FG in fresh dilemma over Avengers

2—SATURDAY

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Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—3

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4—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

EFCC not probing me for N4.29b fraud — Gov Ortom insists •Admits N929m was properly used for security issues

By Soni Daniel

A

BUJA—Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has said that there is no way he could have taken N4.29 billion out of the state treasury without being spotted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and invited for questioning for such.

Ortom was reacting to media reports that he used proxies to ferry the cash out of three banks to unknown beneficiaries believed to be close to him. But in a swift reaction made available to Saturday Vanguard, the governor denied ever transferring such huge amount from the financial system blaming the report on those he claimed had looted the state to the tune of N107 billion before he took over.

In the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Tahav Agerzua, the governor also said that none of his aides had been invited by EFCC for questioning over the alleged offence, which he said was spurious.

Agerzua pointed out that even the lawmaker whose account was

allegedly used by the governor to launder the money, had also denied being the courier.

The governor however admitted that the sum of N929 million was judiciously used for security issues and properly accounted for and not misused as reported by the petitioners to EFCC. The governor ’s aide said: “Checks at the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs where an alleged N929,903,967.00 was stolen by two persons revealed the following: “Mr Festus Andoor is the cashier of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who has the mandate to make withdrawals from the Joint

Allocation Account Committee’s Bank account as approved by the 23 local government chairmen at JAAC meetings.

“These approvals include disbursement of funds to tackle security challenges especially herdsmen’s attacks in the 23 local government areas in recent times as well as other emergencies such as the burial of the late Tor Tiv Orchivirigh Dr Alfred Akawe Torkula.

“The withdrawals made covered the amount mentioned in the allegations and fell within the period quoted by the publications.

“With regard to John J Bako; he is a police officer overseeing the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state."

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 — 5

Pipeline bombings: FG in fresh dilemma over Avengers *Kachikwu begs militants *Red alert in Delta over threat to bomb Utorogu gas plant

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Egufe Yafugborhi and Perez Brisibe

T

HE Federal Government is in a dilemma over how to persuade the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to halt further attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region, while it finetunes the process for the proposed dialogue with stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Thursday, ordered an emergency Security Council meeting, at Otu-Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area, following threats by a new militant group, Utorogu Liberation Movement, ULM, to blow up the strategic Utorogu Gas Plant and other assets under Oil Mining Lease, OML, 34.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that oil companies had complained that it was difficult for them to continue operations in the face of continuous bombings of their repaired pipelines by militants, who had ordered the oil companies not to carry out repairs on any blown pipeline until government addressed their demands.

An industry source told Saturday Vanguard that, “It is risky to ignore the threats by the militants, as they have matched their words with action, blowing up pipelines repaired by oil companies despite the presence of soldiers.

“That is the reason why many of the oil companies feel that it is a waste of resources to spend billions of naira to repair damaged pipelines, only for them to be breached. I think the best thing is to sort out this matter with the perpetrators so that it will not degenerate to loss of lives and kidnapping,” he added.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, did not disclose his predicament, but Saturday Vanguard gathered that one of the challenges he was battling to surmount was getting the militants to accept that they would no longer blow up pipelines after repairs by the oil companies.

One of the stakeholders, who attended the closed-door meeting with Kachikwu at Asaba on Wednesday, said: “The minister was eager to ensure that Niger Delta Avengers allow the oil companies to repair the damaged pipelines and begged us to talk to them, as if we (leaders) are part of the militants.

“Well, we saw his predicament and it was in the communique that the militant groups should allow the oil companies to effect repairs of damaged oil and gas facilities because that is the major problem at the moment,” he added.

In accepting to take part in the dialogue by government, five days ago, NDA said it would not

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allow repair works on damaged pipelines during the negotiations for dialogue.

Its spokesperson, Col Mudoch Agbinibo, warned: “We are going to redirect and reactivate all our activities if the government, oil companies and their service firms refuse to abide by our modest warnings not to carry out any repair works and suspend the sale of crude oil from our region as we await the right atmosphere that will engender genuine dialogue”.

Agbinibo had stated: “The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) is using this medium to restate that there are no new items to put on the table for dialogue, we only want a genuine attitude and conducive atmosphere that will make us commit ourselves to any peace talk”.

“We want the federal government to commit member-states of the multinational oil corporations to nominate independent mediators to this proposed dialogue. We believe that it is only such environment that will engender genuine dialogue aimed at setting up a framework for achieving the short, medium and long term demands of the Niger Delta to bring about a lasting peace,” he added.

L-R; Deputy Senate President, Senator lke Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, Hon Yusuf Lasun; Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Godswill Akpabio during a retreat by Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, tagged; Towards Ensuring Governance Accountability in Nigerian Federalism at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Soldiers, however, in apparent disregard of the two-week ceasefire on hostilities declared by the federal government, invaded Tebujor, an Ijaw community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta state, Wednesday, allegedly in search of militants and seized some suspects.

In a palpable reprisal barely 24 hours later, NDA blew up a pipeline for the first time in Akwa Ibom state, even though Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Murtala Mani, also joined issues with the group that

what happened was mere vandalism.

On June 2, the Avengers blew up the SPDC Forcados 48-inch Export Line, saying: “We warned SPDC not to go ahead with repair works but they refused” The militant group had also bombed Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, pipelines for similar acts.

Following the Tebujor invasion, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), worldwide, expressed

doubt about the sincerity of the Federal Government to dialogue with the Niger Delta people.

IYC Spokesperson, Eric Omare, cited Wednesday military invasion of Tebujor community in Gbaramatu clan to buttress the council’s position.

He said: “the Federal Government cannot in one breath declare ceasefire and at the same time forcefully invade Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom of

Continues on page 6

Fresh trouble for Saraki as FG charges him, Ekweremadu, others with forgery written to the two men was as are members of the APC. No at yesterday yet to be member of the Peoples

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

F

RESH trouble for Senate President Bukola Saraki is on the way with the resolve of the Federal Government to press forgery charges against him and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The suit against the two presiding officers of the Senate, which flow from last year ’s Senate leadership election, is coming more than a year after police investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015. The move was, however, being interpreted in quarters as another dimension in the quasi-battle between the presidency and the legislature directed at paralysing the Senate with the simultaneous prosecution of the two presiding officers.

Also charged with the two presiding officers are the immediate former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and his deputy, Mr. Bennedict Efeturi.

The police report on the issue exclusively reported by Vanguard on July 27, 2015, had referred the case to the Attorney General of the Federation for further advice whether the case should be treated as a criminal case or part of the internal affairs of the Senate.

The case against the quartet

marked CR/219/16 between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, and Ike Ekweremadu (Defendants), has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Haliru of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

It was further gathered that the suit borders on a two-count charge of “Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Law” and “Forgery contrary to 362 of the Penal Code Law,” against Ekweremadu and others.

Yesterday aides of Senator Saraki and Ekweremadu denied formal knowledge of their principals being under investigation even if they claimed to have sensed the impending case against them.

Specifically, an aide of Senator Saraki said yesterday: “We are aware of the new case, but he (Saraki) has neither been invited nor questioned on the case.”

In the affidavit attached to the case file, which was filed on June 10, 2016, the investigative police officer swore that the investigation into the case had been concluded, a development associates of the two presiding officer queried asserting shock that the two presiding officers were not questioned before the conclusion of the investigation.

An invitation letter dated June 6, 2016, said to have been

delivered, Ekweremadu, his special adviser on media, Uche Anichukwu said yesterday.

The case followed a petition written to the police by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, APC, Kaduna North, on behalf of the Senate Unity Forum, SUF in which he alleged that the Senate Standing Rule, 2015 used in the election of Senators Saraki and Ekweremadu as presiding officers was forged.

The petition prompted police investigations led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Dan‘Azumi Doma.

In the course of the investigation, the police team quizzed several senators all of them associates of Senator Hunkuyi and some Senate bureaucrats, however, neither Saraki, nor Ekweremadu were questioned on the issue.

Those questioned were Senators Suleiman Hunkuyi, Secretary of the Senate Unity Forum who wrote the petition to the police, Ahmad Lawan, Abdullahi Gumel, Kabiru Marafa, Gbenga Ashafa, Robert Boroffice and Abu Ibrahim.

Also questioned were Senator Ita Enang, who served as chairman of the Business and Rules Committee in the 7th and is presently special assistant to the president, Senate, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who is now a Political Adviser to the President, and Solomon Ewuga, all of whom

Democratic Party, PDP or member of the Likemind Group associated with the Senate President were questioned according to the police report.

The report on the investigations obtained by Vanguard and exclusively published on July 27 did not mention Saraki or Ekweremadu or their offices or being among those that the police spoke to in the course of the investigation.

Maikasuwa, who was the CNA at the time of the election and who presided over the election, was quoted in the report to have said that “he did not refer to any Senate Standing Order/Rules but used the normal procedures for the opening of a new parliament.”

Efeturi, his deputy had said that the production of the 2015 Standing Rules was in line with convention, saying that the same procedure was used in the production of the Standing Rules in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

In the suit against the quartet marked CR/219/16 between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, and Ike Ekweremadu (Defendants), the Federal Government charges them of “Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Law” and “Forgery contrary to 362 of the Penal Code Law.” Continues on page 6

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 — 5

Pipeline bombings: FG in fresh dilemma over Avengers *Kachikwu begs militants *Red alert in Delta over threat to bomb Utorogu gas plant

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South-South, Egufe Yafugborhi and Perez Brisibe

T

HE Federal Government is in a dilemma over how to persuade the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, to halt further attacks on oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region, while it finetunes the process for the proposed dialogue with stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Thursday, ordered an emergency Security Council meeting, at Otu-Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area, following threats by a new militant group, Utorogu Liberation Movement, ULM, to blow up the strategic Utorogu Gas Plant and other assets under Oil Mining Lease, OML, 34.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that oil companies had complained that it was difficult for them to continue operations in the face of continuous bombings of their repaired pipelines by militants, who had ordered the oil companies not to carry out repairs on any blown pipeline until government addressed their demands.

An industry source told Saturday Vanguard that, “It is risky to ignore the threats by the militants, as they have matched their words with action, blowing up pipelines repaired by oil companies despite the presence of soldiers.

“That is the reason why many of the oil companies feel that it is a waste of resources to spend billions of naira to repair damaged pipelines, only for them to be breached. I think the best thing is to sort out this matter with the perpetrators so that it will not degenerate to loss of lives and kidnapping,” he added.

Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, did not disclose his predicament, but Saturday Vanguard gathered that one of the challenges he was battling to surmount was getting the militants to accept that they would no longer blow up pipelines after repairs by the oil companies.

One of the stakeholders, who attended the closed-door meeting with Kachikwu at Asaba on Wednesday, said: “The minister was eager to ensure that Niger Delta Avengers allow the oil companies to repair the damaged pipelines and begged us to talk to them, as if we (leaders) are part of the militants.

“Well, we saw his predicament and it was in the communique that the militant groups should allow the oil companies to effect repairs of damaged oil and gas facilities because that is the major problem at the moment,” he added.

In accepting to take part in the dialogue by government, five days ago, NDA said it would not

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allow repair works on damaged pipelines during the negotiations for dialogue.

Its spokesperson, Col Mudoch Agbinibo, warned: “We are going to redirect and reactivate all our activities if the government, oil companies and their service firms refuse to abide by our modest warnings not to carry out any repair works and suspend the sale of crude oil from our region as we await the right atmosphere that will engender genuine dialogue”.

Agbinibo had stated: “The high command of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) is using this medium to restate that there are no new items to put on the table for dialogue, we only want a genuine attitude and conducive atmosphere that will make us commit ourselves to any peace talk”.

“We want the federal government to commit member-states of the multinational oil corporations to nominate independent mediators to this proposed dialogue. We believe that it is only such environment that will engender genuine dialogue aimed at setting up a framework for achieving the short, medium and long term demands of the Niger Delta to bring about a lasting peace,” he added.

L-R; Deputy Senate President, Senator lke Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, Hon Yusuf Lasun; Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Godswill Akpabio during a retreat by Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, tagged; Towards Ensuring Governance Accountability in Nigerian Federalism at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Soldiers, however, in apparent disregard of the two-week ceasefire on hostilities declared by the federal government, invaded Tebujor, an Ijaw community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta state, Wednesday, allegedly in search of militants and seized some suspects.

In a palpable reprisal barely 24 hours later, NDA blew up a pipeline for the first time in Akwa Ibom state, even though Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Murtala Mani, also joined issues with the group that

what happened was mere vandalism.

On June 2, the Avengers blew up the SPDC Forcados 48-inch Export Line, saying: “We warned SPDC not to go ahead with repair works but they refused” The militant group had also bombed Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL and Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, pipelines for similar acts.

Following the Tebujor invasion, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), worldwide, expressed

doubt about the sincerity of the Federal Government to dialogue with the Niger Delta people.

IYC Spokesperson, Eric Omare, cited Wednesday military invasion of Tebujor community in Gbaramatu clan to buttress the council’s position.

He said: “the Federal Government cannot in one breath declare ceasefire and at the same time forcefully invade Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom of

continues on page 6

Fresh trouble for Saraki as FG charges him, Ekweremadu, others with forgery written to the two men was as are members of the APC. No at yesterday yet to be member of the Peoples

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

F

RESH trouble for Senate President Bukola Saraki is on the way with the resolve of the Federal Government to press forgery charges against him and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The suit against the two presiding officers of the Senate, which flow from last year ’s Senate leadership election, is coming more than a year after police investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015. The move was, however, being interpreted in quarters as another dimension in the quasi-battle between the presidency and the legislature directed at paralysing the Senate with the simultaneous prosecution of the two presiding officers.

Also charged with the two presiding officers are the immediate former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa and his deputy, Mr. Bennedict Efeturi.

The police report on the issue exclusively reported by Vanguard on July 27, 2015, had referred the case to the Attorney General of the Federation for further advice whether the case should be treated as a criminal case or part of the internal affairs of the Senate.

The case against the quartet

marked CR/219/16 between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, and Ike Ekweremadu (Defendants), has been assigned to Justice Yusuf Haliru of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

It was further gathered that the suit borders on a two-count charge of “Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Law” and “Forgery contrary to 362 of the Penal Code Law,” against Ekweremadu and others.

Yesterday aides of Senator Saraki and Ekweremadu denied formal knowledge of their principals being under investigation even if they claimed to have sensed the impending case against them.

Specifically, an aide of Senator Saraki said yesterday: “We are aware of the new case, but he (Saraki) has neither been invited nor questioned on the case.”

In the affidavit attached to the case file, which was filed on June 10, 2016, the investigative police officer swore that the investigation into the case had been concluded, a development associates of the two presiding officer queried asserting shock that the two presiding officers were not questioned before the conclusion of the investigation.

An invitation letter dated June 6, 2016, said to have been

delivered, Ekweremadu, his special adviser on media, Uche Anichukwu said yesterday.

The case followed a petition written to the police by Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, APC, Kaduna North, on behalf of the Senate Unity Forum, SUF in which he alleged that the Senate Standing Rule, 2015 used in the election of Senators Saraki and Ekweremadu as presiding officers was forged.

The petition prompted police investigations led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Dan‘Azumi Doma.

In the course of the investigation, the police team quizzed several senators all of them associates of Senator Hunkuyi and some Senate bureaucrats, however, neither Saraki, nor Ekweremadu were questioned on the issue.

Those questioned were Senators Suleiman Hunkuyi, Secretary of the Senate Unity Forum who wrote the petition to the police, Ahmad Lawan, Abdullahi Gumel, Kabiru Marafa, Gbenga Ashafa, Robert Boroffice and Abu Ibrahim.

Also questioned were Senator Ita Enang, who served as chairman of the Business and Rules Committee in the 7th and is presently special assistant to the president, Senate, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who is now a Political Adviser to the President, and Solomon Ewuga, all of whom

Democratic Party, PDP or member of the Likemind Group associated with the Senate President were questioned according to the police report.

The report on the investigations obtained by Vanguard and exclusively published on July 27 did not mention Saraki or Ekweremadu or their offices or being among those that the police spoke to in the course of the investigation.

Maikasuwa, who was the CNA at the time of the election and who presided over the election, was quoted in the report to have said that “he did not refer to any Senate Standing Order/Rules but used the normal procedures for the opening of a new parliament.”

Efeturi, his deputy had said that the production of the 2015 Standing Rules was in line with convention, saying that the same procedure was used in the production of the Standing Rules in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

In the suit against the quartet marked CR/219/16 between the Federal Government of Nigeria (Complainant) and Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, and Ike Ekweremadu (Defendants), the Federal Government charges them of “Criminal Conspiracy, contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Law” and “Forgery contrary to 362 of the Penal Code Law.”

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Kogi APC exco kicks against Bello’s probe

Lagos clarifies eviction of Tarzan, Metro ferry operators from jetties •Cites Safety, Breach Of Agreement •Govt To Roll Out New Master Plan For Water Transportation

By Olasunkanmi Akoni and Monsuru Olowoopejo

T

HE Lagos State Government on Friday said its decision to serve eviction notices to Tarzan Marine Enterprises and Metro Ferry, both operators of commercial jetties in the State, was in line with overriding public interest and quest to ensure strict adherence to safety measures and international best practices.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Ms Abisola Kamson, the State Government said that Messrs Tarzan was served an eviction notice on its operation in Ijede and Badore jetties as they could not validate their claims of a purported 25 years concession which the operator alleged to have entered with the government in 2006.

According to Kamson, the previous administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola had investigated the claim by setting up a Task Force in 2010 to validate the claim that they had made two payments totaling N2.1million to the defunct Lagos State Ferry Services for a 25 years concession, but the claims could not be validated.

She said: “Based on that, Tarzan was asked to move out then, but through some back door arrangement, he came back to the terminals and all the while, he has been holding on to a receipt that has not been validated and which could be potentially forged because there was no trace of any payment. He could also not provide the purported 25 years concession when asked.”

Speaking on the eviction served to Metro Ferry, Kamson said the operator was given approval on the Oworonsoki Terminal by the State Government to convey staff of Total from the terminus to their office on the Island, but went beyond the terms of approval.

From left: Bishop (Dr.) Chris Kwakpovwe, publisher Our Daily Manna (ODM)/ General Overseer, Manna Prayer Mountain Ministry and wife, presenting a plaque to Mr. Onyekachi Nwosu, moderator of the Financial Intelligence ROUNDTABLE organised by the ministry to empower members on entrepreneurship,

By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

T

HE call by some APC stakeholders from Kogi State to probe the state governor over anti-party activities seems to have deepen the party crisis as the state Deputy Woman Leader, Mrs Deborah Isiguizo berated Senator Dino Melaye and the State Chairman of the party, Haddy Ametou, for constituting the probe panel.

This is coming on the heels of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), berating the APC stakeholders from the state that are calling for the probe of the state governor, over the alleged anti-party activities.

Isiguizo said it was wrong for the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District and other disgruntled leaders of the party to accuse the Governor of engaging in antiparty activities.

Addressing newsmen on behalf of the Exco members, the state Deputy Woman Leader accused Melaye of orchestrating the crisis because of selfish interest.

Apart from Melaye, she also berated the State Chairman of the party, Haddy Ametuo, and other leaders of the party for supporting the call to probe Bello over the appointment he has made since becoming governor on January 27.

She noted that having nominated the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Melaye had no locus standi to accuse the Governor of sidelining him in the scheme of things in the state. Isiguizo said Melaye, who played a prominent role in the inauguration of Bello, should stop blackmailing the Governor and face the function of making laws which the people of his senatorial district elected him for: “Dino should concentrate on his constituency; he should stop blackmailing the Governor and face the business for which he was elected, join hands with other well-meaning people and give Kogi West the desired representation.”

Amended constitution ready by December —Ekweremadu the Office of the Attorney- 4 Stowaways sentenced to

By Joseph Erunke

T

HE Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has assured Nigerians on conclusion of the current constitution review exercise by December 2016 to insulate the process from partisan politics and other narrow interests.

Ekweremadu who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution gave the assurance on Friday at the opening of the retreat of the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos. He maintained that “no constitution anywhere in the world was cast in iron, for constitutions are made for the good of the citizens, not citizens for the constitution, hence the tradition to retouch or overhaul or even change a constitution entirely to reflect new imperatives and serve the nation better”.

He regretted the nonassent to the Fourth Constitution (Alteration) Bill, but assured that the amendments contained in the Fourth Alteration Bill were not lost as the

document would form the formwork of the current exercise. According to the Senator, major proposals that scaled through, haven received the approvals of the National Assembly and at least 24 State Assemblies included the removal of presidential assent to Constitution Amendment Bills, prescription of a 30day time limit for presidential assent to bills or return passed by the National Assembly failing which they would automatically become laws, separation of the Office of the Minister of Justice from

General to promote justice and anti-corruption war, financial autonomy for State Assemblies, and streamlining of legislative lists and devolution of more Powers from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.

Others were setting of timeline for the conclusion of pre-election matters and creation of Office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government different from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to promote accountability, transparency, and good governance.

FG in fresh dilemma over Avengers continued from page 5 DeltaStateallegedlylookingfor militants.

He said six youths, namely EddyIkpidi,TekenaUka,Dboy Oboko,JamaicaOboko,Coasta Kelly Tortor and Atani Yawuru were arrested on the basis that they were suspected pipeline vandals. Observerssawhisvisit to the temporary and permanentsitesoftheNigerian Maritime University, NMU, KurutieandOkerenkoko,Delta state, to assess obtainable facilities, as a very good step to calmdownfrayednerves.

“Remember that it was the suspensionofthetake-offofthe university by the Minister of Transportation,Rt.HonRotimi Amaechi, that sparked off the bombingsanditsre-openingis one of the major demands by NDA and other emerging militant groups,” a source told SaturdayVanguard.

Kachikwu, who was led on the impromptu visit to the university by two prominent Gbaramatu leaders, Chief DanielEkpebideandArchitect Piniki Azaiye, was astounded thattherewerestructuresforthe take-offoftheinstitutioncontrary to the impression that there was nothing on ground.

ThreattobombUtorogugas plant Meanwhile, chairman, Ughelli South Council who presided over the meeting as chiefsecurityofficerinthearea, Paul Etaga, told Saturday Vanguardthattheswiftmeeting had in attendance, oil host communityheadsandsecurity operatives, including vigilante in the area was held in a bid to nipinthebudanypossibilityof the militant group successfully carryingoutitsthreat.

Etaga, whilehighlightingthe resolutions,said,“Frompreliminary intelligence report, the group issuing the threat is an external force working with someinternalcollaborators.They gave OML 34 stakeholders, especiallycommunitypeople14 days to leave the operating environmentsothatwhenthey come for the attack they won’t behurtsayingthattheywantto comeanddestroythegasplant.”

“With that information, the governorimmediatelydirected thatIshouldcallanemergency securitymeeting.Thegovernor is aware and measures are beingputinplaceforprotection of lives and property. We resolved that the community leaders and vigilantes should stay at alert,” he said.

prison

By Bashir Adefaka and Alade Aromashodu

T

HE four Nigerian stowaways who were arrested last month by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Maritime Police Command, AIG Muhammad Musa Katsina, and charged to court have been convicted.

According to a statement signed by the Maritime Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Sadik Olatunde, the stowaways were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and entering a ship without a ticket, contrary to and punishable under section 398 and 410 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

“They all pleaded guilty to the two count charge. While the duo of Ahmed Azeez ‘m’ and Adewale Sunday ‘m’ were sentenced to six (6) weeks community services each for being a first time offenders, Prince Yagba Tunde ‘m’ and Ajose Kehinde ‘m’ were both sentenced to six (6) months imprisonment each without an option of fine being habitual offenders.” The command spokesman, Sadik Olatunde, said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Maritime Police Command, reacting to the development, had commended the judiciary for such a speedy trial as it would serve as a deterrent to others.

Fresh trouble for Saraki continued from page 5 The two count charges read thus: Count One reads: “That you Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu on or about the 9th of June, 2015, at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arm Zone, Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves, to forge the Senate Standing Order, 2011 (as amended) and you thereby committed the offence of Conspiracy, punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Penal Code Law. Count Two reads: “That you Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, Benedict Efeturi, Dr. Olubukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu on or about the 9th of June, 2015, at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arm Zone, Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with fraudulent intent forged the Senate Standing Order 2011 (as amended) causing it to be believed as the genuine Standing Order, 2015 and circulated same for use during the inauguration of the 8th Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when you knew that the said Order was not made in compliance the procedure for amendment of the Senate Orde, you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code Law”.

The fresh trouble for the Senate President is coming against the background of his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over allegations of false declaration of assets when he was governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 — 7

Reps Sex Scandal: Mixed reactions from constituents •As House Ethics Committee launches secret investigation

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Peter Duru & Tom Moses

C

onstituents of the members of the House of Represen-tatives accused of sexual debauchery in the United States yesterday reacted with mixed feelings to the allegations. Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that the House of Representatives committee on ethics has commenced a secret investigation into the allegations.

The reactions from their constituents ranged from outrage to solidarity depending on perceptions of the constituents on the three lawmakers.

The legislators named in the petition lodged by the United States Mission in Nigeria were Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC – Bauchi), Samuel Ikon (PDP – Akwa Ibom), and Mark Gbillah (APC – Benue).

The three legislators who were part of a leadership training programme in

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Cleveland, Ohio were said to have acted improperly during their visit. Gololo was said to have behaved improperly towards a housekeeper in his hotel room while Ikon and Gbillah were alleged to have asked hotel parking attendants to help them solicit for prostitutes.

Stakeholders in Ikon’s Etinan Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State yesterday reacted diversely

to the allegations even as the lawmaker insisted that it was a case of mistaken identity.

A stakeholder in the constituency, Elder Ufot Inyang, while decrying the allegation expressed shock the allegation would come against Ikon who he described as a church elder.

“Whether the information is true or not, why should he betheonementioned?Ithink our public office holders

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (2nd right) flanked by other senior officers during the commissioning of Sports complex at the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja recently.

should learn to conduct themselves well at all times.

I don’t think he has done well and should therefore apologise to the Akwa-Ibom State people and Nigerians”, Inyang insisted.

Speaking in a similar vein, Mr. Idongesit Okon, a legal practitioner expressed disappointment that such an allegation could be linked to a Nigerian lawmaker.

“In Nigeria, there are certain things we do as a way of life, regardless of the moral implications but in the US, such things we do and go scot free here are considered immoral and criminalsuggestingthatsuch an individual ought not to hold public office. “So, I think he should apologise immediately to his people and Nigerians” Okon said.

Mrs. Victoria Otu, also from Etinan Federal Constituency however reacted differently to the allegation saying Ikon was at liberty to enjoy his life and make himself happy saying mountain should not be created out of molehill.

But in a statement made available to the media, Ikon refuted the allegation saying it was a case of mistaken identity and a demonstration of bad blood by the US Mission in Nigeria.

A constituent and schoolmate of Gbillah of Gwer/Gwer West constituency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

He also advised those fingered in the act to clear their names by cooperating with the panel set up by the leadership of the House to investigate the issue.

He said, “Those allegedly accused by the American Ambassador must take steps to clear their names by saying all that they knew about the matter.

“They should make a formalstatementonthematter and also appear before the committeesetupbytheHouse to investigate the matter in order to clear their names.

“The question is, is there any cogent evidence by the American government to prove the allegation? The Dominique Strauss-Kahn saga easily comes to mind in this matter, I hope the affected members are able to prove their innocence in this matter.

“The Mark Gbillah I knew asschoolmateatMountSaint Gabriel Secondary School Makurdi, was brought up in a Christian home and a gentle man who I strongly believe shouldn’t be involved in such unholy act.’’

U.S. parleys Police, community leaders in crime, violence prevention

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HE United States Consulate General Lagos, Lagos State Police Command, civil society, and community leaders met for an exploratory discussion to reduce violence in Lagos and encourage non-violent resolution of disputes, as well as improve opportunities for youths.

United States Consul General F. John Bray hosted a roundtable discussion recently, with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of AssemblyMudashiruObasa,Oba of Lagos RilwanAkiolu, Lagos Police Commissioner FataiOwoseni, Nigerian pop singer and Nigeria Police Force Youth Ambassador Korede Bello and eight other civil society representatives, leaders of security agencies, and leaders ofroad transport unions.

The participants shared best practices for peace building, their vision for a safer community, and ways of further strengthening partnerships between youths and the police.

Navy arrests owner of ship used to hijack MT MAXIMUS •Traces pirates operational ship to Benin Republic

BY EVELYN USMAN

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HE Nigerian Navy, NN yesterday disclosed that it had arrested owner of MT DEJIKUN, the ship which was used by pirates to hijack a Saudi Arabian-owned ship, MT MAXIMUS , four months ago , off the coast of Cote D’Ivoire.

MT MAXIMUS , said to have been chattered by a South Korean company had successfully lifted 4,700 metric tonnes of AGO and was on its way when it was hijacked by nine heavily armed pirates off CoteD’ivoire waters. The crew members were thereafter held hostage while the name on the ship was deleted and replaced with MT ELVIS-5, apparently to avoid arrest. The ship was however rescued by the NN,eleven days after,during which six suspected pirates were arrested while one of them was killed in his attempt to fire at a naval personnel.

Buratai commissions Army sports complex

BY BASHIR ADEFAKA

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HE Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has commissioned a newly constructed Sports Complex at the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, while on a familiarization visit to 81 Division Area of Responsibility.

The Sports Complex which was named after him consists of 14 apparatus obstacle crossing, Basket Ball Court and a 120-seating capacity pavilion. Other facilities constructed include Barrack Youth Office and a meeting hall.

Prof. Adekanye appointed Pro-Chancellor of Chrisland University

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MERITUS Professor J. ‘Bayo Adekanye has been appointed ProChancellor and Chairman of Council for the newly established Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The appointment was sequel to an initial letter of invitation and call to service sent by High Chief Dr. (Mrs.) W. A. Awosika (OON), Chancellor/ Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chrisland University, and Emeritus Professor Adekanye’s positive response to her invitation.

The choice which resulted from a head hunt was based on Professor Adekanye’s many years of outstanding performance, experience in both private and public universities, and exposure at national and international

Prof. Adekanye levels.

Professor Adekanye, earned his initial B.Sc. honours degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, in 1967 and the subsequent Master’s and PhD from Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, 1971 and 1976 respectively.

8 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

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Enugu Massacre: 11 victims buried in mass grave •Ugwuanyi vows to forestall another attack

BY EMEKA MAMAH, FRANCIS IGATA and CHINENYEH OZOR

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ODIES of eleven persons slaughtered in the Fulani Herdsmen attack on Nimbo community of Enugu State on April 25 were yesterday, laid to rest amidst wailing from a suffocating crowd of relations and sympathizers.

GovernorIfeanyiUgwuanyi of Enugu State was among notable sympathizers who thronged the ravaged community to bid the natives farewell and vowed that such killings that took place in Nimbo, Uzo-Uwani local council area of the state will not be allowed to happen again. Also,presentyesterday were former governor of AnambraState,Mr.PeterObi, the senator representing the area, Senator Chukwuka Utazi and erstwhile minister of information, Chief John Nwodo.

Speaking during the burial service for nine of the victims oftheattackheldatSt.Mary’s Catholic Church, Nimbo, the governorsaid,´’thiswillnever happen again on our soil. We won’t take this again’.

It was the same tone of bitterness that took the better part of the homily delivered by the Catholic Bishop of NsukkaDiocese,Rt.Rev.Prof.

Godfrey Onah, who condemned the killings and called on the Federal Governmenttodotheneedful tosavethevulnerablefarmers fromanyfurtherattacksbythe suspected herdsmen.

Thegovernorhadbeforethe burial mass gone round to condolewiththepeopleofthe community at the arena and especially took time with the widows of the slain men.

Speaking towards the end of the service he said that Monday, the 25th of April, 2016, will ever remain a dark, sad and solemn day in the memory of the people of Enugu State and indeed Nigerians at large.

“It was on that day that our brothers and sisters, whose remains are lying here before us, were ambushed and murdered in cold blood and in their own land.

“Having done all that was needful including attending to the injured and the displaced,wehaveassembled here, in tears and in grief, to bury the dead and bid their innocentsoulsafinalfarewell.

“Though our emotions cannot restore them to life, we find solace in the fact that the

C M Y K

whole world stood by us and offered us sympathy and solidarity, ever since the incident that took their lives, occurred. “We make bold to declare that their deaths can never be in vain, and we pledge to do all that is within

our legitimate means, to give them justice. Like the martyrs theyhavebecome,thespilling of their innocent blood is already saving souls as it has aroused in our people and indeed the whole nation, a burning impulse to do all that

is necessary to prevent the future occurrence of similar incidents anywhere in the country”, said the governor.

Scores of Reverend Fathers from the Catholic Church were supported by priests from the Anglican communion during the service.

Scarcity of bread looms as bakers withdraw services

BY ANAYO OKOLI

A

SSOCIATION of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) said its members will from Monday withdraw their services nationwide to protest the high cost of production materials used in their business.

The National Chairman of the association, Sir Simeon Ngozichukwu Abanulor who was in Umuahia to sensitize members of the Abia State chapter on the planned action, lamented the high cost of all the ingredients used in baking.

AbanulorblamedtheFederalGovernmentfornotsustaining interest in the use of cassava flour to bake bread which he said would help the people of this country as ‘it will reduce unemployment and there are a lot of potentials in cassava flour”.

“Yes it is true, we are withdrawing our services for a week or more because of the high cost of the raw materials, such as flour, sugar, wheat and butter. Every ingredient we use in making bread is on the very high side and if we have to be in business, we have to withdraw and reorganize ourselves to sell at a price that is not too high for consumers.”

“We have to increase the price of bread and there is nothing we can do. Nigerians have accepted bread as stable food.”

Bulgram Heights fêtes kids

By TOFARATI IGE

Nimbo community women during the burial of 11 kinsmen, yesterday.

MASSOB reaffirms alliance with Niger Delta proved to the Biafran Avengers yesterday,accused the Bi- people that the man called

BY FRANCIS IGATA

T

HE Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Friday, expressed solidarity with the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, whose continued onslaught on crude oil pipelines and installations from February 10,has brought production capacity below 800,000BPD. This was even as the proBiafra group,also

afra Independent Movement, BIM,led by one Ralph Uwuazuruike and Sunny Okafor of sabotaging the cause of Biafra secession.

A statement signed by MASSOB Leader, Uchenna Madu, reads: ”MASSOB’s attention was drawn to the reaction of Ralph Uwazuruike-led BIM on the support given to the Niger Delta Avengers by us. The latest development has further shown and

Ralph Uwazuruike and his associates like Sunny Okoroafor are not clamouring for Biafra.

“How can a sane Biafran person deny or condemn the Niger Delta Avengers and other genuine Niger Delta groups agitating for Biafra? It is only a reformed leadership of MASSOB under our leadership that can speak in support of the Niger Delta Avengers on their activities for Biafra actualization.

Buhari delivering on change agenda, says •As NBA asks NDA to stop pipeline bombings Oshiomhole

BY SIMON BEGBULEM

B

ENIN-CITY Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has responded to critics of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, saying the President is already delivering on his electoral promises and the APC Change agenda.

Speaking at the National Executive Committee Meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association where President of the Association, Mr. Augustine Alegeh asked the Niger Delta Avengers to sheathe their sword and embrace dialogue, Oshiomholesaid“Iknowthat right now, everybody is talking in the country. Is this thechangeweaskedfor?And my answer is Yes. It is the change we asked for. For all

of us in this hall, you know that the challenge of fixing a house that has been destroyed is much more cumbersome than even building a completely new house because for the one that has been destroyed, you have to start by removing the debris. You have to check

whether the foundations are weak so that you remove them. You must first do a lot of cleansing and excavation.

“That is what President Muhammadu Buhari is doing. And people expect that in twelve months, you would have fixed what was destroyed in sixteen years.’’

U I community celebrates Sogolo editors,OlatunjiOyeshileand

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EMBERS of the UniversityofIbadan community have celebrated one of their own, Professor Godwin Sogolo by holding a colloquium and launch of a book th inhishonourtomarkhis 70 birthday. Eulogizing the celebrant,theacademicswho attended the colloquium described Professor Sogolo as afirmbelieverofprojectNigeria who has always supported everymovetomakethecountry better.

Accordingtomembersofthe university community, the Isoko born philosopher was a builder of men and women who gave zest to the study of philosophyinNigeriaandwas “ahugesuccessbecauseofthe wayhisstudentshavebecome successful across boards in their chosen fields”.

The book; “Ethics, GovernanceandSocialOrder in Africa,” according to the

FrancisOfforwaspublishedto adequatelyrecognizeSogolo’s contributions to governance and social order in Africa.

According to the authors, “Godwin Sogolo’s works provided the various contributors to this volume a fascinatingnormativerecipefor rethinking and interrogating the bewildering amalgam of problemsplaguingtheAfrican continent.”.

Those who attended the colloquium included former petroleum minister, Professor Tam David West; former Vice Chancellor of the institution, ProfessorAyoBanjo;Professor Patrick Aina representing Nigeria University Commission(NUC)Executive Secretary; Professor Sophie Oluwole, Professor O. Olajide and Professor Oshita Oshita, Director General of the NigerianInstituteofPeaceand Conflict Resolution, Abuja.

B

ULGRAM Heights Limited, an organisation in the business of children entertainment and event planning, recentlytreatedchildrentoafun-filleddayofeducatinggames, refreshments and entertainment to mark the 2016 Children’s day and African Child day. The event held at the Women Development Centre, Pen Cinema, Agege, Lagos, was a golden opportunity for the kids to relax, learn and interact in a refreshing atmosphere.

Schools that participated in the event included Star Height Intl. School, Bubbly Kids School, Diamond Mine, Goldvine School, Divine Kiddies School, among others.

Speaking with our correspondent, Bisola Bakare, a representative of the school explained the rationale behind theevent.Accordingtoher,“BulgramHeightswasestablished in 2011, and ever since, we have passionately been putting smiles on the faces of kids. We have successfully hosted various children’s parties for schools in and around the Lagos metropolis and our track records speak for us.

Human rights compliance: Police officers honoured

BY FAITH AKE AND CHIKA UKELE

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O fewer than 10 police officers were, yesterday, given awards and certificates on human rights by Crime Victims Foundation of Nigeria, CRIVIFON, and Nigeria Police Force at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. Those that receivedawardsinclude;theDivisionalPoliceOfficerin-charge of Anthony division, Superintendent of Police Chima Nnaji Agha, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mary Ayim and others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who was represented by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, reminded the officers of the need to work diligently with the people they are policing. According to the police boss; “as police officers, we are slaves and the people we are policing are our masters. It is so because they pay for us to protect them through their tax. So, we should treat them as our masters.”

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of two awards to the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Anthony division, SP Chima Nnaji Agha.

Employment: Youth leader commends Osakwe

BY OGHENE OMONISA R. Osadebe Osakwe, a prominent investor and indi D gene of Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been commended for his vision

in setting up an agricultural settlement in the community aimed at assisting the government to reduce unemployment, especially among the youths of the area.

A youth leader and manager of the farm, Mr. Okuagwu made the commendation when he received a cross section of journalists who were on a tour of Agadat Agricultural Venture, Umuolo, Onicha- Ugbo, Delta State, to see for themselves the rate of agricultural development inputs at the farm.

Mr. Okuagwu told newsmen that the farm which is into piggery, fishery and cassava/maize production was recently attacked by some youths suspected to be from neighbouring Igbodo community, who allegedly destroyed valuable inputs and equipment worth millions of naira.

The farm manager stated further that the damage caused by the invaders was monumental and condemnable as the action by the perpetrators was a clear case of sabotage that could hinder the good intention of the investor to contribute his quota to the development of the community, its people, the state and country in general.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—9

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New forex policy: Stock investors gain N702bn •Naira appreciates further

•Fitch endorses new policy with a caveat

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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OSITIVE market trend heightened yesterday as a result of the new foreign exchange policy introduced by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, mid this week, leading Naira unto 6.7 per cent appreciation and a total of N702.6 billion gains by investors in the stock market. .

Yesterday Naira appreciated massively against the US Dollar to N350/USD1.00 from N365 the previous day.

The rate had crashed to N375 from on the first day after the announcement of the new foreign exchange policy before reversing a day later.

The stock market maintained its upward trend as The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index (NSE ASI) appreciated by 2.66 per cent to close at 29,247.27 points.

Similarly, the Market

Winners of consolation prizes, GOtv decoders with Mr Chike Okeke, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Awka Zone, at FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 3 draws for the South East/South South Region which held in Oko, Anambra State Capitalization appreciated by 2.66 per cent to close at N10.04 trillion, bringing total gains of N702.6 billion to investors in the first three trading days following the new foreign exchange policy.

Interest rate began a decline yesterday at the inter-bank market with the overnight rate dropping 250 basis points

About the aged, senility

•How to compensate for missed fasts As-Salamun alaykum waramotullahi wabarakatuh!

N the last two editions, we have been talking about those who may not fast during this month of Ramadan as a result of different conditions and circumstances. Today, we will conclude this topic with another group of people that fasting is not mandatory on. These are the aged and people with senility.

The aged are considered to have lost their strength and as a result of age, they are becoming weaker by the day. So, Allah has permitted that they should not fast if they cannot afford to but have to feed the poor. See Quran Q2 :184. These old men and women are only enjoined to feed the poor. An aged man will feed a poor person for every day of the month.

Again, those who have become insane are also exempted. Their families don’t have to do fidyah on their behalf because such people, by their condition will not be held responsible for their action, until they become sane. Although we have some people with periodic madness, they may fast when they are of sound mind. Again, it is important to note that feeding the poor as compensation for fasting is done by giving food to the poor and not by giving money. Fidyah is done with food. You can only give money to a caterer or somebody to prepare the food for the poor but not giving money to the poor. Fidyah is not zakaat.

I wish to also state that those with hidden reason like the menstruating women, must not eat in public places. Eating in the public by Muslims during Ramadan is discouraged, except when the reason for not fasting is obvious to those in the area.

Lastly, in response to a question a reader asked yesterday on whether it is right to do fidyah on behalf of a deceased parent. I want to restate that if a sick person recovered from illness during Ramadan and was unable to pay back the missed number of days of fast before he died, his children or close relative can do fidyah for him on the number of days that he was ill that he could not fast. But such fidyah must be done with the deceased money. If he had no money, part of his property can be sold for that purpose. Again, his relative can fast on his behalf. The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Whoever dies owing some fasts, let his heir fast on his behalf.” May Allah accept this as act of Ibadan. Amin.

I

to 1.5 percent on Friday from a week ago, driven by excess liquidity, prompting the CBN, to mop up the Naira at higher rates to support its new currency regime.

In the same trend banking industry liquidity surged astronomically to N1.1 trillion against N401.7 billion recorded previous week.

The excess liquidity prompted the CBN to sell N205.9 billion worth of one-year Nigerian Treasury Bills, NTB, on Friday at 13.5 percent, compared with the secondary market rate of 10.81 percent, treasury dealers said. The apex bank had offered N78 billion in bills on Thursday.

The apex bank had announced it would start a new foreign exchange

trading regime on Monday, which would border on market forces driven, thereby abandoning its controlled market policy, a development which market observers said would set the stage for the depreciation of the local currency.

Fitch endorses new policy

Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings, world’s leading economic and financial rating agency, has endorsed the new policy.

In a release in London yesterday the agency stated, ”Nigeria’s planned shift to a more flexible foreign-exchange regime could aid the country’s adjustment to lower oil prices and support growth, although implementation may present challenges.”

We didn’t hold meeting with Kachikwu—Avengers

By Emma Amaize

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IGER Delta Avengers, NDA, Friday, described as false, report that it participated in closed-door meeting with the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Wednesday, at Asaba, Delta State.

The group in a tweet, yesterday, debunked the online report, saying that it did not hold any dialogue with the minister.

It stated that anybody that claimed to have represented it at the meeting was a “political jobber.”

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the minister only met with stakeholders from the riverside areas of the state, especially the troubled Gbaramatu Kingdom and other parts of Warri South West local government area .

Among those at the meeting were the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, chairman of the Delta Waterways and

Land Security Committee, Chief Boro Opudu, Commissioner Mofe Pirah, who is in charge of Oil and Gas and Mr. David Tonwe, a senior aide to the governor on security.

Others at the meeting were Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Chief Daniel Ekpebide, who represented Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Ayiri Emami representing Itsekiri ethnic group and Chief Michael Johnny, an Okerenkoko leader, who with Emami, had been very vocal against the NDA.

Edo 2016: 1,200 policemen deployed for Edo APC guber primaries

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By Simon Ebegbulem

VER 1,200 policemen have been deployed by the Edo state Police Command to provide security in the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is scheduled to hold today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The state Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, who disclosed this to journalists yesterday, said that the entire 7,871 workforce of the state police command with sister security organizations such as the Department of State Services, DSS, Civil Defense Corps, and the Army have been put on alert for the exercise.

He warned political thugs to stay away from the venue of the exercise asserting that security agencies will deal decisively with anyone caught fomenting trouble.

He further warned that no security detail or escort of prominent persons would be allowed into the stadium.

Aide opens fire on Delta LG boss

By Festus Ahon & Ochuko Akuopha, Asaba

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ARELY two weeks after she was recalled from suspension by the Delta State House of Assembly, Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government council, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah escaped death by the whiskers after a police officer attached to her as a security aide, opened fire on her.

Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the incident and said it was an accidental discharge. She however said the suspect identified as David has been arrested.

Chukwurah, it was gathered, was entering her car after a church service at Asaba, the State capital, when the policeman that was in the front seat of her vehicle turned and shot at her.

Speaking from her hospital bed in Asaba, Chukwurah disclosed that 22 pellets were recovered from the vehicle.

According to her, “My orderly just opened the door for me to enter the vehicle while the policeman sitting in the front seat turned and faced me with his gun.”

Ex-militants hand IOCs 14 days to quit Rivers communities

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT: A group of ex-militants under the aegis of Ekpeye Liberation Group yesterday handed a 14-day ultimatum to multinational oil companies in Ahoada East and West local government areas to move out of the area or risk attack on their facilities.

Spokesman of the ex-militants, Mr Obodo Obodo in a statement in Port Harcourt alleged that most oil companies doing business in the area had failed to sign any memorandum of understanding with communities.

According to him, “the group is aware that almost all the operating companies, Nigerian Agip oil company, NAOC, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas , NLNG, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources , NDPR have their pipelines and other facilities criss crossing Ekpeye land.”

The group said it had already blown up one oil well allegedly belonging to Agip in Ahoada West local government area, and threatened to carry out more attacks on oil facilities in the area if the oil companies fail to leave the area.

Stakeholders pass vote of confidence on Okowa

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HE Agbon PDP Stakeholders have passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as the party celebrates his one year in office with several projects.

The motion for the vote of confidence was moved

by Dr Lucky Oteheri and was seconded by Chief Tony Oboroh.

Speaking to newsmen, Chief Tony Oboroh and Evang. Emmanuel Okorodudu urged members to show commitment and work without fear in ensuring that the party wins all its coming elections, explaining that confidence vote on Okowa was long overdue considering the numerous projects commissioned within one year.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard,

JUNE 18, 2016

Fuel price hike:

Nigerians devise means of survival •As marketers lament low patronage

By Michael Eboh, Peter Duru, Oghene Omonisa, Daud Olatunji, Francis Igata & Aderonke Adeyeri

T

he hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, has thrown up a number of challenges and in response, Nigerians have been forced to adopt a number of cost-cutting measures to survive the hard times thrown up by the increase.

Specifically, Nigerians are introducing ingenious means to survive the hike and the associated hardship, some of which include car-pooling, fuel-

gauge watching, cutting down on the use of car airconditioning and patronising fuel stations selling at lower prices.

Already, the National Bureau of Statistics, in its April inflation report released during the week, revealed that Nigeria’s headline inflation reading rose to 15.6 per cent in May, 2016, about 1.9 percentage points in excess of the previous month’s record of 13.7 per cent.

The latest record did not only indicate a steady rise since last year (except in August, 2015), but also showed a six-year high point, matching the same level as in February 2010

The NBS blamed the rise in the country’s inflation rate on the increase in electricity rate and fuel price among others.

Motorists groan, device means of survival

A motorist, Mr. Jude Umeh, said the fuel price increase has hiked his expenditure and reduced his savings significantly. He said “prior to the increase, I normally drive into a petrol station and ask the fuel attendant to fill up my tank, but I can no longer afford to do that. In the past, when my fuel gauge is showing that

my tank is half way, I used to fill up my tank with about N3,500, but now I cannot afford to fill up my tank from half way.” Umeh said these days, he could only buy fuel as much as his pocket allows, stating that N5,000 can no longer fill his tank when it drops half way.

Another motorist, a businesswoman, Mrs. Agatha Otiti, who drives a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), told Saturday Vanguard that within the first two weeks of the price hike, she spent N27,000 to fuel her vehicle, which forced her to have a rethink on her expenditure as it concerns

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY Vanguard,

JUNE 18, 2016—11

‘Car owners abandon vehicles for commercial buses’

Car owners prefer to go by commercial buses due to hike in fuel price Continues from page 10 fuel.

She explained that these days, she no longer comes to town on a daily basis, from her place in Lugbe, but only ventures out of her home if she is certain she has a business deal to close, which would fetch her reasonable sum of money.

For Mr. Friday Olarewaju, he only comes to work with his car twice in a week and on days when he cannot catch up with the company’s staff bus. He said the decision to limit his driving time was as a result of the high cost of petrol, which he lamented was taking a toll on his finances.

He added that the company’s staff buses had recorded significant increase in staff patronage, as majority of his colleagues had abandoned their cars since the hike in fuel price.

“It was agreed among all the staff that we would be contributing N1,000 each on a monthly basis for fuelling the company’s Toyota Coaster Buses that pick and drop us at bus stops closest to our house on a daily basis. As for me, the bus stop is a walking distance from my house, so it is very convenient for me,” he explained.

Mrs. Anastasia Bakare, said she, her friends and some of her colleagues have reached an unwritten agreement to take turns in driving to the office carrying others.

She said, “When it is your turn to drive, you carry others, and that is how we arrange it on a weekly basis. With this arrangement, I usually end up driving my car to the office only once a week. This has been helpful in reducing the amount I spend on fuel on a daily basis.”

Another motorist who chose not to be named, told Saturday Vanguard that he no longer uses the air condition in his car, so as to conserve fuel.

According to him, I only use my car air condition when it is raining heavily, and when it would be very difficult to drive.

In addition, to save cost, Mr. Usman Salisu said he does not allow his fuel to reach half tank before he goes for fill up.

According to him, allowing the fuel to drop to half tank means one will spend more in filling it up. He explained that fuel drops faster from the mid-point of the tank, stating that from the point at which the tank is full to the mid-point, it takes a little longer.

“If you want to spend less on fuel, once your fuel gauge drops from the point at which it is full, do not let it get to the midpoint before you fill it up again. That way, you might end up spending less for fuel on a weekly basis,” he argued.

A private car owner who spoke to Saturday Vanguard said that since the price increase, he has been mindful of his movements to conserve fuel. He added that filling of his tank is now a thing of the past as he only buys the quantity that would be enough for his immediate use, even as low as two litres.

A commercial bus driver who plies between Iyana Ipaja and Ayobo Road, Matthew Akinpelu complained bitterly over the negative effect of the new price on his transport business. “It is saddening that these days, I hardly make money from my transport

business because of the new fuel price. Before now, I was making a profit of N2,000 with N800 worth of fuel. But that is not the case since a litre of petrol now cost N145.

Presently, when I buy seven litres of fuel for N1,015 and after toiling under the rain from Iyana Ipaja to Ayobo Road, I make N1,000. Tell me, how do I feed my family, pay house rent and meet other responsibilities?”

The price increase has also affected the use of generating sets. Saturday Vanguard investigations revealed that many residents of Lagos no longer keep generators on for long as it used to be. A filling station attendant at Conoil filling station, Olude Bus stop, Ipaja, said due to the new fuel price, the number of residents who flood the filling station, especially in the evenings, to buy fuel has drastically reduced. “Everybody is aware of the high cost of fuel so, we only put on generator when necessary”, a resident, Oluwadare Kosefe, said.

Motorists abandon vehicles

Some motorists in Enugu State have abandoned their vehicles for commuter buses and tricycle operators popularly known as KekeNAPEP following the hike in pump price of petrol even as filing stations in Enugu metropolis and beyond are experiencing a drop in patronage.

Checks at most roads within the metropolis which include New Heaven, Ogui Road,

Penoks-T Junction, which are renowned for traffic gridlock showed that fewer vehicles are on the roads.

Ameobi Chime,a civil servant residing at No. 7 Carter Street,Enugu said, “I parked my car since December during the fuel scarcity that ushered in the increase to N145 per liter from N87.60. I tried to see if I could cope initially when the new price regime came on board but I had to abandon my car. I now go to work by commuter buses. Before I abandoned my car, I was buying fuel worth N3,000 daily which was about 13 litres, but I discovered I could not sustain it. Presently, I spend about N600 daily on intracity fares which is cheaper for me to enable me attend to other family needs.

On his part, a civil servant in Makurdi who craved anonymity told Saturday Vanguard that since the increase in pump price of petrol, he has cut down his weekly budget for fuel purchase.

“Before now, I used to ensure that my tank is filled every week because I move around a lot but as it is now, I have cut down on that. One does not move around except there is need for it. I buy fuel when there is also need for it. One cannot afford that luxury of having a filled tank anymore.”

For Terzungwe Kase, a commercial bus operator, “the new pump price is killing, most of us have now devised what we call, ‘buy as you go’. We buy fuel depending on the volume of passengers we are able to

Continues from page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard,

JUNE 18, 2016

One of the fuel stations in Ibadan

‘Fuel stations record low patronage’ Continues from page 11 convey in a day. Most of us start the day’s work with about 10 litres of fuel and top up as the work progresses since fuel is available though at a higher price which has also forced us to increase transport fare across the state.”

On his part, a barber, James Ameh said, “it is unfortunate that we are paying so much for fuel at this time when feeding has become so difficult. What we do is to buy in small quantity but unfortunately, electricity supply is also not stable, so we are facing a difficult time.”

Most people in some parts of Ogun who spoke with Saturday Vanguard expressed agony over the increment and many of them have resorted to parking their cars at home and taking commercial cabs to get to their destinations.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard, Kunle Olayeni, a journalist and Chairman of Ogun State Correspondents explained that, before the increment, he spent N5,000 to fill his tank but since the increment, he has never bought a full tank.

Olayeni said he only buys 10 litres now which cost him N2,900 and he tops it when necessary.

Also speaking, Olayinka Olukoya, an assistant editor with a national newspaper said she spent N4,500 to fill her tank before the recent increment but she has now resolved to buying N2,000 worth of fuel.

She said “I can no longer afford to buy full tank. The economy is sick. Some of us who have cars don’t usually take our cars out these days, we prefer to go by public transport because it makes economic sense.”

An operator of a barbing salon simply identified as

Akanmu said his car would take 60 litres that used to cost N5,000, but now he only buys fuel worth N2,000, saying he would need to spend N9,000 if he were to fill his tank now.

Mr Idris Kelvin Abu, a motorist, said “I spent N5,200 to fill up my car at the rate of N86 per litre but now I dare not try it, as I will not spend nothing less than N17,000 to fill my tank now.

“For now we can see the fuel everywhere, fuel is at every filing station, there is no more long queue but there is no money to buy it.

Ajani Sodiq, a commercial motorcyclist while sharing his experience said, “I spent N1,200 to fill my motorcycle tank before, but now, I spend nothing less than N1,700. Mr Waheed Ogundele, another motorcyclist narrated his ordeal, saying before the increment, he spent N1,100 to fill his motorcycle tank, but it has jerked up to N1,900. “The only thing I see about the increment is that I can enter filling station at anytime to buy fuel unlike before when we would sleep at filling stations.”

Imoleayo Alade, a driving tutor said he spent N5,000 before the increment, but needs N15,000 to fill his car tank now while Adedokun Adelaja, who drives Sienna SUV said that she spent N4,500 before, while she needs N13,000 to fill her her tank now. Adedokun said “in my life I had never experienced such hardship, I cannot fill my tank again because of the increment.”

Some of the petrol attendants who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity lamented that despite the fact that there is fuel, the number of vehicles that patronise them are very

few. They said even with the low patronage the motorists buy between 10 and 20 litres.

Fuel stations record low patronage

A petrol attendant in one of the filling stations at the High Level area of Makurdi, Benue State capital who gave her name as Rita said there has been low patronage since the introduction of the new pump price. She said, “before now when we were selling at N87 per litre, this place used to be like a war zone with many vehicle owners struggling and shouting to be attended to at the same time. At that time, many would prefer to fill their tanks because it was a lot cheaper to have your tank filled up.

“Unfortunately, today the reverse is the case, as most car owners as well as commercial buses and motorcycle operators would drive in here and buy fuel for as low as N1,000. It’s as bad as that. Besides they come in trickles, sometimes we sit for as long as 30 minutes before you see somebody driving in to buy.”

Another attendant at one of the stations in Makurdi, Abigail Usman told Saturday Vanguard that sales has dropped significantly since the introduction of the deregulation policy.

She said, “Before the increase in price, there was hardly a day we sold less than 10,000 liters of fuel, but now we struggle to make half of that in a day. People prefer to buy in small quantities, maybe because the product is readily available.”

In Lagos, the Manager of Ibukun-Olu Abdul Azeez (Nig.) Ltd, operators of a filling station along Olojo Drive, Ojo, who did not want

his name in print said, “there’s no doubt that the fuel price increase has affected the volume of sales.” He told Saturday Vanguard that it was common, before the fuel price increase, for commercial bus drivers to request their tank to be filled up, which is about 50 litres and above. “But now, very few of them still do that. They prefer to buy as much as they could afford, even as low as10 litres, and then come back to buy again.”

He said as for private car owners, their patronage has drastically reduced. “There are some who would buy as little as two litres. You don’t see them order their tank filled up like they used to”, he said He added that before the price increase, daily sale was in the average of 35,000 litres daily, but that, presently, it would be a good day if they could sell 15,000 litres as sales now waiver between 12,000 and 14,000 litres per day.

It was a similar situation at Forte Oil filling station along Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway by Berger Bus stop, Apapa, where the manager admitted that volume of sales has drastically reduced, and attributed it to the price increase. He said before the price increase, the station would sell between 14,000 to 15,000 litres, but that presently, they sell between 6,000 and 7,000 litres.

Ebere Unazi,an attendant at Mobil Filing Station,Ogui Road in Enugu regretted that the volume of sales has reduced due to the increment in pump price of PMS. “We do not sell as we used to before now. A 33,000 liter fuel which normally lasted a week now stays for months before we finish dispensing it to few motorists. This is because very few people can buy fuel these days at N145. Some of our colleagues were laid off the other day because the employers said the turnover has dropped drastically. We operate on Sundays now to see if we could sell off our stock timely but this has not helped”.

Demand for petrol has reduced by 50 percent —MOMAN

However, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, Chairman, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN and Group Chief Executive Officer of Forte Oil Plc, said the seeming availability of the product is due to the fact that the hike in the price of product has dragged demand for petrol down by 50 per cent.

While the many tales of woes persist, motorists are calling on the Federal Government to introduce measures that would help alleviate the sufferings of people and also take steps to put up palliatives and other incentives that would be beneficial in the short, medium and long term.

Nigerians are also urging the Federal Government to ensure that the refineries are fixed, while oil facilities are adequately protected to avoid disruption in supply of petroleum products across the country.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—13

•Godwin Obaseki •Kenneth Imasuagbon

•Pius Odubu

Edo 2016:

S-h-o-w-d-o-w-n!

APC aspirants in battle of wits

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM, BENIN CITY

T

here is tension in Edo state as political gladiators in the state, particularly those in the All Progressives Congress (APC) file out today for the governorship primaries of the party, ahead the September 10, 2016 governorship election in the state. It is a contest that is parading powerful aspirants and that is why the tension in the party is heightening.

The aspirants who are expected to file out today at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City, include: 1. Dr Pius Odubu (Okakuo), the deputy governor 2. Dr Chris Ogienwonyi, former Minister of state for Works 3. Godwin Obaseki, chairman Edo state Economic and Strategic Team.

4. Kenneth Imasuagbon 5. Prof. Osarhiemien Osunbor, former governor and senator 6. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, former Commander Army Finance Corps.

7. Blessing Agbomhere, 8. Prof Federick Amadasun.

9. Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula, former deputy minority leader, House of Representatives 10. Arch. Austin Ilenre Emuan 11. Comrade Peter Esele, 12. Mrs Agbarha Justina.

The aspirants to watch include Dr.

Pius Odubu, Dr. Chris Ogienwonyi, Mr. Obaseki, Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon, Senator Oserheinmen Osunbor and Gen. Charles Airhiavbere.

The campaign for delegates has in the past two weeks, been smeared by allegations of surreptitious purchase of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs).

Governor Adams Oshiomhole broached the issue for the first time last Wednesday when he met with seven of the aspirants in a meeting with his deputy conspicuously absent. The governor had admonished them to see the primaries as a brotherly one, reminding them to look at the bigger picture.

However, Ogienwonyi raised the issue of purchase of PVCs by some government officials, adding that those perpetrating the act are enemies who intend to rig the primaries. But Prof.

Amadasun and Arigbe-Osula countered his claim. Arigbe-Osula recalled claims that some aspirants had been paying some delegates in the past seven months, saying that was also a crime just like purchasing PVCs. Apparently sensing that he was referring to him, Ogienwonyi explained that he had not paid any delegate rather, that he has used his foundation to give out soft loans to indigent people. But in his swift response, Arigbe-Osula did not believe him and insisted that both those purchasing PVCs and those paying delegates are all guilty.

In his reaction too, Prof. Amadasun Saturday Vanguard learnt, described the actions of the aspirants as a war strategy. However, Oshiomhole

•Charles-Airhiavbere

reiterated his appeal to the aspirants and wished all of them good luck.

Obaseki is enjoying advantages that have turned into disadvantages for other aspirants. He has the advantage of the backing of the government and key political office holders. In the past few days, both the Chief of Staff to the governor, Patrick Obahiagbon (Igodomigodo) and Obaseki’s campaign manager, Osarodion Ogie had been working assiduously in the field to deliver Obaseki. 930 members of Edo in Safe Hands led by Ogie, who are APC delegates endorsed Obaseki in a publication in Vanguard last Thursday.

Oshiomhole’s field soldiers in Edo South including his political adviser Charles Idahosa, Lawrence Orka, Rev. Egharevba, Lucy Omagbon and husband Harrison are all in the field battling Odubu and Ogienwonyi forces. Saturday Vanguard learnt that two meetings called to persuade Odubu to step down for Ogienwonyi to sharpen the attack against Obaseki collapsed as Odubu described it as an insult. Saturday Vanguard learnt that the meeting was arranged by some Benin leaders in the party supportive of Ogienwonyi’s ambition who are worried that it would be difficult defeating Obaseki with both men in the race.

Oshiomhole’s influence is sure to prevail for Obaseki in Edo North given that it is the only district where the APC won all National Assembly seats last year.

In Edo Central, Imasuagbon is strong in this area which is his home base, but he will have to battle the strong Oshiomhole and Odubu’s foot soldiers in this area. Apart from that, he will have to contend with Prof.

Osunbor and Esele, who are from this same district. And in this area, the state chairman

•Chris Ogienwonyi

of the APC, Anslem Ojezua, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly Thomas Okosun, business mogul, Theo Okoh and Chief Francis Inegbeneki are all working for Obaseki. Odubu has a strong politician in this area too, Hon. Oibo, who will work hard to deliver Odubu in this area. To give a boost to Obaseki’s aspiration in this area, leaders of the APC led by the state chairman, last Thursday resolved to back Obaseki and appealed to the leadership of the party to cede the deputy governorship slot to the zone to the chagrin of Imasuagbon.

In Edo South with seven LGAs, the Benin believe it is their turn to shine. This area is the battle field. Benin land had for long been a fertile electoral space for Oshiomhole, and he has strong political allies in the area. The Esan aspirants will have a strong challenge winning in any of the seven Local Governments in Benin land all things being equal. Odubu, Ogienwonyi, and Amadasun will scatter the votes in Orhionwom, but it will be tougher for them if Amadasun decides to step down for Obaseki. If not Odubu is expected to win this area. In Uhumwonde, Charles Idahosa, Oshiomhole Political Adviser is the political leader here, but he is battling with the former House of Reps member, Osagie, who is backing Odubu. Idahosa and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly Aitivie are expected to deliver the majority votes here for Obaseki.

Obaseki is from Oredo and Oshiomhole has his staunch supporters in the person of Lawrence Orka, Igodomigodo, Egharevba and others who will deliver Obaseki. In Egor, another battle field, Odubu has his loyalists here just as Ogienwonyi but a member of the state Assembly Crosby Eribo, who is working for Obaseki, will slug it out with Gentleman Amegor. Odubu’s problem will be if he shares Egor with Ogienwonyi then Obaseki will have the advantage. Ovia North East is Mrs. Omagbon’s domain. She is known as the iron lady a core supporter of Oshiomhole. The chairman of the state Oil and Gas Commission Vincent Uwadia is also from here. As a result, Obaseki may not have much opposition here. In Ovia South West, Harrison Omagbon will be battling Chief Evbonnwa, who is an ardent supporter of Odubu. This area seems good for Odubu, but Harrison, who is backing Obaseki will be hard to brush over.

However, in politics, it is said that it is not over until it is over. Money will also play its role in persuading the delegates so you never can say. But in this race, Oshiomhole’s ruthless political machinery which he has deployed to deliver Obaseki cannot be taken for granted.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

PIPELINE BOMBINGS:

Kachikwu trouble shooting mission to N-Delta •Breaks

new gr ounds ffor or Buhari grounds

By Emma Amaize,

Regional Editor, South-South

T

he Minister of Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, spent the week in Niger Delta region rallying stakeholders, especially militants blowing up oil installations, to stop worrying about the things in the pipeline and the pipeline itself, and allow oil to flow unrestrained in the interest of the nation.

If there is anything the Minister has achieved in the last few days, it is the fact that the stakeholders, militants inclusive, are beginning to put a measure of confidence in him to come to the dialogue.

But, what is uppermost in their mind is if he had the imprimatur of President Muhammadu Buhari to run the process or he was muscling his way as Minister of State for Petroleum to impress his boss. However, those who doubted his capacity were reassured that Buhari purposely declared a two-week ceasefire to pave way for dialogue despite the strong opposition to it. The subtlety of Kachikwu and his team is already paying off.

As at last, Tuesday, June 14, a week after he pulled a break in fighting, what many of the militant groups were talking about was no longer the next pipeline to attack, but how to participate in the proposed dialogue.

However, the delicate peace was shattered Wednesday when the military invaded Tebujor community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West local government area, allegedly hunting for militants.

Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, which earlier on Monday, June 13, gave conditions to participate in the dialogue, reacted barely 24 hours later by bombing a gas pipeline owned by Seven Energy Company, the operator of Ibom Gas Power Plant, Uquo in EsitEket local government area of the state.

However, Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Murtala Mani, refuted the alleged explosion of pipelines at Ikot Osutek, Oruk-Anam, by Avengers, saying the alleged vandalism was an accident caused by a leakage in the gas pipeline. He maintained that it was a technical problem and that some engineers from Port

Harcourt were working to rectify the leakage.

Dr. Kachikwu, who was in a meeting with stakeholders in Delta state for several hours on Wednesday, however, is working round the clock to ensure that the ceasefire remains.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that some of the stakeholders raised the matter at the Asaba meeting and he promised to address it.

Tactical engagement His Niger Delta outing, which was not without its drama started at Uyo, Akwa Ibom, where the Ministry of Information organized a Town Hall meeting.

Kachikwu stated that the country would not totally end pipeline vandalism without creating an enabling environment to empower militants in the region.

He pointed out that with the avalanche of pipeline bombings by the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, it would take nothing less than 15 to 20 years to get infrastructure in the oil sector working and full eradication of climatic effects on the environment.

He said: “Modular refineries are going to be the answer to our problems in the future. We talk about the militants and their agitations; the reality is that until we begin to put things in place that would have these so called ‘militants’ find opportunities in the sector, the destruction is going to continue. “ “I have appealed to those who are breaking oil pipelines for now, the Niger Delta Avengers and everybody else, and as you know, we are engaging in negotiations for us to find peace this week and be able to enter a truce that stops all the destruction,” the minister asserted. .

Uyo performance with Amaechi The drama in Uyo ensued when his colleague, Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi, took over the podium defending the controversial scrapping of the Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Delta state, an issue that is at the heart of demands by the militant groups and other stakeholders.

He said the previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan paid too much to acquire a mere site. In his typical style, he said: “What to do: let

•Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

EFCC retrieve the money and release the money and we build the university. If they bring the N13 billion, I will build the university for them. That’s for land alone.”

“I believe the federal government does not have money.

When we have money, we can continue. The minister of petroleum has said he would look for the money. Minister, give me the money and we continue.”

However, Kachikwu sharply differed with Amaechi, saying he was in support of the project and this drew a loud applause from the audience.

His words: “I disagree with the minister of transport. Any facility in the South-south, we should work towards developing it, I do not care the circumstance. It is not my business whether land was valued at N19 billion or N10 million. We will deal with the issues, but the university will be developed. If he (Amaechi) does not want it in maritime, I will take it in Petroleum.”

IYC slams Amaechi, hails Kachikwu Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, umbrella body of Ijaw youths, slammed Amaechi and thumbed up Kachikwu for his sincerity of purpose, saying, “We strongly commend the pro-Niger Delta position taken by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu.”

IYC spokesperson, Eric Omare, who tore Amaechi’s position apart, said: “Mr. Amaechi stated that N19 billion was used to acquire empty land for the establishment of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko and that he is not part of negotiation with

militants in the Niger Delta region.

Mr. Amaechi’s comment about the acquisition of land for the setting up of the Maritime University is completely wrong and deliberately made to justify his unpopular and anti-Niger Delta opposition to the establishment of the university.”

“The permanent site of the Maritime University is at Okerenkoko town in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West local government area and the land for this site was acquired from the Okerenkoko community at an amount less than N2 billion.”

“After work commenced at the permanent site, the Federal Ministry of Transportation approached Chief Government Ekpemupolo, who owned a Diving School at Kurutie, another community in Gbaramatu Kingodom to acquire his private diving school to be used as temporary site for the Maritime University.

“It is important to note that this Diving School at Kurutue was an existing school with state of the art facilities and structures completely built. In response to the request of the Ministry of Transportation, Chief Ekpemupolo did his own valuation and arrived at about N15 billion, while the Ministry of Transportation did its own valuation and arrived at N13 billion,” the council added. .

Calculated harm IYC explained: “The completed Diving School was then sold to the Federal Ministry of Transportation at the valuation done by the ministry. Therefore, it is deliberate mischief for Mr. Amaechi, who is now the Minister of Transportation

Continues on page 15

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—15

Pipeline bombings: Kachikwu trouble shooting mission to N-Delta Continues from page 14 and has access to all relevant documents to claim that land for the Maritime University, Okerenkoko was acquired at N19 billion to justify his unreasonable and unpopular opposition to the establishment of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko.”

“The land for the university was acquired for less than N2 billion contrary to Mr. Amaechi’s claim. It was the temporary site, which is a completely built up land with structures and world-class facilities that was acquired for about N13 billion, which again is far less than Ameachi’s N19 billion claim,” it said.

Omare added: “The IYC is of the strong view that Mr. Amaechi is aware of the facts but only deliberately misrepresenting the facts to justify his anti-Niger Delta position.”

His words: “We strongly condemn Rotimi Amaechi’s anti-Niger Delta position and commend the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu for standing with the people of the Niger Delta region and endorsing the development of the Niger Delta region. Mr. Kachikwu clearly demonstrated to the world that he is a worthy son and representative of the Niger Delta region.”

“It is surprising that Amaechi who opposed former President Jonathan for not developing the Niger Delta region is now leading efforts to undo the Niger Delta region in the present administration.

“We wish to also state that Amaechi’s opposition to negotiation as a way out of the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region shows that Amaechi is against the success of the Buhari administration. The IYC knows as a fact that it is some top federal officials and party chieftains of Niger Delta origin in the Buhari

administration like Amaechi, who are against negotiation as a way out of the crisis that are frustrating government efforts to negotiate with Niger Delta stakeholders.

“We call on President Buhari to completely disregard the claims of Mr. Amaechi on the Maritime University, Okerenkoko and on moves to settle the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region.

Amaechi’s position is not in the interest of the federal government,” IYC said.

Buhari committed to dialogue In Bayelsa state, Kachukwu, who visited the governor, Seriake Dickson, in the company of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Major General Paul Boroh (retd), said Buhari was committed to dialogue.

He explained that he was in the state to listen to major players and find a lasting solution to the issues surrounding pipeline vandalism, adding: “The President has not focused on the allocation of oil blocs because we think there are more fundamental issues to deal with. We first have to stabilize the sector (and) we are doing a lot of work on that.

“Over the next couple of months, I

think more towards the last quarter of this year, then we will focus on looking at bloc opportunities and at that time we will be able to address what we need to do in terms of that resource.

“I hear loud and clear the call within the Niger Delta community that there is a very urgent need in those allocations to ensure that opportunities get either to state governments or to citizens in the areas where oil is being produced.

“I’m sure that is an area that the President is listening to very carefully and we are going to be working with that,” Dr. Kachikwu said.

Governor Dickson applauded Buhari on his stance for dialogue, advising that nobody should politicize the process of peace building and conflict resolution, while Boroh revealed that the dialogue process with militants and other stakeholders have begun producing desirable results.

Minister reassures stakeholders in Delta In Delta state, the minister was able to pull strategic stakeholders to a preliminary meeting in Asaba with the

governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and others. The major plank of the closed-door discussion was how peace would reign in the state and the leaders signed a communique thereafter.

Saturday Vanguard reliably learned that at the revealing meeting were the spokesperson of Gbaramatu Council of Chiefs, GTC, and Chief Mobilizer of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama and another Gbaramatu leader, Chief Daniel Ekpebide. Also at the meeting were Itsekiri leader and All Progressives Congress, APC chieftain, Chief Ayiri Emami and Okerenkoko leader, Chief Michael Johnny, also an APC stalwart, who with Emami, have not wavered in their battle against Avengers and other militants bombing oil and gas installations in the state.

Kachikwu at the gathering stressed the need for all sides to reach out to the perpetrators to halt the current bombings and allow the oil companies to repair damaged pipelines for oil to flow again.

A source, who attended the meeting, said: “The stakeholders spoke very frankly on the situation in the creeks after which the minister asked for the way out. Some people explained the grievances in the region and abject neglect, but others argued that the issues were well known and should not constitute the basis for blowing up pipelines.”

“It was observed that the internal wrangling among the leaders in the area was deep and the governor was asked to resolve the disagreement, “he added.

“Generally, we all agreed on the need for peace and the minister tasked the leaders that attended to go back and talk to their people. We left the meeting very hopeful that there will be peace in the state and the leaders signed a communique to that effect,” he said.

Plan to delist 5,000 beneficiaries harmful to Amnesty Programme —Ex-militant leader, Muturu

By Oghene Omonisa r Kingsley Muturu is the M Delta State Chairman of the Phase 2 of the Amnesty programme

for ex-militants. In this interview, he expressed displeasure over BrigGen. Paul Boroh’s plan to exit 5,000 beneficiaries of the amnesty programme at the end of this month without putting in place strategies to cater for already trained exmilitants, as well as the issue of delayed in payment of stipends and other issues.

Excerpts: What is the fate of the amnesty programme in the midst of resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta?

The programme is progressing and we believe we have gone far and all things being equal we will get to a successful conclusion.

Already, Boroh has said in an interview with the Vanguard newspaper that 5,000 beneficiaries will be exited from the programme at the end of this month followed by another batch in December next year. Does this indicate that the

government is actually committed to the execution of the programme?

First, I want to advise Boroh not to take hasty decisions without proper foundation otherwise he may sabotage the efforts of government all these years. Niger Delta exmilitant leaders have frowned at the plan to delist 5,000 beneficiaries from the programme at the end of this month. We are saying that the decision is ill-timed and detrimental to the ex-agitators and the programme. For us, we know that government has not fulfilled its side of the agreement. We have not been paid our benefits, monthly stipends are in arrears and the trained ones amongst us have not been engaged or empowered.

Will you agree that he may have already put such plans in place before taking this decision?

You cannot delist beneficiaries before announcing

*Muturu

any plan of empowerment or engagement. You must show that things have already been done for people to see that you are serious or sincere and not the other way round. Those of us who are ex-militant leaders in phase 2 advised Boroh to rescind his hasty decision in order not to compound issues in the region.

Presently, we are not aware that any proper plan of engagement or empowerment for trained agitators had been put in place by government. If Boroh’s statement in his interview in the Vanguard newspaper should be taken seriously, it would mean 5,000 ex-agitators would be out on the streets without proper care at the end of this month which will not be helpful to the system.

In essence what is your position,?

We, the exmilitant leaders have

met over this sudden development from Boroh and we hereby advise him to consult widely before embarking on such a sensitive decision as the federal government’s amnesty programme should not be jeopardized after spending much time, efforts and money in the process. We also use this medium to urge government to review the 2016 budget for the programme because the figure as it is appears inadequate for the successful implementation of the programme.

We are against Boroh’s hasty decision because it is detrimental to us and it also not in the interest of the amnesty programme.

Have you tried to find out reasons for this plan to delist some beneficiaries of the programme?

We were not given any prior knowledge, we only saw it in the media. We will not agree with him to even delist one beneficiary without following due process. Boroh should not take a decision that would impact negatively on smooth completion of the programme because the federal government should fulfil its part of the agreement before disengagement.

16—SA TURD AY 16—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Militants see me as a solution to N-Delta crisis —Judith Asun

•Where militants missed the point •Day Odi residents ambushed me

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, South & South & Perez Brisibe

S

HE came to Nigeria about 45 years ago when many of today’s Niger Delta militants were yet unborn or still toddlers. Former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, was about three years at the time and since militancy manifested in the region, she has been actively involved in the process of resolving the conflict, interfacing with both government and militants.

Saturday Vanguard met the Executive Director of Academic Associates PeaceWorks, Chief Dr. Judith Burdin Asuni, Tuesday, in her office and it did not take time to comprehend the reasons why militants recognize her as part of the answer to the vexed problem of the region.

Asuni, a graduate of Cornwell University and OmotoyiboRovie of Ughelli Kingdom in Delta State, fondly called ‘Mama Militant’ said government could have averted the current chapter of militancy if it did not ignore early warning signals.

I fell in love with Nigeria She said: “I have been here 45 years, after graduation from Cornell University, I taught in Ghana for two years where I had some good Nigerian friends whom I came to visit in Ibadan. I fell in love with Nigeria and stayed. Expatriates tend to either hate or love Nigeria; I was in the latter category.”

“I eventually married a Nigerian psychiatrist, Prof.

Tolani Asuni and we had three beautiful babies. My husband died five years ago, but I am still here because I love what I do. I was running a study abroad for C M Y K

American undergraduates in Nigeria. People asked if it was possible for young Nigerians to do similar programmes in the US. How it all started “Rather than take them abroad, I looked at what I thought were the problems of Nigeria and decided that ethnic and religious conflicts were the biggest challenges. At that time, no one was working on conflict management in Nigeria.

“Therefore, in 1992 I started the work, learning on the job and creating the field as we went along. It is very emotionally enjoyable to create a new activity and see the positive impact it has on people’s lives,” she added.

Asuni recollected, “Whenever I arrive at the Lagos Airport from abroad, Immigration Officers always try to put me in the foreigners’ line. Other people in the Nigerian line are amazed at my green passport. When I married in 1976, I decided that Nigeria is my country and I am determined to make it better.”

My chieftaincy title On how an American woman became a traditional chief in Ughelli kingdom, Delta state, she smiled, saying: “The then Group Managing Director, GMD, of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Funsho Kupolukun, asked us to organize the first Niger Delta Stakeholders’ workshop in Port Harcourt in 2004. A year later, we held the second of such workshop in Warri.

My staff told me they were taking me somewhere and I would come back looking different.”

“I thought that they wanted to tie double wrapper for me. I told them I was too busy, as we had the Minister of Petroleum, the GMD and other dignitaries coming to the meeting and I did

• Chief Dr Dr.. Judith Burdin Asuni

Rather than take them abroad, I looked at what I thought were the problems of Nigeria and decided that ethnic and religious conflicts were the biggest challenges. At that time, no one was working on conflict management in Nigeria not have time to leave the venue.

After the opening ceremony, the Ovie of Ughelli told me that he was disappointed that I did not come, as he wanted to give me a chieftaincy title for my work on resolving the interethnic conflict in Warri.

“Later, we went to Ughelli and he, indeed, gave me a chieftaincy title, which means “the King’s favorite white person”. Ironically, since then we have worked in Ughelli Kingdom on building better relationships between communities and companies, and currently on reducing cultism in Ughelli. Therefore, my work has brought me back to my kingdom,” she said.

What went wrong with the

agitation?

She told Saturday Vangaurd: “Since I started working with militants during the peace process in Rivers State in 2004, I have come to know ex-agitators like Tompolo, Ateke Tom, Henry Okah, Dokubo-Asari, Boyloaf and some of the newer players. I think that when MEND first came to the public in 2006, they had some principles.”

“For example, the MEND demands of March 1, 2006 outlined four conflict drivers in the Niger Delta: lack of political participation, lack of socioeconomic development, lack of participation in the oil and gas industry, and over militarization of the region.

Unfortunately, many of these principles got lost for many of the militants through the introduction of money and patronage,” she asserted.

Early warning signals overlooked The conflict management expert explained: “Many discussions have held on television, especially in the past few months on the problems in the Niger Delta, so I do not need to delineate them again.

In 2006, I gave a lecture at the University of Port Harcourt outlining the four conflict drivers listed above.”

“In 2016, I gave another lecture at the University of PortHarcourt, Uniport and pointed

Continues on page 17

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—17

Continues from page 16

shows that you can change attitudes and behavior, but unless the C for context changes, peace cannot be consolidated. Indeed because the context had not changed, our peace builders were not safe and former enemies took them out, one by one.

“Then of course, my sixweek detention in 2007 came as a rude shock. I had worked closely with the Nigerian government and suddenly, they accused me of being a foreign spy. However, I knew that eventually truth would prevail and indeed, it did, with the charges against me dropped.

“My happiest moment aside from family joys was the 2004 Rivers peace process. In a meeting with the former governor, Peter Odili, Casi had expressed joy at having the crazy cycle of violence stopped. The militants themselves and anyone affected by that violence were very relieved that it had stopped. How sad that because of the fundamental issues that have not been addressed, we are now back at a new peak of violence in the Niger Delta,” she said.

out that except for political participation, none of these conflict drivers has really been addressed.

“So now, 10 years later, we have come full circle. For more than a year now, I have been trying to get the message to Federal Government for them to come to the South- South and talk to their citizens, the same for the South East.

“Unfortunate comments made by some federal government officials gave the impression that the areas that did not vote for APC would receive less attention.

The warning signs have been building for a year; rumblings of Biafra agitation and discontent in the Niger Delta should have been detected and responded to much earlier,” she said.

Her words: “This could have prevented the current crisis in both the South -South and the South -East. Presentations were made in January/February 2016 about the impending attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, but the people in power did not take them seriously and did not take necessary steps to investigate and prevent the attacks.”

Avengers Asuni added: “In the alternative dispute resolution spectrum, communication is the very first option for any problem. From there, you go to negotiation. If that fails, you try mediation then arbitration. Litigation, that is going to court is the last resort.

In the same way, bombing people is a last resort. The Niger Delta Avengers say that they are ready to dialogue with credible people.

They want representatives of the international community there.

Members of the international are very concerned and are ready to participate.”

Uyo meeting of 50 elders On the meeting of 50 selected South-South leaders recently in Uyo, organized by her organization, she asserted: “As I said, for one year I have been encouraging federal government to come and dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta. When that did not happen, we decided to organize such a dialogue. The Vice President was invited and his office was interfacing with us.

Unfortunately, for us, he became the acting President just before the meeting, so he did not attend and did not send any representative.”

“This is unfortunate, as the people of the Niger Delta want to talk to government and not just about the current militancy crisis.

The chairman of our Niger Delta Dialogue, held on June 10, HRM Alfred Diete Spiff suggested setting up a mediation or contact group to intervene in the current crisis. We are working on this, bringing in genuine leaders (traditional rulers, elders and

•Burdin Asuni

Where militants missed the point youth) from the region,” she added.

Militants killed an ex-militant in our office The crusade has not been unpleasant incidents. Asuni recalled some. “In the course of my work, I have crisscrossed not only the Niger Delta, but also most of Nigeria, traveling by speedboat on rough seas and lorry on mountainous roads at night to meet various agitators. I have enjoyed a certain protection from militants, as they see me as part of the solution,” she said.

“Some of our workers have not had the same good fortune. For example in November 2006, we were putting finishing touches to a nonviolent election rally when militants stormed our office in Port Harcourt, using the opportunity of ex-militants from various groups being together in one place. They killed an ex-militant, Yellow Man, who was their target,” she added.

Day Odi residents ambushed me She stated: “Unfortunately, another innocent by-stander was also killed and several other people

suffered injuries. Another time I went to meet with Ken of Odi. When his people demanded a large sum of money to talk to him, I said I had no such money and tried to leave. They ambushed me, so I sat in my bus until they decided that I was not going to budge. Eventually we talked. Passive resistance is a useful skill for any peace worker.”

Saddest and happiest moments in Nigeria She heaved a sigh, “My saddest moments have been the times that my stepdaughter Titi was killed in a car accident and my stepson Jimi, in a plane crash. Another sad moment was when one of the three Wise Men, Casi, had his head blown off by a member of his former enemy group. After the 2004 peace accord in Rivers State, three of the former militants- Casi of Icelando, Olo of KKK and JP of Greenlanders- formed the 3 Wise Men to work for peace.

“The ABC Triangle of conflict

Family life Asuni added: “Before my detention in 2007, I was very absorbed in my work and sometimes, my family took second place, however, while in detention, I came to know who were my real friends and supporters. My family stood with me throughout. Now I am careful to spend time with them and be with them, especially at important times.”

“For example, I have spent weeks or months doing “omugwor ” with each of my new grandbabies, whom I absolutely adore. My oldest daughter is in the US with her husband and three children, my middle daughter is in London with her husband and three children, and my youngest daughter is in Lagos with her husband. I move around to spend sufficient time with each of them.

“They know that I love my work and will drive everyone crazy if anyone tried to make me sit at home in retirement,” she said.

My best Nigerian food…hmm While she spoke with passion about every other thing, the conflict management expert refused comments on the Nigerian delicacy she loves more and the one she loves cooking. Her simple response was, “Let us not discuss food. It is not important, but yes, I eat mainly Nigerian food.”

18—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

PMB in one year: A large hunter’s bag with little game content

By Dr Gani Enahoro

D

r. Gani Enahoro, is the Vice President, African Veterinary Association, AVA and the Immediate Past President, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA. He assesses President Muhammadu Buhari’s one year in office highlighting the misses and disappointment of the government.

Assessing the past one year of President Muhammad Buhari’s (PMB) government is a mixed bag of hard work and successful outcomes on some fronts, near misses in some cases and disappointment in a few places.

For a government whose slogan is “change”, it must be difficult or out rightly unfair to pass a verdict on a journey of four years in its first faltering year, when systematic steps are required to form the base for the envisaged heights. However, without doubts, there was no better time than now for a formidable foundation to be laid for international trust in our country, and the much touted possibility of direct foreign investment (DFI) to this country.

Kudos to the President, because the country that was a pariah state in the past due to widespread corruption is now leveraging on his famed integrity. There is a very good perception today that Nigeria can be a home to foreign

investors and in many cases donor agencies can hopefully increase their activities, without reminding us of the hate speech of the garrulous US Republican Party Presidential Aspirant Donald Trump, whose theorem of America colonizing us to manage our funds away from our leaders ‘itchy fingers’ was made in bad faith.

President Muhammad Buhari’s Administration in the past one year has been low on the economy so far •President Buhari but quite heavy on foreign diplomacy shuttles, that many have criticized for its extensive worldwide itinerary, meant to shore up Nigeria’s visibility in order to launder a new and better image for the country. But for me, I will team up with those who consider this strategy as a worthwhile and effective weapon.

PMB has done very •Gani well in that regard.

Enahoro It is like we have just gained independence and we are a new bride of PMB, when it is weighed now. This has been managed very against the rots that our encouragingly by the government leaders in recent and distant

Dwindling Federal allocation: Benue resorts to IGR with new innovations

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

I

t is no longer news that the country is facing serious economic challenges as a result of the falling prices of crude which has prompted a decline in the income of the three tiers of government in the country.

The development has left a huge gap in the finances of virtually all the states of the federation forcing most of them to seek alternative sources of revenue, if they must meet their various financial obligations.

State governments were left with the choice of ensuring fiscal discipline aside taking decisive steps to improve their Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, profile in order to surmount the obvious challenges.

The Benue state government therefore had no option but to reposition the Benue Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, for optimum performance and in doing this, it went ahead to reorganize and reconstitute the board and leadership of the organization.

The government also brought in a tax expert, Mrs. Mimi Adzape-Orubibi who shortly after her appointment about six months ago went immediately to work with a view to boosting the state’s IGR. One of the new innovations of the board was the introduction of the Point of Sale, POS, devices in the collection of revenue across the state coupled with the introduction of a central tax and revenue collection system in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs of the state and appointment of tax consultants and agents.

With the introduction of the POS devises which comes with its inbuilt receipts, the former practice of issuing manual receipts to tax payers which provided avenue for tax collectors to

fleece the government was effectively eliminated.

Moreso the haphazard collection of revenue and taxes in the MDAs which before now provided a platform for inherent fraud associated with some government officials was checkmated with the central tax and revenue collection system.

The policy entailed that government revenue was collected by BIRS staff and agents electronically and thereafter transferred to a central pool at the Accountant General’s office so as to ensure that all revenue leakages were virtually blocked.

The new revenue drive also required that the commissioned agents of the board were given monthly targets on revenue collection, failing which the contracts would be terminated.

Suffice it to state here that this new policy direction though laudable met some stiff challenges from some government officials and civil servants who were used to the old order and who felt that the new policy was an affront of some sort.

Commenting on the issue, the Executive Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Orubibi said the innovation had boosted the revenue profile of the state but not without some resistance from the MDAs who were averse to the order of change.

She said, “we had challenges with the MDAs, when we introduced some innovation in tax collection, the reason being that some used to collect revenues and do not remit same to the coffers of government. “On assumption of office, I introduced the use of the Point Of Sales, POS, device in the collection of taxes.

Before now people printed their own receipts and diverted the monies.

“But in accordance with the provisions of section 24(8)(a) BIRS law we are

•Governor Samuel Ortom mandated to assess all taxable persons chargeable with tax in Benue state, while subsection (b) says we should collect, recover and pay all revenues into the consolidated revenue account of the state.

“Section 12 (6)(8) of the same law is also explicit, which says that if the Board deems it necessary it will appoint consultants, agents and accountants to collect all revenue from all MDAs. It also permits us to make these appointments in exclusion of the MDAs. It is explicit.

So that was where we had issues.

“The good thing is that we now operate a non cheque account. Once money is paid in, it is automatically transferred into the Accountant General’s account.

“Nobody is permitted to handle cash anymore. We have brought in a lot of changes. Before now the MDAs had numerous revenue accounts.

What they were doing was that they pay into such accounts and withdraw at will. “But when I came in, in line with section six of the Revenue Administrative Act of Benue State,

past foisted on us. We all truly in the micro or macro opportunity available to us, need to tell the larger world that our old ways have indeed passed away, even when we know that time and time alone would bear us out.

Another strategy that the President has fallen back on, is his ‘tough man’ stance as a nononsense former Head of State.

President Buhari has deliberately or inadvertently played up the role of body language in his style of governance, the famous “New Sheriff in town” disposition, which has oiled the public relations machinery of PMB Government in the past one year over and above the scarce policy pronouncements that were being eagerly awaited to transform or strengthen the polity.

The hype of body language is a good tool in the short run of leadership but it is not a fantastic virtue, and it is prone to expire quickly if not effectively followed by a sustained regime of “reward for good and punishment for evil doing”.

The trust invested by Nigerians in PMB is currently huge and must not be misplaced or taken for granted, and should not be hinged on body language alone.

People want to see action and more action. which says we should close all unauthorised revenue accounts of the MDAs, I wrote the banks and the MDAs to close such accounts.

“Though most of them didn’t find it funny, thank God we had the support of Governor Samuel Ortom because if we must instill tranparency and accountability in the handling of government revenue the law must be applied to the letter.

“The fact is that since the introduction of these innovations we have been witnessing a steady growth in our IGR, not forgetting that the government has given us a monthly target of N1.5billion to complement the meagre monthly allocation from the federation account, and we are determind to meet that target.”

“Happily the people of the state have keyed into concept and vision of the Governor, it is paying off because the successes we are recording is obviously a clear indication that the people believe in the steps the Governor has taken to bring tangible development to the state.”

Commenting recently on the issue, Governor Samuel Ortom said before the advent of his administration and the innovation the leadership of the BIRS introduced, the state’s IGR hovered around an average of N250million monthly. He said, “however, with the innovations we have in place, we are witnessing a steady growth in the IGR and today we are doing an averaging of N500million monthly and it is improving.

“This has boosted the financial strength of the government that is why we will continue to support the BIRS because it plays a critically role in our quest to improve our revenue fortune in the face of dwindling allocation from the federation account.

“In doing this, nothing would be done outside the provisions of the law; because as a government we will continue to ensure that our tax laws are designed and implemented with a human face.” the Governor said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—19

By Femi Kehinde

E

very town or community has its shining stars, that would etch the name of the community or town in the heart of the people Awolowo’s Ikene, Samuel Ladoke Akintola’s Ogbomoso, Tafawa Balewa’s Bauchi, Jonathan’s Otuoke and William Shakespare’s stratford - upon Avon, United Kingdom and Fagunwa’s Okeigbo.

Daniel Orowole, later (Olorunfemi) Fagunwa, was born to a family of Christian pioneers in Okeigbo, in present day Ondo State, in 1903, Aderinsoye Ologbenla, an Ooni elect who had reigned in Ile-Ife for eight years and continued in this capacity until his death in 1893, was a scion of the Giesi ruling house, Ile-Ife. His name was Aderinsoye, but popularly called Derin. The short form of his name,”Ologbenla” is one of his praise names, meaning-”a person who inflicts heavy wounds.”

After Derin Ologbenla’s army, in his war expedition, had conquered the Ondos, he left Ondo to pitch his army in Olori-Igbo, seven miles to Ondo.

Later, his army decided to found a town, in memory of their conquest and chose the present Okeigbo site, where they first passed their fateful night; “let’s move to this hill in the bush.”(Oke Igbo).

Okeigbo is a hilly and thickly forested environment. Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, attended St. Luke’s Primary School, Oke Igbo, from 1916 to 1924 and then taught there afterward, as a pupil teacher for a year. He then trained as a teacher of St. Andrew’s College Oyo, from 1926 to 1929. He was the foundation Headmaster at St Andrew’s Practising Primary School, Oyo from 1930 to 1939. It was in Oyo that his writing skill blossomed, most especially in folk philosophy, which draws heavily on folk tale traditions, including supernatural elements,gnomes, witches, wizards and Yoruba hunters who were usually his heroes.

He pioneered Yoruba Language novel and remains the most widely read Yoruba language author and major influence on other writers like Amos Tutuola, author of “The Palm Wine Drinkard”.

In 1938, he entered a literary contest with his first major work-”Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo in irunmale” which was widely considered to be the first novel written in any African language. The suspecting that he was not a human being. He Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, used to come out of the bush to buy yam and translated this book into English returned there. The bush path did not lead to Language in 1968 as “The Forest of a anywhere. The woman then contacted some Thousand Demons.” His later work hunters and villagers to search the bush. God include “Igbo Eledumare” (Forest of saved him, the period they came was when he God) in 1949, “Ireke Onibudo”(The had gone to buy yam, otherwise they would have Sugar Cane of the Guardian) in 1949, searched the place and could have killed him.

“Irinkerindo ninu Igbo Elegbeje” He was returning to the bush after buying yam (Expedition to the mount of thoughts) in when those men stopped him.

1954 and “Adittu Olodumare”(The They asked him where he was going and Secrets of the Almighty) in 1961. He where he came from, he said he told them story was also writing Part 2 of “Adittu about himself. They asked-”you say you are Olodumare” which he called “Ireola writing a book, is it in the bush that writers Olodumare” (Experience the Land of work?” They followed him inside the bush and the Almighty), before his demise. behold, they saw a chair and table and books on Unfortunately, nobody could trace the the table. They asked him where he originated manuscript, after his passage. from, he told them that he was the Headmaster Writers are usually strange people. of St. Andrew’s Practicing School, Oyo, that was William Shakespeare married at the how they spared him. After he had finished age of 18, to 26-year-old Anne writing the book, the problem of printing and Hathaway. Due to the haste in the publishing then arose. Being his first outing, he marriage, the marriage ban was read could not make headway, until someone told once, instead of the usual three times, him to go to CMS in Lagos. CMS Bookshop perhaps as part of episcopal conspiracy. was then into book selling and publishing.

He died within a month of signing his When he was on holidays, he went to Lagos. will, on the 3rd of May 1515 at the age He met with the General Manager of CMS of 52 years. While William and told him about his book. The General Shakespeare, as an English Poet, Manager asked a Yoruba staff to study the Playwright and Actor could be regarded book. The Yoruba man, after assessing the as the greatest writer of English book for about 30 minutes reported to his Literature, in the same way, Daniel boss, that “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Olorunfemi Fagunwa could also be Irunmale” was a master piece. CMS accorded recognition, as the greatest accepted the manuscript and Fagunwa was writer of the Yoruba Language shocked when they asked him how much Literature. they should pay for it. After a little bargain, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa wrote they offered him £20 which he declined and “Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmale”, later settled for £25, which he accepted. while serving as the Headmaster of St. They asked him-”do you want cash or cheque?”

Andrew’s Practicing School, Oyo, from he said cash, because cheque was not popular 1930 and 1939. then. In fact in Ibadan, there were only two In the course of writing the book, banks- Barclays bank and Bank of British West Fagunwa like a mystic, had to look for a Africa which has now metaphorsised into Union bush path. He left Oyo town and moved BankPlc and First Bank Plc respectively. From towards Ibadan road. Somewhere those £25, he prepared for the wedding to his along the road, he created a path, first wife. He bought a brand new bicycle, through a bush, to a very big tree, which gramo phone with some records, iron bed, was so huge, that one could not see sunmattress and so many other things. He was rays under the tree. He brought a small sufficiently buoyant enough from those 25 table, a chair and books underneath the pounds, to hire a vehicle from Lagos, to bring tree, to begin writing his first novelhim to Oyo with his treasured luggage. When he ”Ogboju Ode ninu Igbo Irunmale”. got to Oyo, his dumb founded fiancée, asked He did not know, that opposite the bush him where he got money to buy these treasured path he created, there was a woman items; and that was how the encouragement selling yam and other things in a kiosk. and inspiration to write further books started.

He did not know that the woman was “Ogboju Odeninu Igbo Irunmale”, an epic folk-

from the government service to join Fagunwa in Heinemann Publishers.

Unfortunately, Fagunwa died at the end of the second year and was succeeded by Aigboje Higo.

Fagunwa’s last voyage was equally interesting and mystical. His boss in Heinemann London had sent him a cablegram, that Alan Hill and Chris Ambrose were coming to Nigeria and that he should fly from Ibadan to Kano, to meet them at the Kano Airport. The driver took the car and left in advance to Kano from Ibadan.

Fagunwa flew to Kano and met them. After meeting the Heinemann duo, of Alan Hill and Chris Ambrose, they discussed the growth of the Publishing House and how to source for good writers in Nigeria.

Allan and Chris returned back to London and Fagunwa had to come back to Ibadan by road. Fagunwa was stopping on his way back to Ibadan to visit schools, ministries of Education, until he got to Bida. It was late, so he slept in a hotel. The following morning, he left because there was a river Wuya on the way, that had no bridge.

There, they had to take a ferry, conveying people and vehicles across the river. He woke up early, because he thought he was going to queue at the river, but when he got to the bank of the river, they were disappointed, because there was no one there at all. He told his driver, James, an Ibadan man, to wait, while he followed one path by the bank of the river. The driver shortly after Fagunwa left him, started hearing splashes of water, only to realize that Fagunwa had slipped by the river bank into the river. The canoe by the river side had also unfortunately tumbled on Fagunwa, thus the efforts to swim across the river and also rescue him, failed, because it was dawn and hammattan was also at its peak.

Fagunwa’s body was discovered three days after. According to the villagers, if an elephant fell into the river, after one night, it would not be found again.

But there was no scratch on Fagunwa’s tale novel, dealt mainly with the body when he was discovered the third adventures of Akara Ogun (the day. He was found fresh, erect and was hunter’s saga) about witches, also still holding his eye glasses. His monsters, gnomes, magics and witchcrafts. His language was vivid-”a wrist watch and other accessories were intact. He still had his cap on his head. sad man a liar” and also pungentHe still had his shoes on and also his ajepo n bele ni iya mi (my mother is a complete agbada. first class witch) Fagunwa’s remains were buried at Fagunwa in his writing saga, had very little time to himself, even though the cemetery of the St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Oke-Igbo- his home town on he was married to two wives. He used to get up in the night and drive out. He the 10th of December, 1963. His body did not disappear as was being went to cemeteries and other places, speculated. He was from a Christian sat there and thought of what to write home. His father was the Baba Ijo of with an expectation, that perhaps a Saint Luke’s Church (Church Patriarch) spirit would come up and say in Okeigbo and his mother at a later something to him. His Personal date also, became the IyaIjo (church Assistant/ Confidant, Anthony Olajide Fayemi-an indigene of Ile-Ife, recalled matriach) of the same church. He was a regular member of the Saint James that if you travelled with Fagunwa from Ibadan to Lagos, when there was Anglican Church, Oke-bola Ibadan (now Cathedral) and also his home not much traffic gridlocks, you church at Oke Igbo. wouldn’t arrive there until about 3pm Despite being an imaginative writer, or 4pm… Why? writing about bizzare and fairy tales, He never went straight to his about “iwin” and demons, he was destination. If a rabbit ran across the certainly not one. road, he would ask the driver to stop, He was married to two wives and had he would check where it passed and five children- two from the first wife and ask what it meant if a rabbit came his last three, from the second wife. from the left side of the road to the His first wife was from Ode-Omu in right side. He would query himself. If Osun State, while his second wife is it was a bird, he would stop and if the from Oke Igbo, in Ondo State. bird flew or ran somehow, he would Daniel, the first Yoruba writer, have something to put down. perhaps after Bishop Samuel Ajayi Fagunwa was always constantly Crowder interpreted the English Bible researching and writing. He was always with a pen and paper in his car, into Yoruba Language, should be recognized, applauded and celebrated while sitting comfortably at the back always. of his car while being driven.

He was a holder of the M.B.E As an iconoclastic Yoruba writer, he (Member of the Order of the British was chief interpreter (from English to Empire) in 1959 and was also awarded yoruba), to the Premier/Governor of the Margaret Wrong Price in 1955. the Western Region, while in The contemporary World should, government service. When you read apart from just naming a high school in his book, you would think that the his honour- Fagunwa Memorial High book was written by a demon. He left School, Okeigbo, extend his government service in December recognition, beyond the frontiers of Oke 1961, to work as the first Nigerian Igbo- his home town, Fagunwa should Manager and Representative, to be regionally and nationally establish the Nigerian Office of applauded.

Heinemann Publishers and he started Heinemann Publishers from his (Hon.)Barr. Femi Kehinde is a House in Ojanla Street, Oke-Ado former Member, House of Ibadan.

Representatives, Anthony Fayemi, his Personal National Assembly, Abuja, Assistant/Confidant, also, had to retire

DANIEL OL OR UNFEMI FFA AGUNW A; 11905-1 905-1 963: OLOR ORUNFEMI GUNWA; 905-1963:

The strange story of a

mystic writer, researcher •Wrote his first novel from the bush

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Buhari vs The Niger Delta Avengers:

Time to take the bull by the horns T

he Niger Delta Avengers have left a trail of kept promises and a crippled economy. They are in unambiguous terms, economic terrorists. They have tried to hide their sophistication with a fig leaf of poorly scripted twitter feeds. They pretend to defend the interests of the people of Niger delta but are not ashamed to publicize their diabolical affiliations with corruption. The Avengers may indeed be naïve and reckless. But those , whose surrogatestheyare,whohaveinstigated this violence , are cold , and criminally manipulative.What the avengers representisfrightening.Theyrepresent the prospect of the annihilation of the largest country in Africa by small scale banditry. The bulk of the Niger Delta militants have been stunned by theroguishnessoftheAvengersandtheir ‘photocopies’. But the real calamity lies in what the Avengers truly portend.

The effective criminal employment ofethnictensionsandseparatistfeelings to repudiate all aspirations to accountable governance. And the government? The coward says he runs away to live another day. But in truth he dies everyday he runs away.

Niger delta has suffered chronic injustices of deprivation, neglect and environmental degradation. Oil exploration has left the Niger delta and its ordinary people impoverished.

So for any Niger deltan , with a scheminglittlemind,crassopportunism can be disguised as freedom fighting .

The amnesty programme notwithstanding. But subsequent to that program, and since the consensus supports the programme, any recourse to militancy must meet new

•Niger Delta Avengers

If the nation is so weak it cannot contain the insurgency in the delta then it must be bold enough to publicly admit her impotence

requirements of moral legitimacy. A resort to militancy by a renegade group of ex-militants is contemptuous of the collective,tyrannical. And this is why.

The Niger delta has sufficient internal self determination.The region has uninhibited political participation. It is true democracy has yielded neither effective representation nor development yet . But neither the Hausa Fulani nor the Igbo decides for the indigenous peoples of Niger delta whom their leaders and political priorities are. The region has the political capacity, if energies are well funneled, within the existing framework , to pursue and defend its economic interests. These renegade militants and their sponsors lack the moral authority to champion that cause. And no such unilateral undertaking can represent the diversity that the Niger delta is. Those who seek to plunge the Niger Delta into violence must seek the prior consent of the Niger delta collectivity.

If they have the popularity they claim,and the mandateofthosetheypretendtorepresent,theyshould assert themselves through the states’ legislatures. The houses can pass resolutions to support these agitations and clothe them with political legitimacy. We are supposed to be a civilized democratic country.

Easy recourse to violence is the height of tyranny.

It is tragic that the government has responded to this brazen criminality with utter confusion.

Demagoguery comes in many shapes. When a government abandons a principled deterrent

Marking first year of the 8th Senate with celebration

By Dafe Umukoro s the 8th Senate of the Federal Re A public of Nigeria, presided over

by Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki,

rolled into its first anniversary last Thursday, June 9, many Nigerians have had cause to give deep thoughts on how the Senate fared in the past one year. Not unlike Nigerians, this Senate, across the land, has received kudos and knocks over its achievements and challenges.

However, it will not be difficult for every keen and well-informed observer of this Senate to conclude that this past one year recorded commendable achievements that have contributed to the consolidation of our democratic process, and which calls for celebration.

Within this one year, the Senate passed the long-awaited Cyber Crime Bill into law. It will be recalled that in the past 10 years, several bills on cybercrime had been pushed to the National Assembly by the Nigerian Information Technology experts, but none scaled through the final reading. Many of the bills did not even get a mention, but during the past year, one of the bills eventually passed through the final reading and was approved by Senate, a development that has drawn commendations from ICT professionals in the coun-

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•Senator Bukola Saraki try. Also, the Senate passed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016, to increase the number of judges in the High Court of the FCT from 37 to 75. Sponsored by Joshua Lidani (Gombe South), and co-sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, David Umaru, and Sen. Andy Uba

stand against criminality to satisfy even popular but irrational sentiments, its legitimacy depreciates. No one expected the engagement with militants hiding in cranniesinswampstobeeasy.TheNiger delta doesn’t lend itself to easy military engagements. But no one expected the government not to have a contingency plan to deal with foreseeable fallouts of the acrimonious 2015 elections. This flare up was foreseeable, foreseen and foretold. Since prevention didn’t happen, where is a containment strategy? Sending troops to occupy and leave sorrow in villages , in a supposed search for militants they know they won’t find, is baffling. It is not surprisingthattheAvengersareblowing pipelines at will and growing effrontery.

It is shocking that in the face of that economic emergency of colossal proportions,thefederalgovernmenthas not proclaimed a state of emergency in the affected areas. A state of emergency is not synonymous with an occupation by vindictive soldiers. It is the disruption of the political linkages and loyalties that have been implicated in this criminal enterprise. It will give room for true vigilantes to express themselves and protect their commonwealth.

Rather than send the right signal, that a return to militancy would be prohibitively exorbitant, the government has declared a ceasefire and called for negotiations. The Avengersmaybedelinquentyouths,but they are surrogates of corruptand wily politicians. And they are playing dangerous political games with the testicles of the nation. Corruption is fighting back and the government is, wilting.

Conversations are good, but negotiations with insurgents while they have their fangs on the aorta of the nation cannot be passed off as consensus building.

The timing of the call for negotiations elaborates the helplessness of the federal government. It speaks of worrisome impotence. The willingness to negotiate the sovereignty of the nation with renegade militants, agents of corruption, is humiliating. Such a declaration of abject weakness is an open invitation to other militants to return to the creeks. The Avengers have during this period of timidity, euphemistically referred to as ceasefire, gone about blowing federal assets. Some say it’s pragmatism. I say it is a pathetic act of cowardice. No one precludes negotiations if the nation has met more

(PDP-Anambra South), the passage followed a clause by clause consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill. Similarly, the enactment into law of the Insolvency and Debt Recovery Bill 2015 sailed through.

There is also the on-going consideration by the 8th Senate, of the amendment to the Public Procurement Act. And in April this year, the Senate re-introduced the controversial and long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which is also called the Petroleum Industry and Governance Bill, PIGB, and which seeks to give the country’s oil and gas industry a comprehensive legal framework and also provide the basis for the unbundling of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, into five independent commercial entities.

Worthy of mention is the amendment of the outdated Railway Act which is about to be concluded.

There is the review of 54 laws affecting ease of doing business in Nigeria with a view to amending them. Still within this one year, 162 motions were considered and resolutions of top benefits to Nigerians passed. These include, among others, the ones on the ban on Nigeria agric export products by EU; flood and erosion disaster; and landslide in parts of the country.

than its match.Have we? Now we have set a terrible precedent. We have opened the floodgates.

But if the government is this helpless, it must be afraid of the consequences of its capitulation. Most of the ex-militants that surrendered arms under the amnesty programme are as capable as the Avengers to cause mayhem. If the Avengers are regarded with awe , if they are appeased, then the other militants would find a return to insurgency profitable. It is true the government lacks political clout in the region and should court hearts and minds, but paroxysms of diffidence and braggadocio won’t endear it to anyone in the country. The rising separatist tensions in the region cannot be defused by pandering to the most violent and most cynical groups masquerading as freedom fighters.

If the government reaches any sort of compromise with the Avengers the integrity of the anticorruptionprogramme will be thoroughly and irreparably damaged.

Because government’s actions , subsequently, will be treated with grave suspicion. And even acquittals of politicians accused of corruption by the courts will be misconstrued. The Avengers must be confronted with principled consistency. These secret negotiations with the Avengers portend no good for the nation. If a restructuring of the federation would save the government these humiliations ,then it should initiate the process. But since the Avengers want an abortion of the corruption probes and the government has engaged in secret meetings with them, I have an advice for the government.

The government can grant amnesty to the Avengers and their sponsors and political patrons. But it must throw open all prisons first.

It must stop all criminal cases and grant amnesties and pardons to all pending and concluded criminal cases. If the nation is so weak it cannot contain the insurgency in the delta then it must be bold enough to publicly admit her impotence. And she can lighten her shame by organizing a cathartic facesaving nation wide truth and reconciliation exercise.

And one must wonder why the government is negotiating with the Avengers while refusing any contact with the IPOB. If we have lost our virility, we should not lose our sense of equity.

But what the nation must not do is to let thieving politicians, who stole billions, walk away and keep poor petty thieves in prison.

During this period too, the leadership of the Senate was in the vanguard of leading efforts to restore peace in North-East via top level visitations, donations to IDP camps, establishment of Presidential Committee on Rehabilitation, and the Senate is also about to enact North-East Development Commission Law. Among others, the Senate intervention led to a review of CBN policy to enable small business owners access to forex; the Senate probe saved Nigeria N20 billion from the implementation of the TSA policy; the Senate motion led to the abolition of fixed charges in electricity tariff; and its investigation exposed abuse of import duty waivers on rice.

For the first time, the Senate democratised debate on budget by holding public hearing with stakeholders on the 2016 budget.

The Senate promoted Made in Nigeria Goods led by the Senate President. The adoption of Legislative Agenda to set a benchmark for the 8th Senate is one of the landmark achievements of this Senate.

In a bid to enhance its legislative oversight capacity and support the country’s anti-graft drive, the Senate, last month, announced plans to launch an independent Transparency and Delivery Commission.

Still under the 8th Senate, a total of 167 bills have passed first reading, 39 are in second reading stage while six are in third reading. And of the 125 petitions presented to the Senate, 32 have already been concluded, with 82 under consideration.

As the 8th Senate enters its second year, many Nigerians look forward to more achievements towards the consolidation of our democratic process. *Mr. Umukoro wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, JUNE18, 2016 —

I

f Mr Donald Trump has his way and becomes the next American President come November, ‘a big, big wall’ will spring up to divide Mexico and the United States of America. Mexico’s economy is on the rise and is billed to get to the top 10 among the world’s largest economies in about five years. The US economy on the other hand, is on the wane and might even stop being the world’s largest economy by the end of next year. People like Mr Trump blame Latin America in general and Mexico in particular for much of what is wrong with America today—from unemployment, to values, to lifestyles. Everybody in fact, but their decadent, xenophobic selves. Heck, Trump even blames Nigeria and Nigerians for seizing job opportunities in America and has promised to deport us.

Mr Trump is a bully. And like most bullies, he is shallow. It is amazing what you can see through someone’s books if you know where to look as every book takes on some of the personalities of the writer. I was a fan of his books at the beginning, especially ‘What They Didn’t Teach You At Harvard Business School’. Mr Trump was, and is a good communicator, an asset he has used well during this campaign. But by the time I got to ‘Everything is Negotiable,’ I had seen him pretty much for what he is—a vain, egoistic man who likes to hug the limelight and who likes to look down, and talk down at people.

It is true that the Mexican economy is tied to that of the US. Mexico supplies a lot of agricultural products and electronics to the US. It also supplies cheap labour. It also, we should say it, supplies drugs to the decadent and drug crazed in America. The American tourists account for making Mexico a country with one of the largest number of visitors in a year. But it is not a one way street. Mexico gives to America what America wants but cannot get at a low prize. In other words, Mexico helps America to put a lid on inflation. But Trump doesn’t see it that way. He sees a country that is prospering at the expense of America, whose people have become senators, High Court judges and successful businessmen

titbits2012@yahoo.com

The countr rump w ants tto ow all of countryy TTrump wants wall offf in ‘his country’. He and his fellow right wing sympathisers forget that America started out as a land of opportunities for immigrants. They forget the ‘American Dream’ that their forefathers loved to tell. And instead of looking inwards to find where the rain started to beat them, they are lashing out at the vulnerable. They are lashing out at religion. They are lashing out at race. Alas! The world has moved on from the Hitler days.

And Donald Trump, the man to whom very few people gave a chance at the outset given his extreme right wing views, might yet occupy the White House. That is a measure of how far gone the average American white has become, how much he has taken the pre-eminent position of his country for granted; how distrustful he is of the current politicians and how deep seated his xenophobic fears are. But until Trump gets there, Mexico will continue to be an important outpost to US. Americans do not need a visa to get to Mexico. In fact, nobody who comes into Mexico through US needs a visa.

I was one of those who took advantage of this proviso last month. It was my second visit to Mexico. The three-hour flight from Washington was full, mainly of Americans who wanted to thaw out in the Mexican sun. The

mood was so light that even the flight attendants joked that some of them might not want to come back. I needed the mood because it helped to lighten some of the heaviness I had about me. To the uninitiated, Mexico is nothing but a land of drugs and robbers where a visitor goes at his own peril.

I couldn’t immediately shake my irrational fear. Irrational because I was not likely to

What Playa Del Carmen has can be replicated in Nigeria

venture outside the tourist routes; also irrational because the sheer number of tourist hits every year easily dismisses my fear.

It is difficult not to compare Cancun with Lagos or any of our coastal cities— the weather, the ocean, the seas are very similar.

It is also difficult not to wonder why they are

"T

he White House said President Barrack Obama will

not attend the funeral of Mohammed Ali, which coincides with the eldest daughter’s graduation. ‘They will be attending Malia’s high school graduation in Washington DC.’” (Vanguard, June 8, 2016). Can you imagine that?

Obama, the first black American president, did not physically pay his last respect to the legendary Mohammed Ali, a fellow black great and arguably the greatest boxer of all time. This is even as heads of governments and celebrities from all over the world converged on Louisville, Ali’s hometown. Why is Obama going to be absent? He is attending his daughter’s high school (high school for that matter) graduation.

But you know what? As a father and a family man, Obama knows his priorities and of talent and energy embedded in this is where some fail as parents, family youngsters is unbelievable; only if men and women. I never attended my parents can get it right and help them children’s school events until my eldest put their talents and energies to good daughter got to primary six. Before then, it use. The turnout by parents was was their mother’s affair. All that changed impressive and the ceremony offered when I attended my daughter’s primary school graduation (these days, children graduate from day care, kindergarten, primary school and secondary school with graduation gowns. In our time, it was only higher institutions). It was an unbelievable spectacle. My daughter’s performance was Only God comes first awesome. I never knew she could dance so before family; for many of well. Since then, I have reordered my priorities. Only God comes first before us in Africa, family means family. For many of us in Africa, family spouse, children, siblings, means spouse, children, siblings, parents and anybody who has transcended the parents and anybody who boundary of friendship to brotherhood or sisterhood, as the case may be, in your life. has transcended the So last Sunday, I went with my immediate boundary of friendship to family for my eldest son’s confirmation, symbolically the outpouring of the Holy brotherhood or sisterhood, Spirit on him. In doing that, I had to forgo as the case may be, in your another very important engagement where I am third in command. The Mass, with life the confirmation ceremony, was a simple, solemn and impressive affair, presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of the Lagos old friends the opportunity to Metropolitan See, Most Rev. Alfred reconnect. My editor, Onochie Adewale Martins and supported by other Anibeze, was also there for his son, priests, including Fr. Emmanuel Ayeni, St Chibeze, who received the body and Gregory’s College Administrator. The blood of Christ for the first time.

I did get a little shock though; my student choir, comprising students from three schools, was awesome. The amount son took a new name, Lucius, for his

Getting our priorities right

C M Y K

confirmation. This is not out of place; I just wished he continued with his baptismal name, Anthony, which has some family history and significance. Anthony did overtime in my wife’s womb. The doctor even suggested a caesarian to get him out. He almost derailed our plan to have a millennium baby. That was year 2000 when millennium babies were in vogue. When my elder brother, Fr. Anthony, came back from the United States on December 26, he wondered why my wife had not put to bed.

My wife told him the baby was waiting for him to be back in Nigeria. He then said: “Ok, you can come out; I am here.” About 12 hours later, on the morning of December 27, he was born. It was only apt to name him Anthony, after my brother, whom my parents equally named after the great St. Anthony of Padua.

His confirmation name did not come entirely as a surprise. His cousins did a similar thing to my brothers during their confirmation. As I later found out, some of the other students also took new names without consulting their parents, not to talk of getting parental consent. Since last Sunday, confirmation name has dropped from my exclusive list (only parents can decide) to my concurrent list (either parents or children can decide). Thank God birth name and baptismal name will remain in the exclusive list, at least until children start talking and taking conscious decisions at birth.

Mind you, I have no issues with anybody changing his/her name consequent upon or

21

doing so well with tourism and we are doing so badly. In terms of nature and historical sites, the Mexicans have no edge over us.

Their people are not saints either and would take advantage of the unwary without batting an eye. They have their own crime, their seedy areas and racial tension. Yet millions of people troop in every year bringing millions of dollars.

Wherein is the difference? The difference is that their leaders had at some point, laid the necessary foundation for tourism. The airport is neat and welcoming. The officials polite and efficient—within minutes, an entire plane load had emptied. The roads are clean and totally devoid of potholes.

Even the inroads to the villages which were not tarred were graded with limestones.

Then the beaches were lined with hotels and resorts and equipped with all kinds of water sports. I left Cancun to spend a weekend in Playa Del Carmen and it was heavenly. The ambience, the architecture and the service were very, very impressive.

The resort I stayed in—I am not being paid to advertised its name—must have thousands of skilled and unskilled labour at its employ. It is a large, sprawling collection of buildings with staff popping up in literally every corner offering help and direction.

My point and I am done, is that what Cancun has, what Playa Del Carmen has can be replicated in Nigeria. Our leaders must take tourism seriously. Our stupendously rich men and women must begin to invest in our country. Tourism is a major employer of labour. It is so diverse and varied that people can key into its many openings—marketers, artisans, guides, entertainers, hospitality workers, sculptors, musicians, the works. Bring your earned and unearned wealth and launder it through tourism as I am sure some of the Mexican drug barons have done and all will be forgiven.

Last week, a young friend disclosed that he is bringing a team of Canadian investors to set up an international resort in Epe, Lagos. He made my day. I just hope the bureaucracy will not kill his resolve.

after a divine encounter. After all, Abram became Abraham, Sarai, Sarah; Jacob, Israel and Saul became Paul after their divine encounters. I just wanted to be informed; he who pays the piper should be told the tune even if he cannot dictate it.

Now that dependants take independent decisions and show parents they are their own men and women, it would be wonderful if they took over the burden of their school fees, clothing and upkeep from their parents, leaving only accommodation (during holidays) which would cost parents nothing extra.

Teenagers do have their unique thought processes and want to have their way, but we need to be there to moderate.

Sometimes being there physically for children is not enough; we need to get into their minds. Children, especially teenagers, can derail under the watchful eyes of even eagle-eyed parents. Some teenagers can close their minds and simply refuse to allow their parents know what is going on in there. Starting a conversation meets a brick wall. Parent: “How are you?”

Son: “Fine.” Parent: “How was school today?” Son: “Fine?” Parent: “How are preparing for your exams?” Son: “Fine.”

The conversion can go on and on without headway, just one-word answers.

Thank God many of them leave their ears open even when they shut their minds.

Parents were once youngsters and have an idea of what troubles young people: their sexuality versus religious teachings, their height, complexion, size of penis, size of breasts and bum, acnes-infested face, low self-esteem, heartbreaks from the opposite sex, who leave them for others or refuse their lust advances, peer pressure and so on. Hopefully, parents can guess right and hit the right cord. When you hit right cord, teenagers’ ears invisibly stand erect and their eyes pop out like those of the African Bush Baby. They may pretend as if they are not listening, but are in fact lapping every bit of information you are spewing out. When that happens, the parent has hit a jackpot.

22—SA TURD AY Vanguard , JUNE18, 2016 22—SATURD TURDA

I

t can no longer be any kind of news to you that, like a multiple thunderbolt, the death of three icons ripped through our sports world within a matter of a few days. From the United States of America, we learnt about the home call of Muhammad Ali, who was the boxing heavyweight champion of the world three times. He said with his mouth that he was the “greatest”, and made the world accept it in no uncertain manner.

We had not yet recovered from that blow which astounded us like every boxing-loving part of the world, when our own Stephen Keshi departed suddenly. It was barely three months after he lost his wife, Kate, of 33 years of blissful union. Of course, you heard about it, and must have been not just shocked, but also smitten when, three days later, Shuaib Ahmodu was also reported dead. Both Keshi and Shuaib were football coaches who had taken our national football team, the Super Eagles to great heights at different times and also, memorably, working together at other times.

More has to be said later about the efforts of these three superstars, especially the Nigerian couple. What makes me alive to their demise ,however, is the quality of courage, an element which runs like a silver string right through their way of life or, I should say, living.

Courage is a component of good effort. When it is lost nothing more can be gained. It is an essential ingredient of a brave endeavour. It is not determination; rather, it is what retains determination. It is not mingled with recklessness; it is grounded in sober resolve. It gives no room to distractions; it partners total commitment. It is not always recognized, for victory or success in specific terms, does not always come to it as a reward. But it never

Political Editor

*one more round. fails to win due appreciation and recognition even when it does not win the day.

It takes courage to discard a heritage and create a new one. That was what Muhammad Ali did when he forsook his “slave name” of Cassius Clay. It was courage that put down Sonny Liston. The first fight was totally unexpected the way it went and ended in a knock-out of the man whom many people felt would make mincemeat of his young challenger. The second made believers of even the most hardened sceptic that a new pair of boots had entered the world ring.

And it was sheer courage that made him live up to his predictions of defeat for his opponents. The classic case was in London when his opponent, the British heavyweight champion, Henry Cooper, decked him with one round short of the prediction for the Englishman’s fall. Ali got up and, in the full glare of the spectators’ wonder, clinically stopped his opponent.

And as it is in the boxing ring, so it happens in other arenas to varying degrees. But even in the team sports where there is no direct individual confrontation, personal commitment still plays a prominent role in the performance of a star player. But more than that on another scale, the weight of responsibility that is placed on the shoulders of a coach demands no mean measure of courage from him. The coach is indeed a manager; the title is in no way misapplied, he is

entrusted with the achievement of the highest performance possible through his ability to impart skill and understanding of the game to his team members, in a co-ordinated effort to achieve success. He bears the responsibility of the attainment of success. He is not denied his share of the glory in victory, but he shoulders the disgrace and grief of defeat.

Most of the time, he is removed from his post by those who have entrusted him with the hope of success.

Our politicians have so much to learn from these proponents of this quality that is sometimes designated as “heart This is truer in no other position than that of a football manager. The parting of the ways is always unpleasant, particularly for the manager—not so much for his employers who can show callous traits in what should be the end of a contract. And that is the plight

emmanuelaziken@vanguardngr.com 08052201189

The distractions of religion in Osun

H

of the manager of the Nigerian national football team along what has now almost become traditional lines.

And yet no one agonizes over the attainment of success more than these warriors. After they have given all they have to a bunch of grown-ups who sometimes behave like babies, they expose themselves to heartaches and goose pimples for the 90 minutes of a nerve-tingling match. But through it all, they push on.

You should have seen Shuaib Amodu tearing himself to pieces during practices. And then, come the next match, his team loses a game he feels they could have won. But he gears up

ow Osun State got to its present point is not surprising for many.

The spite and spark that spilled from the campaigns, and then, the judicial crusade by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the governorship in the last decade indicated that Osun was bound for something unfathomable. Following his landmark inauguration in November 2010, the idea of what awaited the people of Osun State even remained more in the sphere of imaginations.

The governor had campaigned with the motto of reversing what his supporters termed the years of the locust under the Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration.

However, rather than immediately address what the locust had supposedly ravaged, the governor commenced his era focused on intangibles and the ephemeral. The change in the designation of Osun State into the State of Osun and with it, its attendant cost and confusion, was one of such controversial concepts that only a few enthusiasts of the governor could properly articulate. It was, however, lauded as being in the spirit of Omoluabi, to wit, the restoration of the dignity and honour of the people. Following that was the reconstruction of the school system which inevitably put products of the Osun State education system out of sync with the rest of Nigeria, and with that, also came the

merger of the schools leading to the avoidable religious face-off that first smeared the governor’s first term.

Under the mergers, missionary Christian and Islamic schools were merged in a way that removed the legacy of the missionary efforts, which was in itself, allegedly a direct breach of the provision of sustaining the identities of the schools at the point of the takeover of the schools in the 70s.

The intangible policy permutations of the governor eventually found bearing on the ground and with gusto, the governor embarked on several construction projects which at once drew commendations from far and near.

The massive construction projects which led senior administration officials and political associates of the governor to swagger that Osun was a major construction site, however, sooner exposed the underbelly of the leadership.

Most of the projects it soon emerged were mostly funded from external sources, and it was not long after the re-election victory in 2014, that the truth of the state’s finances began to show. The backlog of civil servants’ salaries stretched into months and at one time was reported to have approached ten months.

It is into this soured milieu that the threat of religious acrimony arising from

the pitched battle between the two major religious groups in the state is about to compound.

The ridiculous setting of a classroom with school children attired in religious garments could worsen the underlying distress among the citizenry in Osun. The state desperately needs help and it should.

Osun, like all the Southwest states had largely resisted the venom of religious conflict until now. It was especially so given the saying that almost all homes in the Southwest have worshippers of Christianity and Islam.

This is seen even in the religious configuration of the homes of some of the most recent governors in the region. Governors Ibikule Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi who are both good Muslims are married to Christian women. Former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos also practicing Muslims are married to Christians. The present exceptions are Aregbesola, who is married to a Muslim; Segun Mimiko and Akinwunmi Ambode, who are themselves Christians married to Christians.

The needless faceoff between the Christian and Muslim communities in Osun is also a distraction from their felt needs.

In the midst of the commotion, relevant issues on how to settle the difficult economic crisis in the state are largely ignored. It may seem a reprieve for the administration but in the end, as everyone knows, it can only be a fleeting faceoff for when the real issues of bread and butter arise, the hungry Christians and hungry Muslims will refocus on the immediate issue of first

for the next match with hope and with courage. Or you should have heard Stephen Keshi speak to his boys in the dressing room during the half-time break of a testy match. Then you would probably approach why he was called: “The Big Boss”. At that stage, he only has time to teach little strategy and tactics. Much of what he imparts is courage. And that, he had plenty of. That was what accompanied him on his adventure outside the country to Europe where he made headlines as a player. And that was what made him to announce his resignation as the Super Eagles coach after a glorious outing in South Africa. But they made him stay, and then kicked him out. How I wish he had found his way to greener pastures at that time. Give little heed to their hollow dirges now that it no longer counts. Crocodiles do no better than that.

But Keshi and Amodu took it all. They took it all, while their salaries were being withheld. They took it all because they had the guts. They were, like Muhammad Ali, men of courage, a commodity that this nation is in dire need of at this present moment. Our politicians have so much to learn from these proponents of this quality that is sometimes designated as “heart.”

Muhammad Alli knew the score. He put it down thus in his own way: “When your hands hurt so much you can hardly punch; when your legs feel so heavy you can hardly move; when your whole body aches so much you can hardly breathe; then is the time to fight one more round”.

Time out.

filling the stomach!

Okorocha’s presidential ambition

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State recently announced his decision not to contest the 2019 presidential election which is increasingly approaching. The announcement came out of the blues especially given that he had since 2003 contested in one form or the other all the presidential contests held in the country. Even as an incumbent governor of Imo State, in 2014, he still sought for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC, but failed.

His abandonment of his dream is not wholly surprising. Many other veteran presidential aspirants are covering their tracks. Associates of Atiku Abubakar, these days say that the man who has also been a participant in all the presidential elections of the Fourth Republic is not a full-time politician as they point to his increased zest in business engagements.

Oshiomhole’s Options in Edo

Given the massive support behind the governorship aspiration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki in today’s APC governorship primaries in Edo State, it would be a shock if the result does not favour him. But what are the options for the comrade governor if Obaseki loses out?

Associates of the governor say that his deputy, Pius Odubu is totally unacceptable, but that they would not mind Chris Ogienmwonyi, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula or any of the friendlier aspirants who honoured Oshiomhole last Wednesday at an interactive session.

SATURDAY Vanguard,

Grass to grace story of Booboosha, Nigerian beauty in New Zealand

By Ceruti Osagie

A

fter living abroad for so long, a young Nigerian act based in New Zealand, Emoubo Juliet obieh, popularly known as Booboosha (French word for beautiful flower), is set to join the growing list of Nigerian female stars making waves around the world.

Her rise from Nigeria to her current base in New Zealand has been described as fairytale story, as she confessed in a chat with Star Tracker. “ My childhood was not any bed of roses at all, there was no support from anywhere and as early as my 7th year on earth, I recall waking up as early as 5am to sell garri for my mom. By 7:30 am I would be back to sell cosmetics to schools. From selling cosmetics to schools, at evening, I would go about supplying garri to my mom's customer’s.

Throughout my education I went through this routine to make ends meet and support my family. During holidays, we would go to the village for cassava planting and rooting, she recalled.”

“But I never forgot my musical calling as every evening I always wrote a song to sing and later sell to both parents and students at our Sunday School in the church. This is how I kept the hope of becoming a musician alive and also assisted my parents in supporting the family,” she added.

Booboosha has no shame about her background and the battle she fought to survive to pursue her dream. When asked what her primary motivation was in pursuing music in spite of the dire challenges that dotted her early life, Booboosha said the tough moment she passed in life growing up is her sole motivation into big time music and felt sharing her story will in no small way also motivate youths worldwide to learn to live their dream no matter the

obstacles they are faced with.

“You just have to keep the dream alive. The tough times I passed through did more to strengthen me than weaken me. Every time I visit an orphanage it reminds me of myself and the long distance I have travelled, a long journey of suffering, hardship, rejection and disappointment, all these motivate my spirit into musci”,

JUNE 18, 2016—23

or personality. She's now a multi-talented act; a singer, dancer and prolific write.

She has four videos to her credit today and confessed that anytime she hears Nigeria music in any part of the world she is excited and long to be home, to be “part of the high tension flavour.”

Her recent work which will be dropping anytime from now is titled Fly with me,

she said.

Today, Booboosha can afford a smug smile that bears no scar of the harrowed life she had lived. The prices she had had to pay had left no dent on her image

But I never forgot my musical calling as every evening I always wrote a song to sing and later sell to both parents and students at our Sunday School in the church featuring Skales. She admits that in the near future she plans to promote Nigerian music in New Zealand, where she resides and performs her act musically.

•Subza li

Fuji remains original Nigerian music brand — Goldberg forum

By Princewill Ekwujuru rising from the maiden edition of the Fuji Roundtable, organised at the instance of Goldberg Lager Beer, from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, participants say Fuji music is the only Nigerian music brand that is devoid of foreign infusion.

The forum therefore identified the genre of music as a unifying factor for Yorubas living in the Western part of Nigeria and beyond. As a result, they agreed that the music deserves due attention and concerted efforts towards taking it to the next level.

The participants, who converged in Lagos in a forum tagged ‘Fuji t’o bam’ held at the corporate headquarters of NB Plc, include: Sikiru Ayinde Agboola (a.k.a SK Sensation), Chairman, National Project Committee of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria; Akogun Gani Balogun, cousin to the late Fuji Legend, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister; Olasoju Adebayo, Genaral Manager, K1 De Ultimate Band; and Olawale Obadeyi, a Fuji analyst.

They unanimously agreed that Fuji music has, over the years, contributed to the socio-cultural development of Yorubas in the region and beyond.

A

In his keynote address, Olawale Obadeyi, traced the origin of this genre of music to the period when Were, a local brand of music was in vogue among the Muslim faithful.

He acknowledged that the music has grown astronomically over the years featuring different artistes who have contributed in different dimensions to its development.

He said the innovations brought into Fuji by those artistes have deepened ties across boundaries in the region. “Each Fuji artiste, evidently, is pushing the limits of creativity.

The horizon of Fuji music has been astoundingly widened,” he stated.

Obadeyi noted that Goldberg had appropriated Fuji music as a veritable platform through which cultural values could be used to validate the essence of Yorubas living in the region and beyond.

Sikiru Agboola, who corroborated him, advised Fuji musicians and other stakeholders in the country to take the music to the next level. According to him, it is the only surviving genre of music that has its origin in Nigeria and deserves concerted efforts from stakeholders to profer possible ways through which it could be developed. His words: “It is the duty of all stakeholders to take the music to the next level.”

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

By KEHINDE AJOSE 08054680266

I don’t feel threatened by new artistes

Nigerian entertainment firm, Tanzania Govt partner on technological transfer

By CALEB AYANSINA

— Marvelous Benjy

A

T the recent Yaw live on stage, Marvelous Benjy delivered a nostalgic and exciting performance. He performed his hit song Suo and got the audience cheering after he left the stage. The Delta State-born dancehall sensation in a chat with Showtime says he doesn’t feel threatened by the new artistes rocking the music industry.

“In the entertainment industry there is always room for recess.

Sometimes you come and at other times y o u recuperate.

Marvelous Benjy can never be anything less than a hit maker. What the new generations of artistes are doing is awesome. I love the new trend of dancehall and I am part of it one way or the other. In as much as the people I met didn’t feel threatened, I do not feel threatened. Competition will bring out the best in what we do. It pushes us to the edge. I like it.” He also throws light on

A

Marvelous Benjy what he is currently working on. “I am trying to work with what is in vogue and the present trends. I am working on a new single with Solidstar and Daddy Showkey.”

Soldier is not music video but musical film — Falz N

•Falz

IGERIAN singer and comedian, Falz, who was recently unveiled as a nominee for the 2016 BET Awards Viewers Choice, in a recent interview revealed the inspiration behind his mainstream music video titled Soldier. The video was short like a movie and it has generated wide acclaim from music pundits.

“We decided to pick the song, Soldier, because it has a narrative.

We decided to make a big story out of it and then expanded it.

We did not want to make it a normal music video but a short musical film, because its 15

minutes. That was how we conceived the idea. I had a meeting with Clarence Peters, after then he went back to his team. The video was shot in Epe. We spent two nights shooting the video.”

It took me an hour to write my single Bukata — Toyocee B

EAUTIFUL and talented are two words that describe Akerele Oluwatoyosi. The soulful singer who is a graduate of Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Ibadan is gradually making waves with her highlife song titled Bukata. The song was born out of the thought that the mind has to be taken off life’s activities and every once in a while one should have fun.

According to her, “I didn’t plan to write Bukata. It wasn’t the song I wanted to record initially. The producer played the instrumentation of the song and I just decided to flow with it.

It had to be written right there. It took me an hour to write it.

I chose to call the song Bukata because it’s something people can relate to, especially Yoruba people.”

C M Y K

Toyocee

BUJA - For what could best be described as an attempt towards technological transfer in arts and creativity, the government of Tanzania has entered into an agreement with Nigerian Atunda Entertainment.

Tagged East-West African Amalgamation Through Art and Tourism, the project, involved movie production and musical concert, aimed at bringing together, major players in the creative industry from both Nigeria and Tanzania.

The project was unveiled last weekend by both the Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Daniel O. Njoolay and his Nigerian partner and a private sector player in entertainment and tourism, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye.

Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both parties and the project itself involves the collaboration of Nigerian and Tanzanian movie directors and script writers. At the end of each production, musical artists, both established and emerging ones would be brought together to feature at the premier.

Beginning from Nigeria, the creative minds would be hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of La Campagn Tropicana Reach Resort, Dr. Akinboboye, where they would be expected to emerge with a movie that captures Nigerian cultures and themes.

The movie, which will feature artists from both countries, would be premiered in Tanzania with Nigerian musical artists performing alongside their Tanzanian colleagues at the 65,000 capacity stadium in the country.

The second leg of the production is expected to take place in Tanzania after which the team will return to Nigeria for premiering with Tanzanian artists billed to equally perform in Nigeria alongside Nigerian artists.

Commissioner Njoolay, who took time to give historic account of the project conceptualisation and benefits to artists and youths of each country, pointed out that motion picture in Tanzania still lacked the necessary skills and expertise.

Acknowledging that Nigeria ranked among major movie makers in the world, the High Commissioner said the partnership will benefit his country in the area of technological transfer in arts and creativity.

According to him, Tanzanian government through the Ministry of Culture is deeply involved in the project and would be committing funds to it the moment the year’s budgetary appropriation was ready.

He said: “Our movie stars still lack the skill. It will be a form of technology transfer when we bring artists to come and perform jointly with artists in Nigeria. The project was welcome by the Ministry of Culture, Tanzania.

“We have reached a good point and everything is moving on fast. Everything begins on August 1. The project would have kicked off instantly but it has to be captured in our budget.

While describing Wanle as a very creative person, the Commissioner stressed that since Tanzania was second in terms of tourism attraction in the world after Brazil, the project would serve as an opportunity for both countries to further open their tourism potentials.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 — 25

By TOFARATI IGE 08068792241

Why P-Square may not drop album this year

By TOFARATI IGE

A

•P-Square

Skales reunites

with Banky W F

RESH off the crisis he was recently enmeshed in with his record label, Baseline Records, ‘Ijo Ayo’ rapper, Skales, has finally gone back to his former boss, Banky W. Skales reunited with Banky W on his new song, ‘Nobody’s Business’ which was released during the week.

It should be recalled that Skales was once signed to Banky W’s EME Records for a while before he was booted out by the company allegedly because he wasn’t generating sufficient income like his label mate, Wizkid.

Meanwhile, many are already suggesting that Skales may be thinking of returning to EME, but that is Nobody’s Business.

lot has definitely changed about one of Africa’s finest pop groups, PSquare, made up of twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye. Ever since the crisis in the family, during which the brothers were at loggerheads and threatened they would be going their separate ways, things haven’t been the same again.

For one, the brothers seem to have stopped making music together. The last work they have together is their ‘Double Trouble’ album which was released in 2014. With the two-year gap that is usually between their album releases, P-Square is expected to release an album this year, but there are no indications that they have ‘hit’ the studio yet.

In the past, the brothers (especially Peter) used to upload pictures on their social media pages to show fans that they are working in the studio. But nothing of the sort has happened this year.

Peter, who is the most active of the brothers on social media, only posts pictures of himself, his kids, and his solo

activities, with virtually nothing about the brand PSquare.

On the other hand, Paul regularly uploads pictures of his artistes, Muno and Lucy, and talks about their activities like their songs and video releases.

In terms of the level of observable activities in the brothers’ record labels, it is apparent that Paul’s Rude Boi Records is more vibrant than Peter’s P-Classic Records.

Peter was the first to establish his record label when he informally unveiled P-Classic Records in 2014. He made the announcement on Instagram when he revealed that his cousin, Malcolm Obinna Clint Onyeyiri would be his first signee. Ever since, virtually nothing has been heard of the artiste and the record label.

Meanwhile, Paul only signed Muno as his first artiste in January 2016, and he (Muno) already has two songs, and a music video, which was directed by Paul.

The First Lady of the label, Lucy, was unveiled a month later, and she already has two songs.

However, there exists a school of thought that believes the P-Square group is no more; and what is existing is merely a phantom. This school of thought opines that the brothers have basically broken up, but chose to stay together because of all that is attached to their brand as P-square.

Okpaleke Brothers berth ‘Play Network’

By TOFARATI IGE

T

he Okpaleke brothers made up of Elvis, Charles and Jeffrey are behind Play Lounge, a chain of upscale lounges, located in Abuja, Calabar and Lagos, which they have been running for the past eight years. Now, they’re about to do something different, which will offer more value to Nigerians.

Speaking on Play Network, trained Lawyer and the eldest of the brothers, Elvis Okpaleke, explained, “Play Network is for business and lifestyle networking which connects people, such as entrepreneurs with investors. It’s all about blending business, lifestyle, networking and leisure in one spot.”

He continued, “We have been doing testruns, and the response has been great. We did something last year called ‘How To be a Boss in 15 Seconds,’ where contestants were required to pitch a business idea in 15 seconds, and the

winner was awarded with 1 million Naira.

We already have about 10,000 subscribers though we’ll only be launching officially later this month. Our target audience is young people in general, and they find it interesting because the network is very interactive; it’s a combination of Facebook and Linkedin. It’s a bespoke service that is tailored to meet each person’s needs.”

Speaking on the controversy that ensued after the Play Forum attempted to feature Olajumoke, the famous former bread-seller, as a motivational speaker, Charles quipped, “From our own perspective, anybody can be a motivational speaker, provided she has something to teach people.”

Highly enterprising, the Okpaleke brothers also have a chain of Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner outlets, magazine, clothing line, online retail store as part of their projects. They presently have a staff strength of 250.

C M Y K

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Inside story of 2016 AMAA T

•Kcee and Harrysong performing at the event

th he 12 edition of the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, may have come and gone. But for those who attended the awards •Olu Jacobs and wife, Joke Silva night the show will walking the red carpet remain fresh in their minds. Besides the glamour, the entertainment and the moving speeches made by the winners of the various categories of the awards, there were moments that either made or almost marred the night. Here, we bring to you the inside story of 2016 AMAA.

When Pete Edochie, RMD met on AMAA stage

•Pete Edochie having a handshake with RMD

O

ne of the memorable moments of the awards night was when veteran actor Pete Edochie mounted the stage to present the Lifetime Achievement award to RMD. Dressed in his royal regalia, Pete was the cynosure of all eyes at the event. Thunderous ovation greeted the veteran actor, as he climbed the stage gracefully to present the award to RMD. While presenting the award, Pete forgot that he was on stage. In a scene that looked like a movie script, the bearded actor excitedly hugged RMD and quickly had a traditional handshake with him.

Making a short speech, the Ebubedike himself urged the Minster of Information and Culture , Alhaji Lai Mohammad to ensure the inclusion of history in our school curricula. On his own, Richard Mofe Damijo who recently staged a comeback to his first love- acting after serving as a twotime Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in Delta State was in high spirit at the show.

The ace- actor was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award alongside Olu Jacobs, his wife, Joke Silva and Tony Akposhore. Looking dapper in his black suit, RMD was the bridegroom of the night.

In his acceptance speech, he paid a special tribute to late movie producer, Amaka Igwe and later dedicated the award to ‘every child that is born in an unknown street in Warri.’

RMD reflects on his 33 years as a professional actor and how humble he feels to receive a lifetime achievement award. “So in just 33 years as a ‘pro-actor’ I get a lifetime achievement award. I am humbled, thrilled and super-grateful. I want to thank all my directors, producers, teachers and colleagues. I want to particularly acknowledge Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dr Mike Adenuga, my fans who continue to authenticate me, my wife who is my solid rock and safe place, the mother of my children and my hero, and everyone that has made it with me on this incredible journey.

‘It was an amazing night and who is better to be on hand to do it for me than Ebubedike himself, the lion, Pete Edochie. I was also blessed to be in the distinguished company of 2 of my favourite people who are not just actors to me, Mr. and Mrs. Olu Jacobs.

C M Y K

Doris Simon bounced!

Y •Doris simon

ou may find this funny, but a mild drama ensued while on board Air Peace back to Lagos from Port Harcourt. Many of the celebrities had occupied the first class seats since it was a free seating arrangement. But unfortunately for them, while they were dreaming of flying first class for the first time, the unexpected happened. The air hostesses cut their dreams short by chasing them away from the seats. It was so humiliating moment, as one of the victims, Doris Simon rightly muttered, “ we have been chased away.”

Light outs, poor outing for Mike Even at that, the show hosts, Mike Ezuruonye, Lilokoe Ezuruonye, and his South African esides the high moments of the counterpart, Kgopedi Lilokoe, were so B night, there were also a few hitches flat and boring on stage. To many, the here and there. The event was •Mike

punctuated with protracted light-outs, uninspiring hosts and poor live transmission. For 15 minutes, the expansive auditorium was thrown into darkness. The generating set, which was supplying power to the auditorium suddenly went off, throwing the whole place into darkness. The awards night was brought to a halt, until Five-Star music duo, Kcee and Harrysong, came on stage to salvage the situation.

duo were the wrong stars to host the show. It was so bad that at a point, many started leaving the auditorium preferring to catch their fun on the red carpet. But apart from these shortcomings, the show was a great outing for Nollywood and indeed, African film makers and stars.

How Daniel K Daniel lost his phone on the red carpet

V

ibrant actor and model, Daniel Kanayo Daniel, who won the award for Best Actor in a leading role for his performance in the movie, “ Soldiers Story” had a very bad experience at the awards night. The handsome actor who is best known for his portrayal of the heroic, yet antagonistic Oviawe in the Amstel Malta Box office, lost his cell phone while walking the red carpet. He was spotted being crowded by paparazzi, TV presenters and admirers who wanted to have a shot with him. And before he knew what was happening, his cell phone suddenly disappeared into thin air. Though it was a bad experience for him, Daniel took solace in his award as the Best Actor in Africa.

•Daniel

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 — 27

STAR SPOT

Kalu Ikeagwu set to tie the knot BY

JULIET

EBIRIM

N

•Steve Eboh

We ‘ll restore AGN to its past glory, declares Steve Eboh

T

he stage is now set for a new Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to emerge as the newly appointed Chairman of the guild’s caretaker committee, actor Steve Eboh has vowed to do his best with his team to restore the past glory of the troubled Guild.

Eboh was appointed the Chairman of the caretaker committee, after a recent resolution of stakeholders to chart a new direction for the guild. The stakeholders’ congress was convened by Mr Agility Onwurah (Chairman AGN Abuja and Chairman of all State Chairmen), which held in Awka, the Anambra State capital last weekend. The well-attended congress resolved to set up an 11man interim working committee to supervise the affairs of the guild and conduct fresh elections. The interim working committee headed by Steve Eboh had notable actors as members; Hakeem Rhaman(Vice Chair- man), Renell Badejo(Secretary), Bob Emmanuel Udokwu(Adviser), Ochendo Mc Smith(PRO), Rita Tony Edochie(Member), Ernest Obi(Member), Vitalis Ndubisi(Member), Zenith Abubarka(Mem- ber), Rita Daniels(Member) and Edith Irabor(Member).

In a communiqué issued at the end of the congress, the stakeholders explained that the decision to set up a caretaker committee has become necessary following the need to save the guild from imminent collapse.

“In the quest not to leave a lacuna in the governance of the Actors guild of Nigeria National Executive; the chairman of all the chairmen of the state chapters (Mr

Agility Onwurah) in line with paragraph four of the judgment convened a congress on the above-mentioned date.

The essence of the meeting was to discuss and seek a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the Guild and the need to constitute a solid structure to resuscitate the guild. However, the deliberation was hinged on the judgment of March 2015 by the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos headed by Justice J.T. Tshoho. The provisions of the judgment were extensively deliberated upon by all taking special cognizance of the paragraph four which states that the 1st and 2nd defendant should surrender all paraphernalia of their offices to the guild,” the communiqué reads.

In his acceptance speech, Steve Eboh has called on all hands to be on deck in order to put the ailing guild on track again. “We promise to bring the guild to an enviable height and to conduct a credible National election within three months,” he said.

Before now, AGN has been plunged into crisis following a court ruling which sacked Ibinabo Fiberesima as its former president, based on a suit filed by an actor, St. Maradona Mikevine, who was the national treasurer in the election that produced another popular actor, Emeka Ike, as AGN president.

ollywood bachelor, Kalu Ikeagwu, will soon be off the market as he will be getting married to the love of his life, Ijeoma Eze. She’s a make-up artist.

They recently released their fun and happy pre-wedding photos as they both count the days to their big day. Their marriage will hold on 25th June, 2016.

The talented light-skinned actor was one of the most eligible bachelors in Nollywood before he proposed to Ijeoma last year.

The couple had their introduction in November 2015 at the bride’s hometown in Enugu state.

Kalu made his screen debut over 10 years ago and has starred in many hit series and •Kalu movies including MNet’s ‘Doctors’ Ikeagwu Quarters’, and ‘Domino’ and ‘Two fiancee Brides and a Baby’.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Mixta Africa takes Wakaa to London

ixta Africa, Europe’s fir M African real estate sectorst-mover and active player in the fast growi ng , is sponsoring Wakaa, west end. Th the

musical in is was ma Nigerian subsidiary, Mde known by the Head, Business Developme London’s ixt nt of its a Ni ge ria , Mr. Tunji Osinulu, at held by Bolanle Austen a joint press parley Peters Productions (BAP Wakaa! The Musical ) and Mixta Africa. young graduates with is a play about the trials, successes and expe va rienc rie d background. A wage graduation has a twist r between them after es of wh en the rea lities of life and the fol them. The story reveals ly of their present day Africa and the struggle and challenge young people facchoices hit ab e in roa d.

WA KA A! The Musical takes yo roller coaster and is a str u on an emotional on g sat ire of the Ni ge According to Mr. Osinu ria’s politics. because it is an original lu, Mixta Africa is sponsoring Wakaa the musical Af ric an export. The plot typ the typical African youth ifies the current reality wh o is of loo kin g for a way out of Afric see the opportunities tha a and failing to intention to take Waka t exist in here. When BAP Productions expre to connect with: firstly,a the musical to the global stage, it wasn’t dif ssed their importantly, because Mbecause we want to support the arts but, mo ficult for us communities across Afr ixta Africa is about harnessing opportunitiesst ica. by building ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Foster Orotoma releases movie shot with Iphone 5

By TOFARATI IGE

F

•Foster Orotoma

ast-rising film maker, Okeoghene Foster Orotoma, who hails from Delta State, has finally released his highly anticipated short comedy film titled, ‘Wireless Madness.’ The film which was shot with an iphone 5 addresses the issue of social media craze involving a young celebrity. Orotoma is noted as a deep film maker who focuses on non-linear storyline and authentication of violence, comedy, and love. He attended the National Film Institute, Jos, and went on to study Film and Television at the Limkokwing University Of Creative Technology in Malaysia.

The budding director whose career began in 2007 is already an online hit of sorts. Some of the short films he has released online include ‘Valerie’ ‘Dark Victory’ ‘Cofee Kombat’ ‘Rich Papa, Poor Papa’ among others.

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 Edited by Ayo Onikoyi 08052201215

parents anymore, they have done a lot already so let me take it up from where they stopped.

New single with Flavour Na’bania I have always been a fan of Flavour right from day one. My manager met Flavor in London, played my song to his hearing and he liked it. Though Flavor has always loved my song from when I did my first single Chairmoo. Jukwese is a song I’ve done for some time now, even before Osinachi. I was unable to hook up with Flavour on time to jump on it so we dropped Osinachi, but thank God I was later able to get Flavour to jump on the single with me. I didn’t pay him a dime to feature on the song, he did it out of the love he has for my music.

I stole and sold my mom’s gold to pay for my first studio session — Humblesmith • Reveals his many struggles before fame

By ROTIMI AGBANA and ADELEKE ADEMOLA

F

ast rising Afro-pop artiste, Ekene Ijemba, popularly known as ‘Humblesmith’ recently released a new single featuring 2nite entertainment act, Flavour. In this chat with Showtime Celebrity, the Osinachi crooner makes shocking revelations about his family background, childhood, music career, and the music industry.

Journey so far I was born and brought up in Ebonyi State. Music started for me when I was a kid, it actually runs in the family. My mother is a good singer; she is a chorister in the church, most times she sang at home, likewise other members of my family. Everything my mom does goes with music, at times, if she wants to talk to you she talks with music. All these and more got me inspired. Also, I usually listened to Bright Chimezie and his contemporaries, so at a point music just became a part of me. I started out as a dancer in 1996; I was part of a group called American Boys, we used to dance, sing and act. After my secondary education, I decided to relocate to Delta State to pursue my music career, my parents refused but I insisted. Though before then, I had done some other things that made them finally support my decision. I partook in the first-ever Star Quest competition, I came second and I won a big flat screen TV. When I got back home with the TV and the crowd that accompanied me, my parents were overjoyed. It was at that point they knew that I was really bent on doing music. So when I insisted I was relocating to Asaba in Delta state, they just had to support me.

Parental and family support Parents usually love their kids to pursue a career that people will appreciate. As at that time my parents believed that doing music as a career was for wayward people, but I didn’t let that discourage me. I am from a Catholic background, so they didn’t want anything to distract me from going to church and probably become a priest. My mom wanted me to become a Catholic priest while my dad wanted me to be a footballer because he is a football coach. I had to apply wisdom and diplomacy; I did everything they wanted me to do. I played ball, I served in church. I didn’t do it to please them; I did it just to be sure of what was actually going to work for me. I later discovered that I was born to do music. I used to bring people home to convince my parents to understand that music is what I C M Y K

wanted to do. As time went on, my parents came to terms with it, so they had no choice but to support my choice of career.

Survival after relocating to Delta After my relocation to Delta State, things were so rough for me. When I was still with my parents, I was known as a moi-moi seller. I and my siblings hawked moi-moi on the streets, that was how my parents were able to train eight children through primary and secondary school. When I first got to Asaba I had to study the environment to understand the terrain and know what works and what doesn’t. I just had to think of a legit way to fend for myself because I had nobody to help me out there. I hustled on the streets of Asaba, I made trending shoes, sandals, slippers, and belts and sold them to students and workers just to make some money to pursue my music career and equally fend for myself. I remembered that when I was in

•Humblesmith

No matter what you do people will always talk, but I want you to know that the number one thing I love are my fans. secondary school, I was the drama director, so I formed a drama group, wrote scripts that portrayed current happenings in the society. I would then go to discuss with the principal of various secondary schools to allow us stage our play for students to watch after paying a small amount of money. I also used to do menial jobs like bricklaying, carrying sand and blocks. Wherever I see construction work going on, I will go there and beg to work with them for daily pay. Also, if I see a bushy compound I will approach the owner and offer to clear the grasses for an amount of money. I

future.

hustled seriously on the streets to survive; it got to a point that I opened a video rental shop in Asaba. I stole and sold my mom’s gold to pay for my first studio session, but I later confessed and apologized to her, promising to buy her more than what I stole in the nearest

Education or music?

For now I’m fully into music. I stopped schooling after my secondary school education, but I hope to continue, but that will be after I’ve made a lot of money, financially comfortable and capable of catering for my family. I don’t want to stress my

How the stage name ‘Humblesmith’ originated I used to have a friend that I usually hang out with; he was popularly known as ‘Humble’.

Whenever I’m with him I’m quiet, I don’t talk, so his friends usually think I’m a very quiet and humble person. So they began to call me ‘Humble’ and the name just stuck.

So when I began doing music professionally, I decided to add ‘Smart’ to the name ‘Humble’ so derive a ‘Humblesmart’ as my stage name. But something funny happened when I went to perform at a show, the person who wrote my name on the list of artistes to perform wrote ‘Humblesmith” instead of ‘Humblesmart’. When it was my turn to perform and I heard the MC mention ‘Humblesmith’, I began to wonder if there was another artiste bearing the name, but I was the one being called upon so I just climbed the stage and did my thing.

After the show, I thought the name wasn’t bad so I adopted it as my new stage name.

Fans abuse on social media No matter what you do people will always talk, but I want you to know that the number one thing I love are my fans. Whether I’m following you on social media or not has nothing to do with respect or love, and it doesn’t change me from being the Humblesmith that I am. In life it’s a normal thing to try some things when you get to a certain stage. I unfollowed everybody on Instagram including my sisters, because my management needed to work on my page. I don’t own myself, I have a label to which I am signed and I always need to obey them. Most fans got angry and abused me because I un-followed them on Instagram, but trust me, I don’t hate anybody.

Hardwork has brought me to where I am today so why would I want to spoil what I’ve built? To all my fans that are angry, I say I am sorry. To handle stardom is not easy, there are a lot of people that just want you to obey them and it’s not possible to please everybody. I just want to appeal to my fans who have believed in me not to stop because Humblesmith won’t disappoint. I need your support because there is so much in me that I am yet to discover so we are doing this music for ourselves. If you love me for Osinachi or Jukwuse, keep loving me because a lot is yet to come.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—29

for example — new studies are testing therapies that target a specific genetic mutation found in a tumor, regardless of where the cancer originated. “We’re throwing all cancers with the same mutation in one basket,” pathologist Misialek says, and then testing a drug that targets that mutation. Results of an international basket trial found that a drug focused on a single genetic mutation can be effective across multiple cancer types, including a common form of lung cancer and a rare form of bone cancer.

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new study reveals that women are more likely to be hospitalized for stroke than men and this may have implications for allocating resources and policy decisions. “There is a debate about whether it’s the biology and something naturally in women that predisposes them to stroke or whether healthcare providers are failing to give adequate care,” says Dr. Ghanshyam Shantha, cardiovascular disease fellow at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

The presentation of the new study at CARDIOSTIM EHRA EUROPACE 2016, an international conference taking place in Nice, France, showed that evidence from around the world indicates that women with atrial fibrillation receive less treatment for stroke prevention than they need; while 60 percent of men who should receive anticoagulation get it, only 30 percent of women do. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular heartbeat that can result in blood clots, stroke,heart failure, and other complications.

Approximately 15-20 percent of people who have strokes have AF. In fact, AF doubles the risk of heartrelated deaths and causes a fourfold to fivefold increased stroke risk, yet many people with AF are not aware that it is a serious condition.

It is already known that women do not get advanced AF treatments at the same level as men, but he adds that what is unknown “is whether these deficiencies in access to care translate into poorer outcomes.”

As such, the new study looked at whether gender affected the rate of hospitalization for ischaemic stroke in patients with AF. During the 15-year period, the rate of stroke hospitalization in patients with AF was 2.64 percent in women and 2.15 percent in men.

Results showed that, after adjusting for stroke risk factors such as age, diabetes, hypertension, previous stroke, and heart failure, women had a 23 percent higher risk of stroke hospitalization than men.

Interestingly, although treatments for AF have improved over the last 15 years, the researchers found that women consistently had a higher stroke hospitalization risk than men.

Additionally, the team found that

C M Y K

Why women have a higher stroke hospitalisation risk than men!

There is a debate about whether it’s the biology and something naturally in women that predisposes them to stroke or whether healthcare providers are failing to give adequate care women had a higher stroke risk compared with men, regardless of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or region. However you slice, dice, and divide the data, women do poorer than men in terms of admissions for acute ischemic stroke.

New cancer vaccines Your body’s immune system fights off germs that cause infections — could it be taught to fight off cancer cells?

That’s the idea behind new immunotherapy cancer vaccines, which train the immune system to use its antiviral fighting response to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already has approved such vaccines for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and melanoma. Current research is

focused on pairing new and old vaccines, including the tetanus vaccine with a newer cancer vaccine to treat glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Those who received the dual vaccine lived three to seven more years after treatment than those who received an injection without the tetanus portion. Among the most eagerly anticipated vaccines in 2016, Misialek says, is a lung cancer vaccine. Work on such a vaccine, first developed in Cuba, is already underway.

Researchers are closing in on the day when a single drug will treat many different cancers.

While traditional clinical trials focus on testing a drug for a particular type of cancer based on its location — breast or lung,

Gates Foundation CEO explains how giving mosquitos an STD could halt the spread of Zika The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is funding an approach to fighting Zika that relies on giving mosquitos a sexually transmitted disease — and the process starts in a container that resembles a Chinese take-out box During an appearance at Code Conference on Tuesday, Gates Foundation CEO Susan DesmondHellman showed off the kit that facilitates the spread of a disease among mosquitos that renders them unable to transmit Zika and other diseases.

Desmond-Hellman explained (without real mosquitos) how female eggs infected with a bacteria are placed in the box and when they’re born and they mate with male insects, the offspring can’t spread Zika, the virus causing a global public health emergency. Desmond-Hellman said that schoolchildren in Australia are given the “Mozzie” boxes to hang at home in the hopes of releasing the disease-halting insects.

According to Recode, the Gates Foundation has been funding Australian researchersbehind the technique for more than eight years, originally to fight Dengue fever.

Trial to test effectiveness of HIV vaccine A new trial to test an HIV vaccine will be underway in November 2016, pending regulatory approval.

The trial, funded

by NIH, will reveal whether the regimen is safe, tolerable and effective at preventing HIV among South African adults.

“For the first time in seven years, the scientific community is embarking on a large-scale clinical trial of an HIV vaccine, the product of years of study and experimentation,” Anthony S. Fauci, MD, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and co-funder of the trial, said. “A safe and effective HIV vaccine could help bring about a durable end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and is particularly needed in southern Africa, where HIV is more pervasive than anywhere else in the world.”

The study, called HVTN 702, is based on an earlier trial conducted by the U.S. Military HIV Research Program, the RV144 clinical trial in Thailand, which was found to be 31% effective at HIV prevention. Study participants will be given five Continues on page 30

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Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

(Text Only)

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Too busy to care for your health?

e should all heed the Spanish proverb that says: A man too busy to take care of his heath is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools.

The tree Technique: Stand with both feet together with the help of your right hand, raise the right leg and place sole of the right foot high up against the inside of the left thigh.

Proceed to place your palms together. Try to be as still as possible. If you sway a bit, don’t worry. After all, trees sway, keep the breathing normal.

Duration: Stay in the posture from 10 to 60 seconds. Repeat with the left foot against the right thigh.

Benefits: The tree helps to develop to the highest degree the ability to mental concentration, poise, and physical balance.

The Semi-Tie-up Technique:Sit with both legs stretched in front of you. Bend the right knee and with both hands place the right leg at the back of the neck. Keep it in place with the left hand and put the right hand firmly down on the floor. Breathe normally.

Duration: Retain the posture for 10 or 15 seconds and change legs.

Benefits: The semitie-up stretches and strengthens the hamstrings, shoulders

and back muscles.

It also helps to message the abdominal area and burn fat the waistline.

The Camel Technique:Sitting on your heels, arrange the palms with the fingers pointing backwards, next to the toes.

Now, raise up your body, hump up your chest and drop back the head.

Duration:Retain the Camel pose for 10 or 15 seconds.

Rest a while and repeat.

Benefits: The wheel pose strengthens the thigh muscles while improving the flexibility of the back.

The Rocking Technique:Sit with the fit stretched in front of you.

Bend knees with the heels next to the buttocks. Now, place the hands at the back of knees. Next, raise the feet a bit off of the floor and thrust both legs quickly in front and draw the back equally quickly without brushing the heels against the floor. Keep this forth and

•The Rocking

backward motions of the legs continuous.

Duration: Perform the rocking for ten counts, with each forth and backward movement counting as one.

Rest a while and do another ten.

Benefits: The rocking strengthens the upper thighs and lower abdomen.

It is also said to help facilitate sleep.

Yoga Classes STARTED @ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

10.00am — 11.00am on Saturdays

Continues from page 29 injections over a period of one year and then followed for one to two years.

South Africa has about 6.4 million people with HIV — the highest incidence in the world — and it has the world’s biggest treatment programme with 3.2 million people on antiretrovirals and there are plans to expand this by 300,000 a year.

Contributing factors of HIV infection include poverty, inequality and social instability; high levels of sexually transmitted infections; low status of women; sexual violence; high mobility; limited access to care; and a history of poor leadership in the response to the epidemic, according to the AIDS Foundation of South Africa website. “Research shows high levels of knowledge about the means of transmission of HIV and understanding of methods of prevention. However, this does not translate into HIV-preventive behaviour. Behaviour change and social change are long-term processes, and the factors that predispose people to infection … cannot be addressed in the short term.” according to the same website.

The South African trial comes on the heels of reports that researchers believe a parasitic worm may boost the likelihood of HIV infection among women.

Breakthrough in personalised cancer medicine as scientists develop tailored treatments for leukaemia patients Thousands of leukaemia patients will soon receive treatments finely tailored to their disease, thanks to the most C M Y K

Breakthrough in personalised cancer medicine

detailed map of cancer genes ever completed.

The British discovery - the biggest breakthrough yet in the new drive for ‘personalised’ cancer medicine - will allow doctors to pinpoint the exact treatment a patient needs. It means that

thousands of patients will be able to skip unnecessary and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, if their genes show they are surplus to requirement. And other patients, with more deadly forms of the disease, can be fast-tracked to aggressive and expensive treatments.

•The Camel Scientists at the Sanger Institute in Cambridgeshire have announced they had charted the genes of a vicious form of blood cancer, called acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

They discovered that the disease was effectively 11 different disorders, not just one, and the different types could be matched to treatments with remarkable accuracy.

The team has already started trying to repeat the process for different types of cancer – and is already working on a similar study for breast cancer which it hopes to publish by the end of the year.

Doctors are convinced that personalised medicine is the most promising advance in cancer medicine since the invention of chemotherapy.

Last week a major study announced in the US estimated that personalised treatment would be six times better at treating cancer than a broad-brush approach - and patients would live twice as long before the cancer grew back. But personalised medicine relies on scientists knowing how the cancer works, and which genes control which element of the disease.

The new breakthrough means that scientists can now target existing treatments with precision for the first time - and come up with new drugs to fill the gaps. The breakthrough is the biggest yet in the new drive for ‘personalised’ cancer medicine, and will allow doctors to pinpoint the exact treatment a patient needs.

It means that thousands of patients will be able to skip unnecessary and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, if their genes show they are surplus to requirement.

And other patients, with more deadly forms of the disease, can be fast-tracked to aggressive and expensive treatments.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—31

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here is increasing evidence that pumpkin can help boost not just sperm quality, but increase sex drive and reduce prostate problems in men. Research shows that pumpkin seeds are a great libido booster. The seeds contain high levels of zinc, which is important for preventing testosterone deficiency in men.

Pumpkin seeds are one of nature’s most perfect foods. They taste delicious, make great snacks, and add nutrient rich flavour and texture to salads and many other dishes. They contain many libido vitamins including the B vitamins, and vitamins E, C, D, and K. They also contain essential sex drive minerals like calcium, potassium, niacin, and phosphorous.

Low zinc levels are associated with reduced sperm quality and an increased risk of infertility in men. As men begin to age, there is a natural decline in zinc. A zinc deficiency can lead to prostate enlargement, as well as other male sexual health problems including impotence. Prostate tissues are highly dependent on zinc—one of the primary nutrients in sperm production, and Typically male increases sperm count and sperm motility. High zinc levels also reduce the risk of prostate disease.

Since pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, they may help improve sperm quality. Evidence

Pumpkin boosts sperm quality, prostate health

from one study in mice suggests they may also help protect human sperm from damage caused by chemotherapy and autoimmune diseases.

Adequate zinc also prevents the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

When testosterone levels decline, the prostate gland converts the testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. DHT breaks down testosterone, causing a range of problems including prostate enlargement, balding in men, and potentially even prostate cancer.

Pumpkin seeds are also high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can contribute to healthy testosterone levels and

improve overall health.

Together, all these factors may benefit fertility levels and reproductive function, especially in men.

Pumpkin seeds can also help to sustain lubrication and boost female sex drive. Myosin, an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds, is known to be essential for muscular contractions, which may be necessary for good sex.

Pumpkin seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are the precursors of prostaglandin, hormone-like substances that play a key role in sexual desire and sexual health. Essential fatty acids also natural antidepressants

•Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds

and help balance the mind, which is vital for an optimum sex life.

In addition to higher sex drive, pumpkin seeds may also help improve bladder

function, prevent osteoporosis, kidney stones, cancer and heart disease.

Lifeline

Man lives for more than a year with artificial heart

S

tan Larkin, 25, who survived 555 days without a heart in his body, has undergone surgery to have his portable artificial heart replaced by a real

•Larkin

heart.

He was the first person in Michigan, USA, to be fitted for the SynCardia Freedom Portable Driver, an artificial heart designed to fit conveniently in a backpack.

Larkin was diagnosed with familia cardiomyopathy as a teenager and battled heart failure until December 2014, when his heart had to be Larkin was the removed. He was also unable to receive a transplant on time. lucky first Larkin was the lucky first candidate to try candidate to try out the out the portable portable artificial heart that artificial heart that allowed him to spend Christmas at home as he allowed him to waited for a transplant. spend Christmas “We wanted to get heart transplants, but we didn’t think at home

we had enough time,” said Dr. Jonathan Haft, an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. He explained that normally, heart transplant patients had to remain in the ICU, but with the new device, Larkin was allowed to leave and live his life.

The University of Michigan Health System explained in a statement that two tubes were connected to the body that allowed the machine to delivered air into the ventricles and allow blood to be pumped through the body—just as a human heart would.

His older brother, who

also suffered from heart failure, also relied on the device, but was fitted after Larkin and received his transplant earlier. Finally, after more than a year of living with the device while on the transplant list, Larkin replaced his artificial heart with a new one.

“It was stressful but after I got it, I felt so much better. I felt like before I had any heart problems, I felt like I can do what I want,” Larkin stated at a press conference.

“I feel like I could take a jog as we speak. I want to thank the donor who gave themselves for me. I’d like to meet their family one day.

Hopefully they’d want to meet me.”

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

08 1 1 6759 759 081 6759759

Now the model who had six ribs removed to look like Jessica Rabbit has had permanent EYE IMPLANTS to make her She had two implants injected eyes sea green into her pupil through a 2.8mm

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MODEL who hit the head lines for having six ribs re moved to sculpt her waist has now had permanent EYE IMPLANTS to make her peepers "cartoon green”. Pixee Fox has already gone to extreme lengths to make her body look like her heroes Jessica Rabbit, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Holli Would from Cool World.

Having the ribs removed left her with an unbelievable 14in waist, plus she’s splashed out £80,000 on operations including four boob jobs, a butt lift and labioplasty. Her latest surgery set her back £4,100 and saw former electrician Pixee head to India to have her natural blue eyes changed to a bright green. “This is something I have wanted since I was really young.

I really wanted to have a different eye-colour,” she said. “It doesn’t worry me that it is permanent; that’s what I like about plastic surgery - the permanency of it.”

The operation isn’t widely available for cosmetic reasons in most Western countries, but it can be used to correct iris abnormalities. That’s why Pixee was treated by Dr Suraj Munjal at the Spectra Eye Hospital in New Delhi, India.

cut, taking 15 minutes per eye.

Pixee had local anaesthetic and it would take a major surgery to remove the implants. The operation doesn’t come without risks, including blurred vision and infections, but luckily Suraj hasn’t had any problems in his 70 – 80 operations.

The doctor believes there are around eight people who offer this kind of surgery at the moment.

Pixee had the operation in April, and afterwards she spent some time looking around New Delhi.

“I thought I would be judged a lot more for my appearance but it has been the complete opposite and

every has been really friendly and nice to me,” she said.

Many locals were stunned by her figure – Pixee has a 30J bust and constantly wears a waist trainer to cinch herself in even more.

Onlooker Vijay Raina said: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen something like this. “She has a very skinny waist and then the body is broad. It’s a nice, attractive figure.” Pixee is from Sweden and she’s had 19 operations on her quest to get the perfect

figure. They’ve helped her change her body from 30-24-34 to an eyewatering 38-16-39. She plans to keep going too, with custom bum and hip implants on the cards this summer, plus she wants to hone her waist even more.

“The record right now is 15 inches and I want to go down to 14,” she said. “But right now I need to recover from all the procedures. “I’m just going to eat and be happy - but by the end of the year I am going to go for it.”

Outr age as ‘dis tressed’ nak ed woman w ander Outrage ‘distressed’ naked wander anderss on busy mot or way in freezing conditions... but nobody of motor orw offfer erss ttoo help

Rubbish escape plan:

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prisoner was caught as he tried to break out from jail - by hiding himself inside a rubbish bin, it was reported last month. Willian Alves, who had been working in the prison kitchen, made his escape bid just as the daily rubbish collection was about to take place at the city jail in Vitoria da Conquista, northeast Brazil.

The inmate, who is serving time for robbery, squeezed himself inside one of the plastic bins waiting to be removed. He then covered his head with leftover food to camouflage himself, according to officers. But his rubbish plan was foiled after one of the prison officers trying to move the bin wondered why it was so heavy and decided to look in-

side. Even after officers removed food from the top of the bin to reveal the inmate, Alves remained still and kept his head down hoping he hadn't been spotted, according to police. A spokesman for the Bahia State Prison Officers' Union, Sinspeb, said: 'Prisoners are turning to ever more creative and elaborate means to try to escape from our prisons.

'Congratulations to the officers because, while this particular escape plan wasn't that good, they still showed great talent and professionalism in preventing it.'

Alves was returned to his cell and an investigation into the escape attempt has been launched, he added.

he bizarre sight was T captured on the ring-road circling the Moscow. THIS is

the moment a stark-naked woman was spotted walking between traffic on a main road during rush-hour.

The bizarre sight was captured on the ring-road circling the Russian capital Moscow. The footage has sparked outrage in Russia as,

despite the woman clearly being distressed and shivering in the freezing cold, drivers simply carry on past her with nobody offering to help. The images shared by one of the passengers in a passing car show the naked woman walking in the middle of the road trying to cover her breasts with her hands.

Nobody stopped to help the woman, instead choosing to video her on their phones as they passed. Local reports say that one of the motorists called the police and an ambulance finally arrived and took her to hospital.

The footage has been shared widely since being uploaded and has prompted many comments from social media users who lament the lack of compassion shown towards the naked woman. One user wrote: “Maybe something terrible happened to her. Maybe she was raped and kicked out of the car. Maybe she lost a bet to somebody.”

Another user Lyudmila said: “All these drivers probably had blankets in their cars, but none of them offered her clothes or at least a scarf.”

However, one user Ruslan, who said he had been there, commented: “There was a car full of immigrants who offered her a ride, but she simply ignored them.”

He also admitted he did not try and help as he feared the woman was on drugs

SA TURD AY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—33 SATURD TURDA

Adewale Vanguard’s CSO giv es out daught er in marriage Bishop gives daughter IT was merry-merry all Mar tins at S Martins Stt Gregs the way for the Chief

The couple flanked by Mr and Mrs Henry Ujiro Onewokae, groom's parents and Mr and Mrs Amorighoye B Miller, bride’s parents

Security Officer of Vanguard Media Limited, Mr Amorighoye Miller, when his daughter, Tosan Treaure Miller was swept off her feet by her heart-throb, Henry Ujiro Onewokae, son of Mr and Mrs John Onewokae recently. The couple exchanged nuptial vows at Calvary Baptist Church, Marine Beach, Apapa, Lagos.

Photos by Sola Oyelese

Candidates from six Catholic schools in Lagos last Sunday at the magnificent chapel of St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi received the Sacrament of Eucharis and Confirmation. His Grace, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins celebrated the mass and administered the sacraments in a solemn mass.

Chibeze Anibeze, son of our Saturday Editor Onochie Anibeze received First Holy Communion and so was Ogenefego Ewherido, son of our columnist, Francis Ewherido

First Holy Communion receivers L-R: Mr Francis Oputa Oji, Mr Sampson Akunna, Mr Sunday Ogumere and Mr Richard Okotie, allof Vanguard

The couple; Mr and Mrs Henry Onewokae

L-R: Mrs Juliet E Ojero, Mr Dominic E O Ojero , chairman of occassion and Mr John Onewokae , groom' dad

L-R: Daramola Oladapo with Barr Ayodeji Robert .

Aerial view of the celebrants during the mass

Fun all the w ay as LLG G launc hes LLG G G5 wa launches

B

usiness executives, media executives, mobile devices dealers and entertainers were part of the crowd when top mobile phones maker, LG unveiled their new flagship mobile device, the LG G5.

According to the Managing Director, the device has won over 33 awards at Mobile World Congress 2016 Plus BEST OF MWC award.

R-L: Chibezè Anibeze and Bishop Adewale Martins after the mass.

Christian Elega, Country Sales Manager, First Choice, Rajesh Agnotri, Marketing Manager, LG Electronics and J Martins,singer.

L-R: M.D, LGEAF, Mr S.H Kim, Toke Makinwa and Mr. Steve Lee, LGEAF, MC PM

Francis Ewerhido, Vanguard's columnist ànd his wife wère at St Gregory's College too L-R: Mr S.H Kim, M.D LGEAF, Mr Emeka where their son Ogenefego ( in white) Oguchi, M.D Pointek and Mr Steve Lee, LG. received Sàcrament of Confirmation Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Tosan and Henry

L-R: M.D, Okay Fones and Mrs Glory Adegbamigbe, experiencing LG G5.

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34—SATURDAY

Vanguard , JUNE 18, 2016

Confessions of suspected killers of army colonel in Kaduna

By Ifeanyi Okolie & Oghene Omonisa hen Colonel Samalia Inusa, a Chief Instructor at the W Nigerian Army School of Infantry,

Jaji, Kaduna State, was abducted by unknown gunmen at Kamazo area of Kaduna Refinery Road, on March 26, 2016, many thought his abduction and eventual killing might have been a revenge mission by members of the Shiite Islamic sect, who were embroiled in a bloody clash with the Nigerian Army in December 2015.

Over 374 members of the Shiite Islamic Sect were alleged to have been killed during the clash which occurred in Zaria area of Kaduna State. The incident was reported to have thrown the entire Kaduna Metropolis into panic as many feared that the Shiite Sect would stage retaliations. So, as news of the abduction and killing of Col. Inusa filtered into town in March 2016, accusing fingers were pointed at the Shiite, who were also known as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, while the Sect in a swift reaction rebuffed the allegations, calling it a smear campaign to destroy it image.

Arrest of suspects Three month after the abduction and killing, the police authorities in Abuja announced that it operatives at the Inspector General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (SIRT), and men of the Kaduna State Police Command, Special Intelligence Bureau, SIB, have arrested four suspects who participated in the abduction and killing of the colonel.

It was gathered that the SIRT operatives who were deployed to Kaduna State by IGP Solomon Arase, to track down the bandits, had trailed a Techno mobile phone which was robbed from the slain colonel, to a prison warden, Abdulahi Adamu, who is believed to be a close associate of one of the suspects, Ibrahim Kabiru, who was already in the custody of the SIB in Kaduna State. The SIB operatives who were trailing car snatchers terrorizing the state, were said to have arrested Kabiru and his boss, Ebere Precious, who is also known as “Pastor”, for armed robbery.

Their interrogation and subsequent confessions aided the SIRT operatives in apprehending the gang leader, Emeka Okeke Cyprain who was said to have personally shot Col. Inusa.

One Chijioke Ugwuanyi was also arrested.

Going into crime Meanwhile, when Crime Guard interviewed the suspects, Cyprian, a native of Imo State narrated how he killed Col. Inusa, stating that he had no regret killing the colonel as the latter was about killing him. He also narrated how he went into crime and provided details of his robbery escapades around Kaduna Metropolis.

The 44-year-old man and father of three said: “I went into robbery three years ago and I started by hijacking trucks on the Katangura Road, Kaduna State. We normally barricade the road, which is usually busy, with broken-down vehicles and big woods, and when a truck carrying goods C M Y K

•How I shot him — Cyprian •Poverty pushed me into crime — Ugwuanyi

•Suspects stops in front of our barricade, we would attack the driver and the conductor with machete and drag them into the bush and we would hijack the truck and take it to our receiver, Dan Sokoto, who would smuggle it to Niger Republic.

“In our first operation, we hijacked a truck carrying 600,000 cartons of Indomie Noodles, and Dan Sokoto and a member of our gang, Ogbonna Nwobodo took the goods to Niger Republic and when they returned they brought N2 million for the goods. Dan Sokoto told me that they dumped the truck because people don’t buy trucks in Niger Republic. I got N300,000 as my share of the loot and I didn’t give my wife out of it. I was angry with her because I caught her sleeping with another man twice. So, I spent my money on drinks, women and hotel.

“We usually call our gang ‘company’ and Nwobodo was the leader. But because of the little amount Dan Sokoto and Nwobodo brought from that first operation, our company got scattered and we didn’t do any job for five months.

Dan Sokoto later called us and tried to reorganise the company. We had new terms for the sharing of our loot and because I am the striker who went after the driver and conductor, I insisted on getting the lion share.

“We hijacked another vehicle carrying spaghetti, on the same route and Ogbonna took the truck to Dan Sokoto and they took it to Niger and got N330,000 which was higher that I used to get.

“On our third operation, we hijacked another truck carrying spaghetti and we asked Dan Sokoto to get us two pistols with the goods and pay us the balance in cash. He got us the two pistols and brought N1 million which we all shared. Since we had got two pistols, I deiced to sideline Nwobodo and his boys. I formed my own company and I brought in Chijoke, Ebere Kabiru and we went fully into car-snatching.

“We snatched a 2005 Toyota Sienna and told Dan Sokoto that Ogbonna was no longer part of our company and that before the selling of any of

•The rifles recovered from suspects our goods, he must ensure that I speak with the buyer in Niger Republic myself and agree on the price first. When he took the vehicle into Niger, I spoke to one Garuba and he paid us N700,000. I got N120,000 as my share and I told him that I liked the way he did the business and I promised to always get him vehicles.

“We like doing business two times in a week, because it provided us the chance to relax and monitor the environment.

We collected a Toyota Corolla 2008 Model and gave it to Dan Sokoto who took it to Niger Republic and was paid N600,000, and I got N200,000 as my share. We then robbed a Honda Anaconda and sold it for N700,000 and I got N150,000.”

‘How I killed Col. Inusa’ “On the Saturday evening the colonel was killed, we were on the road and saw a Mercedes jeep with flashy lights.

Then we followed the vehicle to Kamazo area and to a house. When the driver stopped to open the gate, we went after the driver and discovered that the driver was a woman and a man was also seated inside. I suspected that the man was the owner of the vehicle, then I ordered him into our own car and asked Chijioke to drive the Mercedes to Dan Sokoto. Kabiru was the one driving our own car. I told the man to relax that all I wanted was his car and we were not going to kill him.

“We took him into a bush in Abuja Bypass, Kaduna. I then told Kabiru to go into the bush with the man. I told him again that he was a big guy and he

could always buy another vehicle.

“He asked for water, but when I was about giving him the water, the man dived me and the gun and removed the magazine from the gun. I was shocked.

He gave me headbutt and beat me so much, but I held tightly to the rifle and we rolled ourselves on the floor. I honestly don’t know when the trigger started firing. But if not for God, the man would have killed me. Luckily for me, the trigger fired and I shot the man.

“I didn’t know that the man was an army officer, but I was surprised that he was very strong. It was after a few hours later, when Chijioke called and told me what he saw in the man’s car, that I realised I was in deep trouble. We sold the car for N900,000 and I advised everyone to take time out and rest.

“Then the news was everywhere.

Chijioke told me that he wanted to quit.

We did our last job and we stole an Avalon. But we couldn’t reach Dan Sokoto, and Chijioke took the car to Niger Republic by himself and sold it to Garuba, who then informed him that Dan Sokoto had been arrested by policemen at Birnin Kebi over a N250 million case.

“Chijioke relocated to Enugu, while I stayed back in Kaduna, watching as things unfolded. Kabiru went and join Ebere. But not long after that, they were both arrested by SIB Kaduna.

“Last Saturday, I was in my sister’s house sleeping when the Police came into our house very early in the morning and asked who was Emeka. I told them I was the one and they asked me why I killed Col. Inusa, and I told them that I would reveal everything when we get to the station. At the station, I also helped in luring Chijioke back to Kaduna where he was also arrested.”

‘Poverty pushed me into crime’ But 44-year-old Chijioke Ugwuanyi, who is a graduate of economics from Enugu State University, blamed poverty for his involvement in crime. The suspect who is a native of Nsukka, Enugu State told Crime Guard: “After graduation, I couldn’t get a good job, so I moved to Lagos and worked with an insurance company. I worked as a marketer and I wasn’t well paid. They told me that I would earn my pay through commission.

“However, I did that for long and nothing meaningful came out from it and I quit and went to teach in a secondary school at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos and was earning N5.000 monthly as a graduate.

“After a while, I started riding okada.

One of my friends from the village who never went to school saw me and pitied me. He was earning more money than myself as truck driver. Then I joined him as a conductor and I started seeing little money. It was at that point that I started meeting criminals. I met Emeka through one Alhaji in Onitsha and they wanted to sell a trailerload of rice that they had hijacked.

“I linked them to a buyer who paid N1.5 million for the goods and I was given N80,000 as my share. That was how I joined the gang. After we kidnapped the colonel and I was taking his car to Niger Republic, I searched and saw the man’s uniform, ID card and other military accoutrement, then I called Emeka and asked him not to kill the man. But he told me that the man was already dead and that it was as if it was his destiny to kill the man because the man was so stubborn and the almost killed him (Emeka). After that operation, I left Kaduna to Enugu State and went and fixed my truck with the intention to return to driving again. But suddenly, I was arrested. It was unfortunate. I have always known that we would be arrested because we were not supposed to kill anyone”, he lamented.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUNE 18 18,, 2016—35

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

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The effect of alcohol on unborn babies

MAGINE when your pregnancy is scanned for the first time so you could see your precious baby growing in the womb, suddenly its whole body gives a shudder and the foetus appears to jump. Such a movement is known as the startle reflex; and the scan described above are from photographs from scans that were taken by Peter Hepper, a professor of psychology at Queens University, Belfast, an expert on the effects of alcohol on unborn babies. It was once believed that the occasional glass of wine in pregnancy is fine —though alcohol rapidly reaches your baby through your blood-stream and across the placenta. But studies such as Professor Hepper’s could prove this belief wrong and that drinking alcohol at all while pregnant could affect your baby. The Prof studied 40 pregnant women. Half said they would not give up alcohol in their pregnancy, half said they would; those who did drink had one to four units of alcohol—around four small glasses of wine every week.

Each woman was scanned seven times at various stages of their pregnancy. The results were astounding. By 18 to 20 weeks—when the foetal brain becomes more developed—the startle reflex in the foetuses of the non-drinking mothers had

A system should be put in place to help women stop drinking during pregnancy C M Y K

disappeared. But the reflex was still present in the foetuses of the women who drank, and was visible even at 35 weeks. What does this mean? Prof.

Hepper explains: “The startle reflex is one of the first movements that a foetus performs, usually in response to loud noises. It is a very primitive response. Of course, this sudden jerk is not the way we move in later life. As the foetus mature, different parts of the brain develop to control movement, so gradually, the startle reflex disappears.

However, this was not the case with the foetuses of the mothers who drank during pregnancy. The alcohol seems to be affecting the way the child’s brain develops.

We know that heavier drinking can cause behavioural problems such as hyper-acting in children. It may be that we are seeing the very beginning of a problem with child behaviour... .“The prof now hopes to follow the progress of the children in his study for their first three to five years, to find out more about the effects of drinking while pregnant. And although he stresses

that his research is still at a very early stage, he believes that the advice for pregnant women that it is safe to drink ‘one of two units of alcohol once or twice a week is misleading.

“Women should be advised not to drink at all,” he says. “In Northern Ireland, we have an anti-drinkdriving campaign that says one drink affects your ability to drive. I don’t see that message coming out for pregnant women. A system should be put in place to help women stop drinking during pregnancy.” In its severest form, foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can also cause facial deformities, low birth-weight, hyperactivity,

poor co-ordination and major organ failure.

Horrified by the lack of support for children with FAS, Gloria Armistead, whose son suffers from it founded the Association of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome awareness UK, which campaigns for more awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. She says: “I recently spoke to a group of teenage mums, and one of them stood up and said: “How dare you tell me what to do with my body?

If I want to go out and get bladdered, I will.” That’s what we are up against.

FAS is preventable with education and awareness.

It is not hereditary or genetic. But it is incurable.

“We don’t want to judge or scare women. Alcohol is our culture. There are reasons why women drink and it may be difficult for them to stop. We need

support for women who are drinking during pregnancy, more evidence that you don’t need to be a binge drinker for alcohol to harm your baby continues to stack up. A recent US study published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, found that seven-yearolds whose mothers had drunk moderately to heavy amounts in pregnancy had lower IQs and experienced more problems with problem-solving skills and memory. Perhaps, it is now time for our own government to follow the lead in other countries such as the US—and advise women that the only safe alcohol level during pregnancy is none at all.

Just one glass of wine a week while pregnant ‘can harm a baby’s IQ’

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rinking even a single glass of wine a week while pregnant can risk your child’s intelligence, researchers warn. They say even small levels of exposure to alcohol in the womb alter a baby’s brain development and can result in a loss of up to four IQ points.

However, there was no effect evident among children whose mothers abstained during pregnancy, suggesting exposure to alcohol affected intelligence, the study published by Bristol and Oxford universities found.

Although official guidance says alcohol is best avoided in pregnancy, there is conflicting evidence about how much can be consumed safely, with research indicating that light drinking does not adversely affect a baby’s development.

The study looked at 4,167 mothers and their children to see if they had four common genes which influence how quickly an individual breaks down alcohol. Those with a greater number of these genes take longer to rid themselves of alcohol, which makes them more vulnerable to its effects.

Only eight children, did not have any of the four genes. The scientists then examined the mothers’ alcohol consumption. ‘Moderate’ drinking was regarded as anything less than six units of alcohol a week—the equivalent

of three standard glasses of wine—while some of the women abstained through the whole of their pregnancy. Heavy drinkers were excluded. When youngsters whose mothers were moderate drinkers were tested at the age of eight, those who had three of the gene variants—meaning they were slower to rid alcohol from their systems—had a lower intelligence when compared with those who had either one or two. Children with all four genes were found to have, on average, a reduced IQ of four points in comparison to those with one or two. The intelligence of children whose mothers avoided alcohol was not affected, no matter how many genes they had. Scientists said the results provide evidence that exposure to alcohol in the womb has an effect on brain development.

Dr. Ron Gray, of Oxford University, who led the research, said: “The basic message is a precautionary one—why take the chance? So women have good reason to choose to avoid alcohol when pregnant. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol while pregnant can do harm to your unborn child. We already know around 6,000 babies a year are born with brain damage, physical problems or learning disabilities as a result of heavy alcohol consumption. ‘It is impossible to say what constitutes as a “safe” amount of alcohol, so our advice to mothers is; don’t take a chance and drink no alcohol at all.’

36—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016

NEITI audit reports:

NNPC’s many sins

By Michael Eboh

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he Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, in its recent report indicted the NNPC for withholding and short-changing the country of over $13.29 billion over a nineyear period.

NEITI in its Audit Report for 2013, had accused the NNPC and its subsidiaries of failing to remit $3.8 billion and N358.3 billion in 2013, and over $12 billion between 2005 and 2009, stating that these outstanding payments were due from unpaid consideration from divested Oil Mining Leases (OML), cash call refunds, crude oil liftings and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, dividends over a nine-year period.

In addition to the indictment

by NEITI, the NNPC had been accused on a number of occasions of large scale graft, and serving as a conduit for the diversion of the country’s finances to private account. The NNPC had also been accused of entering into deals that were detrimental to the economy of the country among others.

In particular, former Chairman of NEITI, Professor Humphrey Asobie, had accused past presidents of the country of participating in corruption in the oil sector, through connivance with some officials of the NNPC. According to him, almost all leaders of the country from 1973 had been indicted of one

•NNPC Refinary form of malfeasance or the other in the petroleum sector by various reports.

He also accused political parties of complicity in the rot in the petroleum industry and other sectors of the economy, stating specifically, that over the years, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had been a source of funding for political parties.

According to him, the NNPC had been the source of funding for political parties all along and where they are not getting from NNPC, they are getting from other sources.

In addition, the Natural Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, recently disclosed that within the first six months of the Buhari administration, the NNPC withheld over $4.2 billion, about N824.7 billion, out of a total of $6.3 billion,

about N1.24 trillion, realised from crude oil sales in the second half of 2015.

The NRGI also accused the NNPC of causing the country to lose about $32 billion, about N7 trillion, due to its opaque Domestic Crude Allocation (DCA), questionable revenue retention practices and corruption-ridden oil-for-product swap agreements.

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and present Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, had also accused the NNPC of failing to remit about $20 billion to the Federation Account. These are just a few of the many accusations against the NNPC in the last three years.

However, the NNPC, in an attempt to clear its name, denied any wrongdoing, claiming that its failure to remit about $13.294

billion to the Federation account over a nine-year period was due to the fact that the funds were utilized legally in running its operations, while the balance of the funds had been transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Mr. Godwin Okonkwo, Group General Manager, Debt Management/Federal Allocation of the NNPC, told newsmen that a large chunk of the funds, with the approval of the Federal Government, were used to fund various gas projects in the country, while with the advent of the current administration, the balance of the funds had been moved from the Treasury Single Account, TSA, to the federation account in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. According to him, part of the spending for NLNG dividends was for the development of NLNG trains, Brass LNG and Olokola LNG. On claims that the NNPC and NPDC are yet to pay about $1.7 billion from the transfer of some oil assets to the NPDC, he stated that the actual amount would be determined by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, which is currently at the last lap of evaluating the amount to be paid.

Stakeholders are of the view that if all the leakages caused by the NNPC are blocked, and if all the outstanding sums allegedly withheld by the NNPC are recovered, the country’s present financial predicament would take a turn for the better.

It has also become pertinent for the ongoing reforms in the NNPC to be pursued to a logical conclusion, to position the NNPC on the path to transparency.

Stakeholders are unanimous in their views that forestalling further loss of the country’s resources through the NNPC should be seen as a national priority, hence, the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, presently before the national Assembly, should also be expedited to save the country from further loses in the petroleum industry.

It’s dangerous to have Niger Delta as battleground—Gbasin

By Oghene Omonisa Hon. Philip Gbasin is an Executive Director, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and former Head, Department of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Ltd. In this interview, he bares his mind on pressing national issues, including how the Niger Delta is being turned into a battlefield between government forces and the Niger Delta Avengers. Excerpts: How is DESOPADEC faring in the midst of the economic crisis in the state?

We were sworn in on August 28, 2015.

Because of the paucity of funds, we have not been authorized to carry out any new project. What we are doing now is completing ongoing projects and staff management. We have already completed and commissioned some inherited projects. We have commissioned a concrete jetty at Salvation City, we commissioned a palace at Otu Jeremi and an area office of the Commission at Orerokpe, and there are other projects lining up for commissioning.

The oil and gas sector has come under serious attack by the Niger Delta Avengers and other affiliate groups. As a community relations specialist, what is your view on the present attacks?

C M Y K

most effective community engagement machineries in resolving community issues. After attacking Forcados, the next big fish for them in Delta State is Chevron which will attract government attention to their attacks.

The present situation is a very precarious one and it is much more dangerous than when MEND was involved because under MEND, you know the faces behind the attacks. For now, government is yet to unveil their faces but I believe that behind any facelessness, there is a bold face.

What do you think is the best approach on this issue?

It will require intelligence to really find out the faces behind the Avengers. The Federal Government has to develop its intelligence to unravel the faces behind these attacks and the interest behind their actions. More so, the Federal Government may need to de-emphasize its powers and capacity to invade communities in their search for insurgents. The way forward is diligence and intelligence on the part of government to find out who really are these people and the reasons behind the bombings.

From all indications, the Federal Government seems poised to deal decisively with these militants. What is your position on this?

Nobody can win such wars. It is really a very dangerous thing for us to have the home source of our economy as battlefield. Irrespective of the might of the Federal Government, it cannot win this battle because the economy has become the battleground and you cannot win such battle until you destroy the oil facilities which will be like destroying oneself. Unless a serious strategy is adopted to address this situation, it would be difficult to quell the fury

•Philip Gbasin

being displayed by these groups; a show of might on the part of government will also not help anybody.

Chevron seems to be the target of the attacks by the Avengers. As a retired member of staff, what do you think might have infuriated the group to direct their aggression on Chevron facilities?

It is not correct to say Chevron is their target, but they seem to have been focusing on big oil facilities and Chevron is the one that has such facilities in Delta State. I don’t think they are expressing their grievances against Chevron because Chevron has no fracas with any group. Rather, Chevron probably has one of the

The interest of the Federal Government is to guarantee operations of oil firms in the Niger Delta with deployment of more soldiers to the area. Do you think it is right for government to take such a decision?

The guarantee of operations of oil companies in the Niger Niger is not because of the presence of many soldiers for security but because of the goodwill of the community people. It is the goodwill that provides the social license for oil companies to operate safely. When I was in Chevron at the peak of the Niger Delta militancy, surprisingly we did not lose any production. When the national production came down from 2.2 million barrels per day to 700,000 bpd, Chevron still retained its production level because of our strong relationship with host communities. Even if you draft all the soldiers to guard oil installations, without good community relations, it will be futile.

What message do you have for the Avengers and other militant groups?

I will advise them to hold their peace and take the path of dialogue because every problem no matter how big it is, will be resolved on the dialogue table.

We do not need to destroy everything around us before dialogue, and I believe the Federal Government also should be willing to do same because our environment is at stake.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—37

oday we are in the club of nations producing petroleum and not knowing T what to do with it; groping and wallowing in

memories of long-gone old days of not knowing what to do with our petrodollars. Collectively we have not been able to utilize our innate releasing mechanisms to stimulate triggering instinctive behaviours to tackle identified challenges.

For obvious reasons corruption, mismanagement and technical incompetence are our banes and are identified facts. We have taken notice of the problems bedeviling the petroleum sector but have found it extremely difficult to take action. We have not been able to conduct a methodical investigation to develop a plan of action based on facts discovered. We have been reluctant to act because of absence of research. We now suffer from this structural deficiency.

One month ago the Federal Government acting through the Minister of State and Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Ibe Kachikwu, took out subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol. Kachikwu told Nigerians that there were no resources for the supply needs of Nigerians; no foreign exchange and cannot open letters of credit to import products.

In what seemed like belly words Ministers are busy in belatedly geopolitical town hall rounds selling petrol price increase to Nigerians. The real Nigerian has been asked to swallow the bitter pill in good faith for marketers not to be forced out of petrol import business. Nigerians are also paying more in electricity tariff for distribution companies to remain in business. Is the vulnerable Nigerian factored in these important economic equations?

The Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who preached to Nigerians the 2016 swallow-the-bitter-pill sermon with temerity had in December 2014, while serving as Governor of Lagos State, asked the Federal Government to review downwards the pump price of premium motor spirit in tandem with the slump in world oil prices.

It is unfortunate that President Muhammadu Buhari who exactly one year ago said many jobless people would be affected by subsidy removal was pressured to take what is now

Paying more in glutted fuel markets The real Nigerian has been asked to swallow the bitter pill in good faith for marketers not to be forced out of petrol import business called hard economic decision, knowing fully well there were many more soothing choices to solve this lingering problem.

Indeed subsidy withdrawal meant a boon to state coffers. But is it good for the vulnerable Nigerian who grapples with high pump price of imported petroleum products with a free fall and devalued Naira? These Nigerians with diminishing benefits in perpetuity are becoming victims of some state conspirators.

The situation is difficult to analyse considering government officials incongruous explanations of subsidy withdrawal or price increment for petrol. Preferably it is price increment because the price modulation introduced early January 2016 is ad infinitum.

Again with lack of empirical data figures are conjured on what we consume of imported petroleum products. We can hardly determine the factors of price elasticity of demand in microeconomic terms of this imported product that is necessary, almost having no substitute,

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and taking a high percentage of the consumer’s income.

Can it be likened to former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s early 1990s postulation that the Nigerian economy defied logic? He could not understand the economy ’s untowardly resilience in his government’s structural adjustment programme (SAP). The current state of affairs is a phenomenon to contend with; not understanding why we cannot refine locally.

Excess gasoline has pooled in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp refining hub hitting a record high in anticipation of summer demand. This Excess gasoline has pooled in onshore tanks and ships anchored off refining hubs, according to traders and Reuter’s shiptracking data published in Hydrocarbon Processing recently.

At the time Nigeria increased prices, refiners from North Western Europe had an armada of 75 ships laden with 2.5million tonnes of petrol cargoes around the Lagos quay. As government increased petrol price by about 67 percent, fire-sale prices ruled the international markets with gluts in crude oil and petroleum products.

These refiners’ only business guarantees were gasoline contangos (every day their journeys last makes their cargoes more valuable when they land) as they dawdled along slow steaming routes to Asia around the tip of Africa without cutting through the Suez Canal, and sitting on fuel to cash in on high futures prices.

With a globally glutted market for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, Nigerians are hounded in a relentless manner that crude oil prices are low. With low crude price, Suezmax tanker, Front Njord loaded 1 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonga medium crude oil early

he time and seasons that we are in now to many is life threatening. Prices of almost all things are sky rocketing. Families find it difficult to cope and to survive. Famine is indeed the order of the day. I know that so many expectations are not being met. However i would like to assure you that God Almighty is still God and in absolute control of all things. Let me just ask you one simple question. Do you know how many unseen battles the Lord fought and won for you? They are uncountable. Do you know that the devil did not intend for you to see this day and season but greater glory ahead of Him. years to become the prime minister in thank God you are not only seeing this The Bible says “Looking unto Jesus a strange land. This must be a miracle. day your better days are at hand. Let Christ, the author and finisher of our Listen, Joseph did not contest any me tell you whether the devil likes it faith; who for the joy that was set election. The hand of God or not, “All things will definitely work before Him endured the cross, supernaturally worked behind the together for your good” (Roms 8: 28). despising the shame and is set down scene to get Joseph to the throne. The As our topic for today says “Don’t at the right hand of the throne of God God that did this for Joseph will also Quit”, because quitters never win. It (Heb 12: 2). do it for you if you don’t quit in Jesus is too soon to quit. Don’t even Jesus would not have received the name. Amen. contemplate it despite all you are joy and be where He is now if He had Remember the certain man at the going through. You may call it the given up. Don’t give up. There is now pool of Bethesda. This man kept worst period in your life while God may still a miracle for you. believing for his miracle for thirty eight call it preparatory time for greater What about Joseph, God showed him years. Just when he thought it was his heights in your life. One thing you vision that people including his family turn for the miracle, something else should know is this; your darkest hour will bow before him. He believed it and happens. But still the man kept is nearer the day than you think. No waited patiently for it to happen. No pressing on, he refused to quit. He had wonder the Bible says, “Weeping may sooner had he ended up in prison for only one thing in sight, his endure for a night but joy cometh in no offense of his. If anybody had any miracle. Every other person the morning”. You see, for every night reason to quit, it was Joseph. He was entered into the pool to there is a day. I remember clearly in just a little over seventeen years but receive their miracle but the Bible that just when it was time for then he had to wait for thirteen good Jesus came into the scene Jesus to complete His For more details, contact us at Christ Reality Church, beside Gossard Hotel, assignment here on earth He opposite First Bank Sports Ground, Community Road, Satellite Town or cried out to God and said P.O.Box, 3196, Yaba Lagos. Tel: 08023062635, 08168955932; 08033378769. Efather, how I wish this cup mail: johnson_crm@yahoo.com. Website: www.christrealityministries.org. would pass me by but Our account details are Pastor Johnson Omomadia, Guaranty Trust Bank, nevertheless not my will but A/C Nos. 0005171407; Christ Reality Ministries, Zenith Bank A/C 1011711622. your will be done, (Matt 26: 39). Jesus for a moment was Worship with us on Sundays, 1st Service: 7.45 am – 9:15am; 2nd service 9:15 willing to quit because of the – 11:30am. Wednesday World Revelation 6pm. Counseling days Tuesdays, magnitude of the task at Thursdays and Fridays. 11Am – 5pm daily or by appointment. Showers of hand but then He blessing every 2nd - 4th Sat. of each month 6 a.m – 7.15am. remembered that there is a

Don’t Quit

C M Y K

May 2016 at Bonga Offshore Terminal, and discharged at Bahia Blanca port in Argentina.

Several refinery operators including Royal Dutch Shell arranged the purchase. Shell, Petrobras, Axion Energy, and Oil Combustibles operate the Buenos Aires, Bahia Blanca, San Lorenzo and Campana refineries with a joint capacity of 260,000 barrels per day. That Argentina has joined the fray for our crude oil meant a fundamental problem in Nigeria.

Perhaps our forward-thinking government may have surrendered to the Nigerian alternating current, Aliko Dangote to explain the answer to the riddle of two decades as his 650,000 barrels per day refinery would come on stream by early 2018. The CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele early January 2016 on his visit to the refinery in Lagos assured “Mr. Africa” Dangote that whatever it would cost in terms of foreign exchange, the CBN was there to assist him in the US$14 billion project.

Emefiele almost fantasized what the Dangote refinery would make for Nigeria and the foreign exchange that would accrue thereof for CBN and forgot we have four idle state refineries that are being prepared for rummage sales. The latest product analysis from Wood Mackenzie which tracks 745 operational refineries globally shows that there would still be an oversupply of gasoline globally for several years even if there are no more refineries built beyond 2020. Technically Nigeria is not there in refinery number and functionality.

We are told that the cure for low price is lower price and that affects demand and supply. With low price for crude, Nigeria has continued to sell crude, refused to refine, devalued her currency, import refined products at exorbitant prices and impoverished her citizens. The same old story we preached to the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to invest in refineries and petrochemicals is what we are reminding President Buhari after one year in office.

President Buhari that we believed has the ability may also be lacking in the will.

Developed and emerging nations never looked for the easy way out. They sought for lasting solutions to complex problems. As a nation we should not toe the line of weak resistance with the slightest challenge. We have the market without the product. Let us benefit from the gluts by refining locally and stop being foreign manufacturers’ representatives.

and commanded the man to rise up, take up his bed and walk. This man believed that this miracle would come from the pool, but Jesus showed that you don’t have to receive your miracle the way others did. Don’t quit. Jesus has a miracle for you.

TESTIMONY: I am writing to appreciate what God has used your message that comes up on the weekend Vanguard to do in my life for the past three years. I recall being hedged in valley of life but God’s word from your mouth brought me out and established me on Rock to stay. All the glory and honor be to God. The oil and the anointing will never run dry in your life in Jesus name.

Elder F.I Have you given your life to Jesus? If not, please pray this prayer. Father, I come to you as I am. I invite Jesus into my life to be my personal Lord and Saviour. Wash me cleanse with the blood of Jesus and empower me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for saving my soul and making me your child.

Your prayer request and praise reports will be welcomed.

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

AVIATION REGULATION IN NIGERIA

The regulatory function suffered one of its greatest violence in 1995 when the then Minister of Aviation, a serving air force officer, Air Cdr. Nsikak Eduok, stunned aviation stakeholders with his reform. Eduok said that he had carried out global studies and consultations which convinced him that the concept of “Autonomous Airport System” was the best for Nigeria. To achieve this new fangled nebulous concept, the Minister wound up the young FCAA, transferred its airspace management schedule to the then NAA (Nigeria Airport Authority), which he re-christened FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria). In the place of the two regulatory arms of FCAA: Safety and Economic, Eduok created two Directorates – DSRAM and DERAM, which he put directly in the Ministry of Aviation. Thus, Eduok’s reform took the industry ten years back to the dying days of the post-colonial regulatory period. This reform which we have code-named “Eduokian Legacy” has remained the most regressive step in the annals of our civil aviation regulation development.

More so, as an analysis of Eduok’s reform clearly indicate, the Minister did not seem to have a clear grasp of his reform as can be seen in the appointments he made as well as the unclear structure and profiles of the critical planks of his “Autonomous Airport System”. One visible evidence of this position is that, having fired Agbabiaka, Demuren and their colleagues, then outstanding regulators, he transferred one of the most experienced airport managers of the time, Engineer Mamman, then MD of NAA, to DSRAM, which fundamentally dealt with safety oversight, worthiness certification, issuance of AOC and licensing, among other things. Mamman had neither training, exposure nor experience in the above functions. And because there is no relationship between his background and distinguished career in airport management and regulatory schedule, he could therefore not validly extrapolate his widely accepted competence in airport management to safety regulation and monitoring. So, try as much as he did, the regulatory profile of Nigeria in the Aviation Sector began to show a steep decline.

Competence receded at an alarming rate. The UK aeronautical authorities banned certain operations from Nigeria which affected Nigeria Airways and a private cargo airline on account of airworthiness and poor regulatory oversight. Also, throughout this period, the International Federation of Airline Pilots Association (IFALPA) at various forums declared the Nigerian airspace unsafe. All these constituted the profile of Nigeria’s aviation profile dating from Eduok’s reform of 1995 to 1999.

It is a fact that though in 1999, the then Minister of Aviation, Capt. Benoni Briggs had recreated, in his reform, a new Civil Aviation Authority – the NCAA with an Airspace Management Agency – NAMA; the rot and decadence which Eduok’s reform set in motion continued to dog the industry and, as industry analysts opine, is the remote cause that culminated in the devastating air crashes of 2005/2006 of ADC, Sosoliso and Bellview, in which over 400 lives were lost. In fact, the AIB final reports on ADC and Bellview seem largely to give credence to this industry opinion.

The Capt. Briggs reform that recreated NCAA and NAMA became the nucleus of a new regulatory body. However, it must be noted that the 1999 Act was quite inadequate to police, drive the development and advance regulatory practices. It needed extensive rejigging and ramping. It needed freedom from ministerial interference in technical matters. It needed stability in management and indeed some teeth to bite. It needed flexibility of a sort to be able to address emerging trends and to be able to align and conform to new global standards as set by ICAO. These were the challenges Demuren faced when, in 2006, in response to the mournful mood of a beleaguered nation that just lost over 400 lives in three air crashes; he was appointed as the new helmsman at NCAA; thus replacing Engr. Fidelis Onyeyiri.

With a mission, with a passion and a sense of history of our ignoble past as well as a commitment to irreversibly reverse our unedifying profile, Dr. Demuren began his tenure by deftly attacking the underbelly of the problem which of course was the weak regulatory framework encapsulated in the NCAA Act of 1999 which contained so many lacunas that allowed interference of all sorts even on vital safety issues.

By 2006, Demuren’s administration succeeded, with like-minded patriotic legislators and stakeholders, in getting the new “Civil Aviation Act” 2006 enacted.

Armed with this Act, Demuren applied himself to building a new regulatory system that would launch Nigeria back into a global reckoning. This, to a far-reaching extent, he did by galvanizing the industry, using all professional and technical competences drawn from within and, largely from outside NCAA. Demuren stayed in NCAA for six years from 2006 to 2012 and within the period, Nigeria attained FAA Category 1 and passed ICAO Safety Audit. For five of the six years, the industry was accident-free and Nigeria came under reckoning when Demuren’sled NCAA was asked to help some other African States grow strong regulatory system akin to NCAA.

The chequered history

By Chris Aligbe

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ivil Aviation regulation in Nigeria became the function of the National Government in the immediate post-colonial period. Nigeria had bought over the equities of Elder Dempstar and other stakeholders in West African Airways Corporation – WAAC following the withdrawal of Ghana in 1958 after independence; it became imperative that the new nation put in place a regulatory system that will underpin Airline Operations in Nigeria in accordance with ICAO sets of Standard And Recommended Practices (SARP) issued in 1944/45.

As at then, Aviation oversight and development functions were domiciled in the Civil Aviation Department of the Federal Ministry of Aviation headed Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe. It was a self-regulatory regime that lasted for almost three decades.

In 1988 a seminar was held for the purpose of developing an Aviation Policy for the country. One of the recommendations that was accepted was the need to create a statutory regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Aviation which will be charged with safety and economic regulation of the aviation sector as well as partly handle the provision of Air Traffic Services. Following this, by the last quarter of 1989, a new Agency called “Federal Civil Aviation Authority” (FCAA) was created to carry out the Industry Oversight and regulation with Air Cdr Falope, a retired Air Force Officer as its first Chief Executive. With Falope, were younger industry professionals like Agbabiaka, Obadofin and Demuren. The FCAA, from onset, began earnestly to build a foundation that would host a sound regulatory system in keeping with ICAO SARP.Manpower Development based on training and exposure was a major component in the efforts of the new management.

In spite of the efforts to build this system, the whole idea of regulatory independence was an anathema to the Government as the Minister/Ministry still exercised a tight control over the Authority even on safety issues, let alone Economic ones which of course, as at that time, were undeveloped. Critical safety and Airworthiness decisions and approvals, requiring inspection by professionals before being arrived at, were taken and given by Ministers without recourse to the relevant desk officers in FCAA for input or advice. This unfortunate situation hallmarked the regulatory regimes between 1990 to 2006 straddling periods of military and democratic dispensations. Over this sixteen-year period, we saw three transformations of the regulatory Authority from FCAA (Federal Civil Aviation Authority 1989-1995) to DSRAM and DERAM (Directorate of Safety Regulations And Monitoring and Directorate of Economic Regulation and Monitoring 1995-1999) respectively and finally to an NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) whose framework was somewhat weak, incomprehensive and, ipso facto, limited in mandate.

In the record of each period, can be found many cases of ministerial inferences in safety regulation. These include C M Y K

In spite of the efforts to build this system, the whole idea of regulatory independence was an anathema to the Government as the Minister/Ministry still exercised a tight control over the Authority even on safety issues, let alone Economic ones which of course, as at that time, were undeveloped the following classic cases: In 1991, the then Minister of Aviation allegedly at the foyer of Hyatt Regency in Jeddah stunned FCAA CEO, the Director of Airworthiness and Safety that he had given clearance to Hold trade Airline, one of Nigeria’s Hajj Operators, to use a Canadian registered DC8 for Hajj operations. The FCAA CEO was said to have raised issues of FCAA having not certified the airworthiness of the aircraft but got the retort “what other certification do you require”? That aircraft during that operation lost its tyres on take-off, retracted its bare hot nose wheel into its hole close to a hydraulic laden compartment, thus igniting fire. By now, it was airborne and passengers were reportedly falling out of the aircraft and in seconds, the aircraft turned into a flying inferno before crashing, killing all the 262 pilgrims and the crew.

In the period between 1995 and 2006, there were at least 26 extensions of overdue maintenance, and reversal, by external forces, of groundings due to safety concerns by NCAA. Two classic cases of this period include: The issuance of an AOC by NCAA to a non-existent airline called ‘Air Nigeria’ in response to ministerial directive in 2002.

This never-heard-of-before professional goof was condemned

by ICAO. The next was the Presidential pronouncement grounding operations of Sososliso and Chanchangi in the aftermath of the Sosoliso, Bellview and ADC fatal crashes of 2005/2006.

The President’s action was, acceptably politically expedient but technically incompetent and an unwarranted interference in safety regulation.

Continues on page 39

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—39

raham Godden, 48, is an athletics coach who lives in a three-bedroom cottage in G Sussex with wife Sara Collins, 46, a

businesswoman, and their three children aged 16, 11 and eight. They’ve been together for nearly 23 years, and married for 13.

He says: Snaking my arm around Sara’s waist under the duvet, I gently kissed the nape of her neck, hoping that she would return my kisses and that we would make love.

Instead, she muttered something about being too tired to have sex and batted my arm away.

I was dispirited and a little humiliated, but not surprised.

For this pattern — me making a move, then being swiftly rejected — had become something of a bedtime ritual.

While I know that many marriages experience ‘dry spells’, in which the demands of work and child-raising mean that lovemaking takes a back seat, Sara and I haven’t had sex at all for two years.

Even in the few years before this, we made love only a handful of times.

Indeed, our love-life has been so lacklustre that five years ago Sara suggested that her libido was so low, I should seek solace elsewhere.

She was very apologetic about it, but I was shocked and hurt. She said her only condition was that if I ever took her up on this offer, she wanted to know before it had happened.

I didn’t know what to say, and we didn’t discuss it any further that night. She rolled over and went to sleep, while I lay awake mulling over the conversation, questioning why Sara no longer found me attractive — and if I could sleep with another woman without it ruining our marriage.

Many husbands joke that they’d love a ‘free pass’ to cheat on their wives — but they can’t imagine the hurt and humiliation you feel when the woman you love tells you she no longer desires you.

I bet if it came to it, they’d be far more reluctant to have a tryst. For while my head is turned by attractive women on the street, it’s Sara I want to make love to, not a stranger.

After almost 23 years and three children together, I take my marriage vows very seriously — and still find my wife as attractive as the day I met her.

Our youngest child was still a toddler when Sara dropped her bombshell. I’d hoped that, with the nights of broken sleep behind us, our sex life might pick up again, so every rejection became more painful.

Although we went on to have sex a handful of times after that night, it’s been two years since we last made love and I no longer try to initiate it because I am certain she would reject me and I no longer feel able to cope with the spiral of frustration, anger and hurt this sparks in me.

For while Sara no longer feels any sexual desire — or certainly not for me — my libido is as strong as ever. When we met in June 1993,

My wife gave me licence to have sex with other women

•Graham Godden, 48, is an athletics coach who lives in a three-bedroom cottage in Sussex with wife Sara Collins, 46, a businesswoman, and their three children aged 16, 11 and eight the sexual attraction between us was so powerful we couldn’t keep our hands off one another and made love most days.

Now we have the responsibilities of three kids, our own businesses and my 86-year-old mother living in a granny flat attached to our home.

I know it’s unreasonable to expect our sex life to emulate those carefree years before we had a family. A day without sex then was unusual, and often it was Sara who initiated it.

Perhaps that’s why it hurt so much when her libido waned so dramatically. We’ve talked into the small hours about our sex life and, Sara admits her libido has evaporated.

She reasons it’s because she is exhausted from juggling motherhood with her career and also that she is still haunted by our youngest’s traumatic birth.

Even though I know it’s not personal and Sara still loves me dearly, it’s a lonely feeling knowing that my wife no longer wants or needs me sexually. I would love to fall into bed with Sara

at the end of a day and have carefree sex the way we used to, cementing our emotional connection. I still think about sex every day, and have thought many times about taking Sara up on her offer. As a fitness coach, I am surrounded by fit, nubile women, so perhaps I have more opportunities to have an affair than most men.

My clients pour out their troubles to me, but I am too professional to initiate anything.

Plus I don’t drink and am quite shy, so there’s never going to be a time when I’ve had a few too many in a bar and make advances towards another woman. But inevitably I do look at other women — don’t all men? — and if someone I found attractive showed a sexual interest in me then perhaps I would take it further. Can our marriage survive for another 20 years without

The chequered history Continues from page 38 With this and other achievements, Nigeria attained a peak that put it on global reckoning. Both US and UK gave up their reservations on Nigeria’s unedifying aviation safety status while IFALPA no longer considered Nigeria’s airspace unsafe. Rather, pilots now accepted and applauded the milestones achieved.

When Demuren exited in 2013, he left behind a legacy of resoluteness that resisted interference from political quarters, though we are still far away from the Eldorado as subsequent events and the DANA crash would reveal.

When Demuren left, Capt. Fola Akinkotun, a pilot and a trainer of aviation professionals, managing one of Nigeria’s two Aviation training institutions based in Ilorin, was named the DG designate. For about six months, Akinkotun’s appointment was on hold by the Senate which had the responsibility to screen and confirm his appointment. This period created a C M Y K

field day for intrigues, inordinate ambition, marauding spin doctors and busy bodies canvassing selfdirected interests. Eventually, this harrowing period was over for Akinkotun as he received his Senate confirmation in the third quarter of 2013. Unfortunately, Akinkotun suffered severe emotional violence and indubitable injustice when, for no valid reason, he was booted out at the time he was just about settling into his job. He therefore was allowed no time for any foot-print. It was sad for the industry for many reasons.

In place of Akinkotun, Capt.

Murtar Usman, a pilot with a handful of professional certificates and extensive acquitted background in accident investigation was named DG designate in the first quarter of 2014. Like Akinkotun, Usman’s appointment was held down, this time not by the Senate but by forces within the Presidency that sought to reverse the removal of Akinkotun.

This attempt created such bad blood among political gladiators involving two executive governors, two ministers and two top and

influential political appointees within the Presidency in a Nollywood-type battle royale that left the President in a quagmire. To reverse Akinkotun’s removal would have meant meting out the same emotional violence and injustice to Usman who was transferred from his CEO position in AIB to run NCAA. Again, spin doctors went to work and some industry stakeholders canvassed self interest with intrigues at play.

For close to eight months, Usman waited for his letter to be transmitted to the Senate for his screening and confirmation.

While this waiting game was going on, another Acting DG, Engr Ben Adeyileka held sway for almost seven months. So, between Demuren’s exit in the first quarter of 2013 and Usman’s assumption of duty in the last quarter of 2014, for a period of almost 18months, NCAA was run on the one hand, by two Acting DGs – Joyce Nkemakolam and Ben Adeyileka, whose mandates were not only limited, but had no legal status and, in consequence,

unknown to the Act setting up NCAA and on the other hand, a DG, Akinkotu who was unfortunately not given a chance to perform.

The result was that a decline in performance set in as enforcement and compliance became loose, complacency set in, waivers and extensions became prevalent and the devastating impact of “outside managers” assumed a dimension that brought back memories of varied pains that hallmarked the pre2006 era. The air crashes and incidents of post-Demuren and preUsman period all bear testimony to the regulatory decline from Demuren’s ridge into the lower trough section in our undulating regulatory performance. These were the challenges that confronted Usman on assumption of duty as DG. Armed with his knowledge of how airlines fly below NCAA regulatory radar, having successfully directed and overseen the investigation of airline accidents in Nigeria, particularly Bellview and ADC accidents, both of which he completed during his tenure as AIB Commissioner/CEO, Usman quietly upped the ante in inspection and safety oversight, pushed up enforcement, all of which

sex? Yes, it can. In fact, for our marriage to end Sara would have to be the one to leave. But whether I can survive the rest of my life without sex, I’m not so sure.

I have physical needs like any other man. If Sara’s libido doesn’t return perhaps I will take her up on her offer.

Maybe it would spice up our relationship if she thought another woman was sexually interested in me.

Equally, I’ve told her that if she rediscovers an urge to have sex but it’s with another man, she has my blessing.

If nothing else, it would assuage any guilt I’d feel if I do take Sara up on her offer and make love to another woman.

She says: Graham is my best friend and I can’t imagine my life without him, but neither can I envisage a time when I will want to resume our sex life. The days when we were having sex at least once a day are long gone, my libido extinguished by countless miscarriages, two traumatic births and a bout of postnatal depression.

Exhausted by juggling my family and career, and with the menopause looming, I don’t have the energy or physical desire I had in my 20s.

Like so many women I know, I’d rather snuggle up and watch a film in bed than expend any energy making love. Yet I adore Graham. He is a wonderful and attractive man whose hand I love to hold when we are out, and whose company I adore above all others. I just don’t want to sleep with him — or anyone else for that matter. Neither do I want to lose him.

But I am also a realist. He’s a man with a biological urge to have sex. I would rather he indulged those needs with another woman, so long as he is up-front with me about it.

If he strayed behind my back, that would be a betrayal of our marriage which I don’t think I could forgive.

But I have never regretted giving him my blessing to seek sexual gratification elsewhere, and I know it is unreasonable for me to expect him to live an entirely sexless life.

I’m surprised that Graham hasn’t taken me up on my offer yet, and greatly relieved by this. I know that if he came home tomorrow and said he had arranged to have sex with someone else, I would feel deeply hurt.

Although it would just be sex and could never compare to the bond we have from 23 years together, it’s impossible to know what it would do to our marriage.

•Culled from Daily Mail

heightened compliance by airline operators. Recalcitrant operators faced sanctions and over N60million has accrued from sanctions. Now airlines know that it is no longer business as usual as there is no hiding place for malpractices.

Airline operation is today safer than yesterday and one can comfortably say that our regulatory profile has now moved away and up from the lower trough of 2012/2014 to another ridge in the undulating performance landscape of our aviation regulation.

The successes recorded in ICAO and FAA Audits of 2015 and 2016 respectively are testimonies.

In spite of this achievement, it is still not uhuru and it will not be uhuru until the tremendous challenges of training and retraining as well as staff welfare thrown up by new government policies such as TSA and Government ban on foreign training are addressed. It will not be uhuru until the increasing challenges of consumer protection and economic regulation are brought to their minimum with capacitation of relevant personnel.

In spite of the challenges, it is irrefragable that NCAA is stronger and more effective in its regulatory function today than yesterday.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Alaba Rago:

Where aboki turns waste to wealth •Abdul Rahman sells to Indians and Chinese

•Mukhter in charge of loading

BY OSA AMADI

A

t Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, nothing goes to waste.

Every discarded object –pieces of iron, paper, plastic, wood, bottle, just name it – comes into use. There is no recycling bank there, but all kinds of condemned objects find a role to play in the economic life of not only the people (especially Hausas generally referred to as Aboki, an Housa word for friend) who run the place, but also outsiders who throw away those objects in the first place.

Those who live in Ojo, and perhaps elsewhere in Lagos must be familiar to the voice of the aboki called condemned. They walk the streets, clanging two pieces of iron and shouting “condemned! Condemned!”

Condemned would buy from you anything that is no longer needed in your home or environment. It may be that VCD player which your electronics repairer has pronounced ‘dead forever’ or the iron or aluminum cooking pots of which many years of heat from flames has drilled multiple holes on the bottom. It could also be those newspapers you read everyday which have piled up and now occupy valuable spaces in your apartment. Condemned will help you evacuate them all, and even pay you a token for it!

A family which was relocating had a battered Thermocool refrigerator which they didn’t want to carry to their new house. When they called in condemned, he offered N600 for the refrigerator. For the family, it was a good deal. After all, the fridge had not been used for many years, and the compressor and other vital parts were dead.

Back at Alaba Rago, all the squeezed

bargain too hard or haggle too much over prices. They sell at minimum profit, and render their services at fair prices iron rods and pipes of different sizes and lengths brought in by condemned are straightened and displayed for sale to people who may be doing minor repairs or other little projects and do not want to spend too much money buying new iron rods. Sometimes, the ingenious hands of the Alaba Rago artisans revive some of the gadgets previously certified ‘dead’ by the first repairers. These, they put out again for sale at incredibly low prices.

Items made of metal which cannot be repaired are loaded into trailers and transported to foundries and steel companies where they are melted and transformed into new iron rods and pipes. Discarded mattresses and upholstery chairs are rebuilt and covered again with new fabrics, ready to adorn the sitting and bed rooms of those who want to save money or cannot afford brand new ones.

At a different section of the enclave, some Hausa women are busy washing remnants of paint off mountains of discarded house paint containers.

Later, they’d sell those containers to people who use them as buckets and containers for drawing water out from wells.

A part of Alaba International Market, Alaba Rago (rago means ram in Hausa) is primarily a livestock market which receives perhaps the largest of rams and goats transported from northern Nigeria into Lagos. While the Alaba International, also known as Alaba Electronics, is dominated by the highly enterprising and resilient Igbos, the Alaba Rago is a sort of economic community of Hausas in Lagos. The abokis not only do business in Alaba Rago, they also live there.

What makes Alaba Rago special and

significant to Lagos State? The answer to this question is located in the problem of waste generation and waste management, which is not just a regional or continental problem, but a global environmental headache.

Alan Durning in his book How much is enough? throws up stunning statistics. He records that the world throws away at least 200 billion bottles, cans, plastic cartons, paper and plastic cups each year. This throwaway culture is fed by a deliberate manufacturing policy of some modern firms called planned obsolescence. This is a manufacturing policy that makes machines and other gadgets impossible to repair once they are damaged.

Sometimes, the cost of repair, when weighed with the cost of buying new one, makes little or no economic sense. Some formerly recyclable stuff like papers and plastics can no longer be recycled due to some deliberately in-built components.

The result is diminishing sources of raw materials and mountains of wastes at dump sites of our cities. Imagine the size of mountains of waste those junks would have created and added to the existing ones in Lagos if they had not been so handled by aboki. For this alone, Lagosians and humanity generally owe some gratitude to the Aboki at Alaba Rago.

In addition, the jobs created by those activities at Alaba Rago are quite impressive. On average, a hardworking Aboki there earns about N3000 daily.

This amount may be dismissed as nothing by the well-to-do but it is much to those who would have ended up jobless. The average aboki at Alaba Rago is candid, straightforward, friendly and honest. Moreover, aboki does not

Where the scraps go

Muntai is in charge of loading scraps into some trucks at Alaba Rago, but does not have accurate information about where the scraps are taken to or how much a truckload is sold, so he directed Vanguard to the Oga, Alhaji Abdul Rahman, who revealed that Indians and Chinese, who have steel mills at Ogun, Ikeja, and Ikorodu, buy the truckloads of the condemned irons from them. Some of the steel companies are Universal Steel Company at Ikeja; Federated Steel Industry, Otta; African Steel Mill Limited and Mayor Engineering Company at Ikorodu. About 11 such steel companies, says Abdul Rahman, exist in Ikorodu alone, relying on pieces of condemned irons and scraps collected by scavengers for their raw materials.

A truckload of scraps, which weighs about 23 tons, is sold to the Indians and Chinese who take them to their furnaces where they are melted and used to produce new iron rods, sheets, and pipes. They also gather and sell aluminums and copper, but there is no copper mill in Nigeria, says Abdul Rahman, so they take the coppers to Benin Republic where they have a copper mill. He lamented the closure of Ajaokuta Rolling Mills, saying it’s a big shame to Nigeria.

Regardless of who makes the money from the scraps and condemned pieces of iron that litter Nigeria, the fact is it’s a huge solution to a huge environmental problem – waste management. The fact that steel is still being imported into Nigeria regardless of the existence of over 20 steel companies in the country may be a testimony to insufficient availability of raw materials for these steel companies. And yet, our streets are littered with scraps and abandoned vehicles!

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JUNE 18, 2016—41

Nigeria is sitting on a gold mine with huge tourism potential — Mnguni

By Victor Gotevbe & Moses Nosike

L

ulu Louis Mnguni is the South African High Commissioner who had his Academic background in Philosophy as a lecturer before he became a diplomatic corp under the former late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Prior to becoming a diplomat, he was placed under house arrest for five years because it was assumed that his views and efforts were trying to influence the thinking of his students. He resisted initially being a diplomat because of his love for education, but eventually, in 1998 he had his first posting to Mauritius where he learnt amongst other things how tourism can contribute to national economic development. He has served in several capacities in other countries before he was posted to Nigeria.

In this interview, His Excellency, Mr. Lulu Louis Mnguni shares some thoughts relating to South Africa and Nigeria’s relationship, tourism potentials and how the negative sentiments from antiimmigrant activities in South Africa was curtailed. Excerpts.

South Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) last year was R64.3b between April 1 and December 31, 2015, surpassed its target of R45-billion, does this amount reflect any Investment from Nigeria?

No. It does not include any new investment from Nigeria. As you are aware, the biggest single Nigerian investor in South Africa is Mr Dangote through his company SEPHAKU Cement which entered the South African market in 2006 with a capital input of R779 million. The capital market share of Sephaku Cement in November 2015 stood at R908 million on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This is quite a success story for the Dangote Group.

The FDI of R64,3 billion comes mostly from South Africa’s traditional trade and commercial partners like, the BRICS countries, Europe and the US. Tourism seems to be an essential sector of your economy, contributing about 9% of your GDP. What is your advice to Nigeria on tourism?

The growing success of South Africa’s tourism sector lies in the fact that we have been able to harness both external and internal tourism. South Africa receives on average of 10 million foreign tourists per annum, which includes about 50,000 Nigerian visitors, and this is an important source of foreign revenue.

However, in order to ensure that the sector grows and promote employment, the country places special emphasis on developing internal tourism – basically meaning that we are encouraging South Africans to visit and experience their own country. I am sure you are aware of the fact that under the apartheid regime, internal tourism was completely stifled as black South Africans were not allowed to move around in their own country. The advent of our freedom in 1994 had of course put an end to this and government has encouraged South Africans to explore their country. Internal tourism has been growing at about 7-10% per annum on a year-to-year basis. This of course sees the flourishing of secondary industries like tour guides, bed-and-breakfasts and cultural shows. The knock-on effect of the industry has been impressive in terms of drawing foreigners into the industry.

Nigeria is blessed with a large population, three and a half times that of South Africa.

There is thus a substantial internal tourism

market that Nigeria could benefit from.

Government will therefore need to encourage private investment in the sector through possible public-private collaboration. I am also convinced that Nigeria has all the attributes in terms of interesting places to visit and explore which could be integrated into a holistic strategy to promote tourism in the country.

You were a key player at the African Union Day held last week in Abuja, how significant was this event for South Africa and the rest of Africa?

South Africa celebrates Africa Day with pride.

On Africa Day we celebrate the triumph of the African peoples against slavery, colonialism, apartheid and other political ills and forms of subjugation. We are also celebrating the progress we are making in building a better Africa working together within the ambit of the African Union.

On Africa Day, we pay homage to the great African men and women who fought tirelessly to ensure that Africa is freed from bondage, and to ensure the return of African dignity.

These were selfless leaders who wanted to see only the best for the African continent. We want an Africa with modern infrastructure, where one can fly from one country to another within the continent, without having to go via Europe.

We want an Africa where people are able to drive or ride by rail from one country to another with greater ease.

It is for this reason that we are working, under the auspices of the African Union, to build infrastructure that will boost economic development in our continent.

The continent has advanced on many fronts especially in strengthening democracy, peace, stability and socio-economic development.

Africa Day is an opportunity to celebrate African identity and heritage.

Mnguni In view of the current economic situation of Nigeria, what effect has it had on the bilateral relationships between Nigeria and South Africa?

The current economic situation, to be fair, cannot be looked at as solely a Nigerian situation, it is a global problem which affects the developing economies more, because there is a slowdown in the demand for natural resources and most of the developing world, particularly African countries, depend heavily on selling natural resources for revenue. So when demand slows down then prices drop and our national revenues are reduced. So that is what is happening not only within the global oil market, but even with other commodities like gold, platinum, iron ore, etc.

If anything the current situation has served as a calling on African countries, particularly South Africa and Nigeria, but even other leading economies on the continent, to trade more with oneanother, intra-Africa trade can uplift our economies and to an extent shield us from the global market instabilities. This initiative has to be led by South Africa and Nigeria on the continent, for others to follow, just as South Africa and Nigeria

2016 Cannes Lions Week: Insight hosts session on marketing to African consumers

N

R-L: Mr. Steen Hadsbjerg, Vice President of Arla, Arla Foods Amba, Consumer International, Sub- Sahara Africa Region; Mr. Pierre Edde, Development Director, South EnergyX Nigeria Limited; Mr. Jide Bunmi-Nathan, 1st Vice President, The Nigerian-Danish, Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture; and Victor Gotevbe, Administration/HR Manager, Vanguard Media Limited, at the Danish Consulate launch/ Opening in Lagos.

have led the renewal of the OAU to AU and the development of an African Economic blue-print NEPAD, so too can they lead by example, in the promotion and enhancement of intra-Africa trade.

The situation also calls for us (South Africa) and Nigeria to advocate for the processing plants/ factories to be brought closer to the raw materials, our natural resources, beneficiation is the key driver for intra-Africa trade, so that we do not only trade in primary commodities but also in processed goods and services as well. An example in this regard is the South African mining expertise which can assist in the exploration of Nigerian solid minerals and thus in the shift towards diversification of the economy. Hence you find a lot of South African companies doing business in Nigeria, providing employment and helping to further develop the country in various sectors, like MTN in communication, SASOL in oil and Gas and Shoprite in retail sectors and a lot more in other sectors.

You have witnessed in early March this year that His Excellency President Jacob Zuma paid the first State Visit to Nigeria at the invitation of His Excellency President MahummaduBuhari and this has signified the need for the two nations to intensify their cooperation and working together for the benefit of not only our peoples, but the people of the entire continent as well, under the prevailing global economic challenges.

igeria’s leading creative and innovative agency, Insight Publicis, commenced hosting a 9-day session of this year’s edition of the Cannes Lions Festival yesterday in France, with the theme, “Let my Enemy Live Long: How brands can aim for the heart of the African.”

The panel which is set for today, will dissect issues around marketing to the African Consumers.

Speaking on the panel presentation, the Chief Operating Officer, Insight Publicis, Feyi Olubodun described it as a huge milestone for the industry; one that will further help put the country’s mark on the global advertising map. He said, “This is the first time we will have a Nigerian agency making a strong appearance on the floor of the global festival. It’s a big one for us and serves as an

opportunity to sell the Nigerian brand.”

According to him, the 45 minutes presentation will focus on learning about the nuances of marketing to the African consumer, from the sub-Saharan African perspective. “An African proverb says, “You can’t shave a man’s head in his absence. With a population of over 1 billion, one would expect global brands to flood the market and win. While it has been said that the pace of infrastructural development and technology adoption may be the barrier, but then again, how come Chinese brands such as Tecno Mobile are dominating the continent and Western brands don’t have such a stronghold?

The panel will journey into hidden cultural triggers for the consumption patterns of the African, which successful marketers on the continent have leveraged.

Olubodun will be joined by the Publisher of FAB Magazine and CEO of Bata Entertainment Familusi Babajide and the CEO/Founder of Playdata, USA, Lanre Dabiri as panellists during the session.

42—SATURDAY

C M Y K

Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18 , 2016 — 43

BRIEFS Lagos prepares for council polls

Lagos communities under siege of ritual rapists *As rulers turn to traditional means for solution

BY BOSE ADELAJA & OGHENE OMONISA

T

he recent rape incident on Sunday, June 12 at Oke-Ota, where a classroom teacher with Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe, Grace Jubril was raped to death became the climax of rising incidents of rape in the Ibeshe/ Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Before that, there had been several reports of rape and murder cases perpetrated by unknown hoodlums in the area.

The June 12 incident involving 27-year-old Grace Jubril, who was a Ghanaian and was living at Adetutu Itsuokor Castle, Femi Adewumi Avenue, Oke-Ota was said to have been perpetrated in the presence of her 14 month-old baby, Nifemi. Grace later died in the hospital and this triggered other women to protest her death after which the monarch promised to unravel the mystery behind the incidents in the traditional way.

injuries while those who acted in the contrary received severe cuts.

Some residents said several communities in Ibeshe have witnessed such attacks, especially Abule, Ilemere, Ibeshe Titun, Itesiwaju and Oremeta as many of their women, especially single parents, have relocated to neighbouring communities.

The traditional way What had never happened in the history of Ibeshe/Ikorodu happened in a bid to uncover the culprits behind the heinous crimes, when traditional rites were performed during Ramadan and two popular masquerades, black and red colour dog, moved round the town for three days between 10pm and 5am.

Reason being that some residents, especially women, openly accused their monarch, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya and other Ritual crimes traditional leaders in the area of Saturday Vanguard gathered that the ineptitude over the raving crimes. hoodlums, after raping their victims, use This brought about three-day white handkerchiefs to clean the traditional rites and curfew on the victims’private parts, which residents said land which culminated last Sunday the suspects use for rituals. in the apprehension of the major Saturday Vanguard also learned from suspected rapist. residents that a man suspected to be one of the perpetrators had been seen in boxers Rescue and was said to be in the habit of rubbing The prompt intervention of officials engine oil on his body and then move from of the State Rapid Response Squad one house to another to rape married saved the suspect from being lynched women or inflict deep cuts on them. It was by a mob and he was handed over to gathered that any of his preys who did not the men of Special Anti-robbery Squad struggle with him were usually spared of (SARS), Ipakodo for proper

investigation, but residents claimed he has the backing of some wealthy people in the state, especially politicians, and this had enabled him to operate successfully in the area.

His arrest last Sunday drew a mammoth crowd in the area and some of the victims were quickly asked to identify him to assist in investigations.

Grieving community The arrest of the suspect has therefore brought temporary relief to residents.

However, this has not been able to take away the fact that the members of the community are still in grief when Saturday Vanguard visited to the community, residents expressed sadness over the death of Grace Jubril, while some women are yet to feel completely safe.

Grace’s husband, Jubril Abimbola was not around during the visit, and the building in question was under lock and key A friend to the Jubrils and Grace’s landlord, Alhaji Ibrahim Titilayo Akeem said until her death, the deceased was suffering from sickle cell anaemia and the building in question was a sachet water factory before it was converted to residential.

The shout for help of the deceased could not be heard when she shouted for help because of the sound of generating set from her neighbour’s apartment.

How it happened The landlord said, “Grace was well known to me for the past few years as a neighbour and colleague to my wife. She was a sickle cell anaemia patient and her husband lives in Osogbo, Osun State, but occasionally visits his family, and a few days to the incident, she travelled to see him and returned three days to the incident.

“At about 1:58am of that fateful day, a local vigilante alerted us that a couple was engaged in a fight at Adetutu Itsuokor Castle, but he could not gain access to the compound because it was fenced and all he could do was to point his torchlight towards the direction, and the man immediately escaped through the back door.

“Immediately, we rushed to the area and gained access into the building by jumping the wall and what we saw baffled us! Her mutilated body laid outside the room half dead in the pool of her own blood, and her assailant could not be found.

When we entered the room, her only daughter was awake. That was when we realised what had happened and we raised the alarm while she was rushed to Ikorodu General Hospital but was later referred to two public hospitals which rejected her and later taken to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where they commenced treatment immediately.

However, she did not survive it. We put a call across to her husband who rushed down from Oshogbo and the rest is history.”

In a telephone conversation with Saturday Vanguard, the husband, Jubril Abimbola Olalekan said the suspect should be allowed to face the wrath of the law.

Survived victim Grace did not live to tell her story, but an octogenarian, Mrs Belau Jimoh is alive to share her intriguing experience.

About a fortnight ago, the 86-year-old who lives with her son at Oke-Ota was in comatose after her nose was chopped off by the suspected rapist. Not only that, she sustained injuries on her leg when the suspected rapist dragged her on the floor.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the town on Monday, Madam Belau said she was still nursing the injuries she sustained as a result of the attack. In an emotional laden voice, she said, ‘’I am unhappy today, but I thank God for sparing my life. My assailants threatened to kill me if I did not cooperate with him, but only God knows why I have to suffer this at my old age.’’

As at the time of filing this report, there was tension among residents, especially women, but the monarch has enjoined them to remain calm.

Zonal Chairman Oke-Ata Community

C M Y K

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

F

ollowing series of agitations for the conduct of councils polls in Lagos, the preparation for the final run-up seems to have kicked off as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode dissolved the Lagos Caretaker Committees, overseeing the affairs of 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The caretaker committees headed by Executive Secretaries, were inaugurated by former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on January 5, 2015.

Last week Wednesday, the State House of Assembly passed a resolution advising Governor Ambode to relieve the erstwhile Executive Secretaries of the 57 councils of their responsibilities and replace them with Sole Administrators.

On June 8, 2016, Ambode dissolved the caretaker committees. On June 10, the Governor approved the appointment of new Sole Administrators to take charge of the council administration in the state pending the conduct of council elections.

Subsequently, the Governor, on June 13, inaugurated the Sole Administrators at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, after being sworn-in at a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Senator Olamilekan Solomon, representing Lagos West Senatorial District.

Potable water: LASG seals CWAY, others for public safety

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

agos State Government through its agency in charge of Quality, Standard and Regulation has sealed off the premises of CWAY Nigeria Drinking Water Science and Technology Co. Ltd and Figol Water in various locations in state for various offences.

In its determination to ensure compliance with the state groundwater quality control regulation and the state drinking water quality standard, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC), Arc. Ahmed Abdullahi, who led the team on the compliance and enforcement exercise, also visited Nigerian Breweries Limited, La Casera, Cascade Waters, 7UP, Coca Cola and Guinness Nig. Plc. He said CWAY Ltd was sealed for non-declaration of all its facilities and non-compliance as stipulated in the regulatory guidelines of the Lagos State Water Sector Law (LSWSL) 2004.

True ffederalism’ll ederalism’ll minimise corruption, usher economic boom — Onuesoke —Onuesoke elta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) D chieftain, Chief Sunny

Onuesoke has joined the likes of Itse Sagay and Femi Falana in the call for the restructuring of the country in the pattern of true federalism.

Making the call yesterday while speaking to a group of journalists at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on his way to attend the upcoming Earth Summit Meeting, Onuesoke argued that restructuring Nigeria will considerably reduce corruption as the control of resources substantially shifts to the Federating Units who create the resources.

He pointed out that if the major reason for the scramble for power at the center is removed in the proposed structure. It will make it less attractive for those with selfish and less-than-noble intents.

He noted that complete control of resources and revenue at the federal level also encourage corruption and lack of accountability.

“This structure has been tried for more than 30 years and has not worked. So, why not effect a change and seek out more progressive structures that are indigenous to our culture and value systems?” Onuesoke demanded.

St. Enda’s Old Students meet today

S

aint Enda’s College, Agbarho Old Students Association, Lagos Branch holds its monthly meeting today at 12B, Abuja Close, Agbara Estate, Ogun State at 3.00 p.m. Secretary of the association, Mr. Sunday Orode urges members to be punctual as crucial issues affecting the school and members are scheduled for discussion.

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

A

rsenal and Nigerian forward, , Alex Iwobi in this interview with Arsenal magazine, recalls how he was told that he was not good enough to play football and won’t succeed through the round leather game.

It was an incredible season for you Alex, when did you first realise how big it could be for you?

I think it was after my first start, in the FA Cup game against Sunderland at Emirates in January. I'd played a few games as sub, but I think everything changed from then really. It was at home, in a big competition and that's when I started to get a bit of recognition. We won as well, so people took notice from then really.

What performance were you most proud of?

In my opinion my best performance was against Barcelona because I think they are the best team in the world. For such a young player to play in a game like that gave me a lot of confidence. You can't get any bigger than that Barcelona away - so to just be selected for that game means I am doing something right. Also I thought I did all right in the game as well, so that's my favourite performance, even though we didn't win.

Then a few days later you scored your first goal…

That Everton game was crazy. To be honest I was a bit shocked when I found out I was even starting against Everton, but I was really happy.

The goal was crazy. I've always dreamt about scoring just one goal for Arsenal, and for it to come on my first start was just crazy. I couldn't believe it.

How has your regular run in the team developed your game?

It's improved me a lot.

It's made me understand a lot more about football, tactically as well as the physical demands of the game. I'll have to improve on that if I want to stay in the first team. There's a lot more physical and tactical work than I was used to for the under-21s.

I'm still learning the game, there's a lot to work

on.

How have you coped with the routine of playing Premier League football week in week out?

I prefer the routine because

IWOBI: I was told I won’t make it in football Arsenal, or did you always have the belief you were good enough?

No, not really, it just

I love playing games, everyone wants to play as much as possible.

It's a lot more tiring though, I must say, there's more recovery time needed - I'm sleeping a whole lot more lately! To be fair I'm always sleeping anyway, I did a lot when I was playing for the under-21s. I do like my sleep!

Growing up at the club, did you always think it was inevitable you would play for the first team, or were you more realistic?

Well I was on trial at six, and I think I was eight when I signed. I nearly got released when I was 13 or 14, so back then I really didn't think I would make it here. There was a stage when I wasn't playing up above my age group, but all the better players were. I questioned myself a lot at that age about whether I was good enough, but I eventually got through it.

They did keep me on and I guess since then that's when I really kicked on. I played in the Nike Cup (youth tournament) shortly after that, and then England called me up and things started moving.

Has it been a gradual progression, or can you look back and pinpoint moments or seasons

wasn't quick enough and I wasn't strong enough, so I did have doubts. They told me I won’t make it. It put me down, but since then I've been able to motivate myself.

In hindsight, would you have done anything differently when you were younger?

I wish I was a lot more confident, but saying that, the fact I'm here in the first team squad now, perhaps I wouldn't change anything.

“What do you feel you need to work on next season? think

I because of the position I play I need to get more goals and assists. I haven’t done that for a while, a few games, so I need to add that to my game next season. I'm aware I haven’t got an assist or a goal for a few games, so I need to get something. I know a lot of hard work is going to be required to kick on again next season. I've been putting my head down, getting on with it and putting in the work.

when you made massive leaps in your development?

Yeah, I remember the first time I got called to play up above my age group. I was, about 14 or 15 I think, and there was a game against Fulham, I came on and I managed to score, the first ever time I got called to play up (above my age group). Then we played Leicester, and even though we lost 3-1, I thought I played really well. There were a few games that stood out at about that time. I remember I got called to play for Steve Bould's under-16 team, and I scored then. I was still about 14 or 15 and that meant a lot.

Was that when you started to think about making it as a pro at

gradually happens. I never really thought about things like when I was young. I always questioned myself about whether I was even good enough to play in my own age group. That's all I ever thought about.

When I was about 13 I needed the confidence from my family, because I was getting a lot of criticism from elsewhere.

I heard people saying that I wasn't good enough, people at school, a few coaches said I

Finally Alex, what are your targets for next season?

Let me think. I don't know, because I always just want to play as many games as I can. But now I've got a couple of goals this season, I suppose I want to better that. I just hope I get the chance again next season, because I'm sure there will be more players, so I will have to earn my spot again.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016 —45

CAF Champions League: Enyimba, Zamalek in war of words

T

he lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions League begins today, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly returning to the mini league stage for the first time in two years when they visit Zambia's

S

uper Eagles stand-in coach Salisu Yusuf has said he believes that at least three players from the domestic league could force their way into the first-team of the team for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The qualifying tournament for Russia 2018 will begin in October after next Friday's draw in Cairo, Egypt.“““I believe that at least two, three players from the Nigeria league will be in the first team (of the Super Eagles) because they are good enough and only have to remain consistent,” former Enyimba and Kano Pillars coach Yusuf said.““His declaration comes after he only picked goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa from the Nigeria for the recent friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg.“““There were several reasons for only picking Ezenwa for those games. First, I wanted to have a look at some of the foreign pros who were out of

•Yusuf

2018 World Cup qualifiers:

Yusuf offers lifeline to home-based stars the national set-up as I already have a good idea of the players at home,” said Yusuf, who assisted Sunday Oliseh for this year ’s CHAN in Rwanda.“““There was also a plan to get the league

players to play an international friendly about the same time too before the arrangement fell through.

Also, because of the financial situation it was important to save cost for those games.”

Delta State Football League starts today

By John Egbokhan

T

he 2016/2017 Delta State Football League season starts today with Ihu- Iyase FC of Agbor confronting Anioma United of Issele Ukuat in the opening match at the Agbor Township Stadium..“A total of 34 clubs spread across the geopolitical zones of the state are participating in the league, which organisers hope will throw up exciting players onto the national stage.

Speaking during the week, Chairman of the Delta State Football Management Board, Lucky Sunday said the league was in line with the SMART Agenda of the Delta State government, which sees sports activities as veritable tools to end poverty and promote peace for social stability in the state.

He assured that all measures

to ensure a successful opening day have been put in place, adding that “we are ready for a very successful opening day of the 2016-2017 delta State Football league, which we believe will achieve its set targets and thank our sponsors Baslat Oil and Gas for sponsoring us even at the short notice that we gave them.

“We assure our sponsors that their involvement in this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both parties”, added Sunday.“According to details of the draw, out of the 34 clubs featuring in this season's competition, league, 18 are from Delta North Senatorial District while Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial District have eight teams respectively.“Sunday, who was a former YSFON star said that there will be a Super Eight competition made up of the best

Italy defeat Sweden, qualify for 2nd round

E

der scored at the 88th minute to give Italy a 1-0 victory over Sweden and secure qualification for the Euro 2016 Round of 16.

This was their first meeting since November 2009, a friendly decided by Giorgio Chiellini, but bad memories remained from Sweden a n d Denmark knocking Italy out of the Euro 2004 group phase.

Eder had not even attempted a pass in the first half, but after the restart his pull-back was blasted over by Pellè, then the Inter

teams from each of the districts, adding that it would be played in the venue that has the highest turnout of spectators during the league.“

•Okowa

Zesco United.

And in Port Harcourt, it promises to be a battle of the gladiators as two-time champions, Enyimba confront five-time winners Zamalek tomorrow.

And the war of words has begun with Enyimba goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai boasting that the Elephants are ready to take down Zamalek, while Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmy countered that they were in Nigeria to prove a point.

Afelokhai told CAF's website that ''they have won the competition several times and they will be coming with a lot of confidence and experience and we must be ready for that," Afelokhai said. "But we hope to start the competition well by winning."

The Egyptians, who travel to Nigeria with a new coach in Mohamed Helmy after former Scotland coach Alex McLeish parted ways with the Cairo giants after just 65 days, have

all but lost their Egyptian title to rivals Al Ahly and now seek consolation from the Champions League.

Helmy was disappointed the way his side gave away two late goals late in their league match on the weekend.

"Players have to learn from conceding two goals during the El-Shorta game as the game was ours to lose," Helmy said.

"It is a good lesson for the players ahead of the Champions League game. Enyimba is expected to be very difficult so we have to concentrate on the game."

•Afelokhai

Russian track and field athletes banned from Rio Olympics

R

ussia’s track and field athletes will not be able to compete in the Rio Olympics, according to multiple news reports citing the International Association of Athletics Federations decision yesterday.

Russian news agency TASS reported that Russian athletics officials confirmed the ban had been extended.

In a historic decision, the IAAF voted to extend a ban of the All Russian Athletics Federation that has kept its athletes out of international competition since a World Anti-Doping Agency independent commission report released in

November concluded Russia was running a statesponsored doping program in athletics.

The IAAF’s decision is almost certain to be challenged. Last month, Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva, a two -time Olympic gold medalist, said she would file a discrimination case in the court for human rights.

It’s unclear whether the International Olympic Committee could amend the IAAF’s decision. The IOC is set to hold a summit on Tuesday to " address the difficult decision between collective responsibility and individual justice."

terling home S d n se to sh ca te a n o d s a Ju stG ivi ng pa ge England fan Ba mf or d se tti ng up ng £2 00 to Br in g ra isi clubbed together ND fans have

NGLA heem Sterling to raise cash to send Ra E . home from Euro 2016 ee se d off

ar e so ch Fe d- up su pp or ter s ty winger that they Ci ter es ch an M with the t of the Three Lions want him booted ou squad. ed against Wales, The 21-year- old flopp ance. missing a first-half chat half-time - along off d He was haule er Roy Hodgson had with Harry Kane - aft had enough. fa ile d to im pr es s St er lin g ha d al so tournament opener. against Russia in thep sw itt y fa n Aa ro n Bu t it di dn ’t sto

striker’s first touch was awful on a Florenzi corner. Marco Parolo did the same on another set play that fell kindly, walking it straight out of play.

The deadlock was finally broken in the final minutes, as Zaza knocked down a ball for Eder, who cut of in past three defenders la ye rs an d of fic ia lsna l sio es of Pr to curl a finish into the Ni ge ria far bottom corner from Football League (NPFL) club we re the edge of the Ik or od u Un ite d crash to au an box. It was a in ed olv inv rso ns g r e a t th at lef t se ve ra l pe . ay rd ste ye ad de cu rre d Th e ac ci de nt oc area in le mi th response nin the d aroun to those who Enugu State. m th e criticised the Inter A tra ile r co mi ng fro striker ’s inclusion op po sit e di re ct io n al mo st in the squad, as he collided with the bus of the had scored only one Ik or od u Un ite d te am bu t dr ive r club goal in six vig ila nc e fro m th eirar pl y to sh ve er months. sa w hi m sw

en tit led : “We'r e Raheem Home.” won't leave him at The page reads: “Royto us to get him out the hotel so it's down of France. sick of seeing this “Let's face it we're allng and fail to deliver guy mince down the wi o the box. a half decent ball int home and then we lad “We'll bring the everytime a gust of can all stop cringinger. ov wind knocks him ing generous, we're “Don't worry about be each will cover it I y nn of one mind. A pe imagine.”

sh Ikorodu Utd in roaavdoidca ra head-on collision.

P

ve r Th e tra ile r ho we cle hi ve e th th wi d co lli de u od or Ik e ju st be hi nd th l al ng lli ki s, bu Un ite d . ard bo passengers on ntact There was however cod the an r ile between the tra om the Ikorodu United bus (fr ad-on he the side) just before co nd co lli sio n wi th th e se vehicle. rodu No member of the Ikod but die t en United conting squad several members of the ees of gr de suffered varying

pted to injuries as they attem lowing fol s bu the of t ou p jum the incident. clubs, Team Manager of the ed the rm nfi co , un Harry Balog .com. incident to supersport none of t tha d Go “We thank ngers in us died but the passe no t so re we s th e oth er bu were lucky. They all died. Weby the ath de m fro only saved r who vigilance of our drivejust in ve er sw managed to was still time. However, there t from bu s, bu r ou contact with the side. “

46— SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

TRANSFER...TRANSFER...T Three clubs scramble to pay £157m for Neymar T

HE agent of Barcelona star Neymar has astonishingly revealed that “three big clubs” are chasing the forward this summer.

Wagner Ribeiro claims that a trio of teams would be willing to pay the whopping £157million release clause for Neymar – who is yet to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.

Ribeiro was speaking on Brazilian radio station Radio Jovem Pan overnight.He said: “Today there are three big clubs in the world who want to hire Neymar and pay the clause of €200million to Barcelona.”

The representative refused to give the name of those clubs when asked.

“I cannot say anything else, because it is a sensitive subject.”

Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are three clubs with the financial clout and willingness to complete such a big deal. The stunning

claims come after months of speculation that Neymar is unhappy at Barcelona.

Neymar, 24, is yet to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp and is believed to be frustrated that Luis Suarez has replaced him as second fiddle to top dog Lionel Messi.

His wages – believed to be half of what Messi earns – are another bone of contention, while hounding from the Spanish tax authorities could see him quit the country.

However, the rumours could be an exaggeration from Ribeiro to secure his most high profile client a better deal at the Nou Camp.

Morata wants £115,000 per week to join Chelsea A

lvaro Morata wants more than £110,000 a week to join Chelsea this summer. The Spain international earns under £40,000 a week at Juventus, although bonuses take his salary up to around £45,000. Morata is one of the top targets for new •Morata Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, who will take charge after his role with Italy ends at Euro 2016.

The 23-year-old is attracted by the idea of moving to London and playing for Conte, who convinced him to join Juventus from Real Madrid two years ago Real are expected to trigger a buy-back

Koeman keen to keep Lukaku onald Koeman says he is determined to keep R Romelu Lukaku at Everton, despite the Belgian striker’s desire to move. Lukaku has publicly said that

he wants to leave Everton, with PSG the latest club he has been mentioned in connection with.

But speaking at his first press conference since being named manager, Koeman insisted he did not want to lose any of his key players, and mentioned the young striker in particular as one he would endeavour to work with. ‘Lukaku is a key player, a goalscorer,’ he said. ‘You don’t want to lose your best players.

‘If I can do something I will, because he is still a young player, he needs support, he can improve.’

Having key players sought after by Europe’s top clubs is not a new experience for Koeman, who had to stave off interest in several stars while in charge of Southampton. But he expressed his determination to keep hold of his most valuable assets, including Lukaku and England defender John Stones, now that he is at Everton. ‘I have had that experience in my last two years, always a lot of interest in players. ‘Like everybody I would like to keep these key players, because you don’t want to sell your best players, but we will see what happens.Á’

•Neymar

clause worth £23m and then sell him for around £40m.

It is understood that Real have only until July 15 to activate their option on Morata, who has scored 27 goals for Juventus in the past two seasons.

Morata is set to play for Spain against Turkey tonight and has already decided to wait until after Euro 2016 before making a decision on his future.

However, his high demands are already causing Juventus to think twice about whether they can afford to keep him. The Serie A club were prepared to offer a deal including add-ons worth £100,000 a week.

Chelsea are willing to pay in the region of £91,000 a week but Morata wants close to £115,000 a week. Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested.

Chelsea make Jesus' enquiry C

helsea have made an enquiry for Inter Milan defender Juan Jesus, according to reports in Italy.

Italian outlet FCInterNews state that the London club have already contacted Inter with regards to bringing him to •Lukaku Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old joined Inter in 2012 and has made 105 Serie A appearances.

He can play as a centre back or as a left back and has four caps for Brazil.

Jesus is under contract until 2018, but only made 23 appearances in the 2015/16 season, leading to speculation over his future.

With Kurt Zouma unlikely to be fit for the start of the season, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to strengthen at the back.

The Blues were keen on German Antonio Rudiger, but his serious knee injury has put a major doubt to any move from Roma.

FCInterNews state that Inter may be willing to sell Jesus this summer and would ask for a fee in the region of £7.8m.

•Jesus

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016—47

TRANSFER...

all the gist, moves and summer deals

West Ham fear Payet will join Juve W

•Payet

est Ham fear that their star player Dimitri Payet may try to force a move after Euro 2016.

West Ham agreed a club record, £125,000-a-week, five-and-ahalf-year contract with Payet last February and there have been no signs so far that the player, who enjoyed such a successful first season in England, wants to leave.

However, Real Madrid are said to be keen, with manager Zinedine Zidane an admirer of the France international.

Chelsea are also interested, although another attacking midfielder is not a priority. But it is the interest of the La Liga giants in Payet which will worry West Ham most.

West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan has been as impressed with Payet’s performances for France as everyone else. He said: “I’m so pleased he is playing so well. As for the future, Dimitri has five years left on his contract. There is no buy-out [clause] and we are building a team around him.”

Mkhitaryan keen to dump Dortmund for Man Utd

H

Mourinho moves for Draxler

M

ANCHESTER UNITED are weighing up a move for German forward Julian Draxler this summer, less than a year after he made a £25m switch from Schalke to Wolfsburg.

The 22-year-old was the subject of interest from United last summer before he made the transfer, and German publication Bild have claimed that Jose Mourinho’s side will tempt the Bundesliga side with a bid. The attacker, who can play either on the left-wing or centrally, impressed for Wolfsburg last season, scoring six goals and making five assists and also caught the eye as Wolfsburg reached the Champions League quarter-finals.

ENRIKH MKHITARYAN is confident he can force through a move to Manchester United – despite Borussia Dortmund refusing to sell.

Mkhitaryan is desperate to move to Old Trafford this summer to work with new United boss Jose Mourinho.

But Bundesliga club Dortmund are holding firm and •Mkhitaryan insisting they do not want to sell the 27-year-old Armenia international. Dortmund’s position at present is they would prefer to keep the player for 12 months and let him leave on a free transfer, rather than agreeing a cut-price £15m transfer this summer. But his agent Mino Raiola insists they are still hopeful of persuading the Bundesliga club to do business.

Raiola said: “He wants to go to Manchester United and we are still trying to resolve the situation.

“We are still talking to Dortmund. We are trying to be reasonable. They are aware that Micki wants to leave now.”

Umtiti eyes Barca B

•Higuain

the former Real Madrid man as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all rumoured to be interested.

The Gunners are in need of some extra fire-power after coming second best to Leicester in the Premier League last season.

Olivier Giroud is inconsistent and talk of Jamie Vardy coming from the champions to the Emirates has gone cold in recent days.

Jurgen Klopp is looking to put his stamp on his Liverpool side and knows that a striker is desperately needed if they are going to mount a serious title challenge next season.

Hamsik: My future is with Napoli

Bielsa blocks Candreva

D

espite his goal against Russia being a contender for the strike of the tournament and prompting his international manager to call for him to move to a bigger club, Marek Hamsik insists he is happy at Napoli. The Slovakian star, who not only scored a stunner but also created Vlademir Weiss' goal with a sensational pass, was told 'he deserves a bigger club for his performances' by his international coach Jan Kozak.But the player himself has dismissed the idea that he might leave the Italian club at the end of Euro 2016.'I still have two years of contract with Napoli and my future is here,' Hamsik told Gazzetta dello Sport. 'There's the Champions League to play and we want do great things. The club is improving the right way, aims for bigger and bigger goals.

'As you know, it doesn't depend only on me, anyway I didn't think to leave. And I guess also the club didn't think that.'

Hamsik is his country's talisman, and it was not unexpected that their first ever win at the finals would come courtesy of a stand-out performance from the 28-year-old.

•Umtiti

arcelona are closing in on the signing of Lyon centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who is already looking ahead to a new chapter in his career.

The Lyon Cameroon-born defender has represented France at every youth level and is currently with the French squad at Euro 2016, although he has not yet taken part in the tournament as boss Didier Deschamps has preferred the pairing of Adil Rami and Laurent Koscielny. Nonetheless, following the exits of Marc Bartra and Dani Alves, Barca are on the verge of making their first official signing of the summer, with the agreement practically complete, and Umtiti could not hide his delight at the thought ofsigning a five-year deal with the Catalans.

“Barcelona is a great club and almost every player would like to play there,” he told reporters.

“I’m coping with all the rumours well and I’m happy to be here at Euro 2016, where I’m taking advantage of every moment. “Right now my future is being handled by my representatives. I’m not too distracted by it though as I’m focused on this competition,” he insisted.

Simeone makes Higuain top target D

IEGO SIMEONE wants to brink Gonzalo Higuain to Atletico Madrid.

The Atletico Madrid boss has earmarked his fellow Argentinian as his No1 priority signing in the summer, according to Marca.

Simeone sees Higuain as the missing link in his side that could help them finally win the Champions League. But Higuain could be hard to get as Napoli could ask for up to £75million for the striker.

And there is competition for

•Draxler

I

•Hamsik

•Cabdreva

ncoming Lazio Coach Marcelo Bielsa will reportedly try and block the sale of Antonio Candreva, but his odds of making it seem low.

The 60-year-old is confirmed by the Biancocelesti’s higher echelons to be on his way to the capital, and one of his first demands has to do with the talented international. According to Tuttosport, Bielsa is trying to block the sale of Candreva, whom he thinks of as an indispensable starter. His chances of making it seem pretty low, however, as new offers keep being put on the table and his agent hasn’t stopped working on a sale.“We’re working on a finding a deal, but so far we haven’t been successful,” said his agent Federico Pastorello, as reported by LaLazioSiamoNoi.it. “Right now it’s impossible to say how long this is going to take, I have no idea.

“Napoli are interested too, and I believe so are Milan.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, JUNE 18, 2016

Yusuf offers lifeline to home-based stars >>45 Russian track & field athletes banned from Rio

Iwobi:

I was told I won’t make it in football Morata wants £115,000 per week from Chelsea

>46

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

Enyimba, >45 Zamalek in war of words T O D AY F I X T U R E S EURO 2016 Belgium v Iceland v Portugal v

Rep Ire Hungary Austria

2pm 5pm 8pm

CAF Champions League Zesco v Al Ahly ASEC v Wydad ES Setif v M/Sundowns

2:30pm 4:30pm 10:15pm

Tomorrow Enyimba v

4pm

Zamalek

>>45

>>44

Three clubs scramble to pay £157m for Neymar >46

Italy qualify for 2nd round >45

RESULTS Italy Sweden

1 0

Czech Republic Croatia

2 2

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Chairman, Lagos State Public Works Commission (LSPWC), Engineer Ayotunde – (9) 5 Common name for “Garri”?

– (3) 7 Short Sleep – (3) 8 Country in Asia – (7) 10 Estonian Capital City – (7) 11 L.G.A in Delta State – (7) 13 Former Super Eagles Player, Etim – (4) 15 Greek Capital City – (6) 18 Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Mr. Raila – (6) 20 Farm Animal – (4) 22 Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mrs. Christine – (7) 24 Lesotho’s Currency – (7) 25 L.G.A in Sokoto State – (7) 27 Greek Alphabet – (3) 28 Organ of Hearing – (3) 29 Editor-In-Chief, Champion Newspaper, Dr. (Mrs.) Nwadiuto – (9)

DOWN 1 Peruvian Currency – (3) 2 Burkina Faso “Stallions” Goalkeeper, Daouda – (7) 3 France Premiership Club – (6) 4 Country in Europe – (7) 5 Greek Alphabet – (7) 6 Executive Secretary/CEO, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Mr. Olufemi – (9) 9 Newt – (3) 11 Former President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Osahon – (9) 12 Guinea-Bissau Currency – (4) 14 Small Piece – (4) 16 Rodent – (7) 17 L.G.A in Borno State – (7) 19 Chairman, Edo State Football Association, Mr. Frank – (7) 21 Argentine Premiership Club – (6) 23 Period of Twenty-Four Hours – (3) 26 Traditional Ruler of Lagos – (3)

Solution on page 37

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