dr Ngige then pledged to make more sacrifices to engender peace while Uba said that Anambra would never be turned to a war theatre again.

Ngige

Mbadinuju

Etiaba

Peter Obi made a triumphant entry into the scheme of things after the court ruling on the issues surrounding the election that produced Ngige as governor .

He held sway in the state as Governor from March 17 2006 till November 3 2006 but the bickering between him and the PDP- dominated House of Assembly eventually saw him removed from office.

A vacuum was created as to who would become the governor between Mike Balonwu of the House of Assembly and Dame Virgy Etiaba, the then Deputy Governor.

The line eventually fell for Dame Virgy Etiaba in pleasant places as the controversy was resolved following her official recognition by the Federal Government. Many thought Etiaba would reject the offer but she made a volte face and took an oath of office as the governor of the state on November3 2006.

However, her tenure as Governor was short lived. On February 9, 2007, she was ousted from

 Ezeife

Uba

Obi

that position after a court nullified Peter Obi’s removal. But before then, her party APGA had fielded her as governorship candidate for 2007 guber elections because Peter Obi’s case was still undecided.

But Obi was to get a supreme court ruling which extended his tenure till 2010.

He contested and won a second term in office which was again plagued by petitions and court actions. But like a cat with nine lives, he scaled through.

Presently, it is only days for him to conclude his second term having made history as the only governor from the state to serve a second term in office.

As the date for the next guber election in Anambra progresses, there has been a litany of problems and political bickering involving almost all the major political parties in the state especially APGA and PDP. At present, so many of the issues are still unresolved and as the 2014 gubernatorial election approaches, the problems seem to be gathering momentum.

SATURDAY

Chris Ngige

Mrs. Uche Ekwunife

Professor Chukwuma Soludo,

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—11

Andy Uba

Anambra 2014:

Contenders and pretenders for Obi’s job Factors that will shape election The 27 men and a woman who want to develop Anambra

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, Deputy Political Editor

E

XACTLY 367 days to the ex piration of Governor Peter Obi’s second term, the An ambra political firmament is astir. A horde of aspirants are on the prowl seeking to occupy the office that will be vacated by the Aguata, Anambra Central-born politician, who is the first person to win re-election and complete eight years as governor of the state.

To gain an upper hand in the electoral battle that is expected to be held anytime between November 2013 and January 2014, each of the leading aspirants has embarked on intense grassroots mobilization, sensitization and consultation with critical stakeholders. They are also building and strengthening political platforms as most of the leading parties are engulfed by one crisis or the other.

The aspirants

At the last count, about 27 aspirants have emerged from the three senatorial districts of the state. They include Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Andy Uba, Mr. Ifeanyi Uba, Chief Akachukwu Nwamkpo, Chief Paul Odenigbo, Dr Obinna Uzoh, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Senator Emma Anosike, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife and Senator Annie Okonkwo.

There are also Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Pat Nwachi Obianwu, Dubem Obaze, Oseloka Obaze, Dr Godwin Ezeemo, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Mr. Paul Odenigbo, Barr Chijioke

Ndubuisi, Chief Mike Udah, Afam Ogene, Dr. Emmanuel Okafor, Mr. Chima Anene, Prince Chinedu Idigo, Chief Udoka Charles Udoagalanya, former chairman Lagos League of Political Parties,LLPP and Comrade Godwin Ibekwe, a former chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.

Factors that will shape election

Whether or not any of these aspirants will win the election depends on a number of factors. Chief among this is popularity of the aspirant, political platform, and senatorial zone.

Currently, four parties, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Peoples

a series of factional crises occasioned by diverse and cross-purpose interests of its leaders, a faction of the APGA is part of the ongoing merger efforts of the All Progressive Congress (APC), which also consists of the ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP and Congress for Progressive Change.

Given that there is a thin line between political platform and politicians in Anambra State as aggrieved politicians who are denied tickets freely migrate from one party to the other, popularity may play a crucial role in who emerges victorious at the end of the day.

There is also the question of zoning.

Anambra North Central District, which

Whether or not any of these aspirants will win the election depends on a number of factors. Chief among this is popularity of the aspirant, political platform, and senatorial zone Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Labour Party (LP) have a foothold in the state with APGA, PDP and ACN being the leading parties.

However, apart from the ACN the other leading parties are facing one crisis or the other which might hurt their chances if not amicably resolved before the polls.

While PDP has been wading through

has never produced the governor of the state since creation in 1991 and has always played the second fiddle, is insisting on producing the next governor in the interest of equity and justice. It is little wonder the zone accounts for 14 of the 24 aspirants. But leading aspirants from the other two zones are insisting that merit and not zoning should be the deciding factor and it will be interesting to see how

this question would be answered.

En route the 2010 elections, the then leading governorship candidates, Governor Obi of APGA, Ngige of ACN and Soludo of the PDP, were said to have agreed that Anambra North would produce their successor if they won.

Currently, only Obi is identifying with the said agreement and has promised to back Anambra North to produce the next governor. Obi’s stance is said to be one of the factors responsible for his face-off with factional National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, and the steaming crisis in the party.

A peep into the aspirants

A peep into the profile, financial muscle, political pedigree and clout of the aspirants indicate that some of them are at best pretenders whose aspirations will not scale party hurdles. There are also those who are expected to mount stiff challenge for the plum job and whose aspirations will charge and electrify the contest.

Chris Ngige

In spite of losing the plum job through the law court, Ngige has managed to endear himself to Anambra citizens because of the aggressive populist projects he executed during his three-year illegal stint at the Government House. He opened most parts of the state through road construction and rehabilitation and ensured payment of salaries, which was a pipe dream before he mounted the

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Barr Chijioke Ndubuisi

Senator Annie Okonkwo

Mr. Ifeanyi Uba

Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju

'Factors that will shape election' Continues from page 11 saddle.

Now a veteran governorship aspirant of sorts, having waged relentless battles to reclaim the seat without success, Ngige, who is a senator on the ticket of ACN, is fondly remembered for demystifying godfathers, who made delivery of democracy dividends almost impossible in the state christened “Home for All.” Ngige, who is against power-shift to Anambra North on the alter of merit, is hugely favoured to pick the ticket of the APC for the 2014 elections where if he loses, he would retain his senatorial mandate and if he wins, there would be a bye-election for the Anambra Central seat.

Annie Okonkwo

Senator Annie Okonkwo is one politician who is expected to give Ngige a good fight for the APC ticket. The immediate past Anambra Central mandate wielder at the Senate is a key member of a political group known as C21, which is involved in the merger that gave birth to the APC. Indeed, he led a faction of APGA that merged into APC and was leading light in the merger committee that screwed and bolted the nuts of the APC merger. He decamped to Accord Party when the PDP denied him senatorial re-election ticket. He lost the polls on the banner of Accord Party and later decamped to APGA. Also a veteran governorship aspirant, it is to be seen how would checkmate Ngige, who also hails from his local government area in the battle for the APC ticket.

Andy Uba

Senator Andy Uba, who holds the record of the shortest stay in office as governor in Nigeria is one of the veteran aspirants on the prowl. On the banner of the PDP he won the governorship election in 2007 with more than one million votes and was swornin. He however lost the seat 17 days after following the declaration by the Supreme Court that the tenure of Governor Obi had not ended.

Now a senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Andy Uba, who cut his political teeth from serving as Personal Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo contested the Anambra gubernatorial election in 2010 on the ticket of Labour Party and lost.

Commanding wealth and goodwill from his numerous charity works, Andy is one leg of the Uba tripod in the politics of Anambra, the other two legs are his brothers – Chris Uba and Ugochukwu Uba. Chris Uba is remembered for his role in the Governor Chris Ngige kidnap saga of 2003, which is now a snag of sorts that opponents could use as campaign against Andy.

Currently, Uba is angling to get the PDP concede the ticket to him on the ground that since the Supreme Court set aside the election that brought him to power in 2007, he should be compensated this time.

is lobbying that as the only governor who was denied a second term, he should be allowed to complete his term.

Obinna Uzoh

The Ihiala-born politician contested the governorship election in 2003 but lost out in the PDP to Ngige because of what his supporters viewed as imposition of candidate. He would to decamp to the National Democratic Party, NDP, pick the gubernatorial ticket and run the race. But he also lost in the contest that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ngige as winner.

Later, the court annulled the victory of Ngige and gave it to Governor Obi. Now back in the PDP, Uzoh, who holds Bachelor’s degrees in Law and Business Administration, Master ’s degree in Marketing and PhD in Economics, is being pressured to throw

The former governor of Anambra State was the only PDP governor, who was not allowed to run for second term in 2003. His entanglement with godfathers ensured he executed little or no projects during his tenure Like Ngige, Senator Uba is a serving senator. He would quietly return to the hallowed chambers if his governorship aspiration turns awry.

Chinwoke Mbadinuju

The former governor of Anambra State was the only PDP governor, who was not allowed to run for second term in 2003. His entanglement with godfathers ensured he executed little or no projects during his tenure. He was fought to a standstill by his godfathers led by Sir Emeka Offor, who constituted the opposition within the state to make the state ungovernable for him. Mbadinuju, who hails from Ihiala in Anambra South Senatorial zone

his hat in the arena. Catholic Church youths and South East Students Association have endorsed him to run so that he would have the opportunity to expand his philanthropic gestures at a larger scale.

Paul Odenigbo

Chief Paul Odenigbo, a Knight of St. John (KSJ) from Ayamelum in Anambra North is reputed as one of the strong bidders for Obi’s job. The immediate past Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG) has the backing of traditional rulers in the zone, students, religious and pressure groups to run in the governorship election. A fortnight ago, traditional rul-

ers of Olu Clan that comprises monarchs from Anambra East and West Local Government Areas, Ayamelum, Awka North, Oyi, Onitsha North and South and Ogbaru Local Governments came together to appeal to Odenigbo to contest.

Some of the royal fathers who made the appeal included Igwe Kelly Nzekwe, Okalakwu Igbariam; Igwe Alex Nwokedi of Achalla; Igwe Kenneth Okonkwo of Amansea; Igwe Ben Okeji of Omasi; Igwe Roland Odegbo of Nteje and Igwe Lawrence Nnaegbuna of Ebenebe.

The monarchs under the aegis of Olu Traditional Rulers’ Council with colleagues from other zones came together and disclosed their readiness to produce the governor of the state in 2014. The royal fathers made this known during their conferment of “Chinemeze of Olu Clan” chieftaincy title on Odenigbo.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Igwe Nzekwe said the zone was in dire need of a good man that could pilot the affairs of the state adding that the contributions made by Odenigbo should not go unrewarded.

The monarchs anchored their support for Odenigbo on Governor Obi’s charge that Anambra North should present a credible and acceptable candidate for the post.

Addressing the press after the event, Odenigbo said he was humbled by the clamour from various quarters to make him available for the office of the governor of the state. He said he was still consulting and would soon make his position known to the people and thanked the traditional rulers for their support.

Aside the monarchs, groups that have endorsed Odenigbo include Coalition for Equitable Distribution of political and Appointive Offices in Anambra State (CEDPAAS) an organization that cut across the three senatorial zones of Anambra state, religious groups and Anambra Youths.

Emma Anosike Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

Emma Anosike Continues from page 12 Anosike has always featured in all elections in Anambra. He was a member of the House of Representatives and a senator on the plank of the PDP. His tenure in the Senate was cut short when the court fired him and handed the mandate to Mrs. Joy Emodi. He was the deputy governorship candidate to Prof Soludo in 2010 and they lost the election.

This PDP chieftain is now building his structures to, once again, contest the governorship. He insists that Anambra North should no longer play the second fiddle and must be given the Awka top seat this time to ensure equity in the state.

Chukwuma Soludo

Former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and PDP candidate in the 2010 elections hails from Anaocha Local Government Area in Anambra Central. Although, he has not publicly declared his bid, Soludo is said to be interested in running again to actualize his quest of accelerating development of the state. But for his controversial emergence as PDP candidate in 2010, his supporters said he could have won the race. It is to be seen how far he would go this time if he decides to run.

Uche Ekwunife

The only woman in the race so far, Ekwunife is a political titan, who has shown her might over the years. The Anambra Central politician is a flamboyant member of House of Representatives. She contested the governorship race in 2010 as a candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and lost. She started out as a member of the PDP and won election in the House of Representatives. She went for governorship on the banner of the PPA before decamping to APGA, on which platform she won the last election to the House of Representatives in her constituency.

Although Ekwunife is popular is popular in her constituency and her involvement in philanthropy is wellknown. As the only woman in the race, it is to be seen if she could swing the gender factor to her favour.

Akachukwu Nwamkpo

Chief Nwamkpo, who hails from Okija, in Ihiala Local Government of Anambra State, is secretary of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) and special adviser to the President on Technical Matters.

Victor Afam Ogene

Paul Odenigbo

'The 27 men and a woman who want to develop Anambra' Currently, Nwamkpo has not declared his ambition, he is said to be working underground and would make open his bid at the appropriate time. A classmate of President Jonathan, he hopes to utilize his relations with the president to realize his quest.

John Emeka

Former Minister of Water Transport and an indigene of Mmiata Anam, in Anambra West Local Government Area, Prince John Emeka had earlier contested and won the senatorial seat for Anambra North Senatorial Zone, but his election was nullified by the Supreme Court, which gave the victory to Senator Margerie Okadigbo.

Emeka, who recently summoned a meeting of political stakeholders in Anambra North to intimate them of his desire to go for the governorship post is also banking on power-shift to win the race.

Victor Afam Ogene

Currently, the astute member of the House of Representatives on the ban-

Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and G a s (APGA) is one of those aspiring to succeed Obi. He hails from the Anambra South Senatorial district, which has produced governors in the past

ner of APGA is the only aspirant who has pasted his posters around the state. Ogbaru Local Government-born politician believes that the governorship of the state should be zoned to Anambra North, which has not produced the governor of the state before now and has declared his readiness to mobilize people of the state to ensure that justice was done in the matter. Ogene, an eloquent journalist made it to the House of Representatives in his first attempt and is banking on his popularity and acceptance to win the contest.

Ifeanyi Ubah

Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and Gas (APGA) is one of those aspiring to succeed Obi. He hails from the Anambra South Senatorial district, which has produced governors in the past.

Instead of banking on power-shift, the young and energetic oil mogul, who started showing interest in the governorship post in 2011 when his company, Capital Oil and Gas Limited began distributing kerosene and rice to people, said only the best should be good for Anambra. He believes he has all it takes to unleash development on Anambra State. Uba, who is not a relation of the Uba tripod is said to be gunning for the ticket of APGA with the support of Chief Victor Umeh, the embattled National Chairman of APGA, a development to stoke the fire disagreements between Umeh and Governor Obi to the detriment of concord and harmony in APGA.

Chijioke Ndubuisi

The Obosi-born lawyer contested the 2010 elections on the banner of the National Democratic Party, NDP. He has declared his readiness to contest the 2014 polls on the plank of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP. Although, he hails from Anambra North, Ndubuisi wants the best candidate to emerge as Obi’s successor.

“My contention remains that the best

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—13

Obinna

Uzoh

candidate would emerge as governor irrespective of the zone he comes from.

The important thing is whether or not the person chosen can deliver and meet the aspiration of the people of Anambra State. The people must not be deceived, cajoled and hoodwinked by misguided cabals to throw up incompetent roadside mechanic leaders, who have no clues and vision as to how to move Anambra State forward,” he said.

If elected, Ndubuisi said he would prioritise education, ensure full industrialization of the state and build craft centres, agricultural infrastructure renewal and technological growth through manufacturing.

Chike Obidigbo

The Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area-born politician is one of the notable aspirants from Anambra North.

Reputed as one of the leading industrialists in Nigeria with a record of about 50 products, Obidigbo, who is considered to have deep pockets to fund his political goal is aspiring on the plank of the PDP. Although he has not contested any elective position, he has been engaged in fast-track grassroots mobilization. He hopes to tap from his experience in business and manufacturing and network of contacts to actualize his ambition

Oseloka Obaze

The indigene of Ogbaru, Anambra North Senatorial District, is one of technocrats Governor drafted in to rejuvenate governance in Anambra State. Currently, the Secretary to the State Government and a good confidant of the governor, pundits said he might get the governor’s endorsement if he decides to contest.

Dubem Obaze

A relation of Oseloka Obaze, he was a former kitchen cabinet member of Obi’s administration as commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. His strength also lies in the fact that he is among the aspirants who have the confidence and support of Governor Obi.

Alex Obiogbolu

Alex Obiogbolu, a medical doctor from Onitsha in Anambra North Senatorial Zone has been eyeing the top seat in Awka for some time now. A member of the PDP, Obiogbolu enjoys the support of the youths. He is said to be mobilizing wealthy individuals in the state to support his candidature.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

a close watch on her because she passed out after hearing the news but she regained consciousness and threatened to take her life.

“In all things, we give thanks to God who is all knowing, because He said we should give thanks in all situations.

“And we cannot thank Governor Gabriel Suswam enough because when the news of the accident was aired by the state owned radio station, he sent emissaries to the family and offered to assist in the burial and also provide succour to the widow”.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that when news of the tragedy got to Governor Gabriel Suswam, he immediately directed that all the hospital bills as well as burial arrangements be taken over by the state government.

He further directed officials in the state who took care of all the arrangement including their bills at the hospital ranging from the bills at the mortuary to coffins as well as

Being consoled by a symphatiser

Story of widow who lost her five children in a ghastly motor accident

BY PETER DURU

T

ears freely flowed few days ago at Tse Gbila Ayaku in Vandeikya local government area of Benue state when the five children of a widow, Mrs. Ladi Nongu, who met their untimely death in a ghastly motor accident along the ever busy Makurdi-Gboko road, were being buried in their final resting place.

The five victims of the mishap, Joseph, Mary, Mimidoo, Terkende and Benjamin, had traveled to Makurdi on that fateful day to visit a sick relative in a Makurdi hospital.

Unfortunately, the trip to Makurdi was a journey of no return, which ended up at Mu, some six kilometers from the heart of Makurdi town where they all perished after the vehicle they were traveling in lost a tyre and summerC M Y K

The trip t o Makurdi was a journey of no return, which ended up at Mu, some six kilometers from the heart of Makurdi town where they all perished saluted severally. None of the occupants of the vehicle survived the accident and their death has left their widowed mother, Ladi Nongu, heart broken and in deep pains and agony. Ladi Nongu

lived with her children at Abinsi town where she took it upon herself to give them good education even after losing her husband to the cold arms of death several years ago.

According to a family source who spoke to Vanguard in Abinsi, “She has lived in Abinsi with her children even after she loss of her husband many years ago. ”She is a farmer who struggled to make ends meet and with her modest savings, sent her children to school and catered for their needs.

“The family has not had it rosy until the eldest son, Joseph began to work which brought some form of relief but they had been as happy as they could be,” he said.

Not withstanding the pains she went through while bring up her children, death further dealt a sad blow on Ladi who in one fell swoop lost

Mrs. Ladi Nongu three of her children, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter in that fatal mishap.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that when the news of the accident filtered into Abinsi town, where the victims lived before their demise, the community was thrown into wailing and mourning. Their grief stricken mother had threatened to take her life but for the quick intervention of relations who though mourned with her, kept vigil at her home to ensure that she did not carry out her threat. ”When the news of their unfortunate death filtered into town we did not believe if initially, until a close relative came crying and shouting, it then dawned on us that a tragedy has befallen us.

“We were able to break the news to their mother few days after the accident but we also detailed some women to keep

ambulances, to ensure that they accompanied the remains of the dead from Makurdi to Vandeikya local government area where they were finally interred. And as directed, the instructions were carried out to the letter and though painful, Governor Suswam ensured that they were all accorded a befitting burial. Suswam also went a step further to direct the immediate employment of the widow just as he also promised to provide a befitting shelter for her. Though deeply in shock, Mrs. Nongu who sobbed uncontrollably as her children were laid to rest could only utter “may the Good Lord Bless Governor Suswam and all those who have shared my pains and grief; though I will now live without anyone calling me mother.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 15

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often think of Nelson Mandela and Robert Mugabe when thinking of leadership and how a leader’s action or inaction can make or mar a country. Mugabe and Mandela had a similar background; they were pillars in the struggle to liberate their people and suffered untold hardships in the process. After apartheid, which they fought to a stand still, they were both chosen by the people to lead their countries into self discovery and an economically buoyant future. But they both chose different routes to achieve their goals and the results became tragically different.

While one had a large heart and was pragmatic, the other was haughty and vengeful. While one stooped to conquer and was lifted up, the other stood to fight and was flattened. Thus, two men with the same opportunities but different temperaments have ended up so differently. One became an icon, the other a villain. Needless to say, one stayed for five years, the other for 30 years—and counting. The difference in the fortunes of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia (one changed its name and the other didn’t ) is the difference between night and day.

The verdict of history is already out for both leaders.

In the week that Hugo Chavez of Venezuela died, General Obasanjo of Nigeria celebrated his birthday.

On the surface, there is a very little similarity between Chavez and Obasanjo.

After all, one was 58 while the other is, well, 76. But there is more than first meets the eye.

They both ruled over countries with vast oil reserves. They both had long tenures and ruled with iron grips. They both came in with so much expectation and had opportunities to really transform their countries. They both fell below expectation. It is instructive that, despite huge petro dollars, Chavez had to go to Cuba to have his cancer operations. In the nearly two decades of his rule, he could not build one hospital that was good enough to operate on him in the same way that no hospital was good enough in Nigeria to operate on Obasanjo’s wife. She died of a mysterious ailment in a foreign hospital. Chavez used the petrol dollars to chase imaginary enemies and feed his ego. Obasanjo, also a man with a huge ego, used the petro dollars to feather a few nests and entrench corruption. The verdict of history is out for both of them.

It is too early to talk about the verdict of history for President Jonathan, the man with the transformational agenda, except to say that his recent action is anything but transformational.

To transform is to change form; to say things can not continue the way they were and to make fundamental changes.

You can not change form by

entrenching the very things that gave that form.

To give a very recent example of transformation; Stephen Keshi changed the form of the Super Eagles when he brought in new faces with new attitudes and ‘can do’ spirit. The boys were not necessarily better than the old faces in technical skills, but they came with a commitment and a new way of doing things. The result is the Nation’s Cup. The return of Anthony Anenih sends a very wrong message to an unbiased public that has been fed with a transformational agenda. His reputation, as they say, precedes him.

On the positive side, he is said to be a focused, shrewd and astute schemer.

He is also a good listener with a capacity to play host to different people over a long period of time. A man who will do everything — some will say anything— to meet his set objectives. He is certainly not squeamish and his definition of right and wrong can sometimes be questioned.

What ever his virtues, his age and antecedents certainly don’t portray him as a man for a transformational era. A man who could not transform the ShagamuOre road that leads to his neck of the wood when he was the Minister for Works, can not be transformational. A man who could shield a non starter like Lucky Igbinedion (a governor of his State) and say his position was not vacant, has a different motive for being in politics than the transformation of his people.

So why would a President, who, by virtue of his age, belongs to the modern era bring in an anachronistic gladiator? Why would he go back to an analogue age when the rest of the world is going digital?

Why would he bring relevance to a man whose activities and antecedents have made him irrelevant?

Governor Adams Oshiomhole did his State a favour by burying him.

Why unearth him and unleash him on the rest of us first as Chairman of the lucrative Ports Authority? And then Chairman of the powerful Board of Trustees?

I can think of two reasons, but one will suffice for now. Mr President wants to come out in 2015 and he is frightened by the discordant noises in the PDP. The disunity and rank indiscipline which are largely selfinflicted, are some of the things standing between him and 2015. So instead of taking his case to the public which he has let down again and again, he is waking a Mr ‘Fix It’ from the dead. After all, as the Americans say, ‘if it ain’t broke, you don’t fix it’.

Unfortunately, this Mr ‘Fix It’ is an albatross and Mr President has to be aware of the verdict of history.

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Obasanjo, also a man with a huge ego, used the petro dollars to feather a few nests and entrench corruption

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You shall be located I bring to you God’s forever settled have no man when the water is trouanointed words that giveth light and bled to put me into the pool; but while understanding to the simple. This word I am coming another steppeth down bewhen it enters you will break every bar- fore me. Jesus saith unto him rise, take ren yoke in your life. It birth’s and trans- up thy bed and walk and immediately forms a new life. It makes fallow ground the man was made whole and took up to be fertile. I pray you receive it for his bed and walked”. good.

In this text, there were multitude of A lot of Christians cry out or pray to people, with various God for one thing or another. Just as needs but they all desire they are crying out for a solution but the man in their peculiar needs, the the text was so detersame way some are crymined that nothing will ing out for their own stop him from receiving needs. Sometimes, mil- How long you his miracle, no matter lions are crying, praying have been in that how long it takes. He saw at the same time for the other people that entered same purpose. You may situation is irreleinto the pool, who resay, with this multitude, vant to the day of ceived their miracle inhow can God hear me or stantly and so believed even listen to my cries you being located. the Lord who did that for to Him? This man was them will also do it for Please, I want you to him. know that God says that there for thirty Another thing that I His ears are not too eight years but want you to see is the fact heavy that He cannot that the Bible records that hear, neither is His hand still he was locatin the midst of multitude, too short that He cannot ed.

Jesus located the man. save us. As a sister you Jesus saw that the man may come into the believed that no hinchurch and find multitudes of young sis- drance could stop him. That no one was ters and a handful of brothers and won- there to help him did not discourage der, “can any of the brothers’ approach him. Sincerely speaking, you know that me for marriage?” Listen to me, noth- though there may be no man to help ing is impossible with God. Even if you, God knows how to locate you and there are two sisters and just one broth- get you to his divine position for your er, you must believe that you are the entire life. Just as Jesus located this one that will be located by the super- man and gave him his desired breakthrough, so shall He locate you this year natural interventions of God. In John 5:2-9, “Now there is at Jerus- and fulfill His promises concerning you.

How long you have been in that situalem by the sheep market a pool which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethes- ation is irrelevant to the day of you beda having five porches. In these lay a ing located. This man was there for thirgreat multitude of impotent folk, of blind, ty eight years but still he was located. halt, withered, waiting for the moving Don’t give up because you will surely of the water. For an angel went down at be located and favoured. I prophesy a certain season into the pool, and trou- into your life that the same Jesus who bled the water; whosoever then first af- located the man at the pool of Bethester troubling of the water stepped in was da, will also locate you and grant unto made whole of whatsoever disease he you your heart’s desire. Trust Jesus, He had and a certain man was there, which can do it and He alone will do it for had an infirmity thirty and eight years. you. Do you want to experience fulfillWhen Jesus saw him and knew he had ment of promises of God in your life? been now a long time in that case, he The starting point is you receiving Jesus saith unto him, wilt thou be made whole? Christ in your life as Lord and Saviour.

The impotent man answered him, sir, I If you have not already done so, please pray this simple O P E I F A O B U B R A prayer. Father, you said that whosoevG Y E N A H H er shall call on the I B I B I O A G B A S O name of Jesus, shall be saved. I E I A O A F call on the name Jesus. Thank you D A N K W A M B O D I for saving me and G I N D A A L I giving me the gift of eternal life. I E J A L I N G O U praise you and give you all the glory.

B O A P B A B U Fill me with the power of your Holy S T O C K H O L M R I Spirit, to enable me M R Y O A S live for you.

Your prayer reB E N S O N S U A R E Z quest and praise reports will be welR I F A U U A comed. Our contact details are below.

R E N N E S U G A N D A

,

The return of Mr ‘FIX IT’

,

For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635 08168955932; 08033378769. E-mail: Johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org.

Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, A/C Nos. 0005171407.

Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 745am-9:15am; 2nd Service 9:1511:30am. Wednesdays Word Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 11am-5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month, 6 a.m - 7.15 am.

16 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

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But no demons, known and unknown, can touch the victory that Christ has won by the shedding of His blood at Calvary— no, not even the brazen and brassy Boko Haram

•Christ

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T

he recent call on the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, by none other than His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, to grant amnesty to all the members of the Boko Haram, deserves a second look. As the acknowledged spiritual leader of all Muslims in Nigeria, his word counts for much on such an issue which mingles the activities of certain members of his faith with the security of the entire nation.

A sultanate is accredited to be the centre of an Islamic “kingdom”, and its head is designated as a stalwart of the faith. There used to be no more than only few in number at the height of the Jihadist expansion, installed in certain countries like Morocco, Zanzibar etc. which were perceived to be outposts of Islamic expansion. The historic position of Nigeria in Islamism may be better appreciated when considered in that context. So also may be the

*No apologies *Christ is victorious *Habemus Papam

place of whoever occupies the seat of power in any Sultanate as the de facto personification of the faith in that area.

The Sultan has successfully made the image of himself as a peaceable, benign ruler acceptable to all and sundry. His eminence often identifies himself with actions and movements that are associated with the progressive endeavours of a country under the stress of historical polarization as well as current divisive ambitions. In the light of his recent call for amnesty for the Boko Haram, his approach to the scourge of the onslaught of the terrorist organization on the unity and welfare of the nation, could be that of a cautious activist caught in an ambivalent stance. On the other hand, it might have been no less than a circumspect ploy of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. One might then wonder if his call for amnesty for those whose horrible actions have devastated the welfare of several communities is a due exposure of where his sympathies lie.

gently coasting towards the end of a fulfilled tenure, could have been earmarked for such a heart-rending end.

Be that as ever it may, the question of amnesty will remain largely unanswered until it has a focus of responsibility attached to it, in the persons or party that can guarantee that it can fulfill its purpose. That purpose can be nothing short of a cessation of the aggression so blatantly inflicted as a means of terror on the populace. But vocal as the Boko Haram is, it still remains shrouded and faceless. That was the unarguable assertion with which President Jonathan answered the Bomu Elders who also recently confronted him with the amnesty issue, after the Sultan’s big. How do you grant amnesty to “ghosts”?

The President was forthright and freely so, advising the elders to be serious in considering the matter for which, he felt, they must bear some responsibility. He made them realize that the issue of the Boko

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But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept

The call came at a time when the murderous activities attained a peak with the attempted assassination of the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Ado Bayero. The Emir was attacked publicly and in broad daylight, thus expunging any doubt as to the identity of the target and the fell intent of the aggressors. The ideal of the Boko Haram had been disguised as the eradication of Western education, but took form in the brutal attacks inflicted on Christian establishments, especially in the Northern part of the country. That almost made sense in a way, since Western education has been strongly fostered by Christian institutions over the years. But then came the attacks on government institutions and establishments of international organizations, like the attack on the UN building.

While observers were still trying to analyse the pattern of the aggression unleashed indiscriminately in this manner, the perception was diffused by the attempt on the life of the Emir of Kano. And many people wondered why, Alhaji Ado who is a man of liberal views, untrammelled by sectional prejudices, and uninvolved with any strand of the street politics that now holds Nigeria in thrall, a man in his eighties drained of pedestrian passions and puerile ambitions,

Haram was not on all fours with the Delta Crisis, to which a handle could be attached and dealt with.

The aggrieved parties did come out of the creeks to discuss the problems openly, and some solutions were arrived at.

The confrontation of the President in Bomu was something of an eye-opener to me personally because it hinted at a much deeper, a less bewildered leader, than he seems to be generally. portrayed to be. He displayed sheer guts in looking the Bomu “greybeards” in the eye ‘and telling them, “You’re not serious.” And no apologies.

For me, Easter Sundays have a singular association, apart from the strictly religious position they hold in Christian belief. Each marks another year of the absence of my elder brother, Olatunde, who joined the Church Triumphant on the Twelfth day of April, 1998. It was Easter Sunday that year.

It brings back all the memories of the joys, of regrets, of tiffs, of secrets shared and lost.

Underlying it all, of course, is the indelible pain and anguish of the separation that one hopes will not be permanent, for that is at the core of the Easter Message — the assurance, (in the fact, not just in the hope) of the resurrection of the dead. St. Paul puts the import in clear perspective in this argument: “How say some among you that

there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not raised. And if Christ be not raised, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also in vain ...

And if Christ is not raised, you are yet in your sins. Then they also who have fallen asleep in Christ are perished ...

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept”. (1 Corinthians, 15: 12) That is the Christian hope of glory, the assurance of faith in resurrection leading to salvation. The miscreant on the cross to the right hand of Jesus at the crucifixion had that faith and was certain of the glory; Saint Stephen also

•Pope Francis I saw that vision before he saw death and was sure of the glory; thousands of martyrs who followed after him shared the faith and were assured of the glory too. The number grows each day; the faith stands rampant in the face of persecution and death. Easter comes round each year to reassure those who truly believe in Christ, that the hope will never diminish despite the evil deeds of the wicked ones who have chosen the way of Satan to discourage the faithful. But no demons, known and unknown, can touch the victory that Christ has won by the shedding of His blood at Calvary— no, not even the brazen and brassy Boko Haram. Whatever their aim, no matter their vision, they will, they shall, prostrate under the shadow of the Cross.

It is during a festive season like Easter that they commit the heinous crimes against Christianity and humanity by shedding innocent blood in the name of a faith that, ironically, professes a clear abhorrence of their actions.

They strike at defenceless targets raving like demented dogs in a manner that sets them apart from other human beings. And when their apologists talk about amnesty, or even negotiations, you ask about the subject on the table.

Is it the freedom guaranteed in the Constitution of the land, to worship, or to associate with any person or group of people as you desire in the lawful pursuit of your happiness? But even then, in what language do you conduct the “dialogue”— in the language of the gun and the bomb? In the language no decent human being speaks in the light of day?

But whatever crimes they might have committed themselves to perpetrate in the unceasing attack on Christians and Christianity, they are sure to fail. Easter is approaching to once again declare the glorious Victory of Christ.

Ave Papa! Jorge Mario Berigoglio is the 266th Pope.

He has opted to be known as Pope Francis I, Okay, stale news? Everyone knows that already, but the story has just begun to unfold. It is also well known that he is of Italian descent, though from Argentina— “half-way across the world”, as he puts it. But the Italian connection must have stood him in good stead. Those who were hoping, or merely wishing, for a “Black Pope” would concede that Africa is still much farther than “half-way across the world” in the geography of Roman Catholicism. That season is yet far from due. It goes really beyond a matter of colour or race. It goes far back into history.

There are two very prominent Roman Catholic figures by the name of Francis. The pope might have taken his title from either of them. The first is St. Francis of Assisi, the mystic who founded the Franciscan Order. He was of the 12 th Century. The other, Saint Francis Xavier who lived in the 16 th Century, also founded the Society of Jesus with the ascetic Ignatius Loyola who became the first Superior of the Jesuits. St. Francis became the first Secretary of the Order— to which Pope Francis, as a matter of fact, belongs.

He has stepped into “the fisherman’s shoes” as the Bishop of Rome at a time in which the church he leads has never been under a darker cloud of proven indictments of inappropriate behaviour against so many of its priests.

The entire world, on its own, is also facing a monumental tide of crisis in various directions — domestic economies, climate change, and international disharmony.

But His Holiness knows where to lay his burden, even so colossal though it is. We may be in for an interesting time, as distinct from interesting times Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MACH 16, 2013 — 17

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 16, 2013

My daughters are having marriage issues I am 60 years and my daughters are attractive young women, both doing well in their professional careers. Bibi who is 27, is married to Matt, an extremely attractive and successful man.

My 30-year-old daughter, Amina, has been divorced for a year. Her marriage failed two years ago because she and her husband had an appetite for sex outside their marriage. While I was disturbed about that, I was horrified to learn that Bibi allows her sister to occasionally have sex with her husband.

Bibi’s argument is that Matt is less likely to cheat given this situation. When I asked her and Matt about it, he said it wasn’t his idea. Her father says

any man who would refuse this ‘set-up’ would be nuts. Amina claims she “doesn’t have time” to date right now, and after she finishes her MBA, she’ll seek out a more normal relationship.

I am distraught about this mess. Bibi says she wants to start a family soon. She says she loves Matt, who can ‘handle everything,’ and she enjoys seeing ‘everyone happy.’

She says Amina won’t sleep

around now and, maybe, one day she’ll marry a handsome man like Matt who will ‘return the favour’!

I can’t believe these girls are my daughters. Should I continue to protest or let it go? Is this relaxed attitude about sex prevalent in young people today? I cannot understand Bibi’s lack of desire to defend her turf.

Emilia, Calabar

Dear Emilia, Your daughters appear to be into the concept of open marriage. Clearly, they do not view marriage and relationships the same way you do.

Bibi is naive to think that encouraging Matt to have a sexual relationship with her sister will discourage him from seeking other partners. Far from it. And as for her wanting to start a family, has she considered what will happen if her husband impregnates Amina at the same time or first?

But back to your question: Are you right to protest? You certainly are. That’s what mothers are for , to inject a dose of sanity when everyone around her is losing theirs.

My husband is in trouble Dear Aunty Julie, I recently married a loving man who works full-time and is studying for his MBA. A few months ago, he received a promotion and was transferred to another state, so after our wedding I moved there to be with him.

While he was living alone before our wedding, he got into some trouble with the law and he’s now out but under strict guidelines. He was never in trouble before. I have no family or friends here, and he can’t go out and socialize to meet new people now that he’s under those strict guidelines.

I have always been popular and have many friends back home, but I’m lonely now. I moved here because I love him, but I can’t get over the fact that this has dampened our first year as husband and wife. How should I handle the future of our marriage and our life here with all these unset-

tling issues he has put me in?

Patricia, Benin Dear Patricia,

Unless your husband is under house arrest which

probably is not, he can socialize. He can make friends through work and in the church.

Both will help him to make connections with constructive people. The

I’m not happy with my girlfriend’s past abortion Aunty Julie, I just found out that my girlfriend of nearly four years had an abortion when she was in secondary school.

I overheard her during a conversation she was having with someone.

I later asked her what was implied when the name of her ex-boyfriend from secondary school was brought up. She proceeded to tell me what had happened and then said, ‘I never told you that?’ Obviously, she never mentioned it to

• A little old lady comes into the kitchen to talk to her husband and says, “Honey just look at me. My legs are heavy, thighs are getting big, and boobs are sagging. I could really use a compliment right about now.” The husband replied, “You have really good eye sight!”

•My friend asked me, “Why are you getting a divorce?” I responded, “My wife wasn’t home the entire night and in the morning she said she spent the night at her sister’s house.” He said, “So?” And I responded, “She’s lying. I spent the night at her sister’s house!” •A husband exclaims to his wife one day, “Your butt is getting really big. It’s bigger than the BBQ grill!” Later that night in bed, the husband makes some advances towards his wife who completely brushes him off. “What’s wrong?” he asks. She answers, “do you really think I’m going to fire up this big-ass grill for one little weenie?”

• A husband, who has six children, begins to call his wife “mother of six” rather than by her first name. The wife, amused at first, chuckles.

A few years down the road, the wife has grown tired of this. “Mother of six,” he would say,

me because I certainly would have remembered something of that magnitude.

My reaction is feelings of disgust, betrayal and of having been lied to. Am I overreacting or are my feelings warranted?

Fred, Asaba Dear Fred, That depends upon whether you ever had a conversation with your girlfriend about her sexual history during which you were supposed to

same is true for you to help you connect with the community. I know this is a big adjustment for you but in time, you can both put this unfortunate chapter behind you. I wish you both a future filled with success.

tell each other everything. If so, then the omission was deliberate. If not, she was under no obligation to reveal that she had terminated a pregnancy during secondary school.

Abortion is a deeply personal and often complex decision for women. Ultimately, I am told, most women feel a sense of guilt after an abortion.

As a result, many do not feel that it is something to celebrate and may not be comfortable sharing that they have had one.

C O C K - T A L E S “what’s for dinner tonight? Get me a beer!” She gets very frustrated. Finally, while attending a party with her husband, he jokingly yells out, “Mother of six, I think it’s time to go!” The wife immediately shouts back, “I’ll be right with you, father of four!”

• A man and a woman are sleeping together when suddenly there is a noise in the house, and the woman rolls over and says, “It’s my husband, you have to leave!” The man jumps out of bed, jumps through the window, crawls through the bushes, and out on the street, when he realizes something. He goes back to the house and says to the woman, “Wait, I’m your husband!” She replies giving him a dirty look, “So why did you run?”

• A man drinks a shot of whiskey every night before bed. After years of this, the wife wants him to quit. She gets two shot glasses, fills one with water and the other with whiskey. After bringing him to the table that has the glasses, she brings his bait box.

She says, “I want you to see this.” She puts a worm in the water, and it swims around. She puts a worm in the whiskey, and the worm dies immediately. She then says, feeling that she has made her point clear,

My husband is having an affair

Aunty Julie, I am 48 years old and I have been married 30 years and have raised four children to adulthood. I recently found out my husband has been having an affair with a prostitute from a near-by club.

He paid all her living expenses and promised to marry her. She was 26 when it started; he is 56. He told her his wife had run away with another man and that he was divorced. When I confronted him, he lied.

He wants to continue living together and pretend nothing happened. I reported to our pastor who invited him for talks and he quit and then went back to it.

A psychiatrist I confided in said he has a “mixed personality disorder.” He says he wants to make up for his mistake with me, but all the while he was having unprotected sex.

I doubt he’ll ever stop lying to me because he always has. I can’t spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder because this has happened before, although not to this extent. He said he just “led a double life” and he doesn’t want to do it anymore. He admitted he did it because he never thought he would get caught.

During this long affair, he was brazen, arrogant and abusive to me. Now he wants to be attentive, but he makes me sick. What do I do?

Petra, Abuja Dear Petra Only you can decide that, but in order to do it rationally, without anger or vengefulness, I’m advising you to make up your mind after some sessions with your pastor on your own. What your husband wants at this point is far less important than what you want. And why you would want to continue in a marriage to an abusive philanderer is something only you can answer.

“What do you have to say about this experiment?”

He responds by saying, “If I drink whiskey, I won’t get worms!”

•A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband is not in their bed. She puts on her robe and goes downstairs to look for him. She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of him.

He appears deep in thought, just staring at the wall.

She watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of coffee. “What’s the matter, dear?” she whispers as she steps into the room. “Why are you down here at this time of night?” The husband looks up, “Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 17?” he asks solemnly. The wife is touched, thinking her husband is so caring and sensitive. “Yes, I do,” she replies. The husband pauses. The words are not coming easily. “Do you remember when your father caught us in the backseat of my car?” “Yes, I remember,” says the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him. The husband continues, “Do you remember when he shoved a shotgun in my face and said, “Either you marry my daughter, or I will send you to jail for 20 years!”

“I remember that too,” she replies softly. He wipes another tear from his cheek and says, “I would have gotten out today!”

SATURDAY

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hen a long-term relationship dies—this by the way includes marriage— the hurting partners need enough time to grieve so they won’t burn their fingers twice, by jumping into new relationships. We all felt sorry for Mac, a cherished friend, when his wife left him. This doesn’t happen often.

Usually, it’s the man who kicks his partner out and no amount of trying to patch up the relationship would shift him. We couldn’t make Mac’s wife change her mind anyway —she was already abroad with her new-found love and a pregnancy she had whilst still married to Mac!

Vanguard MARCH 16, 2013—19

How long does it take the magic to wane?!

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hen I got invited to one of Kate’s on-thespur-of-the-moment get together bash, I brought Mac along to try and cheer him up. As luck would have it, Debola, a sort of Kate’s clone was around. She never says no to having a good time.

After her marriage of eight years hit the skids, she was happy she’d already had all the children she wanted.

Three — a girl and two boys.

Marriage had always cramped her style, she confessed. Now that she was answerable to no one, she

I

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What some men don’t realize is that when you start whining about past relationships, it puts their current partner off

was bent on making the most of her new-found freedom. A hard-working professional with a measure of success to show for it, she hit the party circuit with vengeance. By the time she met Mac at Kate’s party, she’d already had some proverbial male notches on her belt! Mac was smitten as soon as he clamped eyes on her and I made the necessary introductions. That was all they needed to make the fireworks crackle. By the end of the evening, they were an item as Mac happily left with Debola. Mentally, I resolved to speak with Mac before he got too carried away. Debola

mend Mac and Debola’s affair, forget it. The banker, according to her, is also well hung!” Debola’s appetite for sex is obvious insatiable!

Poor Mac. What was to become of him? That question was answered a few days later when Debola called me on her cell phone. “Aunty C!” she gushed as soon as 1 picked up her call. “I know how you feel about Mac, that’s why I want to be the first to tell you am backing out.” I felt as if someone had died. “You have to break it up with him as gently as you could —you know the wound his wife’s betrayal left is, still raw.” I warned.’Exactly,’ agreed Debola, “but I’m afraid I’m not the tactful type.

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might be the catch of the moment, but definitely not a main meal and I didn’t want Mac’s heart to be broken all over again.

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t was some few months after that I saw Mac. By which time, Debola was a fever in his blood. Most of his words were laced with ‘Debola did this’, ‘Debola said that’.

Subtly, I tried to warn him to take things slowly so he wouldn’t get hurt again. He assured me he knew what he was doing. That Debola was as smitten as he was. As he spoke, she was at the flat for the weekend. Why didn’t I come to the flat for a meal? Well,

why not? Debola was the perfect hostess, cooking and cleaning without being boring.

“You obviously like Mac,” I observed, as soon as he was out of ear-shot. “He certainly is my flavour of the moment,” she told me excitedly. “He’s well-hung too. The wiry looking ones are the best and he definitely rings my bell all of the time!” So, why did I feel uneasy? Because I’ve heard her praise men to high heavens, only for her to give them the push when a more interesting prospect shows up. Since Mac was single and not bad-off financially himself, maybe Debola would want to settle down for a change.

Now they lived together on and off, who knew what could happen?

The whole thing lasted for just over a year. It was Kate who first alerted me that Debola was having it off with a banker she met at her fiat.

My heart dropped. Was Debola such a sex fiend? If

Mac was ‘well-hung’ according to her,. what did this banker have to offer? “Mac wanted Debola to move in permanently with him, but she told him she wasn’t ready,’ continued Kate, “you know she has this expensive flat she bought at Dolphin which she did to her taste. What would happen to it if she lived with Mac on a permanent basis? Debola said she wasn’t having any of that.

That house is her little haven from the world’s stress. Why throw all that over for Mac? What’s more, Mac was keen on remarrying. She wasn’t.

The last Valentine’s Day, he really got romantic, promising Debola his undying love and how happy he was to find a partner better than the trollop of a wife who ditched him for a richer man. What some men don’t realize is that when you start whining about past relationships, it puts their current partner off.

“Anyway, this banker is up Debola’s street as he is married but adventurous. In case you’re mentally looking at how to

love Mac in my own way but he expects too much from this relationship. He was okay at first. He made me feel young and alive and was such a considerate and experienced lover. But the magic waned when he started discussing marriage, insisting we should be together all time. That was scary, believe me. As you know, 1 have no immediate plans to settle down.I loved the excitement that passion of our trysts offered, and he should have left things at that. The more subtly I dropped the hint, the more demanding he became.

In the end, 1 had to send him an e-mail yesterday telling him it was over. I should have had the guts to tell Mac to his face instead of sending him a cowardly e-mail but I didn’t want to face the hurt I was bound to see in his eyes!”

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fter I hung up, I felt numb. Mac is being hit a painful punch at the solar plexus yet again! How sad.

Out there are thousands of girls who’d give their right arm to land a catch like Mac. And this is Debola, chucking him out of the window! I dread the day I would see Mac. My only consolation is that I played no active role in bringing them together.

Still, the thought of him crying into his beer all over again makes me want to tell Debola a thing or two about how she lives her life. But it’s really not my business. She has a right to live her life the best way she deems.

To help yyou ou ha ve a better night’s sleep hav improving sleep quality.

Even a five-minute break can be enough to renew your physical and mental energy.

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ith more than half of the population battling insomnia, a lot of us would give what it would take to make us have regular good night’s sleep. Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan,’Silentnight’ expert offers these five top tips to help you drift off to sleep ...

Take rest breaks during the day: If you’re working hard, regularly taking time out for rest and recovering throughout the day is one of the most effective ways of

taking time to wind down before bedtime. Read a book listen to soothing music and have a bath with

your bed, mattress and pillow are comfortable. The ideal temperature is slightly cool, so keep a window open or have a

Darkness encourages production of the sleep hormone melatonin, so invest in good curtains or blinds

Follow a regular wind-down routine: Human beings, in common with most animals, respond well to familiar rituals. Get into the habit of

a relaxing essential oil such as lavender to promote drowsiness.

Improve your sleeping environment: Ensure that

fan in the room if you have no air conditioners. Darkness encourages production of the sleep hormone melatonin, so invest in good curtains or

blinds to keep out the light.

Manage work/home boundaries:Talking about work when you get home can be beneficial and is a positive way of gaining support from family and friends. However, don’t let work talk spill over into your whole evening.

Practise tinle management:Write down tomorrow’s to-do list before you leave work. You’re less likely to wake up during the night worrying about what tasks have to be done the next day.

20—SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard, MARCH 16 16, 2013

e hear it time and time again: my guy’s best friend is a girl. Should you feel threatened or thankful? Dating and relationship experts told us something we’re sticking by: if it’s genuine, it’s actually really, really good that your man has a best friend with boobs. Here’s how to deal with it when you have a reason to suspect their doing more than playing video games together.

Having a guy whose best friend is another woman can feel a little weird if you’re not used to it. Some men turn to women because they are naturally better communicators and make great friends. But how do you deal with her, and more importantly, know for sure that they aren’t into each other or that she’s not out to sabotage your relationship? If you feel unsure, learn how you can address the situation without ruining your relationship.

Make her your ally The best thing to do is to get

to know her, and more importantly, get her to love you.

Chances are when he needs advice he goes to her. Men are in many ways very clueless, so if he has a woman who is smart and on your team, that’s great. Introduce yourself to her, and let her know you’d love to go out for

brunch or coffee together sometime.

Trust him Don’t act jealous of her just because she’s a woman. This will only end up ruining your relationship. “He chose you as a beau, not her so believe it.”

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Should you be jealous if his best friend is a woman?

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There are a lot of things men can share with women that they can’t share with men, and this makes them better because they understand women better

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that they can’t share with men, and this makes them better because they understand women better.

Trust your instincts If you’re not buying it, trust your instincts. If you’re generally not the jealous type but this friendship bothers you, then you should investigate further. If he is keeping her from you, if he flirts with her more than you when you are hanging out, if he’s not affectionate because of her, then you should be suspicious.

Understand it

You should know the reason lots of men have women as best friends. Women are not only there to pursue romantic relationships with. Women make great best friends.

There are a lot of things men can share with women

Ask questions But if you’re feeling uncomfortable, ask questions before you make assumptions. You should know whether there’s any romantic history between them, if they look at each other more like siblings, if they ever dated, or did they ever have feelings for each other?

Make sure you list the facts when you tell him you suspect something. For example, “You never bring me around her, why is that?” or “It seems like she’s always talking bad about me, is she jealous of our relationship?"

How do I let her know I care about her Ques: I would like some advice on how to make women feel special. You see, there’s a girl in the bus who I think is the most beautiful girl in the world. I wanted to talk to her, but I am extremely shy. I’m thinking of writing her a letter and giving her a rose. Yet, I do not know what to really write to make her feel like responding. My other question would be, if she is interested, how could I keep her? I really would like to meet this girl. Thank you for your time.

Louis, Abuja Ans: Your idea is very romantic, and starting small may be more well re-

ceived and allow you to save face if your beautiful stranger doesn’t reciprocate. When playing the role of suitor, it may be helpful to maintain both an optimistic and realistic attitude. In other words, proceed as though there’s a possibility of rejection alongside a possibility of reciprocation.

So to start small, try smiling and making eye contact. Stop if your beautiful stranger seems annoyed or creeped out. Remember, many people often receive unwanted advances and comments in public spaces , respect the person’s boundaries to avoid becoming a stalker. If your beauty notices you and seems okay, say “Hello,” if the opportunity presents itself. You

may watch for clues about this stranger’s interests. Does the object of your affection read any magazines, books, or a newspaper?

Do you take the bus to the same place all the time? Are you in school together? You may start a conversation based on that.“What do you think about that ?” Or, “I’ve been wanting to read that book. Is it as good as they say?” Or, “Do you have so-and-so for English, too? Wasn’t that a tough essay to write last week?” If the reading material idea doesn’t work for you, you may always start with a comment about the bus, the weather, or another shared experience. “This stop is really crowded or empty today.” Or, “Sure hope this nice

weather holds out.” Try to take it slowly and see what happens. If your admired stranger seems willing to chat, great. If not, then at least you tried.

If this approach works, then you may want to introduce yourself. “You know, we’ve been riding the same bus for awhile now. You’ll likely discover the name of your bus friend. Then you may say, “it’s nice to meet you,” with a smile.

Unless you’re comfortable with complimenting the no-longer stranger, think twice before doing it. Saying something right away like, If the “chatting thing” is going well, perhaps you may suggest meeting for lunch one day.

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new project took me back to what someone described as ‘my roots’ way up North. We (a ten-man crew) took a road trip from Abuja-Kano-Katsina-KanoKaduna-Abuja over a fourday period chasing stories of eminent and industrious people indigenous to the North who are making giant strides in various areas of human endeavour. In that four day period I had my consciousness opened to whole new different environment. Bad news sells, perhaps that’s why you don’t

Muc h to be grateful for ...

Much for... get to hear of the bio-diesel farms that can provide an alternate source of energy, and at the same time providing multiple sources of income as well as continuous training for farmers,or the fact that their inter-state road network is fantastic. You don’t get to hear of prominent Northern Nigerians who strongly believe in one and

,

t’s amusing how we scurry about our ‘daily grind’ planning this, scheming that, plotting the other… all legitimate of course, all seemingly ‘worthwhile’, like somebody promised you tomorrow. No one said tomorrow wouldn’t come either so hey! I guess we just carry on... .

Till someone like Goldie dies… it stops you in your tracks as you consider all that energy, all that creativity, all that vibrancy… gone. Here one minute gone the next. No warnings, no goodbyes, just…gone. And suddenly your ‘grind’ no longer seems that important… once again you are forced to seek deeper meaning to life itself and (hopefully) grateful that you’re still alive to live it.

There is much to be thankful for…

come face to face with strong vocal Northern women who refuse to be bound by oppressive cultures and laws, and dare to stand up to make a difference and empower others to do same… I came face to face with quite a few during my journey which I call the “The Adventures Of Toron Giwa”, “TORON GIWA” being the title of the Hausa TV

areas, it was in the suspicion with which we were viewed sometimes when we stopped to ask for directions, it was in the sheer number of checkpoints in between certain states and,in fact, the soldiers who manned these points were armed to the teeth and on the alert no matter what time of the day

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Once again you are forced to seek deeper meaning to life itself and (hopefully) grateful that you’re still alive to live it

indivisible country and who are equally exasperated with the wanton looting going on at the centre and are doing their bit to maintaining some semblance of sanity at least within their sphere of influence.Very rarely do you

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magazine show being produced.

It wasn’t all sugar and spice.

You could sense the underlying tension just beneath the surface in some parts …. It was in the strong military presence in some

— oh, four major cities, countless interviews over a four -day period?We spent many hours on the road… a lot of them late at night… and as if to underscore the fact that we were operating under a special

dispensation of grace, there was a bomb blast as we left Kano, according to the report five people were killed; but we were long gone. We did not even hear about till the following morning...indeed, there is much to be grateful for…

When the Yoruba say..”ile ise yin o ni jona…” (may your workshop/office/factory in short source of income not burn)one doesn’t realise how profound a prayer that is till it actually occurs. Fire a deadly and powerful thing. All that work, the multi million dollar investment, the infrastructure itself, the equipment, video stock… work that took blood tears and sweat to create over a five -year period all gone— in a mere 45 minutes…. disastrous you might say, a monumental tragedy; true.

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ut I maintain there is much to be grateful for.

Imagine if the inferno had occurred at peak period with hundreds locked up inside the studio working…? We would have been telling a different story— that’s if I’m still around to tell it.

To my very short wish list for the year I add two things; I pray to appreciate life more regardless of current circumstance and to learn to count my blessings one by one, big and small because I tell you…. All told; human tragedy and setbacks aside, THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!

Benefits of brisk walking

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HERE the r u n n e r concerns himself with the conquering of time and more space. For the Walker observation and thought dominate. For credentials, the walker has vast curiosity, good speed, good silence and an eye for nature.

You guessed right.

Walkers are men of keen observation – men who can take a plunge into a cool bath of solitude.

Walkers have been the philosophers, the thinkers, the artists of their time, Demosthenes was said to have perfected this elocution while walking the beach “states” Dr. George Sheehan in his book “On Running”. Thoreau is said to have made the statement. I cannot preserve my health for spirit unless I spend four hours a day sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields.

So we'll not see that health and fitness can be included in the lsit of the values of walking aside the intellectual

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—21

SATURDAY

Health and fitness can be included in the list of the values of walking aside the intellectual creativity and enjoyment

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creativity and enjoyment.

Upwards of 15 years ago, I noticed a man who would

come walking soldier-fast past in front of my house seven in the morning. This went on religiously for days and weeks.

And somewhere down the line I thought, “well, this is a burly fellow trying to slice off some excess weight, I suppose”.

About six months from when I had first noticed him I saw the same man walk from the shopping mall in my

neighbourhood to his car which had a “doctor” sticker in a corner of the wind screen. The important thing was that he had succeeded in shedding considerable fat. And the words to the song: “You can get it if you really want”, crossed my mind.

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or the first time I had proof from observation that walking could work wonders although the observed was unaware of providing me with a ‘test case’ for free.

I have become a believer that if you walk regularly for appreciable distances you get sufficient exercise. Over time those few calories that you burn will translate into a slimmer you, a healthier you.

The leg muscles are strengthened with walking and with that comes improved blood circulation and more vitality to all your organs.

For the person who does not feel a natural inclination towards walking, the habit can be cultivated and enjoyed.

An initial 30 minutes walk can be increased to an hour and more depending on how much free time you have.

Remember anybody can walk, young and old, male or female.

Now, since walking is not such a physically demanding sport, to get the most of it, it must be approached with the kind of tenacity of purpose associated with the bulldog’.

Never negate your walking. If your usual walking time is in the morning and it rains, shift the routine for sundown. The hour you spend each day transporting your body at three miles an hour on foot may be the reason why it is safe for you to ride in a vehicle to and from (Engagements.

Yoga Classes @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos. 9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

22— SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

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HE awards ceremonies all over the world are always a good time for celebrities to sport some serious blingage, and the just concluded maiden edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards was no exception.

Last Sunday, the stars showed off their best jewels and designers’ outfits on the red carpet. From Genevieve Nnaji to Jim Iyke, Desmond Elliot to Omotola JaladeEkeinde, it was a celebration of beauty, colour and style.

Virtually, all the attendees,including captains of industry, government offi-

AMVCA 2013:

What Stars wore to the awards night cials, entertainers from across Africa made strong statements in their different outfits. But the night belonged to Nollywood stars who added glamour and class to the night. While the A-list actresses did everything to outshine their male colleagues on

the red carpet, the latter proved unbeatable, matching their strength with their gorgeous outlooks.

To some attendees, one name ruled the night and it was Genevieve Nnaji. For the first time, Genny threw caution to the wind, and became

her real self.

She graced the red carpet in a dazzling white gown that definitely caused heads turning at both her plum toned gown and her elaborate diamond ear-rings.

The award winning actress had her parted cleavage area

Ukeje, Okujaiye dedicate awards to AMBO A

WARD winning a c t o r , O k e c h u k w u Chukwudi Ukeje a.k.a OC Ukeje and Ivie Okujaye shone brightly among the galaxy of movie and TV stars that converged at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel for the first edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

While Okeje carted home the highly coveted ‘Best Actor In A Drama’ plaque for his role in the movie Two Brides And A Baby, Okujaye was bestowed the ‘Industry Trial Blazer ’

•Ukeje

award.

Incidentally the two fledgling thespians were past winners of the now rested Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality TV show. Okeje attained national prominence when he emerged winner of the 2007 edition of AMBO. This earned him a lead role in the movie, White Waters, for which he won the highly coveted ‘Best Upcoming Actor’ award at the 2008 edition of the African Movie Academy Awards.

Okujaye emerged the AMBO winner in 2009. As part of her prize, she played the lead role in the movie, Alero’s Symphony.

A highly elated Ukeje showered encomiums on the Amstel Malta brand in his ac-

ceptance speech. “I’d like to thank Amstel Malta for giving me the platform to be on this stage accepting this prestigious award today.

Okujaye was also short of words when she was announced as the winner of the ‘Industry Trial Blazer’ of the inaugural AMVCA. The category is a special recognition category. She commented that she did not realise her efforts in film making were being noticed. According to her, two of her films have been directed by popular actor, Desmond Elliot, while she was currently working on a short film. rican movie industry and was presented with the Industry Merit Award.

Top comedians going gaga at the afterparty

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HE afterparty was another eventful moment at the just concluded

AMVCA. Top stand-up comedians, like Julius Agwu, AY among others didn’t hold

back as they partied harder all-night than those who won awards. They took the

floor and dig it out, not minding who was looking at them.

bare for everyone to see; her light fabric outfit hide just half her breast. While her dressing to the event has continued to generate criticisms even as she has damned the consequences. Her make up and hair style were also spotless.

But some of her critics believed she would have complimented her look with a necklace.

Another A-list actress that was outstanding at the show was Omosexy. Looking really cool and alluring in her designer’s gown, Omotola who is making waves with her TV reality show was the cynosure of attraction. Joke Silva was also cute in her all-red outfit that made her complexion glow and embellishes her curves.

Rising actress, Osas Ighodaor equally was flawless in her floor length gown, whosoever made that dress deserves a hug flowing white gown.

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tyle freaks Rita Dominic was also at the show. Karen Igho former Big Brother Africa was there to showcase her ‘bubbling nature. Kunle Afolayan showed off his ‘baba olowo’ with his traditional wear. Most of the male actors were comfortable in their suites. Except Jim Iyke who practically shocked his fans when he stepped out on stage dressed in a double breasted jacket and shorts! Indeed, from all indication, the inaugural edition of AMVCA brought with them a stream of A-list stars, dazzling dresses, sharp suits and smiles so white they would bruise your eyes.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 23

I didn’t expect my new appointment — Joke Silva V

ETERAN actress, Joke Silva has described her recent appointment as the Managing Director of Malete Film Village, in Kwara State as “shocking’, saying that she never expected it.

Malete Film Village is an independent venture of Kwara State University, established to produce films and also train film actors and other experts for the Nigerian film industry, and other film industries in Af-

rica.

Though, Silva refused to disclose her plans to turnaround the film village, she said, she has assumed office since January, this year. According to her, for the Authorities at Kwara State University to deem it fit to appoint her as the Managing Director, given the fact that ,she is a Lagosian means that the spirit of one Nigeria still lives in us.

The management of the in-

stitution recently appointed her to head a Nollywood movie studio named Malete Film Village owned by the Institution.

According to reports, the actress, mother and producer has been charged with the task of not just building a movie studio in the school from scratch, she is also saddled with the responsibility of training people who love acting profession.

Funke Akindele to co-host this year’s LaffMatazz N

OLLYWOOD Ac tress, Funke Akindele-Oloyede will be co-hosting the premium comedy show, LaffMatazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends this Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Popularly known as ‘Jenifa’ owing to the funny role she played in her blockbuster movie, The Re-

•Funke Akindele

turn of Jenifa, which made over N35m at the cinema, Funke Akindele will co-host alongside the convener, ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka.

The event will also

feature appearances from top stars like HKN star, Davido, Capital Femi, May D, Dammy Krane, LKT, Seyi Law, Skales, Jaywon,\ Seyi Shay, Lepacious Bose, Omobaba, Owen Gee, Seriki, Jayru, Obama, Eteye, Laffup, SB Live Band, Adetoun of Project Fame, Explicit Dance Troupe, Kayefi, Isaac Geralds, Peteru, Baba Gboin with DJs Sexcy and Van Vicki.

Speaking on the choice of Funke Akindele as the event’s co -host, Gbenga Adeyinka said “The choice of Funke Akindele is highly talented and she is no doubt, a role model to many.

The youths and adults love her, with Funke, you can never go wrong.

She has evolved over the years since she came into public consciousness in that popular sitcom ‘I Need To Know’ which was the toast of many at the time.”

Joke Silva

There’ll be more deaths in movie industry unless…, says cleric

By SAM EYOBOKA

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OLLOWING recent spate of deaths in the Nigerian movie industry, a cleric who claimed to have seen a vision, Evangelist Emeka Omenka had warned media practitioners as well as members of the entertainment industry generally to intensify their prayers to avert further untimely deaths of very important Nollywood personalities.

According to the Abia Stateborn cleric, danger still looms in the industry except the practitioners heed this urgent clarion call for fervent prayers to avert further deaths in the fast emerging entertainment industry in the country, noting that there is an evil wind blowing through the industry.

He maintained that he saw a vision in 2001 that there would be a series of deaths in

the Nigerian movie industry if Nigerians especially, if members fail to pray, stating that recent events in that sector had evidently shown that the practitioners didn’t heed the call to pray. Omenka insisted that he is neither a prophet nor an apostle, adding “God has a solution to the spate of deaths in the movie industry. I have seen what is happening in the movie industry since 2001 and I feel enough is enough of deaths of movie practitioners in the country.”

He maintained that there is a road that must closed to avert further deaths in the industry, stating that he had studied the industry in other countries of the world and found out that the spate of deaths in Nigeria is unusual and something must be done quickly to stem the tide.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

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t is a well known fact that raw food is more nutritious than cooked because cooking food destroys nutrients, whether it’s on a stove, or in the microwave oven. But microwaving food on high power can be more destructive than cooking on the stove.

Microwaving is the unhealthiest way to cook food.

Dozens of researchers agree that the microwave oven absolutely decimates the nutritional value of food, destroying the very vitamins and phytonutrients that prevent disease and support good health. “Microwaved food is not merely ‘dead’ food at every level; it is food that has been deconstructed, leaving nothing but empty calories, fibre and minerals” warned a nutritionist recently.

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hat’s really deceptive about microwave cooking is that the food still appears to be basically the same, but at the cellular level, it’s like a nuclear war has taken place because virtually the entire vitamin and phytonutrient content has been destroyed. Vitamins and phytonutrients (plant-based nutrients) are delicate molecules which are fragile.

They are easily destroyed by heat, which is why raw plant foods contain more plant nutrients than cooked foods.

The full story on microwave cooking is a long-drawn one. promote ill health because they turn nutritious, healthy food into empty, decimated c a l o r i e s .

A microwave does not just heat the food by moving the molecules faster. Microwave ovens create radio waves at a

Microwaving:The worst way to cook frequency of about 2.45 GHz. This is enough energy to destroy biological molecules through electromagnetic radiation.

The microwaves excite the water molecules inside the food that is cooking, causing heat to be formed from the inside out. This results in a cell-by-cell molecular decomposition of the vitamins and phytonutrients that promote disease.

There is a tendency for most microwave users to cook everything on high power, except when defrosting. High is the

default setting. The maximum power is also a major selling point for a microwave oven. The higher the power, the stronger the electric field, and the more damaging it is to nutrients even if the final temperature is the s a m e .

So, the lower the power, the safer.

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ut only some microwave ovens are capable of true low power cooking. The microwave ovens equipped with inverter magnetrons actually reduce the power instead of just cycling it between high and off. So if you use a microwave, use one with an inverter magnetron, and cook on low power. Cooking on low power (not intermittent

Heart health, another excuse for energy drinks “

•Energy drinks

high) will greatly reduce the amount of damage done to the food.

But if you want to eat in a healthy way, make sure a significant part of your diet is raw plants. It’s okay to eat some steamed, stir-fried or even grilled vegetables, but when grilling foods, avoid burning them because all burned parts contain toxic, cancer-causing chemicals that promote colon cancer.

I

LIKE caffeine in my coffee, so why not in my beverage drink” is a common cliché these days in spite of all the hue and cry about energy drinks.

In recent times, energized beverage drinks have become increasingly popular for supplying short boosts of energy. At almost every point there is WHAT do beverage energy drinks do for your body?However, they can be misused and sometimes even when used as recommended, they cause disagreeable side effects. Actually the effects of energy drinks can be broken into short-term effects, long-term effects and side effects. Experts urge consumers to be aware of their potential benefits and risks.

But contrary to whatever we may think about the effects of energy drinks on our health, new research at the European Society of Cardiology Congress suggests that energy drinks are actually good for the heart, as they improve myocardial (heart) performance.

Energy drinks generally contain caffeine, an ingredient not usually associated with good health — caffeine raises blood pressure. In the study, researchers used speckle-tracking echocardiography — a way to analyze motion by tracking interference patterns with an ultrasonic window — and echo Doppler analysis to examine how energy drinks may or may not wreck havoc on the heart.

The researchers had 35 male

participants, age 25, drink some of an energy drink that contains caffeine and taurine. Blood pressure, heart rate, and left and right ventricular function were measured before and after.

Graphical result of changes from the baseline measurements to the postenergy drink figures, which were measured one hour after consumption showed the systolic blood pressure increase by 2.6 percent, whereas diastolic blood pressure increased by 6 percent. Heart rate increased 1.6 percent, which is considered an insignificant increase.

T

he study showed that regulated energy drink consumption does increase blood pressure. Interestingly, both left and right ventricular function improved after the energy drink was imbibed: These results show that the energy drinks improved contraction of both the left and right ventricles, thus “delivering a positive effect on myocardial function.” suggests that the improvement of the myocardial function could be directly related to the taurine contained in energy drinks, which “stimulates the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum,” which aids in muscle contraction and relaxation, something the ventricles tend to do.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—25

Justin Timberlake laughs off Kanye West feud: “I absolutely love Kanye”

K

eep calm, and Kanye on!

Justin Timberlake visited good friend Jimmy Fallon on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Monday, March 11 to discuss his hosting gig and performance on Saturday Night Live last weekend.

Timberlake, 32, made headlines for reportedly changing a line in his “Suit & Tie” song to address a recent remark Kanye West made against his new hit.

Fallon asks Timberlake, “For Saturday Night Live, it felt like to me you changed one of the lyrics in ‘Suit & Tie,’” Fallon, 38, told the singer.

“Did it seem that way?”

Timberlake asked with a smirk on his face. “I don’t remember that . . . Did I change a line? It is live. You know, really, everyone, keep calm.”

“Keep calm, and Kanye on,”

Fallon joked.

“Let me just, for the record, “ Timberlake added. “I absolutely love Kanye. So there’s that. We love Kanye, right?”

During his March 9 performance with Jay-Z on SNL, Timberlake seemed to change the lyric “Aww, s—t so sick, got a hit and picked up a habit” to “my hit’s so sick, got rappers acting dramatic.”

The lyric swap comes after West, 35, targeted Timberlake and Jay-Z’s track in a rant during his concert at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on Feb. 23. He rapped, “I got love for Hov, but I ain’t f—king with that ‘Suit & Tie.’” West and Timberlake share a best friend in Jay-Z. West and Jay-Z released the collaborative album Watch the Throne together in August 2011 and went on tour together. Jay-Z is now set to go on a Legends of the Summer 12-city tour with Timberlake beginning in July.

•Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ son, Egypt has a crush on Beyonce & Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy

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•Timberlake

Tamar Braxton: ‘I am pregnant!’

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inger Tamar Braxton, one of the stars of the WE tv hit series Braxton Family Values and the spinoff Tamar & Vince, announced

that she’s pregnant during her appearance on Good Morning America Wednesday.

“I have a love on top! I am pregnant!,” she confirmed to

•Beyonce

GMA’s Lara Spencer, though anyone looking at the glowing reality star, 35, would notice her obvious baby bump. “I feel great and greedy at the same time. This is the most I’ve eaten ever.”

She also won’t have to wait long for her little bundle of joy.

“I don’t have that many months to go. Almost there!,” she excitedly dished.

This will be her first child with her husband, music mogul V i n c e Herbert.

The new season of B r a x t o n F a m i l y V a l u e s premiered March 14 at 9 p.m. on WE tv.

s there a future music powerhouse couple in the making? Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson caught up Alicia Keys during her Los Angeles stop on her “Set The World On Fire Tour ” (which will hit 26 cities in the U.S. and Canada), where she dished on her son’s affection for Beyonce & Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy. “I heard that little Egypt has a crush on Blue Ivy,” Shaun said, referring to the singer ’s 2-year-old son with Swizz Beatz.

“Someone has a crush on someone. That’s for sure,” Alicia said with a laugh.

“Did he like steal a kiss, like a quick kiss from Blue Ivy?” Shaun inquired.

“Now I wasn’t there, but I do know that a phone call happened later in the evening,” the singer recounted.

“From Jay-Z?” Shaun asked.

“I think [Egypt] might [have] kissed Blue Ivy when I wasn’t looking,” the chart-topping Grammy winner told Shaun.

“And what [did] you say? ‘That’s my boy’?’” Shaun asked, as they both laughed.

“I’m sure that’s what his daddy said,” Alicia noted, referring to husband Swizz Beatz.

Adding, “He probably was just being so gentle to her and she’s a little younger. So he was like giving her lots of love, which I think is so important”

Tina Turner covers Vogue Magazine at 73

•Tamar Braxton

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ow 73! Time does fly by when you are having fun as the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’.

The queen of rock ‘n’ roll, Tina Turner, has proved she’s still got it, becoming the oldest person to make the cover of Vogue Magazine, Germany.

The diva’s first ever Vogue cover was shot by the duo of Claudia Knoepfel and Stefan Indlekofer and styled by Nicola Knels.

Turner recently renounced her U.S. citizenship to become Swiss after residing in Kuesnacht, Zurich since the mid-’90s.

She is currently recording her 11th studio album, ‘Beyond 2’.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

New Sexy Faces

By Ayo Onikoyi The nomination process continues for another two weeks. Here are some more new faces for intending voters to choose from. Everything is getting better and better as voters now stand to win big if they vote through the Vanguard coupon on the cover of the paper.

Those Already Making Waves Those who are making waves from last week nomination process include Uti Nwachukwu, Joseph Benjamin, Pope Odowondo, Benson Okonkwo, Anita Joseph, Tope Osoba, Queeneth Gilbert, Collete Orji, Angela Okorie and Chita Agwu but the big question is: will they make it all the way?The final slot is for 25 men and 25 women. So keep voting to nominate!

Damilola Adegbite She became popular through playing ‘Thelma Duke’ in ‘Tinsel’ and just when people were wondering what happened to her after disappearing from the set, she resurfaced in ‘Flower Girl’, a film presently making tour of Cinemas across Africa.

Amanda Ebeye: Amanda came into the movie industry in 2007 and broke her duck playing ‘Nurse Abigail’ in the TV soap ‘Clinic Matters’.

After leaving ‘Clinic Matters’ she ventured into the movies and has since carved a niche for herself.

Belinda Effah Belinda is still GIAMA ‘Best New Actress’ 2012 for her role in ‘Kokoma’ and she has since featured in ‘Brother’s Keeper’, ‘Casket’ and ‘Mama Africa’.

Bobby Obodo Obodo, based in Canada is a political activist, a boxer and a

writer. He has starred alongside top gun like Genevieve Nnaji, Ini Edo, Monalis Chinda, Ramsey Nouah, Desmond Ellio Uti, Lydia Forson, Uche Jombo and Va Vicker. His first job ‘We Can’t Get Away was directed by Desmond Elliot.

Chelsea Eze She shot into prominence in 2009 winnin a nomination at AMAA (Africa Movi

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—27

How to vote Simply text the name of your choice: Sexiest Man and Woman to 08052201215 or 08052201257.You may vote as many times as you want. Voting shall be published every Saturday in Saturday Vanguard.

s of Nollywood (2)

ns sa ot, an y’,

Academy Awards) and confirmed her presence on the scene the following year with AMAA’s ‘Most Promising Actress’. Her flicks include”Two Brides and a Baby”, “Twist”, “Timeless Passions”, “Hood Rush” and others.

since she became known in the industry. She waltzed her way into limelight with awesome acts in “Dream Walker ”, “Transformer ”, “Akpati”, among others

ng ie

Chika Agatha Chika has kept her phone ringing

Cynthia Agholor Cynthia arrived on the scene some ten years ago on set of “Heartbeat” directed by Chico Ejiro.

Since then, she has had them coming and her most notable flicks include “ Vi l l a g e r To a s t e r s ” , “Never Too late”, “Year 2000”, “First Love”, “Wise men”, “The Incarnate” and many others.

A n g e l Ufuoma

She hasn’t been more than three years on the scene but she is rising so fast she is in contention for every hot role in the industry.She has featured in many blockbusters and recently wowed the core of Nollywood for her sterling role interpretation in “Dr. Bello”.

Eve Esin She started acting in 2008 and hasn’t stopped or taken a break since then. Her many popular movies include “Innocent Pain”, “Room Service”, “Scent of Passion”, “Evil Intention” and a host of others Gabriel Afolayan Many will say Gabriel is more into music than acting these days. But he has left his marks on the acting field and he doesn’t appear to be done with acting just yet.

Though started as a child actor his formal entry into the make-believe world was through Tade Ogidan’s “Madam Dearest”.

Ibrahim Chatta

That the Nollywood a c t o r , Ibrahim Chatta is a famous actor cannot be contested.

He has been relevant in the Yoruba genre of the m o v i e industry for a decade or more now . He recently married a Senator ’s daughter from Ilorin.

Lillian Esoro The television soap girl is the ‘Nurse Abigail’ in the popular television soap “Clinic Matters”. Lilian was one of the nominees in the Africa Magic Viewer ’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) ‘Best Actress’ in a Comedy category alongside Mercy Johnson and Funke Akindele.

Sunkanmi Omobolanle Recently married Papi Luwe’s son, Sunkanmi has made name for himself and nobody can say he is still living under the shadow of his veteran actor father, Sunday Omobolanle.

His pouplar flicks are “Eti Keta”, “Ori”, “Omo Mummy”, “City Girls”, “Asiri Aye”, and many others.

Uche Benjamin Uche got her break from “Everlasting Love” then her life took a turn for the better and since she has not stopped landing juicy roles. Her other movies are ‘Ego’, ‘Pains from the Heart’, ‘Adams Desire’, ‘Margaret Thatcher’ among others.

Uru Eke Uru is another of ‘Tinsel’ amazing cast. She came home

from the United States of America to try her hands in her fatherland. She was in “Dark Side” alongside leading man, Joseph Benjamin and in “Amina” alongside Omotola JaladeEkeinde and others.

Florence Johnson Florence Johnson has been in the business of makebelieve for some time and she has acted alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Recently relocated to Ghana, Florence is still a force to reckon with.

Maureen Cyril Maureen Cyril, is from Anambra State but based in Enugu. She’s one of the fast rising actresses to watch out for. Maureen has featured in over 10 movies which include, “Console my son”, “Clap of Thunder ”, “Lady Gaga”, among others.

Calista Okoronkwo Calista Okoronkwo’s a fast rising nollywood actress, she has starred in various movies like, God of Shiloh, Bigger Ladies, Too late to claim, Heart and soul , Azonto babes etc. she just might be the Next Big Thing in Nollywood!!!

28— Vanguard, SARTURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013

I can be a pain in the butt — Halle Ihmordu Halle Ihmorde is one of Nigeria’s budding female artistes who hails from Esako Central, in Edo State. She has got lots of flexibility that is craftily tailored to every beat, giving her energetic and electrifying dance steps. She hit limelight when she emerged winner of Channel O Dance African competition in 2007, and since then, she has not looked back. She was also the last female contestant standing at 2008, Maltina Dance Hall. In this interview with our Esther Onyegbula, she shares her story as a rising female act, her dreams and aspirations.

,

So far so good?

I won’t say it has been easy because nothing good comes easy, even my manger can actually testify to that. But thank God, we are making waves right now.

When you say it has not been easy how do you mean?

What I mean is that in a pitch that is prominently dominated by the men folks, you will agree with me that you need to have what it takes to survive in the industry. That is why I said, it has been a tough road, but gradually, the way is actually getting opened.

Your kind of music My kind of music, is a mixture of naija pop, hip pop with an African flavour. I have several singles which are currently doing very well in the market. Some of my singles include, Hallelicious, “Mujojo Ijo Fidodido, Dance with Somebody, Rock your Body and my new single “Doty Shower.

Nigerian music industry Seriously, we are doing good, every artiste are upping their music and doing Nigeria proud within and outside the shores of the country.

Menace of piracy To a reasonable extent the piracy issue has been dealt with and stakeholders in the industry are still working to ensure that it is totally eradicated. But I believe that with time everything will die off.

Those that influenced my musical career The late Michael Jackson, Whitey Houston and Janet Jackson, inspired my kind of music. God is my greatest inspiration. Also, I am inspired by my environment.

Future Wining a Grammy in the next couple of years is where I would love to see myself. I am really working hard on that.

Challenges Like I said earlier, I have passed through a lot of ups and downs, hard times. Most times, I found myself going into the studio in the morning

Wining a Grammy in the next couple of years is where I would love to see myself. I am really working hard on that

and working all through the day in a studio and you don’t get a particular tune you want.

And every day different things come up and you are trying to improve your self, keep up the pace and remain relevant.

I am not trying to be a stumbling block to anybody, I am not trying to be like anybody, Halle is Halle.

Nigerian music industry over saturated!

No actually, the music industry hasn’t heard anything yet, because my tune is actually coming out different.

Coping as a young female

,

act Funnily, I don’t see myself as a female act; I actually grew up in the midst of boys, so my background has helped me a great deal in relating to the men folks. And honesty, I have done well.

Dress sense My dress sense actually is a mixture of kind of things, I could do a sexy outfit today and tomorrow I am all tomboyish and the next time, you see me I am dressed differently. I just mix every thing together and that is my definition of Halle dress sense.

Do you consider yourself fashionable?

Yes, I am very fashionable, better still let me put it this way, I am a fashionista, What fashion item you can’t be caught wearing?

I can’t be caught wearing a baggy jean or a very short skirt or dress.

But short dresses are very trendy?

When I am on stage, I love to dress to kill and look different What about male admirers?

Male admirers, no comments What was growing up like for you?

Growing up was fun, I had everything around me, because I am the last child of the family.

What was your family’s reaction when you opted to go into music?

My parents were actually not into it at first, but when I started it, and they realized it is my passion they encouraged me.

When did you discover your passion for music?

The dancing thing started while I was in secondary school, but I discovered my love for music a few years ago before I decided to go into it professionally.

How would you describe yourself?

I am an entertainer, I love God, I am very stubborn I am down to earth, I am very playful, and I can be a pain in the butt.

What is your word for people who would be reading this interview?

People say that the sky is not the limit but above it, believe in yourself and have self confidence and believe in God because there is nothing possible without God. Role models in the Nigeria music industry Tu face, he is like a brother from another mother.

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013 —29

Winning a Grammy is my dream — Capital F.E.M.I

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

T

,

he name Capital F.E.M.I might not sound familiar to you but it’s one name to reckon with when it comes to “R n B” music . Oluwafemi, Adeyinka, aka “capital F.E.M.I” of KENIS music, has proved beyond every reasonable doubt that he plays his game well as far as music is concerned with the award of ‘R n b vocalist of the year 2011’. Though the initial plan of sending him oversees by his parents, was to study business management but his love for music, steered him elsewhere as he combines his studies with music and live performances in some events.

Femi shares his experience as well as his personal life with Showtime Celebrity.

Tell us about yourself?

I’m Olufemi, Adeyinka. I am a native of Abeokuta in Ogun (egwa man) state. I moved to the United States of America at a very young age. Precisely, at the age of 12 and I have been there since then. I finally returned to Nigeria in the year 2009 though I was not sure if I was going to stay then.

I just came to check out the industry and see how it is moving and know what the industry could offer to me. In that same year, my brother arranged a meeting with Kennis Music, where I did my song for his assessment. That was it. I thank God for everything including all the challenges. I also know that blessings comes with challenges so, I am waiting for the for the blessings.

What was your growing up like?

My growing up was memorable. I am not complaining. I do have wonderful parents and siblings. My parents did all they could do for me as a child.

Was music what you set out to do in life?

Truly, I have always loved music. But I finally ventured into the industry 6 years ago.

You know, being a man from Nigeria, there is no way you can call your father who sent you overseas to study and tell him that you want to sing, he would look at you as if you are stupid. So I started music at a younger age. I just love music; I like to dance, and singing was part of me when I was in high school in America I used to do talent shows. I performed for students and stuffs like that. And before you knew it, I started having the feelings that, I can sing. I started saying to myself I can be a good singer. I’m applauded each time I go on stage to perform.

When I entered college over there, I started taking music

I am not going to say that I am the sexiest artiste now but I know I am not that ugly

seriously, I joined a group and I started singing around the area and I tried to go solo.

And since then, I have not looked back.

How was singing there in U.S.A? It was really very tough because, I was combining that with other things. I was doing what I love to do (singing), I was working full time and at the same time, I was going for my academics.

When I was done with school, I was still working full time.

When I work like 5-6hours, in the night, I will go to studio for my music. Sometimes, I would be in the studio till 2-

,

3:30 in the morning. I was so hectic but you see, there is nothing better than doing what you like. When you do what you like, it doesn’t feel like work. There is this sense of satisfaction that I got.

What were your parents reaction when you took up music as a career?

Let me start with my mother, you know, mothers always understand where a child’s passion lies easily than the men. For my mother, music was not what she wanted me to study over there, but she got use to that easily. It took a lot of time to convince my dad. But now, he is convinced and he is happy with the career. He is happy with me and I know he wants me to achieve more. In anything, he wants me to achieve more. He said if you love music, I want you to achieve more; I don’t want you to be a local champion. He always me Femi, I don’t want you to be a local champion; I want you to be a world champion.

Your first album, “Never felt a love” what is the brain

behind the title, was it out of experience?

Yes, of course, life gets different kinds of experiences whether you like it or not. The music “never felt a love” came out of experience and I think there is a time; you either fall in or out of love. That is what it is like. Some people fall many times some fall few times, some people don’t even fall. Your heart is your heart. I think never felt a love was out of experience and I thank God for the song. The song came with the help of some amazing musicians from America.

The name of the recording company is Sure Buyers Music Company. They have produced several songs in America.

How did you feel when you won the “Best RnB Vocalist Award 2011?

Well, in Nigeria, that was the first award I have won. When I was nominated for the award in 2011, I didn’t think I was going to win the award. The reason was that every one that were nominated with me, in that category, had a full album that they had already dropped.

So everybody had already lis-

tened to what they have to offer but for me I have not. So in that category, I thanked God I was nominated but there was a chance that I was not going to win the award. The reason was because, I don’t have a full album. When they called my name that I won, I was like, amidst of people with full album, how could this be possible. Some of them are my seniors in the industry. So I was grateful and I thank God for that.

How do you handle your female fans?

I handle them well. I am not going to say that I am the sexiest artiste now but I know I am not that ugly. What I have come to understand is that in anything, you are doing, especially, when you are into entertainment, you must have fans. If you don’t have fans, it means you are not doing the job well. If you are a man and you don’t have female fans, then something is wrong somewhere likewise female.

One thing about me is that I respect my fans so much and I believe that without them, there is no me.

What is capital F.E.M.I in the next three years?

One, my album is out already titled, “the year of R n B” and it is few months old now. so in the next three years, you will expect more songs and videos from that album. Actually, a new video has been released in November from the album titled ‘Capital F.E.M.I.’ so you expect to see more on the live performance of me. Expect a Grammy award from me.

You said something about looking forward to a Grammy award, how far are you working towards that?

Am working every day towards that. For me, when I started singing, even before I talked about coming back to Nigeria, the highest award and honour in music is the Grammy award. For me, I believe you always have to aim for the highest. Sometimes, it seems impossible. I believe somebody did it before me so, why can’t I get there?. Some years from now, with God’s favour and good health. With support from media and my fans, Grammy is really attainable.

What is an ideal woman for you?

For me, an ideal woman is a God fearing woman. A woman that is ready to accept me for me. What I do can be tough for a woman. You know I am a man and my fan base is mainly woman. So I need a woman that is secure in herself. That is my ideal woman. Remember that an ideal woman is not the person that has a nice waist, or shape, she should be an intellectual and strong within herself. A woman that is ready to support you when you fall.

Have you seen the ideal woman?

In all honesty, I have seen my ideal woman.

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013

Complied by Oseji Ephraim

FernandoTorres

Micheal Essien

He is leading the list of players who could help bring in a decent sum should Chelsea find an interested buyer. Abramovich has apparently ran out of patience for a player who he shelled out £50m for and a player that effectively cost Roberto Di Matteo his job. Some believe that the decision to axe the Italian was due in no small part to his being dropped for Chelsea’s Champions League defeat to Juventus.

•Torres

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The Stamford Bridge side will take a loss on any sale, as much as it is hard to say but Chelsea would probably be happy to receive anywhere near half what they paid. The 28 year old striker has hit yet another patch of poor form, having now gone 11 Premier League matches without a goal.

•Michael-Essien

9 'Red carded' players to be

Frank Lampard WILL apparently not be handed a new contract, a way of Chelsea cutting costs, and a ready made replacement may well be high upon Chelsea’s summer sigh-list.

Though the 34 year old has been one of the few brights spots in an otherwise poor season, Chelsea are unwilling to fork out huge sums to meet the veteran’s salary and will opt instead to allow the England man to leave. Lampard is on the verge of breaking the club’s goalscoring record.

by Chelsea this Summer

•To bring in world-class additions

Stamford Bridge side is ready to significantly trim their squad. Chelsea are ready to conduct a significant summer clear-out as Roman Abramovich looks to trim his squad ahead of potential summer additions. The West London side have one eye on UEFA’s strict financial fair play (FFP) guidelines and another on improving their current squad. So clearly, the only course of action is to make significant cuts to the size of the current playing staff.

Jeffrey Bruma

Y

•Frank

Florent Malouda

S

UFFERED the humiliation of being forced to train with Chelsea’s youth and reserve teams for much of the current season and Chelsea are desperate to offload the winger, who has at times been of great value to the West London side.

oung defender Jeffrey Bruma has been out on loan in Germany with Hamburg and the centre-back may well not be coming back to Stamford Bridge with Roman Abramovich seemingly willing to offload the promising 21 year old.

Given that Chelsea can call upon Gary Cahill, David Luiz, John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic to fill central defensive roles, it’s fair to say that Bruma may be better off trying to forge a career •Bruma elsewhere.

Marko Marin

I

s also on the list of probable outgoing talent, despite only arriving last summer.

Chelsea will listen to offers in the summer for the German international Marko Marin as the 23 year old has been unable to retain a spot in the Blues first team and has suffered as a result of signings made that have greatly limited his involvement in the starting •Marin eleven.

Yossi Benayoun

H

as returned to Chelsea following an injury plague spell on loan at West Ham and the souring of his relationship with interim boss Rafa Benitez who during their shared time at Liverpool have pretty much put an end to any likely first team action this season and the Blues will

look to sell the Israeli as soon as possible and are apparently willing to accept fairly minimal offers for the veteran midfielder.

•Yossi He has made just one Premier League start for the Blues since his move to the club two and a half years ago and did enjoy a relatively successful loan spell at Arsenal last season.

Paulo Ferriera

Hilario

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He has not been used all that much during his six and a half years at the club. The Portuguese custodian made just 20 Premier League appearances. When the 37 year old was called upon, he looked shaky to say the least.Chelsea will not offer the veteran a new deal this summer.

•Maluda

S in the middle of a season long loan spell at Real Madrid and is seemingly surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are looking to garner a decent sum for the Ghanaian international, who still has two and a half years to run on his current contract.

Chelsea paid Lyon £24.4m for the tigerish midfielder back in the summer of 2005 and has served the club well but has found his first team chances greatly limited by the presence of John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Oriol Romeu.

•Henrique Hilário

ILL not be offered a new contract when his current deal comes to an end this summer.

The Portuguese full-back has been at the club since 2004 but is little more than a back-up in extreme circumstances. Last Premier League start came last May and only because the club was resting players ahead of cup finals.

•Paulo

Vanguard, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013 — 31

Complied by Oseji Ephraim CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST EIGHT Bayern Munich v Paris St Germain v Real Madrid v Malaga v

Juventus FC Barcelona Galatasaray Borussia Dortmund

EUROPA LEAGUE LAST EIGHT Benfica F enerbahce Tottenham Chelsea

v v v v

Newcastle United SS Lazio FC Basel R Kazan

Mourinho gets •400,000 wrist-watch from Abramovich

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eal Madrid coach Jose Mour inho is sporting a new wrist watch - courtesy of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. The billionaire recently gave the former Chelsea Manager a •400,000 watch as a gift with the pair having patched up their differences. Mourinho continues to be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. It’s also suggested Chelsea’s senior players are well aware of how talks are going with Mourinho and confident he will be back in charge this summer.

Imoh Ezekiel welcomes transfer talk

S

•Ezekiel

United stunned by •80m Bale asking price M a n c h e s t e r United have made an enquiry for Gareth Bale but have been stunned by Tottenham’s €80 million asking price.

United chief executive David Gill has approached Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about a deal for Bale, only to be told the 23-year-old would command a near-world record fee if the Londoners were to sell him to a Premier League rival.Tottenham are instead focusing on talks with Bale’s advisors over a new five-year contract worth €175,000-aweek which would shatter the club’s wage structure.

Ex-Liverpool striker Collymore:

le at £125m Everton up for sa Stan Collymore says Ever-

Former Liverpool striker ton are up for sale. ed by an official Collymore insisted he was contact figure of £125m. who gave him the Everton FC sale r Wigan, and ‘why “I decided to do debate on EFC afte great clubs’ The d’s lan isn’t anyone buying one of Eng dy. rea show was prepped and Delighted, I asked “I Was CONTACTED by source. rtonians. They were 12-15 questions tweeted by Eve with answers givair to answered in good faith. Went sed on in good pas just but ted en. Wheel not reinven faith what I was told.”

Golfer falls down 18-foot sinkhole on course

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HE co-founder of a fantasy golfing website was injured when an 18-foot sinkhole opened beneath him on the 14th fairway at an Illinois golf course.

Mark Mihal, the co-founder of golfmanna.com, was playing and fell deep into the earth before being rescued by his playing partners and club house crew.His wife, Lori, describes the frightening incident: Mark went out to play a familiar course in Waterloo, Ill, with

his regular foursome. He was having a great round and lots of laughs with his buddies.

They were in the fairway on No. 14; Mark had already hit his second shot when he went to check out the distance for his playing partner, Mike Peters, who was getting ready to hit. Mike had his back to Mark and when he

turned to say something to him, Mark was gone.

Mike could hear Mark moaning and ran in the direction where he had been standing just a few seconds earlier.

It was immediately clear what had happened; the ground had caved in and Mark had fallen into the earth - 18 feet underground.

tandard Liege striker, Imoh Ezekiel has welcomed reports linking him with an imminent move to England or France. The 19-yearold striker has been in fine form this season, netting on a consistent basis in the Belgian top-flight. He is under contract until 2017, but a summer approach for his services could see him freed from that agreement.

Lille are said to be keen on taking Ezekiel to Ligue 1, while West Bromwich Albion are understood to consider the youngster to be a potential replacement for unsettled frontman Peter Odemwingie.

Djokovic to face Tsonga in Quarter Final as Murray sets Del Po clash World No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated Sam Querrey 6-0, 7-6(6) at the ongoing Indian Wells to move through to the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals.

Djokovic converted four of his 11 break points in the 87minute victory, avenging his loss at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Paris to Querrey, who is the last player to beat the Serbian. Djokovic has won 21 matches in a row and has a 16-0 record in 2013.

The top seed is looking to lift his third trophy in Indian Wells, having triumphed in 2008 and 2011. In the last eight, Djokovic will clash with eighth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

World No. 3 Andy Murray advanced past Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq 7-6(4), 64. Murray twice trailed by a service break in the first set, with Berlocq serving for the set at 5-4. The Argentine, who had upset Kei Nishikori in the third round, could not capitalise on his opportunity,

though, and Murray won the ensuing tie-break. The Scot then let slip an early break advantage in the second set before breaking decisively in the seventh game to claim victory in just under two hours. ”It was tough,” admitted Murray.

“He started well and he was playing very aggressive. He had a lot of chances in the first set. He obviously served for it.

•Murray

32—Vanguard, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013

Denrele back to life!

SINCE the demise of his bosom friend who was a Nigerian pop star, Goldie, the tale n t e d e n t e r t a i n e r, Derenle, has never made a public outing as he reportedly resolved to give honour and respect to his friend. But just some days back,, he decided to carry on with his life as he was spotted at the AMVCA, not oly making an appearance but running the show

MI sets to debut single in a grand style

J

ude Abaga, a.k.a, “M.I” is set to make history with the debut of his new sin gle, titled, “Chairman”. The Loopy Music CEO, M.I, has finalized plans for a Google + Live international video launch that will sweep across Lagos, Accra, New York and London. “My new project is really, the ‘Chairman’ as the name implies. We are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is achieved on the grandest scale possible,” he said. This project in partnership with Goo-

Kareen embarrassed

gle Nigeria will be the first of its kind as an estimate of 10 million fans will follow the broadcast live online, radio and TV portals. M.I will be joined

by Ice Prince, Agbani Darego and Waje. The premiere will be broadcast on Beat FM, Cool FM, Channels TV, 19ja Radio and City FM Ghana. The hangout will be moderated by Nigerian soul super star and actress, Waje.

Jim Iyke gets thumps up for dress sense c t o r, y o u le n t e d ator knows a t is h t ns of the ac o r t h e faree with me that ss sense. At the would ag it comes to dre Anambra born ress when , the his coin cluded AMVCA fans another d ing just con Iyke, gave his has been receivtwithis n, he actor, Jim since thes. A recent visit to Chinkad n a e d id n o v c at, “Da s from fa e ur applauseunt confirmed thd d e m a ll ! L o v if u r ter acco ji m iy k e , u k il le f e — @ ji m iy k e , re is t a — — @e s p o k e t a il o r s 4 li 2know that the Oks w a g , b is den I want u ith your outfit, o by seeing thothing wrong we, nice suit comb ome totally n Ese—@jimiyk e praising him, s tus pelebholoThough others arof his marital sta arthe way. reminding him ke, u shud get m s r — are still k Ke ndi—@jiniyv l e s s b a c h e l o ibia Eyen Efi t h a t w e w i l l haiting, @2faceid r i e d s o W we ar still w u guys” @Banky ed the floor for has open

F

C M Y K

A

t the just concluded AMVCA, it was a parade of dress codes from different celebrities. While others were busy displaying decent styles, some were also busy flaunting unattractive tattoo stricken boobs. The 2011, BBA win-

ner, Kareen Igho was one of the boobs that were displayed at the award. Though that was not her first time of exposing her body but trust Nigerians, they gave her the insult of her life. That she had no option than to fight back.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 33 environment among the entire communities and families of children with special needs.

The beautiful ones project for children with special needs —Chinenye Okoye

BY NGOZI IHEJIAKO

T

here are so many people especially children living among us with special needs (intellectual and developmental disabilities). In an attempt to reach out to these people, a clinical child psychologist and a l i c e n s e d neurodevelopmental therapist Chinenye Okoye, tells a touchy tale of such people. She throws more light on what her organization is doing to assist and better the lives of people with special needs especially those in the rural areas.

So can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Chinenye Okoye and I am a clinical child psychologist and a licensed neurodevelopmental therapist, currently I work with children with special needs.

T

ell us more about The Beautiful Ones Project?

‘The Beautiful Ones Project’ is an initiative for children with special needs. Like I said earlier, we are targeting the rural areas. The idea is, if children in urban areas are finding it a bit difficult to get help or access to therapy and resources, then those in the rural areas will find it more difficult. So we go to rural areas, do the logistics; get the number of children with special needs. Then run event for them through which we can train their parents to run in-house programs for them at home. We monitor their

Chinenye Okoye...we believe that every child has a right to quality existence and no child should be left behind.

,

What do you do?

I work with people with special needs, specifically intellectual and developmental disability.

Currently we run a centre, ‘Helping Hands Centre’ for learning and development, which is a special school.

Alongside, we are working on an NGO initiative; ‘The Beautiful Ones Project’ those with special needs in rural and less privileged areas are catered for in terms of therapy, medical aid and welfare. So the initiative pays emphasis to those individuals from low income families that can’t afford to take care of themselves, meet basic needs or afford their therapy programs.

When we say adoption, we don’t mean to live permanently with them as guardians, but rather to provide support for them in terms of funding and welfare packages for their feeding, medical care, therapy programs

progress alongside. We have other initiatives where we help people, more financially capable members of the society to adopt children with special needs. When we say adoption, we don’t mean to live permanently with them as guardians, but rather to provide support for them in terms of funding and welfare packages for their feeding, medical care, therapy programs and so on, especially for those children that need help the most but who are from very poor background. We also provide volunteers, funds and welfare to centers that take care of children with disabilities and special

,

needs. In a nutshell, we believe that every child has a right to quality existence and no child should be left behind.

How do you go about the finance of this project?

Although, it has not been easy, funding could come from various individuals and organizations; in the case of adoption, we try to match make those that can help to those that need help. Nigerians have a large heart, and it’s something that most people find easy to identify with and render the much help needed.

At the end of the day, no one knows tomorrow and no one prays to have a child with special needs, so when you

are in a position to help, it is actually a privilege.

H

ow do people get to know about these children with special needs and your services?

In rural communities, the town criers go around, make the announcements.

Announcements are also made in the churches, in the government hospitals and in schools. Through these announcements, people have become more aware, and you begin to hear comments like “oh, so this really exists”, or ‘I have so and so neighbour dealing with so and so’.

During events, we run counseling sections where we are able to educate them. We let them know that it’s not like they have done anything and God is punishing them. It’s something that can happen to anybody, from any background, any race, and that there are scientific explanations to the challenges their wards are facing. We also run open forums through which we create more awareness in the

What is the attitude of Nigerians towards these pet projects and are the objectives being met?

So far, it has been good. A lot of people are excited to help. They are like “Oh, this is so good. We can actually help and see it physically that we are touching lives. Take for instance, ‘Adopt a Child Program’, if you adopt a child, you send a specific amount of money every month, quarterly or yearly.

You can get updates on the child’s progress, get to know how and what your funds are being used for. For example, a 12 years old child who is on diapers. If she uses a diaper for a whole day, being left in her faeces and you come in, you will see this yourself because you can visit the child whenever you want and get an authentic update. It’s something that is physical and tangible and most people are very excited about that. It’s not just an elaborate elephant project. We are actually doing core work and we are touching lives directly. One of the research papers am working on currently is “The Attitude of Nigerians towards people with special needs.” In general, Nigerians are not yet there in terms of accepting them. I guess it’s because they really don’t know so much.

But once you talk to people and let them know, they usually have a very soft spot for children with special needs.

S

o can you throw more light on your current programs?

We are doing a couple of projects. Part of our on-going project is the ‘ Hope Alive Family Initiative ’, taking place in Anambra state from March 11th to March 14th, where we will be training families of children with special needs to run therapy programs at home, alongside they will be getting free medications and also welfare packages. Another project ‘New Leaf Centre Adoption Program’ also comes up from the 15th to 19th of March in Uruagu village, also in Anambra state, where we will be visiting the Diocesan Special School. We will be training their staff, providing them with basic welfare materials, medical care and volunteers. Currently, they are facing the challenges of being under staffed and the available staff has no qualification or training to take care or work with special children. Often times, they are left with little or nothing to feed or cloth them. Other programs in different states and location will come up at later dates, and of course our regular Adopt a Child Program still continues.

34— SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Darey denies paying Kim Kardashian $500,000 ...Says “It was fun while it lasted’

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ast month, it was heavily rumoured that Darey Art Alade paid the controversial American TV reality star, Kim Kardashian a whooping $500,000 just for her to co-host his “Love Like a Movie” Valentine concert in Lagos.

Those who peddled the rumour claimed that Kardashian only appeared on the stage for 45 minutes and then, disappeared into the thin air.

But reacting to the rumour for the first time, the multiple award-winning R&B singer said, such a thing never happened. “It was all rumour, but I enjoyed while it lasted,” he told Showtime during the week.

However, declining to comment more on the matter, Darey said, he would have loved a situation where the rumour continues endlessly.

Kim Kardashian came under heavy attack by most fun loving Nigerians for her guest appearance at the show. Kim reportedly appeared only for 45 seconds to speak to the

cheering crowd before ‘ vanishing’. Shortly after arriving her base, the 32-year-

old actress tweeted: “Just landed back home! 20 hours of flying. No big deal.”

Winner ge in Glo PreWinnerss emer emerge sents The Big Friday Show T

•Dare with Kim Kardashian at the show.

Again, Leo’nel Orji drops Dancia

the dance floor and make club houses hotter than they use to be,” a statement signed by his media Company, Media s hip Image Managers, h o p MIM, said. sensation, Dancia is a fluid Leo’nel, son of party song, with legendary heavy percussion Nollywood beat. The song actor, Zack further confirms the Orji, prepares young, handsome for his debut son of Zach Orji, as album, billed to a singer. It is a be released •Leo’nel sharp departure later in the from the usual year, the Nigerian party/club youngster, has dropped yet another single songs. “My experience playing music in the UK came entitled Dancia.

The singer, who recently to bear on Dancia, so I decided signed on to Dope Mates to take from a mixed recipe of Music, said he had been busy Nigeria with 20 per cent UK since the release of the videos flavour and the result is a of his first two singles, perfect meal for party buffs,” Rockstar and Drank In My Leo’nel said.

Leo’nel last month finished Cup; making and recording work on two singles which new materials.

He described Dancia as his were mixed in the UK and will new music identity and a be ready for the Nigerian prelude to great things. “It will public via the airwaves soon. sure keep party goers busy on The rising act who cut his teeth

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

A

on the big stage with his rave performance at Opa Williams’ Nite of a Thousand Laughs on Oct 1 last year, said he was ready for bigger challenges.

“This is the year that will change things around. From Nite of a Thousand Laughs and the review we got in the media, I have played other big shows here and in the UK.

he second batch of win ners in the lifestyle entertainment television programme,Glo Presents The Big Friday Show, have been presented with their prizes.

The prize-presentation ceremony was held last Wednesday at the MTV Base office in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The prizes which included Samsung Galaxy Tabs, BlackBerry handsets and Glo High Speed Internet modems were for two of the competitions for viewers of the show, “Prank Yo Peoples” and “Celebrity Surprise” segments.

For the “Prank Yo Peoples” contest, viewers were required to prank their friends and send in their ‘pranked’ videos by MMS or upload them on Facebook. On the other hand, the “Celebrity Surprise” contest allowed subscribers the opportunity to surprise their friends by arranging a visit of the friend’s favourite celebrity with the help of the Big Friday Show crew.

Both the Glo subscriber who did the pranking and his friend that was pranked were equally rewarded with the prizes. Similarly, the subscriber who set up his friend for a Celebrity Surprise visit and the friend also received

prizes.

A total of 32 prizes comprising 8 Samsung Galaxy tabs, 12 blackberry phones and 12 Glo High Speed Internet modems with Glo recharge cards were won by Glo subscribers who participated in the competitions.

Those who won the “Prank Yo Peoples” prizes were Akingoboye Oluwaseun and Anthony Ebguna, CJ Carlos and Ade, Adewuyi Adeyinka and Ahirudeen Doyin, Taiwo Amusu and Dolapo, Gilbert and Gabriel and Longjohn Aba and Dipo Fagbolu.

Ubrufih Rukevwe and Obaseki Omamen, Ayeni Tobi and Sango Fajimi Funsho, Monday Akpan and Enosi Akpan, Theodora Atta Peters and George Atta Peters as well as Anene Ifeoma and Mercy Iyamu won the prizes for the “Celebrity Surprise” competition.

Every week, a lucky Glo subscriber wins the chance to meet and interview the celebrity guest of the week and feature on theBig Friday Show. Viewers are also given the chance to send questions via SMS and MMS to their favourite celebrities. These questions are then answered directly by the celebs on the show.

Omawumi set to release 2nd album after Easter

T

•Omawumi

hree years after she debuted with her album, “Wonder Woman”, popular songstress, Omawumi Megbele is due to release her second album next month.

The singer-performer disclosed the development during the week. She hinted that the album is titled, “Lasso of Truth.”

‘My album will be out in a matter of weeks and it will be titled, Lasso of Truth and before you ask what it means.

My last album was titled ‘Wonder Woman” and in the

story about her, she has a lasso with which she whips and forces victims to tell the truth‘, she disclosed.

Wonder Woman is a fictional female ‘super hero’ character developed by DC Comics.

Omawumi used the character to develop a theme for her critically-acclaimed debut album back in 2009.

The album is said to contain 12 tracks. Showtime gathered that the songstress is putting plans together to host a concert at the Grand Ball room of Oriental hotel on April 7, to mark the album’s release.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 35

At last, peace returns in PMAN! T

he warring factions of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) have finally agreed to give peace chance as the body’s peace initiative during the week unveiled a 45-man committee, charged with interim administration of the union.

Announcing the decision at the popular Ojez Entertainment Center, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, foremost musician and Public Relations Officer of the PMAN Peace Initiative, Orits Wiliki noted that the committee has been structured to accommodate representatives of all the music genres in PMAN, the warring parties and members of the media among others.

“Today ’s gathering is to intimate our colleagues, our friends, the media and members of the public that the

leadership crisis which engulfed the performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN for a period not less than seven years has been resolved,” Wiliki noted.

True to the spirit of reconciliation, two of the three members of the union; Dr. Tee Mac Iseli and Predy Wise, who are laying claims to PMAN presidency were present at the historic event.

But the third person, Ras Murphy Van Anthony, was conspicuously at the occasion.

Tee Mac allayed the fears by many when he said he will not run for Union presidency again. The artiste, who nominated himself into the interim committee, noted that there was need to review the constitution of the union.

Describing it as weak, Tee Mac said the current PMAN constitution gives so much

power to the president. He said the position of president of the union should not be a ‘do or die’ affair, because it is a call to service that requires so much responsibility from the leaders, including spending their personal money.

Judging from the number of musical artistes at the Ojez meeting, it could be said that that the leadership crisis which has for about seven years, engulfed the musician’s union, is gradually receiving a leeway.

Other artistes at the conference included: King Faladey, Brigadier Brown Bread, Desmond Effiong, Stella Monye, Chris Mba, Joshue Omokhuale, Richard Cole, and Azeezat Allen.

The resolve to harmonise the activities of the union, reconcile members and have an interim administration that will conduct fresh elections

started nine months ago. The move is being championed by Chris Mba and others who constitute the Peace Initiative

Headquarters to Ariya at Jibowu, without recourse to the constitution of PMAN.

reparations for the first ever annual Calabar Jazz Festival billed to hold from March 29through 31 have begun in earnest.

The festival is being organised by Destination Cross River, Nigeria’s strongest tourist brand, and already well known for world famous Calabar Festival, the biggest event of its kind in Africa.

Speaking at a press parley during the week, Special Adviser, Governor ’s Office, Mr. Nzan Ogbe said the Recounting his journey into decision to make the Calabar the world of music, Rapville Jazz Festival a stand-alone noted that “it was full of ups event is a direct result of the and downs.” Ups and downs, success of the jazz concerts because he faced a lot of held during the annual challenges which at the end of Calabar Christmas Carnival.

The event, which is the day scheduled for the the Easter came off triumphantly. holidays, is a three-day “I have had three singles and the title of my first single activity, expected to feature was Big Up” while my second foreign and local artistes, single was titled “ No be including: D’Angelo, Eric Fight.” I believe that Benet, Asa, Darey Art Alade, inspiration comes from God. Bez, Jonathan Butler and My dream is to be successful Burna Boy. The state is partnering in my chosen career I want popular music channel, MTV people to know I have something they are missing, I base and Mo Abudu’s Ebony just want to be heard, I want Studio to stage the show people to hear me out,” he which they say will showcase Cababar’s tourism potential to said.

the world.

“Visitors to Calabar also get to have an experience that will literally take their breath away. The ancient city of Calabar with its undiluting landscape, historically significant as the first capital city of Nigeria, is the cleanest, greenest, safest capital in Nigeria,” Ogbe said.

In addition to the concerts, Ogbe added that there will be fun day-time activities and tours for all the family, fabulous VIP after-parties, and opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies which have led to Calabar being acclaimed the best kitchen in the country.

The concerts, he said, will rotate between two venues: The Cultural Center, featuring D’ Angelo, Asa, Darey and Bez on March 29 and Eric Benet, Jonathan Butler and Burna Boy on March 30, and the Millenium Park, featuring Darey, Bez and Burna Boy on March 31.

o t n w o d t Coun z z a j r a b a Cal s n i g e b l festiva

P

‘All inspiration comes fr om God’ from

By IYABO AINA

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ith the smash hit single, ‘No be fight’, rising gospel artiste, Rapwille has posited that love is the only answer and key to issues of life. Affiliating his rhythms to his childhood morals and God, the artiste said, he will always give his numerous fans the best that he has to offer. “I developed interest in music while I was growing up and that was where the passion started from. Since then, I have not looked back.

I have a desire to be on top of my game”, he said Rapwille who hails from Ogun state said, he started rapping while he was in JSS

3, adding that “ I have done collaboration with artistes like Jabon and Faze.”

•Orits Wiliki

Committee.

Wiliki, w h o expressed how bad the crisis in the union had gone, recalled that apart from the principal warring parties, another faction, a c t i n g under Oizz Ikhide also perfected t h e relocation of the Union’s

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Secrets of sexually satisfied couples

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our sister, your best friend, your hostel mate or others keep talking about these women who enjoy fabulous intimacy lives with their partners. But how do they manage to keep it hot, especially when they have a couple of kids and have been more than a few years together? You don’t have to broach the subject yourself, we asked a few lucky women for their secrets to a satisfying love life and here’s what they have to say and how you can apply their advice in your own bedroom. *They schedule love-making What? Put love-making on your calendar? “Absolutely!” say couples happy with their love lives. Rather than killing the mood with a lack of spontaneity, scheduling love-making tends to take away all the very real excuses one could otherwise use, like that ‘I’m

exhausted after working and getting the kids to bed,’ say Ebun who has been married for twelve years and has three boys under the age of 10. “For couples in long-term relationships, planning a romantic interlude leads to a higher-quality, more enjoyable sexual experience”. Instead of thinking of calendar love-making as unromantic, view it instead as a delicious form of foreplay.

Send each other anticipatory texts, plan what you’ll wear and so on.

They lock the bedroom door This little bit of hardware is essential in a home with children. A married lady jokes that whenever the family moves to a new home, a new lock on the master bedroom tops the to-do list. Even if you don’t have a physical lock, creating a sense of boundaries is key, says Sacha Mohammed married 14 years, with four

PERT X E S E H T ASK

Ques: I became sexually active with my boyfriend this year, and we use a diaphragm for contraceptive purposes. We don’t use condoms because I have a latex allergy. However, for the past few months, I have been experiencing a burning feeling when I urinate, and a number of frequent and intense urges to urinate, even though not a lot comes out when I do.

Have I contracted an STI? Should I stop having sex with my boyfriend?

Ans: It sounds like you might have a urinary tract infection. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria (most often E. coli, which live in the colon and rectum) entering the urethra. The good news is that UTIs are treatable and symptoms should improve quickly if you seek medical care promptly. Another reason to seek care as soon as possible is to prevent the UTI from becoming a kidney infection.

A couple of STIs, trichomoniasis and chlamydia,

children. “I always made sure the children were put to bed on time when they were little so my husband and I could have our time together; the kids were also taught to always knock to announce their presence.” Each couple needs to evaluate their environment and determine the optimal conditions for great intimacy.

For some, a lock may be enough to create an adultsonly barrier. Others may need to go further to create a sensual, relaxing haven in their bedroom by banning electronic gadgets, computers and TVs, not to mention kids and their toys!

They have perfected the quickie During certain critical periods in a marriage particularly when you’re new parents ,time and energy are both at a premium. Couples who maintain a good love life during these challenging times have learned

to make the quickie something that’s good for both of them. If you’ve avoided speedy lovemaking sessions in the past because it takes time for you to physically get in the mood, don’t underestimate the power of the mind-body connection.

Try thinking of a place or time when the love-making was amazing, and use it like a meditation, taking yourself back there in your mind and don’t be afraid of fantasizing, because if you can figure out how to use 20 minutes to your advantage, you can avoid dry spells in your love life.

They experiment.

Be open to different ways of expressing yourself sexually. As with music, people tend to like a mix of the predictable and unexpected.

You have to find the right balance between being adventurous and being conventional. Don’t be so conventional that it’s boring. But don’t be

can cause UTIs, as can a suppressed immune system, stress or a poor diet, among other things. So yes, it is possible you have an STI. Additionally, herpes lesions can also cause burning with urination. The only way to know for sure is to get diagnosed by a medical professional and get tested for STIs. You can make an appointment with a health care professional for an official diagnosis.

Ques: I’m a bi guy, maybe so close to gay side. I found out that boys are way hotter to me than girls now and whenever I have sex with a boy, I come relatively quicker than with a girl. Is that normal? Also, I recently noticed that when I have sex with a girl, I’m not fully aroused so I start to think on my mind of a hot guy to get fully aroused. Does that mean I’m gay or I’m still bi? And lastly please, I found out that sometimes I come even while my manhood is soft. Is that normal?

Ans: There is no such thing as normal, and only

so adventurous that you lose your intimacy or level of comfort. This could mean everything you bring to the intimate encounter. Always making love on a certain day, at a certain time, in a certain room can breed boredom.You can get out of the house entirely.

Many couples report that they have the best intimacy when they’re not at home. And it doesn’t have to be limited to when you’re on vacation. Hire a babysitter or drop the kids off at their grandparents’ house every once in a while so the two of you can have a quiet time.

They keep communicating Maria Johnson says that excellent communication skills is the top reason she and her husband continue to enjoy satisfying love-making. “Before we got married, my husband told me we would talk about everything, and he meant it,” she says.

There’s no other way to understand what your partner wants, needs or enjoys other than talking. And don’t make assumptions. You may be surprised to learn that what you thought was foolproof doesn’t really float his boat anymore. Save those conversations for when you’re not making love, though in the actual moment, speak up about small adjustments your partner can make to increase intimacy.

They avoid or reject excuses.

Many of the excuses other couples use to avoid love-making, like headaches, stress, tiredness or arguments are some of the exact same reasons needed to make love-making a priority. Love-making relieves pain, reduces stress, promotes better sleep and motivates couples to settle their disagreements quickly.

Beware of letting excuses take on a life of their own, because, to use one example, the kids aren’t needy babies forever, and before you know it, lovemaking is so far on the back burner it’s fallen completely off the stove.

you can determine what your sexual identity is.

It’s not black and white. You might be bisexual but prefer boys slightly more than girls. There’s nothing wrong with that. Whether you determine your sexual identity to be gay, bisexual or something else, it is a process for you and you can see a psychiatrist or you could find a private paid counsellor to work through these issues with. If you are uncomfortable talking with a counsellor, you can see your local priest or pastor who can provide a brief listening ear and suggestions where you would be comfortable exploring your questions.

Ques: I like to do deep- throat. If he comes while I am deep- throating, does the sperm go into my stomach or would it go into my lungs?

Ans: It goes into your stomach. You would know if it went down your wind pipe because you’d be trying to cough it back up , kind of like when a sip of water goes down the wrong way.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 37

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

RAYMOND OKPARA, aka Jazzy Ray LAGOS STATE F

•Prince Oyeniran

Adebayo

Amidst life’s challenges, never say never...

— Prince Oyeniran Oyedayo Adebayo ife’s challenges can propel one to settle into a profession that seems like the real calling. Prince Oyeniran Adebayo,27, a.k.a.

Tush, is a confirmation of the f o r e g o i n g . T h i s gentleman,a native of A g u r o d o village,Ejigbo,Osun State who has a degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University is now an events planner, Publisher of a magazine and CEO of TDA Multimedia. He is the organizer of Tush Awards which started in O g b o m o s h o , 2 0 0 9 .

Youthful Vibes is back after a few weeks break shares in this interview his trials and victories of Adebayo.

Excerpts.

What would you regard as most challenging time in

your work ?

I’m sure if you ask millions of youths in Nigeria this same question, 90% of them will tell you the challenge they face daily is Money. That’s true to some extent. Indeed, I have been faced with so many challenging situations in these few eight years in my personal sojourn in this line. It gets more interesting if you look at the fact that in TDA Multimedia we have more than two products that we re working on.

There were times in University days that I would go hungry for days, or resort to drinking ‘garri’(cassava flakes) or solid pap because the pocket money had spent either to get something for the magazine or used for travelling to interview people. You won’t believe I went as far as Calabar, Yola, Port Harcourt etc to interview

,

L

I felt happy that I could be able to impact the guy’s life positively through our combined efforts

people. They were times ,we had to trek just because we didn’t have enough money. I remember vividly a situation that happened while I was in 400 level. We were supposed to cover a DBanj show in Ilorin that night and I left Ogbomoso with a colleague (Solomon) around 9pm thinking the show would start by 10pm. When we got to the venue for the event, we were told the show had been postponed; it was around 10pm then. We couldn’t go back because it was late, we knew nobody in Ilorin , and we couldn’t lodge in any hotel because we didn’t have enough money. We had to stay with a ‘SuyaMan’ untill around 2 am when he closed. When the cold was getting too much around 3 am, we found a closed shop where we slept on a bench right beside the street. So many challenging periods like this, but the underlying factor is resources, were not available.

Tell us about your level of impact on young people and how did you go about it?

Thank God for the invention of the Social Media. Hardly would a day go by that I won’t get messages of the positive impact I have in people’s lives. I had a lot of young guys that took me as their “School father” while I was in 500 level, they wanted me to tutor them which by the grace of God, I was able to do.

,

There is even a guy that presently own his Youth Magazine and he is doing very well in the publishing industry.

I won’t be able to quantify, but I know through our various outfits, God has used me to touch people’s livese through De Pearl Magazine or through Tush Awards. Recently, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA recognized and commended the Best Campus Comedian for Tush Awards 2012 in a personal letter to him. The guy called me to thank me for his award. I felt happy that I impacted on this guy’s life positively. One thing I know is this, people are watching and getting encouraged with what they see of me.

What will you envisage about yourself in the next five years?

Five Years?

Hmmm...

Fulfillment is what I pray to God for. I want to be fulfilled in my calling and I’m sure in five years, I would be there... see my outfit, TDA Multimedia diversifying into other areas affecting the lives of the youth in our country. Also, we want to be able reach out to more less privileged in the society as its our cause to do something with 10% of the proceeds got from Tush Awards annually. This year, we are focusing on Diabetes and Diabetic Homes.

What would be your advice to your contemporaries

ondly referred to as the JAZZYRAY—‘The Inspirational M.C’ by numerous satisfied clients, Raymond Okpara is a cutting edge highly-sought-after compere, comedian and proficient voice-over artiste with a passion for lighting up hearts and events.He is the chief executive officer of weTHINKalike Communications…an events and brand management company located in the Lagos Metropolitan area.

Business organizations, NGOs, faith-based organizations, educational institutions and high net worth individuals from all over Nigeria depend on JAZZYRAY’s authentic ‘eMCeeing’ and voice-over gift and firm passionate commitment to quality service to ensure the success of their events.

From corporate stakeholder dinners to wedding parties and receptions, AGMs to conventions and seminars, sensitization programmes to customer appreciation events and corporate retreats...JAZZYRAY is the perfect solution for important events; and great results, non negotiable.

Organizations that have hired JAZZYRAY to pilot and voice their events include Brilla Fm, Omatek Computers Nigeria, Loyalty Prepaid Card(MasterCard), World League Academy International, Sickle Cell Advocacy & Mgt. Initiative, Whetstones Consulting, TREM, Golden Gate Hotels, Illumination Assembly just to mention a few.

He’s the team leader of SOTERIA MOVIE CAFÉ. Jazzyray has been the brain behind numerous entertaining shows including the Lagos Worldclass Concert planners seminars and the pilot edition of the upcomingREDCARD REVOLUTION” – A 500 -Youths movement stirred up by the Spirit to put an absolute end to the demons of Immorality & juvenile destruction that has engulfed the community (Ajegunle/Olodi Apapa) in the recent years!

According to him, “We are serving them the RED CARD” this season!!! The Movement/March will st happen on 1 April.

Takeoff point is from Goddey Cinema Ground (through the streets of Olodi – Ajegunle etc…) a n d ‘landing’ point is at the •Raymond Okpara Ajeromi Ifelodun Council office.

and other young people for their service to humanity?

I believe there is nothing impossible with God. One of my slogans in life is this: “if it’s going to be, then it depends on me”.

With God by my side, I know I can never fail at anything... I would want everybody to first and foremost, believe in God, seek His way and never give up on what you believe you want.

Never say never... .

What are you currently working on?

Well, right now, we have TDA Multimedia which has De Pearl Magazine as a youth quarterly publication circulating all universities in the country. We intend launching out another publication which would focus on motivation, development and empowerment of the average youth in the society before the end of the year. We

have started the preparations for this year’s edition which is the 5th successive edition of Tush. All youths Awards which has been scheduled to take place Saturday, November 30, 2013.

We are currently discussing with some corporate organisations, individuals and state government towards supporting this edition of the awards. We want everybody to be involved in the planning, execution and success of this youth movement. I can tell you, out of all the youth awards that we have in the country now, Tush Awards is one of the most appreciated and respected. We wish to make this bigger and all inclusive. It is our prayer to involve every tertiary institution in this year’s edition.

That’s why we would want to use this opportunity to invite corporate Nigerians to support this initiative.

38— SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

VANGUARD, SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2013 — 39

I

f you’re like most women then you probably like to improve your look with a variety of hair styles. Hairstyles not only improve your look, but can also boost your self-esteem. If you’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately and feel like your confidence is at an all-time low, the best thing you can do might just be to head to your favorite salon.

The Importance of Hair Style

plays a big role in your level of confidence. Try to remember the last time you had a bad hair day.

Didn’t you spend the day feeling self conscious and uncomfortable?

Choosing the Best Hair Style

Now that you know how important hair styles are, it’s time to determine which one will help you look your best. It’s not enough to tell your stylist that you want to look beautiful. It’s important that you know what you want to achieve with your

new hair style. The more specific you are, the more your stylist will be able to give you the best look. Before heading down to the salon, determine first what hair style will look best on you.

Know Your Face Shape

,

If you want to enhance your physical appearance, then there is no doubt that your hair style is one of the factors that you should consider. In fact, if you flip through beauty magazines or watch entertainment programs, you will see how much emphasis the media puts on the ever-changing hair styles of celebrities. To look your most attractive, it is simply not enough to have the right outfit, makeup or accessories. Your hair style is one of the things that people will notice about you, so it’s important that you work on it.

The importance of a good hair style goes beyond improving your appearance. Your hairstyle can also affect the way other people perceive you. For instance, if you regularly go to work with disheveled and unkempt hair, then you will give off the impression that you’re someone who does not prioritize grooming or even hygiene. Your hair style also

If you prefer longer styles, get one with plenty of layers. If you have a full and round face, then your hair style should extend below your chin. Layers around your cheeks

Tie your hair back and stand in front of a mirror. Now begin examining your face to find out what your face shape is.

Your face shape is the biggest factor to consider when choosing a new hair style. If your face has the ideal oval shape, then you are one of the lucky ones who can try any hair style. If you have a long face then you can balance it with shoulder-length hair styles. If you prefer longer styles, get one with plenty of layers. If you have a full and

,

round face, then your hair style should extend below your chin. Layers around your cheeks can also make your face look slimmer. Try to avoid chin-length cuts and bangs, because these can make your face look fuller. If you have a squareshaped face then your goal should be to soften it. You can do so by choosing hairstyles with waves and curls. When going for a layered look, keep the layers within the same length as your jawline. Shoulderlength hair with layers below the chin looks best if you have a heartshaped face.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

SATURDAY, Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—41

The Tobis and the Otubus’ union

I

t was indeed a union of power, panache and pedigree when Miss Lilian Ekomikpozi Tobi, daughter of Chief Emmanuel Tobi and Mr. Enahoro George Otubu, son of Mr. Christopher Joseph Otubu, were united in a Holy matrimony. It was a traditional engagement ceremony followed by a reception at Augusta International School, Ijanikin Along Badagry Expressway, Lagos. Photos by Bunmi Azeez

Mr. Enahoro George Otubu, groom and his wife, former Miss Lilian Ekomikpozi Tobi

Lanre Hussein gives daughter in wedlock

A

lhaji Lanre Hussein and his entire household took society by storm last Saturday when he gave the hand of his daughter, Muinat Omobolanle, in a wedlock to Abdul Notik Oluwaseyi Banjoko, son of Alhaji Notika Banjoko. It was a celebration of love and style. Photos by Kehinde Gbadamosi

Mr. Christopher Joseph Otubu, groom's father with his wife, Mrs Julianah Otubu, groom's mother

Former Miss Muinat Omobolanle Olateju Hussein and Abdul Notik Oluwaseyi Banjoko

Chief Emmanuel Tobi,bride's father and his wife, Mrs. Linda Tobi, bride's mother

L-R: Mrs. Esther Arenyeka, Odion of Ewheyae Isoko and Chief[Mrs] Josephine Ovuorie, President General Ewheyea Isoko Association

From Left ; Alhaji Lanre Hussein,bride's dad, Miss Muinat Omobolanle Olateju Hussein, bride and Alhaja Dayo Hussei

L-R: Mrs. Imade Abiymoa, Engr. Sunny Osadolor and his wife, Helen,

David Tega weds

DAVID Osiebe Tega abandoned bachelorhood on December 1, 2012 when he took his bride to the altar. Family and friends were there to witness their union.

Mr and Mrs David Osiebe Tega

L-R: Mr. Omole Omiunu, Mr. Ade Igboin, Mrs. Ann Otubu and Barr. Emmanuel Otubu

Rosemary and Samuel SAMUEL Akhibe from the family of Okhawere took a wife, Rosemary, for himself and the traditional wedding took place at Ladi-Lak, Otunba Adeniji House, Lagos

Samuel Akhigbe & Rosemary Akhigbe

From Left; Alhaji Notika Banjoko, groom's dad, Miss Muinat Omobolanle Olateju Hussein, bride, and Alhaja Taibat Banjoko

From Left ; Pastor Osiefa Shobanjo, Engr Bokin Julius, and Engr Bankole Olarewaju

42—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

SATURDAY

Vanguard ,

MARCH 16 , 2013—43

The dignity of Editors is important to us — Adesina, NGE President Urges the Media to use FOI act  Says: Media men should come together to face the online challenge

•Femi Adesina, President,NGE

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN ecently, at the biennial convention of the Ni geria Guild of Editors, NGE, held in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mr. Femi Adesina, the Deputy Managing Director of Sun Newspapers, emerged as President suceeding Mr Gbenga Adefaye Editor-in-Chief/GM Publications of Vanguard Newspapers. In this interview with ISHOLA BALOGUN, Adesina shares his plans about building a secretariat, welfare of members, professionalism, the challenge of online journalism, how he intends to further enhance the dignity of the Nigerian Editors among other issues.

R

Your election did not to come to many as a surprise, yet some people believed that leadership of the Guild should rotate between the North and South.

As it were, what were those factors that led to your emergence as President, Adesina succeeding an Adefaye?

The leadership of the Guild had always rotated between the North and South for some time particularly in the last 20 years.

If you go back to history, the Guild had problem and the association went into limbo. It was revived around 1988, and the first President then was Onyema Ugochukwu and when he finished, Wada Maida took over, then Biodun Oduwole, followed by Garba Shehu, then Remi Oyo, Baba Dantiye and then Gbenga Adefaye. It was like an unwritten rule. If you check the Guild’s Constitution, there is nothing about rotation in it. You should not be insensitive to the configuration of Nigeria. I believe in power rotation, but with a proviso that power should not rotate in

perpetuity. After some time, naturally, you need to deregulate the process. You need to build confidence, and remove the spectre of domination from any part of the country. And after you have built that confidence, you then deregulate the process and let the leader emerge from any part of the country. That is my personal opinion. The election came and I scored 149 votes to 57 by my opponent, Tukur Abdul-Rahman who has always been a friend.

He ran as Deputy President in 2008 to Mr Adefaye. For that election, I signed his nomination form and now that we ran against each other, we still remain friends. Since the election, he has called me twice and we spoke as friends. He indicated that whatever assignment I want him to do in the Guild, he would be glad to do it. You see, that elec-

others stood by me. Suleiman Uba Gaya, the Vice President, North was in my camp. I want to thank all of them and commend that experience. It will be a good thing for Nigeria, if in our larger politics, we can put regional and religious sentiment aside w h e n chosing o u r leaders.

Now that the election has come and gone, what are your plans and vision for The Guild for the next two years?

I promised our members that we will do a lot of training and retraining and I intend to stand by that. Fortunately, under the Adefaye exco, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-African University. We have The Centre for Leadership in the Media, we will find ways our members from different parts of the country will undergo further training. We will search for opportunities for training both within and internationally. We also promised to build a secretariat. Under the Adefaye’s Exco, attempts were made to get land in a commercial area in Abuja for The Guild.

The attempt has almost yielded fruit. By the time we get that land, the challenge will be to

You should not be insensitive to the configuration of Nigeria.

I believe in power rotation, but with a proviso that power should not rotate in perpetuity tion had the potential of polarising us into North and South, but I thank God it didn’t happen. In fact, I was quite amazed that a good number of our colleagues from the North supported me openly, not covertly, and I believe they also gave me their votes. I want to thank them for putting primordial sentiments aside.

They came in chattered bus and told me they came because I was running. Religion could have been a factor, but it didn’t happen.

Garba Muhammad, Gbadamosi Godje, Sule Yao Sule among

build the secretariat. By the grace of God, we will aggregate all our contacts, raise funds and build it.

This mandate is for two years and I hope within the period, we would have done something substantial about having a secretariat of our own.

The Guild is over 50 years, we squat at the secretariat of NAN in Iganmu, we are thankful to them but I think the Guild is matured enough to have a secretariat of its own. The welfare of our members is also another area of our focus. We will be alive

to any area that affects the welfare of our members. On Freedom of the Press, if Freedom of the Press is abridged in anyway either at the corporate or individual level, we will be there to defend our members. Again, we must not forget the dignity of the Nigerian Editors; it is very important to us. The way journalists and editors are regarded, that has started changing and it has to continue to change. One good thing Mr Gbenga Adefaye did was that he brought dignity to the Guild and that must continue. We don’t want Editors to be seen as never-do-wells. We will not allow anyone to drag the reputation of the Nigerian editors to the mud. We will not merchandise with the Guild, we will give it respectability and integrity.

In trying to ensure professionalism, ethics and standards, there are still subjective interests, alliances of editors and what some people call “Echo Chamber Effect”, under your leadership sir, how do you intend to tackle these issues?

But you won’t find the leadership promoting anything like that.

Whatever the leadership promotes is very important. The direction the leadership charts is very important, and I tell you, they won’t see the leadership of the Guild doing unethical things.

They won’t do it and if any body does it, he does it on his own; not on the platform of Nigerian Editors. But by the grace of God, we will strive to do what is right at all times.

The FOI act has not been domesticated by most states of the federation, won’t this have any effect on the application of the law?

I don’t think that act needs domestication before it can be used. I have been at a forum where either Femi Falana or Fred Agbaje raised that issue, that the law is ready for use. It is fine if domesticated in any state but its non-domestication is not a limitation. Let us begin to use it. I want to charge the media to use the law.

In the light of growing popularity of on-line media, even though with the infiltration of non-professionals, the fear now is that the hard copy newspaper publication may soon go into extinction. How do you think the hard copy can be repositioned

to meet this challenge?

I believe that the printed word will still be there. The newspaper hard copy will always be there.

Yes, there have been challenges from on-line, but look at Newsweek. After almost a hundred years, it stopped the hard copy production last December, now doing online. I was very sad the day I heard that the Encyclopedia Britannica has stopped printing the hard copy, now you can only get it online. These are what we used through schools. When we were in Concorde, we had a library with a set of Britannica.

But despite all these, I think the hard copy will always be there. I have attended a number of international seminars and courses on this issue. In one of the conferences the conclusion of that conference was that, yes, online would pose a challenge, it would erode the profit margin, but the printed words will always be there.

The challenge now is that we should begin to develop new business models round the printed copy so that online does not run you out of the market. You also have to be very creative in your production to face the challenge. Again, you can make money from the online itself.

Now, all Nigerian newspapers will just put their materials online and readers just read them for free.

It will continue to be free unless we all come together and device a way we can make money from online. If The Guardian says you must pay before you read on-line, you will go to Vanguard as far as it is still free and if Vanguard begins to charge, you will abandon it and go to Punch.

Unless these newspapers come together and say nobody can read us free again, even if it means charging money collectively and finding a way to share the proceeds.

How do you think government can handle the Boko Haram insurgency vis-a-vis the call for amnesty or no amnesty?

There are two clear positions which can both be tenable depending on how you look at it.

The President says you can only grant amnesty to people you see.

The other position says government should discuss with these people because there are people that can serve as the face of the group. I think the two positions must shift ground a little and meet themselves in the middle of the road. The government cannot continue to say they are ghost, if they are ghosts, what about the people that the JTF killed, are they ghosts? It shows they are not ghost. The onus is on government to find a way to engage them in dialogue. The same government told us they were using back-room channels to talk with them, so who were they talking with? Ghosts? It shows us that if there is a will, there is a way.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Proposal wash-out

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ven the most carefully laid plans can be dis rupted by the force of nature. Matthew Hartman was down on one knee, just at the point of proposing to his girlfriend Lis, when a giant wave rushed in from the ocean and swept the couple completely off their feet.

The pair were completely engulfed and ended up back on Laguna Beach, where Lis, happy but wet, accepted Matthew's offer. Fortunately, the whole thing was caught on video.Proposal wash-out as romantic couple swept off their feet by enormous wave

Bet he's regretting going to the pub now...

'My rats love me, when I cry they lick my tears':

M

eet the woman whose rodent-obsession has spiraled out of control.

A woman has told how she loves rats more than people, including her estranged husband. Chantal Banks, who stars in an upcoming episode of TLC's My Crazy Obsession, has a total of 19 long-tailed friends — which she describes as children — in her two-bedroom home. She lets each of the rodents lick her lips, nibble food from her mouth and run across her while she sleeps.

Hold on tight!

A

dorable baby orangutan hitches a ride on his mother's shoulders as he gets to grips with the world. Baby orangutan Veera poses for the camera as he clings to his mother. One of group of endangered Bornean orangutans living at Singapore Zoo.Species is threatened in wild by deforestation and killing by humans.

C M Y K

C

hinese man gets stuck between houses as he attempts a shortcut on his way home from a bar. Mr Jian was not discovered until the morning rush and emergency services had to smash a hole through one of the walls to free him.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—45

Adadama....community on war parth over land By our Correspondent

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he kidnap of three persons, a man, woman and her son in Adadama in Abi Local government of Cross River State by people believed to be militants in Amaegwu village, a neighbourring community in Ikwo local government area of Eboyin State is the latest of the evils that have continued unabated. The two communities have been at war for over five decades over a farmland between the two communities with the crisis claiming several lives and several others injured. The whereabouts of others who were abducted are still unknown. Since the recent hostilities in the area, lives have been lost while several properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed.

Early this year, about 13 Adadama people, both men and women including children were reportedly murdered, while some had their heads cut off as a result of the farmland dispute.

A source hinted Saturday Vanguard that the bodies of the 13 Adadama people are still lying at the Itigide morgue in Cross River State.

According to a source in the villiage who was at the spot when they came , “these militants stormed the farmland with loads of ammunition packed in a 50litre-jerry can. They were seen removing the bullets from the jerry can and loading same in Ak47s.” The area in dispute is located between Adadama and Amaegwu in between the two states.

Richard Elem, an indigene of Adadama told Saturday Vanguard that “From 1960, the Amaegwu people in Ikwo were labourers to Adadama people who came to cultivate their farmland during the planting season. This is because the Adadama’s farmland is fertile for crops especially rice. But gradually, the Adadama people started marrying their daughters and became in-laws”.

He said as in-laws, the Adadama people started releasing their farm-

Communities at war over land disputes •As more killings loom lands to the Amaegwu people to cultivate and have their own crops for their families since they had married each other. But in 1990, the Adadama youths saw the implication of this action and called the elders to re-address the issue. The youths maintained that the development will create problems in future.”

But later on, both the Ebonyi State Government and Cross River Government with an order from the Federal Government agencies on boundary adjustment erected a Police Post

Early this year, about 13 Adadama people, both men and women including children were reportedly murdered, while some had their heads cut off as a result of the farmland dispute.

to further stop Amaegwu’s encroachment into the Adadama’s land.

“On Sunday Jan. 13th 2013, the Adadama elders appointed a delegate to hold a peace talk but that was shortlived as one of the elders on peace mission was ambushed and attacked

by Amaegwu youths. The youths attacked him with cutlass marks all over his body. The man was taken to Aja Local Government Area in the state.

“On Monday 14th Jan 2013, the Ikwo people were armed with AK 47 rifles and other dangerous weapons.

They came to the boundary and burnt down the Police post there and destroyed every thing in the Police post. This operation took place at about 8:30am and an Adadama lady who went to farm was kidnapped and has not returned till date.

“This incident was reported to the DPO at Abi Local Government and the Chairman of the Abi Local Government as well. Through these prominent citizens, the information reached the Deputy Governor of Cross River State because the Governor himself travelled abroad for medical treatment.

At this point, the Deputy Governor spoke with the Ebonyi State Governor for peace talk in which both sides of Elders should meet on 16th of Jan. 2013.”

“After the peace talk, both sides agreed to sheath their swords. But surprisingly, on the 17th of January, 2013, the Ikwo people came for a serious attack on Adadama people. This time they used AK47, Mack 4, pump action rifle and other dangerous weapons. About 13 Adadama people - both men, women and children were killed and some heads were cut-off.

The lifeless bodies of the people are still at Itigide mortuary,” Elem stated.

We gathered that recently, a House of Representative member, Honourable Bassey Ewa -Yakur representing Abi constituency visited Adadama to see things for himself and was shocked at the level of destruction . Some of the shells of the bullets were picked and packed into a cellophene bag to Abuja.

On the other hand, another source from Amaegwu community claimed that no fewer than eight persons were said to have been abducted with 45 houses belonging to Amaewgu community allegedly destroyed by hoodlums from Adadama community.

“We have been living together for 100 years now, although there have been skirmishes between the two communities but it has never taken this dimension. Our children are being abducted every year and killed and houses burnt. The two communities are suspicious of the the other over land issues. Now, we can no longer fish in our ponds. Our women can

no longer go to the farm without being abducted and our youths who are supposed to be useful now keep vigil at the border area for fear of being attacked by Adadama people.” The question on the lips of many people today is “will this war ever end? The Adadama people are, through the Cross River Government calling on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to this land dispute before it wipes out thousands of people in the two communities.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

R-E-V-E-A-L-E-D

How We Killed Papa Nsukka house, “ we all gathered at Papa Ndubisi’s house that night where we had a meeting on how to handle Papa Nsukka. In the meeting, one of us whose name I have forgotten volunteered to draw the attention of Papa Nsukka by shouting thief, thief, while we waited for him at the gate.

By the time we concluded the meeting, I was the one who switched off the generator at Papa Ndubisi’s house before we took off to Papa Nsukka’s residence.

“Our plan worked because the moment the man shouted thief, thief, Papa Nsukka came out to the gate and there was confusion. Ndubisi and all of us went into the compound and started abusing Papa Nsukka who did not know why we were there.

H

e was infuriated and slapped Ndubisi and we all started beating him. I did not use knife on him. I only used a piece of wood in my hand to hit him. One other person used car shock absorber to hit him at the back because he bagan to fight all of us.

When the boy used the shock absorber to hit him, he fell down. It was Ndubisi and others who used knives to cut him and by the time they were doing this, I had gone some steps backward. But we did not know that the injuries would kill

•Late Papa Nsukka

him.”

Okwudili stressed that after the encounter, the whole boys dispersed, and that was how he moved to Port Harcourt in Nguru Nsukka. He further stated that others ran to one piggery farm owned by one Rev. Father and hid themselves adding that it was possible that Ndubisi may have run to either St. Teresa’s Cathedral or to the Parish house at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ihe/Owerre where they could narrate their own side of the story to the Justice

,

T

HE family of the slain Christopher Ejike Onah, (Popularly called Papa Nsukka) was further thrown into deeper mourning when one of the suspects to the murder, Okwudili Agu, gave a chilling but detailed account of how the human rights activist,Chief Onah was killed.

Also in police custody over the killing of Papa Nsukka are two other suspects who allegedly confessed to being part of the planning and execution of the murder.

They are;Chikodili Onah and Oluchi Asadu a.k.a Colombo.

Police sources revealed that Okwudili was arrested at Nguru, Nsukka(popularly known as Port Harcourt) where he was alleged to be taking refuge in the home of his aunt. It was gathered that when he was arrested, the police took him to the family of Papa Nsukka where he gave further insight into the murder.

According to him, the slain Papa Nsukka was not the brain behind the destruction of Ndubisi Ugwu’s house as earlier alleged adding that himself and other men including Ndubisi, deliberately and carefully removed the louvers of the window of the house and also removed some of the blocks used in building the house to make it look as the handiwork of an enemy.

Okwudili further stated that after they were done with the ‘destruction’ of Ndubisi’s

I only used a piece of wood in my hand to hit him, One other person used car shock absorber to hit him at the back because he bagan to fight all of us

and Peace Commission of the Diocese adding that when they explained what happened to the priest, he directed Ndubi-

,

si to go to Aku road and brief a lawyer who he said he did not know.

He also alleged that he was

Nsukka-based biz man drags Ex-Minister, driver Man, 35, N2m fraud to court ….demands N6.3 million as damages

A

N Nsukka based business man, Uzodinma Okoro has dragged one Humphery Abba alongside a truck driver, Abubakar Mohammed before an Enugu State High Court sitting in Nsukka asking for an order directing them to pay him a sum of N6.3 million as special and general damages as compensation for his damaged car.

In his motion filed through his lawyer, Mr. Kinsley Asogwa, the plaintiff was asking the court to declare that the act by the two defendants led to the damage of his Dodge Caravan car with registration

number DN 449LSD, which he said constituted negligence pursuant to the Torts Law of Enugu State 2004.

According to the plaintiff in his statement of claim, the truck with registration number XU88FK, owned by Abba and allegedly negligently driven at about 3.20pm by the second defendant, Mohammed on November 29, 2012 ran into his vehicle and damaged it.

He stated that he was parking his car along others where he was waiting to pick his wards from their school at Nsukka-Idah road, but without adequate care, the driver of the truck ran into his car and damaged it.

Okoro averred that following the incident, the first defendant, who is the

owner of the truck “admitted liability to all the owners of the damaged vehicles and proceeded to settle all of them by making payments to all of them one by one after assessing the extent of damages, but refused and failed to extend the same gesture to the plaintiff undertaking that he could only offer the plaintiff, whose car was badly damaged the sum of N150, 000 only,” a gesture which did not went down with the plaintiff.

According to him,the moment he spoke with the first defendant on the degree of the damage to his car and the cost of the damaged parts, he said he only insisted on paying only N150,000 without recourse to the

damage.

He also averred that while he assessed the cost of repairs, including spare parts and mechanical works, and the cost of transporting his children to school after the accident, he was given a bill of N1, 360,000.

He submitted that the accident and the damages on the vehicle has caused him huge losses arising from the loss of enjoyment from the car as well as incalculable psychological trauma and pecuniary losses due to the damaged car.

He therefore prayed the court to grant his prayers by awarding the general as well as special damages against the defendant jointly and severally.

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

35-year- old business man, George Ugochukwu, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for obtaining N2 million under pretext of supplying his victim recharge cards.

Ugochukwu, of No.23, Ademoju St., Isheri,Ogun State, was said to have committed the offence on February 1, 2012 at No. 14, Zainab Crescent, Medina Estate, Gbagada in Lagos, an offence that contravenes section 312 and 409 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Marcus Okon said, “the defendant obtained the sum of N2million by pretext from

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013 — 47

— suspects

that night, Chikodili Onah, refused to run away but continued to lurk around the family and unknown to Papa Nsukka’s family, he was always communicating with all the members of the gang, telling them the next step the family was going to take.

B

•IGP M.D Abubakar in contact with others who were part of the attack on Papa Nsukka until the news came that police were on their trail.

“When the police were closing in, many of us switched off our phones to avoid being tracked.”

On why the group had been threatening to kill other members of Papa Nsukka’s family, he said they were saying those things to scare them from pursuing the matter further. It was further gathered that one of those who attacked Papa Nsukka

ut when Colombo and Okwudili were arrested and brought to the family house, they named Chikodili as the one giving them update on the plans of the family. When Chikodili heard his name mentioned, he attempted to run away but the youths around gave him a hot chase and arrested him.

However, in their separate statements, they all referred to Ndubisi Ugwu as the ring leader of the gang but were lethargic in disclosing concrete reason why they attacked Papa Nsukka except that they were not happy that he was supporting the people of Umuakashi over a land dispute they had with Nguru people. Although the police stopped the suspects from making further and deeper confessions ostensibly to avoid tampering with investigation, they have also not named any person (at least to the public) as their sponsors are widely believed to be within the family of the deceased.

•(Culled from Starlight)

docked for alleged Mr Vincent Ike,and fraudulently collected the sum under the pretext of supplying him recharge cards, a representation he knew to be false.”

•Ayotunde Phillips, Chief Judge of Lagos State

Okon pointed out that the complainant, who could not exercise more patience, however, reported the case to the police, leading to the arrest of the defendant. However ,the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olufolake Oshin, on granting the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties, warned him not to seek for any “professional surety”, noting that if he does, he will be punished for doing so.

Magistrate Oshin made it known to the court that bail was for free and no defendant should pay money to registrars or any miscreants for bail.

The case was adjourned to April 16 for mention.

Aftermath of multiple electrocution;

…residents of Ikosi-Ketu Cry for help!

By UJU MBANUSI

R

ESIDENTS of Aladelola Street in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos, where a PHCN official and a security man were electrocuted early January this year, are still living in fear.

This is because, officials of PHCN are yet to replace the obsolete wires that caused the death of their neighbours.

Worse still, the old wires are still left to dangle dangerously on weak electric poles thereby posing a great danger to people living in the area.

One of the residents who craved for anonymity told Crime Guard that they had thought that officials of PHCN should have hastened to replace all the wires after the ugly incident recorded last January.

“That day, we all saw hell.

We saw human beings being roasted like rams. A security guard (mai-guard) tried to pour water on the car of one of the landlords while it was burning not knowing that it was caused by one of the electric wires that fell on top of it. The security guard was instantly electrocuted. An official of PHCN who heard the guard screaming fire, rushed to help with another bucket of water and he got electrocuted too”.

Living in fear

“After we discovered that their death was caused by an electric wire that fell on top of the landlord’s car, we quickly

contacted PHCN officials to replace the wires but nothing has been done.

This has become a nightmare to us, our children can no longer play around the compound as they used to for fear of the wire dropping on them. Even adults who earn their living selling food or provisions in the open shops on the street are also threatened. As you can see, the wires are all old, PHCN should know the life span of the wires and endeavour to check, maintain and change them as at when due.

They have been neglected, we have been complaining about this, all we

Welder 28, docked for stealing $650

By ONOZURE DANIA

A

28-year-old welder, Micheal Obalola, was Thursday, ar raigned for allegedly stealing $650 and N7,000, belonging to one Ikechukwu Okoronkwo, during a robbery operation.

Obalola, and others, now at large, were arraigned before Magistrate Oshodi Makanju on a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery.

The police prosecutor, Benson Emuerhi, told the court that Obalola and others now at large committed the crime on January 31, 2013, at

about 2pm. He said that the alleged offence was committed at Five Star along Oshodi Apapa Express way.

According to him, the offence is contrary to and punishable under section 409,295,294, of the criminal laws of Lagos of Nigeria 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against them when the charge was read.

Magistrate Makanju, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the matter to April 23, 2013, for trial.

get is ‘we will do something about it’ but the wires are never replaced, it is unfortunate that this has led to loss of lives, we pray that this time, perhaps their hearts will be touched, and indeed something will be done,” the resident stated.

A

nother resident also told Crime Guard , “Electric wires dropped from this particular pole...sparking almost every week,and we live in fear here, we have been complaining about this situation at the PHCN office in this area, but all they do is bring outrageous bills to us every month; can you imagine, a room here is billed up to N2,000–N3,000 monthly, what are we using?, even at that, we don’t see the light, if we don’t pay up, they will bring ladder to cut off our lights; it is a situation of ‘ a beggar has no choice’. It is very bad that this situation degenerated to loss of lives.

Lagos State Government should please intervene on our behalf.”

Investigation by Crime Guard also revealed that about five years ago, an electric wire fell on a fiveyear-old boy, as he was playing in front of his father’s house at Aladelola Street where one of the poles stand.

It was gathered that although, PHCN management contributed to his hospital bills, the boy’s brain was badly affected; as he was reportedly deformed. His parents had to relocate from the area due to the incident.

48 — SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

Chekwas Okorie

Shettima Yerima

Lai Mohammed

APC: Fury in high places

Coalition parties can’t blackmail INEC—Osigwe, Okorie, others Don’t expect an easy battle with PDP—Bajoga INEC must register APC—ACN, CPC, others

BY JOHN BULUS

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all it a surprise, you won’t be wrong. Refer to it as grand strategy, you are close to it. But whichever case, the development has left the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), two of the constituents of the four political parties seeking merger under the name All Progressive Congress (APC) bleeding ferociously on the heels of the discovery of the existence of another party, African Peoples Congress (APC), which shares the same acronym with it. This development is robbing the coalition parties’ registration of their proposed name. Saturday Vanguard’s JOHN BULUS in this special report documents the furies and solutions given by some Nigerians.

Theirs is an association prompted by “extreme” political desire as alleged in some quarters of the society. They are gurus in the political practices. They earnestly yearn for change and can’t wait to make the change happen. In their various enclaves, they are men and women of influence and affluence.

They are progressives who claim to have the panacea for good governance.

But in their deep-seated claims of repository of political knowledge, they seemed overwhelmed and failed to start with the basics. Now, to them, what would never have mattered would now matter. But the last thing on their mind is the belief that their problem is self inflicted. In fact, they know the foe which masterminded their hit and

never hesitated to point accusing fingers in that direction. Whatever is the case, a controversy of a gargantuan stance might have just erupted and that begins the story.

The formation of APC

But for recourse to the law stipulating processes of political party registration in Nigeria , the country would have by now witnessed the registration of another party by name All Progressive Congress (APC). Since the name debuted weeks ago, it has so gained acceleration that many Nigerians thought it has already become a registered party.

But some developments which have ignited a piece of controversy indicate that the name is yet to be recognized by the national electoral umpire, the

We don’t encourage political parties with similar names, manifestos, logos and acronyms and this is aimed at avoiding confusion between registered political parties with similar names and acronyms”

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. In any case, as things stand now, the name may be subject to change.

APC is supposed to be a new name for the major opposition parties seeking a merger. They comprise Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) and a faction of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). While some Nigerians think that the idea came shortly after INEC deregistered over 30 hitherto existing political parties on the grounds that they have not won any elective position or having visible offices across the country, many think that the leading opposition parties were persuaded to go into merger on the speculation that incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan is mostly likely to be fielded by his party in the 2015 election. So, to dislodge both the President and the PDP, a formidable alliance of opposition parties needed to be formed.

INEC/Alleged denial of Registration

L

ittle did most Nigerians know that APC existed only in the media than it did in the official spheres until INEC let out the yell on Monday. Just when the association had concluded plans to take the party to INEC for registration, the electoral commission said that it is not aware of such development.

Essentially, INEC said that a group, prior to now, had approached the commission with a similar name and acronym, African Peoples Congress (APC) for registration and as such would not recognize the merging parties’ APC to avoid confusion. With this, the possibility of registering the APC was stalled.

According to the spokesperson of INEC, Mr. Kayode Idowu: “We don’t have any application from the All Progressives Congress with us, as the body is yet to approach us for registration. What the law requires is that if a group applies and the law has already provided for things to be met, like a checklist, it is not a matter of INEC picking or preferences. There is a checklist and once a group meets that checklist, any group that meets that checklist is registered with that name.

We operate on verifiable records and therefore for the record, the APC of the All Progressives Congress is still alien and unknown to INEC as an election management.

"We don’t encourage political parties with similar names, manifestos, logos and acronyms and this is aimed at avoiding confusion between registered political parties with similar names and acronyms”.

Idowu also cited an instance: “When Chekwas Okorie wanted to register a new political party with the name United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA), we objected to it because this was similar to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and UPGA had to be rejected until he and his colleagues came up with the name United Progressive Party (UPP) and it was registered.”

ACN reacts

T

he refusal by INEC to register the coalition, APC, in no small degree angered the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which is one of the constituents of the coalition parties.

ACN accused INEC of acting the script of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and described the existence

Continues on page 49

SATURDAY

Continued from page 48 African Peoples Congress (APC) as hoax. In a release made available to Saturday Vanguard, the National Publicity Secretary of ACN, Mr. Lai Mohammed said it is all lies.

“The statement credited to Mr. Idowu is therefore reckless and provocative and clearly betrays INEC as truly having merged with the PDP to frustrate the merger of the progressives under the banner of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC). One wonders who the spokesman is speaking for and what interest he represents. He should therefore be called to order before he sets the country ablaze. ‘’We are therefore using this medium to assure the millions of our supporters within and outside Nigeria that there is no cause for alarm. The merger process is on course. The All Progressives’ Congress, that is, the legitimate people’s APC will berth safely and deliver Nigerians from the oppressive yoke of the PDP. ‘’We also wish to seize this opportunity to thank the thousands of concerned Nigerians who through text messages and emails have overwhelmed us with their advice and words of encouragement in the last two days. Your support has been invaluable to us and we shall not let you down”, he stated in the release.

CPC reacts

N

ational Publicity Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), another constituent in the coalition, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin said “If INEC goes ahead to ignore the concerns of the APC leaders and allows the registration of the phantom party, African Peoples Congress, then it would have confirmed what our leader, General Muhammadu Buhari, had said about the unholy alliance between the commission and the ruling party.”

PDP reacts

B

ut the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, denied the allegations, saying that the party would not stoop so low to front a counter to the All Progressives Congress.

He said: “PDP is totally unaware of the status of the APC registration. We are unconcerned and completely unperturbed. In the words of our Board of Trustees chairman ‘we wish them well’.

“PDP cannot be held liable for any negligence and/or incompetence on the part of our grossly inferior opponents”, he said.

Mazi

Afam

Osigwe,

Immediate past Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, reacts:

M

y reaction on the APC thing is that if there has not been formal notification by the parties seeking to launch into APC, if there has been no official communication to INEC about using that name, INEC cannot rely to what is available in the media to know they are going to use that name. If the other people have officially notified INEC amounting to the process of adopting that name, it will be mere appealing to emotion to try to say that

Olisa Metuh INEC is colluding to frustrate them from using that name. It is a different thing if the parties that are seeking to merge in APC had formally notified INEC and said, look we hereby give you notify that parties ABC wish to merge to form an entity known as All Progressive Congress (APC). But if the only claim APC has to the choice of name is their publication on that in the print and electronic media, they cannot blackmail INEC or allege collusion with a group of other persons who may in good or bad faith be seeking to have the same acronym. Now, INEC is a government agency which deals with official communications.

If the other people had gone through the proper channel to notify INEC that they are using this name, I think I will be applying emotion to stop INEC from recognizing their right to use that name.

So, for the fact that merge is a more complicated process than formation of a fresh political party, and to avoid the kind of situation we have, it calls for diligence on the party of merging political parties to quickly notify INEC so that INEC will not accept application to register another party

Engineer Rotimi Fashakin. that may have the same acronym.

It is all about diligence and then reference to INEC records to know what kind of communication they have from any of these contending parties so that they will know.

Alhaji Shettima Yerima

Social affairs analyst and National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum he truth of the matter is that I will not want to be in a hurry to conclude that INEC is playing to frustrate the effort of the merging parties and at the same, I will not also stand to say that merging parties were not right. But there is nothing wrong in the party re-strategizing again and coming up with another name. That is my feeling about the whole issue. If they say the party has already been established, then they cannot go on.

But if they are sure that INEC cannot convince them, then they have the right to continue even if it takes them going to court. INEC has no right to deprive them of registration.

T

Chief Chekwas Okorie

National Chairman, United Progressive Party (UPP) y immediate reaction is that the promoters of APC ought not to lay blame on anybody but on themselves. If they knew anything at all about party registration, what they ought to have done at the initial conceptualization of their plan to merge will be to write an application to INEC in the name they want to use or at the time they arrived at that name and upon writing the application, they would simply have to pay one hundred thousand naira administrative fee and then INEC will issue to them Form EF01 and CS02 and open a file for them in that name. In that way, they can now take their time to settle issues about conventions and officers of the new party, logo and all that.

That is the way to go if you are pragmatic and if you are indeed progressive. But they are not. They have proved that they are reactionary and they are people who gathered to give themselves a nickname of progressives because that is what this has shown.

The law provides that first come, first

M

PDP is totally unaware of the status of the APC registration.

We are unconcerned and completely unperturbed. In the words of our Board of Trustees chairman ‘we wish them well’.

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—49

serve. They were busy doing what is generally called “Eko for show”, gathering governors for some big public show only to arrive at a name. You gathered governors again for another public show to arrive at a flag and logo.

When you were rig- maroling and displaying what was not necessary, another group went ahead to file the name that has the same acronym. So you cannot blame INEC for admitting application. You cannot trace it to PDP even if we suspect them. Mere suspicion is not enough to nail PDP on this one.

This is a clear case of gross incompetence, negligence and lack of progressive action that has made APC to mislead people into believing that there is a party. In fact, ordinary people think that APC is already a party. When some of us said that no merger has taken place, it was as if we were criticizing for nothing. And INEC had earlier announced that APC had not applied. It was published.

INEC said there was no application with them in the name of APC yet that did not send them any signal.

Dr. Garba Mohhamed Bajoga,

retired Gombe Permanent Secretary and opposition politician

T

o me if somebody thinks the ruling party will allow you to just go ahead and get it so easy, I think they aren’t got nothing yet. They aren’t seen nothing yet. This is not going to be an easy battle.

They will use all the power, all the foul and fair means to stop that APC from getting on. So, if APC thinks they will get it so easy, they better not go ahead. I am sure there will be a lot more antics to make sure APC doesn’t see the light of the day. So if the people really want to on, they must be prepared for a real 'war'. There will a lot of gymnastics to make sure APC doesn’t see the light of the day.

You know what is called de facto and de jure. INEC by law is independent but is it in reality? We all know. We are all Nigerians. We know who appoints the Chairman and all the rest. We know the reality. INEC is not really independent and they cannot be independent for now unless they are given elements of independents, may be later in the day but for today INEC is not independent. He who pays the piper dictates the tune.

African Peoples Congress (APC) unveils logo, etc

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eanwhile, the African Peoples Congress (APC) on Thursday unveiled their logo, constitution and emblem in Abuja . The development has now put paid to the insinuation that the party was a ruse. With that as well, the coalition APC has definitely lost its name and acronym. The outcome of this would be to go for another name.

But even as the debate rages, the ACN has warned that should APC be denied registration, the protest in Tahrir Square in Egypt recently would be child’s play in comparison to what they would organize at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Meanwhile, it is left to be seen what the face-off would bring.

50—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

2014: A dark horse may win Anambra polls — Hon Obidigwe

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

A

S hordes of aspirants file out for the Anambra 2014 governorship election, a member of the House of Representatives Hon Chizor Lambert Obidigwe (PDP, Anyamelu/Oyi Federal Constituency) says that the state is in a for keen contest among the leading political parties and an unlikely candidate may win the polls.

He looks at the internal wrangling the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state and avers that the party is taking effective measures to resolve the crisis in readiness for the forthcoming polls.

The cause of crisis in Anambra PDP and chances at the governorship polls In which party is it well? The thing is that the PDP is a big family. Even in a small hamlet, when people compete for positions, there are bound to be frictions. When people say all is not well with PDP, I ask, which party is it well with? There is crisis in APGA and other parties. But we have to come together as a family to handle it as a family affair. Politics is where people try as much as possible to get to the end before the next person. It is all politics. But it is something that should be managed.

The party is doing some underground work to get our house in order. The party executives both national and the state are working seriously to see how we can end the problem.

Again, the issue of the party getting the governorship depends on the individual that is nominated because people don’t vote for party; they vote people they believe in. I can assure you that the party is working seriously to reclaim the state.

On demand of Anambra North to produce the next governor and its chances as heavy weights in Anambra South and Central I am from Anambra North and the truth is this, Anambra North is clamouring for a taste of the seat since the creation of the state. Like you said, we

have more political heavy weights in the South and Central but power belongs to God. Look at the present President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, nature has its own ways and there is always balance in nature. Yes, they may have more political weights but if it is the turn of the Anambra North, I tell you, somebody from nowhere can claim it. Someone you cannot even think of. I take myself for an example, I was not intending to go for this position but here I am today.

When I was coming Hon Chizor out it was like Lambert hmm, who is this Obidigwe young man? But here I am today.

It is like what the Christians say, when God says yes, no man can say no. God moves in a very mysterious ways. You never can tell.

And that is why nobody can say for sure that this is the next governor of Anambra State. It is possible that in six months time, you can say this is the likely person but as I am talking to you now, you cannot say this is person. Even about like two months to the election after knowing the candidates, it is still possible that you still cannot say for sure that this person will win the election.

So that brings me back to the issue of which party will win. In Anambra State today, we have the PDP, APGA, ACN, ANPP, LP but the major political parties in the state are just three, the PDP, APGA and ACN. And I tell you that it is possible that any of these parties can produce the next governor, everybody will be working to see that his party produces the next governor. In the House of Representatives, we have 11 members from the state, the PDP has five members; APGA, five members and the ACN, one. In the Senate, you have two PDP and one ACN. So, you cannot dismiss the ACN with a wave of the hand neither can you dismiss APGA. The present governor is APGA and when get to the state House of Assembly you

And that is why nobody can say for sure that this is the next governor of Anambra State. It is possible that in six months time, you can say this is the likely person but as I am talking to you now have majority of APGA. So, it is not a clear cut something where you can say this is the party or the person that will win the election.

His take on non-conduct of local council elections in Anambra and effects on council autonomy and development I support the autonomy of local governments. It is a constitutional issue and it is also the third tier of government, which is recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria. So, why shouldn’t the tier of government operate on its own? It should operate on its own. It is like saying that the state government is an appendage of the Federal Government, it shouldn’t be. I would in all honesty suggest the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIEC). Federal INEC should take charge so that all elections will be held the same period. If you have conducted local government elections in Anambra for instance, the rural man and woman who is in remote villages can get to the door of his/her councilor, knock and wake him up because the councilor of a ward lives with the people and if there is no water, he should be able to tell the people that there is no water, if there is no electricity, he should be able to tell the government that there is no electricity, etc. These are the things that people in rural villages see and feel.

Non conduct of local government election has led to the situation where you see the rural man moving to the assembly man to ask for amenities and it is not everybody that has access to the state assembly man who is representing him or her at the state level not to talk of the federal representatives, senators or governors.

So, the non-conduct of local government is something that should be looked into because it is not just my state, anywhere local government elections have not been conducted, people suffer. It is affecting development negatively and there is no two ways about it.

On how combat kidnapping Security agencies are doing their best but they are undermanned. What is the population of this country and what is the staff-strength of the police or all the military and Para-military personnel of this country? This is where the issue of state police will come in because when you talk of state police it goes to community policing.

Everybody within the community or locality knows people who are strangers. Like in my community, I know we have active vigilante group and the community is doing everything possible to sustain it so that you can sleep with both eyes closed. The central police cannot be relied upon. Like in my local government area for instance, how many police stations do we have?

We have one at Omasi, another at Omo and another one at Anaco and this is a local government of eight communities. If something is happening in other communities, before the police could get there would the criminals not have gone?

I won election to House of Reps with only N5000 in my account — Senator Anosike

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka Senator Emma Anosike is among those eyeing the Government House in Awka after Governor Peter Obi’s tenure which will terminate on March 17, 2014. Before his present aspiration, Anosike has won election into the two chambers of the National Assembly, first as a member of the House of Representatives and later as a Senator representing Anambra North.

But he acknowledges that both elections offered him experience he would never forget in a hurry.

Ambition with only N5000 I went to House of Representatives in 1999 and the only money I had then was N5000.

But as the election drew near, I started having a lot of support from people during that period. I was tortured, bullied and disgraced because some people who felt they owned Anambra State did everything they could to take my ticket from me. I felt as if the world had come to an end and many people in our state knew that I was being denied my right for no justifiable reason. But by God’s grace, I emerged as PDP candidate and went to the national assembly to represent Anambra East

and West. During that period, one person I would ever remain grateful to is Sir Emeka Offor who didn’t have any relations with me. He didn’t know me, but when he heard the torture I was passing through, he came to my rescue and assisted me generally. And everything I have been doing all through, Emeka Offor family has remained like my own family. That is what I classify as Nwanne Di Na Mba (a brother at a distance).

I had to resign from Senate

Continues on page 51

Anosike

SATURDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013—51

Auctioneers and Buyers of Igbo Presidency records of breakthroughs in developmental strides that need urgent attentions. Any group or person from Igbo can say what he or she likes but one thing remains open: Kalu works with his conscience. He has often said it that Njiko Igbo is not going to fight any opposing agenda of this grand move to actualise an Igbo Presidency.

Kalu would say, “We are only negotiating and begging to see that justice is done.”

Ndigbo cannot be fulfilled Nigerians once the continuous relegation of them

BY ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE

P

olitical debates are hitting up Nigeria for the 2015 presiden tial elections. The debates are divided among regions, political divides and individuals in the country.

Ndigbo are the most affected in these un-organised debates. Bystanders are watching some Ndigbo make a mess of their people in a disgusted manner. Many of them, who are in the employ of the present government, want continuity, whereas others in and out of the government want the president of Nigeria to come from the Igbo extraction, in the next election. To a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Orji Uzor Kalu, it would be un-frankness if the president of the country did not come from Igbo in 2015.

Kalu buys into the debate that Igbo must produce the president of this country in 2015; he has floated an organisation called Njiko Igbo in that regard. Njiko Igbo is his project aimed at uniting Ndigbo for this task. Kalu’s insight into this project speaks positively volume, as a politician, influential businessman and founding member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His love for Ndigbo and the unity of Nigeria is unquestionable; he is incessantly travelling out of the country to seek for Igbo unity and attract investors into Nigeria. To this fact, Kalu can be said is one of the foremost image-makers of Nigeria in this democratic dispensation.

As a country that is rated in the comity of nations as developing, Kalu believes that Ndigbo should not relax in their oars and watch the political events of the country being handled by people from other regions of the country as from time to time; Ndigbo should be able to identify political opportunities for their engagement and growth. He believes that politics has become a key focus of Nigerians.

Orji Orji Uzor Kalu In this regard, he has been to many countries in Europe, USA., Guinea, Sierra Leone, Togo, Congo and partially visited Namibia and Angola for the continuous preachment for the unity among Ndigbo and by extension, the Nigerian people.

Upon that there are a lot of governance challenges today in Nigeria, Kalu believes so much in the axiom that no matter how hot anything may be, it will cool down someday. Kalu has been clamouring for the boost in security, economy and the spirit of many Nigerians that are discouraged, because of the challenges facing the country – manmade and natural-made – especially as the president had pleaded to Nigerians to give his administration up to 2013 to reform the country.

This is already 2013 and what Nigerians continue to read on the newspapers and listen on the Radio and TV are cases of official monumental frauds among the ruling class instead of

Kalu believes in the possibility of an Igbo presidency in 2015, and he has started to build bridges of dialogue and form strong partnerships across any warring opinions

is orchestrated as their fate not to clinch the exalted office of the president of the country. In an interview, one of the auctioneers of Igbo presidency to other regions in Nigeria come 2015, a woman from the South-East, said that what she knew was that 2015 is a mirage for the Igbo, because Nigeria has an incumbent (president) and that he may run for a second term.

“Even if the president says he will not go for second term, I’m not sure that northerners will agree that an Igbo should go. Let’s plan for 2019, which is more realistic,” the woman said.

It is very unfortunate that someone who is known as a politician from the South-East can condescend that low, by becoming an apologist of northerners. She forgot that the northerners had held Nigeria down for uninterrupted 35yrs, recycling power among themselves. This is against what Kalu has severally said that those persons from other tribes who have ruled Nigeria for years did not have two heads as against one head.

Kalu believes in the possibility of an Igbo presidency in 2015, and he has started to build bridges of dialogue and form strong partnerships across any warring opinions. Kalu is not alone in this movement; many of his supporters are of the opinion that this Njiko Igbo project is feasible. Many dignitaries from other tribes are also aligning with this vision, a fact that has buttressed that Njiko Igbo is breaking any cultural and political barriers that had held Ndigbo down for ages, and is making sure that other regions see reason why there should be an Igbo presidency in 2015.

It is however imperative to say that no matter all the auctioneers that have surrounded this Igbo presidency project because of their personal political lucre in this present government, Kalu who has bought the idea of Igbo presidency should continue to put in his best forward, and should not mind those voices begging for the Igbo presidency beyond 2015. Ndigbo should not beg for the presidency because they do not signify weakness both spiritually and otherwise.

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author, contributed this piece from Aba, Abia State. Tel: +2348032552855. E-mail: apoet_25@yahoo.com

I won election to House of Reps with only N5000 in my account Continues from page 50 When I went to the senate it was also like that. But there I established contracts and built a name that people will want to associate with.

During that period, I assisted the then governor, Dr Chris Ngige and most of the House of Assembly members. At the end of the day, all of us worked together to project the image of Anambra. At that period, I was the only senator at the national assembly backing Ngige because at that particular time, Anambra State was burning and being disorganized by forces that felt that they own the state and would determine whatever happened in the state. At a point,

they even felt that they could challenge God, assaulting even some priests. We thank God the rest is now history.

Why I want to be governor My purpose of consulting and talking to elders of Anambra State and stakeholders is for me to get the clear window so that by the time I tell Anambrarians that I want to contest, they will be part of that contest. It will not just be buying vehicles and moving around, but to articulate what our problems are and how we will solve those problems. That is why the consultation is taking me time and I believe that in the next few days, I should be able to have a good outing

with stakeholders in Anambra State , including very powerful members of PDP and opinion moulders. After the interaction, if the window is clear, I will now tell them my intention that I will be ready to offer service to Anambra people. I see myself as a stakeholder in Anambra State and I believe that I am coming to contest this governorship as Anambra State indigene and not to represent any particular group or interest.

How I stopped Obi’s impeachment When Governor Peter Obi was to be impeached by the same people who fought Ngige, I was at the centre of it to make sure that impeachment did

not work. I sat with 12 members of the House of Assembly to make sure they didn’t get two-thirds in the assembly and that is why Peter Obi is still the Governor of Anambra State. If I didn’t play the kind of role I played for Ngige, Peter Obi wouldn’t have remained the governor. I thank Governor Obi because he talks about it and appreciates it everyday. The same way Ngige does. So my total loyalty is based on Anambra State and not based on any particular individual, group or section of the state. I believe that God created me in Anambra State for me to put in all my efforts to make this state grow.

52—SATURDAY

Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

PDP BoT: Anenih’s second coming

By Okharedia lhimekpen

Yet Anenih has been winning battles, but he is yet to win this war. In a segment of the northern conservatives, he will face a formidable opposition forged in the crucible of reaction

I

t is hardly surprising that Chief ‘Tony Anenih, patriarch of the de funct Social Democratic Party, SDP, and Leader of leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has gone back into battle immediately after accepting to be the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees -to wit; to reposition the party for the challenges of the future. Ironically, Anenih’s first assignment now is to curtail the excesses of the PDP governors and also the inordinate ambition of a number of his agelong opponents in the party. Accepting to head that organ of the party, Anenih is again on the defensive from those who doubt his resolve to help wrestle control of the country and his party from the vile-grip of a determined cabal.

He will also have the newly assembled opposition forces of All Progressive Party (APC) to contend with, in a seaming war of Philipi and an epic battle of who governs Nigeria come 2015 and beyond.

At 80, Anenih is an unusual warrior.

It was the June 12, 1993 election that foisted on Nigeria the illegal regime of Earnest Shonekan, the Sani Abacha dictatorship and made the Babangida regime to step aside. Anenih believes that the future of Nigeria rests on equity and fair play within the levers of power rotation as enshrined in his party’s constitution though it has never been sacrosanct.

This new political struggle will probably be his most important since 30 years ago when he hosted the meeting of the nascent National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Benin- City. The outcome of this struggle would also determine the totality of his career and that of his other colleagues who gathered to chart a new course for Nigeria in the 1994 con-

Tony Anenih stitutional conference. “The creation of a six geo-political zone for Nigeria is a panacea for a greater Nigeria”, they proclaimed. The result of that great epochal struggle is first, the creation of the six geo-political zones; second, the coming and sustaining of our democracy. This is the same Nigeria of today where a segment feels it is still their inalienable right to determine who governs. Everywhere you turn, there is rot and evidence of decay and despair.

Yet Anenih has been winning battles, but he is yet to win this war. In a segment of the northern conservatives, he will face a formidable opposition forged in the crucible of reaction.

And the APC and all those who seem to be pursuing some anti-democratic agenda may be doomed to find in

Anenih and his colleagues a formidable phalanx. We shall be witnessing an encounter between forces of a democratic Nigeria and the forces of reaction. ’This last battle is bound to be brutal and protracted. When an irresistible force meets an immovable object, one of them will have to give way.

Preaching the sermon of a democratic Nigeria the other day, Anenih declared, “yes together we can make it”. Yes, together, our party and this country can be great in our life time; together we can say enough of political gerrymandering and incessant return to the circle of tomfoolery in the name of political brinksmanship; together we can make our votes count, neither allotted nor annulled by a pack of human wolves in human skin; and, above all, together we can make a society, where we can all be judged no longer by the geography of our birth but by the content of our character. The country is almost attaining this feat in the new face of President Goodluck Jonathan transformation agenda being experienced in the road

Imo LG Poll: We ‘ll surpass INEC’s performance —Akwari, ISEC boss

BY NNAMDI OJIEGO

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arrister Teddy Obi Akwari is the chairman of Imo State Indepen dent Electoral Commission, ISEC. Before his appointment as ISEC boss on May 23, 2012, he was a private legal practitioner based in Port-harcourt. In this interview, he speaks on the commission’s readiness to surpass the performance of Prof Attahiru Jega led INEC in conducting local government election in the state. He also speaks on other activities of the commission including ward creation and revalidation. Excerpt: On creation and revalidation of electoral wards When we came in, we discovered a lot of mistrust of the commission by the public.

I tried to find out why? Their mistrust was based on their experience of the 2010 election. There were a lot of complains that so many of the wards created in 1998 and after 1999 that election was not conducted in those wards, rather election was conducted in 305 wards. A lot of people complained also that most of the councillors and chairmen were ignorant of what they went to the council to do. We then sat down and decided that we are going to re-validate wards - those ones wherein elections were not held in 2010.We also decided to create more wards because more autonomous communities have been created, and that’s exactly what we are into now. We are creating new wards and as well, re-

validating the old ones.

A l r e a d y, what is in existence is about 305 w a r d s , because the 2 0 1 0 election was conducted in 305 wards, and that means in Imo state, we have only 305 wards.

So we intend to create about 301 Teddy Obi Akwari i wards, because Imo state has about 637 communities. Our intention is to give wards to every communities, bearing in mind that if the amendment that is going on in Abuja succeeds, it means that the local government will be more powerful, and they will get their allocation directly from the federation account and any community that is not represented stands to loose. So to ensure equitable representation in the local government, we decided to create wards. And any ward we create now, means that a councilor must emerge from that ward.

That means we must organize elections in

all those wards that we are creating including the 305 wards.

Are the communities going to pay?

Yes you collect the form with N50,000 non refundable. And the ward itself is N250,000 Why? Must communities pay for this service?

Yes. Because, ISEC is independent, and being independent, the activities of ward creation, the financial involvement is very huge. For instance, we have to go to the communities, to educate and talk to them, make them understand the need for these wards creation. The commission will go to these communities one by one.

We have been on radio talking, we have been on television, we have been making adverts on pages of newspapers, all theses things cost money. For you to do a good job, you require money in this country. So that’s why we are collecting money, if you may think that way. What we are charging is not even commensurate to the activities and what we are putting in but we are trying to ensure that every community gets a ward. When we talk about communities, we mean communities that are qualified.

For instance, one of our conditions of giving out wards is that, the would be community must have at least 2000 registered voters, and again must have 4 pulling boots in that community. So any community that merits this, is entitled to have a ward and you will agree with me that this is very equitable condition.

On Leadership training for council

sector where Anenih’s political son, Arch. Mike Onolememen, holds sway.

There is no evidence that this man from “the heartbeat state” had fought in any military expedition, but as leader of leaders, he looks sometimes as if he had, as he often sits quietly in the front bench of executive meetings with crossed legs and iinfections smile.

Watching him doodling on his seat, one sometimes had a suspicion that Anenih is not happy with the slow pace of development in his country and, in his usual address to his colleagues, he never forgot where we were coming from as a country. One of the southern politicians to make his mark in modern Nigerian politics, he showed quite early that he had a strong will, it is probable that his religion, Christianity, is the main factor in his life which has instilled in him a strong belief in fate. As he told this writer at the national constitutional conference in 1995, “the authority to rule is in the hand of God”. He has indeed made his mark in producing presidents and leaders in this country.

For Anenih who, in his surgical political career, has produced two presidents, Chief Obasanjo, Umaru Yar ’ Adua and the incumbent Jonathan Goodluck, in addition to the undiclared MKO Abiola who emerged from the June 12, 1993 election, and four governors from his Edo State namely, Dr. Ogbemudia, Chief Oyegun, Chief Igbinedion and Professor Osunbor, politics is not just an occupation but also a calling; he embraces it with deep passion and profound love for truth and humility. These are some of his attributes that may come to play in this second coming. *Ihimekpen is a Benin-City based public affairs analyst.

workers We equally discovered that some councilors and chairmen don’t know exactly why they were elected or what they went there to do. You see, one may be a graduate but may not know anything about the law or rule making. When you compare the present leadership and other leaderships of Nigeria, you can now discover that it is better to have somebody who knows what to do at the helm of affairs.

Because of this, we approached Imo State College of Advanced Provisional Studies, ICAPS, and reached an MOU with them, to train our aspirants into positions of councilors and chairmanship of the local governments. It’s about 8 weeks programme. Right now we have instructed ICAPS to start selling forms to would be aspirants, that is, those who are going to aspire for the positions of the councilorship and chairmanship of the local government areas.

Must every aspirant undergo this training? And what if an aspirant decides not to attend, will it disqualify him/her from contesting?

Well, as it stands, the constitution talks of school certificate to contest for any election. With school certificate, you can rule Nigeria. However, we discovered that this school cert issue is not helping matters.

So we decided to introduce this training programme. If you have a school certificate and even if you are a graduate, you can also be trained in the act of leadership, act of human management and rule making. So, minimum qualification is school certificate but the training is compulsory as far as Imo State Electoral Commission is concerned, because, it is compulsory for any aspirant to know how to make rules, how to lead, and how to manage the resources of the local government.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 16, 2013 — 53

Why industries are dying in Nigeria —EZEMEGWARA F

or years now, the Nigerian manufacturing industry has been in comatose. And the situation has forced many factories, business outfits to liquidate and many others to a round peg, thereby throwing more than 20 million Nigerians into the labour market. Even with the abundant natural resources, there is still no infrastructural development in the country.

Worse still, Nigerian industrialists, investors are neither building new factories nor investing for the growth and development of Nigeria and its economy. This is inflicting untold hardship to families of those that lost employment and youths who have been searching for jobs without finding any.

However, the question Nigerians are asking everyday is,is there any solution in sight? What is the government of the day doing to bring solution to these major challenges hindering development in the country and also increasing the rate of youth restiveness which is a big threat to our national security? Recently, it was gathered that 75% operates below capacity and that is making it difficult for operators to pay salaries and meet other factory overhead expenses. The country is in need of good policies that can promote economic development.

In the same vein, the SMEs which is the basis for economic growth in any given economy is not finding it funny in the country because of the epileptic power supply, multiple taxation among other factors. Operators in this sector complained bitterly their inability to access funds released by CBN to promote SMEs’ operation in the country because of stringent conditions attached to it.

Many industrialists and investors have left the country for nearby countries like Ghana for onward business success because of the uncondusive Nigerian business environment. With this level of industrial state, Nigeria should not be talking about Vision 2020 for there is no sign that the country

is ready for it with our level of preparation.

Worried by the state of industrial development, however, industrialists concerned and meaningful Nigerians in the country have made a clarion call on government to help redeem the dying state of Nigerian industry if the country must develop.

Pointing out those factors that are killing industries in Nigeria as he has joined voices to call upon government to revitalise our industrial life-line for the benefit of our unborn generations, an experienced industrialist, grassroot businessman, philanthropist and Chairman and Group Managing Director of some manufacturing companies in the land, Chief, Sir, Peter Etisiobi Ezemegwara of Peter E. Ventures Nigeria Ltd., (manufacturers of Hurricane Lanterns, Globes, Pharmaceutical Containers, Plastic Films and Prints); Nicho Glass and Chemical Co. Ltd., (makers of Lantern Globes, PVC, Pipes and Accessories, VCD Jackets, Feeding bottles, industrial moulds among others, whose companies are also facing operational challenges because of the challenging environment in the country said that the issue of power supply which government has not addressed over the years is responsible for manufacturers’ woes in the country. This has also affected the country’s GDP because almost every manufacturer is producing below capacity, he said. And under this situation, you don’t expect to make profit but deficit. You spend your profit on cost of running diesel. With this, it is difficult to pay workers’ salaries. Employers are down-sizing. People are not

Air oduces special Complement ar Airtt el intr introduces Complementar aryy Ser vice ttoo FFacebook acebook user Service userss

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ustomers of lead ing telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria can now access popular social networking platform, Facebook via a USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) Code. With this innovation, Airtel customers will be able to launch Facebook on their mobile devices by dialing *688#.

According to Airtel, Facebook via USSD service aims to deliver Facebook to customers who have no access to the Internet.This new service will empower customers to connect with their family and friends anytime, anywhere on Facebook

without using the internet or activating GPRS capabilities on their mobile devices.

Speaking on the new initiative, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Olu Akanmu said Airtel is committed to enabling Nigerian youths connect to their friends and have all the fun they desire on-line through the most compelling innovative services in the Nigeria market. “At Airtel, the quest for total satisfaction of our customers drives us to continuously respond withcustomizedofferings and services that will delight and engage telecom consum-

ers. We will always occupy the front row in innovation that will enable Nigerians to build great bonds of friendships and fulfill their life aspirations. Airtel is committed to making the immense benefits of Facebook available to the widest number of Nigerians,” he said.

With the USSD service, customers can carry out the following activities from their mobile devices:Update Facebook status messages; View, like and comment on posts; Post on friends’ walls; find/add friends; confirm friend requests; view notifications and View and send messages.

Few hands on production

Uncondusive business environment hindering product process

building new factories because of cost of operation. If power supply will improve by any means in this country definitely new factories will be established, unemployment will reduce since government can’t create all the jobs needed in the country”.

According to Ezemegwara, another factor killing manufacturing in the country is multiplicity of tax imposed on manufacturers.

It can’t boost operation.

It has affected business tremendously because operators cannot cope with multiple taxation.

This has forced many to close shop. “We need government to remove multiple taxation if they want industries to sur-

Production power base not yet a reality in Nigeria vive in this country, he said. Many Nigerians who want to build factories have diverted to importation and with that the country can’t develop with resources channelled to importation.

Ezemegwara, a philanthropist who has shown a lot of hospitality both

Etisalat launches new tarif tarifff plan, Easyda Easydayy

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etermined to contin ually provide its customers with the best value for money, Nigeria’s fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat Nigeria has launched a new tariff plan. Known as Easyday, the new tariff plan enables subscribers on its easy starter and easy cliq packages enjoy lower tariffs based on their daily spend.

The Easyday tariff plan which is available to Etisalat’s existing and prospective subscribers is activated once the subscriber reaches a certain threshold, allowing customers on the package to get low tariffs to make all their national calls for the rest of the day. New subscribers can activate and enjoy the new tariff plan, by buying either an easycliq or easy starter line,

and then opting-into the Easy day plan to get lower call tariffs daily. For existing subscribers using the easycliq or easystarter packages, all they need to do is simply migrate to the new tariff plan. New and existing subscribers can opt in by dialing *239*1#.

Explaining the tariff plan, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Wael Ammar said, “This is a unique tariff plan based on regressive billing such that when you have used up to a particular amount in a day, your call cost per second is instantly lowered.

Once you opt-in to easy day, your tariff drops first to 40k/ sec to all networks. Once a subscriber then spends N50 in a day, either on calls, SMS or PAYG data, all subsequent calls will be charged at 20k/sec for the rest of the day ” he said.

to his community and churches joined his father’s business as an apprentice before the civil war. He said another major challenge of manufacturing in the country is high interest rate in banks. “The high interest rate on bank loan is driving many out of business with banks confiscating their property because they were unable to repay interest on loans.

While a lot of businesses need bank loans to commence production, the interest rate should not be strangulating, a situation where every bit of profit goes to repayment of loans. Such situation does not help business to grow, he said.

However, the Onitshabased manufacturer opined: “If government can settle the issue of power supply, multiple taxation and instruct banks to reduce interest on loans, I tell you in the next five years, Nigeria will be a highly industrialised nation and the rate of unemployment in the country will reduce, kidnapping, criminality, youth restiveness will reduce to the bearest minimum. But if nothing is being done, I wonder how this economy can grow and develop.”

54— SATURDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 16, 2013

Mba: Warri Wolves give Rangers condition for settlement

BY PATRICK OMORODION

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OPE that embattled Super Eagles star, Sunday Mba’s transfer saga may soon end to allow him return to football action in the local may be a mirage as Warri Wolves who are in a bitter tussle with Rangers of Enugu over ownership of the player are not eager to let go soon.

Chairman of the Warri outfit, Amaju Pinnick in a telephone conversation with Saturday Vanguard sports said Rangers must first apologise to Warri Wolves in two national newspapers and two television stations before they can start discussing the real issue of who owns the player.

“Warri Wolves have been so maligned by Rangers over this Mba issue and they must apologise in two newspapers and television stations before we can start talking. We have argued our case and the secretarygeneral of the NFF should disclose the outcome of the meeting we held,”he stressed.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of Rangers

T

D

ISGRACED Nigerian shot putter, Vivian Chukwuemeka has been officially served her life ban notice by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN after she failed two consecutive dope tests.

Consequently, the Confederation of African Athletics, CAA, stripped the athlete of the shot put gold and the 18.86m African record she set at the African Championships in Porto Novo Benin Republic last July.

AFN secretary-general, Maria Wophil confirmed that Chuwkemeka has been notified and she would have no part to play in local and international athletics.

She added that the CAA acted upon the ban slammed on her by AFN

to strip the athlete of her achievements in Porto Novo.

“Chuwkemeka failed the dope test at the All Nigeria/ Cross River championships. If the result of the test had come out on time, we wouldn’t have taken her to the African Championships.

“The CAA stripped her of the gold based on the fact that she wasn’t supposed to be in our team.

“It was a Nigeria 1-2-3 in the shot put and so our athletes were elevated to the first and second positions, that didn’t affect the medals tables,” said Mrs. Wophil Chinwe Okoro with a throw of 16.21m is now the new Africa champion, while Talabi

Omotayo with 15. 63m and Cameroon’s Auriole Dongmo have been elevated to silver and bronze positions respectively. However, Chukwuemeka’s former mark of 18.43m still stands as the African record. Meanwhile it has been revealed that 17 IAAF rated athletes face bans following abnormalities in their biological passports.

“Seventeen cases are currently under proceedings,” Thomas Capdevielle, the results manager in the IAAF’s medical and anti-doping department, said.

“Nineteen cases were concluded with a sanction and three cases were referred to CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport).”

•Mba FC, Foster Chime proved futile as his phone didn;t go through.

Meanwhile Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has threatened to drop Mba from the team preparing for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar next if the Rangers and Warri

Wolves fail to reach n early agreement on the player’s case.

Keshi who spoke on a radio station in Lagos said he may be forced to take the decision as the crisis is capable of distracting the player from giving his best in the game after his superlative performance at the Nations Cup. Photo: Mba Mar 14

2013 NNPC/Shell Cup enters semi finals stage HE 15th edition of the All Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship tagged NNPC/Shell Cup enters its final stage next week as the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos plays host for the semi finals, third place match and final.

National Coordinator of the competition, Shola Akinwale said all logistics for a hitch-free competition has been put in place.

He disclosed that four schools would be slugging it out for the two final tickets on Friday, March 22, 2013 with the first match of the day starting at 2:00pm

Chukwuemeka begins life in athletics limbo

while the second semi final will take the centre stage at 4:00pm.

The schools are Government College, Ibadan, Purple Krown College, Enugu, Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja and Government Arabic College, Gwale, Kano.

The draws for the semi final pairings will be held on Thursday March 21 during the Luncheon party for the schools.

Meanwhile, the organizers of the championship have promised to make the finals more exciting and colourful, stressing that the first 500

spectators to enter the stadium would get very attractive gifts at the entrance.

It would be recalled that Kwara football Academy Secondary School, Ilorin emerged the 2012 championship but got kicked out at the Zonal preliminaries in AdoEkiti.

The champions of the 2013 edition will take home total prize money of N3.5m; the runner-up will get total prize money of N2.3m. The thirdplaced team will go home with total prize money of N1.2m while the fourth placed team will take away N1m as total prize money.

•From left, Talabi Omotayo, Vivian Chukwuemeka and Chinwe Okoro at the medals podium in Porto Novo.

Warri 2013: LOC promises hitch free transit

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S the count-down to the maiden African Athletics Youth Championships tickles, the Local Organising Committee, LOC has assured visiting delegations of a smooth transit from their first port of call in Nigeria to Warri, Delta State, venue of the meet slated to run from March 27-31.

Already visa waivers have been granted to the participating countries.

These visiting delegations are expected

to arrive Nigeria from March 25 and according to the LOC, a team of dedicated personnel will be on ground to ensure that their onward movement to Warri is unhindered and stress free.

“We know that first impressions matter a lot.

The committee responsible for movements of the athletes to Warri knows what is at stake and it has plans to make it trouble free,” said Maria Wophil secretary-general

of the LOC. Delta State sports commission boss, Amaju Pinnick who doubles as the LOC chairman added that Warri is ready to flow with the champion-ships.

“We have hosted Africa before and we did excellently well. In Delta, we are passionate about sports and the people are looking forward to the championships. The delegations will be accorded the best of hospitality.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, MARCH 16, 2013 — 55

African U-17 Championship: Eaglets will maintain 100% record, says coach

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OLDEN Eaglets coach, Manu Garba is hopeful that his charges will maintain the 100 percent record

they posted during the Africa Under-17 Championship qualifiers. The Eaglets touched

Super Eagles don’t scare me, says Kenya coach K

ENYA national team coach, Adel Amrouche has described the March 23 World Cup qualifier against African champions, the Super Eagles as a test of intention in his bid to rebuild confidence in the underachieving Kenyan squad.

The Algerian-born Belgian coach will be having his baptism of fire as head coach of Kenya in Calabar, Cross River State next Saturday.

He stated that his ambition was to post a positive result in the match, adding that he was not cowed by the intimidating credentials of the Super Eagles who are topping the group F World Cup qualifiers with four points.

“We are working to be ready for Nigeria since it is a good game for our national team. It is good motivation for everybody and we take this positive step and we hope to give a good presentation and have a good result,” Amrouche said.

“I’m not worried about the physique of the Nigerians since in football, it’s not about the size of the players but on the mentality and how they apply themselves in the game,” the Algerian born Belgian international added.

Kenya are bottom of the group with one point from their opening two matches and face a herculean task to

Ukadike urges Eagles to show fighting spirit against Kenya

•Onazi qualify for the next stage but Amrouche is not looking at the last two games.

“We are bottom of the group but I believe the race is not over.

If the players are in the right state of mind I am sure we can beat Nigeria, home or away, and as we prepare for the game I am confident we will impress,”,he said.

He submitted that his ambition is to build a strong

team for Kenya in a five-year period as he called on Kenyans to be patient as he embarks on working with young players to form the core of future teams that can effectively compete internationally as spelt out on his mandate when he took over from Frenchman Henri Michel who resigned last December.

“Of course, this is not to say

that experienced players and those who play outside will not have the chance but my aim is to work with those I have with me now to ensure that we have a strong team.

“We need to look at maybe five years from now since like Burkina Faso or Burundi as an example; they came up with a plan and stuck by it. We cannot have a team now and expect to eat from it, we must be patient.”

Obafemi’s exit pains Levante coach L

EVANTE of Spain coach, Juan Ignacio Martinez has revealed his frustration after Obafemi Martins triggered the N632m (about 3m Euro) buy-out clause in his contract with Levante.

The Super Eagles striker tired of life in Spain had to pay from his pocket to force his move to Major Soccer League side Seattle Sounders through. Coach Martinez stated that though he would love to keep Obafemi in his team, but there was nothing he could to stop the move.

“He made his choice, nobody prevented him,” Martinez said . “He paid money to use an exit clause in his contract. Of course, we would like to see him in our team, but he left.”

He said that Levante has gotten used to life without

Obafemi very fast. “He didn’t play against Valencia at Mestalla in the starting squad and also against Getafe, and I think we looked fine in the attack in these games. So the team is well-prepared,” he

said. Obafemi said he was eager to make his debut for his new club in the USA. But that may wait until April when the Sounders play in the CONCACAF Champ-

ions League semi-final.

Obafemi will likely make Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles team against Kenya in the World Cup qualifier on March 23 in Calabar.

YSFON set for Oba Cup

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•Martins

LL is now set for the kick off of this year’s edition of the annual YSFON Oba of Benin Cup for U-13 boys and U18 girls competition slated for March 19- 24, in Benin City Edo State.

According to a statement by the Federation signed by YSFON national secretary, Patrick Okpavuerie, participating teams are expected to arrive the venue of the championship on March 18 while screening and other registration formalities will commence the following day.

The statement advised all states to ensure they present eligible players for the weeklong tournament even as it

down on Wednesday in Doha, Qatar for a three-week training stint ahead of the 2013 Africa Under-17 Championship billed to start in Morocco in April 13. The Eaglets were unbeaten in the qualifies and now they are aiming to emulate the 2007 set who won the African title beating Togo 1-0 in Lome. The team led by late coach Theophilus Tella went on to conquer the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in South Korea.

“Our aim is not just to qualify for the World Cup. We want to win the African championship too.

“During the qualifiers we posted a 100 percent record.

And that is what we are hoping to do in Morocco “Adequate preparation has been the key to our success so far and we are not going to rest on our oars,” said Garba.

The Eaglets are staging a comeback to the continent.

They failed to qualify for two editions after the 2007 triumphant runs. The Eaglets under Garba have showed some promise as they won all their qualification matches home and away.

warned that over- aged players will get automatic disqualification and appropriate sanctions imposed on the erring state by the national body.

Meanwhile, the National President of YSFON, Dr. Nasiru Yussuf Gawuna has charged all states that will participate in this year’s tournament to ensure they exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the duration of the championship.

He noted that YSFON over the years has been associated with organizing the best youth football tournament in the country, promising that this year’s edition will witness a great improvement over previous editions.

BY EDDIE AKALONU

F

ORMER international, Nicholas Ukadike has said Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars in Calabar next week, should be given same level of fighting spirit as the the team displayed in winning the Nations Cup in South Africa.

“I have no doubt in my mind about our ability to beat Kenya here, but the Eagles must produce same fighting spirit to win big and make the return leg in Nairobi a mere formality. We must view Kenya as a threat in that everyone yearns for the opportunity to secure some good result against us as African champions. I will particularly be delighted if the team can post very good form and real fighting spirit in the tie because it will also keep the team in shape for future games,” he said.

Coach Ukadike, who described increased slots given to players of the Nigerian league in Stephen Keshi’s list for the Calabar clash as encouraging, said he hopes that more of them would utilise the opportunity to make the team proper.

“I’m delighted by Keshi’s move because it leaves more players to play themselves into the team and if we have this happen more often as matches come, gradually there will be a balance between home and foreign based professionals in the team,” he stated.

SATURDAY Vanguard, MARCH 16, 2013

As AYC begins, Howard tips F/ Eagles to retain crown

Today’s matches Everton Aston Villa Southampton Stoke City Swansea Man Utd.

V V V V V V

Man City.

QPR. Liverpool West Brom.

Arsenal Reading

1:45 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:30 pm

By EDDIE AKALONU

SOURED RELATIONSHIP:

You’re not fair to me, Emenike tells NFF, Keshi IN PAINS … Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike writhing in pains after he got knocked in the semi final match against Mali at the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa last month. He has lambasted both the NFF and Coach Stephen Keshi for not asking after his state of health since after the Nations Cup.

S

UPER Eagles hero at the 2013 Africa Nations Cup Emmanuel Emenike yesterday berated his coach Stephen Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation for allegedly leaving him to his fate after he suffered an injury while fighting for Nigeria to win the tournament in South Africa.

Emenike suffered a muscle tear in the semifinal match against Mali

and according to him, nobody from the NFF has bothered to check on his recovery. Emenike was missing from the list of Super Eagles players invited for the World Cup qualifier against Kenya next weekend.

“I must be honest with you, I have not been treated well by the coach and the NFF because they ignored me so soon, so fast,” he lamented.

“Nobody from NFF and

the coach have called to ask me about my injury. I am bitter about this. It is unfair and I can tell you that is why some players don’t come to give their best for the national team.” “When a player gets

injured on national duty, I think the country’s football authority and coach ought to keep in touch to let him know he is loved and cared for.

“I am not a use-and-dump player. I will not act as one

UEFA Champions League:

Mourinho, Drogba clash R

EAL Madrid were yesterday, paired with Galatasaray in the last eight of the UEFA Champions League, meaning that Didier Drogba must see off his former coach at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho if he is to win the title for a second year in a row.

Mourinho, chasing his third Champions League win after lifting the trophy with FC Porto and Inter Milan, signed Drogba for Chelsea in 2004. The striker spent eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, culminating in him scoring the decisive

penalty in the shoot-out victory against Bayern Munich in last year ’s final. After an ill-fated spell at Shanghai Shenhua, Drogba moved to Turkey in January and must now find a way past a Real side who saw off Manchester United in the last round.

Barcelona will face David Beckham’s Paris St-Germain, a clash between two Qataribacked clubs.

Arsenal’s conquerors Bayern, 20 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, play Juventus, who lead Serie A by nine points.

QUARTER-FINALS: April 2, 3 and 9, 10 Malaga Real Madrid Paris Saint-Germain Bayern Munich

v v v v

Dortmund Galatasaray Barcelona Juventus

Malaga, in their first quarter-finals appearance, face Dortmund.

at all because my club career is very much important to me than anything.”

He added: “Look at a player like (Victor) Anichebe (Everton striker was injured while on national team duty last year), no one cared about him and you think he will come to national team to give his best.

“I am not worried about that but I just need to tell them it’s unfair. It is not everything that is money, but a call just to show you care could change someone’s problem at a particular time.”

Emenike told MTNFootball.com that this is in sharp contrast to his Russian club Spartak

Moscow, who have done everything to get him back playing again. “I must give kudos to my club for taking good care of me even though I didn’t get the injury while playing for them,” he said.

“I can’t wait to return to my best form. I feel like playing and banging in the goals for my club right now. “I am happy with my rehabilitation and I will start joggling soon and I believe I will respond well because I have missed the game so much.”

A

S the African Youth Cham pionship kicks off today in Algeria, former captain of the national U-21 team, the Flying Eagles, Franklin Howard has expressed confidence in the John Obuh-led team, stressing they will successfully defend the African title they won two years ago in South Africa.

The Nigerian side rounded off their build-up matches in north Africa during the week ahead of the 12th edition of the championship.

Howard, captain of the second set of the team in 1981, who told Saturday Vanguard sports he has followed the team’s preparations all the way said “I watched some of their qualifying matches against Tanzania and South Africa and I have also followed the last round of their build-up. I would therefore say there is character and flare in the players and what I saw can carry us through.

Therefore with last minute finetuning by the coach, I think we have the team that can defend the title, though the field is a parade of the best in African football such as three times winners, Ghana and twice winners Egypt. There are also Benin and host, Algeria making a strong presence,” he said.

While host Algeria open the tournament today in Ai Temouchent against Benin in a group-A clash, the Flying Eagles who will contest in group-B alongside Congo DR, Mali, and Gabon begin their title defence against West African foes, Mali tomorrow in Oran.

Howard, who expressed a strong belief in the Super Eagles re-emerging African champions in South Africa, said the Nations Cup win would be a huge tonic to ginger the Flying Eagles to do more in the competition.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode – (6) 4 L.G.A in Cross River State – (6) 7 Japanese Currency — (3) 8 Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude – (6) 10 Ethnic Group in Nigeria – (6) 12 Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim – (9) 13 Former PDP National Chairman, Ahmadu – (3) 15 CBN’s Director of Currency Operations, Muhammad – (3) 17 Taraba State Capital – (7) 18 Venomous Snake – (3) 20 Flamingoes (U-17) Goalkeeper, Amina – (3) 22 Sweden Capital City – (9) 23 Uruguay Striker and Liverpool FC Forward, Luis – (6) 25 Former Nigerian Star Actress,s Liz – (6) 26 Yoruba god – (3) 27 Country in Africa – (6) 28 France “Ligue One” Club Side – (6)

Down 1 L.G.A in Abia State – (6) 2 Flying Eagles (U-20) Striker, Edafe – (6) 3 Yoruba word for “Happiness” – (3) 4 Former Ekiti State Governor, Olusegun – (3) 5 Monkey – (6) 9 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) 11 Former Anambra State Governor, Theophilus – (9) 14 Zodiac Sign – (3) 16 Record – (3) 18 Guinea Bissau Capital City – (6) 19 Eritrea’s Capital City – (6) 20 Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle 21 Solar Planet – (6) 24 Bangladesh National President, Khaled – (3) 25 Lever – (3)

SOLUTION on page 15

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