20042019 - UAE sentences eight Nigerians to death FG laments

2 —SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Dafinone urges Okpe community to embrace peace

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HE chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, Okakuro Ede Dafinone has advised the entire Sapele Okpe Community particularly the new executive led by Okakuro Onoriode Temiagin to always live in peace with their neighbours in the town, while urging everyone to support the new caretaker committee executives.

He said, “It is good that indigenes of Sapele do everything humanly possible to protect their land and also live in peace with their neighbours,” stressing that the none indigenes have shown great respect and love, which should continue, because to whom much is given much is expected.

According to him, “We the Dafinones have forgiven any member of Sapele Okpe community who have wronged us in the past, while we are also pleading that any person we may have wronged should find a place in their heart to also forgive and forget the past.”

Responding, Chief Temiagin, thanked Dafinone for hosting the past and present executives of the Community and promised that the new executives will not abandon any project.

Other members of the committee are Otughwor Andrew (Secretary), Efe Abeke (Treasurer), Kizito Ogodo (Financial Secretary), Comrade Dr. Prince Orhomonokpaye (PRO), Prince Jarikre (Spokesman), Victor Onomor (Youth Leader), Royal Natufe (Chief Whips), Akpobasa Abeke (Member), Ayomanor French, (Member) and Obire Freeborn (Member).

Speakership: No retreat, no surrender — Contestants *As PDP maintains dignified silence

By Emman Ovuakporie

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ESPITE the zoning of the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the South West by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, last Tuesday, there are still dissenting voices within the party clamouring for proper representation of their zones.

Lawmakers in the North Central are in the forefront of the battle telling whoever cares to listen that it’s absolutely out of place to deny them the position of Senate Presidency only to be relegated to the position of deputy speaker, a position they feel is no more than of a glorified messenger taking instructions from the speaker.

The South East is equally demanding an appropriate representation on the basis that there was a remarkable improvement in the number of votes garnered in 2019 electionscomparedwiththat of 2015.

The North Central on its part came up with a graphical representation clearly indicating that the zone garnerd over a million votes for Buhari, and if democracy is all about figures then nothing less than the number four position should be given to their zone.

The North East lawmakers are equally arguing that despite the zoning of the Senate presidency to their zone, there’s no rule stopping them from having a shot at the coveted speaker’s position.

Reacting to the endorsement of Mr Femi Gbajabiamila for the position of the Speaker by the APC, Hon John Dyegh, APC, Benue, a third timer said, “I will pursue my ambition till June 9, on the floor of the House. Those of us from the North Central can’t trade number three for anything less than the position of the speaker. We have the figures in terms of votes contributed, there’s no going back.

Hon Mohammed Umar Bago, APC, Niger, an active proponent of the North Central movement for the actualisation of the Speakership ambition simply said: “Nobody is more Buhari than myself as I have remained ever loyal to the Buhari project from our CPC days. We must pursue this dream to a logical conclusion with God on our side.

Why must the position be zoned to the South West when the number two citizen is from the zone”, Bago wondered.

Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, APC, Abia, a fourth timer and the only female contestant in the race however said, “Nigeria is ripe

FOR THE POOR: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Cecelia Ezeilo donated bags of rice and other goodies to the needy and the disabled as Easter gifts in Enugu. to produce a female speaker.”

Hon John Chike, APC, Imo, a second timer simply said: “South East has not been given a fair deal and we deserve a better deal. In 2015, we only garnered 183,000 votes for Buhari but in 2019, we garnered close to half a million votes so we have remarkably improved.

We deserve a better deal in 2019, in this new dispensation for the South East.”

Factors against Gbajabiamila’s second attempt of becoming speaker.

One of the major factors

that may work against Gbajabiamila the second time after narrowly losing with just eight votes to Yakubu Dogara in 2015, is the issue of a Muslim/Muslim ticket.

The only period the House had such an arrangement was in the sixth Assembly when Usman Nafada was deputy to Dimeji Bankole. Then, there was comradeship in the Green Chamber which made it even possible for a young Dimeji to become Speaker.

But today, there are too many interests that needed to be protected. Another knotty issue is the fact that the num-

Election appraisal: INEC tasked on electronic voting

By Marie-Therese Nanlong ber two position is already domiciled in the South West.

Most lawmakers particularly from the North might not like the lopsidedness and this could be a minus capable of derailing Gbajabiamila’s chance the second time of becoming speaker.

In all these, the main opposition, the PDP members have maintained a dignified silence though they meet regularly on what role they will play in the race for the Speaker.

...164 newly elected APC members back Gbajabiamila

By Omeiza Ajayi

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O fewer than 164 newly elected members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the House of Representatives have thrown their weight behind the consensus candidate of the party for the 9th Assembly Speakership, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

According to them, it has become necessary to work with President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver dividends to Nigerians.

President Buhari and the national leadership of the APC on Tuesday endorsed the candidature of Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila for Speakership.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Forum of Newly Elected APC Members signed by its Chairman, Hon. Tunji Olabunmi Ojo and the Director General, Hon. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain, the forum argued that zoning is between the North and South.

According to the forum, APC zoned the Presidency to the North, the Vice Presidency to the South, Senate President to the North and now the Speaker, to the

South.

They argued that those from the North Central agitating for the Speakership were insincere as the North cannot produce the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives at the same time.

Part of the statement reads: “Every member of the party is a product of the party; the party gave everybody the platform to contest and apart from giving platform, the party also gave assistance to members before, during and after the elections.

“So, it is expected that as a loyal party members, we are supposed to toe the line of the party and now that the party and Mr. President have spoken that Femi Gbajabiamila should be supported for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we expect every party faithful to toe that line and support Gbajabiamila to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We believe he has the experience; more experience than other people that are contesting the position. It is not just enough for you to bring out posters. Femi is very qualified more than any other person. Let’s just forget about geopolitical zones, we are talking about competence, we are

talking about Nigeria, we are talking about the interest of the downtrodden.

Femi will be able to articulate policies that would benefit the generality of the Nigerian masses to complement the next level agenda of Mr. President.”

“Politics in this country is played along the lines of North and South. North Central is North, North West is North and North East is North. So, the Speakership has been zoned to South. When we zoned the Presidency to the North, North West produced the President. So, for those talking about zoning, zoning in this country is done North/South.”

“We want to ensure that what happened in the 8th Assembly would not repeat itself, where party loyalty was thrown to the dustbin.

People went there to fight for their individual pockets.

“We are in this 9th Assembly to fight for the interest of Nigerians. Nigerians are suffering. How can Mr. President present a budget and for 7 months, the budget was still being kept on hold—frustrating the good policies of Mr. President.

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N election monitoring group, Centre for Justice and Rights, CAJR, has again called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to consider discarding the manual method of voting and collation of results so as to reduce incidences of poor logistics which characterized the recently held election especially in the North Central States of the country.

The Centre also called for the creation of unified data to curb cases of under-aged voting as well as adequate, proper and early training for INEC adhoc staff and security personnel to ensure they do not hamper electoral processes.

X-raying the election related incidences in the six states of the North Central zone as well as the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja, CAJR Project Manager, Kingsley Obida said his organization was involved in the election monitoring process before, during and after the exercise and can say that there was wide spread incidences of vote buying and use of arms in the monitored areas.

According to him, “CAJR with support from International Foundation for Electoral System, IFES, USAID and UKAID implemented the Nigeria Election Violence Report, NEVR project 2019 in Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa and the FCT.

Police deploy over 2000 personnel for surveillance during Easter

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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HEAD of the Easter celebrations in Plateau State, the State Police Command has deployed 2,211 of its personnel to safeguard lives and property even as the command advised citizens to be security conscious to avoid losing valuables to those bent on circumventing the law. The command in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mathias Tyopev also assured funseekers that adequate preparations have been put in place to ensure they have a hitch-free celebrations.

According to Tyopev, “In line with its core constitutional mandate of safe guarding lives and property of citizens, the State Police Command has marshalled out two thousand two hundred and eleven (2,211) personnel comprising 45 SPOs, 258 Inspectors, 1832 Rank and File as well as 76 Traffic Wardens for the Easter celebration, 2019.

“The Command is also not unmindful of the Jos Carnival 2019. We have also prepared adequately for the students that will be coming back to Jos for their Easter holidays and the visitors who may be in Plateau to enjoy the break. All of you are covered in our operation order.

“The Command wants to advise at this juncture that while going out for church activities or other outings, families should endeavour to leave at least one person at home so as to deter criminals who break into other people’s houses whenever they are not in to steal.

“The Command pleads with residents of Plateau State to be security conscious and call the Police on the following telephone numbers while in distress: 07059473022, 08038907662, 08075391844.”

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 — 3

Christians mark Good Friday across the country Jos

Abuja

The re-enactment of The Station of The Cross to mark the Good Friday by Parishioners of the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria, Pro-Cathedral Catholic Church, Garki, Abuja. Photo:Abayomi Adeshida.

Members of St. Mary Catholic Church, Hwolshe, demonstrate the passion of Christ to mark Good Friday in Jos yesterday.

Lagos

Members of St Dominic Catholic Church Yaba, dramatize the Passion of Christ to mark Good Friday in Lagos yesterday.

A drama sketch of the Passion of Jesus Christ to markGood Friday at St Dominic Catholic Church Yaba, in Lagos yesterday.

Lagos

Kaduna

Crucifixion of Jesus at St, Joseph Catholic Cathedral during the Good Friday service in Kaduna yesterday. PHOTOS: Olu Ajayi.

Members of St Kizitos Catholic Church venerating Jesus Christ on the cross to mark Good Friday in Lagos yesterday.PHOTO BY AKEEM SALAU

Ibadan

Youths of St Mary's Cathedral, Oke Padre on Good Friday stage a street drama depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Youths of St Mary's Cathedral, Oke Padre on Good Friday stage a street drama depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20,, 2019

EASTER: Dogara urges Christians to live like Christ, pray for Nigeria

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has felicitated with Christian faithful across the country on the occasion of Easter period, calling on them to live like Jesus Christ and persevere in prayers for the nation.

In a statement issued yesterday(Good friday), in Abuja by his media aide, Hassan Turaki, the Speaker noted the significance of the period in the lives of Christians and the demonstration of God’s love for mankind without which there will be no Christianity.

While urging Christians to persevere in prayers, Dogara also stated that Nigeria will surely overcome all its challenges, saying they are never insurmountable.

He added that mankind has always triumphed over difficulties no matter how daunting and enormous they seem.

He said: “Indeed, without Easter there would be no Christianity. As the song writer wrote: “When justice called for all my debts: the friend of sinner came instead.” For without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. Salvation came to us because Jesus defeated death. And we follow

him because he provided the solution to death.”

Easter is God’s scandalous love when He chose to die for the sins of not His friends but enemies. As Christians who are Christlike, we must also demonstrate God’s love in us by loving all mankind, forgiving not just friends, but enemies; praying for our own leaders and our country.

“Indeed, our nation is faced with daunting challenges, from insecurity re-

sulting in unprecedented bloodletting, massacres and abduction for ransom to poverty, and youth unemployment.

“Daunting and enormous as they are, our challenges are never insurmountable as mankind has always overcome its limitations over time.”

“Let us therefore, not despair but persevere in prayers and supplications. May Christ’s triumph over death bring to life everything that is dead in our lives and nation. Wishing us all, a God filled Easter celebration.

Let’s work together for safe communities — El Rufai

By Ben Agande Kaduna.

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overnor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has charged Christians in Kaduna state to come together to build and uphold safe communities, where everyone is committed to upholding peace and harmony.

In an Easter message, Governor El Rufai urged Christians to internalise the lessons of Easter for the good of the society.

The message reads: “I wish to felicitate with our brothers and sisters of the

Christian community in Kaduna State on the occasion of Easter. Leading up to the celebration of the victory of Jesus Christ over death, our Christian compatriots have solemnly observed the holy season of Lent, with fasting, prayers and works of charity.

“Easter marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and celebrates His triumph over darkness. Easter calls for dedication to duty and considering the interests of others before our personal gains, as Jesus Christ taught us by sacrificing His life for all.

“Let us work together to build and uphold safe communities.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20,, 2019 — 5 Continued from page 4

Emulate Christ’s lifestyle, teachings, Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians

UAE sentences eight Nigerians to death, FG laments *One bags jail term, faces deportation *NIDO boss wants govt to commence sensitization campaign *Govt should make Nigeria better —Afenifere

By Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu & Victoria Ojeme ENIOR Special Assis tant to the President on S Foreign Relations and the Di-

aspora, Mrs. Abike DabiriErewa, yesterday, regretted the sentencing of eight Nigerians to death by the United Arab Emirate less than three weeks after five others were arrested in the country for robbing a bureau de change.

Dabiri, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard, described the incident as unfortunate noting that it did not define the character of Nigerians.

The conviction was the climax of prosecution for the robbery attacks the gang carried out in December 2016.

They were specifically found guilty for attacking money exchange centres and cash machines across the Emirate.

The development was reported yesterday by Gulf News.

20 suspects were said to have been initially held for attacking security guards in four violent incidents at ATM points and money exchange centres across Sharjah in late 2016. Of the 20, nine were convicted.

Some of the accused confessed to their crimes while others denied the charges.

String of attacks

The gang, who were all in the UAE on visit visas were said to be highly organised and plotted a string of attacks to ambush security trucks that were transporting money boxes to ATMs in Sharjah.

In addition, the gang was said to have carried out its first robbery at a Dubai Commercial Bank ATM on King Abdul Aziz Street where Dh340,000 was stolen.

Two days after, they attacked an ATM in Al Safeer Mall in Al Nahda fleeing with Dh700,000. They also attacked an ATM in Muweilah where they stole Dh710,000.

The fourth attack at a money exchange office near National Paints was foiled by the police.

Gang members

They were reportedly arrested in record time but police confirmed that only a portion of the stolen money, almost Dh1.8 million, was recovered.

The gang members were

..Preaches love, tolerance

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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S Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the Easter celebration, Lagos State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged citizens to imbibe the spirit of love, humility, tolerance and forgiveness exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Annual Easter celebration worldwide by Christians marks the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through sacrifice, which symbolizes the cleansing and forgiveness of sins by God Almighty for humanity.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his media officer, Gboyega Akosile, said the centrality of the birth and crucifixion of Jesus Christ was about love for mankind and His work of redemption, urging Christians in Nigeria and Lagos, in particular, to imbibe love as an important fruit of the spirit.

He reminded citizens of the pains and agony endured by Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary as the height of sacrifice for humanity. ‘’Therefore, we must use this auspicious period to promote unity, love and sacrifice, as displayed by Jesus Christ,” he urged.

Sanwo-Olu further urged residents, especially, Christians to use the Easter Celebration to reflect on the sacrificial life of Christ as a worthy example for all to emulate, adding that Nigerians and the people of Lagos must be willing, at all times, to make sacrifices for the progress and development of thesocietywithoutanyrecoursetoparochialsentimentsagainst one another, especially, along ethnic and religious lines.

Nigeria still under siege —Secondus

By Dirisu Yakubu

Hon. Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (2nd left), Permanent Secretary, Works & Housing, Mr Mohammed Bukar (right), Chairman, Board of Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Senator Lawal Shuaibu (reft) and another Board Member, Surveyor Kunle Busari (2nd right) in a group photograph shortly after the presentation of the Annual Report by the Federal Housing Authority Board at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Power,Works & Housing, Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, recently.

said to have divided the money among themselves and transferred it to their country.

Suspects were taken into custody in cooperation with police in Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah.

The gang committed the heists at the busiest times of day when streets were crowded, which added to the confusion and enabled them to escape, said police.

In each robbery the assailants struck quickly before police could arrive, the attackers, however, could not evade security cameras and police were able to recognise them through surveillance footage captured at the exchange house in the mall.

Video footage showed the suspects attacking security guards, making off with cash, and in one of the robberies slashing the hands of a security guard with a knife before running away with money boxes.

The UAE Police said the suspects had monitored and tracked the security trucks used to transport money for a period of time before launching the attacks.

What death sentence in UAE means —Dabiri

However, Dabiri, in her

reaction, said death sentence in the UAE meant imprisonment without an option of parole.

She said: “Death sentence in the UAE is actually life imprisonment with no option of parole It is an unfortunate incident but it is not an incident that defines who we are as a people. If a few Nigerians have committed a crime for which they are being punished, thousands of Nigerians are doing great in that same country and are being appreciated and celebrated “Mr. President, who meets Nigerians every time he goes on official trips outside the country, appeals to Nigerians to always be good ambassadors wherever they are, and I must commend millions of our brothers and sisters excelling all over the world Bad news travels fast and I appeal to the media to help spread the good news about Nigerians and not to concentrate only on the once in a while negative stories.”

FG should embark on enlightenment campaign—Mbisiogu

Also speaking to Saturday Vanguard, Coordinator of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, in Guandong, China, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, called on the federal government to commence sensitisation campaigns on questionable practices abroad across the major markets in Nigeria, His words: “It very unfortunate and it would worsen our image in UAE. With this one, there will be more stringent policies which could affect Nigerians, who visit with good intentions.

It is very unfortunate because it will affect those going for good purposes. It means that the immigration will be harsh on Nigerians coming to Dubai. I am pleading with Nigerians in Diaspora to be good ambassadors and stop battering our image.

“I learned that Nigerians are being arrested in Asian countries like Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia almost on a daily basis for the wrong reasons. If we don’t change we will continue to face harassment. The government should use its financial capacity to work with market leaders and speak to their members on the dangers of carrying drugs and other dubious acts. A massive campaign should be done because some of the potential couriers are ignorant. Our host countries should not treat Nigerians like those questionable persons they have arrested. Many Nigerians are doing legitimate businesses abroad. “I am calling on Abike Dabiri to take the campaign to countries where such crimes are rampant.”

FG should make Nigeria less hostile —Afenifere

On its part, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere described the incident as unfortunate but noted that Nigeria operates a hostile environment which is diverting people’s creativity to crime.

Afenifere’s National Publicity, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said: “It is unfortunate that Nigerians are now exporting crimes to other climes and are being executed as it happened in Saudi Arabia. Yet, we can see in another end, Nigerians who are coming out to be the best around the world.

“The hostile environment at home is diverting the creative energy of people to crime and that is why all these things are happening. We hope that our leadership will do the needful and restore order in this country so that our people can stay at home and prosper instead of going abroad to do crimes.”

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ATIONAL Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has urged Nigerians to use the period of Easter to intensify their prayers, saying that Jesus Christ is the Lord of justice. In a statement signed by his media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, Secondus said: “Nigerians should not allow the prevailing hardship in the country and the “unjust outcome of 2019 election affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co-existence.”

Secondus said the country is clearly under siege from all corners and said that the period of Easter provides good opportunity for Nigerians to pray more to God to send succour to alleviate their sufferings.

He urged Nigerians to use the event to engender the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development. According to Prince Secondus, the Lenten period that just ended offered incalculable lessons in love, humility and forgiveness which should guide our way of living irrespective of religion, ethnic and political differences and help in ushering in a new and adorable era where bitterness and hatred are absent.

Anioma goes agog on Easter Monday

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HE 16th Anioma Cultural Festival will kick off on Eas ter Monday, April 22, at Arcade Ground, Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Delta State, from 11am.

The celebrated annual festival, presented by the Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), will feature compelling dances, wrestling, arts and crafts.

The theme for this year’s festival is “Celebrating our People”, with the support of reputable institutions such as Contemporary Group, Seamans Aromatic Schnapps, Onu Ika Nigeria, Zenith Bank and Champion Breweries.

The recently re-elected Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, a distinguished Anioma son, leads the array of esteemed guests.

As the culture umbrella of the Anioma people, OFAAC is determined to build bridges by inviting dancing troupes and guests from the other senatorial zones of the state, that is Delta South and Delta Central.

According to OFAAC President Arc Kester Ifeadi, “The essence of this Festival is the unity which it creates and the promotion of the spirit of oneness which brings together all the communities in the nine local government areas that make up the Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State.”

Lalong urges Christians to emulate Christ

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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LATEAU State Governor, Simon Lalong has admon ished Christians to make sacrifices for the nation, the state and their neighbors during this year’s Easter celebrations, just as Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed his life to bring salvation to the world.

The Governor who stated this in his Easter Goodwill Message to Christians urged them to reflect on the twin lessons of the Passion and Death of Christ on Good Friday on the one hand, and His triumphant resurrection after death at Easter on the other hand, with a view to applying the lessons learned in their everyday livelihood.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Panic in Rivers community as policeman stabs man to death

By Davies Iheamnachor

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here was panic in Atali community in Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State Thursday as a police officer, identified as inspector Chinedu, was said to have stabbed a youth in the area to death. The 20-year-old victim, Nyebuchi Ihunwo, was killed by the police man attached to Elimghu, while on duty in the area.

It was gathered that Ihunwo had gone to buy roasted plantain and fish some meters away from his home, when two police men confronted him. It was gathered that the victim had inquired from the policemen what his offence was before Chinedu who got angry brought out knife and stabbed the victim.

The development provoked the youths in the area to embark on protest to the police station to find out the cause of the killing.

However, Saturday Vanguard gathered that when the community youths got to the police station, the officers on duty opened fire on them.

Confirming the development, the Paramount Ruler of Atali, Chief Theophilus Ejekwu, Eze Rishi Ohia of Atali, said that the youths were shot during the peaceful protest and that three people were wounded.

Ejekwu gave the names of the victims shot by the police as: Precious Gladstone, Chibueze Amaewhule and Toruchi Ezekiel, adding that the three youths have been

hospitalised.

According to Chief Ejekwu, “I was not there when it happened but the story I got was that the boy went to buy roasted plantain and fish when two police men met him.

The policemen held him, and he expressed surprise as he didn’t have any problem with

anybody.

But the policemen pounced on him and striped him naked.

One of the officers brought out a knife and stabbed him while his intestine gushed out. The same boy was running to their station before he died. Our youths then went on protest, but the same police officers opened fire on them and shot three persons.

Meanwhile, the

FROM LEFT: Dr Kafayah Ogunsola; Coordinator, Dr Raphael Ogbolu; Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade and Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo at a press conference marking the second anniversary of Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos…

Lagos begins repair of potholes, lists 87 Governor, Mr. “We have received quite major roads State Akinwunmi Ambode had a number of complaints from

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he Lagos State Government has begun immediate repairs of potholesacrosstheState,with over 87 major roads enlisted for intervention.

Special Adviser, Lagos State Public Works Corporation and Drainage, Engr. Temidayo Erinle, in a statement on Friday, said the

directed that the Corporation shouldcommenceimmediate rehabilitation of critical roads across the State.

He said the roads mapped out for repair were presently in terrible state, and that the situation was impeding free flow of traffic in those areas with its attendant consequences.

Enugu Govt bans unapproved speed breakers on roads …Orders immediate removal

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he Enugu State Government has banned the unauthorised and indiscriminate erection of speed breakers, popularly known as bumps, on its asphalted roads across the state.

The ban was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Gabriel Ajah.

The state government stated that illegal speed breakers constitute devastating damage to the roads, adding that the practice in some cases leads to road accidents.

The statement referred to the unfortunate accident that involved the State Fire Service Truck on a distress call, which fell into a drainage while maneuvering over a bump along Obioma Road, in Udi Local Government Area.

The government, therefore, called on those involved in the erection of the bumps to liaise with the State Ministry of Works and

Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Usman Belel, faulted the claims of the community, stating that youths from Elimghu destroyed a perimeter fence at the police station and burnt property belonging to an officer, Israel Sunday. Belel also said that the youths had also attempted to burn down the police station before they were stopped by officers.

Infrastructure to have them removed before the end of May. It added that “henceforth,

any installation of road bumps/speed breakers must be done with the approval of all relevant authorities”.

N30,000 minimum wage, another election promise delivered — APC

By Omeiza Ajayi

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he All Progressives Congress APC has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his assent to the new N30,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers, describing it as another election promise fulfilled.

In a statement Friday in Abuja, the party through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said “truly, our workers deserve a new, improved and implementable minimum wage in view of current economic realities”.

The party said the welfare of workers has remained a top priority of the President Buhari-led APC

administration as exhibited in the federal government bailouts to stategovernments to pay workers salary, housing schemes for civil servants among other welfare packages.

“We congratulate stakeholders that ensured the achievement of this laudable feat, particularly the National Assembly, state governors, the Ama Peppleled tripartite committee, labour/trade unions and indeed Nigerian workers.

“This is another solid demonstration of a President who matches his words with action. Nigerians will recall the President had severally assured of a new and improvednationalminimum wage for workers.

residentsandmotoristsonthe State of the roads and how it was directly affecting travel time which in turn has negativeeffectsontheeaseof doing business in the State.

“The Governor has therefore directed the Public Works Corporation to move immediately and commence repair on those roads to ameliorate the traffic gridlock that residents have been going through as a result of the state of the roads,” he said.

Erinle, however, appealed to residents and motorists to bear with the State Government, urging them to drivecarefullywhiletheroads are being fixed.

He assured that in the next few weeks, all the potholes would disappear on Lagos roads.

Someoftheroadscaptured for immediate repair include Ikotun-Egbe, Ijegun Roads, Alimosho and Dopemu Roads, Aka-Kemberi Road, Amuwo Odofin, Marina Beach Road, Apapa, Olaniyi Road in Ifako Ijaiye, AcmeOba Akran Road and Ikeja.

Other roads also listed include Ijede Road, Sabo market Road in Ikorodu, Costain Road by Brewery, Glover Road, Herbert MacaulayRoadinMainland Local Government, ItireOgunlana drive intersection, Itire-Lawanson, Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere, Alakija/WAEC Road, Somolu, Obalende Road, Eti-Osa, among others.

TSA: Group demands information on total amount made by FG •Also wants information on level of compliance by MDAs

By Joseph Erunke

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group, United Global Resolve for Peace,has asked the federal government to immediately release informationonthetotalamountithasmadeduetotheTreasury Single Account,TSA. The non governmental organisation also urged the governnent to disclose to Nigerians how the money it was making through the TSA was being spent just as it demanded to know the level of compliance by some Ministries, Departments and Agencies,MDAs with the directive of the federal government on TSA. Addressing the media in Abuja in respect of the activities of the TSA, Executive Director of United Global Resolve for Peace,Shalom Olaseni, said the information was necessary for Nigerians to know the desirability or otherwise of the operation of TSA in the country.

“We want to know the level of compliance by some MDAs with the directive of the Federal Governnent of Nigeria on TSA. We intend to know the total amount that has been made by the federal government due to the TSA. “We seek to know how the money made through the TSA is being spent. We demand that the amount Nigerians have to pay as service charge should be reviewed and reduced drastically or in the alternative, the government should own up to its responsibility by paying the service charge directly instead of putting the burden on Nigerians that are not a party to the arrangement,”the group said at the event.

The group said findings from its “preliminary investigation on the service charge that were paid by Nigerians for payments made into the Treasury Single Account showed that the service charge was imposed by the government as an afterthought.”

“Initially,the government was meant to bear the cost of the TSAbutafterawhile,thegovernmentabdicateditsresponsibility and dumped it on Nigerians,”it added.

The groupsaidin view of the fact,it had“made an application pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to the Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN,wherein we requested for some documents which include the service agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the service providers,SystemspecsLtdaswellastherecordsofprocurement process that led to the award of the Treasury Single Account contract to Systemspecs Ltd.” “The Central Bank of Nigeria acceded to our request and directs that we follow up on the request at the Office of the Account General of the Federation as they have forwarded our request to the Accountant General of the Federation who has custody of the documents requested for.

“We also reached out to Systemspecs Ltd and asked for a meeting which held at the headquarters of Systemspecs Ltd inLagosandattheendofthemeeting,wegotaclearerdirection on the Treasury Single Account,”it said.

African Foundries laments attack on foreign workers by locals

By Naomi Uzor

A

frican Foundries Limited, has lamented the attack on its foreign workers by their Nigerian counterparts during an industrial accident which resulted in the death of three employees at its manufacturing plant in Ogijo, Ogun State.

In a statement signed by the company ’s Executive Director, Uche Iwuamadi, he said that the Company’s management has reached out to the families of the deceased for condolences and necessary settlement discussions.

He explained that “On the 11th April 2019 at about 7:00am, there was splash of liquid metal from the furnace in the factory. The liquid metal splash accidentally touched three of our factory workers who have already closed from work but were taking their bath in an open place in an unauthorized location described as restricted area within the factory instead of the normal factory bathroom and they were injured in the process’” he said.

He said that consequently, they were rushed to the nearby hospital in Ikorodu where they later died.

“The local staff alongside hoodlums from outside them embarked on protest and caused damages.

They looted the company’s property and cash.

They also attacked the foreign nationals staff causing injuries to some of them. They dispossessed them of their personal effects and cash in their residential quarters within the plant” “The estimated loss to the company is yet to be determined. However, with the intervention of the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Army, the situation was brought under control,” he said

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20,, 2019 — 7

Atiku: INEC denies arrest of ICT Staff by DSS

Alleged students’ torture: Why we’ve not appeared before Reps C’ttee — Madonna varsity •Asks legislature to allow court dispense case before it

By Joseph Erunke

T

HE authorities of Madonna University, Nigeria, have said they were yet to make appearance before the House of Representatives because the matter involving its two former students that informed the invitation by the House was before a competent court of law.

Besides, the university claimed that the letters of invitation to it, to attend the sittings of the committee, came two weeks later after the committee sitting.

This was as the university begged the lower chamber of the National Assembly not to entertain the petition of the former students as they also lost a similar case they instituted in court and had not appealed against the judgement while another case was before the Enugu Division of the High Court.

The school’s explanation came four years after two of its former students, Messrs Stanley Okoye and Ga-Lim Aondofa Lord, dragged the university to Federal High Court Enugu division after being expelled from the university for alleged involvement in examination malpractices, drug abuse and distribution, as well as academic failure.

The Vice Chancellor of Madonna University,Prof.

Chuks Ezedum, who addressed newsmen in Abuja, said even as the university had tremendous respect for the institution of the National Assembly,it

Enugu State Police Command Public Relations Officer and the National Coordinator of Police Campaign Against Cultism and other Vices, POCACOV, SP Ebere Amarizu(2nd Left), presenting anti-cultism and social behaviour awareness materials to the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed (Right) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, recently.

felt that the legislature should allow the case already in court to be exhausted.

Ezedum regretted that the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions would entertain “a misleading petition” brought before it by the two former students “after losing their case on the enforcement of human rights in the High Court.

He said the committee should have waited for the outcome of a pending suit in an Enugu court filed by the two former students against some officers of the university.

The university don said with the insistence of the committee to hear the case, he suspected what he called ‘moral compromise’ on the part of the commit-

tee.

“When I talk of compromise, I am not talking in terms of material compromise, I am talking in terms of moral compromise because I have no evidence of any material compromise.

“But I can see moral compromise. A situation where a matter is being challenged in the courts and you are substantially aware of that, you boasted to the other party that you don’t care whether it is in hundred courts, that your committee supersedes the jurisdiction of any court in Nigeria, it doesn’t make sense,” the Vice Chancellor said.

While shedding light on the reasons for their expulsion, Ezedum said: “At several times, in the past,

they had been found culpable of vices such as examination malpractices, drug abuse and distribution including academic failures which led to rustication, suspension, and loss of an academic year.”

He further stated that “the recalcitrant tendencies of these students were of grave concern to the school authorities, particularly in the light of the institution’s responsibility to safeguard lives of both staff and students.”

Ezedum also said the security department of the institution had received reports that the duo were leaders of secret cults and when they referred the matter to the disciplinary committee, Okoye and Lord had resorted to threatening the officers.

Enugu govt approves recruitment of additional 1,500 teachers *Allocates N252m for re-accreditation of IMT courses *Okays 12 courts for enforcement of Child Rights Law

T

HE administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has approved and directed the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) to recruit additional 1,500 primary school teachers to enhance basic education in the state.

The administration also approved the sum of N252,456,917.67 (two hundred and fifty two million, four hundred and fifty six thousand, nine hundred and seventeen naira, sixty seven kobo) for the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) to pursue the re-accreditation of the institution’s courses whose prior accreditation had expired.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council’s meeting, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, disclosed that the basic requirement for the recruitment is National Certificate of Edu-

cation (NCE), adding that the candidates must have teaching background and would accept to reside and teach in the rural communities. He stressed that Gov. Ugwuanyi, through his grassroots development initiatives, has provided in the rural areas, some amenities that attract people to urban centres.

It will be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration had recruited over 4000 teachers since its inception, to create jobs and improve the standard of learning in the state.

According to Prof. Eze, “The governor is committed and determined to ensure that teachers continue to be available at the basic education level so that our children will benefit from the investment that the state government is making in the education sector.”

He explained that “a good number of our teach-

ers at the primary school level have retired and some died,” noting that the recruitment exercise was to fill the vacuum created to ensure availability of teachers at the classrooms for effective teaching and learning.

Consequently, the education commissioner further disclosed that “the council directed ENSUBEB to make arrangement for the recruitment of additional 1,500 teachers to ensure that those who are qualified are appropriately placed so that our children will continue to benefit.”

On IMT, Prof. Eze stated that the fund was approved sequel to a presentation by the Governing Council and management of the institution, which informed the EXCO of the need for the re-accreditation of the courses on the premise that “ when a

course is accredited, after five years, that course needed re-accreditation.”

His words: “You will recall that since the inception of this administration, the governor has invested so much in IMT because he believes that IMT is the prime institution in this state and that he has to do whatever it takes to make sure that he brings IMT back to its former glory.

“You will also recall that last year about N1 billion was invested in infrastructural development. He also released funds earlier for the accreditation but because accreditation is a continuous process, as the programmes expire, a reaccreditation is expected.

This is why, the governor, at the State Executive Council’s meeting, saw it as very important to ensure that courses are re-accredited in IMT”.

By Omeiza Ajayi

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denied the arrest of some staff of its Information and Communication Technology, ICT unit by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, on the suspicion of leaking official secrets to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

INEC’s Director in charge of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Civil Society Liaison, Oluwole OsazeUzi told Saturday Vanguard that there was nothing of such, describing the report as a social media hoax.

“There is nothing like that. We saw it on Thursday and it trended a little. Our staff are intact. None of them was picked by the DSS, but you may also wish to clarify with the DSS. In fact, when I drew the attention of the INEC Chairman to it, he also dismissed it,” said Osaze-Uzi. Atiku’s counsel at the Presidential Election Tribunal had tendered results it said the PDP got from the INEC servers. The results reportedly showed that Atiku garnered 18,356,732 million votes as against Buhari, said to have scored 16,741,430 million votes.

Atiku also identified the server where the results are kept as INEC_PRES_RSLT_SRV2019 and its unique Mac address as 94-57-A5-DC-64-B9 with Microsoft Product ID 00252-70000-0000-AA535, vowing to call the manufacturers of the computers for authentication.

INEC had dismissed the position of the PDP on the grounds that the election results were never transmitted to the server as they were collated manually.

However, there were reports yesterday that some staff of the ICT unit were arrested by the DSS, only to be released when their spouses threatened a public protest.

Apart from Osaze-Uzi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi also dismissed the message as mere tissues of lies urging the public to disregard it.

“The report is false. There were no such arrests. Why didn’t the source mention the names of staff members that were arrested? Please disregard”.

Group warns against secret voting for Senate President

By Kayode Matthew

A

political pressure group, Citizens Consultative As sembly, CICON, has cautioned against moves to derail parliamentary culture in foisting a leadership on the Senate that is against the grains of popular democracy.

Observing the zoning of the office of Senate President to the Northeast, and the endorsement of the outgoing Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan for the position by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the group yesterday said it would lead to anarchy if the decision is derailed through secret voting.

While noting the present tempestuous relationship between the executive and legislative arms, the group observed that it would be dangerous for the country’s democracy to allow another leadership opposed by the mainstream of the party to emerge.

The statement issued by the group’s executive director, Clarion Augustine read in part: “The practice across the world is to have the political party with the controlling majority to produce the Senate President or the Speaker of the Congress. Election is done openly on the floor of the hallowed chambers in the most transparent manner.

“We oppose the idea of secret ballot for the simple reason that legislators anywhere in the world represent specific constituencies and therefore, can’t on their own, take decisions as to who leads the National Assembly. In climes where representative democracy has taken firm roots, lawmakers worth and relevance is measured by the decision they make on the floor of the hallowed chamber.

“Even at that, the lawmakers is duty bound to consult his constituents. Nigeria can’t therefore be any different. We insist strongly that the impending election of the leadership of the Senate should not deviate from global legislative practice of openly electing their leaders.

“We have noticed, however, that since the governing APC zoned the post of Senate President to the North-east and eventually settled on current Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan, there has been needless altercation over the decision.

Four years ago in 2015, the inability of the APC to act decisively led to the emergence of Bukola Saraki against party preference. This ultimately led to a sour executive/ legislative relationship. The rest is history.

“It is against this background that we throw our support to the APC as the party with the most Senators and representatives to produce the leaders of both chambers.

“We are, however, of the considered opinion that Senator Ahmad Lawan is a shoulder above others and more eminently qualified to run the affairs of the Senate in the 9th Assembly. With 20 years parliamentary experience across the two chambers, few lawmakers can match his credentials."

8 —SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Prophet Nwoko, Biafra activist, murdered in his Enugu residence *Our hands are clean — IPOB

By Dennis Agbo NUGU- BIAFRA ac tivist, Prophet AnthoE ny Nwoko has been butch-

ered in his Enugu residence, located around Ugbene II, Nike area of Enugu metropolis. Information had it that Nwoko was found by neighbours slaughtered in his one bedroom apartment. The neighbours promptly reported the incident to Police on Monday this week.

Information about his death however got to newsmen Thursday night while the Enugu police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu confirmed the death on Friday, saying the commissioner of police, Sulieman Balarabe has directed the homicide police to commence investigation on the brutal murder.

Neighbours said Nwoko's door was found ajar and as he had not been seen for the day, they entered and found him in the pool of his blood, butchered. Nwoko who had been sick and fairy in his last interview accused the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, of plotting against him for saying that the group was induced by politicians to revise IPOB's previous order to boycott the 2019 elections.

IPOB's Deputy leader, Uche Mefor however replied him then, saying that he was an ingrate who had benefited so much from IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Mefor had said: “Let it be on record that Nnamdi Kanu rescued fake prophet Nwoko from destitution on the streets of Ajegunle in Lagos where he was dumped following his deportation from USA. “It was the same Nnamdi Kanu that took him to Enugu and later paid for his accommodation. Even from prison Nnamdi Kanu authorised for him to be moved to a one bed apartment which he paid for from detention in Kuje.

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving Letter of Credence from the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Humphrey Geiseb at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently.

“This prophet of Baal visited Afaraukwu in 2017 to felicitate with Kanu and to ask for more money to open a ministry and be like Father Mbaka, but Kanu turned him down and since then he has been bitter...”

Meanwhile the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have washed their

hands off the murder of one of their members, Prophet Anthony Nwoko, who was killed in his Enugu residence early this week.

IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful said the suspicion that the murder may have come from IPOB was diversionary. He, rather ac-

War against Banditry: Troops Kill 7 bandits, lose soldier; arrest 3 suspects

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja

HE Nigerian Army said on Friday that its T troops of Operations Sha-

ran Daji and Harbin Kunama 111 in conjunction with Special Forces of the Nigerian Airforce, have dealt a serious blow on bandits activities in the North West, killing seven armed bandits, losing a soldier and arresting three of them.

In an update on the operations, Major CK Abiade, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations said "In continuation of the ongoing Operations Sharan Daji and Harbin Kunama

111, troops recorded another significant achievement Thursday, the 18th of April 2019.

"The troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Deep Blue Special Forces, NAF Air Component and Vigilantes while on clearance operation to Aljumima Fulani and Ketere villages in Zamfara State had a fierce encounter with large number of well armed bandits. "Due to superior fire power of the troops, they were able to compel the bandits to flee and abandoned their camps which were set ablaze by the gallant troops.

"During the encounter,

Ndigbo have no place in APC —Igbo group

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

S the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, zones national assembly leadership positions to geopolitical zones, the Igbo Good Governance Forum, IGGF, has lamented that the ruling party does not have anything out of the six positions for the South East.

The Coordinator of the group, Onyema Udohirinwa told Saturday Vanguard that like what happened in the 2015, APC leadership does not consider the South East in the six political positions.

According to him, “Out of the six positions, the North West has taken the

cused Nigeria security agencies of masterminding the murder.

Powerful, who spoke with Vanguard admitted that Nwoko was one of their members and wondered why the murder should be turned against the group.

position of President through President Muhammadu Buhari, the South West is occupying the vice president position through the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. Equity and fairness requires that the remaining four positions; the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be shared amongst the North East, South South, South East and North Central.

“Unfortunately from the body language of Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee, NWC, it is clear that there is no consideration for the South East to occupy any of the remaining four positions.

“This is exactly what led to agitations in the country when a group of people believe that South East should not be reckoned with. This is unfortunate, and does not show in any way that the APC, is a democratic and national party.

“In 2015, the reason the South East was not considered for any of the six positions was because the party said that there was no member of the APC elected in the national assembly from the zone. But this time around, the zone has ranking members for the ninth national assembly, unfortunately, the party is not considering the zone in the power sharing formula.”

Seven (7) of the bandits were neutralized, while some escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

"Unfortunately, one soldier had paid the supreme sacrifice, six soldiers and a vigilante were wounded.

"The following Items were recovered from the bandits: 934 units 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 1 AK 47 Rifle, 1 Chain used by bandits against kidnapped victims and 7 Motorcycles.“ "Similarly, troops on patrol to Kara Market of Shinkafi Local Government Area of Sokoto State arrested a suspected informant who in turn led to the arrest of three other suspects.

"Those arrested are: Lawali Denden, Salisu Namansu and Kabiru Kamarawa from Kamarawa village of Shinkafi axis and Mohammed Sani from Indiri village. "Suspects have been handed over to appropriate security agency for further interrogation and possible prosecution.

"The Force Commander Maj Gen Hakeem Oladapo Otiki has commiserated with the family of the late soldier and prayed that his sacrifice will not be in vain.

"He reiterated the resolve of troops to tackling the menace of armed banditry and other forms of criminality in Zamfara and its contiguous States of Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto."

'British Colonialists destroyed Yoruba tradition, culture, threw race into crises' By Rotimi Ojomoyela

He people of Ilawe Ekiti in Ekiti Southwest local T government area of Ekiti state, have blamed the British colonialists for most of the traditional crises and contradictions in some states in the southwest region.

They said most of Ekiti towns are still feeling the impact of the interference by the colonialists, their meddlesomeness and poor judgements, as most of the communities are deeply embroiled in protracted obaship and chieftaincy tussles.

The indigenes of the town from Ilero compound at Oke Emo quarters in Ilawe said this while reacting to an interview granted by Elemo of Oke Emo in Ilawe township, Chief Gbenga Agbonna , claiming superiority over Elero, the head of Ilero compound in Oke Emo quarters.

Speaking with Journalists in Ilawe-Ekiti on Friday, the spokesman of the family, Mr Ojo Esan said Elero, being one of the founding fathers of the town, occupied more significant historical space than Elemo in the town Sean said Elero was one of those who accompanied Oniwe and founder of Ilawe kingdom from Ile Ife to found the town.

Accusing the colonialists of arrogating undue powers to Elemo due to his closeness with British authorities, Esan added that Elemo was a mere stranger who was accommodated by Elero's forefathers and other founders of the town, including the then Alawe.

He said it was wrong for Agbonna to have downplayed the roles of Elero in the installation and burial of Alawe and other traditional festivals in the town, thereby arrogating all powers belonging to chiefs in Oke Emo quarters to himself alone.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT: African Foundries company laments attack on foreign workers

A

By Naomi Uzor

frican Foundries Limited, has lamented the attack on its foreign workers by their Nigerian counterparts during an industrial accident which resulted in the death of three employees at its manufacturing plant in Ogijo, Ogun State.

In a statement signed by the company's Executive Director, Uche Iwuamadi, they said that the Company's management has reached out to the families of the deceased to condole them and had necessary settlement discussions, stating that everywhere is presently calm.

He explained that "On the 11th April 2019 at about 7:00am, there was splash of Liquid Metal from the furnace in the factory. The liquid metal splash accidentally touched three of our factory workers who had already closed from work but were taking their bath in an open place in an unauthorized location described as restricted area within the factory instead of the normal factory bathroom and they were injured in the process'" he said.

He said that consequently, they were rushed to the nearby hospital in Ikorodu where they later died.

"The local staff rioted in conjunction with outside hoodlums and caused damages. They looted the company’s property and cash. They also attacked the foreign nationals staff causing injuries to some of them. They dispossessed them of their personal effects and cash in their residential quarters within the plant

Easter: Church opens hospital, offers free services to tackle maternal mortality in Niger Delta

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Davies Iheamnachor

MEGA Power Ministries, OPM, known for Church charity has, in the spirit of Easter, opened a hospiO tal that would offer free services to tackle maternal and

child mortality cases in the Niger Delta.

General Overseer of OPM, Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor said the health facility, built in Omuohunwo, an Aluu village in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers state, is focused on ensuring that indigent women receive free antenatal and post delivery care.

Chibuzor, while unveiling the facility said, “By the grace of God OPM free schools have run for over nine years and we have been sustaining it, with church offerings. We started with one. Now we have 11 schools. A lot of money is coming into the church every Sunday.

“If a pastor can use church money to build a school while not use same money to run it and sustain it? If we can sustain school and five free estates we can also sustain this. “Some pastors call me saying I should stop disclosing that a lot of money comes into the church every day, but I will have to say the truth.

“God’s money should be used for God’s people. We made it a specialist hospital because the rate of maternal death is unbelievable. How can a woman carry pregnancy for nine months without going to the hospital? Sometimes they deliver at home and die.

“We are using professionals. I don’t want to compromise standard. We have engaged best hands in the field and they will give good services here."

Chibuzor noted that there is so much suffering in the land, adding that motivation was scriptural.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—9

Killer herdsmen's

reign of terror in Enugu •Our captors were Fulani — Victims •We’ll bring perpetrators to justice — Police

By Dennis Agbo

Ugwuijoro, Ebor, Enugu-Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuachara were invaded, and scores ommunities in Enugu state arenow of residents were victims of the attacks. endageredFulani herdsmen who It was gathered that an intelligence report have been had earlier been given of an impending killing people and destroying property in attack. The Nimbo natives were allegedly Benue state no longer find the environment notified about the invasion on April 23, 2016 in the North Central Part of the country and the intelligence was promptly reported comfortable and have now been moving to the security agencies but nothing was down to the South East. And Enugu state, done to prevent it until about 5.15am on being the gateway between the Northern April 25, when the armed herdsmen and Eastern parts of Nigeria has become numbering over 500 struck, killing over 50 an alternative location for them more so people. with its vast vegetation which is conducive The following day, April 26, 2016, six for cattle rearing and the hospitality of its more bodies were people. recovered and 14 The killer herdsmen have victims were however turned against their host critically ill at Royal communities, killing and Cross Hospital, kidnapping the people for Nsukka, Nsukka ransom, destroying farmlands, District General raping women and committing and The killer herdsmen Hospital other atrocities while the police Bishop Shanahan appear to have been helpless in Nsukka. have however turned Hospital, arresting the situation.

During the raid, In the past few months, no less Christ Holy Church against their host than five persons were kidnapped (aka in the communities of Nkanu East communities, killing International, Odozi-Obodo), at local government and released Onu-Eke and 11 and kidnapping the after ransoms were paid in each houses were burnt case. At Mburubu, three persons by the marauders people for ransom, were kidnapped this year by while displaced herdsmen. The kidnap victims natives fled to destroying confirmed that their captors were neighboring Fulani because some of the farmlands, raping communities of victims understood Hausa Nkpologu and women and language and interacted with Uvuru, even as them in the bush. One of the indigenes of those committing other victims said that though the communities also criminals involved in kidnapping fled to Nsukka in atrocities while the may not all be herdsmen they of further were definitely of Fulani origin. authorities appear to fear attacks.

The biggest of the herdsmen Earlier in have been helpless attack on Enugu communities February 2016, took place at Nimbo on April 25 there was an attack in arresting the 2016, where seven villageson Abbi, a Ekwuru, Nimbo-Ngwoko, neighbouring situation community to

S

Nimbo, where a brother and his sisterFidelis and Mercy Okeja were reportedly killed on the spot. Nineteen persons were declared missing while seven houses and motorcycles were burnt. It was reported that the attack was carried out by 30 masked herdsmen. Not long after that, Attakwu community in Nkanu West local government area was also invaded by the herdsmen who killed a woman and a seminarian.

In 2018, some herdsmen reportedly killed a woman at Amofia, Affa in Udi Local government Area of Enugu State. The woman’s name was given as Mrs. Paulina Agadife. The attackers also reportedly abducted the Catechist of the area, Mr. Patrick Okeh and took him to an unknown destination.

President General of Amofia Affa, Mr. Johnson Okolo who confirmed the incident said that the herdsmen got in touch with the family of the abducted Catechist and demanded N5 million ransom.

In Aninri local government, the herdsmen attacked a security guard at Okpanku community and left a machete inside his body.

The incident occurred on Easter Monday last year when herdsmen overpowered the security guard attached to a private residence and invaded the compound.

According to Okpanku community source, “the herdsmen and their cattle were passing through the community when suddenly the herders entered the compound of one Barrister Eric Ogudu and started plucking mangoes in the compound.

“The security guard in the compound tried to stop them but they refused and in the ensuing commotion, the herdsmen gave him several machete cuts on his arms and shoulder. The guard then started shouting “Fulani people have kill me”! Immediately, the attention of the people was drawn and the residents who came out pursued them but they fled into the bush.”

In a recent tragedy, some gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, in March this year, killed one Dr Nnamdi Ogueche, a senior lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State and Secretary of the same Uzo-Uwani local government.

Ogueche was allegedly shot dead along Iwolo road in the Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state while returning from a peace meeting between his kinsmen and Fulani herdsmen. It was gathered that the peace meeting was summoned by the Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Fred Eze (rtd.). The meeting was said to have been held between community members and the herdsmen in Uzo-Uwani LGA. The state Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Balarabe promised to bring the killers of Ogueche to justice, just as he paraded five herdsmen who allegedly specialised in kidnapping in the state.

Spokesman of State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu in interview with Vanguard said he had no record of killings and kidnapping by the herdsmen. He, as usual played safe. He said “I’ve not received report of any particular killing, but we can confirm the killing of the secretary of Uzo-uwani local government council, Dr Ogueche, which its investigation is still on but we can’t say much because it can disconnect our investigation.”

Amaraizu stated that in the case of the killings of a Revered Father in Ezeagu and that Dr Maria Amadi of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu, arrests have been made and that the homicide police were working on both cases. “When we conclude our investigations, we will brief the people but we welcome help on leads that will widen our investigation,” Amaraizu said.

10—SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Edo 2020:

•Obaseki

•Oshiomhole

The inside story of the cold war between

Oshiomhole and Obaseki

By Idiye Preye, Benin City

E

do State is one of the states in the country where the politics has always attracted the attention of the nation due to the fact that the players are politically sophisticated. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ruled in the state during the leadership of late Chief Tony Anenih until November 12, 2008, when the former labour leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole emerged the governor after the Appeal Court sitting in Benin declared him the authentic winner of the April governorship election in the state and that saw the end of the PDP era in the state. Oshiomhole, brought the Action Congress which later became the present All Progressives Congress (APC) to the South South. Through his persuasion, oratorical prowess and goodwill, Oshiomhole collapsed the PDP in the state after majority of the foot soldiers of Chief Tony Anenih, those of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and others joined his moving train. He embarked on developmental projects across the nook and cranny of the state, in fact building what is known today as the modern day Edo state. His developmental strides endeared him

to the people of the state and he broke all barriers particularly the ethnic sentiment when he won his re-election in the entire 18 Local Government Areas of the state, making him the first executive governor to achieve such feat in the state.

However, in 2016 when his administration got to an end, like a ruthless politician that he has become, Oshiomhole anointed his successor in the person of Godwin Obaseki, who was then the chairman of the state Economic and Strategic Unit.

Though Saturday Vanguard gathered that most of the leaders of the party from Edo South were opposed to Oshiomhole anointing Obaseki the former labour leader ignored their advice and ensured he had his way. It was not an easy decision for him to make, particularly when his then deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, his political foot soldier, Osarodion Ogie, former Minister of Works, Engr.Chris Ogienwonyi and Gen.Charles Airhiavbere were in the race. Both Ogienwonyi and Airhiavbere were men with deep pockets and Obaseki would not have survived their onslaught if not for unwavering support of Oshiomhole. Apart from the duo, Oshiomhole persuaded Ogie, to step down for Obaseki but Odubu who was enjoying the support of the

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole emerged the governor after the Appeal Court sitting in Benin declared him the authentic winner of the April governorship election in the state and that saw the end of the PDP era in the state

veteran politicians in the state went to the field due to his strong conviction that his political experience would give him victory at the primaries.

However, his boss Oshiomhole, who knew his strength was able to stop him at the primaries. That was how Obaseki emerged the APC candidate and eventually governor of Edo state today. The candidate of the PDP in that election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu who was a strong member of the ACN then was equally a big threat to the APC but Oshiomhole used his foot soldiers such as Obudu, Osakpawa Eriyo (No molest), Patrick Obahiagbon, Ogie, Charles Idahosa, Lucy Omagbon and her husband Harrison, Lawrence Orka, Chief Osarodion Idah and many others to deliver Obaseki in Edo South where Ize-Iyamu is very popular. At the end of that very fierce contest Obaseki emerged governor, Oshiomhole’s political son, Philip Shaibu became his Deputy while Ogie is currently the Secretary to the state Government.

At Cross Roads

Oshiomhole said Obaseki was an economic expert. He made people to believe so but they never knew about his personal relationship with people.

Continues on pg 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—11

The inside story of the cold war between

Oshiomhole and Obaseki more trouble if the PDP took over the House of Assembly. He decided to change tactics after he was alleged to have accused some leaders of betraying the trust he had in them by not judiciously using the party money budgeted for the election for that purpose. The governor also knew the implication of having a PDP dominated House of Assembly.

However, with the assistance of Oshiomhole, some leaders in the state including Capt. Hosa Okunbo and others were brought on board to help salvage the party in the House of Assembly elections. It was further made easier with the quality of candidates the APC put forward for the House of Assembly election. That was how the party overwhelmed the PDP and won the entire 24 seats.

*Obaseki

*Oshiomhole

Continues from pg 10 The moment he became governor, of course he took control, and severed relationship with those who brought to him to power. Osakpanwa, the then youth leader of the party was arrested and thrown to Oko prison. Osakpanwa was one of the first people Oshiomhole convinced to work for Obaseki during the primaries. He was said to have spent his personal resources due to his family ties with the Obasekis. But he fell out in the new order. Apart from Osakpanwa, Shaba, Chief Francis Inegbeneki, Dr Okoro who was the Oredo party chairman, and practically all the APC ward chairmen in the governor ’s Oredo Local Government Area, Sunday Osaguana (Sunny Shark) including Madam Lorettar, Oredo woman leader, were arrested and detained but were later released. As a matter of fact, Chief Inegbeneki was declared wanted until Oshiomhole intervened in the issue between him and the governor.

Apart from these party leaders who suffered detention, APC leaders such as Dr Odubu, Charles Idahosa, Oshiomhole’s former political Adviser, Samson Osagie, Gen.Charles Airiavbere, Engr.Chris Ogienwonyi, Lucy Omagbon and her husband Harrison and many other party leaders were completely alienated from the party. Odubu’s pension is yet to be paid. The governor was said to have gone on to ban political leaders from entering Government House declaring on several occasions that “Government House is not where they share money but for serious businesses”. Apparently referring to the administration of Oshiomhole, where the former governor was in the habit of patronizing politicians through

contracts and other incentives with a view to keeping members happy, Obaseki informed politicians that the days of sharing money was over. In Uhumwonde LGA, Idahosa was dethroned as leader of the party in the Local Government. In Ovia, the Ogbomo of Udo and Pa Evbuowan were pushed aside and Dennis Idahosa was enthroned as leader.

They further dissolved all the youth bodies who were collecting levies on behalf of the state government, rendering almost all the APC youths jobless. The APC in Edo state was no longer an interesting forcing and some of the leaders such as Mrs Omagbon and her husband left for the PDP. Edo is yet to open the Benin Central Hospital built by Oshiomhole, even after the former governor equipped the hospital with modern hospital equipment.

Against the e a r l i e r agreement that the governor w o u l d concentrate in running the government w h i l e Oshiomhole and other politicians would run the politics, the governor was said to have reneged and insisted that as the governor, he would run the party. This is said to be the root of the brewing crisis between him and his former boss, Oshiomhole.

The alleged disagreement between the governor and his predecessor Oshiomhole was said to have heightened prior to 2019 general elections when the duo disagreed on

The battle for the soul of the APC ahead the 2020 governorship election will be a fierce one

the choice of candidates for the party.

As someone who fought the PDP god fathers in Edo state and brought them to their knees Oshiomhole knew those who could win elections in the areas and those who cannot even win elections in their communities. As a result, he wanted candidates would defeat the PDP candidates particularly in Edo Central where the PDP’s footprint has been solid. But the governor was said to have thought otherwise and ensured that his own candidates emerged. The same situation in Edo South, the governor’s senatorial district. It was gathered that the governor isolated Oshiomhole, who is now the National Chairman of the party in the planning of the 2019 general elections, rather aligned with Ogie and Shaibu to plan the elections.

Oshiomhole’s fears appeared justified with the result of the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections, where the party lost woefully in the Edo South and Central senatorial districts to the PDP. A security report prior to the elections that the APC was going to lose the state to the PDP was ignored. As a matter of fact, the governor was informed that he might even lose his Oredo Local Government if urgent steps were not taken. At last, he lost his ward, Local Government and his South senatorial district, as earlier war ned, to the PDP. But Oshiomhole held his Edo North solid for the APC in the Presidential and entire National Assembly seats. It was gathered that if not for the last minute effort made by Oshiomhole when he invited all the angry leaders such as Odubu, Ogienwonyi, Airhiavbere for a meeting at Government House and his road show, it would be a disastrous outing in Edo South for the APC. It was the first meeting these leaders would be holding with the governor after Obaseki was elected governor in 2016.

House of Assembly election

After the party lost woefully in the National Assembly and Presidential elections, it was now clearer to the governor that he was going to get into

Edo 2020 Guber

From reports in the media, it is obvious that Obaseki has kicked off campaigns for a second term with the series of endorsements he is currently enjoying. But there is also opposition from some people in the party who have vowed to ensure that they stop him. The battle for the soul of the APC ahead the 2020 governorship election will be a fierce one. It was reliably gathered that Odubu, Airhiavbere, Ogienwonyi are going to contest the primaries with Obaseki. It was even gathered that Benin born business mogul, Capt.Okunbo may also join the race. However, Obaseki it was learnt is not sleeping and he is determined to avoid the Ambode treatment in Edo. To fight the battle ahead, it was learnt that the governor has succeeded in recruiting the Oshiomhole foot soldiers in his cabinet such as the incumbent deputy governor, Shaibu and Ogie the SSG. It was gathered that Ogie who is allegedly still angry with Oshiomhole for not giving him the ticket last time, had decided to join forces with Obaseki to fight for his reelection. Chief Osaro Idah and Lawrence Okah are leading the Oredo forces for Obaseki. Infact they are popularly referred to as OIL, meaning Ogie,Idah and Lawrence. Shaibu, who is from the same Edo North with Oshiomhole is said to be angry that Oshiomhole allegedly denied some of his lieutenants’ ticket in the last APC primaries. Besides, it was said that the deputy governor believed that Oshiomhole should give way so he can become the political leader in Edo North as the number two citizen. As a result, he has continued to build structures in Edo North for Obaseki. Oshiomhole’s former political Adviser Charles Idahosa who Oshiomhole saved his political career when Obaseki removed him as leader of the party in Uhumwonde, has also been recruited by Obaseki. Oshiomhole had kept mum so far over the political situation in the state and his numerous supporters across the state are waiting for his orders to confront these people. But there are also possibilities that all of them would work together again as differences would always occur in politics. Good governance is what matters and what would eventually count and not pursuit of individual interests.

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20 , 2019

OPINION

OBASEKI:

The peoples’ choice

By Ikponmwosa Kingsley Osamede

nickname was ‘The Great Liberator ’ for he saw to the emancipation of slaves in ne would be mistaken to America. think that courteousness, Governor Obaseki’s case wasn’t finesse and stellar different. He was nicknamed the performance in “Wake and See Governor ” only governance cannot all be imbued in months after being inaugurated one man, especially one from for the fact that he pleasantly Nigeria. It smacks of a seared brute surprises people every mind therefore to declare that civility day with and thoughtful calmness has no developmental place in Nigeria’s polity. projects.

That line of thought has severe With fault lines that have been pared open the and made unmeaning in the construction performance of Governor Godwin of over Obaseki in just three years as he 300 didn’t fail to deliver the muchroads in the needed dividends of democracy so state, one can attest to the fact that rapidly and more so with a the government of Godwin Obaseki levelheadedness barren of any air of is truly one that God has used to pride or overconfidence. bless the good people of Edo State.

The good people of Edo State have The lips of the market women stated intrepidly that the good things never cease to sing the praise of Mr. taking place in their state today Wake and See. These women had deserve continuity and wish to see had their fair share of the malady of the polity tending towards the ‘agberos’ who had taken the city interest of the entire people of the hostage. Some had been physically state and not the interest and bellies assaulted by young lads whose of few individuals in the political mouths reeked of early morning scene. Such a paradigm shift, the ogogoro, all in a bid to collect money good people of Edo reckon, is the for tickets. The hardworking mothers way great economies are grown. of our lands have Governor Obaseki It wasn’t that her daughter had just to thank for the reform and sanity arrived from Italy that made Mrs. now seen in the market places today.

Janet Omorogbe, a senior citizen in Was it that the people had no her 80’s, to leap for joy while almost modicum of hope in the people that discarding her wrappers in front of led them that made them subservient her house to testify to all who cared to indolent feudal lords branded as to listen that the road leading to her community youths? So, it was until the house was being tarred almost in the ‘Wake and See Governor’ came to the nick of time. The road to her house rescue. Not many were lucky to was never motorable whenever it purchase a landed property and still rained. It was fast becoming be able to lay legitimate claim to such impassable even by foot when she asset weeks after because of the soheard that the road was one of the called Community Development many to be tarred by Mr. Wake and Association (CDA) leaders. Our See, a sobriquet for Governor Governor who truly Godwin Obaseki. She hears our pains have expressed sheer since proscribed them. incredulity, as she When we say that thought she wasn’t that sanity has returned to lucky. Well, not that our state, words are not day. She woke up to been minced. It would hear the vibrations of amount to being the massive earth economical with the movers and proceeded truth to state the to see for herself. Mr. diametrical.

Wake and See had It wasn’t that her Workers in the state come to the rescue. daughter had just civil service have never It is not unusual for had it this good. They great leaders to be arrived from Italy that have seen building nicknamed. For such made Mrs. Janet contractors returning to monikers are the ways site in their famed their people connect Omorogbe, a senior institutional edifices. It with them. John citizen in her 80’s, to wasn’t uneasy for them Adams, one of to join in Governor America’s greatest leap for joy while Obaseki’s exultation.

Presidents was almost discarding her The thinking faculty nicknamed ‘Old Sink or of Mr. Governor is light Swim’ for his famous wrappers in front of years ahead of his time. patriotic speech: "Sink her house to testify to He foresees and or swim, survive or envisages the future. perish with my country, all who cared to listen This quality of his is is my unalterable that the road leading one of his strengths. He determination." Nelson foresaw that there was a Mandela was to her house was need to recreate what is nicknamed ‘Khulu’ being tarred almost in obtainable in other cities because of his fatherly in our dear state by disposition to the the nick of time creating an estate people of South Africa. replete with modern Abraham Lincoln’s

O

•Governor Obaseki

housing layout and architecture. This he has done with the Emotan Gardens Estate, built in collaboration with MIXTA Africa, renowned property developers.

The education sector has also had a touch of the wake and see phenomenon, as several thousands of teachers have been digitally trained in the Information Technology (IT).

This innovation is under the Edo – Basic Education Sector Transformation program, popularly called EdoBEST. This program has been wholly successful to the extent that delegates from the Rwanda Ministry of Education were in Edo State recently to understudy the program for replication in their country. Also, there is currently an ongoing revamp and reconstruction in about 500 public primary and secondary schools in the State with thousands of indigenes in the employ of the contractors.

For many years, students at the University of Benin were made slaughter animals whenever they attempted to cross the busy federal highway due to the absence of a pedestrian bridge. Governor Obaseki quickly came to the rescue and built a sturdy concrete one and not the rickety- rusty iron one that once was in its place. The fast pace with which this pedestrian bridge was constructed beats the imagination of the road users and pedestrians. And such pace can only be attributed to the loving nature of Mr. Governor who noted that the accidents and deaths caused by its absence had become one too many.

As if the payment of Edo State workers salaries as and when due and tarring of the roads in Edo State wasn’t enough dividends of democracy, Governor Obaseki launched the State Security Trust Fund that saw him committing huge tranche of funds to ensure the security of the people who entrusted him with power. He didn’t stop at setting up of a trust fund, he went ahead to purchase scores of police patrol vehicles, motorcycles and high-end Police communication gadgets to the Police Force in an architecture called the ‘Wabazigan,’ which translates to ‘eliminating crime’ in English. The people of Edo who were enjoying a civil and sane community now sleep with their two eyes closed at night as well.

Local Government Councils were in

previous times an entity only found in books and not practicable on ground. It would take Governor Obaseki only months to realize that the third tier of government that is much closer to the people deserved a comeback. An election was conducted and the people who had not had local government chairpersons in years were seen happy to elect people they wanted to work with the Wake and See Governor to bring developments even closer to them.

Governor Obaseki has also ensured that these local government councils join in implementing his government’s master plan for the state. This has resulted in the council chairpersons delivering with steadfastness the needed succor in their council areas. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from these councils has seen an unprecedented high, and the people have Mr. Wake and See to thank for that. The selfsufficiency of these councils is fast becoming a reality with a progressive governor like Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

More than 80,000 people have been gainfully employed since Governor Obaseki was elected. The teeming population of youth has been matched with ready employers in various ministries of government as well as the private sectors. Many have also been made employers of labour themselves. This has been made possible through the learning of various crafts and professions, including photography and video production, web designing, culinary services, tiling, fashion design e.t.c.

There has also been an attendant empowerment of such individuals to set up shop. The Edojobs portal is by far one of the most interactive online manpower recruitment platforms in the country. The portal is the tool for matching employees to employers. This digitalized recruitment process has since been emulated by other State governments and organizations.

With a digital governor that is in tandem with the happenings and developments in the fast-paced technological world, Edolites are rest assured that such developments would be domesticated in the state and in our time. We were not disappointed by Governor Obaseki. Digitalization has also been successfully employed in the procurement of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O).

The ease of obtaining the C-of-O as well as the drastic reduction of its cost from more than N300, 000 to as low as N50, 000 have indeed made the people of Edo the luckiest people in the country. No more would you be beaten by the fainéant and shady feudal lords masquerading as CDA leaders, and no more would you pay through your nose to obtain the Certificate of Occupancy.

Also, the Geographical Information Service (GIS) is a treatise of its own.

But I need quickly say here that Governor Obaseki is delivering on a mandate to serve the people in all spheres of life. God bless him.

It can be said that a man who respects his elders shall surely receive their blessings and live long.

Godwin Obaseki indeed respects the elders in our land and wants what’s in their best interest. Our fathers and mothers now happily receive bank alerts in their phones just before the month ends without having to protest at King Square while cursing the day they chose to work for the state government; and never has Mr. Governor defaulted in the payment of their pensions or emoluments. It would amount to spitting on their faces and all the good people of Edo if this God-sent Governor is not re-elected without much ado.

•Ikponmwosa Kingsley Osamede, 400-level medical student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and winner of the 2017 Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Annual Oil & Gas Undergraduate Essay Competition, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—13

Where is PENCOM’S N33B?

I

nterview by Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Pencom Probe, Hon. Johnson Agbonayinma, on political platform, Raypower Radio, On 18th April 2019 PENCOM said you are an interested party in the probe of the agency by the National Assembly. They said the Commission fired your daughter for possessing a forged certificate, so you are not in a position to head that probe again.

It is unfortunate that when you fight corruption, corruption fights back at you. From the inception, right from the time the ad hoc committee was constituted by the House of Representatives, in the Speaker’s wisdom, he appointed me as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee to investigate PENCOM. We started this probe far back in December. As a matter of fact, we have written several letters to PENCOM, for them to submit documents relating to our investigation. My Committee members have been steadfast and resolute, making sure we do justice by giving them (PENCOM) fair hearing.

Behold, we did everything humanly possible.

Unfortunately, when we started this investigation, from the first day, people have been trying to stop this investigation. I don’t know why. And, even a motion was moved at the floor of the House to rescind the resolution already passed to investigate PENCOM. The irony of it is this, the submission by PENCOM, we went through it, but unfortunately, the Governor of Central Bank also submitted documents along with Accountant General’s Office. When we invited them to the first public hearing, all the media were there when the Acting DG of PENCOM (Mrs. Aisha DahiruUmar) specifically stated that they only have one account with the Central Bank. But the Central Bank came and told us they have more than five accounts with them. All the submissions made to us, we questioned them, based on their submissions.

They (PENCOM), faulted the Accountant General’ Office, we invited the Accountant-General’s Office to tell us their own position. And right there, the Accountant-General’s Office said they had nothing to do with it; that the bone of contention is for PENCOM; that the question should be directed at PENCOM; that they should not be dragged into it.

So, we, we are just looking for ways to do the proper investigation, not to witch-hunt anyone.

My daughter was sacked in February (2019), that is, after we had started the investigation. So, if they are saying because of my interest that is why I am investigating them, it should be the other way round because in the course of my investigating them, I don’t know what happened to my daughter. My daughter never told me anything. I was never privileged to that until when she was sacked.

As a matter of fact, my daughter is an adult, married, over 30 years of age. So, she should be responsible for her actions. I won’t condone that.

So, are you going to step down

As you have seen, the investigation is still ongoing, it will not be fair to the House to start going into more details on how we are going about it

•Hon. Johnson Agbonayinma

from your headship of that Committee as demanded by the Pension Commission?

As you have seen, the investigation is still ongoing, it will not be fair to the House to start going into more details on how we are going about it.

But whether I step down or not, the investigation will still go on.

But it is also in the public domain that they wrote a letter to the Speaker saying that I should step aside; that they are not going to get a fair hearing. But fair enough, I was not the one that said they have one account (with the CBN) whereas the Central Bank said they have over five operating accounts.

The problem is that we questioned them. They gave an instruction to withdraw N33 billion from Central Bank. So, it is for them to tell us where the money is. Was the money disbursed to PFAs or the Custodians?

Tell us how this money was authorized, how it was expended or disbursed.

Before now, there have been attempts on the House of Representatives to stop you from heading this Committee. Do you think there are some concerted efforts from some interests to prevent you from heading this Committee?

Very, very well. Of course, you should know that. Without fear or favour, I must say that I am very disappointed at one of our colleagues, Hon. Wole Oke, who is now working for the interest of PENCOM. He brought this same Acting DG to my office. I told them, madam, I am not witch-hunting you.

Submit what we are requesting for.

But to go public, just to put my name in bad light, to discredit my person, that is very sad.

You must try to tell us what happened to the N33 billion of pensioner ’s money. Nigerians must know what happened to their money.

They deserve to know.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

HRM Martha Dunkwu in red cap,

Senator Stella Omu, Hon Victoria Nyeche and others at the 12th N'Delta Dialogue

N’Delta women regroup again, speak on their agitations •Fume over killing of husbands, police, destruction of properties •How Army seized us, forced us to thumbprint for AAC- Sobere, Okrika female youth leader •Step up actions to forestall violence in Bayelsa, Edo elections •What triggered my fighting spirit - Ann Kio Briggs, N’Delta activist

By Emma Amaize,

Regional Editor, South-South

W

presided over the 12th Dialogue, exclusively for women.

Senator Stella Omu, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Hon Victoria Nyeche, Niger Delta activist, Ann Kio Briggs, President, Ijaw Women Connect, IWC-Worldwide) Rosemary Greham-Naingba, SDP House of Representatives candidate in ONELGA, Rivers, Patience Uche, Patience Aselemi, and other prominent women leaders attended the summit.

OMEN drawn from Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross- River States in Niger Delta took a striking step at the 12th Niger Delta Dialogue held in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, last week.

As the theme of the conference, “Raising Women’s Voices towards Nation Building”, typifies, Niger Delta women, stunned by the Who are we, why are we here? violence that marked the just concluded Lolo Hailshawn spoke on the topic: “Who elections in parts of the region have risen to are we? Why are we here? What is our goal? find ways of taming the dreadful monster.

How will we achieve it? She answered the The communiqué illustrates the path the question by saying, “We are women who have women have decided to walk. It read in come together for a course, we are women who part, “Niger Delta women are tired of the have come together because we believe that violence in the region and wanton killings of our society is falling apart and when it gets to their husbands and children and have decided that point, you see women coming out to do to mobilize themselves in nonviolent ways to justice.” address the issues plaguing the region.”

She said the women gathered to nip in the The women frowned at the “persistent bud a regional problem, militarization of the region recalling what happened in and prevailing culture of the presidential and violence expressed as cultism, governorship elections in rape, intimidation, domestic the country. violence and environmental Hailsham noted that degradation in communities women were resisting of the region.” oppression even at their They “agreed to continue to places of work, adding, monitor developments in the “Even women working in region and respond with the civil service and nonviolent efforts to challenge The women frowned parasatals are speaking out the adverse effects of violence against vices so we must and conflicts in the region,” at the “persistent give them kudos.” adding, “Niger Delta women According to her, “Our militarization of the are ready to engage with state goal for why we are here is Governors, elected to raise the voices of women representatives, traditional region and prevailing towards nation building,” institutions, companies, civil culture of violence She said this is to give society organizations to seek impetus to women to nonviolent ways for expressed as cultism, participate in politics, not addressing the issues to fight men but enlighten rape, intimidation, affecting the region.” them that long-term The Dialogue facilitated by practice was not working AA PeaceWorks and domestic violence well, hence the need for a sponsored by the European and environmental change.

Union, EU created a space for She said women could Niger Delta women to degradation in achieve their goals by examine issues affecting the supporting each other, communities of the region and proffer solution. mentoring other women, Omu of Anioma Kingdom in learning from the Delta State, Her Royal region experiences of one another Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu, and keeping focus on the big

picture, which is “you think global, but act local”.

“Quarantined and held hostage at gunpoint” – Tamunobereotan-ari, G-5 Sharing experiences of “woman power”, representative of the Gallant Five, G-5, the women group that spearheaded the nonviolent resistance against soldiers that wanted to snatch ballot boxes during the March 9 governorship elections in the area, Barrister Christiana Tamunoberetoan-ari, retold the intriguing drama.

Tamunobereotan-ari, who is the vice chairman of Ogu/Bolo local government area, said G-5 comprises five ladies, whose authority “is not just political, but cuts across other areas of influence like mentoring young ladies, identification of other female groups, empowerment as much as we can across the local government.”

She narrated that before the elections, there was a perception of Rivers State as a war zone, especially in the year 2000 when so many lives were lost and properties destroyed. Due to these, the community came together and took an oath in an Anglican Church where they vowed that there should be no more violence despite the political differences.

She said that three days to the last governorship elections, there was mass arrest of innocent young men, which prompted the G-5 to call women to come out in defence of their community and to defend their votes for in her words, “this fight is not for men alone.”

Saturday Vanguard had told the Ogu/Bolo women story in a previous publication, but Tamunobereotan-ari recaptured how after discovering that soldiers “quarantined and held hostage at gun point” agents of political parties at the collation centre, they decided that their votes must be protected at all cost.

“In Ogu/Bolo communities, there were vibrant, strong and agile young men who were ready to face any battle, but because in every woman, there is a daughter, wife and sister, we calmed down, told our young men not to do anything to the soldiers for that could lead to avoidable loss of lives and properties,” she added.

The vice chairperson recalled that six vans full of soldiers were on ground to take the results from the centers and they flogged the women for the resistance against their plan.

Her words, “When the Army came out, they

flogged the women but they were not scared despite their threats to run them over with their vehicles. They refused, sat on the floor singing and shouting.”

“As women, we have different ways of averting violence, so we have to remove our clothes and went bare which the soldiers could not stand and they were pushed back, and that was a major victory for us,” she chipped in.

“Up till Sunday, they were still there. Then Amayanabo (King) used town crier to ask the whole town to come out and over 800 women came to resist the carnage intended by the Army. The very old women all came out, pleading with the soldiers to let peace reign.

It was pathetic; they could not go in. the next morning. They even gave the army breakfast to show they were not enemies. That was how our votes were secured,”she announced with an air of relief.

Army took us hostage, compelled us to write fictitious results – Sobere, polling officer Coordinator of female youths in Okirika, Ibiwari Iyama, narrated how after observing the charade that was the presidential election in the area, women protested to the various kings in the clan to prevail on them to speak to the authorities to ensure a free and fair Governorship/House of Assembly polls. She said on their way to the palace of the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, they heard gunshots and found out later that his palace was under siege by soldiers.

Iyama invited one of the girls, Rachael Sobere, who served as an agent and polling officer in Ward 6, Unit 27, Isaka Island to share her experience on March 9.

Sobere said she received election materials to proceed to her RAC centre and not too long, soldiers in several gunboats whose mission was to hijack the election materials started shooting indiscriminately from the direction of the sea.

According to her, the community heads locked the primary school at Ogbogbo, used as RAC centre, but the military came, demanding that they open the gate, while the elders and chiefs vehemently refused.

She said the soldiers jumped in through the back gate, ordered everyone out, forcing party agents and INEC ad hoc staff to carry the Continues on page 15

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—15

Fume over killing of husbands, police, destruction of properties Continues from page 14 materials on their heads as if they were refugees. It was when they got to the ATC waterfront where 4 flying boats and 3 gunboats were on standby that they notified them that they were security personals, who would take them to Isaka Island.

Sobere stated that when they got to the open River, instead of going to Isaka, they diverted and took them to a creek. On getting there, they asked everyone to start working by bringing out their materials to thumbprint and share the number of total registered voters between AAC, PDP and others.

She said soldiers forced them to write the results in favour of the AAC, which they wrote before thumb printing the ballot papers. She narrated that she thumb printed until she was exhausted and famished, adding, “They collected everything from us, including necklaces, rings, phones, earrings, everything.”

The female youth leader said that after everything, the soldiers thanked all INEC adhoc staff and party agents, stating that all they wanted was the result and since they have it, they escorted us back to the ATC waterfront, adding, “That was what happened to my unit that day.”

Another female youth leader, Juli Ikisa, representing Wakrike Women Congress in Okirika, also narrated how soldiers flogged women, who resisted their plot to rig the polls and told Niger Delta women not to be afraid, but be courageous in the face of oppression.

Dialouge participants in a group

dialogue was held,” she stated.

Ambassador Toyo said the first Dialogue was to answer the question, “What do we do” as the military was picking up the boys in a way that would have precipitated a counter reaction.

How we tackled Odenwari cultists“It was a very precarious moment in our Lafieghe history and it required a woman to step in Kinere Lafieghe from Odenwari in and Dr. Asuni did step in. By the time they Southern Ijaw local government area in held the 3rd Dialogue, they began to have Bayelsa state, told the story of how she representatives of the boys from the creeks, galvanized other women to challenge with all of the key traditional rulers from the politicians, who sponsoring cultism in the Niger Delta present. area.

She asserted that AAPW did not hijack the In her words, “We organized ourselves and process, but allowed a fluid process largely started working with the boys. Phone calls, determined by the region because people physical visits, advocacy outings and made inputs and the inputs presented to the meetings were some of the measures we participants, while EU came in with funds that started with. We did not allow them space or allowed AAPW to create the space for gap, even without funding or support. We conversation. tasked ourselves to ensure that little funds In her own words, “The European Union were available for logistics. We needed to came in, tested us with the first one or two build trust and confidence with them and interventions then gave us a continuity and transparency longer support for shorter time was the key, hence we did and quite a lot more support not allow them space for to see how far we can go in any more violence.” driving the process”.

“The pathetic thing is that She unequivocally these boys were between the mentioned that it had been the age 13 – 15 years, who were EU, which had consistently supposed to be under the supported the NDD. tutelage and care of their In conclusion, she added parents. Wherever I am that shortly after PIND came, called to give talks, I advise some group of people They also agreed parents to be responsible for approached the NDD and said their children, by giving that they could not be talking on the need to birth to only the numbers about the Niger Delta without always take quick they can take care of,” talking about the issues of the Lafieghe added. environment and the Ogoni action on early clean up, and this led to a The trigger points, by warning signs of meeting in Benin Edo State on Ambassdor Toyo purely issues of the conflict and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo environment. regaled the women on the She talked about the election violence, second day of the Dialogue emergence of Pan Niger Delta with her clued-up narration advocate an end to Forum, PANDEF, and the 16of what triggered Niger point agenda of the regional use of youths by Delta women to rise to body presented to the Federal action. What really was the Government on behalf of the politicians as trigger? She logically Niger Delta people, shocking political thugs and presented the events and discovering that the people issues that led to the have no knowledge of the integrity of women conversation.

Strategic Implementation She stated that in the involved in politics Work Plan, SIWP, prepared by wake of 2016, there was the Federal Government, chaos in the Niger Delta which led to its rejection. with the resultant She said that NDD has been destruction of oil and gas facilities. Toyo working for many years, reminding the asserted that there were sentiments in the women that AAPeaceWorks invited militants region, sentiments in which dwellers of the from all nooks and corners of the region, region felt a little bit forgotten, which ethnic leaders and cult groups for dialogue in permeated the whole space and from that Warri, years ago, to de-escalate tension. sentiment, came other issues like the NDD brought some of the youth militants militarization of the region. In addition, the from all the nooks and crannies, including militants, the past president’s wife (Mrs. ethnic leaders, leaders of cult groups and as Jonathan) and some Niger Deltans became many as could be identified were all brought targets of the centre due to the ouster of the to Warri. “They also took one dialogue to past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Bayelsa where they looked at the Presidential “For us at the dialogue, in spite of where the Amnesty program and interrogated the region has found itself, the region was not workability of the program and its future. talking to the centre and the centre seemed “We have done a lot in terms of projecting a not to be talking to the region,” she noted. lot of concerns that the region is having. The She said there was real economic crisis as dialogue space is to get the ideas that you the boys in the creeks were blowing up major want, the dialogue space is a space go with oil installations, prompting certain persons, the ideas and we move out of that space with who had worked with AA PeaceWorks to it and turn it into ideas that will affect the approach the founder, Dr. Judith Asuni, people of the region. seeking her intervention.

“This is the journey so far with the “That was the trigger because some things dialogue, the 12th overall and the very were not working, the country was at a first for women. She clarified that the standstill, the region had been militarized and Niger Delta dialogue is not a chaos was the order of the day. Dr. Asuni nongovernmental organization, but the invited a number of us to Uyo, where the first secretariat which manages it, the

photograph Academic Associate Peace Works (AAPW) is an NGO,” Nkoyo said.

Bayelsa, next flash point From the experiences shared at the meeting, violence did not occur in the entire Rivers state during the elections, peace prevailed in some areas. However, with available information, Niger Delta women see Bayelsa state as the next flash point and decided at the meeting to “take action early enough to prevent violence during the governorship election slated to take place in November 2019.”

Generally, the women resolved that they should be value re-orientation of young men and women from the home, cohesion and unity of purpose among women, women to support fellow women and be courageous and development of programmes to forestall election violence in their areas through peace building.

They also agreed on the need to always take quick action on early warning signs of conflict and election violence, advocate an end to use of youths by politicians as political thugs and integrity of women involved in politics.

Furthermore, the women stressed the need to provide mentorship and spiritual guidance for young people, building synergy among themselves even when in power, increased sensitization of women, love and commitment for social change.

Senator Omu counsels women Senator Stella Omu in her speech, admonished the women to understand the peculiarity of their inner strength and use it.

She said it was important that they understand the constitution of their organization because it is one of the available strengths.

She also advised that they should never leave any meeting venue until the end because people could a decision based on signatories and whatever decision they take is binding on you.

“When we talk about good governance, we are talking about equity, not impunity; we are talking about fairness, not greed,” she said.

She warned that as women, wherever they find themselves in positions, they should be fair and not greedy, show integrity, not corruption and be peaceful, not violent.

How I started activism – Ann Kio Briggs Ann Kio Briggs, who also shared her experiences at the occasion, said what she is today had a lot to do with her upbringing. “I was raised to have a say” was her comment as she narrated her experiences from 1998 when General Abacha died.

She lamented that her first experience with injustice was KenSaro Wiwa’s murder, which was what began the resistance in her. It was from then she met people like Douglas Oronto of blessed memory and the likes of Nkoyo in the struggle for women issues.

For her, the environment was one major element that kicked off the activism spirit within her because while growing up in Abonema, the environment was pure, but what she later came back to see was not pleasing.

She noted, “When you are truthful in your heart in what you are doing, there is something in the heart of the other person that connects because it is a spiritual thing, so you must be truthful as women,” “I do not accept this concept of we must be carried along, because nobody is carrying anybody along, we are all going together in the same direction,” she argued She said that once anybody accepts that concept, it would look to the other person like they are doing you a favour, adding, “Women’s participating in politics is not a favour”.

“When you stand up to represent more than yourself, you must be honest in what you are doing and that is what people key into and you have voices that are raised,” she said.

HRM Dunkwu commends Dr Asuni Chairperson of the 12th Dialogue, HRM Dunkwu, thanked the chief convener, Dr Asuni for creating such a huge platform to galvanize women of the Niger Delta to realize and fulfill their purpose on earth.

She prayed for quick recovery and successful health check-up of Asuni, who was abroad on medical grounds during the meeting.

Women have unique role in Nigeria, particularly N’Delta – Dr. Asuni Why Dr Asuni in an electronic mail to Saturday Vanguard, said, “Okrika and Ogu/ Bolo have interested me for the past 20 years, as Academic Associates PeaceWorks worked on the Okrika/Eleme interethnic conflict.

Then, in 2003-2005, we worked on the Peace Accord in Rivers State, which centered on Ateke Tom and Alhaji Dokubo-Asari. As we know, Ateke later became a king in Okrika.

Therefore, when there was military intimidation in Okrika during the presidential election on February 23 and later the military ransacked Ateke’s palace on March 7, two days before the second election, we were watching carefully to see what would happen.”

“Soon women in both Okrika and its sister local government, Ogu/Bolo began a process of nonviolence resistance to prevent the electoral process from being derailed. With the aid of social media, videos of women sitting in or lying down to block access to the election centres, women pulling soldiers off the fence, who were trying to climb over to seize the election materials, became viral. It was fascinating to watch these women simply use their presence to stop the military in their tracks.

“Through our meetings on March 21 and April 9-10, these women as well as the Odenwari women from Southern Ijaw in Bayelsa State, have been able to share their experiences and inspire other women to raise their voices in not only protecting their governance process, but also in contributing to nation building.

“There were panels on women in the political space and women in the civil space, looking at how women can play a larger role in improving life in the Niger Delta specifically and in Nigeria in general. For the April meeting, we invited women from all six states of the Niger Delta. Since that meeting, the Bayelsa women have met and mapped out a plan for protecting their up-coming election later this year. The Edo women have done the same.

“Women from states, which have already had their elections, can consolidate the governance process through their active participation,” she said.

Her words, “Women have a special place in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta, women are considered sacred, and it is forbidden to manhandle a woman, especially someone else’s wife.

Therefore, the military is very reluctant to shoot at a group of women, while a group of men, especially youths, could be attacked.”

“Also, as mothers, wives and sisters, women have a kind of spiritual or mystical power. We procreate and protect the next generations. This is woman power,” she asserted.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20,, 2019

“There are other countries in this world like Brazil, India, Argentina, America and other parts of the world that have over 100 million, 200 million, 300 million herds of cattle and because they have adopted this approach of ranching, they have not had any crisis and their cattle are far more than what we have here in Nigeria. So, people who have a different intention of invading and taking over the land are the real perpetrators.

“For us, the foresight to organize and enact this law following due process was the best thing that has ever been done. It wasn’t my making, it is the people’s law.

I tell you that the Benue Peoples’ House was under siege seven good times, the House of Assembly for more than 10 times.

“The people came themselves, old women, young people who were sent out of school as a result of the invasion came here and said that government must do something, that we must provide something that would bring a lasting to this problem because it had government and people of Benue state meant solution dealt with us for years business as the law has finally come to stay Hence, with Benue shutting its doors to which has provided the people an opportunity the business of open grazing as provided to galvanize support for Governor Ortom and by the 2017 law, it has become a common his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, sight in the state to see lorry loads of cattle in the last general elections in appreciation of being hauled across the state to nearby states his dogged resilience to stand with them in the eastern parts of the country where cases despite obvious intimidations and life of herders/farmers clashes have recently taken threatening harassments from a worrisome dimension and the higher quarters. states are now feeling the heat Speaking recently on relative while Benue is enjoying some peace that pervades the state form of reprieve. recently following the According to Terrence enactment of the law, Governor Kuanum, President of Benue Ortom said, “ we must thank Youths Forum, BYF, “if these and appreciate the Almighty neighbouring state governments God for the courage, strength Perhaps, the and indeed the states of the and foresight to enact the law. federation could summon the “For me, I still want to coming of the courage to adopt and replicate reiterate that it remains the the Ortom option or the Benue grazing best solution to the farmers/ antidote to the ceaseless killings herders crisis in Nigeria. But of innocent Nigerians by intention of the real prohibition law perpetrators who are pay of Benue state has marauding herdsmen the masters of these herders is not needless bloodbath could be about rearing cattle in Benue to a large extent effectively checked.”

State. So, if you look at what is Speaking on the development, restored some going on, you will appreciate former House of that if it was about rearing Representatives member and peace in the cattle in Benue State, every other person would have hinterlands of the Convener of the Benue Women Forum, BWF, Mrs. Rebecca accepted the law as enacted Apedzan said the Benue because it was researched state which were thoroughly and we went into grazing law was the panacea to consultation with all always targets the mindless killings across the stakeholders before passing it country. of attack into law.

She said “whether we like it “All stakeholders including the or not the solution to the crisis is herdsmen were duly consulted before the enactment of the law and, so, there is no the ranching of cattle as being practiced in basis for anyone to come out today and other countries, even smaller countries of the world where cows are reared in higher say that they are going to resist the law.

“Globally, ranching remains the best numbers ranch their cattle. practice and it is the modern way of “I would advise the Federal Government to animal husbandry as far as we are swallow its pride and adopt the Benue option concerned, and if you look at the whole so that we can have peace in our country as scenario, judging from the fact that the being witnessed in other countries total number of cattle that are creating problems here in Nigeria are statistically because it will be a win win for both the farmers and herders alike.” less than 19 million.

Open grazing: Benue law and the option before South Eastern states

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

W

hen in 2017 the Benue state government enacted the much celebrated Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to stem the persistent conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the state not many knew that the singular initiative would mark a watershed in the lives of the traumatized farmers of the state who bore the brunt of the marauding herdsmen for several years.

The law was a product of an agitation by a large majority of people of the state to have the Governor Samuel Ortom led government get it enacted after thousands of innocent lives had been lost and property worth millions of Naira consumed in ceaseless conflicts.

The government in April, 2017 yielded to the demand of the people and enacted the law after a bill to that effect was sent to the State Assembly and public hearings conducted across the state to get the input of the people before its passage.

Since it came into effect however, the law has met resistance from various herdsmen groups who vowed not to abide by its provisions but would continue with the open grazing of cattle in several communities of the state. Aside the initial resistance by the recalcitrant herdsmen which saw organized invasion of parts of the state in a bid to resist the law between January and May of 2018, the state seemed to have enjoyed some form of reprieve from the menace of the armed marauders.

From available records, herdsmen are known to be highly mobile in search of lush vegetation for grazing whenever the dry season sets in and usually, water logged Benue is the preferred destination

•Gov Samuel Ortom for majority of the herders who come from parts of the country and other West African countries which accounted for the spate of conflicts and killings in the state during such periods.

Perhaps, the coming of the grazing prohibition law of Benue state has to a large extent restored some peace in the hinterlands of the state which were always targets of attack.

Though between October 2018 and April of 2019 the state recorded cases of banditry and killings in its volatile areas and communities, the magnitude cannot be compared to what obtained in periods before then when hundreds were usually killed and property and farmland got destroyed by the armed invaders who would shed innocent blood in their desperation to have their herds graze on Benue land.

Perhaps it has finally dawned on the marauding herders and their backers that the

Tales of horror as herdsmen invade Ekiti Community

Olumilua said : “The governor knew there was loss of lives and that was why we are here to commiserate with the town.

“But in spite of this provocative attack, they should remain calm and be law abiding, particularly the farmers. What we were told was that it was an armed robbery issue, according to findings and report but whatever dimension or form it must have emerged , we are prepared to tackle it”, he assured.

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

ast Monday, farmers at Aba Felix and Aba L Ajere farm settlements in Iyemero-Ekiti community in Ekiti state slept peacefully after

a hard day’s job. But all of a sudden, at about 1am, there was pandemonium, people were running in different directions, there were shouts, screams and booming of gunfire, and parents couldn’t wait to pick their wailing children as they dashed for the bush, running for dear lives.

The armed men attacked when the farmers had retired to their bed and were fast asleep, in the middle of the night. By the time the dust settled, two people lay dead; a seven year old boy, with a shattered head and a man identified as Danjuma Ali. Three other persons also suffered severe machete wounds. The two farm settlements were sacked and the residents were forced to walk the five kilometres to Iyemero-Ekiti, the nearest metropolis to their completely ransacked farm settlement.

A source in the community who raised the alarm over the sad incident said, “It has happened again today, it has been a recurrent killing. Some herders called Bororo stormed the farmstead and shot these innocent people.

They came around 1am and were there till dawn. Our farmers were all afraid to go their farms. They all rushed to the palace of Oba Ebenezer Agboola Ogungbemi, the Olu of Iyemero Ekiti to take refuge.

“We are mourning today at Iyemero, we are not happy about this incident and the government must do something about it”, the source said.

The Olu of Iyemero, Oba Ogungbemi told Vanguard that herders stormed the community through the border of Iyemero at Eruku in Kwara state.

According to him, “this makes Iyemero a porous exit and entry point, which portend dangers and insecurity to the community, Ikole local government and the state in general. They invaded the community at

midnight and shot a seven year old boy and scattered his head. They also shot a couple in another house and the husband has died after they were rushed to Ikole General hospital and the bullets could not be extracted from his body early enough. The doctors were able to remove the bullets from the body of the wife and she had been referred to Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti for further treatment”.

Oba Ogungbemi said the victims confirmed to him that herders who had been having a running battle with the farmers perpetrated the dastardly act. The Monarch said about 60 of the villagers have been displaced and “they were here in my palace till Wednesday before they left”.

Vanguard gathered that those who were undergoing medical treatment at the emergency section of the Federal Teaching Hospital(FETHI), Ido Ekiti include: Mrs Jennifer Akoko, Mr Joseph Achebe and one other victim.

Appeal for Protection Oba Ogungbemi then called for the establishment of a police station in the town to curb these “vampires”. A member of Iyemero in Council, Chief Ariyo Abejide, said there was the need for the teeming population of farmers in this farmstead to be protected

and secured by the security agencies from another imminent attacks and onslaught from the marauders.

The head of security and community vigilante group, Chief Jimoh Eshikin called on the state government to empower the village hunters, in order to assist the security agents in effective Security surveillance and patrol. My people should be on alert and we are already mobilising the local hunters to work with the security agencies to tame the perpetrators”.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, represented by the Information Commissioner, Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua, said government would take every necessary step to nab the killers and bring them to justice. Fayemi added that his government was ready to pay the hospital bill of the victims in order to relieve them of the burden.

“We sympathise with you, because lives of Ekiti people are precious to us in this government. As part of the ways to arrest this situation, the governor has begun the construction of a police post in Iyemero. We are assuring you that something like this won’t happen again”.

On the revelation made by the monarch that two persons had died due to the attack contrary to the police’s report that no life was lost,

It’s armed robbery, not herdsmen atrack— —Police The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Asuquo Amba had however refuted the story that it was herdsmen attack, saying it was a robbery operation. Amba also denied the claim that two people were killed in the attack, describing the report it as mere hearsay. He claimed that preliminary report by his command indicated that the attack was carried out by armed robbers and that nobody died during the operation.

Return of normalcy Sources in Iyemero told Vanguard that despite the return of normalcy in the two farmsteads, the people living there were yet to recover from the shock of the attack.

“Soldiers are patrolling Iyemero and the farm settlements but we are still afraid that those terrible people may return. We can’t go to farm, we are holed up in our homes, peeping through the windows”, the sources said.

Police post for Iyemero Meanwhile, immediate answer to Oba Ogungbemi’s appeal came on Thursday as Governor Fayemi approved a police post in Iyemero which was described by many in Ikole Local Government Area, as practical approach to finding a lasting solution to the perennial herdsmen menace in the area. They also advised the state government to include the local vigilante in the security arrangement of the area.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 — 17

•Continues on page 18

18 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

‘I will forgive my blackmailers if...’

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Continues from page 17

he actress, however, believed that whoever was behind the evil act did it out of jealous tendencies because, according to her, she has never wronged anybody to desire such a wicked act. Speaking further, she revealed that the fraudsters called her every 12 am, even when she had switched off her phone, they would continue to call her the following morning. She described the experience as ‘unimaginable’, adding “ Anyone that would have the mind to leak your nude pictures on the internet is capable of killing you.”I can’t remember doing wrong to anyone to the extent of uploading my manipulated nude photos on the internet. The depression alone is unimaginable.”

Asked if she was suspecting anybody in the movie industry as the brain behind the evil act, the Rivers State-born actress cum producer answered in the affirmation. “Yes, I am suspecting one or two people, but I am not 100 % sure.” Her suspension became obvious when the fraudsters promised to disclose the identity of the person behind her ordeal, provided she agreed to cooperate with them.

She continued: I got to understand that one or two persons within the industry were behind the evil act.

But for whatever reason, whom God has blessed no man can curse.”

While the case is still in court, Matilda said she’s ready to forgive the 45-year old Adepoju Tola Ife whose bank account was used for the illegal transaction provided she turned a new leaf.

“I am a very soft-hearted person. And looking at the lady, she’s about 45 years. I am not even up to 30 years. I can’t imagine her going to jail, how long she’s going to spend in the prison? Ordinarily, I can forgive her if she will turn a new leaf,” said the beautiful actress.

On how her boy friend reacted to the news of her leaked nude pictures, Matilda said he stood by her while the nightmare lasted. He also reassured her of his undying love for her. “ I have the best boyfriend in the whole world. If not for him, may be, I would have been downcast in a way. He’s been very strong all the way. He said if they want to release the nude pictures on the internet, they should go ahead and release them as that would not change anything about his love for me. That I am his girl friend and he still loves me no matter what happens,” Matilda enthused.

•Matilda

Kizz Daniel, Chidinma take their love to the big screen ...as they star in ‘Love Me’ he long rumoured T romantic affair between Chidinma

•Chidinma and Kiss Daniel

Ekile and music sensation, Kiss Daniel seems to be gaining ground as the duo is currently paired in a romantic movie, “ Love Me” that is due to premiere in Nigeria and other parts of the world from June, this year.

Chidinma and Kiss Daniel have been rumorued to be an item, after the ‘Yeba’ crooner shared an image of her on his Snapchat with love emojis.

The producer of the movie, Dozie David Atuey, said starring the two sensational singers in the movie would help to add value to the story

good and the bad. i, n Anan With a stellar cast which y Viviathe press b d e k flan a Man at Island, include ‘Woju’ crooner Kizz Odion y Daniel, Chidinma Ekile of ‘The e, Felixg Coach, Rounites, Victoria M e v o n S L ti f e c o id A r MTN Project Fame, Alex S ecto and ing ject diravid Atueyield at Morn Ekubo, Ngozi Nwosu, Broda h D vie Pro Shaggi, Annie Idibia and a host •Mooducer, Dozieovie Project, in Nigeria, Mr Atueyi of others, the movie is sure to Prarley of the M disclosed that it was a project that drive viewers to the cinemas pLagos. every detail was given optimum consideration, through their influence and their from the location, cast to the technical part of the movie and huge social media following as assured it was one that would sure blow the minds of its well as via its engaging content. audience.

Produced by one of the respected names in “We had to reach out to people with proficiency in their fields, the entertainment industry Dozie David a director whose meticulous attention to detail was necessary Atueyi, the movie Love Me will leverage all for the project, who flew all the way from Australia to direct available platforms to engage audiences this production.” nationwide, Nigerians in the Diaspora, the Apparently, some of the cast in the movie were debutants on rest of the African market as well as other set, like Kizz Daniel and Chidinma which informed the need revenue streams, including sponsorships, to employ a coach -Israeli born Ronya Man- for the project. private screenings and merchandising.

“And because some of our cast are fresh actors, it also became Speaking about the project last week, at The necessary to bring in a coach to train these people to give it a Morning Suites along Teslim Elias Avenue, semblance of what is obtainable in Hollywood.”

Victoria Island Lagos, location of the project

Naija Stand-Up comedy pop-up channel debuts on DStv , Gotv

line.

Away from the stereotype love stories characteristic of Nigerian home videos, ‘Love Me’ comes across in style, class, technique and the whole gamut a Hollywood crafted kind of production, sure to keep audiences on a viewing bliss.

According to Dozie, Africa to America Production, the movie which ultiChoice, Africa’s leading entertainment provider, has announced a new pop- up promises a lot of entertainment value for every kind of family unit, with channel called Naija Stand-Up Comedy for their DStv and GOtv subscribers. its interesting storyline, engaging characters and captivating Subscribers can expect to enjoy 100% Nigerian comedy shows - ticketed stand shows, cinematography is currently being shot in Lagos, Nigeria. The cast skits, and produced shows on the Naija Stand-Up Comedy pop-up channel which and crew of the movie will shift location to Dubai in the UAE next started showing since Monday. The pop-up channel promises viewers tickets to month. some of the biggest comedy shows they may have missed in the past and offers Set in the modern day in a 5-star Hotel, ‘Love Me’ is a entertainment during the Easter period. romantic comedy that explores the universal love triangle Last month, two pop-up channels were launched on DStv; M-Net Movies between the opulent lover and the ordinary one, both Epic Battle Pop-Up Channel which focused on epic battles from the M-Net vying for the same girl’s heart. A feisty and charming movies stable like Troy, Pearl harbour, Saving Private Ryan and Superhero hotel cleaner’s life goes topsy-turvy as she gets torn •Martin Mabutho, HQ which included animation series, animation movies, as well as live-action between Nigeria’s chart-bursting music star, who’s Chief Customer Officer, superhero-themed movies like Batman, Superman, Justice League, Green madly in love with her and ready to splash the cash just Lantern and Teen Titans.

MultiChoice Nigeria to prove it, and her lovable but flawed boyfriend, who is “This channel will guarantee rib-cracking jokes from some of Nigeria’s finest also crazy about her and ready to prove it with a proposal. comedians. Viewers can look to being a part to some of the biggest ticketed Both men are great conversationalists, sensitive listeners shows in the country” says Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, and great lovers but Kemi can only choose one, leading MultiChoice Nigeria. to an inevitable and hilarious clash of romantic titans.

The Naija Stand-Up Comedy pop up channel which started running since A huge and breathtaking deviation from the stereotype Monday, April 15, through May 1, 2019, will provide fresh content daily. love story, the movie teaches the values of having a strong Viewers can look forward to top comedy shows such as Alibaba’s January character, and the courage to make the right choices, while 1st concert, also known as the official celebration event of the new year; also addressing true friendship as one that ought to Lord of the Ribs, AY Live, Funny Bone Untamed, Comedy Nites with IK, remain constant when situations oscillate between the and Mama Tobi Untamed “The Homecoming”.

M

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 —19

By Adetutu Adesoji 08157255559 (sms only) adetutu.adesoji@gmail.com

Davido goes without phone for a month

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op sensation, Davido has announced that he will go phone-less for a period of one month in order to complete his forthcoming album and focus on other things.

The DMW boss made his intentions known in an Instagram video.

IK Ogbonna sues lady who called him gay

He said, “For everybody that has been trying to reach me on my phone, WhatsApp or whatsoever, I have decided to go phone-less for the next month so I can finish my album and focus on things I need to focus on.”

A

ctor, Ik Ogbonna has served legal papers to a social media influencer by the name Bold Pink, who accused him of being gay. The said lady apparently bit more than she could chew when she accused the ‘Disguise’ actor of indulging in sexual relationships with his male counterparts in a video she posted few days ago.

IK filed a lawsuit of defamation of character against the Instagram Influencer, he also demanded a retraction of her statement and a public apology.

The popular role interpreter posted a picture of the legal document on his Instagram page and wrote against people who take advantage of social media to destroy the integrity of others.

Niniola calls Drake ‘bestie’ as he requests her song on radio

A

fro-house singer and songwriter, Niniola felt on top of the world few days ago when Canadian rapper, Drake followed her on Instagram. The curvy performer was very elated that she took to the photo-sharing app to make the announcement.

She wrote, “Imagine waking up in the morning to find out Drake just followed you.

Hmm this Isolo girl sha, I followed back immediately.” Meanwhile, Drake has proven to be more than just a follower but a huge fan of Niniola’s as he requested for her hit song Maradona to be played on a radio show which he cohosted in United Kingdom.

Reacting to Drake’s gesture, Niniola shared an audio from the radio show on her Instagram page and wrote, “When your new Bestie @champagnepapi starts to watch your back while cohosting the show ‘Lastnite’ with @tiffanycalver @bbc1xtra.”

Bu to drna B alb rop oy s um new et f A ro tit set beat

Munachi Abii becomes film director

F

ormer beauty queen cum rapper, Munachi Abii may be dumping music totally to face a career in acting squarely.

The ex model who has been silent on the music scene for a long while, debuted

in Nollywood over a year ago when she featured in the movie, ‘The Women’ and drama series, ‘The Island’. The one time Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria has now become a film director.

She posted pictures from the set of her first directorial movie on Instagram and captioned it, “Super grateful for life and grace to become all I have ever dreamt of.”

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20 — SATURDAY Vanguard,

For some years now, you have been involved in raising funds for ailing people, is it your new calling?

I am a lover of good news. I love to see people happy and succeeding. I have a slogan that says ‘let the goodness go round so that we wouldn’t have enemies.”When someone around me is sad, I try to make that person happy. That drive has been in me right from childhood. I think it’s a calling, and why I said so is because I started embarking on fund raising with a friend whose birthday was around the corner.

She was doing nothing at a time.

I told her that I would put a smile on her face on her birthday. I had to gather a few friends and we raised some money to organize a surprising birthday party for her.

Thereafter, I started advising some friends who lost their jobs on what to do with the little cash that was at their disposal. From there, I heard about Leo Mezie’s health problem, which was my first official campaign in 2016. I called him and he confirmed the story. I asked him to do a letter for me so that I will have the right to carry out a fund raising campaign on his behalf. So, he wrote the letter immediately which I posted on my Instagram page. I also visited him in his house and recorded a video which I posted on my social media handles.

And people started responding.

I stormed the film Whatsapp group and started tasking every member on the platform. Like magic, we raised good money for him, which late Chris Ekejimbe and myself went to his house to hand over the money to him. Also, I used my contacts to reach out to some prominent men of God. And out of five of them that were reached, Apostle Johnson Suleman was the only person that responded. From there, late Obi Madubogwu contacted me and I also became interested in the late Prince James Uche’s case. That was how I started raising money for sick people. I will say it has become a calling for me.

Are are you doing it for any material reward?

I have had different types of challenges from the patients that I was raising the funds for, from colleagues and family members of the indisposed people. I think the challenges built me to what I am today.

The ailing people I am raising the funds for, were finding difficult to disclose to me the total amount that have been remitted to their personal bank accounts. They wanted me to keep raising money for them.

Sometimes, some of my colleagues wouldn’t want to support the campaign because they are holding something against the ailing actor. Their people would distant themselves from the person because he doesn’t attend their town union meeting or identify with them. My advice to the celebrities is that they should

C M Y K

APRIL 20, 2019

I have gained nothing raising funds for ailing celebrities — Chioma Okoye N

•Chioma Okoye

ollywood actress and producer, Chioma Okoye’ is currently making a name for herself as a fund raiser in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Since she successful executed the fund raising projects for the likes of late Prince James Uche, Obi Madubogwu, Jennifer Ope among others, the busty actress has not looked back. She now sees raising funds to save the lives of ailing celebrities as her new calling, hence she recently set up her foundation,Purple Ribbon Care Foundation to make her dream come true. In this interview with Showtime Celebrity, the actress shares her dreams, aspirations and challenges of coordinating fund-raising projects for her ailing colleagues.

By BENJAMIN NJOKU not allow the ‘stardom thing’ to separate them from their people. We should always strive to bring something back to our roots. You can create activities during festive periods to make your people feel your impact.

I would rather use my personal account than to use the beneficiaries accounts to carry out any campaign again. I have never used my personal account to raise funds for any ailing actor.

Only once I used my account to raise fund from our Whatsapp group and at the end of the day, I post the bank details on that platform for all to see. After I posted the total amount realized on the Whatsapp platform, the ailing actor was not happy that I tried to be transparency. He called and warned me, saying why should I disclose that N11 million was raised for him and some people he was expecting to send money to him wouldn’t support him again. I was shocked as he hung up the phone on me. I called him back, but he never picked his phone.

What’s your gain for raising funds for sick people?

People would always asked me what’s your gain for raising funds for sick people? I am a lover of good news. As Nigerians, our mentality is that ‘nothing goes for nothing.’

Nigerians believe that there is something you want to gain when you are embarking on this kind of project. I quite agree with them. There is something you want to gain when you are doing something. You cannot be carrying out a project without making any profit. In the place,

my gain is ‘I want my name to be written in the history of Nigeria as one lady whose foundation has been so transparent and have saved a lot of lives in the country.

Nigerians insist that you open the campaign account with the indisposed person’s name.

Some of them we have enriched them. My gain is to ensure that we show love to ourselves and we are lending a helping hand on the right course and at the right time. Also, I want my name to be written in gold in this country. I want to be remembered for my good work in terms of humanity, paying people’s hospital bills and taking the children hawkers out of the streets.

Is this your new calling occupying your time in such a way that you don’t have the urge to star in movies again?

My funds raising initiative does not occupy my time. I have

Once people start responding to the campaign, they suddenly become consumed with greed and wouldn’t want to carry you along again

my time and also, I have my foundation and I’m doing it in a way that everybody can have access to what is happening my foundation which is transparency. I noticed that we have a trust issue in Nigeria, and that’s why I’m working with a fund raising platform which is donate-ng and quick wrist.

I’m working on these two fund raising sites where I can raise fund from the public domain and pay directly to the hospital that is treating the patient. The idea is to raise fund on the right platform and take care of the right people. By this means, we would know people who are genuinely sick and those who want to enrich themselves.

Putting smiles on people’s faces is part of the reason I set up my foundation.

Is it every time that celebrities will go cap in hand begging financial assistance?

Celebrities that come out to cry for help is because they want to be alive. I don’t see anything wrong with them coming out to ask people to save their lives.

The problem I have is enriching the person that is sick.

Celebrities do help and most of them post their charity works on their social media handles.

Hopefully, with my new strategy of having a foundation, I think we are going to right the wrong in the society.

Don’t you think the issues of begging is being abused in recent times?

I quite agree with you that it’s been abused in recent times.

People are thinking that Chioma Okoye is gaining something.

Otherwise why is she always coming out to raise money for

the sick people. If you think that I’m gaining something, I want to disappoint you. There is no gain for me. It is my calling. I can’t hear people crying for help and keep quiet, not just celebrities, but also everybody.

Sometimes, I visit the hospitals to share drinks and snacks for patients. It is not an abuse when it’s done on the right path, but it becomes an abuse when you are not doing it on the right course. We need to curtail the idea of coming out to raise funds for the ailing people with different account details.

What have been happening to you acting career?

A lot have been happening to my career. I shot an Igbo movie, ‘Anyanwu Ututu’ which is in series . And I want the movie to be airing in five eastern states at weekends. I want to bring entertainment closer to my people. I have been working on the project for the past one year.

I believe in planning so that I can achieve the desired goal. I want to create the awareness, so I have been on it with my team. And by the grace of God, before the end of the year, it would start airing on television stations in the five eastern states. So, my career is still on point. I’m still working and shooting films.

You once embarked on a mission to discover and develop 3000 untapped talent, what’s happening to the project?

We still on it. That’s why I said it’s a long time project. The talent we discovered are still on training in different fields of entertainment . I don’t blowing my trumpet, rather I like coming out with finished product. I don’t believe in coming on social media to make a noise. I want my works to speak for me. I believe in planning, dedication and putting my mind towards what I want to achieve.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—21 ROTIMI AGBANA 07054964685 rotimiagbana@gmail.com

What my 20-years music journey has taught me —Tuface Idibia Idibia

Why it seems like I quit music — Sean Tizzle hen popular afro-pop music singer, Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele, a.k.a Sean Tizzle went W missing in action on the music scene, it was generally

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uring the week, most celebrated Nigerian artiste, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, now fondly called ‘2Baba’ celebrated 20-years on stage as the king of music in Nigeria at an intimate and exclusive appreciation dinner with key brands, corporate and individual partners whose invaluable support have propelled his musical success for two decades.

In a chat with Showtime, the ‘African Queen’ crooner was full of gratitude to God, his fans and everyone who have supported him one way or the other over the years.

“I just want to thank God for my musical journey, I want to thank everyone that has supported me on this journey so far because it’s been twenty years since I came out; twenty years since Nigeria knew me. People have been hearing my music before, from Benue and other cities, but the first time that I officially kicked off my music career professionally, from Plantashun Boyz was in 1999; twenty years ago. Since then I’ve been here. So many people have been part of my journey, there have been so much ups and downs. I’ve said so many things I shouldn’t have said, I’ve made some foolish decisions; but then I’ve done a lot of great things that I’m grateful to God for. I’m grateful to God and all my fans for still being here; I’m grateful for all my critics and for all those that have supported me all these twenty years. It’s been lonely at the top, but it’s no more lonely, because many young bloods are now taking music even beyond where I took it to and that’s my joy. But you know as they say ‘Old soldier never dies’, so I’m still much relevant and at the top”, he said with excitement.

Speaking further, 2Baba who is set to continue the 20-year anniversary celebration with a series of activities revealed what his two decades of musical reign has taught him.

“Twenty years in the music industry has taught me that whatever you do you must keep your head straight and do your thing. You don’t have to judge yourself by what others are doing. Everyone steers the boat of his/her life, the moment you begin to judge yourself by other people’s actions then you’re heading for a crash.”

I’m not an occasional musician — VJ Adams

•2Baba

believed that he had probably quit music and relocated abroad.

However, in a chat with Showtime, the ‘Sho Lee’ hit-maker explained why it seemed like he had quit music.

“A huge number of people tend to think I relocated or moved abroad; this was the mindset of a lot of people about me. I traveled for months on my US tour and also spent time working with other artistes and producers. As an artiste I believe change of environment is sometimes helpful for a creative person. I worked with Grammy award winning producers and I was the first Nigerian artiste to meet and work with Tory Lanez back in 2016. To avoid irregularities one has to keep working and allow the music speak for itself”, he said.

He added; “I have always been in Nigeria; people just like to think I’m not in town.

And I can’t blame them because of a lot of these people don’t know me on a personal level or know my schedule. I try to make myself available when I can and let out only what I want the public to know about.”

Speaking further, he noted what his fans should expect of him now that he is fully •Sean on ground in Nigeria.

Tizzle “Like always, I’m about good music, my fans need to keep believing and supporting me, I will make good music and keep the love alive. Except good music from me, maybe a body of work soon, I’ve been working with some really talented guys”, he noted.

Sean Tizzle who is fully prepped up to appreciate his fans with a concert scheduled to hold at the New Afrikan Shrine later today told Showtime why he decided to hold an appreciation concert.

“My fans are a big deal to me, I need them to know I appreciate them and so we’ve decided to put up this concert to start a stronger movement and create a connection with my audience. I’ve never had a show like this before.”

I care less about quick popularity

opular TV presenter, musician cum actor, Adams Ibrahim Adebola, better known as VJ Adams, has been touted as P an ‘occasional musician’ because he rarely drops songs often

enough to qualify as a professional singer.

However, in a chat with Showtime, the Soundcity TV presenter explained why he doesn’t put out music frequently like Davido, Wizkid, others.

“Wow! Such a shot at me. I’m more of a project guy, I like body of works; I’m not into the single business even though that’s where the world is right now. So, I’d rather go back, record for a couple of months, put a body of work together and put it out.

N e x t body of work is scheduled to be out in July.

T h e last one did pretty well, so I’m grateful”, he said.

In response to critics who think he hasn’t defined himself as either a singer or a rapper, he said; “I’m a perfect blend of both a singer and a rapper. Even though I think my rap competence is a lot more. I am into words, painting pictures with words, though I don’t have Wande Coal’s kind of voice, but auto tune can help us with that singing part.

I can hold my own.”

Speaking further, he revealed the most challenging aspects of his music career so far.

“The most challenging part of my music career is the transition from making music without putting my vocals on it, then to putting my vocals on it. Of course, I was worried of how people will receive it. Even though for most part of being in the studio, I get excited but knowing fully well that i made success from TV first before my music. Usually, Nigerians would be like ‘Stay and do one thing’, but of course, I’m not •VJ about that Adams lifestyle. That transition from just putting out music and then putting my vocals on it was really a bit challenging”, he said.

— ED iZycs most musical greenhorns whose major goal is to gain Unlikepopularity as fast as possible

Collaborating with Yemi Alade wasn’t meant to boost my music career — Soft usic collaboration among artistes has become a trend M on the Nigerian music scene and

it is usually exploited for promotional purposes, but for musical rave of the moment, Collins Uche Faith, popularly known by his stage name, Soft, who recently featured Yemi Alade on a hit song, ‘Killa’, such is not the case.

According to the ‘Money’ crooner, collaborating with Yemi Alade wasn’t a strategy to boost his music career.

“My collaborations have always been pure love and how connected I felt with the other artistes and not a strategy to boost my music career”, he said.

Speaking further, the singer explained how Yemi Alade treated him when he requested for the music collaboration.

“To be honest, Yemi Alade never stressed me; she was so sweet to me. All I had to do was to write her on Instagram about the song and to my greatest surprise she replied ‘Yes’. Then went on to crack me up by saying she is a fan of my music. Her words instantly brought a smile to my face. Though she was out of the country at the moment but she assured me that as soon as she’s back we would work on the song. That was how we made the song ‘Killa’. I’m very grateful to Yemi Alade for believing in me”, he said.

Soft, who looks up to Burna Boy as a major musical influence, added that so far in his music career, he has been cheated and betrayed.

“So far I have seen people switch sides, lie; I’ve been cheated on but I count it all joy.”

•ED iZycs

•Soft

immediately after their debut on the music scene, the reverse is the case for fast rising Jazz musician, producer, video director and multi-instrumentalist, Edwin Isaac Utere, a.k.a ED iZycs.

In a chat with Showtime, the multi-talented singer explained why he is not keen on quick popularity.

“Truly, Jazz music is not a popular genre of music in Nigeria but when your passion, love and attraction to something, plus a drive to stay unique kicks in, every other thing is secondary. I grew up listening to Yanni and I fell in love with creating melodies. Let me create soothing compositions now and worry about popularity later.”

ED iZycs, whose music has been greatly influenced by Kendric Lamar, Jcole, Yanni, Asa and Darey Art Alade added that so far, his passion for Jazz music and persistence to be successful at it has paid off.

“First, I’m signed to a label, Cadilly Entertainment, who signs a Jazz music artiste these days? The label believes in the art form and has invested quite well in it. They released my debut album on April 12th, titled ‘Gold’.

They are happy and it is paying off.

I’ve performed at countless places, some really public, some really intimate; like setting up for a proposal situation where I create a beautiful ambience for a young man to romantically propose to the love of his life. I get paid for such beautiful moments. I opened for Lauryn Hill when she came to Nigeria and it was an amazing experience”, he noted.

Speaking further, he asserted that there is a bright future for Jazz music in Nigeria.

“It’s very clear. More alternative sounds are emerging, more avenues for listening and consuming such sounds are sprouting, it will only get better and better. It’s a bright future definitely.”

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

By AYO ONIKOYI 08052201215 onikoyi68@gmail.com

US-based group, ROZE to perform new single ‘Patience’ at AY Live show Easter Sunday

the official opening of Mr. Fans Place. Among notable artistes, comedians, actors and musicians who will entertain guests and customers on that day are Kanayo O. Kanayo, Okey Bakassi, Osita Iheme (Paw Paw), Diewait, Ababanna, Charles Awurum, Shammah Melody and Saro Wiwa.

Mr. Fans Place is a popular fast food, entertainment and event centre in Owerri. The event, scheduled for April 22, 2019 which incidentally is Easter Monday, would be conducted by the Imo State governor elect, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha even as he has been designated as the special guest of honour.

The outgoing Imo State deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere is the guest of honour. The Anglican Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Bishop Chamberlin Ogunedo, will perform ecclesiastical obligations.

According to the chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the fast growing firm, Chief Fan Ndubuoke, “The essence of the official opening of Mr. Fans is to tell Imo people and indeed Nigerians that we are back. For some time now, our customers have anxiously been waiting for this moment. They have asked us questions pertaining to the time we would open shops again and we told them to keep their fingers crossed. Now, the day is here and we are assuring our numerous customers that we shall give them the best. We shall satisfy their demands. We shall not fail them. We invited the governor elect to show that we want to be a part of the new Imo that guarantees peace, unity, hard work, business growth and development. As a matter of fact, we want to contribute our quarter to the Imo industrialization.”

The official opening of the now rejuvenated Mr. Fans

by Ihedioha who also epitomizes a paradigm shift, the equally improved Mr. Fans Place now located at the ever boisterous Ikenegbu Road, promises to be a fascinating arena for fun seekers including children, students, youths and adults.

Replete with grade one facilities like Mr. Fans Villa Outside Bar which is complete with live entertainment and mouthwatering delicacies, Mr. Fans has really bounced back bigger and better. This can be ascertained on the fact that Mr. Fans Fast Food is already the toast of Imo people and visitors to Owerri.

Other attractions that stand Mr. Fans out from the others are Dazzles Food Ventures including high profile and delicious ice cream of all flavours. It is the kids’ and youths number one choice. Even Pizza is there for the numerous customers of Mr. Fans. Not forgetting Trap, the latest it night club show biz which has made us the masters. Karoke and live matches telecast are parts of our first class services. Also, there is an Event Hall for all manner of social events. Perhaps, the introduction of School of Catering and Hotel Management is a clear demonstration of the fact Mr. Fans is indeed out for a leading and heroic role in the hospitality and entertainment sub sector.

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hey may not be top acts just yet but the Nigerian US-based singing duo and brothers, Eghosa Rodney Agbonayinma, aka ‘Row’ and Osazuwa Michael Agbonayinma, aka ‘Zuwa’ of the group known as ROZE have the trappings of the genuine article. They first stormed Nigeria in January of 2018 with a banging, lyrically rich love single ‘A Whole Night ‘ which was widely accepted. They are back in the country again for the video shoot of their new single ‘Patience’ which will for the first time be performed at the AY Live show coming up at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Sunday, April 21, 2019. ‘’ Yeah, we are back in the country to perform at the AY Live show coming up on Sunday, April 21st at the Eko Hotel and Suites. We are really excited about that. We will be performing our new track titled ‘Patience’, produced by Gospelondabeat and we will be working on the video for the track as well.,’ the duo chorused in a chat with Showtime Bonus.

Born to popular politician and music lover, Ho. E.J. Agbonayinma ROZE, who have never stuck to any particular genre of music because they believe it would limit their horizon, explain what their new single ‘Patience’ is all about. ‘ Patience is a dance hall fused with melodic rhythm. The single was made in less than 6 hours after the beat to the track was shown to ROZE by GospelOnDeBeat.

Several beats were show to ROZE by Gospel. But when he got on the beat used in the track ‘Patience’, it caught the attention of ROZE. ROZE recorded their vocals and the rest of the magic was done by gospel,’ they opined.

ROZE first appeared in 2014 while working on a test project, titled ‘Time to Party,’ which was never released.

However, they later reappeared in 2016, being introduced to producer, Mekoyo, who has produced for artist such as Style Plus. Their discograhy includes songs like Too Much, All These Things, The Whole Night, Good things, Impressions, Stranded and Patience.

Efex De Entertainer takes Ali Baba, others to Benin on Easter Sunday for ‘Seriously Funny with Efex’ The stage is set as top Nigerian entertainers are set to storm Benin to be part of the most anticipated show in South-South of Nigeria tagged “Seriously Funny With Efex” at the civic center on Airport Road, on 21st April 2019.

The annual comedy show is organised by Efex De Entertainer who also doubles as Chief Protocol officer to The National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He will open the floor with his rib cracking jokes which will pave the way for the king’s arrival, ace comedian, Ali Baba.

Anywhere there’s King Alibaba,you must see his chiefs and lieutenants like the award winning Gandoki, Maleke, I Go Die, Shan P, Mr. Hayena, MC Shakara, Omobaba, Edo Pikin, MC Casino, Nedu, Mr. Jollof and others.

Music acts like Ice Prince Zamani with Zlatan Ibile will be dishing out music to entertain all the guests.

B i g Brother N a i j a finalist, A n t o L e c k y with Mr. Jollof will be on the red carpet to spice up the event.

Owerri reverberates as Ihedioha, Okey Bakassi, others gather for Mr. Fans relaunch! werri, the Imo State capital will be a place to be for fun seekers as notable Nigerian artistes will be on O parade on Easter Monday to entertain and perform at

•Okey Bakassi

•Emeka Ihedioha

•Saro Wiwa

Olamide to appear in first 2019 concert today

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oldberg lager, Nigeria’s leading mainstream beer, is set to hold a special Easter edition of its flagship consumer engagement platform Unlimited Faaji, and this time it’s holding in the capital of Lagos, Ikeja.

The event, which would be hosted at the Open Ground of Ikeja City Mall on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 7pm, will be headlined by Nigeria’s Afro HipHop sensation, Olamide.

Unlimited Faaji is one of Goldberg’s platforms for engaging consumers and funseekers alike in an atmosphere of unmatched enjoyment across the country.

This Easter edition is, however, set to be the biggest music concert and would have starartistes like Zlatan Ibile, Mayorkun, DJ Kaywise, Dotun and Odunlade Adekola sharing the stage with Olamide otherwise known by fans as Badoo.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—23

The Onakpome, Ashiedu’s nuptial union

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he Onakpomes and the Ashiedus have become inlaws following the solemnisation of holy matrimony between their children; Eromedoghene Onakpome and Emmanuel Ashiedu. The event held at Church of God Mission, Edjeba Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Photos by Akpokona Omafuaire.

Mother of the bride, Mrs. Lina Adigbo (left) in a chat with Barr. Enie & Ejiro Otorofanowei .

Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Ashiedu with a cross section of officiating ministers.

R - L: DRTV Staff, Mrs. Ese Omu, Chief Friday Adigbo, Rev. Canon Emeka Bombs and Pastor Joel Adigbo, father of the bride.

Eerik Odigie’s NGO giv es tto o the needy gives Parents of the bride, Mr. & Mrs. Joel Adigbo.

F

The newly wedded couple, Mr.& Mrs. Emmanuel Ashiedu.

Funeral ser vice ffor or Solomon Ojelabi service

uneral service in honour of Chief (Deacon) Solomon Ipadeola Ojelabi, former Principal, Fiditi Grammar School held penultimate Friday at First Baptist Church, Fiditi, Oyo State. The ceremony was graced by the deceased’s family, his former students and a multitude of well wishers. Photos by Dare Fasube.

L-R: Mrs Racheal Akintayo, Mrs Ruth Taiwo, Pastor Olasunkanmi Ojelabi, Mrs Toyin Buabeng and Mrs Oyeladun Aweda.

L-R: Secretary, Fiditi Grammar School Old Students Association, Mr Akinola Akinojo; President, Prof.

Sola Ogunniyi;old student and GM, NTA, Ile Ife, Alhaja Olaide Abass and Chairman of the Burial Planning committee, Mr Bukola Padeola.

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ivine Smile Foundation founded by Prince Eerik Odigie, who is also the President of Face of Edo and Face of the World Nigeria Beauty Pageant recently reached out to some less privileged people, by donating wheelchairs to some handicapped people and reaching out to some orphans and prisoners. It was done under its ‘Lending a Helping Hands’’ initiative .

Cross section of some of the Old Students bidding their former Principal farewell.

Prince Eerik Odigie with one of the beneficiaries, Patience Jimon, and Face of Edo beauty queen and Tourism queen.

L-R: Mrs Ayo Akinyo, Mrs Lola Morakinyo, Chief Mrs Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, wife of former Oyo State Governor and Hon. Adeolu Adeleke, former Speaker Oyo state House of Assembly.

Prince Eerik Odigie with one of the beneficiaries, Isoken Gabriel, and Face of Edo beauty queen and Tourism queen.

24—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Between 2015 and 20

Questions Adeniran wants

•Insists elected lawmakers should be allowed to choose th

BY DIRISU YAKUBU unde Adeniran is a former Minister of Education and a one-time Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of

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Germany. A Professor of Political Science, Adeniran is one of the most consistent voices in the nation’s political narratives since the return to democratic governance in 1999. In this exclusive interview with Vanguard, the Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP bares his mind on a wide range of national issues ranging from the recently concluded general elections to the Walter Onnoghen’s controversy, amongst others. Excerpts!

Vanguard: What is your general assessment of the 2019 elections? Were they an improvement over those of 2015?

Adeniran: Every Nigerian patriot should feel a big sense of relief that the 2019 general elections have come and gone, although not without the usual post-election litigations that have sadly become an integral part of our elections and the defining character of Nigeria’s democracy. In general terms, one could risk rating the polls as not bad but, certainly, could have been better than what we experienced.

An assessment of the 2019 elections can only be considered objective if they are holistically viewed and interrogated from the essential perspectives of local, national and international analysis of the whole national event. Taking it from the local perspective, one has to look at the whole gamut of the elections from the angle of sub-national considerations.

The fact is, majority of the country’s voters are found at the ward level, in communities among the rural folks, the artisans, market women, young boys and girls, and so on. It is well-known that the Nigeria’s elite class do not come out to vote.

There is therefore, the need for us to take to reckoning, the experiences of these categories of Nigerians about the elections - the mass of the people, because they were the ones who, as usual, turned out in their numbers to endure the stress of voting on the long queues during the last elections.

We need to also ask some pertinent questions: whether the voters considered the voting process less-stressful than the previous elections; what was the rating of the security component of the elections? Did the presence of those security agents at the polling units engender confidence and a sense of safety for the voters or they felt intimidated by them?

Did the large number of police and military personnel that were deployed for the elections provide the needed safety to election materials and appropriate protection to the voters or they subjected them to untold fear and trepidation? Did we see on the faces of voters, the essential enthusiasm and feeling that their votes would count?

Moving into the future, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC must ensure there is no eleventh hour postponement of elections, while sufficient enlightenment campaigns should be undertaken on time to avoid disenfranchisement, vote cancellations and inconclusive elections.

Justice Walter Onnoghen recently tendered his resignation as the nation’s chief law officer. Do you see his resignation as a kind of relief given the controversy his suspension elicited?

The suspension of the Chief Justice of the Federation, His Lordship, Justice Walter Onnoghen by the President on account of infractions on the laws bordering on code of conduct, is one issue that has been vigorously discussed and argued in the public domain with very many experts in the matter of law, as well as several public analysts making objective and subjective submissions on the issue.

The controversy which the issue has generated, no doubt, has probably brought our judiciary to its lowest point in the annals of its history because that was the first time we would have the Chief Justice of the

Federation being suspended, docked and replaced by fiat. It has really been bad for us as a nation and should be deeply troubling for all of us that the very unfortunate matter has put our judiciary on trial.

Beyond the propriety or otherwise, of the decision to suspend and appoint another in his place, the ethnic and sectional slant as well as the political colourations that have characterized the commentary about the issue are the most worrisome because of the inherent danger in all of that.

I believe there is no sincere person that can argue that the embattled CJN has not served this nation well, for his record attests to that fact. But now that he has been compelled to retire, it is my considered opinion that he should be allowed to take the rest that he deserves.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and APC national leader, Bola Tinubu believe power would return to the South in 2023. But barely two weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, there are already insinuations that that agreement may not hold waters. Are you not worried? Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal for instance was quoted as saying recently that it is not compulsory for the North to cede power to the South in 2023. What do you make of that statement?

I am not worried. We are in a democracy and God Almighty is in charge of all affairs of his creation. Whatever God say will be will be, using the majority of the electorate to decide. It is surprising that while the President is yet to take oath for his new term, we are already having people coming up with all kinds of permutations about his likely successor and the zone that by their consideration, he or she should come from. I consider all such conversations that are already building around the far away 2023 as unpatriotic and distracting from true national

There is therefore, the need for us to take to reckoning, the experiences of these categories of Nigerians about the elections - the mass of the people, because they were the ones who, as usual, turned out in their numbers to endure the stress of voting on the long queues during the last elections

interest.

While one concedes to the former SGF that it is his right to freely express his opinion, and that it is within the ambit of the law for him or anyone to canvass arguments and positions that will further what they consider their strategic interests; it is important that anyone who has had the privilege of occupying such exalted position which he had occupied in the country, should be well guided and elevated in their utterances. We should not be seen to be overheating the polity.

We all need to be mindful that this country belongs to all Nigerians and its leadership is not a birth right of any group or ethnic nationality. No one political zone s h o u l d erroneously consider itself as superior to the others and as a matter of fact, none has the power or authority to say it will cede power or otherwise. Every Nigerian is equal and free to exercise constitutional rights.

I will like to suggest to everyone who truly loves the President; genuine patriots who desire to see that good happens to the country under the continued watch of President Buhari to focus more on whatever creative way they can help him to deliver on his promises and agenda in order to justify the trust of the people which accounted for the new mandate. For me, at this point, anything sort of value-adding opinion or idea is a distraction which should be termed a deliberate open invitation to unnecessary political tension and acrimony.

Let’s talk about your party, the Social Democratic Party, SDP. What do you think affected your chances at the 2019 polls and how are you planning to revamp the structures you have across the country?

I am happy that in your question, you referred to the SDP as having structures across the country. That is very correct.

The truth is that, the party is well entrenched in the political space across Nigeria. Going into the 2019 general elections, it was the political party that Nigerians considered as holding great prospects of making remarkable impact, but unfortunately, it got shackled and bogged down by self-inflicted litigation crises.

I think the SDP was about the only frontline national party that had its Presidential ticket disputed and dragged through the whole gamut of our courts. That unpleasant experience took its toll on the party and its candidates across board as you could see. The set-back brought by the litigation hindered and limited the chances of the party in making the kind of huge impact Nigerians had looked forward to in the elections because it prevented us from embarking on the scheduled nationwide presidential campaigns which would have boosted the chance of our candidates at all other levels.

Luckily for us, we have succeeded in putting that episode and painful experience behind us and are now fast repositioning for the future. The party is now seriously working at fixing the cracks that the elections engendered in our structures across the country.

In our collective resolve to move into the future very strongly, the national leadership

of the party has instituted a high-powered reconciliation committee to reconcile the party and it has already swung into action. I assure all Nigerians who have demonstrated so much interest and love for the SDP that our engagements with all strategic blocks, interests groups and all levels of our structures are in top gear to achieve the building of a united, strong and effective political party that will continue to effectively function and run on its core values, principles and ideology. Before long, we hope to achieve the building of a new super-structured SDP that will serve as a robust and veritable vehicle for the political aspirations of its numerous members across the country.

Gubernatorial elections are quite close in Bayelsa, Kogi, and a few other states. Will SDP field candidates in these states or go into alliance with a party that shares similar ideology?

The SDP is very much on ground in Kogi and Bayelsa, the two states where governorship elections are scheduled to hold in November this year. The question of going into alliance with another party in prosecuting the elections does not arise. SDP is a distinct party on account of its i d e o l o g y, principles and vision for building a great country

for all of us.

In Kogi, the party has always been strong and entrenched. You’ll recall that it sponsored a credible candidate for the House of Representatives bye-election in the state in 2018, and had an impressive showing despite the unimaginable intimidation by the state government. We also presented very strong candidates in the 2019 general elections. Some of the candidates that the party presented in the state were so strong that not a few Nigerians believe that they were robbed of victory, especially in the national assembly election.

The performance of one of our senatorial candidates, Barrister Natasha Akpoti very well caught the attention of very many Nigerians.

Because of her unusual clout and the huge followership that she pulled going into the election, she was generally rated as a candidate that was capable of winning the election. Very many even believed that she actually won the senate election in Kogi Central but the result which was eventually declared came as a shock

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—25

019 elections:

s Nigerians to ask

heir leaders

As for the Bayelsa governorship, the SDP had a number of candidates who gave good accounts of themselves in the 2019 national and state assembly elections. We are therefore, already working towards presenting a credible governorship candidate who will fly our flag and give the ruling party in that state a run for its money.

President Buhari recently bemoaned the loss of huge revenue to the nation on medical tourism annually. Is this not hypocritical considering the fact that the President himself had on a few occasions sought medical help abroad?

To me, for the President to have realized and openly bemoaned the fact that the nation has lost and is still losing huge revenue on medical tourism is commendable. I think it is important for all our past and present leaders to really come to admit their collective guilt about the poor state of our health system and medical facilities in Nigeria. The huge revenue we keep losing to other foreign countries on medical tourism is just not acceptable. We cannot dream of developing as a nation with our kind of reckless approach to public governance and the wellbeing of the citizens.

That the President spent a number of weeks abroad to seek medical attention to his health challenge was nothing criminal. We must concede to him that, like any other Nigerian, he reserves the right to decide where he gets medical care. At t h a t point i n

•Tunde Adeniran

to all that followed and monitored the election in that particular part of the state. At any rate, the case is already being argued at the tribunal and going by the overwhelming evidences which we have tendered, we are very optimistic that justice will be rightly served and her mandate will be restored.

Back to the question of the November 2 governorship election in that state, I can confidently tell you that the SDP will sponsor a candidate who will not only run, but one that has the capacity to win the election and will thereafter work to turn around the ebbing fortunes of that great confluence state.

Apparently, Kogi state needs a kind of rescuing and it is a serious party like the SDP with sound people-oriented programs that can unleash the latent potential of the state for greatness, and help to significantly lift the people of that potentially great state out of their current unpleasant social conditions and make life truly better for them.

question, the country needed him to be alive first in order for him to be able to perform his duties. For me, how he chose to remain alive was more important than where he went to get medical care.

What I think we should really be concerned about is to find out what has been his administration’s achievements in the intervening years from the time he came back from his medical vacation and now, especially in the area of improved health infrastructure and, going forward, what his plans and agenda are to achieve the desired health care system in the country under his watch.

From what one can see around, I do believe that the president being legacy-conscious leader, has been able to bring about remarkable improvements in the health sector in the past four years, for us to begin to attract some of the large number Nigerian diaspora medical experts back to help lift up our health system.

The 9th National Assembly will be constituted in a few weeks’ time. How best can the nation avoid the wrangling that almost tore both chambers apart in the 2015 over who emerge leaders of both houses?

The parliament, in a constitutional democracy and as recognised by the Nigerian constitution, is an independent arm of government that is very strategic to the deepening of democracy and national development. Judging by its name, and the intendments of the constitution, our national assembly is expected to be truly national in its composition, outlook and structure, and it should therefore be allowed to remain so without undue interference from any quarter.

The point should however, be emphasized that the in-coming members of the 9th Assembly should see themselves as holders of the mandate and the sacred trust of Nigerians who elected them as the representatives of their collective interests.

They are expected to work for the good of the country and should, therefore, carry themselves with the expected dignity of that exalted office and discharge their responsibilities with high sense of national duty.

In the foregoing regard, I can confidently tell you that the SDP member of the House of Representative-elect holds the promise of being a good ambassador of the party in the 9th National Assembly. He is well-primed to acquit himself very brilliantly and honourably. We are so sure he will distinguish himself to the admiration of all.

Parliaments all over the world are not theatres for jesters. It is a place of serious national duty that requires serious mindedness on the part of the occupiers of the office. As such, the hallowed chambers of our National Assembly should not be any different.

On the matter of the leadership of the 9th Assembly, I believe it will be wise on the part of the ruling party to tread with the needed caution. They should be mindful that all Senators and members of the House of Representatives are equal and they need to be treated with a measure of respect.

They are not to be spoken down to unguardedly.

Whoever emerges as the next president of the Senate and the Speaker are to be considered as first among equals and nothing more! That is how it works in other serious climes. All those individuals who have indicated interest to vie for one leadership position or the other in the two chambers have committed no crime.

It is within their fundamental rights to so do.

The elections in June should not be by any party. It is going to be an election of the next Assembly leaders and will be by the Assembly members themselves. It is going to be interesting how things will play out. However, I implore all contenders to display patriotism and not get unduly desperate or self-serving in their engagements.

One would expect them to subsume their individual interests in true national interests in this matter as well as on all other issues at all times. By and large, I would like the National Assembly to assert its independence as much as possible by the in-coming elected members of the 9th Assembly ensure that they elect by themselves, their leaders who will in turn by that power, appoint other principal officers. That much is what is expected of them because the Nigerian parliament is by our constitution termed the national assembly. It is certainly not an arm or appendage of any political party whether ruling or opposition.

Why is it difficult for you and other leaders of

As for the Bayelsa governorship, the SDP had a number of candidates who gave good accounts of themselves in the 2019 national and state assembly elections your party to broker peace between Donald Duke and Prof. Jerry Gana? Can’t they just put aside their grievances in the interest of the party?

It is not correct to assert that it is difficult for the leaders of the party to broker peace between our feuding members. I need to let you know that shortly after the party conducted its Presidential primary in October 2018, the entire national leadership of the party, although very surprised, on learning that Professor Jerry Gana who came second in the primary and had warmly opened his arms wide and hugged the winner upon declaration of results right at the venue of the election was poised to taking the party to court, swung into action to reconcile him with the former governor, His Excellency Donald Duke, the winner of the Presidential primary.

In recognition of his status as a respected party leader that he is, the party made concerted efforts and strongly appealed to Professor Jerry Gana for him to let go of the matter in the true interest of the party and for him to become a father figure, where he could play some vital roles. We also value our personal relationship with him as a friend, colleague and talented person who had played major roles in the political process. He eventually proceeded to the court and, as they say, the rest is history.

Now that the issue in dispute that has been on in the last six months has been finally resolved by the verdict of the Supreme Court, and also that the Presidential election has also come and gone, we have swiftly set a postelection reconciliatory machinery in motion to help us bring everyone back for us to begin anew. With the good work that the committee members are known to be capable of doing and have promised to do, I am very optimistic that all aggrieved members of the party will come back to the fold and very many politicians of note will also choose to join us to reposition the party for the great future that lies ahead.

How will you rate the performance of INEC and the military in the just concluded elections?

The mandate of INEC as thrust upon it by our constitution and electoral laws is a huge one.

Over the years, the responsibility and challenges of the Commission have increased as a result of changes in the social demography of the country, but not enough has been done to equip the operations of the Commission to meet those new realities.

At every electoral cycle, it has repeatedly contended with the challenges of logistics, personnel, capacity and other sundry issues. As such, I am of the opinion that we need to have some review of the legal frameworks that guide the operations of the Commission for it to be more effective in discharging the responsibility of its mandate.

We need to rejig our electoral laws with a view to freeing the commission of some of the burdens it has always carried. The reports that we got from different monitoring groups and organizations about the 2019 elections show that INEC tried its best but needs to do better in subsequent elections, especially in the area of logistics. The performance of the military in the 2019 general elections was acceptable in some parts of the country, especially in the troubled north-east zone where their presence was what essentially allowed the voters to be able to come out to vote. But in some other areas, their conduct was not good enough. As reports have shown, there are damning evidences of unwholesome meddlesomeness of the security agencies in the elections. In some places in the Niger Delta, what they reportedly did could only be termed a national embarrassment.

It was reported that some of the inconclusiveness that were recorded particularly in the South-South of the country were traceable to the overbearing roles that the military allegedly played in the elections. The only way for us not to have a reoccurrence of the controversies of the 2019 elections is for us to stop the militarization of our future elections.

The verdict in the public domain is that it was the over-deployment of soldiers to polling areas that largely accounted for the gross voter apathy that was recorded in the elections in some parts of the country. That is certainly not good for the advancement of our democracy.

26—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Juliet Ebirim

Olamide Yousuph, Akintunde Marinho on Arcadia Premium

08137897935 juliet.ebirim@gmail.com

Wanle Akinboboye of La Campagne Tropicana drums support for TIDA

A

•Wanle Akinboboye

naturally ebullient personality, a robust intellectual and visionary, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye, could best be described as a man of many parts with uncommon touch and passion for his craft. Educated and trained in the United States of America, Akinboboye who hails from Ondo State, returned to the country at the young and zestful age of 29, armed with an uncanny vision of creating a tourism project -La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ikegun Village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. A resort that is African themed, but enjoys a blend of natural and sophisticated aesthetics. The resort has since taken the tourism industry and the country by storm through numerous projects and interventions spanning over three decades.

During a tour of the community in preparation for the Tourism Innovation and Development Advantage Conference (TIDA) slated for April 24, Akinboboye said exploration of tourism potential in the community has generated huge employment opportunities for youths and improved fishing occupation of residents, among others. “ Communities that have tourism development usually have relative peace, because everyone benefits from it, as tourism could be such an effective and engaging tool. Tourism activities around the community had also heightened commercial activities, thereby creating prosperity and wealth directly for the local community. Proper exploration of grassroots tourism will foster economic development.

The theme of the TIDA conference is: “Impact of Sustainable Tourism Development and Marketing of Tourism Destinations on Host Communities.”

On AIREBAMEN IRENE’S ‘Jumbled’

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irebamen Maureen Irene, popularly known as Bami Gregs is making her production debut with a bang. The beautiful actress recently premiered her movie ‘Jumbled’ at the Ozone Cinemas, Lagos.

With a star-studded cast including Eucharia Anunobi, Wale Ojo, Femi Adebayo, Lilian Esoro, Beverly Naya, Kenneth Okoli, ‘Jumbled’ attempts to answer several questions that bother around genotype compatibility, infidelity and finding love against all odds.

Directed by Saheed Apanpa, the movie tells the story of Damilola, who will do whatever it takes to reverse his decision even after finding out it just might be a little too late. He runs into a young lady desperately trying to change her luck with men and they begin a roller coaster relationship embedded in deceit. Things take a more dramatic turn as it seems everything is falling out of place and Damilola tries at all cost to patch things together.

Bami Gregs is writer, actor and recently a producer, from Esan in Edo State. “I couldn’t have asked for a better cast for the movie. I have a blend of the old and new Nollywood. My cast is also a blend of ethnicities. The script is a product of over two years. I kept going back, readjusting it until I felt it was good enough to be produced by me.” she said.

•Akintunde Marihno and Olamide Yousuph

I

t’s always difficult to change the existing power structure, but like it or not, change is coming for the cable television industry, in form of Arcadia Premium Television on Startimes Channel 176. Its founders, Olamide Yousuph and Akintunde Marinho revealed this last week during a meeting with journalists at The Radisson Blu Anchorage, Victoria Island. the official The launch of Arcadia Premium TV is scheduled to hold in June 2019, “The drive is to develop an inventory of original content from Africa not just Nigeria. We are looking at content from South Africa, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya.” Akintunde Marinho, Co-Founder Arcadia Premium TV shared.

On her part, Olamide Yousuph said the platform is offering afro-centric content designed to accentuate the true essence of being African without removing global exposure, thus promoting to the world the deserved prestige of the African people and continent.

With the success of telling the African story through the Mobile TV platform, Arcadia was propelled to create premium entertainment on Cable TV for a wider and diverse audience. Arcadia is changing the TV experience by creating engaging content, telling powerful stories whilst merging the digital and terrestrial world seamlessly. It has been on an exciting process of working, re-working and executing effective strategies aimed at providing amazing entertainment.

Mr Ideal Nigeria celebrates milestone

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n the last 10 years, Mr Ideal Nigeria has played an immense role in placing the African male pageantry on the global map inspiring the emergence of several male pageants on the continent including Mr Ideal Uganda, Mr Ideal Botswana, Mr Ideal Zambia, Mr Ideal Gambia , Mr Senegal, Mr Guinea Conary among others.

The 2018 Male pageant of the year award winner is known for discovering talents like Wale Bello , Steve Onyeneke, Prince Ehirim, Ben Touitou, Abayomi Alvin, Kaycee Nma, Tony White,

JayJay Akapa, Emeka Darlington, Stephen Damian, Alex Gede amongst others.

The platform has provided models opportunities to star in blockbuster movies, as well as strut runways in South Africa , Indonesia, Lagos, Accra; while also working for major fashion

brands including Mai Atafo , Orange Culture... They have also represented Nigeria at various International pageants including Mister Africa International , Mister Universal Ambassador, Mr Grand Sea amongst others.

The theme for this year’s competition is “The Legends” with the main purpose of promoting a new generation of great African youths.

Cassandra Amadasun's passion

T

he beauty industry is thriving in more ways than one. It is no wonder Cassandra Amadasun, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Benin and the brain behind Atypique Signature is passionate and committed towards helping people maintain their youth.

'Andra Ama' as she is fondly

called has devoted her energy to developing products in that regard.

The beauty and brains behind Atypique Signature which she launched in 2015, Cassandra is dedicated to helping people maintain healthy, flawless appearance, while getting the most out of their skin. A woman who knows her onions, she aims

to exceed expectations and is committed to helping her clients rediscover their youth.

In a chat with People n Places, she said “I am so committed to Atypique because of my passion for the beauty industry. As a young entrepreneur it takes discipline to grow any brand and succeed.

Commitment to my passion is key.

Discipline is my watch word.”

•Cassandra Amadasun

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20 2019 — 27

Why I specialise on pre-mature babies — Ogbuta D

r Chidi Ogbuta is a medical doctor of great repute in the State of Houston in the United state of America; she is a wife and mother to four beautiful children. She has an NGO known as Angels For Premature Babies born out of her own personal experience. In this interview, with Florence Amagiya, she talks about her impact in some of the Hospitals in Owerri (FMC), Imo State. Her involvement in the just concluded 2019 gubernatorial election in Imo state amongst others.

Enjoy!

Y

ou have an NGO that specializes on premature babies, what informed it?

The Angel’s Healthcare Foundation was born as a result of my personal experience with a premature delivery of my fourth child on February 3rd, 2005 in Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Texas, USA. My little miracle, Angel as she is called beat all odds because facilities existed for her nurturing and development.

Seven weeks after her early arrival, my husband and I left the hospital with our little bundle of joy, to meet her other three siblings at home.

In a different part of the world like Nigeria, another mother proudly awaited the birth of her first child. Two months short of the due date, the mother experienced premature labour and was rushed to the hospital.

The baby was born premature at 28 weeks, but could not be resuscitated like her US counterpart. The sad parents left the hospital with a bundle of sadness to be buried. Their dreams were shattered, their hopes quenched and family members consoled them with “do not worry, when your own baby comes she/he will stay; if they don’t stay, they are not yours; stop crying.”

Thus, Angels For Premature Babies is dedicated to reducing prematurity and maternal mortality in African nations where these problems are the greatest by providing medical equipment and supplies, training education, and advocacy. This organization was created to address the critical need for healthcare for premature babies born in Nigeria.

From Nursing, you went back to School to become a medical doctor, how easy was the transition and what were the challenges?

The transition was both stressful and exciting, but my biggest challenge was when I was in medical school, and as a parent of 4 children, I have to balance my school responsibilities and parenting.

My husband was my greatest human support, he tried to manage the kids while I was in school. But as a caring mom, I alternate between thinking for my family and focusing on my studies. With frequent calls, messages and juggling between school and home during weekends, I tried to balance the

absence my studies created. I tried to check on their homework and other school, spiritual and social activities. It was emotionally tasking as well as I missed some of my children’s important events like First Holy Communion, basketball games and many others.

If given the opportunity again; would you choose to be a medical practitioner?

My going into politics did not stop me from my medical vocation.

Fundamentally, I believe that all lives are of equal worth. That’s to say, the Governor and the taxi driver suffering from the same malaria deserve the same chance at survival. It was primarily my desire to make excellent health care coverage a reality for all and not for the privileged few that necessitated my going into politics in the first place.

I found out that even with my medical missions which resulted in my policy suggesting letter to the former President on the need to make population health a priority, fixing health care challenges will not be possible.

And so I had to go back to the medical school so as to upgrade from being a nurse to a doctor so as to go back to Nigeria and become one of the policy makers that will set up a good healthcare policy that will impact the lives of people generally and not just the premature babies and their mothers, and to also assist healthcare personnel in Nigeria who are faced with the daunting challenges of making this a reality. I have attained gratification in medicine and l am not planning to leave it anytime soon.

Beside Medicine, what else do you do?

I do interior designing which is very fun and creative to me, and I also do it for family and friends.

It gives me an aesthetic sense of beauty to put things in place and it is totally in tandem with my natural desire to fix things to their proper context wherever I am.

You have been known to be one who believes in gender equality passionately; what is the story behind it?

Well, I’m a fighter for any good cause and I strongly believe in equity and equality. I believe we are all made equal and have the same exact right to live to the fullest our God given potential regardless of our socio-economic

background, gender or race. As we all know, women •Dr Chidi Ogbuta all over the world have continued to make immense contributions in their gender, but by their all fields of human endeavour, accomplishments and also a litany of other women – preparation to serve. By the captains in their respective fields, providence of Almighty God, I who have shaped or influenced ran a people oriented grass root history by their immense campaign which I believed contributions to society in Africa, inspired so many people and and yet women are unsung addressed their unconscious bias heroes. that we are indeed making a My passion for gender equality difference. And for crying out heightened during my campaign, loud, gender equality is a because of a huge upsurge in the fundamental human right. demand that I step down for In your work as a doctor/ some of my male opponents, since NGO’s owner; what has been I am the only female candidates your give- back to the society amidst 70 male candidates, especially where you hail from? which is a significant way of Without going into detail, I can relegating women to the say that through my NGO I have background and I find it very done several medical missions insulting. Women’s ability to where we donated medications govern should not be defined by and medical supplies to hospitals. Paid medical bills for patients, Yearly Christmas food donation to members from my Umunagbor Ihitte Village in Mbaise and also provide learning aids and mini scholarships to some students.

What is the next level for this brand, Dr Mrs Chidi Ogbuta?

Next level? Lol, considering it’s used by APC as their campaign slogan in the just concluded election I wouldn’t say next level but next mission. Anyways my next mission is consistent with my general mission to better human life generally. First of all I’ve a soccer try out coming soon which is aim precisely to reveal sports talents of the teeming youths in Imo State. This is in line with my manifesto as a governorship candidate where I promised to enhance sporting development in Imo state by setting up competitions that will enable sporting excellence among the

Angels For Premature Babies is dedicated to reducing prematurity and maternal mortality in A f r i c a n nations

youths and to get international recruiters so that they can make it to global competitions.

We got wind of a manuscript you have written only recently; what is the story behind it?

I have many manuscripts written from the election period till date that revealed my visions and strategies to enable many Imolites come out of poverty and give our youths and children the future they deserve and many others too numerous to mention.

You contested under the platform of AAC, African Action Congress, gubernatorial election in Imo State came with challenges; What are they? And given the same opportunity; would you run a second time?

The challenges I face are muliple: Money, politics and violence.On the monetary aspect, the rate of money politicians waste in Nigeria during elections is toxic and no nation can grow with that. When I was at the exploratory phase of my campaign, some people told me that I need at least N300 million (equivalent of $840,000) to be able to win Governorship election in Nigeria. On the election day, even those women I seemed to have converted sold their votes for as little as N500 or N1000.

What is the Nigeria of your dream?

A country filled with hope and endless possibilities. A country where thuggery, ballot box snatching, falsification of electoral results and violence is outdated, anachronistic, dead and buried never to be resurrected in the mind and bodies of the youths anymore.

On a soft note; what is your idea of rest and fun?

A time when you sit with little children playing with them and enchanting them to a level of hilarity that they hitherto do not have. It makes me smile and happy to the extent that I tend to lose track of time of what next in my agenda. Apropos to that, I am a huge fan of sports, I love watching soccer, basketball especially when my kids and my favourite teams play.

Where would you love to travel to if given the opportunity?

Well I’d like to go to underserved countries where I can use my skills and knowledge to help people or be part of the policy makers and make progressive policies that will positively impact people’s lives Where do you see your business in the next ten years?

Well I see myself serving in the United Nations as UnderSecretary for refugees or if God willing I see myself contesting for the Office of the President of Nigeria.

What is your advise to the Nigerian women and young ladies alike?

My advise to them is that they should always reach for the top in whatever endeavour they find themselves. Do not let anyone tell you, you can’t! The truth is that no one can tell you can’t when you have great belief you can.

28—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

By Sola Ogundipe/08056180112/solazed@live.com

Mother stuns doctors, refuses kidney transplant for killer condition, opts for FRUIT-only diet for survival

prescription drugs.

She said: ‘Because my health had improved so much between 2009 and 2012 - which I believe was because I was experimenting with lots of different diets, including the paleo or caveman diet, vegetarian and eventually vegan - I’d been able to reduce and eventually stop my prescription drugs.

‘Against all odds, I was living a normal life.’

Ms Petruk met her partner, Star, 30, an artist, at a music festival near Stonehenge in Wiltshire in •Polina Petruk, 33, has had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis since 2007 2012, and six months later found out she was pregnant.

•She claims she regained almost all of her kidney function with a healthy diet Doctors had warned she would •But in 2012, the pregnancy for her child, Maia, left her with 5% kidney function never be able to have children •Despite needing dialysis, Ms Petruk claims her energy levels astound doctors because her kidneys would not cope with the extra demand pregnancy put on them. mother in desperate need of a not want to put my body through that.’ kidney transplant reveals she has FSGS is a rare disease in which scar tissue But Ms Petruk decided to have her baby chosen to treat her condition by develops on the glomeruli, which filters the against medical advice, and her kidneys were damaged as a result. kidneys. eating nothing but fruit.

Polina Petruk, 33, was told by According to NephCure Kidney International, She said: ‘Maia was born as a planned Cdoctors she should say ‘goodbye to any kind around 5,400 people are diagnosed with FSGS section at 37 weeks because the pregnancy was damaging my kidneys. of normal life’ when diagnosed with focal every year around the world. segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2007. Ms Petruk, whose family moved to the UK ‘And although she was small and cold and The rare condition causes scarring to the from Ukraine when she was 10, had eating grumpy, medically she was fine and we were allowed home with her two weeks later. kidney and damage to the organ’s blood disorders throughout her teens. cleaning mechanism - and doctors warned Ms She believes they may have taken a toll on ‘I am convinced that following a plant-based Petruk, from East Dulwich, London, she had a her body, and although no cause has been diet was what allowed me to give birth to her confirmed, she believe this may have been it. despite my dire diagnosis.

50 per cent chance of dying within a decade.

FSGS also hampered her chances of having a The disease can often have no known cause, ‘Before having Maia, I’d used my diet to get known as primary FSGS, or can be them back to 95 per cent normal function, but child, as doctors feared a caused by infection, drugs, after my pregnancy, I was told I had lost 70 pregnancy would put too much inherited diseases or conditions per cent of their normal function.’ pressure on her kidneys. such as diabetes, which is called The downward spiral continued until, But Ms Petruk went against eventually, Ms Petruk needed four hourly secondary FSGS. medical advice and had her There are few treatments available dialysis sessions three times a week to stay daughter Maia, now five, for FSGS, and Ms Petruk was alive, as her kidney function had fallen to a which caused her lung horrified at the number of drugs shockingly low five per cent. function to plummet to just five Still resolute that changing her diet could she was prescribed. per cent.

She set out to find her own way of make a difference, in 2016 she committed After becoming a ‘fruitarian’ in staying healthy, knowing that if herself to become a ‘fruitarian’.

2016, she now claims to feel fine the condition becomes advanced, Ms Petruk obtains 80 to 90 per cent of her daily - and needs fewer sessions of calories from fruit and the rest from vegetables, it can result in kidney failure. dialysis each week. And she After Ms Petruk said: ‘I only went to the nuts and seeds. says doctors are astonished at doctor because I had been feeling Instead of eating three substantial meals a day, her energy levels and health, becoming a off, never expecting to be told I had Ms Petruk eats six or seven smaller fruit meals which she credits to her diet of a kidney problem and would have to make sure she is getting enough calories. six meals of fruit every day. ‘fruitarian’ in to take so many prescription drugs Now, although still only with her kidneys Ms Petruk, who is studying working at five per cent, Ms Petruk’s dialysis to manage it. nutrition at London’s College of 2016, she ‘So, I started experimenting with has been reduced to two hourly sessions twice Naturopathic Medicine week. now claims to how increasing the amount of raw aShe (CNM), said: ‘My case has left claims that her medical team are food in my diet would affect how I the doctors confused because feel fine and felt, my symptoms and the drugs I astonished by her energy, and that because they’ve never seen anything had to take, beginning slowly by her general health is holding up, she doesn’t like it, as the prognosis for this needs fewer need as much dialysis. eliminating all animal products. condition is not good, with a 50 ‘Soon I realised I was starting to ‘The doctors are amazed that I am able to per cent chance of death in the sessions of move better, my blood pressure was maintain my levels of energy as well as how 10 years following diagnosis. stabilising and my kidneys were clean my blood is,’ she said.

‘I am not on the transplant list dialysis each ‘My uric acid levels and phosphate levels are filtering better.’ by choice because the side Eventually, by 2012, Ms Petruk as good as those of a person doing 12 hours of effects of the anti-rejection week claims she was able to come off her dialysis. medication are horrendous. I do

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‘Also, I have great cardiovascular health and no diabetes which is common with patients with my type of diagnosis and I know it’s down to my high fruit diet.’

‘People think it must be hard to be a fruitarian, but it’s all in your head. It depends how much you want to do it and for me, I’m committed because it’s helping me to stop my kidneys from losing even more function.

‘I look good, I feel good and I’m vibrant and when people around you start to notice that they want some of it too.’

A spokesperson for Kidney Research UK said: ‘There is no evidence that a fruit-only diet will safely maintain kidney function.

‘Many diets have been tested for their capacity to slow down the progression of kidney disease, with most research being focused on restriction of protein intake.

‘There is some evidence that this can slow down progression of chronic kidney disease and delay the need for dialysis treatment.

‘But there is a significant risk of protein malnutrition leading to muscle weakness and other complications.’

A TYPICAL DAY’S DIET AS A ‘FRUITARIAN’

Polina Petruk’s day starts with water with lemon, or grapefruit juice.

First meal: 600g of pineapple.

Second meal: also 600g of pineapple.

Third meal: 400g of frozen wild blueberries and 200g of dates.

Fourth meal: Large salad of fruit-type vegetables like cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and herbs like parsley, dill and coriander, with some nut cheese like cashew nut cheese or pine nut cheese (all vegan).

Ms Petruk also takes a vegan multi vitamin supplement, omega 3 supplement and vegan b12 supplement.

She does not drink a lot because of her kidneys, but will drink hot water, or water with lemon, or fennel tea.

WHAT IS FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS?

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease in which scar tissue develops on the glomeruli, which filters the kidneys.

The glomeruli filter blood, removing the liquid that turns into urine and leaving behind protein.

The disease can happen on its own without a specified cause, known as Primary FSGS, or can be caused by infection, drugs or conditions such as diabetes, which is called Secondary FSGS. Symptoms include swelling in the extremities due to fluid buildup in the body, high levels of fat in the blood resulting in high cholesterol, and high levels of protein in the urine and low levels in the blood.

There are few treatments available, but some include steroids to stop your immune system from attacking the glomuerli, ACE inhibitors and ARBs to stop protein loss, and diuretics to flush out the fluid buildup.

If the condition becomes advanced, however, it can result in kidney failure.

According to NephCure Kidney International, approximately 5,400 people are diagnosed with FSGS every year.

Culled from Daily Mail

SATURDAY

•A researcher at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where edited DNA was used to fix genetic illness into patients using modified HIV

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Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—29

•A boy born with the bubble boy disease but can now live a normal life because the geneediting therapy has restored his immune system...

Scientists use incurable HIV to ‘cure’ deadly childhood disease

hoever finds a cure for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) deserves the Nobel Prize in Medicine & Physiology. The reason is clear. HIV is one of the most intelligent viruses known.

It has evaded cure for more than three decades simply because it is incredibly smart, so it’s going to take someone that is very clever indeed, to outsmart it. for the first time. The scientists “edited” DNA to Although genetically simple, HIV fix the fault which causes the genetic illness and demonstrates remarkably complex delivered the “cured” genes into the children’s behaviour. It is a master of invasion and body using HIV. The altered genes used to fix the evasion. Despite its comparatively small children’s defective DNA were delivered into the “genetic brain,” the virus is able to evade body using damaged HIV viruses. sophisticated detection mechanisms of Experts working on the project say the the immune system. breakthrough is a first for children with this rare It also counters attacks of the vastly and life-threatening illness, and say only time will more complex human cells, reach into the tell if it’s a permanent cure. cell’s nucleus and replace the human Each of the patients, according to the genome with its own viral DNA. By MailOnline, has X-linked severe combined attacking the immune system directly, immunodeficiency (SCID-X1), a condition present HIV weakens the entire body. After from birth which stops a child’s immune system taking over invaded cells, the smart HIV working. transfers itself between multiple cells.

The illness is known as ‘bubble boy disease’ Enormous research has been done on because patients have to be kept in isolation tanks HIV, yet much more is yet to be known about the incredibly adaptive virus that to avoid common infections continues to face human onslaught. like colds, which could kill Certainly, scientists have not them. given up in the quest to While the therapy is said to overcome the smart virus and have cured the patients, Dr while a cure may have not been Ewelina Mamcarz, one of the found, cure research remains scientists, notes that only promising as scientists continue time will tell if the cure is work on a functional cure and a permanent. sterilising cure.

“These patients are toddlers While the search continues, now who are responding to If a transplant significant discoveries about the vaccinations and have human immune system made on fails to improve a immune systems to make all the road to finding a cure remain immune cells they need for sufferer’s paramount. The efforts to protection from infections as improve treatment, prevention immunity, their they explore the world and and awareness tools are live normal lives. This is a first organs can continuing to have a positive for patients with SCID-X1.” impact on the lives of many. become Without treatment, children One of the most profound with bubble boy disease irreversibly outcomes of application of HIV usually die when they’re one research occurred lately when damaged, which or two because their body doctors at St Jude’s Children can’t fight off even the can be lifeResearch Hospital in Memphis, simplest of infections. threatening Tennessee, reported how they According to The Bubble “used” HIV to “cure” children Foundation UK, bubble boy with a rare immune system disease is caused by a defect abnormality. in the IL2RG gene.

“It means sufferers are The children were all born with a condition born without an immune system and cannot known as Severe Combined Immunodeficiency fight infections—as a result the common cold (SCID)—commonly known as Bubble Boy can be fatal.

Disease—that makes it impossible for their “It occurs in around one in 200,000 births— bodies to make white blood cells and they were and usually affects boys.The only way of at risk of dying as infants. keeping these children safe from infection Ten of the affected children were treated with is to care for them in a bubble, a high-tech an experimental gene therapy which made sterile room. eight of them to produce vital white blood cells

They can survive if they have a bone marrow transplant, giving them a new immune system—however this can take up to two years and is not successful in all patients.

“If a transplant fails to improve a sufferer ’s immunity, their organs can become irreversibly damaged, which can be life-threatening.

Many children with the illness die in the first few years of their life.

The condition was brought into the public eye by a boy called David Vetter, who was born in Texas in 1971. David could only have been cured by a bone marrow transplant but he died shortly after having one, when he was just 12 years old.

He spent his life living in protected environments—in a large tank or with a plastic bubble on his head to keep germs out—but he died of cancer in 1984.

His lymphoma was later found to have been caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, one of the most common human viruses and one which the immune system usually controls.

After the new treatment, which is combined with chemotherapy to help the edited DNA to multiply once inside the patient’s body, most patients were able to leave the hospital within a month.

The disorder has been tried on 10 children so far in Tennessee and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco.

The results of eight patients were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and revealed they all now have working immune systems.

The therapy meant their bodies could, for the first time, create their own crucial white blood cells called T cells, B cells and natural killer cells.

It worked by scientists creating the gene required to fix sick patients’ DNA in a lab, then injecting it into their bodies inside weakened HIV viruses.

Because HIV can to hijack DNA and spread through the body, this allowed the “cured” genes to multiply and kickstart the immune system.

Once the genes had been delivered, the modified HIV viruses self-destructed inside the patient’s blood.

All but one of the patients had working immune systems within three months of their first round of gene therapy— the final patient needed a second round before it succeeded.

Researcher, Dr Mort Cowan said: “While longer follow-up is needed to assess any late effects of treatment, these results suggest most patients treated with this gene therapy will develop a complete durable immune response without side effects.”

Omarion Jordan, who turns one later this month, had the therapy in December.

His mother, Kristin Simpson, said: “For a long time we didn’t know what was wrong with him. He just kept getting these infections.” She said learning that he had SCID “ was just heartbreaking... I didn’t know what was going to happen to him.”

Thanks to the therapy, Omarion now has a normal immune system.

“He’s like a normal, healthy baby,” Ms Simpson said. ‘I think it’s amazing.”

30—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20 20,, 2019

Fatherhood Fraud:How long can pretence last?! bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

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ny time Gbenga thinks on the past, his memories of Laanu, his son are as painful as they once were precious. There was the magical day in May of 1992, that Laanu was born and placed in his arms. “I looked at the wonder I’d helped created and I felt really proud,” Gbenga said. “In my mind’s eye,I could see him as a toddler, taking his first steps. I remember buying him toys, especially the nitendo he was always glued to. But overriding all of these happy memories is the terrible day, two years ago, when Laanu’s doctor told me gently there was no way I could be his dad!

“That devastating moment marked the beginning of two hellish years for me, during which I struggled to understand why I was so terribly deceived by Antoinette,Laanu’s mother. Forced to continue being financially and emotionally responsible for him, even after we got divorced ten years later. And I’d had this suspicion that Antoinette had suspected for years that Laanu was not really my son.

“The nightmare began when Laanu, at the university in the UK got ill and needed blood transfusion. I’d gone to visit him at his insistence and readily agreed to donate blood as his blood group was rare. When a doctor told me kindly I couldn’t possibly be the father as our blood didn’t match, I felt as if someone had viciously kicked me in the groin. Sadly, Laanu had to be told and he was so embarrassed he couldn’t look me in the eye. Poor thing at 22, to learn the man you’d called ‘dad’ all your life, was no blood relation of yours. As soon as he was well enough, I let him know I still loved him and would always be his dad. He obviously couldn’t handle the trauma as he’d now completely cut me off his life after a few disastrous visits.

“I demanded answers from my ex-wife, and in a heartfelt email she sent to me, she wrote: “Remember, I was only 20, when I got pregnant and as a terrified, immatured, confused girl, whose own father turned his back on me, I tried to do what was the best at the time. You and I, were together and that’s how I wanted it to be. I’m not a bad person and wouldn’t want to hurt anyone.” Really? To add salt to my wound, she’s now in a relationship with Andy, Laanu’s biological father—her former childhood sweetheart!

“When I first met Antoinette, it was at an Easter picnic organised by friends. I was an undergraduate and she was a 20-year old receptionist at a bank. We’d both gone to the same comprehensive school, but barely remembered each other

from our school days. She approached me. She was very pretty and chatty. We started going out together and I was smitten. I was really loyal to her right from the start. Unfortunately, I wasn’t her only admirer.

Several months after we became lovers, she cheated on me with Andy, her first boy-friend and an exstudent of our former school.

At the time, I wasn’t aware of her infidelity. She later claimed, that her fling with Andy was a one-night stand.

She said that while she ‘suspected’ Andy might be the father, there was always the chance that Laanu could be mine.

“That came as a surprise to me as I always used condoms. I was so blinded by love I just assumed my contraceptive had failed and never questioned the possibility that the baby wasn’t mine. My parents were a bit disappointed but took full responsibility for mother and child until I finished at the university and we got married as soon as I got a decent job. As the years went by, people told me how much he looked like me and had my

When a doctor told me kindly I couldn’t possibly be the father as our blood didn’t match, I felt as if someone had viciously kicked me in the groin

mannerisms. There was nothing ever to make me suspicious. But I always thought it odd that my wife was seldom interested in having more children; telling me it was too soon and I should allow her to finish catering school.

“As soon as she finished, she changed. She set up a small catering outfit and she became too independent for my liking. She went out a lot under the guise of building her business. As I protested, we had really bad rows, and in the end, she just left. She said she was a child-bride and had fallen out of love with me. She took Laanu with her and through him was able to milk me for child maintenance. I paid for everything including his school fees up to the university. Looking back, it’s cruel she put me through all that knowing Laanu might not be mine. All those years of deceit are hard to forgive.

“In her e-mail she tried to explain why she kept the lie going for so long. ‘As time went on, she wrote: ‘I started to get serious feelings that we needed to find out for sure if Laanu was ours. I felt he had a right to know but there never seemed to be a right time. More than anything, I was terrified of hurting him.” The irony here is that Laanu’s biological father also admitted that it crossed his mind right from the start that he might be Laanu’s dad. He begged Antoinette for tests but she refused until that fateful day when I donated blood to save my supposed son.

“I broke down in tears and Laanu looked really embarrassed. After he left hospital, he told me it wouldn’t affect our relationship and that he still saw me as his father and that wouldn’t change. I was still in shock, but I said the same thing—that I loved him and he’d always be my son. But he withdrew from me and, after a few visits, stopped

replying to my calls and texts.

In the end, I phoned Laanu’s granddad to ask him if he was alright. He told me he was just trying to deal with it all.”

“I only have myself to blame,” said Antoinette, “and I wish at that young age, I didn’t have to deal with such a huge problem—alone. I couldn’t go to anyone; I had no support and nowhere to live. I needed my mum and dad, but they were not there for me— I had to sort things out myself. You and I were together, and that’s how I wanted it to be. At the time, I didn’t think long term and naively thought we could be one happy family.”

In the two years since he learned the truth, and estranged from Laanu, Gbenga’s hurt has turned to anger and, not surprisingly,

bitterness towards Antoinette.

“It started to eat me up,” he said. “I felt as if I couldn’t breathe at night. I couldn’t sleep. It’s a horrible night mare. I still thought of Laanu as my son and I’d still have a relationship with him if I could, but he has turned against me. And Antoinette’s relationship with his true father is a final twist of the knife. After so many years of secrets and deceit, it’s hard to see how the wounds can easily heal.”

“I am honestly, truly sorry,” wrote Antoinettee. “A decision I made at 20, has undoubtedly ruined my life. Given the time over, I would do it differently.

That’s easy to say now I’m over 40, but as a young girl, I didn’t have a clue. The main thing I would change is the hurt I have caused everyone... .”

“First impression counts” “When we meet someone for the first time, our brains pick up a range of essential visual information such as their age, what they are wearing and their expression,” says psychologist, Dr. Ann Demearais. ‘This all happens very quickly, particularly with facial expressions. We are hot-wired to pick up anything that might be a threat to us. So, we immediately, notice if someone is scowling and back off.

She says that what you do and say next is vital—it could colour someone’s impression of you permanently. Accordingly to her, “ we all like to think that we are good judges of character. If we see someone for the first time when they are upset or angry, we want their behaviours to support what we think about them. If they’re happy when we meet them the next time, we don’t pay them much attention because it doesn’t fit in with what we first thought.”

So, what are the most important things to remember when you’re walking into a party where you don’t know anyone, or stepping in front of an interview panel for that all-important job?

“Reassemble yourself before you walk into the room,” she says.

‘Take five minutes to compose yourself. If you’re stressed from a difficult journey, your face will reflect that. Take a moment to pull yourself up to your full height. Be happy in your own skin.

Raise your head. But don’t put your head up too much or people will get the impression of arrogance. Relax your facial muscles— many of us frown without realizing it. Look pleasant and put some energy into your walk and you’re halfway there.

“It’s very important to be ‘other-oriented’. This means you can make the person you’re speaking to feel better about themselves.

Make them feel fun and interesting to be with. Make them laugh a little and put them in a good mood. They’re more likely to remember that than what you’re wearing!”

The power of laughter: It not only feels great but laughter is good for your health too. A few hearty guffaws can boost your immune system and help you fight off coughs and colds.

Laughter can also help lower blood pressure. People with a good sense of humour also seem to weather life’s challenges far more robustly than those who only see the worst in things.

There are many reasons to make sure we have some laughter in our lives. One of the best is that it can help us make friends.

When we laugh with others, we share our happiness with them and an understanding that we think the same way. Search out people with a similar sense of humour to you and you can look forward to hours of fun. Even if you feel you were born without a funny bone in your body, you can develop humour. Instead of being gloomy, aim to see the funny side of things. Watch others who have a great sense of humour. What makes them so amusing?

Chances are, it’s their take on life rather than a memory full of good jokes. Try to look at life the way they do for a day. If you haven’t laughed in a while,borrow a funny video,spend more time with people who are willing to laugh;learn a few good one-liners and delight in other people’s laughter.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019—31

Twitter: @yetundearebi yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk 08054700825 Yetunde Arebi

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i, With the turn of the millennium, so many things have also taken a turn in our lives, yea society. Sex once discussed in hushed tones is now being hawked on the streets. Everywhere you turn, you see sex staring you in the face. And it is not sex as we used to know it. Or perhaps, some of us are a bit naive. The first time I saw the word ‘fisting’, my

brain failed to process it. It took my then 19 year old son to explain it to me. Now there is a name for all kinds of sex, from what they say is kinky sex all the way to the abominable, such that things once perceived as inappropriate or impossible have now almost become the norm. It has even become trendy for us to identify and associate with these acts in order to be considered cosmopolitan and enlightened. For, once upon a time, homosexuality (gay and lesbian sex) was taboo, a desecration of the land.

Sodomy, incest and bestiality were once scaled as high level dehumanisation and immorality that must be atoned for. Today, the story has changed. We are now negotiating for rights to be left in peace to openly practice these abominable acts.

Religion used to be our ‘hide all’ secret place where we raise our values to the alters, albeit behind one finger as our hypocrisy stinks to the heavens. Unfortunately, this has been desecrated too as the hot topic for discussion on the pulpit and other worship centres is now sex. How to have great sex!! Though we love to pretend as usual that these messages are reserved for the singles and married, our conscience and intelligence tells us that these messages are accessible to all, both young and old regardless of any status. Our focus has shifted from the messages of salvation and preparation of the soul for the afterlife, to mundane earthly issues, many religious institutions even crossing the line of decency. Or how would one describe that went down with Bobrisky at a coronation cum fund raising event organised by a mosque in Oyo state. In the video which went viral for a few days, the MC/Imam/Alfa at the event extolled the virtues of Bobrisky who donated a whooping N500,000 to the project, and telling us that the guy is only plying his trade. The Mosque forgot about Islamic teachings at that moment. It also forgot the impact such a comment could have on the general public and indeed our young ones.

Yes, in our hypocrisy we forget that children learn more from what they see adults do rather than what they are told by adults to do. We ask them to close their eyes or turn away from the television screen when programmes with sexual contents are aired, simply because many of us do not know how to use our TV remote controls effectively, (setting parental control) or are too lazy to be bothered switching it back and forth. So, we safely assume (for the sake of our own sanity/ hypocrisy) that the children would adhere to our instructions when we are not around and stick only to the cartoon channels. Unfortunately, many parents don’t even know that not all cartoons are suitable for children viewing unsupervised.

With our knowledge and approval, our underage kids, some as young as 10 years are on several platforms on Social Media, especially Facebook. They sign in as adults and begin to make friends with all manner of strangers, sometimes adults who their parents don’t even know about. Here they have unhindered access to information much out of their scope and can freely discuss adult issues. For many of these

Young people need help

With the manner sex is ravaging our homes, communities, breaking trusts and destroying relationships, it is high time we take another look at what we are doing as a people and as parents children, their knowledge of the world is far beyond their ages and sometimes, our own comprehension. Though as parents, we love to pretend that our children are the best behaved, innocent, pure, little saints and incapable of doing wrong, except when influenced by other people’s bad children. Pray, who are these bad children?

However, a couple was woken up from their parental slumber recently when the mother arrived home earlier than planned to find their quiet, loving 14 year old son, so engrossed in masturbation.

Recounting their astonishing experience in a message posted on WhatsApp, the mother said she almost killed herself on discovering her son’s new past time game.

According to her, “he was moaning and licking his fingers and the wall. He would rub his penis on the wall. I also noticed he had beside him a bottle of coconut oil I

had been looking for. He kept putting the oil on his penis”.

This lady described herself and her husband as godly parents who had brought up their children very well and wondered where they had gone wrong in their parenting. On questioning, the young lad had this to say according to the mother.

“After praying with him, we asked him how he knew about masturbation. He said he watched pornographic movies on our phones. We were shocked. Hubby flew into a rage, but I calmed him.

I told my son how, since we didn’t have pornographic movies on our phones. But my son said he watched it online through the browser on our phones. He said he usually went into his bathroom to watch it to avoid us and his little brothers and he had been doing it for three years. I was surprised.

No wonder, he disappeared all the time. I remember certain times we would be looking for our phones. So it was all our fault that we didn’t buy him a phone, yet we gave him unlimited access to our phones”.

Fortunately for the family, the father is a medical doctor.

So he immediately sprung to action, examining his son.

“Hubby came to our room later and told me he examined (he is a doctor) our son’s penis and he noticed the veins are already weak due to constant mishandling and that our son confessed that he was already addicted to masturbation. We decided to take him through counselling and prayers to help him stop”. I hope this young man would be healed

of his addiction without too much damage. The truth is that we cannot stop talking about all these issues with our children. Their sources for information on almost any subject are so wide unlike in our days. And above all, we must say it to them as truthfully as possible.

If the above family was lucky to walk away from their experience without much scars, the family in the next story were not. I stumbled on them at the hospital a few weeks ago. It was impossible to pretend not to hear the discussion and the issue of dispute. The woman, obviously the mother of the little girl aged six that had been brought in for examination, was wailing and accusing her husband of ruining her life and that of her daughter. Initially, I thought the man, whom I later discovered is the husband of the wailing lady and father of the little girl, had sexually abused her. But I soon got the gist. The young boy sitting beside the man, coincidentally also aged 14, was the culprit. He’d confessed on interrogation and based on the statement of the little girl, that he had been having sex with her for several months. The little girl had also revealed that she was not the only one as the other girls were active participants. The little girl revealed that he told her he was teaching her what she would be doing with her future husband. The sad part of the story was that all four kids involved are siblings. The first three children were from the man’s estranged wife while the little girl is the child of the current woman of the house. As expected, she refused to be pacified, declaring that the boy could no longer live under the same roof with her and her child.

It was not my call as I had gone to the hospital with my own problems. But I could not help but think over the unfortunate situation. The dilemma of a father faced with the decision that may have adverse effect on the family over what could have been avoided. Justified as the new wife might be, for she has a responsibility towards her little daughter, she might not be able to carry out her threat for some reasons. Besides, were the boy to be her biological child, would she disown him for his actions? The boy might not know any better since he’d been sexually active with his two younger sisters prior to introducing his half sister to the game. I think more than anything else, the boy needs counselling. He needs prayers and he needs to be educated about sex, responsibilities and societal expectations. He needs love and genuine parental bonding to help him through the change period. The good thing being that they are all minors, else he could be accused of rape.

With the manner sex is ravaging our homes, communities, breaking trusts and destroying relationships, it is high time we take another look at what we are doing as a people and as parents. The need to know cannot be over emphasised, just as there must be targeted counselling on the implications of sexual activities. Children already have too much information at their disposal. You will be surprised what a typical three year old knows about sex already. What she does not know is how to harness all the information, interpret and use it to protect herself. We cannot afford to put parenting on autopilot any more. Young people are now endangered species, all thanks to us.

There is almost no safe haven anywhere. At the schools, they are prone to abuse from teachers and care givers. At the places of worship, pastors, alfas and imams prey on their faith to molest them. The home is sometimes not better as some parents have fallen from the place of grace that God placed them. And out there is a society ready to devour.

Nevertheless, the ball still rolls back to the feet of parents and guardians.

We must help these young people.

Do have a wonderful weekend!!

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Guinness and its new premium Golden Lager Beer F

Real estat e co es estate coyy initiat initiates af heme afffordable housing sc scheme for Nigerians in diaspora Stories by Moses Nosike

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nderstanding the role of shelter in human race and to encourage Nigerians in diaspora to invest at home, a 360o Real Estate solution company , Shadop International Properties Limited, a subsidiary of Eliel Group of Companies, has commenced building dream homes for Nigerians in diaspora, after many of them were defrauded by friends and relatives in the course of trying to build houses on their behalf.

Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Eliel Group of Companies, Mrs. Damilola Adefemi, who disclosed this recently, said that there is need for Nigerians overseas to invest at home by acquiring and developing landed properties, even as she advised the Federal Government to initiate schemes that would provide shelter for the citizens considering the country’s growing population.

According to her, “Since we realised the importance of investing at home from any part of the world, especially acquisition of lands ,facilitation of permits and documentation, property development design interior designs the company has helped many Nigerians residing abroad to think home and the proper,with Nigeria benefiting from such investment. We also help clients determine fair values for property to be sold or purchased to ensure proper values for money spent. This we have done through several seminars and conference held in abroad for Nigerians to understand what we are talking about.

Firm reveals role of research in launc hing TTerra erra Seasoning Cubes launching

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L-R Mr. Sunil Sawhney, Managing Director, TGI Distri Limited, Oba Akiolu, Dr, Onyekachi Onubogu, Executive Director-Commercial, TGI Distri Limited and Mr Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director, TGI Group during the visit. to Oba of Lagos as part of the launch of its Terra Seasoning Cube.

Speaking on the economic benefits of the company’s service to Nigeria ’ which is not only for the Nigerian in diaspora but has extended to cooperate organizations and individuals.

Continuing, she said that the company is adding substantial economic value to Nigeria in terms of shelter by successfully building houses in various parts of the country for interested Nigerians seeking greener pasture abroad, who at one point or the other were frustrated and defrauded by friends and relatives in the course of trying to

build houses on their behalf.

Damilola Adefemi said further that our company, which operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Dubai and US provides services and consultation ranging from planning, design, approvals, construction, renovation, sales, letting and property facility management. “Its years of integrity and trust in providing building services has attracted Nigerians living abroad to invest in the country and many Nigerians living offshore are now owning properties at home while in the US, Canada, France, UK, via Shadop International Properties Limited.

NBM empo wer o strengthening empow erss IDP IDP,, seeks path tto Nigeria’s system

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s part of its convention activities, the leadership and members of the NBM medical team visited the Internally Displaced Camp (IDP) in Durumi, Abuja where they provided food items, clothing, cash donations, medical amenities and other relief materials to residents.

The team also gave medical advice to the residents while charging the proprietors and government agencies to be more responsible for the welfare of the displaced persons particularly the children amongst them.

There was also a visitation and presentation of incubator machine, hospital beds oxygen tank and CPM machines amongst other healthcare amenities to the primary health centre in Kuchingoro Abuja and Nyanya General Hospital Abuja by the organisation.

However, the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, (NBM of Africa Worldwide) has urged Nigerians to toe the path of dialogue in strengthening democratic rule.

The disclosure was was made during the organisation’s 41st National Convention and 15th annual lecture, which was held in Abuja, by the President, Engr. Felix Kupa who said that the continent did not become democratic from day one and that it was fought for.

He noted that Nigeria was under colonial rule for a long time before it gained independence.

He commended the efforts of nationalists, such as the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Dr Nelson Mandela, and Dr Kwame

rom the stables of Guinness comes a brand new premium Golden Lager Beer, Guinness Gold which is to compete with other brands in the Nigerian beer market.

According to the management source, launching Guinness Gold in Nigeria for the first time is a refreshing lager, packed full of depth and character, making it ideal for Nigerians who are looking for more from their drinking experience.

“Guinness Gold is a characterful lager beer that will stand out from the crowd thanks to its unique combination of high-quality ingredients sourced locally and internationally. Alongside the standard malt, the addition of two speciality malts - crystal malt and amber malt - create a lager with real depth of flavour. In addition, the use of the same Guinness yeast as found in everyone’s favourite stout, Guinness FES, provides fruity flavours within the lager beer allowing drinkers to really savour the flavour.

From the first sip you can see the difference from the huge choice of other lagers in Nigeria, its rich, amber golden colour. Ideally consumed from the unique Guinness Gold Glassware, which has been specially developed to accentuate the flavours for the drinker, Guinness Gold should be served between 3 and 7°C”.

Speaking on the new product, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Marketing Manager, Uche Onwudiwe, said, “We know that consumers are looking for new drinking experiences and that is why we have developed Guinness Gold.

This new lager beer is a special launch, a collaboration between the expertise of our brewing team here in Nigeria and the team in Dublin, the birthplace of Guinness.”

In addition, Dublin-based innovation brewer, Aisling Ryan, said that the brewers at Guinness are passionate about bringing more flavour to drinkers around the world through our beers, and we’re very excited to be doing that here in Nigeria with our new lager beer, Guinness Gold. Working collaboratively with the pioneering brewing team in Nigeria, we wanted to develop a flavourful beer that people can discover and share every day.

Staying true to the ethos of the Guinness founder, Arthur Guinness, who was a man of vision, Guinness Gold a lager beer that combines craft with science to produce a premium lager beer for Nigerians to enjoy in life’s golden moments.”

Nkrumah, who among other great leaders fought for the independence of their countries. Despite this hardearned self-rule, Kupa said the continent is not there yet.

With the theme of the event, Strengthening The Voices Of Nigeria’s Democracy, Kupa reiterated that the group has zero tolerance for violence, adding that the theme in this year of general elections could not have been more apt.

During the annual lecture, in her paper presentation, titled “The Voice of Democracy Through Security – Empowering the youth to achieve enduring democracy, the keynote speaker and Assistant Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mrs. Ikponmwosa Ekanem, regretted that most youths these days had become willing tools in the hands of desperate politicians.

She recalled how security agents engaged suspected political thugs in a duel in one of the South West states in the recently concluded governorship and state house of assembly elections when the youthful hoodlums were attempting to snatch ballot boxes.

But for the timely intervention of the police and military personnel on duty, Mrs. Ekanem noted that the action would have marred the outcome of the exercise in the affected council area.

She said: “Since independence, the principal challenge that had confronted our political dispensation has been our inability to conduct credible, free and fair elections. Scholars have argued that

the only election that was adjudged credible was the June 12, 1993 polls, but unfortunately, it was aborted.”It is contended however, that for almost two decades of this promising democratic rule in Nigeria, it has remained a mirage to achieve free and fair elections.

This is merely again, the opinion of scholars and political commentators.

Democracy cannot be achieved unless there are periodic elections.

Elections, though, considered as prerequite for good governance, cannot be seen to count, unless they are credible.”In the same vein, an election cannot be judged as credible, free and fair unless the following agents of democracy – security, media, civil society organisations and the youths – perform their roles as key stakeholders.”

GI Distri Limited is expanding its range of products with the launch of Terra Seasoning Cubes into the Nigerian market. The new food seasoning brand, rolling out nationwide in 4gm cubes of two variants of Beef and Chicken is produced by West African Cubes (WACUB) Limited at its ultra-modern plant in Sagamu, Ogun State.

“We did a thorough research before launching Terra seasoning cubes into the Nigerian market”.

It has been revealed by the Group Executive Director (Foods and Dist.) and the Managing Director of TGI Distri, Mr. Sunil Sawhney that “the response from product testers and early adopters has been very encouraging and we could not be more enthusiastic about releasing this seasoning revolution to the market.”

“Terra Seasoning Cubes are a true cooking seasoning sensation allowing everybody enjoy great taste. We are now releasing two variants, Beef and Chicken, into the market and both variants come in single cubes of 4gm.

Terra Seasoning Cubes have particularly been designed to meet the palate requirements of aroma and flavour for all Nigerians. They are designed to preserve the aroma of meals during and after cooking”, he added.

Speaking at the product unveiling event, in Lagos, Executive Director Commercial of TGI Distri, Dr. Onyekachi Onubogu, said that Terra seasoning is launching two pack sizes of 50-cube and 25-cube and they come with 5 and 2 free cubes respectively.

The brand’s pay-off line “Locks the aroma in; Gets the taste out”, according to Onubogu, is because Terra Seasoning Cubes have been particularly designed to ensure aroma is preserved during and after cooking.

Responding to a questions on why he believes the new brand will be accepted by the market, Mr. Sawhney said: “We believe in studying the needs of our consumers and acquiring genuine insights into their requirements and demands. We respond to these requirements with better products and services that enhance the quality of life. We support our product offerings with strategic marketing and sales initiatives”.

According to Sawhney, “we’re excited to be launching these new variants of seasoning cube into the market and we have no doubt that in a short period of time Terra Seasoning will become the seasoning of choice for Nigerians. Terra Seasoning Cube is an outcome of painstaking research which Locks the aroma in and Gets the taste out.

Renmoney launches mobile experience centres across Lagos

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igerian fintech lending company, Renmoney has launched its mobile experience centers across Lagos. This is in line with its commitment to provide improved and more convenient lending and investment solutions for its customers.

Each experience centre is equipped to enable customers complete end-toend transactions at their convenience. The centres will move across different locations in Lagos to cater to both small business owners and salary earners who need to access credit.

Iyayi Oludapo, Renmoney’s Head of Sales describes the launch of mobile experience centres as a result of the business’ focus on improving service delivery by moving closer to the people. “These mobile centres were built to provide easier access to people who need to reach us, without them having to travel too far,” she added.

According to Renmoney’s CEO, Oluwatobi Boshoro, innovation will continue to be a priority for Renmoney. Oluwatobi affirmed: “As a business, we are continually addressing barriers to financial inclusion in Nigeria and we will continue to find innovative ways to deliver the best service to our customers.”

British Airways organises workshop for northern trade partners ritish Airways in a bid to strengthen its relationship and B further familiarize its

Northern trade partners with its service offerings, organised a two part event featuring a Workshop and Performance Recognition Awards in Abuja recently.

The workshop which featured forty-five Managing Directors and Agency Managers, was an avenue to discuss British Airways products and further familiarize travel agents with its products ranging from Groups booking process, British Airways ticketing process, Dual inventory fares (DIF), IAG sales hub

and also to thank agents who have performed very well in the Northern part of Nigeria in the year 2018.

Speaking on the workshop, the Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, Kola Olayinka said, “At British Airways, we value the relationships we have with our trade partners. This workshop gave us the opportunity to engage them one on one, giving them an in-depth look into our various products, and how they can make the best use of them.

It gave us a chance to create an avenue for constructive discussions and interactions.”

The award segment of the event had six categories recognising the best performing travel agent and Highest Selling travel agent to London 2018 which went to Jireh Travels and Tours Ltd; most professional travel agent in year 2018 which went to Topaz Travels and Tours Ltd; most improved travel agent in year 2018 which went to Splash Land Travels and Tours Ltd; highest selling travel agent to North Atlantic in year 2018 which went to Hinterland Travels and Tours Ltd and most promising agent in 2019 which went to Ibbsa travels and Tours Ltd.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—33

Easter: Air Peace deploys B777 for domestic travels Stories by Lawani Mikairu

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ir peace airline has decided to surprise the travelling public as it deployed wide-bodied Boeing 777 aircraft for domestic operations on the Port Harcourt-Abuja and Abuja-Port Harcourt routes during the Easter period.

This is a surprise development to the travelling public as Boeing 777 aircraft are used for international long- haul flights.

It will be recalled that Air Peace recently acquired four Boeing 777 aircraft for its long-haul operations to Sharjah, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai. Three of the wide-body aircraft have so far been delivered to the airline in readiness for its soon-to-start international operations.

Confirming the deployment of the aircraft, Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the airline decided to deploy its Boeing 777 aircraft at Easter to “give Nigerians and the travelling public a taste of the luxury to expect on our international routes starting soon. The deployment of our beautiful big birds, the Boeing 777 on our domestic routes this Easter begins with our Port Harcourt-Abuja and AbujaPort Harcourt services on Easter Friday and Monday.

“Although our decision to deploy our wide-body aircraft on the domestic routes has huge financial implications for us, we are pleased to honour our pledge never to spare anything in giving our esteemed customers an exceptional feel of air travel experience”.

According to him, “in the next few days, we will be announcing a firm date for the commencement of our international operations. We plan to operate long-haul flight services to Sharjah, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai. We are set and ready to give Nigerians, Africans and the flying public a reliable alternative on our chosen international routes. But we are pleased to give our loyal customers on the domestic routes a foretaste of our longhaul offering. It sure will be a memorable experience starting with our Port Harcourt-Abuja and Abuja-Port Harcourt

services on Easter Friday and Monday.”

Iwarah also revealed that the flight would depart Port Harcourt for Abuja at 10.45 a.m. and return to Port Harcourt at 12.30 p.m. on Good Friday. The Easter Monday operations, it added, would take off from Port Harcourt at 8.30 a.m., with a return flight at 10.45 a.m.

This is not the first “ surprise” the airline is pulling on aviation stakeholders and passenger in Nigeria and West Africa. Air Peace recently placed a firm order for 10

brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft. The order comprises purchase rights for a further 20 E195-E2 jets. The deal makes Air Peace the first to order the brand of jets in the whole of Africa, thereby becoming the official launch customer of the brand of aircraft in Africa.

The carrier also set a regional record in September 2018 when it ordered 10 brand new aircraft from Boeing, increasing its fleet size then to about 37 aircraft. With

NCAA laments failure of AIB to meet over air accident reports

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igeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA and Nigeria Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, quarterly meeting to review all safety recommendations and implementation status has not been held in the last two years. This was disclosed by the Director General, NCAA, Captain Usman Muktar while delivering his address on the “Implementation of Safety Recommendations and learning points – NCAA’s Perspective” at a forum organized

by AIB in Lagos.

Muktar said the quarterly meeting with the AIB was initiated in 2016 and was held with the AIB and the NCAA alternatively hosting and was very productive. “However, the meeting has not held for about two years now, though there are evidences of NCAA requesting for its recommencement” he revealed .

According to him, in the last quarter of 2014, the then Minister of Aviation set up a Ministerial Committee on Nigerian Aviation Industry Aircraft Accident Reports Status (NAIAARS) with the Terms of Reference amongst which are: “To collate all Nigerian Aviation Industry aircraft accident reports from 2000 till date and Determine the status of all reports and recommendations”.

“The NCAA was invited to the Committee, where it presented the safety actions with supporting documents and evidences of the actions it had taken to address the safety recommendations made by the Bureau. The Committee in its Final Report stated that it reviewed the status of implementation of a total of One Hundred and Fifty Eight (158) Safety

Recommendations, out of which One Hundred (100), representing 63% were fully closed, Nineteen (19), i.e. 14%, partially closed and Thirty Six (36) i.e.

(23%), open.

Amongst the Committee’s recommendations are: “All the Agencies (NCAA, NAMA, FAAN, AIB, NIMET and NCAT) should as a matter of priority and urgency, establish an open, uninterrupted top-of-the-line electronic communication network, which should include intranet with high speed internet access for voice and data that may be encrypted. The Director General of the NCAA inaugurated an Inter Agency ICT Committee that developed the basis for the implementation of this recommendation. Their report was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Aviation”.

“NCAA should meet quarterly with all relevant stakeholders to address outstanding safety recommendations.

Subsequently, NCAA should meet with the AIB quarterly to review all safety recommendations and implementation status. The meeting with the AIB was initiated in 2016 and was held with the AIB and the NCAA alternatively hosting and was very productive. However, the meeting has not held for about two years now, though there are evidences of NCAA requesting for its recommencement”.

“The NCAA wishes once more to use this forum to indicate its preparedness towards having this quarterly meeting with the Bureau to address the issues raised above”, the NCAA DG told the forum.

The AIB Regulations requires that an undertaking; for example an airline or manufacturer, or authority to whom a

Nigerians in cchar har ge of our of harge offf ice---GM, Air Namibia eneral Manager, Air Namibia, Wimpie Van Vuuren has disclosed that the G airline’s Nigeria office was being run by Nigerians as he was yet to bring workers from Namibia. Van Vuuren disclosed this during the opening of Namibia Visa Processing office in Lagos. The office located at the GHI House in Ikeja GRA, Lagos was opened to the public for submissions and pickup of Namibia visas. Travelers to Namibia were before now, going to the country’s high commission in Abuja to

the new order, Air Peace’s fleet size has increased to 67 aircraft.

Shortly before the firm order for 10 brand new aircraft from Boeing, Air Peace set a domestic record as the first Nigerian airline to acquire and register the Boeing 777 aircraft in the country. Three of the four wide-body aircraft it acquired for its long-haul operations to Dubai, Sharjah, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai have so far been delivered.

process their visas and documents.

Van Vuuren said before the airline started its operations in Nigeria when direct passenger and cargo flight services between Windhoek and Lagos was launched on the 29th June, 2018, “there were stringent requirements which the airline had to comply with before we started operations”.

He also said that with 10 aircraft operated

by Air Namibia, the country was extremely positioned to be a gateway to South Africa.

“Very soon we will increase our operations and

we will operate jointly with Lagos and Accra routes. We are now having a lot more Ghanaian travelers on board,” he said.

In his remark, Manager; Sales and Marketing of the airline, Gbenga Onitilo said Namibia was a place everybody would like to be, adding that there were already 4,000 Nigerian professionals living in Namibia.

Speaking at the event, High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Mr.

safety recommendation has been addressed shall, “ without delay take that recommendation into consideration and, where appropriate, act upon it, send to the AIB Commissioner full details of the measures, if any, it has taken or proposes to take to implement the recommendation and, in a case where it proposes to implement measures, the timetable for securing that implementation, or provide a full explanation as to why no measures will be taken to implement the recommendation”.

Speaking on the collaboration between NCAA and AIB, the DG said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, 2006 Part VIII, Section 29 (13) states that “On the basis of the findings of an accident investigation, the Authority shall be informed and the Director General shall take corrective actions that, in the judgment of the Authority, will prevent similar accidents in the future”.

He also said to enable the NCAA comply with the requirements of the Act and the AIB Regulations, “the Authority has constituted a team of inspectors from the different technical areas and specialties of Airworthiness, Flight Operations, Air Navigation Services, Personnel Licensing and Aerodrome Operations. On receipt of the draft reports on serious incidents and accidents from the Bureau, the team reviews the report in order to enhance its value, determine the necessity (whether to or not) to implement the safety recommendation and where required, develop safety actions to appropriately address the safety recommendations”.

“The NCAA’s response is forwarded to the Director General for amendments and acceptability and thereafter to the Bureau (AIB). Several Final Reports issued by the AIB contain these safety actions by the NCAA, ”Muktar added.

Humphrey Desmond Geiseb said with over 60 per cent of travelers to Namibia residing in Lagos and surrounding states, there was urgent need to open an office in Lagos to save those intending travelers to Namibia the stress of going to Abuja to get their visas.

The Commissioner who confirmed that 700 visas were issued in 2018, advised discerning Nigerians who love to relax and those willing to invest to take advantage of the many tourist attractions and investment opportunities that abound across the country.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

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BRA-VO A

MUM-OF-FOUR was asked not to breastfeed her twins in the public space at their own nursery because it was deemed inappropriate and could be offensive.

Jennifer Mancuso, 38, from Ohio, faced criticism for the natural act, but hopes that by standing up for her rights she will help other mothers.

The photographer revealed she was tandem breastfeeding her twins

Aria and Asher, 18 months, last summer when an employee asked her to relocate to the small, boxy staff room.

Jennifer was shocked at the request and said the staff room was no bigger than “wardrobe”.

The director informed her she had to nurse her daughters in a private space because some of the children were “school-aged” and it could be inappropriate for them to see.

The director also felt that it was best for Jennifer not to nurse in a public spot in case she offended any religious beliefs of other parents.

Jennifer, who has two other

daughters - Parker, four and Piper, three - as well as three stepchildren, continued: “We went back and forth several times, but no one was backing down.

“I couldn’t immediately withdraw them and seek new childcare, but they needed nursing. So I conceded and went to the break room.

“I literally scoffed out loud at her and shared it on my Instagram in disbelief.”

Jennifer was close to removing her daughters from the centre, until after three weeks of dispute she finally received an apology from the director.

Staff at the nursery reviewed their policies to make sure the same situ-

Construction worker, 21, miraculously survived an iron rod piercing through his entire head after he fell down a well while carrying out repair work in India

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hese gruesome pictures show a man who miracu lously survived after a long iron road speared through his entire head.

Construction worker Sanjay Bahe, 21, was doing some repair work at a construction site when he fell down a well and the rod pierced straight through his head.

The young man, from Balaghat in central India, was rushed to B.J. Hospital in nearby Gondia,

after the iron rod pierced from the right temporal region of his brain to the left frontal region.

A team of neurosurgeons, lead

by Dr Pramod Giri, rushed to perform a gruelling 90-minute surgery to remove the rod, as Sanjay went into a crucial state of hypotension, or low blood pressure.

Mr Bahe was resuscitated with blood and blood products and was taken for surgery at the Neuron Hospital.

And, miraculously, after an hour and a half of surgery, the rod was removed safely with hardly any bleeding or injury to the surrounding area.

Mr Bahe's main blood channels to the brain was preserved by just millimetres, said Dr Giri.

He said: 'Giving anaesthesia to the patient in such cases is difficult.

We did right by positioning the intubation to maintain vital channels in the brain during the operation.'

'I performed the surgery with all caution so that damage to the surrounding structures shouldn't happen.'

The doctor added: 'One complication that can take place in such cases is causing meningitis to the patient.

'Fortunately, he is doing fine after the surgery, and we are also taking care to prevent meningitis.'

ation never occurs again, and Jennifer has shared her experience to normalise breastfeeding so other mothers aren’t afraid of it.

She breastfed her two older girls until they weaned off, and is still nursing the twins.

She said: “It’s natural and frankly I don’t care if someone sees my breast, or a glimpse of my nipple doing what nature created it to do.

“Because of my schedule with the older two, it works best for me to breastfeed the twins at drop-off and pick-up.

“I am majorly pro-breastfeeding in public because that’s the only

way it will ever become normalised.

“Breastfeeding is important on so many different levels for me. There are benefits that my babies receive from my breastmilk and there are so many health benefits that I also receive from breastfeeding, including reduced rates of multiple different types of cancer.

“I'm also very passionate about normalising it because I want to help other mums have the strength to see it through and not be afraid to breastfeed in public.”

Man arrested after border police 'catch him having sex with a cow'

man has been charged with bestiality after he was caught having sex with a cow, according to reports.

A Jose Nino, 29, a Mexican national, was arrested near the Hidalgo and

Starr county line on Friday, March 15.

According to police, a few US Border Patrol agents witnessed a man "having sex with a cow".

Officers from the Starr County Sheriff's Office responded to a call from the agents and launched an investigation, which later identified Nino as the suspect, reported Valley Central.

Judge JP Guillen has set a $1,500 (£1,136) bond and Nino was released to the custody of US Border Patrol.

The charge is considered a state felony.

Web users commented on Facebook under a post from CBS4 news as they expressed concerns for the livestocks in the US. Lisa Johnson Caples wrote: "Not even our livestocks is safe..."

One user posted with a meme of Donald Trump saying "We need to build a wall".

Rene Guerra said: "Oh my god what is this world becoming to."

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—35

Warri women write Buhari, Osinbajo over $6m, N1b Ugborodo fund •Sagay, Lori-Ogbebor, Itsekiri leaders ask for probe •Presidential C’tte on anti-graft pledges action were made the chairman of the anticorruption committee, whose responsibilities you are carrying out diligently.

“Sir, you may be aware of all the controversies going on in Ugborodo.

Today, Ugborodo has been taken over by the sea. All efforts to save Ugborodo from being washed away are being thwarted by our own people, who have been entrusted at different times with money for the development of the area.

For an example, the issue for which we have come to you today is the construction of Ugborodo New Town.

“Sir, sometime in 1999, funds were earmarked and disbursed for the Ugborodo New Town and the project was envisaged to provide a modern township for Ugborodo, an oil and gas rich community in Delta State, host to Chevron Nigeria Limited tank farm, Escravos Gas to Liquid plant and many oil installations owned by several multinational companies including Shell, Panocean, NPDC, NNPC and NGC. To bring the project to life, Chevron paid the sum of $6millioninto the itsekiri regional development council ,IRDC, account in former Oceanic Bank now Ecobank in 1999 with account no.

0033056452.

By Charles Kumolu,

Deputy Features Editor

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he fate of $6 million and N1 billion provided for the construction of Ugborodo New Town in Warri Kingdom, Delta State, is being questioned by Itsekiri leaders.

The funds which were paid by Chevron and Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, into the account of Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC, at different times are feared missing.

As a result of the situation, Ugborodo community, Saturday Vanguard gathered, is on the verge of being washed away by the sea, while there is nothing on the ground to suggest that a new town has been constructed for the oil-rich community.

Worried about the issue, Warri Women Consultative Assembly, Itsekiri youths and elders took the matter to the Chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee on AntiCorruption, Prof Itse Sagay, urging him to look into the issue in his capacity as head of the anti-graft committee.

A petition detailing the history of the funds from the donation of $6 million by Chevron to the provision of N1 billion by DESOPADEC, was handed over to him.

A few people just collect the community development money and that is the end of the story. Other ethnic groups would not tolerate it but the Itsekiri are Verification Committee tolerating it. “Whenever some Itsekiri Attached to the protest letter signed groups like student groups come to me

by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor and Sir A.S for financial assistance, I often ask why Mene, was a document authored by they come to me when we are one of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILOT, richest ethnic groups with funds being Verification Committee on donated by DESOPADEC, which DESOPADEC and oil revealed that only 15 companies. I usually units of bungalows at ask why they often foundation level were come to a modest the structures at the earning person like site of the proposed new me. Does it mean that town. there is no provision At the forum in Lagos, for youths? In a way, Sagay, who is also of the our young ones are Itsekiri ethnic extraction, also responsible for As a result of the did not only condemn this problem. In other situation, Ugborodo the mismanagement of places young people community development demonstrate and community, Saturday funds but promised to can ignore take appropriate action.

Vanguard gathered, is nobody them but everybody is Sagay, a chief of the on the verge of being keeping quiet.

Warri kingdom, lamented that the washed away by the N40 billion in their misappropriation of such accounts. sea, while there is funds was common in “They know those Itsekiri nation unlike in nothing on the who are looting and Urhobo, Ijaw and other nobody is saying ground to suggest oil producing ethnic anything. I offer groups. assistance to them but that a new town has To this end, he urged unhappily because I been constructed for the youths and women of felt they have not Itsekiri land to rise displayed vigour and the oil-rich against such practices, to challenge the adding that they looters. I am definitely possessed the right to do going to take this matter up but we so. need to have a structure that would properly handle and monitor the use of I’ve been trying to take action—Sagay funds for what they are meant for. If the His words: “I have been trying to take funds are mismanaged it would be action on this issue in the last two possible to identify whoever is years. I think Warri has a structural responsible and prosecute the person. problem. I mean that there is no It is very sad that this is happening in defined transparent authority to be Itsekiri land. The Ijaw will not accept it given dues. There is no authority that and the Urhobo will not accept it. I can be monitored to ensure that money don’t know why we are accepting it. I is actually used for what it is meant for. hear of 12 disciples who are collecting

money and they are not doing anything.

Some of them have about N40 billion in their accounts. Yet, Itsekiri nation is poor, wretched and deteriorating and nobody is doing anything about it.

Writing letters to EFCC “Apart from me taking this action, I think there is a need for the youths to get together and issue a strong statement that they would no longer tolerate the looting. Prevention is better than cure. What we are trying to do is to find a cure but it could have been prevented. The youths should confront this problem frontally. No Igbo person or Hausa person can do that to his people, it is only the Itsekiri that can do it. This is something that is relatively new in Itsekiri land because in 1979 during the Shagari era, there were some structures and things were being done in an organised fashion because men of integrity were in charge. I will take up this issue but I am appealing that the youths should be organised since the women are already organised. When women and youths work together, the people doing so would be exposed and prosecuted. They have even called me severally to say that I am the one writing letters to EFCC and I asked them if writing letters was an offence. The grassroots should rise up in rebellion against these people.”

Being washed away However, the petition presented to Sagay entitled: Construction and Development of Ugborodo New Town, reads: “We are itsekiri mothers from the Warri kingdom in Delta State. We have come to you as our illustrious son, who has been very vocal on all matters in this country where illegality, evil, marginalization and above all corruption are practiced.

“You have spoken without fear. It is for this reason that we are sure you

DESOPADEC “The Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission ,DESOPADEC, paid the sum of N1 billion in 2011 to the office of the honourable chairman for the development of the Ugborodo New Town. This project has been described in DESOPADEC official contract document as completed and 100 percent paid. But apart from 15 units of bungalows at foundation level in the community there is nothing on ground to show for this humongous amount earmarked and disbursed for the building of Ugborodo New Town. “ Since then, all that the Ugborodo Community in particular and the Itsekiri ethnic nationality in general have heard, is a rather deafening silence from all the parties like IRDC and Chevron who are all signatories to the account. The rumour making round in the Itsekiri nation is that persons alleged to have misappropriated the funds are boasting that they have “closed the case.’

Our prayers “May we use this petition to humbly request that you use your good office to investigate and bring perpetrators of this crime to justice, while the people of Ugborodo Community and the Itsekiri ethnic nationality look forward to the construction and development of Ugborodo New Town. For the sake of the continuous existence of Ugborodo and indeed the whole of Itsekiri nation, we request that the federal government who will suffer for the breakdown of law and order in Ugborodo land, takes over the investigation of the money and development of Ugborodo New Town.

If this is not handled properly, it could bring chaos, murder, kidnap and destabilization of the activities of the oil companies.”

36—SATURDAY Vanguard ,APRIL 20, 2019 Vanguard,APRIL et’s start with the literal. Tomor row is Easter, the day Christians L mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Yesterday was Good Friday, the day He was crucified. The preceding Thursday called the Holy Thursday, was the day of the Passover which all Jews were obliged to celebrate.

Jesus celebrated it with His disciples in the Upper Room in Jerusalem—I have been there before and wondered how that small place was able to accommodate a banquet table with at least 12 disciples. But that’s a story for another time. This was where He symbolically offered His body and blood for the salvation of mankind with that famous declaration of: ‘This is my body...’ which has since formed the kernel of: ‘The Holy Communion’ in all Christian churches irrespective of denomination. This was also where a bosom friend, a confidant, a companion, a disciple, one who dipped his bread in the same soup bowl, finally showed his hands.

That Holy Thursday was anything but holy. It was a day of serial betrayal. Judas, first betrayed his friend and master with a kiss. Peter, the man around whom Christianity was later built, then betrayed Him with denial, once, twice, three times. The other disciples, including the two who wanted to be with Jesus permanently in His Kingdom, betrayed by running away. The silent supporters of Jesus within the Sanhedrin, betrayed with acquiescence or silence.

The crowd which just a few days earlier, had shouted, ‘Hosanna to the King’ now shouted ‘Crucify Him’ almost with the same passion. Some of them might have been people who witnessed the miracles of Jesus. Or might even have been beneficiaries.

Yet, they betrayed Him when they turned their backs. Pilate, who had the authority to set Him free betrayed Jesus by handing Him over to his accusers. It was the season Jesus was stripped naked physically and spiritually. It was the season of betrayal.

Now to the moment. The situation in the North worries me. Law and order is breaking down in inches

Be tr or th in this season Betr traayer erss of the N Nor orth of betrayals and meters, spreading across the entire region like cancer. Nigeria has been serially betrayed by its leaders; people who are supposed to clothe her have stripped her naked. These nakedness and deprivation have manifested in various forms across the land. In joblessness; lawlessness; vicious crimes; emigration and acts of bestiality, like rapes and incest. But the North has fared worse. Many Northern states are showing signs of losing control; of gradually becoming failed states. The lawlessness started slowly in the North-East like all serious fires do. It started from Bornu and it is inching downwards. The Plateau basin has had its share. Kaduna, the political capital of the North and erstwhile home of the Northern elite, has always smouldered. Now the smouldering fire is being fuelled and flared by the actions of an arrogant and insensitive governor. The end is not in sight. Zamfara, the home of the Minister of Defence, is the latest state to catch fire. Now there are allegations of emirs acting as informants there.

There are allegations of politicians using the murderers to settle scores.

There are allegations of businessmen using them as guards in their illegal mining activities. Although these are unbecoming acts of betrayal from leaders who are engineering chaos and exploiting disorderliness to further selfish objectives, they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of the deep underlining problem of the region.

Different culprits have also been named for the collapse of security. We

started with Boko Haram which based its insurgency on religion and education. We then fingered Fulani herdsmen, who accentuated their perennial battles with farmers and move I must remind us, have always been there, but who seem now to make the place ungovernable and unliveable.

Nigeria has been serially betrayed by its leaders; people who are supposed to clothe her have stripped her naked These culprits are mere symptoms or manifestations of years of injustice and betrayal.d into burning, looting, kidnapping and raping. The latest culprits are the illegal miners who, it would be uncharitable to blame Buhari alone for the security collapse in the country especially in the North.

But he has his own share of the blame.

More because he is a Northern elite.

He has once ruled the country and he is currently ruling. Yet, he has done little to address the real problems of the North. It is not as though the problems are difficult to see. They stare us in the face in every negative statistics on Nigeria—extreme poverty, unemployment, out of school children, access to education, access to medical

facilities and population growth. The same statistics that the northern leaders have used over the years to get more for their selfish purposes. But Judas that they are, they would rather exploit the situation than address them. They should know what to expect for example, when a peasant farmer marries three wives and has 24 children. They know he is simply deepening the poverty in his community. He abdicates responsibility by sending the male children out to fend for themselves under the guise of almajiri education while marrying the female children out for a few heads of cattle to become teenage mothers. The guess as to what happens to these male children who have no parental guide or aspiration, is as good as mine. Suffice to say that they are likely candidates for indoctrination, brain washing and violent crimes. These Judas of leaders should know what to expect when they encourage almajiri education under the guise of religion and nomadic cattle rearing under the guise of tradition. Why are their own children not products of almaJiri education or nomadic cattle rearing if they are such faithful proponents of religion and tradition? But they know better. Their children are in the cities or Europe getting good education.

The problem in the North is man inflicted. The deepest cuts have been inflicted by their leaders who have betrayed them almost at every turn. It is the problem of poverty borne from years of neglect, deceit and exploitation. It can be ameliorated if all Northern leaders, not just the ones in government, atone for their ‘sins’ by diverting their considerable resources—after all they caused the problem in the first instance—to massive education and acquisition of basic skills for the northern youths. The parents should also be told to stop breeding like rabbits. It is irresponsible and unsustainable. The North has to be modernised and taught to be productive. It can’t be productive without education, acquisition of skills and a different mind-set.

As for the Northern Elders, they should be embarrassed that their region has about 55% of the country’s population, 70% of its land mass but contributes less than a quarter of its IGR. They should be concerned that it is mostly down to them.

omrade Adams Oshiomhole’s C success as one of Nigeria’s most successful labour leaders is a

fact that would remain etched in the annals of the country ’s labour movement.

His success as governor of Edo State against the benchmark set by the eight-year administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion is underlined by among others, the remodeling of sections of the state capital which had laid fallow for years before his emergence.

Well, that is never minding the predictions of the coming brouhaha between him and his hand-chosen successor, Godwin Obaseki over unsettled debts, unfinished projects such as the Specialist Hospital among other contending issues.

As he finished his tour of duty in Edo State, President Muhammadu Buhari publicly disclosed that he had work for him in Abuja. It turned out to be chairman of the ruling party.

Once he came in, the former governor took to his job with much aplomb. His stance on internal party democracy using direct primaries for the selection of party candidates was one of the most positive innovations to touch the political party process since 1999.

The proposal kindled crisis here and there leaving major dents in Imo, Rivers, Zamfara among other states. Now, it appears that the eager partisanship of the national chairman may take the party to another prolonged crisis.

First, was the decision to microzone the office of presiding officers of the two chambers to two individuals.

Now, in a way that no previous chairman of a ruling party has ever done, Oshiomhole has vowed to change the configuration of the National Assembly by stamping the C M Y K

Is Oshiomhole counting his chickens before hatching imprints of his party on the legislature.

In that direction, he said the party would not allow opposition lawmakers to hold chairmanship positions in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

His stance is supported by the practice in the United States Congress where the ruling party takes control of all 16 standing committees of the Senate and all 20 committees of the House of Representatives.

Whereas Nigeria copied parts of the presidential form of democracy from the United States, the Nigerian actors moderated its practice in the legislature. For example, the idea of the vice-president sitting as president of the Senate was not copied.

Similarly, the US tradition of one party taking hold of all committee positions was jettisoned in Nigeria in 1999, by circumstances and other factors that brought the party in the minority into reckoning.

One particular circumstance that made minority party members get juicy committee positions in the legislature in 1999, was the poor persuasive skills of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which was the ruling party at that

There have been cases of minority party members taking central positions in the kitchen cabinet of a presiding officer. The late Senator Mamman Ali was one in the Anyim Pius Anyim Senate until they fell out

time.

The party foisted the pair of Senator Evan Enwerem and the youthful Salisu Buhari as Senate President and Speaker of the House. None of them lasted six months in office.

After that, out of the six persons that subsequently emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the party only had its way in imposing one person, and that was Patricia Etteh.

Ms. Etteh for no fault of her own, but because of the circumstances of her emergence did not last five months.

The others, Ghali Naaba, Aminu Bello Masari, Dimeji Bankole, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Yakubu Dogara came by popular acclaim.

Whereas Masari was the choice of President Olusegun Obasanjo through the persuasion of Governor Umaru Yar ‘adua in 2003, the PDP nevertheless made a pretense of allowing competition even while it mobilized support for Masari.

Masari survived for four years because he looked beyond PDP to win friends from the opposition, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP. Remarkably, one of his henchmen, while he campaigned for the speakership, was Alhaji Ahmad Lawan, a member of the House from

Yobe State. Indeed, Lawan was a regular fixture at the Masari for Speaker Campaign headquarters at the Penil Apartments, Abuja.

So, it was no surprise that after Masari won and became speaker that Lawan, even though a member of the opposition ANPP, served at different times as chairman of the juicy committees of Agriculture and Education. He was also a member of the Masari kitchen cabinet.

There have been cases of minority party members taking central positions in the kitchen cabinet of a presiding officer. The late Senator Mamman Ali was one in the Anyim Pius Anyim Senate until they fell out.

It is remarkable that as he goes about his campaign to become Senate President that Lawan has not inclined himself to Oshiomhole’s counsel as he is said to have reached out to the PDP minority in the forthcoming Senate. With a significant number of more than 40 senators, the PDP is well positioned to play a role in the emergence of the next presiding officer.

It is apparent that the APC has not in any way learned from the foibles of the PDP. Comrade Oshiomhole’s attempt to count his chickens before hatching could ordinarily be seen as dangerous. But if given the insinuations that the new set of lawmakers are Agric Chicken programmed for feeding instructions from party headquarters our democracy may then be in serious jeopardy!

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, APRIL 20, 2019—37

esterday was Good Friday, but I will not dwell on its import Y because it will distract us from

focusing on our destination.

Tomorrow is Easter. Tomorrow, we shall commemorate the anniversary of the risen Lord. Easter means victory over death and the triumph of good over evil; it means light after darkness, calm after storm, dawn after dark, a crown of glory after a crown of thorns and reward after pain and perseverance. Nigerians have been observing Ash Wednesday (where we are reminded with ashes on our forehead that we are dust; from dust we came and to dust we shall return); and Good Friday before I was born and I am now in my 50s. Nigeria did celebrate “Easter” in the past, but it is now a distant memory. When is Nigeria going to enjoy “Easter ” again?

In the last one week, over 50 people were killed in one swoop in Zamfara, another 20 or thereabout were killed in Kaduna, the Jukuns and the Tivs are at one another’s throat in Taraba.

Reports say suspected rampaging herdsmen killed five indigenes of the university town of Abraka in Delta Central. They also struck in Ondo State and Enugu State. Like Uwheru, also in Delta Central of Delta State, armed herdsmen have become an army of occupation. Indigenes have become hostages in their ancestral homes. They pay ‘passage’ and protection fees before they venture out of town into their ancestral farmlands. Where is the protection guaranteed for Nigerian citizens in the constitution? When are these Nigerians and indeed, Nigeria going to have its Easter (victory) over this lawlessness?

In the last week and over a period of two months, some Nigerians have lost their lives via bullets from guns of uniformed men: police and customs to be very specific. Uniforms have become a symbol of oppression and illegality in Nigeria. Many Nigerians feel a sense of helplessness once they leave their homes. We are helpless against uniformed people, both armed and unarmed. Customs recently collected N25,000 from a friend of mine on

Waiting ffor or Nigeria’s Eas Eastter Sagamu-Benin road. He cleared his vehicle through Apapa Port.

Everything was official, so he paid the appropriate import duty. So what was his “crime?” “You no know the kind expensive motor when you put for road?” The customs people asked him. It is now a crime for a private sector person, who has worked very hard for his money, to drive an expensive car.

Somebody asked and I am asking: I can understand armed customs men at our international borders, but what are customs men with guns doing on inner country roads? When are we going to have our “Easter,” when we solve our problems by uprooting the tree instead of trimming the branches? When are we going to have our “Easter” when the presence of uniformed men will engender trust and peace of mind, instead of anxiety and trepidation?

In the 60s, before the military struck and unitarised Nigeria, we practiced regionalism and all the regions prospered. They controlled their resources and used them to enhance the lives of their people.

Now every state goes cap in hand to Abuja every month to collect money from the federation account to meet its needs, including the basic needs. Except Lagos, every other state is doomed without this money.

Yet Zamfara, one of the poorest and most backward states in Nigeria, sits on trillion naira worth of gold.

Instead of this natural resource to be used for the people, it has become an agent of death; a curse like oil in the Niger Delta. Without disruption

of its economic activities, Benue Sate alone can provide West Africa its need in yams, yet it struggles to pay workers’ salaries and provide basic infrastructure for its people. When are we going to devolve powers to the federating units and enjoy “Easter” again?

When will the healthy competition

Nigerians without prepaid meters currently pay outrageous electricity bills for being kept in darkness among federating units that improved the lives of the ordinary people in the 60s return?

Nigerians without prepaid meters currently pay outrageous electricity bills for being kept in darkness. When are we going to enjoy constant power supply?

When are we going to stop being billed for darkness and pay for only the power we consume? After battling for months and getting a pre-paid meter at home, my DISCO, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, has shifted

attention to my office. This month, I got a bill of N50,000. Since when did Dangote Refinery relocate their operations to my tiny office to warrant this crazy bill? Now I am going to begin another needless battle for what is taken for granted in climes where normal human beings live.

When are we going to have our “Easter” when we get our dues without going through the eye of a needle?

I was one of the lucky ones who graduated in the 80s before the great slide into ignominy of our educational standards started in the 90s. School boy errors of today’s university graduates have become routine jokes in the social media, but these are people who are supposed to take over political and economic positions at some point.

Establishing quality private schools will not solve our educational problems because the bulk of our people cannot send their children there, especially now that Nigeria is now the global poverty capital. When are we going to celebrate “Easter” in our educational sector?

Our health sector has not fared better.

When are we going to celebrate “Easter” in our health sector? The story is the same across all sectors of our national life. We face a clear and present danger. I go out every day and see the way we live our lives—in homes, offices, religious places, schools, hospitals, airports and on the road—and I know we are in big trouble.

Governments—federal, state and local government—have a major role to play, but our problems have spiraled out of control. There has been a monumental failure of leadership across board and over time, no doubt, but all hands must be on deck or we are…. At the end, there is scarcely any anus without some sh*t, so pointing of fingers at others alone is pointless; we are all partly responsible for the mess. Clean your own little corner.

The essence of man in life is to solve problems and make life easier for humanity. It is a way of life and we must all imbibe it.

Nigeria’s “Easter” is still on the way.

Yet this night, like many other Nigerians, I am going to stay awake to send family members, friends and well-wishers happy Easter messages. I might just start straightaway by wishing you a happy Easter (no need adding “in advance.” The universal Easter is here).

he Managing Director of the T International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms Christine Lagarde has come

again, and from a familiar and turfy terrain, the strictures of subsidy in Nigeria. At the IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington DC last week, Lagarde explained why the Fund is insisting on fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. In her strong opinion, the huge amount spent on subsidy would have freed resources to enable the government to spend more on infrastructure and build roads, hospitals and schools, for the people.

Her footnote for Nigeria was that with the low revenue mobilisation that exists in the country in terms of tax to GDP, Nigeria is amongst the lowest. On a global note, Lagarde looked at the numbers from 2015, and asserted that it is no less than about US$5.2 trillion that are spent on global fuel subsidies annually. Ordinarily Lagarde offered advices that could caution managers of our political economy. The public finance management of successful administrations has put us on a low pedestal that the issue of subsidies keeps reverberating. But the argument of subsidizing the rich with fleet of vehicles falls flat because progressive taxation takes care of it.

Are Largarge’s pills to be swallowed now? It was the same probable economic theorems from axioms to jettison subsidies four years ago. It was the same story that money saved from subsidy removal could be channelled into infrastructures for the good of Nigerians. They were in Nigeria then to drum into President Muhammadu Buhari who had just reincarnated politically that Nigeria was on a cliffhanger and in no time may be in an economic emergency. The experts came with diagnostics that the economy would collapse unless Nigeria took the C M Y K

Kachikwu promised to deliver on the rehabilitation of the refineries, noting that he was committed to delivering a future for oil in Nigeria

Lagarde’s subsidy principle, govt’s laggards and miscellanies full dosage of their prescriptions. How tenable the advices from these institutions are would be for Nigerians as deciders now. Call it logic; subsidy is for the good of the people of Nigeria who do not have any public good.

Subsidy is a global phenomenon with the largest economies as the biggest subsidizers. Respective global economic powers whether in the G7, G20, OECD, EU have tacitly taken to fossil fuels subsidies for their citizens even when their global appeals have been for abandonment in the name of global warming and climate change.

The more developed countries have been more inclined to production subsidies, while the less developed countries are stock with consumption subsidies. Our Bretton Woods experts would do us more well if they drum into our leaders that the greater good is to add value to crude by refining locally petroleum products we import.

That is how to tackle issues that have a high potential to boost not only revenue but also growth and inclusion.

Lagarde and her team visited President Muhammadu Buhari with what appeared like pills in January 2016. She advised Nigeria to devalue her currency, increase value added tax,

withdraw petroleum subsidy etc.

Buhari rejected Lagarde’s advice to devalue the currency and withdraw subsidy. But her team worked with the Nigerian fiscal and monetary authorities to address the economic challenges occasioned by low oil prices of the period. President Buhari’s government eventually succumbed and withdrew subsidy to fund the 2016 budget. It was bitter for Nigerians that woke up on May 11, 2016 to discover that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources who was also the Group Managing Director and Chairman of NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu had made the greatest leap in petroleum products pricing increments from N86 to N145.

Kachikwu called it price modulation and avoided using the phrase subsidy removal.

But in a modulated regime, a change in the price of crude translates to an adjustment in the pump price (up or down). In context price modulation is where prices are determined by the dictates of the market. Nigeria’s imported petroleum price modulation

introduced by Kachikwu that increased petrol was when international crude oil prices were falling with China, India, Japan and South Korea, biggest oil users as beneficiaries enjoying an overflow of oil.

It raised additional revenue for government, but the panicky policy coupled with the floated exchange rate regime that was introduced almost simultaneously created a greater socioeconomic problem of acute inflation for the people. The CBN in June 2016, devalued the currency by floating the currency with the flexible exchange rate between N300 and N350 an adjustment difference between 52.28 and 77.66 percent respectively. The subsidy withdrawal via price modulation became an oppressive burden for Nigerians because it did not follow the standard principles. This time Kachikwu is under cover that he would advise President Buhari on subsidy. He must eat the humble pie and admit failure as he now believes the reality that Nigeria has a unique situation. This was a Minister who on May 22, 2017, in a BBC World programme, HardTalk anchored by Stephen Sackur vowed to resign if Nigeria continued to import fuel by 2019. Kachikwu promised to deliver on the rehabilitation of the refineries, noting that he was committed to delivering a future for oil in Nigeria. Like President Buhari would say: Kachikwu where is the refinery?

38—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 Enough of our men, the next level should allow women to be part of the running of our country. Let me sound it clear to all, Nigeria owes so much to ladies. Nkiru Chidubem Onyejeocha, a fourth timer, should be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is time to recognize Nigerian women.

Nigeria was named by Flora Shaw.

Our first national anthem came from Lilian Jean Williams. The music was composed by Francesca Benda.

Where are our women? I want to see Ankio Briggs. I am searching for Joe Okei-Odumakin. I need to hear from Aisha Yesufu. Our dear First Lady, Aisha Buhari, is bold and has a way of speaking out.

We are walking to the National Assembly to campaign for Nkiru. All those who marched against the most innocent Patricia Olubunmi Foluke Etteh, first female speaker of the House of Representatives, in 2007, have gathered again.

The poor woman had to resign following a gang up by some of her colleagues. She was accused of awarding contract to the tune of 628 million naira for the renovation of her official quarters even when the actual sum was less than 250,000 million naira.

A probe panel headed by David Idoko, was set up. Other members were Rabe Nasiru, Yakubu Dogara, Habeeb Fasinro, Sani Minjibir, Chinedu Eluemeunor, Depo Oyedokun and Peter Umoh.

There was The Integrity Group, led

by Farouk Lawan. Prominent voices included Femi Gbajabiamila, Abike Dabiri,Mercy Almona-Isei, Samson Osagie, Obahiagbon ‘Igodomingodo’ and Salik Ahmed.

Etteh was pilloried. They said she was a hair dresser, with no qualifications.

They said President Olusegun Obasanjo was her godfather. Some reminded her that ‘ete’, is Yoruba for leprosy even if in her in her husband’s tongue it meant man.

Her supporters did all they could to defend her. Itah Enang fought a good fight. Aminu Safana died on the floor of

Some bigwigs who crossed over to the APC from PDP and enjoyed federal might were floored like babies

Women,arise for Onyejeocha! the House as he rose in defence of Madam Speaker.

Civil Society and labour, powered by ex-Nigeria Labour Congress president, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole stormed Abuja. They wore red bibs with ‘Etteh Must Go’ inscriptions.

The Oshun born woman had to resign after 146 turbulent days in office. She wept like a baby. Her deputy, Babangida Nguroje, also left. Their positions were taken by Dimeji Bankole and Usman Nafada, respectively.

And this woman was eventually cleared of the bad name they hung on her. She was shoved aside simply because she was female. Today, she is a lawyer, and is watching from a distance.

In 2011, another woman, Adeola Akande, was going to grab the position of speaker. Representing Ogbomosho North/South/ Orire Federal Constituency of Oyo State, some of her colleagues from the South-West worked against her.

Akande speaks Hausa, having been born and raised in Kaduna. She is a lawyer. Many of her male colleagues from the North and South voted for her opponent, Aminu Tambuwal.

This time, the women should not allow our men to kill their dream. The president is a man. The Vice President is male. The Chief Justice of Nigeria is a he. The next Senate president will be another man. Women should fight for a female Speaker.

Women are speakers in other climes.

In the United States, there is Nancy Pelosi who has beenth in the House since 1987. This is her 17 term. She is the first female Speaker of the US House of

Representatives having first served from 2007 to 2011.

Former president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is the country’s Speaker. In Spain, they have Ana Pastor Julian. In the Netherlands, there is Khadija Arib.

Chileans have Maya Fernandez Allende.

Speaker of the Indian Parliament is Sumitra Mahajan. In Belize, we hear of Laura Tucker Longsworth just as Bridgit Annisette-George presides in Trinidad and Tobago. Bolivians look up to Gabriela Viana.

Closer home in Africa, Baleka Mbete is the Speaker of the South African parliament. She first served from 2004 to 2008 and returned in 2014. In the same country, Irene Ginwala, was speaker for almost a decade, 1994 to 2004. They also had Gwen Mahlangu Nkabinde between 2008 and 2009.

In Rwanda, Donatille Mukabalisa, has held sway since 2013.Note that she took over from another woman, Rose Mukantabana.

The United Kingdom had a first female speaker, House of Commons in 1992. Nations like Bahrain, Pakistan, Syria, Japan, Australia, Italy, Canada, Germany and Jamaica have also presented female speakers.

Nkiru Onyejeocha is going to the House of Representatives for the fourth time. She represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State. To understand what she went through, this woman needs to be rewarded.

Pastor down with chronic

kidney disease, cries for help

•Pastor Onoja undergoing dialysis at FMC Makurdi

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

T

hree years ago, Pastor Gabriel Onoja of God’s Rock Ministry was diagnosed of diabetes and was placed on medication to manage the health challenge but as years went by, his

condition deteriorated and regrettably he came down with chronic kidney disease due to long term complication of the diabetes disease.

From that point Pastor Onoja had an option to fight for his life but regrettably from the beginning of the year he

suddenly got bedridden and his existence at the moment wholly depends on thrice weekly session of dialysis with its attendant financial implications.

This reporter ran into him in one of his dialysis sessions at the Makurdi Federal Medical Centre where he looked helpless but clinging to life, believing that he would come out of it with testimonies to tell.

He couldn’t speak as he was weak.

His younger brother Austin Onoja recounted a heartrending story of a man of God whose faith has been put to test by an overwhelming health challenge that can be surmounted with the help of good spirited individuals who could help him undergo kidney transplant to save his life and enable him go back to his vocation of wining souls for the Lord.

Austin who gave vivid account of the ordeal of his family on account of his brother ’s illness lamented that the family had sold off landed and personal property to support him and appealed to good spirited individuals and organizations to please come to “our aid and save my brother’s life. He said assistance could be extended to his sick brother through: Onoja P. Ojobo, UBA Account number 1021001531.

‘Knockout’ premiere hits hard in preparation for Easter release hilarious movie. Seriously speaking though,

By Benjamin Njoku

HE much-awaited comedy master piece by Wale Adenuga Productions, T ‘Knockout’, was premiered to thundering laughter and several standing ovations last Sunday, at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the producer, Wale Adenuga Jnr., “We’re glad everyone at the premiere had lots of fun and we apologise to those who suffered ‘Laughter Overdose’ from the

Knockout is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to bond, laugh and learn especially this Easter holiday. In addition to the multiple superstars seen in the trailer, the movie has several unexpected cameo appearances from people you can’t even imagine; so we really recommend that you and your loved ones watch Knockout as soon as it starts showing this Easter weekend so you don’t hear any spoilers from your friends or on social media.”

The glamorous event, which was serenaded by music by the Pefti Band, had in atten-

dance over 500 dashingly-dressed distinguished dignitaries including Artistes such as Sola Sobowale, Hafeez “Saka” Oyetoro, Yaw, Funky Mallam, Charles Okocha, Josh2funny, Akpan and Oduma, among others.

Abia is controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP]. Onyejeocha left the party for the All Progressives Congress[APC]. She stood her ground, battled the men and won.

Some bigwigs who crossed over to the APC from PDP and enjoyed federal might were floored like babies. Onyejeocha put up a good show and emerged from the battle field fully decorated. Her party, APC, must recognize this fact.

I want Mrs Buhari to fight. We are tired of our men. They have been so disappointing. Our girls and women are doing great all over the world. The first black Mayor in the UK, was Juliet Olufunmilayo Adegoke.

Wendy Okolo, just bagged a PhD in Aircraft Engineering. She is the first black woman to go that far. In 2018, the quartet of Jessica Osita, Adaeze Onuigbo, Promise Nnalue and Nwabuaku Ossai, students of Regina Pacies Secondary School, Onitsha won gold at the World Technovation Challenge, in the United States.

Our women must stand up now and join this battle. Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti, Janet Mokelu and Margaret Ekpo were in parliament long before many men became politicians.

As far back as 1954, Adunni Oluwole, had set up the Nigeria Commoners Liberal Party.

Mrs Beatrice Kerry was a senator when some presidents were in the college.

Our men are ‘wicked.’ The first female speaker in Nigeria, Margaret Icheen, of Benue State, 1999, was shut out.

Women, this is your chance. It is your turn.

Nkiru Onyejeocha, former Commissioner, ex-LG boss and multiple degree holder is ready to serve.

Five killed in fresh attack in Wukari

By Femi Bolaji

F

IVE persons have been reportedly killed while three others were injured in Wapan Naku, a suburb of Wukari town in Taraba state, Friday morning in a renewed hostility between the Tiv and Jukun ethnic groups.

Chairman of Wukari local government area, Daniel Adi who confirmed the casualty figure via telephone, also said some other persons were also missing.

The latest attack on Wukari is coming barely four days after Taraba and Benue state deputy governors, Traditional rulers and Youth groups of both ethnic groups at a stakeholders meeting at Federal University, Wukari sued for peace between the two warring ethnic groups.

According to Adi, “it is unfortunate that after a peace meeting between Taraba and Benue state government on Monday, we woke up to fresh attack on our people in Wapan Naku.

“Five of our men were killed while three other people were injured and about 28 houses were also burnt. Some of our people are also missing,” he said.

Contacted, spokesman of the state police command, DSP David Misal confirmed the attack and said he was waiting for details of the casualty from the DPO of Wukari.

Pa Emmanuel Audu dies at 83

T

HE death has been announced of Mr, Emmanuel Alenoghena Audu of Evbhoka Quarters of Ayogwiri, Estako East LGA, Edo State. He was 83 years old. Mr. Audu joined the saints triumphant on Palm Sun- Late Pa Audu day, April 14, and left behind his wife, Madam Elizabeth Audu, eight children, several grand-children and great grand- children to mourn him.

The late Alenoghena Audu was a seasoned teacher, administrator and community leader who left his great mark on the many children and students who he taught and mentored to greatness and success in their various careers and vocations in life.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—39

Kingsley Otuaro:

A Study in Loyalty

By Julius Oweh

T

he presidential system of government which we currently practice makes provisions for a president and vice president at the national level and at the state level for a governor and a deputy governor. The constitutional provision is so all encompassing that it is impossible for a governorship candidate to run for election without a deputy governorship candidate. But that is where the constitution stops as far as the deputy governor or the vice president is concerned. There is no specific role for the deputy governor and the functions performed by the deputy governor are at the whims and caprices of the governor. And this unfortunately has led to frosty relationships between some governors and their deputies even leading to the impeachment of the latter.

However here in Delta State, since the Okowa administration mounted the reins of power in 2015, the story has been one of amity and love between the two men – a medical doctor and a lawyer. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro have piloted the state of affairs to the envy of other governors and deputy governors. In some states where the governors are afraid to go annual leave, it is always pleasurable for Okowa to go on leave, giving the reins of powers to Otuaro as acting governor. As you read this piece, Otuaro is piloting Delta State as acting governor and the people of the state are happier for it.

In one of the letters intimating the State House of Assembly about his annual leave and intention to pass the reins of power to his deputy, the Okowa spoke of his confidence in Otuaro and his ability to take charge of state affairs in the governor‘s absence.

This is the tenor of one of such letters : ‘I send warm greetings to the Right Honourabe Speaker, and write to intimate the Honourable House, that I would be proceeding on 15 days leave which will form part

of my 2017 annual vacation from Monday, June 26 to Wednesday, July 12, 2017, while the remaining part of my annual leave will be enjoyed later in the year.

In accordance with Section 190 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, His Excellency, Bar r.

Kingsley Otuaro, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, shall perform the duties of my office as Acting Governor during the period of my absence on leave.

I will greatly appreciate if the foregoing is placed before the Honourable House for information.

Please, accept the assurances of my high regard and best wishes for you and the Honourable Members of the House.‘ And in all the occasions, the deputy governor has discharged his duties to the best of his abilities and to the admiration of all Deltans.

And on Tuesday, the deputy governor turned 51 and there were messages of goodwill and congratulations to him from all parts of the state. His principal, the state governor congratulated Otuaro on his birthday, describing him as a dependable ally. He also commended the qualities and competence of the deputy governor.

Okowa specifically mentioned the role of Otuaro as chairman of Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism in Delta state. This role , according to Okowa ensured peace in oil production in the state.

The congratulatory message which was signed by the chief press secretary to the govern o r M r.

Charles Aniagwu read thus :‘On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I wish to felicitate with my amiable deputy governor, a party stalwart and leader of inestimable value on the occasion of his 51 st birthday anniversary celebration.

You have been a worthy and dependable partner in our quest to ensure peace and security in our dear state and I must place it on

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro have piloted the state of affairs to the envy of other governors and deputy governors

•Kingsley Otuaro

record that you and your team in the Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facility Vandalism in Delta state contributed largely to the peace we enjoy today in the oil and gas industry in the state.

Your life symbolizes diligence, humility, perseverance, focus and dedicated service and this explains why your people of Warri South West local government area and Deltans overwhelmingly voted us back for a second term, to continue in our quest to build a stronger Delta of our dream.

Your Excellency, your indefatigable role as the deputy governor of our dear Delta State has contributed to the remarkable and modest achievements recorded by our administration and I thank God because, with your continued partnership and that of entire Deltans, better days are indeed here for our people. I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 51 years of a life of forthrightness, outstanding patriotism and service to humanity with which He has blessed you.

Happy birthday, my brother and friend‘.

And from the legislature arm of government, the State House of Assembly was a message of hope and felicitation with the deputy governor.

The message which was signed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori and other members praised the deputy governor for his loyalty and working in harmony with his principal for the good and development of the state . Part of the message reads :‘We wish to rejoice and felicitate with our amiable deputy governor Barrister Kingsley Otuaro.

We are proud to be

associated with you on this occasion.

You have indeed been a dependable deputy governor to our governor and your contribution to the development of our state is commendable. May God illuminate your path as you continue to contribute to the development of our people. Once again, happy birthday and congratulations.‘ Chief Favour Izoukumor, the chief scribe of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri kingdom spoke of Otuaro loyalty, a shining example to other deputy governors in the country and his passion for hard work and dedication to serve.

Izoukumor shared his sentiments on the deputy governor: ‘Your commitment to the principles of fairness, justice, equity and fair play for all has endeared you to many near and far away and endeared peace in our state. Your years in the politics have burnished your reputation as a peace maker, a disciple of Christ just as positive advocacy for peace as chairman of the Peace Advocacy Committee Against Oil Facilities Vandalism has not only brought peace but reassured foreign and local investors on this administration‘s commitment to a viable business environment. You have thus shown that the explicit confidence reposed on you by our amiable governor was not misplaced. It is truism that God rewards the diligent and faithful, as your efforts were rewarded with outstanding results from the three Warri Local government Areas and the whole of Delta South senatorial district in the last election‘.

The Delta State deputy governor is a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He also has Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ibadan. A deacon of Christ Embassy and happily married to Mrs. Ebierin Otuaro, an engineer and the union is blessed with children.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Dogo Na Hauwa: N years after the ge • THE MASS GRAVE

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

os – On March 7, 2010, residents of Dyemburuk, widely known as Dogo Na Hauwa were woken to an unpleasant experience which would alter the course of their lives forever.

Some called it genocide, others said it was revenge. Whatever it was, by the time it ended, not less than 500 people, mostly women and children were killed in the midnight attack.

Nine years down the road, the nightmare has not left as the shadow of the incident still pervades the community. Survivors are carrying on with life but in their secret moments, tears still flow. They wonder if life would have treated them differently if the incident had not happened.

Looking back at the experiences these last years, they expressed mixed feelings about them. While some believed their lives would have been better off, some saw the light at the end of the tunnel and with tears in their eyes, exclaimed, “God is still on the throne, He knows best.”

Before the incident, Dyemburuk, a sleepy farming community with rusted roofs and mostly mud houses located in Jos South local government area of Plateau State was practically unknown. One could even miss the major entrance to the village as there was neither good road network nor much to suggest a village with about 2,000 residents was few kilometres away from the neighbouring Doi community.

Basic amenities like potable water, functional healthcare and educational facilities, among others were lacking and illiteracy appeared phenomenal as the people went about their quiet lives unnoticed. The calamity which befell it jolted the community into limelight; all attention was given to it but as the frenzy subsided, the benefits that came with it also ceased. The people were left on their own.

At that time, the atmosphere in the community depicted sorrow, fear and hopelessness. Small burnt houses, caved in and twisted roofs, charred property dotted the environment; evidence of violent death was palpable as traces of blood were seen on the sandy soil and unkempt survivors sitting in groups staring forlornly into space.

However, the contrasting scene was welcoming when Saturday Vanguard visited the community on Tuesday; the tarred road from Doi, which leads straight to the market

square in Dyemburuk was having young men by the wayside seeking means of transportation to the city for what they call “daily hustle.”

The Primary and Secondary schools had received face-lift though they are on break.

Some burnt public and private property renovated and the late night rain gave the community a peaceful ambiance.

As early as 8.15a.m when this Reporter got to the village, villagers were seen going about their businesses, the tailoring shops in the market were busy with the tick-tack sounds of sewing machines. Young people were fetching water from the only functional borehole in the village, older women were displaying their wares; mostly food items and fruits while children were playing in groups, stopping intermittently to see who was passing by. Aroma of cooked meals invaded the air, the sight was indeed refreshing.

Despite the lively atmosphere, their hearts carry burdens; and as some recalled the sad

Basic amenities like potable water, functional healthcare and educational facilities, among others were lacking and illiteracy appeared phenomenal as the people went about their quiet lives unnoticed

incident, fresh tears were shed as they narrated how they have fared in the last nine years.

Those who spoke including a nonagenarian, Baba Idi Inusa, one of the only two Hausa Muslims in the entire community expressed disappointment that the many promises made to the community after the incident were not fulfilled.

Sitting in front of his single room apartment, Baba as he is called; with a strong voice, showing no sign of visible sickness; narrated his experiences from “the time of Sardauna” when he came to the village and bemoaned the evil which had changed the course of life of the community. He preached that all should embrace peace in their lives and among communities irrespective of whatever affiliations.

Equally, the septuagenarian Acting Village Head, Da Daniel Jik who said he lost 24 people including his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and other extended family members said unscrupulous people were using their misfortune to enrich themselves.

The duo and others including women, youths and other teenagers who were children at the time of the incident told their various stories, pleading for provision of things that could help their lives, resounding ones being the provision water, electricity, education and skills acquisition centres.

According to Baba Idi Inusa who spoke in Hausa; “I was an adult when I came to this village from Kazaure (in present day Jigawa State) for tin mining. I did not go to school so I don’t know the year I got here but I know it was during the time of Sardauna (Sardauna lived from 1910 to 1966, was actively in public life since 1934 and was the first Premier of Northern Nigeria in 1954).

“I lost my immediate family members, my wife and three children so I moved here in search of job in the mining fields. During the Fulani problem, I was here. At that time, my relative, Abu came from Kazaure to see me.

We were inside this room when they came, they knocked at the window, we did not make any sound, we remained indoor and after some time, they left.

“At daybreak when we came out, the people were very happy to see us that we were not killed by those people. I have been here in this village since my youth, now I am very old, the people in the village are taking very good care of me; they bring food here and ask their children to help me. They are very nice and peaceful people who did not deserve the problem that came here.

“After the incident, my family members came here to take me back to Kazaure but I said no, I won’t go with them. I can go and greet them and come back, this is my place and these are my people.

Nobody disturbs me here, I pray five times a day and I ask for peace every time.”

Baba appealed to “government and all those people that used to come here when the sad incident happened to come and establish a vocational centre here so that the youths who are not engaged in any trade or school can have something to do.”

The Acting Village Head added, “What happened to us here is sad and the exploitation is much. People are using what happened here to make money; year in year out, many will come and refresh our memories over what had passed without us seeing any tangible results.

“What is disturbing me is that people are taking this place as a business venture while we are trying to forget it but all the time, people keep reminding us of the sad incident, everybody keeps coming to ask what happened here. They will come and write what they want to write and once they leave, that is the end, you will not hear or see anything again; all the promises made to us by diverse groups are not fulfilled.

“That one is not our problem; we have lost people and property here, recently, people came and snapped lots of photographs, some would promise that they would fix the place, but nothing, the roofs here, termites have eaten the entire thing, those people did not come back again after the first visit.”

He continued, “People are using the unfortunate situation to make money and buy big cars, but we are committing everything to the hands of God. We don’t want people to keep coming to disturb us, reminding us of the past without adding any value to us.

“Recently, people came to write but we are tired of telling our stories without seeing any help. Most of them, when they leave, you don’t see them again, what is the essence of what they are writing; people should leave us, we have lost all and even if we don’t have anything, God will take care of us; God and time heal wounds.

“We have been saying and people are seeing,

SATURDAY

Nine enocide!

When I got to my parents house, we all started running seeking refuge; we saw the people coming towards us shooting, I don’t know how it happened but I escaped without them shooting me

•BABA IDI INUSA

• THE ONLY FUNCTIONAL BOREHOLE

all the neighbouring communities here have electricity except us, we need electricity, we need water. Some kids from here are in schools in PortHarcourt (Rivers State), Abeokuta (Ogun State) and elsewhere, some are left here without help, struggling to survive. Government and those NGOs should come and help out surviving youths to stand on their feet.”

To the Ward Head, Da Daniel Zang, despite the situation, “There has been development here especially in areas of education. Before in this community, it was hard to see our children educated but after the incident, our children have gone far in education, getting educated in different types of schools. That is the number one development we got in this community.

“At that time, President Goodluck Jonathan, he sent this present Senate President, Bukola Saraki to come here, the federal government came here like twice to see what happened. Again you see the road was tarred for us, it was Baba Jang (Senator Jonah Jang) that was in government then, and he really cared for us.

“The indigenes of this place that left initially due to what happened have come back. At that time, we sent our surviving women and children out of the community because we didn’t know what would happen next but they are back now because we cannot stay without our families.”

Speaking on the peaceful nature of his people, he stressed, “We have two old Hausa men who never left even with the unfortunate incident, they are still here with us, we are taking care of them and feeding them. We did not force them to change their religion of Islam and join ours as Christians because religion is not by force.

“If they wish to become Christians, it is their choice but there is nothing like fear of religion even as they are living here with us, they are practicing their religion. Even with their religion, we are

• BABA DANIEL JIK WITH SURVIVING GRANDSON, SHEDRACK taking care of them because that is what God expect from us.

“Many of us were having nightmares in this community especially the children but God is helping us, the negative effects are eroding gradually; that does not mean that we have forgetten the incident but the healing process is gradual.”

He advocated a landmark intervention from government and relevant stakeholders like a project to remember the dead saying, “Apart from the annual prayers we have been having from different denominations in memory of the incident and the loss of our loved ones, we are yet to have a landmark event to mark the day.

“We know that one day, we will have something because what happened here should not be swept under the carpet, it must be talked about not to bring grief but let humanity know that such travesty should not occur again, not only in our community but anywhere.”

A youth, Shedrack Gyang, stated, “When the incident happened, I was 12 years old; I didn’t know much but as a youth now, I think about it sometimes. What I want to say is, when youths are growing without jobs, they involve themselves in different kinds of crimes like stealing, kidnapping and different kinds of things.

“When that thing happened, I am sure those youths they hired had no jobs and they were given money to come and kill people without mercy. I want to advise that if you don’t have a job, have patience, believe in God and keep trying and believe in yourself and one day, you will get a job.

“I don’t have nightmares again like before, but sometimes, I think about

Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019—41 the whole thing. I can still remember some of the things that happened, we were having our apartment separate from our grandparents, we were sleeping in our apartment and my grandmother came at about 3am and knocked that we should run out that Fulani people have entered our village, I was surprised because that was the first time I could remember that I heard gunshots in that magnitude.

“I was thinking it was vigilante but the sounds were confusing; my two brothers, (one my senior the other my junior) were still in the room but I started running alone and my junior followed. We were running to my parents’ house because we were not staying with them, we were staying with our grandparents.

“When I got to my parents house, we all started running seeking refuge; we saw the people coming towards us shooting, I don’t know how it happened but I escaped without them shooting me. As I was still running I met some other people and we moved together, as we were about taking a corner, one man brought out a long knife to cut me but I dodged; the knife met the girl who was behind me, she was cut with the long knife and she fell.”

Speaking on his escape he added, “I ran into one pit to hide there with some other people but my mind was telling me to leave the pit so I left the others in that pit and went to another place and hid under the heap of grass, I was there alone. In the morning when the whole thing stopped and I came out, I saw that the people that I left in that first pit were killed; the two males there, one man and his son; their hands were cut and left in their pockets.”

Faith Gwom, who was 10 years old at the time of the incident, is now in SS1 in a school at Akwanga in Nasarawa State. He noted, “The incident was a setback for us. I can’t remember most of the things because it was in the night. We were sleeping, at about 3am when we were woken from sleep by gunshot sounds; at that time, I thought sand was pouring on our roof but those were actually gunshots.

“When I woke up, I saw our neighbour’s house on fire, burning so I called my younger brother to come let us go and meet our parents in their room but when we left our room, we met our parents in the sitting room with a girl who was injured and bleeding.

The girl was just shouting for water. The girl did not make it; people were just running everywhere but our parents hid us in the corner and left all doors open.

“I believe when the people came and saw all our doors open, they thought we had run out, that was how we survived right inside the house until the whole thing stopped. I can’t remember their names now but some of the kids we used to play together were killed in that incident.

“Although many of us are moving forward but some of my age mates are still carrying the burden, some of my age grades here are not in school, they are hustling to survive but I want to encourage them that even with the hustling, they should put themselves together and stop losing their energy in backbreaking jobs but go to school as I have done because by the time they will grow old, they would have already lost their energy in the menial jobs they are doing. At this age, I am old for SS1 but I have decided that I want to be in school and I am here.

An aged woman who also lost loved ones, Kumbo Chok said “We have been left on our own since the year of that incident. All the promises of rebuilding our houses and empowering us have not been met. Though some children are in school we are really in need of water and electricity. If we have these, the quality of our lives will improve.”

Although Governor Simon Lalong in his first year in office had visited the village to console the people and celebrate Christmas with them; it was not clear what his government planned for them.

Reacting to the seeming abandonment of the community, the Director of Administration of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Roseline Kefas who said she has spent about three years in the Agency with many inherited cases noted, “It is not only Dogo Na Hauwa that is in need of help, there are other communities and even flood disaster victims that Government could not reach out.

“If you follow the trend you will remember that even at Maza, it happened there too about that time and Dogo Na Hauwa cannot be singled out because there are other pending matters of that nature as well. Yelwa in Shendam also got an issue about that time.

“We have some allocation in the budget for such cases but it depends on the release of funds from what government receives as statutory allocation. All the needs from Ministries, Departments and Parastatals depend on that; if we write memo for their needs and money is released to us, we will definitely reach out to them.

“We cannot do without releases, the law establishing SEMA is the same with that of NEMA. Ideally, we are supposed to be given 2% statutory allocation for the Agency to meet the needs but because this thing is not adhered to, we are subjected to budget and writing of memos. If the memo is approved and backed up by releases, definitely we will carry out our responsibilities. Right now we are handicapped.”

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 — 43

By Abdulmumin Murtala, Kano

769 Osun workers caught in certificate A forgery

By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

A

consultancy firm, The Captain Consultants, engaged five years ago by the Osun state Government to verify the results and other necessary documents of the workersA in the state have completed its assignment and submitted its report.

According to a statement by the supervisor?, ministry of information Lani Baderinwa, the screening of the workers credentials came on the heel of controversies and reported forgery of results with which some of the workers allegedly secured jobs in the Osun civil service. At the commencement of the screening exercise in 2015, all the civil servants in the state were asked to submit their credentials in their personal files, from which the Captain Consultants got access to their results and began the verification exercise. 769 workers were found wanting.

Every result submitted by the workers were verified in their various secondary

schools, post secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Some of the workers who were suspected to have forged results were summoned by the firm and asked to present original results or go to their various schools for either attestation or re-confirmation.

The firm, on its own approached the schools for ‘confirmation of results’ of the affected workers for which they were obliged. The verification process uncovered

serious certificate infraction on the part of some of the workers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government.

In some cases, as discovered in the verification process, some of the affected workers used results of other people, while some forged their secondary and post secondary schools results to secure jobs in the civil.

In the case of some people employed as drivers in the service, it was discovered that they forged the

O’Level results they submitted for their appointment.

However, the firm in its report recommended that some of the civil servants caught in the certificate infraction could be granted pardone, while some should not be pardoned.

Recommended for pardon were 102 drivers and 30 other workers who were to be pardoned on compassionate ground. A total of 586 workers are not pardoned, while the cases of some 51 workers were still pending.

Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Thursday disqualified Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, the former presidential Senior Special Assistant, SSA on assembly matters, as elected member of the House of Representatives from Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency of Kano.

It will be recalled that Shamsudeen Dambazau of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, had sued the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and

Nigeria Youths lack support to maximize potentials— Idoko

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

CTIVATE Success In ternational Foundation (ASIF), has lamented that talented Nigeria youths lack the wherewithal and support to maximize their potentials.

This is as ASIF which is a non governmental organisation, NGO, has given out startup grants of N200, 000 each to 10 entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme(YEEP).

Speaking at the disbursement of the 200,000 grant to the beneficiaries in Abuja,

the TV host and Founder of ASIF, Love Idoko, said that YEEP was aimed at helping and encouraging young people to maximise their potential.

She disclosed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was one of the notable Nigerians that have commended ASIF for helping people discover their gifts, talents and purpose in life.

According to her, over 100 business proposals both within and outside the country were received out of which 30 were selected and then scaled down to 10 final beneficiaries.

She stated that youths

could influence growth in a nation’s economy in many ways because a lot of young people were talented.

She said, “They are gifted; they have amazing ideas but they lack the support to maximize their potential; they lack the support to implement what they have; to translate their mental picture into actual pictures.

“So, Activate Success International Foundation put together the programme

called YEEP. “ What we do at YEEP is to identify young people with fantastic business ideas; a panel goes through these ideas; select those with the best ideas and then we give them startup funds to help them achieve their dreams.

“Over the years, we have a lot of programmes to empower the youths; YEEP is held once every year; where youths register from all over Nigeria.

RCCG tasks youth on capacity building cial Advisors, Mrs. Henrietta

By Sam Eyoboka

PEAKERS at a youth conference tagged S “Emerge in Life” organized

by the Region 19 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG on ACME Road, Ogba, Lagos have submitted that for Nigerian youth to emerge into greatness, they must be ready to make a difference, see opportunities where others are seeing problems and be ready to develop their innate potentials and utilize them maximally, The resource persons, including Pastor-in-Charge of Region 19, Pastor Brown Oyitso, Executive Director, John Maxwell Global Youth Initiative Team, Mrs. Olatokunbo Ige, a member of the Team, Mr. Olusoji Oyawoye, Managing Director, ARM Finan-

Bankole-Olusina, Country Director, ANDELA, Mrs. Omowale David-Ashiru and Chief Executive Officer, Wilson’s Juice Company, Mr. Seyi Abolaji, admonished the youth to do self appraisal by concentrating on that aspect of their lives where they have comparative advantage.

Oyitso, who doubles as Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Missions of the RCCG, particularly noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate considering the current socioeconomic situation of the country and its implication on the future of young adults and youth who appear to have been relegated to the background across every facet of the society and nation at large.

Buhari’s ex-Aide Kawu loses to Dambazau in Court, says he will appeal Kawu Sumaila challenging the recognition of the latter as the APC House of Representatives candidate The presiding judge, Justice Lewis Allagoa ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Kawu Sumaila as he was not the duly elected House of Representatives member for Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency as he did not participate in the primary election of the party.

However, responding on the court decision, Kawu told newsmen that he was consulting with his lawyers to appeal the court’s decision.

The plaintiff in the suit, Shamsudeen Dambazau had approached the court praying it to nullify Kawu Sumaila’s recognition by INEC as the elected candidate.

He told the court through his Counsel, Barrister Nuraini Jimoh that Kawu Sumaila contested for Kano South Senatorial seat during the primaries with Kabiru Gaya and lost.

Justice Lewis Allagoa also ordered INEC to recognize Shamsudeen Dambazau as the duly elected House of Representative member representing Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency.

It will be recalled that Abdulrahman Kawu popularly called Kawu Sumaila was the SSA to President Buhari on National Assembly matters but later resigned few months to 2019 general elections. Shamsuddeen Dambazau is a son of the minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau.

EASTER: Lead with humility, fear of God, Bamidele tells elected officials

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

Senator-elect and All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ekiti State, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, has appealed to those elected in the last general elections, to live a life of humility, sacrifice, love and sincerity of purpose.

He said political leaders must learn from the birth and death of Jesus Christ for Nigeria to witness radical development.

Bamidele said the life and time of Jesus Christ exemplified humility, sacrifice, and love, stating that any leader who fails to imbibe these vir-

tues would end up failing the citizens.

He said in the spirit of love and affection, Christians must pray against incessant cases of insurgency, kidnapping and all forms of killings in some parts of the country as they celebrate Easter.

Bamidele expressed worries over persistent killings in Borno and the way rampaging bandits had held Zamfara state hostage in recent time, saying time has come for all citizens to intercede through prayers on behalf of the nation in curbing all these menaces.

In his congratulatory

message in Ado Ekiti on Friday commemorating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Bamidele said no leader would loot the collective patrimony of the citizens, if he remembers what Jesus went through on the cross for the people to be freed from the bondage of sins and afflictions.

“What Easter connotes are humility, sacrifice, love and brotherhood, the time has come for all citizens to refrain from class differences in the fashion of ethnic and religious colouration in line with the injunction of Jesus Christ that we must live as one.

44 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 — 45

2019 AFCON: Siasia, Udeze, Erico warn Eagles against complacency

Tuchel slams PSG stars as wait for title continues Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel said he is "worried" by his players' poor attitude after they lost 3-2 away at Nantes in Ligue 1 on Wednesday to further delay winning the title.

PSG have now lost two consecutive Championnat matches for the first time since November 2011 after last weekend's 5-1 humiliation in Lille, and it is the first time since March 2009 that PSG have conceded three goals or more in consecutive league fixtures.

"We played very badly, and Nantes deserved to win," he told

Canal+. "It was an easy match to analyse -- it was a very bad game on our part, and we deserved to lose.

*Tuchel

GOtv Boxing Night 18: Ibadan agog for ABU title fight

oxing fans in Ibadan and B other parts of Oyo State, as well as neighbouring states, are

gripped with excitement, as the GOtv Boxing Night 18 approaches. The show, slated to hold tomorrow at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan, will see the city host the African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight title bout, the headline fight, featuring Nigeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph against Ghana’s Success “Brave Warrior” Tetteh. It will also feature two Ibadan cult boxing heroes, Akeem “Dodo” Sadiku and Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola.

The latter will seek to dethrone Taofeek “Taozon” Bisuga as the national super featherweight champion, while the former will

Onyekuru not giving up on League title

take on Ekpresso Djamihou of the Republic of Benin in an international light middleweight challenge duel. Five other fights are lined up, with some of them featuring big names on the domestic boxing scene.

Fans have taken to various social platforms, where they have expressed their delight and openly declared their preferences for the show’s best boxer award, which carries a cash prize of N1million.

Among Ibadan fans, Scorpion is the preference of the majority for the award. The national title contender won the award at GOtv Boxing Night 15 and is being widely tipped for a repeat. Joe Boy, who has a large community of fans, mostly from Lagos, is currently running him close and stands a good chance if he puts up a good fight and successfully defends his ABU title. Next to him is Rilwan ‘Baby Face” Babatunde, a twotime winner of the award, who is making a return after a one-year hiatus. The West African Boxing Union welterweight champion will square up with Ganiyu “Energy” Kolawole in a challenge bout.

Equally enjoying pre-fight fan affection is Opeyemi “Sense” Adeyemi, best boxer at GOtv Boxing NextGen 4, who is tipped to be a big hit in the bantamweight division very soon.

Former Super Eagles striker and head coach Samson Siasia believes Nigeria are in an easy group at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations but has also admonished the team to be wary of the hunger of the supposedly weaker opponents.

Siasia spoke with Brila FM Friday on the possibility of other teams in Group B to shock the three time African champions.

Nigeria's Group B opponents are Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar with their matches to hold June 22, 26 and 30.

"I think we have the weakest group at the AFCON to me , and I don't think we will have a problem getting out of that group.

"We should be talking about getting to the next round.

"But these guys we call weaker countries will try to make impressions at the AFCON if we allow them so preparations have to be good. ''The team (Super Eagles), they have to pick the right players without sentiments, that's the only way we can get to the quarterfinals and semifinals of the Nations Cup," Siasia, a winner of the AFCON with Nigeria in 1994 said.

— Guardiola tells City players

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EP Guardiola has told his Manchester City stars to use their Champions League pain and they will eventually ‘get what they deserve’.

City are yet to make the last four in Europe under Guardiola but are in the FA Cup final and remain favourites to retain the Premier League.

Guardiola revealed his players were upset at the circumstances as they went out to Tottenham on away goals but he believes they need to harness that.

‘I don’t want the players to forget what they lived,’ Guardiola said ahead of today’s showdown with Spurs.

‘Don’t forget Wednesday because we are human beings.

It’s nice. What we lived on Wednesday in terms of emotion was incredible. We were unlucky to live it.

D

AVID DE GEA apologised to Manchester United team-mates after his Nou Camp howler sealed their Champions League doom.

The Spanish keeper, 28, was inconsolable after allowing Lionel Messi’s second goal to squirm under his body as Barcelona marched to an easy 4-0 aggregate win.

He could do nothing about the Argentine's first, however, as Barca's No10 arrowed a leftfooted curler into the bottom corner.

Similarly ex-Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho hit a sublime effort from outside the box that nestled into the top corner well out of De Gea's reach.

S

UPER Eagles and Galatasaray forward, Henry Onyekuru has lamented his side's 1-1 draw against fierce rivals Fenerbahce last weekend.

The result leaves Galatasaray five points behind log leaders Istanbul Basaksehir who are closing in on a first Turkish Super Lig title. Onyekuru opened the scoring in Istanbul only for Eljif Elmas to pull Fenerbahce level as the two teams ultimately settled for a point apiece.

“When you play against your rival, it is a very important and nice feeling for a footballer to score in such a match. I’m happy to have this feeling, but it was a game we wanted to win,” Onyekuru told Galatasaray ’s official website.

•De Gea

Siasia however did not qualify with the team to the 2012 AFCON with Nigeria as head coach.

Meanwhile former Super Eagles goalkeeping coach Joe Erico added his voice to the theme of not underrating the Group B opponents as Burundi and Madagascar make their debuts while Guinea are set for a 12th appearance at the tournament.

"Yes, there are no more minnows in football but shoe get size. Everybody wants to beat

Nigeria whether they qualified for the AFCON or not so we must be serious," the Jogo Bonito exponent stated.

On his part, former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze spoke on according respect to the other teams.

"Any team that qualified for the AFCON, you must respect them. Its not fear of the teams but you must be professional and play every team same way otherwise you could be down 10 to a team and before you know it lose to them because you

Let's teach Spurs a lesson

De Gea blames self for Barcelona defeat •Onyekuru

•Eagles

‘It’ll remain in our hearts. I don’t want to see my players saying “it doesn’t matter what happened”.

‘It will be on our minds but looking back it will help us to move forward. A tough night but

the day after we move forward.

‘These players have the opportunity to show they can do that. They can get back what they deserve, this season or next or three or four years. They will be in the same position and they’ll be luckier and go to the next stages.’

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019

Only God can judge me – Mayweather

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n a candid interview, Floyd Mayweather Jr revealed details about his undefeated professional boxing career as well as his childhood, influences and his life outside the ring.

Mayweather topped the list as Forbes’ highest paid celebrity of 2018 and he spoke to CNN Talk Asia’s Anna Coren about his often controversial life away from boxing.

On his earnings and association with wealth “I just know that I worked extremely hard, and I made smart investments. That’s why I’m able to still live the same lifestyle that I was living while I was competing inside the square circle… I work hard, so I think I should have the finer things in life.”

On his undefeated boxing record of 50-0 “I’m just blessed way beyond belief. I had a great team behind me. I really believed in myself, believed in my skills, believed in my talent. And the main thing is just believing and working extremely hard.”

A

t the weekend, there it was. The one thing previously impossible to envisage, rarer than a sunflower in the desert, as implausible as a vegan lion: a poor Wilfred Ndidi performance.

Unsurprisingly, it coincided with a loss, Leicester City’s first in five games. It was utterly predictable: there are few players in the Premier League more integral to their club’s fortunes and style than the Nigeria international. When he plays well, the Foxes are an entirely different proposition.

On the day, however, he found the going tough against Newcastle United, and was substituted with 20 minutes still to play. This time, there would be no litany of stellar defensive stats to reel out; in 70 minutes Ndidi had attempted just one tackle and gone 2/11 on duels.

Quite the drop-off for one of Europe’s elite ball-winners!

Considering the aberrant nature of that performance, perhaps a deeper examination is necessary.

Brendan Rodgers has, since his arrival at the King Power Stadium, installed the 22-yearold at the base of a 4-3-3, and has charged him to “control the space in front of the centrehalves” on his own, a role

•Floyd Mayweather opens up on his controversies, boxing and more

On fighting in Japan for the first time “It’s always been one of my goals. Go outside the U.S. and compete as a professional [doing] what I love to do – and that’s to entertain. As an amateur, I was able to do it in different countries. But as a

professional, all 50 fights were in America, because I was the A-side. Even right now, I’m the A-side. But it’s all about excitement and entertainment. I love Japan, I love the people.

On growing up with boxing

“Nothing was more important than boxing. If my dad didn’t take me to the boxing gym, I would cry until someone took me to the boxing gym. I loved the smell of the boxing gloves. I wanted to have a mouthpiece, I wanted to put on boxing boots, I wanted to get into the ring.”

On how he was shaped by his tumultuous childhood “A lot of times, when you’re in that situation, the only thing now is what you see.

My dad went to prison for a drug conspiracy. My mum was on drugs… but I still loved her unconditionally. I still love my dad unconditionally, because my dad went out there and took chances to put food on the table for his family.”

The determination from his childhood accompanies the boxer even today. H e

Ndidi tired? How would this affect Nigeria's AFCON campaign? slightly at variance with his more natural proclivities.

While he certainly has the stamina and determination for the job, the former Genk man is at his best when allowed to roam and win the ball all over the pitch, as opposed to hanging back to catch what slips through the net.

Instead, in service to Rodgers preference for a deep-lying player, Ndidi is having to learn a whole new responsibility, a whole new attitude without the ball, on the job. In that light, and despite the fact he has looked perfectly fine up until now, should the occasional blip not be expected?

Fair enough, but perhaps there is a rather more obvious read.

Can it be that, and whisper this very quietly, he is simply tired?

Much as this bucks the idea

of Ndidi as a tireless force of nature, 74 club games over the past two seasons is quite a lot for a 22-year-old, especially factoring in his lack of a proper preseason rest due to the World Cup last summer. The bill comes due, and if there is a similarly uncharacteristic showing at the weekend against West Ham United, there may be farther-reaching consequences.

While Leicester are safely

ensconced in mid-table and have little at stake, there will be all to play for this summer at the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria will make a grand return, after a six-year absence, and will look to their brightest talents to lead the charge for a fourth Afcon crown.

However, it is worth considering just how much the Super Eagles' chances might be affected cumulative fatigue, with a number of mainstays within the national team enduring long, gruelling

attributes his undefeated boxing record of 50 wins and 0 defeats to his team and confidence: "I'm just blessed. I had a great team behind me. I really believed in myself, in my abilities, in my talent. The main thing is that you only believe in yourself and work extremely hard. "Mayweather on his legacy To conclude, Mayweather looks back self-critically at his life: "I'm not perfect. I have made mistakes in my life. But when everything is said and done in the end, only God can judge me. There is nothing I would not give my children.

It does not matter in life how much money you earn, but how much money you can invest and spend. It's about letting his money work for you."

seasons at club level.

Ndidi is, obviously, the biggest concern, being almost unique in his contribution to the national team under Gernot Rohr. However, he is by no means alone: William TroostEkong has only missed two league games all season, and his role is key within the side.

Those are two players who are absolutely pivotal to Nigeria’s prospects and whose performances, at the danger of hyperbole, will make or mar the Super Eagles’ chances in Egypt.

Often, upsets in major tournaments are decided on precisely this: the major side, by virtue of the higher profile of their players, do not receive them as fresh as they would like, and they end up paying the price for that slight lethargy, that predictable flagging in the wake of a long season.

In an Afcon group featuring plucky opposition like Guinea and Burundi, it is not difficult to see how things might go wrong.

For Rohr then, and for all Nigerians, the coming weekend takes on a greater significance. A return to typical excellence will lead to wiped brows and audible relief, whereas a continuation of last week will indicate there is something broken.

SATURDAY Vanguard, APRIL 20, 2019 — 47

AFCON 2019: Eagles camp opens June 7 at Asaba

he Super Eagles will begin the T last lap of their preparations ahead of AFCON 2019 tournament

in Asaba, Delta state on June 7, chief coach Gernot Rohr has revealed.

Speaking on the team’s schedule fot the tournament, Rohr said, “We will start camping in Asaba June 7th

'City must move on from UCL heartbreak'

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anchester City have to put their Champions League heartbreak behind them quickly or they could blow their Premier League titles hopes too, according to Bernardo Silva.

City's hopes of a historic Quadruple ended on Wednesday night when they were dumped out of Europe on away goals by Tottenham after a thrilling 4-3 second leg victory.

The two sides meet again on Saturday with City needing another victory to keep their title hopes in their own hands and Silva says they cannot think about trying to get revenge for their exit.

"We have a game in three days against Tottenham, again here at home; we need the three points, to win," he told reporters.

"Obviously we are very disappointed but we will have to forget about it and go for the competitions we are still in.

"It's not time for revenge, it's time for another competition, time to keep us alive in the title race. We will try to win the game in the same way we did [last night], knowing that we are playing against a very good team. That will make it difficult for us.

"We know Liverpool are probably winning all their games so we have to win all our games. Our focus is to win three points after three points and at the end of it try to celebrate the title."

Pep Guardiola described the manner

of City's exit as "cruel" after a late goal from Raheem Sterling was ruled out following a review by the Video Assistant Referee.

There was also controversy surrounding Fernando Llorente's decisive goaldecisive for Spurs, which was awarded despite being reviewed for an apparent handball.

"I think VAR is a good thing because it helps the referee make better decisions, so, no problems with the VAR," Silva added.

Lagos State Baseball & Softball Association out to transform the sport in Nigeria – Ogidan

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he Lagos State Baseball and Softball Association has affirmed it's readiness to develop the game in the State through grassroots development .

Chairman of the association, Mr Abiodun Lawrence Ogidan said they aim to spread the game across schools in the state and provide the necessary equipment, train the schools games' masters on the technical aspects of the game.

Ogidan further said that some people have indicated interest to become consultants to association in terms of raising the game to international standards in Lagos State through a collaboration with a sister club in the United State of America.

“We are ready to take this game to all schools in Lagos state and provide necessary training kits for the schools because we believe in Grassroots Development. We will also train the schools games masters on the technical aspects of the game.

“We have access to kits, whether locally or internationally, already I can tell you what is on the way, there are three separate clubs in the United states that are willing to partner with Lagos State Baseball and Softball association. Personally I have two people who have told me

and expressed their wish to be international consultants to us. I know in Atlanta, Dallas and in Maryland they are ready to work with us and this will help us in terms of kits”.

Mr Lawrence –Ogidan further emphasized that his Board is organizing a well structured League in

and move to Egypt where we have to camp for a week in Ismailia, before moving to our city for the competition which is Alexander”.

The tactician dismissed the common belief among Nigerians that the Eagles were in an easy group in the tournament holding in Egypt.

According to Rohr, it is true they have two debutant in their group; Burundi and Madagascar, but

insisted that one cannot write them off completely because they qualified from their respective groups in the qualifiers.

“For Guniea they have players playing in Europe; England, France, and Belgium. They have one wonderful player in Bordeaux that I watched last week in France, so you cannot dismiss any of the teams,” the coach emphasised.

Former Super Eagles captain, Henry Nwosu has urged the Golden Eaglets to go all out for victory against their Ugandan counterparts in their final Africa Cup of Nations Group A game today.

The Eaglets lead Group A standings with six points following back-to-back victories against Tanzania and Angola.

The Nigerians only need at least a draw to see them through to the semi-final of the competition and qualify for the U17 World Cup in Brazil.

However, the former Nigeria international, who played 60 times for the Super Eagles and scored eight goals, has charged the fivetime world champions to look beyond a draw in the match.

“So far they have done very well. Already they have six points

“Against Uganda, they must not be too comfortable they have to go for a win and put in their best in the game.

“Winning should be their aim against Uganda because if they focus on a draw they might end up losing the game.

“They must know that they are playing for themselves first, before playing for Nigeria, so they must do everything to continue doing well.”

Nigeria missed several scoring chances in their last game against Angola and Nwosu wants them to pray for luck against Uganda as well as work on their individual skills.

“I will advise them to pray for luck to be able to score because it is a factor and they should work towards it by improving on their individual skills.”

Eaglets must aim for victory against have not lost any game, kudos Uganda —Nwosu and to them,” Nwosu said.

Like Jay Jay, Iwobi eyes AFCON trophy

rsenal’ and Super Eagles playmaker, Alex Iwobi wants A to match his uncle Austin ‘Jay-Jay’

Okocha by winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria at his first attempt.

Okocha was part of the winning Super Eagles team in 1994 at his maiden appearance at the finals.

The 22-year-old was born in Lagos to Okocha’s sister and arrived in the UK aged four.

“I’ve seen some of his highlights from 1994 and it would be cool to achieve that as well,” Iwobi told BBC Sport.

“I’m excited, I have always dreamt of participating and representing my country at the African Cup of Nations, but it won’t be easy for us in Egypt “Both dreams are coming true, hopefully I can get to play in Egypt.”

Nigeria, who won a third title in 2013 but have missed the last two tournaments, will face Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi at June’s finals in Egypt.

He admits that he is still learning about just how passionate Nigerian fans are.

“I thought I understand what playing for Nigeria truly means, but the more I play in Nigeria and travel home, the more they [fans] make me believe bigger than I

have always dreamt of,” he added.

Despite saying he wants to be his own man, the local media and fans continue to liken him to the former Super Eagles captain and Iwobi is unbothered.

“I can never get tired of people comparing us. I see my uncle as an idol, someone I have always looked

up to as a footballer,” he said.

“When people compare me to him... it’s like ‘wow’ maybe they see me on his level but I don’t believe I am there yet.

“It is what it is, he’s a skilful player, I’m quite skilful myself so they are always going to compare me to him especially that he’s my uncle.

Ndidi, Iheanacho nominated for Leicester Best Player, Young Player of season awards

igeria duo, Wilfred Ndidi and N Kelechi Iheanacho are in the running for Leicester City’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards respectively.

Ndidi and Iheanacho’s names are among the list of nominees for both categories of awards released on the Leicester City’s official website on Friday, Ndidi has won the Young Player of the Season award for the past two seasons following his arrival at the club from Belgian Jupiler League side KRC Genk.

He is a firm favourite for the higher award categpry this this time around following another stellar season with the Foxes.

Ndidi, 22, has featured in 34 Premier League games this season and scored twice.

None of his two goals however made the shortlist for the Goal of the Season award.

Iheanacho on his part, has struggled to make impact at the club this season and is risking missing out on a place in Nigeria squad to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

He has scored once in 28 league appearances for Leicester City.

The winner of the awards will be announced at the end of the season dinner at the King Power Stadium on May 7th.

FC IfeanyiUbah crash out of Neros Anambra FA Cup

•Udalla FC shock holders 4-2 in gritty penalty shootout

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By Buchi Junior

dalla FC, a Nationwide League One side have sensationally pulled one of the biggest upsets that has become the hallmark of the FA Cup following a shock 4-2 elimination of title holders and NPFL side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the second round stage of the 2019 NEROS/Anambra State FA Cup

Wednesday at NEROS stadium, Nanka.

Both teams had settled for a one all draw Wednesday last week and resorted to penalty kicks in line with the rules of the competition before the game was declared 'inconclusive' after a fan had walked into the pitch and made away with the match ball.

The Anambra FA sat in judgement over the incident that rubbed mud on the face of football in the state, ordering for a continuation of the penalty kicks, this time, in a neutral venue, NEROS Stadium, Nanka.

During the concluding spot kicks, Udalla FC prevailed 42, to become the first team to end FC Ifeanyi Ubah's domination of Anambra FA Cup since 2015.

Recall that the Anambra Warriors went all the way in 2016 to lift the Aiteo/NFF Federation Cup to book a place in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup where they exited the competition in the first round following 4-3 (penalty) defeat

by Al Masry of Egypt after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline.

Oboh wants Buhari/ Atiku rematch

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he other day, Presi dent Mohammadu Buhari told his rival at the recently concluded presidential election, Atiku Abubakar that he (Buhari) would always beat him in any election.

Peter Oboh, former British and Commonwealth Lightheavyweight champion has told President Buhari that if there should be a rematch, he is not sure Buhari can knockout Atiku in the early rounds, predicting that the fight will go the distance.

“President Bubari might nick it on points because once a contest is left in the hands of the

judges, who most likely will favor the champion, unless there is a dramatic turn in the contest before a challenger can win the day.”

Oboh said for such a thing to happen, “the challenger challenger has to have something different to offer, since most times the champion has better offer to give out because they are the ones sitting on the seat of influence”.

He predicts a Buhari victory should Buhari and Atiku have a rematch “it will go the same way in favor of Buhari. My little advice is Atiku should drop the court case and rejoice as becoming the second best politician in Nigeria .

SATURDAY Vanguard, April 20, 2019

ACROSS 1)Minister of the Interior, Rtd. LtGeneral Abdulrahman – (8) 5)Thailand National (4) 7)Namibian Autonomous Community 8)Mollusc (5) 9)Senator representing Edo South Federal Constituency, Senator Matthew – (9) 12)Zodiac Sign (5) 13)L.G.A in Kogi State (5) 14)Kano Pillars Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru – (5) 15)Ghanaian President, Mr. Nana – (5,4) 18)Entire (5) 20)Latvian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Edgars – (9) 21)Yemeni President, Mr. Abdrabbuh Mansur – (4) 22)American State (8)

CROSS WORD PUZZLE DOWN 1)L.G.A in Bauchi State (4) 2)Somalian Capital City (9) 3)Head of Online Banking, Zenith Bank Nigeria Plc, Mr. Augustine – (9) 4)District in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja (5) 5)Ivory Coast’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Marcel – (5) 6)Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Wilson – (8) 10)Former Zambia “Chipolopolos” Coach Wieslaw – (9) 12)Qatari City & Municipality (2,6) 16)L.G.A in Katsina State (5) 17)Workshop Tool (5) 19)L.G.A in Ebonyi State (4) SOLUTION TO PUZZLE ON PAGE 45

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