2015: Nyako, supporters quit PDP

2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Nyako, supporters to join APC

BY UMAR YUSUF Yola

F

ACTS have emerged in Yola, Adamawa State that governors of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, controlled states in the north have asked their supporters to join the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, ahead of the registration of the All Progressive Congress, APC. This was discovered at a PDP stakeholders forum held in Yola, yesterday by supporters of Governor Murtala Nyako.

According to sources, top members of the party loyal to Alhaji Umaru Mijjinyawa Kugama’s faction were said to have taken the decision to ditch their party in a meeting held in Yola yesterday. Governor Nyako and Senator Ahmed Barata are among those expected to dump the party.

Those who attended the meeting included state commissioners, local government chairmen, PDP ward chairmen and secre-

taries, special advisers and assistants as well as other principal officers of government in the PDP controlled state.

Governor Nyako is known to be engaged in a bitter struggle for who would control the party structure with the National Chairman of the party and indigene of the state, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. At the Nyako factional meeting, the

stakeholders were said to have concluded arrangements to dump the PDP for the All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP from where they would be registered in the APC. They were also reportedly briefed by some of their leaders on the plan by other governors of PDP controlled states, especially in the north to move out en-mass for the new opposition party.

According to sources, the reason for their leaving the party was to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan would not win the 2015 general election.

However, in order to avoid being branded as committing anti-party activities by the PDP national leadership, governors on the party’s platform would remain in the party until 2015, before decamping to

From Left: Chairman Orimedu CDA Mr. Balogun, Commissioner for Rural Dev. Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, and chairman Ibeju-Lekki LG. Hon. Kemi Surakat during the handling over of newly installed transformer at Orimedu held recently. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

the APC. Sources told Saturday Vanguard that apart from aggrieved party members in Kano, others in PDP controlled states in the north would also decamp to the ANPP, preparatory to joining the APC, now undergoing INEC’s scrutiny for registration.

Frustrated northern PDP members are said to be calculating that, altogether, all members of the party in 21crisis ridden chapters of the party would decamp to the APC, to form a formidable opposition against President Jonathan’s emergence in 2015.

At the Yola meeting, the PDP faction was said to have apart from directing their members to register with the APC also requested for additional 30,000 ANPP membership cards for them, even as they would eventually join the APC. The registration in the ANPP before the 2015 election was to ensure that the new members were not

denied their rights in the new APC, in case of those nursing various political ambition.

Some of the governors, Saturday Vanguard was reliably told have already shown their opposition to Jonathan’s emergence through, the Northern States Governors Forum, NSGF. According to sources at the venue of the meeting, in Yola, most members chose to join the ANPP which had fused into the APC because of fears that INEC could frustrate the registration of the new party.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Murtala Nyako of Admawa State, Alhaji Ahmad Sajoh, confirmed that the PDP stakeholders loyal to his principal met and asked Nyako’s first son and Sarkin Matasa Adamawa, Commander Abdulaziz Nyako, rtd, to dump the crisis- ridden PDP in Adamawa, but declined to confirm if his principal would also dump the party.

PDP crisis: Sheath your swor ds, Jonathan tells Tukur, Gana, It will be recalled that Ekweremaduthe President had with both Gana’s committee had

BY HENRY UMORU Abuja

M

OVED by the lingering crisis be-

tween the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the Professor Jerry Gana led Special National Convention Planning Committee, President Goodluck Jonathan has pleaded with them to sheath their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the party.

The President has also urged Tukur, members of the National Working Committee, NWC and members of the Convention Planning Committee to go and perfect arrangements on the forthcoming national convention of the party slated for August 31st.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that these were part of the resolutions reached at a meeting President Jonathan and Bamanga Tukur had on Thursday night at the Presidential Villa.

At the Thursday meeting, President Jonathan was said to have directed Tukur to have a meeting with members of the NWC on how to have a hitch- free convention.

The Thursday night meeting was a follow-up to the one

Tukur and Gana on Tuesday as part of ways to nip in the bud, disagreements between them on arrangements for the mini convention where national officers of the party will be elected to replace those who resigned following observations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC that the 2012 national Convention was held amidst some irregularities.

Saturday Vanguard also gathered that at the Thursday meeting, the sharing formula on who to produce Chairmen for the subcommittees of the Convention Committee was also discussed.

Following the tall order from the President, Tukur immediately met with the NWC members in Abuja yesterday afternoon on how to present their demands for chairmanship of the sub-

committees to the Gana-led Convention Committee.

The meeting discussed those to be nominated for the positions being demanded by the NWC members, even as Tukur and the NWC members are demanding that they be allowed to produce those who will head subcommittees like Publicity, Organising, Welfare, Protocol, Screening and Election.

fixed the convention for August 31 and Tukur met with his members three days after and instructed that all plans concerning the convention be put on hold.

BURIAL

T

HE burial ceremonies of late Madam Veronica Onuigbo Chukwuma of Umudiji Umuohama village in Ukpor Nnewi South will commence on Tuesday July 23, 2013 with wake keep at her husband’s compound. The funeral service will take place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Umudiji Umuohama by 10.00am to be followed by burial immediately after the church service at Chukwuma’s compound. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren .

•Late Madam Veronica Chukwuma

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 3

4 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 5

PSC begins full-scale probe of Mbu

BY SAM EYOBOKA, EVELYN USMAN, JIMITOTA ONOYUME and CALEB ANYANISA

T

HE Police Service Commission, PSC, has said that it has started a full -scale investigations into the activities of the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu and all the policemen said to have involved themselves in the political crises in the state.

Chairman of the PSC, Chief Mike Okiro made this known in Lagos yesterday.

Okiro spoke at a ceremony marking the commissioning of an estate built for policemen

by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Archbishop Emeritus of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie, expressed disgust over the dishonourable happenings in Rivers State urging the political gladiators to tread softly to avoid truncating the current democratic dispensation.

In a statement, the Prelate took a swipe at the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for turning the hallowed chambers into a battlefield, saying such act was unexpected of their personalities.

However, 26 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, have warned a member of the House, Evans Bapakaye to stop impersonating the Speaker of the House, Hon Otelemaba Amachree saying that, ‘’at no time was the Speaker i m p e a c h e d . ’ ’ This was contained in a statement they signed as an account of what happened in the House penultimate Tuesday.

Their reaction followed what they described as a plethora of publications by Bapakaye, claiming to be the speaker of the house.

Okiro said that the PSC had received all the petitions forwrded to it by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on the activities of Police Commissioner Mbu but added, ‘’however, that the principle of fundamental human rights demand that an

accused person should be given a fair hearing. I have directed the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the matter and once he is found wanting he will be dealt with accordingly.”

Amaechi had petitioned the PSC against Commissioner Mbu following his alleged poor handling of security matters involving those allegedly being backed by the presidency against his government. Copies of the petition were also sent to President Jonathan, the IGP, and principal officers of the National Assembly among others.

Okiro further said that Amaechi raised various allegations against Mbu, part of which included gross abuse of power He described the recent fracas involving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as quite unfortunate but added that the public should allow the police to do its investigations to ensure that justice was done to the parties involved in the dispute.

Also, the Police Affairs Minister, Capt Caleb Olukolade, rtd, spoke in the same vein insisting that the authorities were still investigating the matter.

The Minister who asked the public to await the result of the investigations however, remarked that it was not part of his duties to speak on such issues, but added that investigations into the matter was on-going.

He said, “The Chairman Police Service Commission is in a better position to comment on it.

Everything falls within his purview. The force has a way of dealing with an issue internally. The public should allow the force to investigate the matter. However, I have asked the Chairman Police Service Commission to look into the matter.”

Apart from Amaechi’s petition, there had been mass demand for the removal of Mbu following his alleged involvement in the crisis rocking the State House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, Okojie stated, “I condemn in strong terms the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

More

importantly, it is very disappointing to see our so-called ‘Honourables’ exchanging blows like gangsters. Such an act, if not checkmated quickly, is an invitation to terrorism and gangsterism. I want to call on every right thinking Nigerian to rise up and speak against such unruly conduct by men who are supposed to be making laws for our land. ”It is obvious that what is playing out in Rivers State is a fall-out of the crisis between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

It is unfortunate that the lawmakers who are expected to be men and women of integrity have allowed themselves to be used as pawns. They are supposed to be massesoriented, instead, they only go there to serve their personal interests. It is not done.

“The legislators must quickly call themselves to order. They must refrain from showing bad examples to Nigerians. All those found culpable in the whole mess should be punished or face the wrath of the law,.’’

26 members warn Evans Bipi The 26 members of the assembly stated, “The attention of the Rivers State House of Assembly has been drawn to the plethora of stories and conjectures that have constituted the bulk analysis at the public domain on the crisis of Tuesday 9th of July, 2013… the House leadership received a communication from the Executive to amend the Rivers State Appropriation Law 2013.

Sequel to this, the House reconvened on the July 9, 2013.

“Following the reconvening of the House, five members: (Evans Bipi, Okechukwu Michael Chinda, Kelechi Nwogu, Victor Ihunwo and Martins Amaewhule) in alliance with the Rivers State Police Command and their thugs, carried out unprovoked attack and assault on members including the Speaker (Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan Amachree), the Leader of the House (Hon. Chidi Lloyd) and Hon. Wanjoku

L-R:Mr Ronald D.Cillers , Principal Grace High School,Mrs Tokunbo Edun, Administrator Grace School with Chief Victor Kolade and Mrs Pamela Umebuani, Guest Speaker/Principal Scholastic Hall Ikeja at the 39th Valedictory Service/Prize Giving Ceremony Of Grace Schools Nursery And Primary held at Plot 241 Ajidagan Str Gbagada Estate Lagos.PHOTO BY AKEEM SALAU. Chikere Azubuike.

Thereafter they made a spirited but unsuccessful attempt to impeach the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly in obvious disregard of the amplifying procedures set out in section 92 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeraia Order 12 and Order 28 of the standing orders of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

“Since the botched impeachment attempt, one Hon. Evans Bipi has rather surreptitiously impersonated the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly in defiance and gross violation of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and has gone ahead to make publications in the national media. We hereby call on the public to disregard the impostor (Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi) and his fabricated fallacies which targeted at misinforming the general public.

“By virtue of the provisions of section 4 sub (6) and (7) (a-c) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended), the state House of Assembly is vested with legislative powers to make laws for the peace, governance and order of a state.

Section 7(1) of the constitution says it is the responsibility of the

House of Assembly to make laws for the existence, establishment, composition, structure, finance and functions of Local Councils. Section 100(1-5) further espouses the powers of the Assembly to make laws. Thus in line with the above provisions the Rivers State House of Assembly enacted the Local Government Law of Rivers State No.2 of 2012. Section 64 sub-section (1)-(4) of the Local Government Law of Rivers State No.2 of 2012 gives the power of suspension of Local Government Council to the Assembly.”

“In compliance with the above provisions, when the question was put on the interim report on the committee on local government on the issue.

23 members voted for the suspension and 5 members voted against.”

“In compliance with our legislative duties, we have had cause to vote on motions, bills and resolutions that have impacted positively on the citizens of Rivers state, and if a tiny minority of 5 out of 32 members have dissenting views, that does not impugn on the views of the majority.” “ We shall continue to support our amiable governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his people-friendly policies aimed at lifting our state from the shackles of a small political militia desirous of lording over and looting the treasury of our dear state.”

They also pledged their

support and cooperation to the DIG Philemon Leha led fact-finding team sent by the Inspector General of Police as well as the Senate Committee on Local Government factfinding mission. ‘’We totally dissociate ourselves from the second team of police officers led by a commissioner of police and Senator George T. Sekibo.” “ We reassure our constituents that we shall continue to support and fight for the truth and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which we swore to uphold. We shall remain resolute in our resolve to defend our state from political predators scavenging for cheap popularity and a harvest of political fortunes.”

Those who signed were Honourables Golden Ngozi Chioma; Innocent B. Barikor; Josiah John Olu; Ibiso Nwuche; Belema Okpokiri; Legbosi Nwidadah; Andrew Anderson Miller; Augustine Ngo; Ben Horsfall; Okechukwu Nwaogu; Victor Amadi; Azubike Chikere Victoria Wanjoku; Nyeche; Benibo Anabraba; Irene Inimgba; Felicia Barizasi-Tane; Aye Atamah Pepple; Onari Brown; Gift Wokocha; Ewor Nname Robinson; Lucky Odili; Chidi Julius Lloyd; Chigbo Eligwe; Leyii Kwanee; Tonye Harry and the Speaker Otelemaba Amachree.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Nigerian lawmakers want Shell, Eni Oil Block Award revoked N IGERIA should revoke oil rights for which Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Eni SpA paid $1.1 billion, a parliamentary committee said, alleging that the acquisition process was “highly flawed.”

Shell and Eni jointly bought Oil Prospecting License 245 from Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd., controlled

by Dan Etete, a former oil minister, in 2011. Located in the deep offshore waters of the Gulf of Guinea, it is estimated to hold at least 9 billion barrels of crude reserves worth $1 trillion, according to a probe report by a House of Representatives committee filed as a public record and provided to Bloomberg yesterday.

“Unfortunately our national interest, knowingly or unknowingly, was ceded away to the two oil majors,” the committee said. The sale violates a law to promote increased Nigerian ownership of oil assets by giving foreign companies 100 percent ownership as well as the country’s tax regulations, the report said, alleging a “lack of transparency and full disclosure” by Shell in acquiring the license.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, with Shell, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp. , Total SA and Eni running joint ventures with state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corp. that pump more than 90 percent of the country’s oil. The West African nation produced 1.83 million barrels a day of oil in June, according to data compiled by

Bloomberg.

“Shell companies have acted at all times in accordance with both Nigerian law and the terms of the OPL 245 resolution agreement,” Precious Okolobo, a Lagos-based spokesman, said yesterday in an e-mailed response to questions. Eni, based in Rome, didn’t immediately respond to an e-mail requesting comment.

Malabu was awarded the rights to OPL 245 in 1998 by former military dictator Sani Abacha, whose son, Mohammed Abacha, got a 50 percent stake while 30 percent went to Etete, his oil minister. The company then formed a technical partnership with Shell. President Olusegun Obasanjo, elected a year after Abacha died in 1998, canceled the license in 2001 without giving any reason and awarded it to Shell a year later. Malabu chal-

lenged the decision in court, saying the government revoked its license unfairly, leading to the agreement to sell its interests to Shell and Eni, now holding 50 percent each. President Goodluck Jonathan’s government resolved the dispute over the license in a “satisfactory and holistic manner” after it considered a 2006 settlement reached

by Malabu Oil and Shell, the government’s indigenous policy and the fact that Shell has “substantially de-risked” the oil license, Justice Minister Mohammed Adoke said yesterday in an e-mailed response. “Our findings could not indicate anywhere Malabu Oil willingly inclined to relinquish the oil block,” the parliamentary report said.

“Where such inclination is presumed, they were rather forced on the company.”

HE African Union has appointed a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, as a member of its official Observer Mission to the Republic of Zimbabwe for the country’s general election scheduled for July 31, 2013.

Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, is to lead the Observer Mission.

The Mission draws its mandate from various African Union Instruments.

These include AU Guidelines on African Union Election Obser-

Pastor, 4 others perish in ghastly motor accident was burnt to death and his car which caught fire

A

ghastly motor ac cident has claimed the lives of a pastor who

Bank PHB: Atuche’s case adjourned for Prof Utomi to conclude evidence

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

J

USTICE Lateefa Okunnu of Ikeja

High Court has fixed September 16 for Professor Pat Utomi to give further evidence in the on-going case involving former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, his wife on how the bank was taken over by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The economist turned politician was also expected to be cross-examined by

the prosecution on his evidence that the trial of Atuche was premeditated by “a grand plot to take over the bank by some public officials.”

Utomi was the first defence witness in the on-going trial of Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth and former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu over alleged stealing of N25.7 billion from the b a n k .

Utomi, who claimed to be the Chairman of the

Board of the bank, while

Atuche was the Managing Director, said Bank PHB’s

Kalu emerges member of AU observer mission for Zimbabwe elections

T

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc recently made a donation to the PanAtlantic University (PAU) for the construction of a Students Centre at the campus at Ibeju-Lekki in Lagos. From right to left: The Group Head, Marketing and Communications of (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Ikechukwu Kalu; the Vice Chancellor of (PAU), Professor Juan Elegido; the Divisional Head, and the Dean School of Media and Communication of PAU, Professor Emevwo A. Biakolo, at the presentation of the donation by FCMB.

vation and Monitoring Missions, 2002; OAU/ AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, 2002; African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1981; and African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, 2007.

The AU- EOM Mission, made up of select and fully trained observers from the African Union, will be in Zimbabwe from July 24 to August 2, 2013 to observe the conduct of the parliamentary and presidential elections.

The team is expected to increase voters’ confidence in a transparent, inclusive and credible process, deepening the democratic culture in the society.

The intervention is AU’s long standing support to the stabilization and transition process in Zimbabwe for the promotion of regional peace and stability.

The Mission will remain in constant interaction with the Commission and present a final report on the elections to the AU chairperson.

fixed assets had grown from N25 billion in 2004 to N1 trillion in 2008 before it was forcibly taken over by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Oct.2, 2009.

He said there was a plot to take over Bank PHB by the current CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, which was confirmed by a former presidential spokesman, Segun Adeniyi in his book “Power, Politics and Death: A FrontRow Account of Nigeria Under the Late President Y a r ’ A d u a . ” He said petitions on minor allegations of “cheque-biting” made against the bank were even sent to the late president. ”As at 2009, Bank PHB was considered as a very strong bank . The CBN even invited the bank to help in rescuing Spring Bank which was distressed at that time,” Utomi said.

According to him, Atuche, apart from being the Managing Director,was also the majority shareholder of the bank.

He said:”I was told that if Atuche was removed, that it will be acceptable to CBN and Bank PHB will be left intact.The person that told me is the current CBN governor. He was a very good friend of mine until recently when these injustices were being carried o u t . ”

four others along IbusaOgwashi-Uku, while the wife of the pastor is presently hospitalized.

Our reporter gathered that the accident occurred on Thursday afternoon along AsabaOgwashi road before Ibusa roundabout made sympathizers to weep freely as a result of the gory site.

One of the witnesses told Saturday Vanguard that “it was terrible. We watched the Pastor being roasted alive. Efforts to rescue him were frustrated by the raging fire”.

The witness stated that the pastor while trying to avoid a speeding tanker by the roundabout veered into the bush but the same tanker also lost control and rammed into PUBLIC NOTICE

THE OPEN HEART SAMARITIAN MISSION Board of Trustee: Pastor Favour Omomuwa - President Prince M.A. Macaulay Ajayi Taiwo Victor Ahmed Juliet Aliu Objective: Helping the less priviledge.

instantly.

An offficial of the Federal Road Safety Commission FRSC, Mr. Bassey who confirmed the accident attributed the accident to dangerous driving, saying that “the accident involved a blue Mecedez Benz tanker with registration number XE 892RSH and ash colour Toyota Jeep with registration number EE 292 PHC. Seven people were involved which include six males and one female.”

Saturday Vanguard gathered that the wife of the pastor who was rushed to Ibusa General Hospital was badly wounded. She was the one who disclosed that one of the four dead persons was her husband.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the original documents of Plot No.39 Emene Ind/Resid Layout, Parcel “B” behind ANAMCO, Enugu, belonging to Hon. Pius Azor, with File No. LEN:29195. Ministry of Lands, Enugu take note.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 7

LPPC appoints 17 new SANs, dr ops 27 applicants

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI, Abuja

T

HE Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC, yesterday, approved the appointment of 17 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, even as it dismissed applications that were filed before it by 27 senior lawyers who sought to be elevated to the rank.

Disclosing the names of the new SANs during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Mr Sunday Olorundahunsi, said the committee selected them at the end of a rigorous two days interview sessions it conducted on July 16 and 17.

He maintained that aside a holistic inquest into their professional conduct, the LPPC, ensured that none

of them had engaged in any form of judicial corruption in the past.

Those he said were okayed for conferment of the revered rank for year 2013, were Adele Eberechi, Olumide Olusoga Sofowora, Olufunke Aboyade (Ms), Uko Essien Udom, Anthony Ikechukwu Ani, Gowin Oduma Obla, Suraj Sa’eda, Anthony C h u k w u e m e k a Anaenugwu, Joe Ad’ojo Abrahams.

Others are Akinlolu Timothy Kehinde, Prof.

Lawrence Asekome Atsegbua, Biriyai Dambo, ChukwumaMachukwu Ume, Olaleka Fatai Yusuf, Moyosore Jubril Onigbanjo, Aliyu Maitasamu Abdullahi and Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo.

He said the date for their swearing-in would be announced later.

Deputy Governor of Enugu State , Sunday Onyebuchi in a handshake with the visiting Consul General of France in Lagos FRANCOIS SASTOURNE at Government House, Enugu.

Senator Ewherido laid to r est amid tears, wailings •He stood for good governance — Catholic Priest

BY EMMA ARUBI & FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

F

AMILY and friends of the departed Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, yesterday broke down in tears as his remains was laid to rest in his Ewu country home, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State. He was laid to rest at 4:15pm.

His corpse, which was brought in from Warri after a funeral mass in his honour at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral Church, was accompanied by a long motorcade with top government functionaries and captains of industries across the country.

In his homily, Catholic Bishop of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri, Bishop John Aferhera described the late Senator Pius Ewherido as an embodiment of what a true Nigerian should be in the service of his mother land.

Aferhera said the late Senator Ewherido stood for good governance, justice, love, equity, brotherliness and care for the under-previleged in the society. He charged all Nigerian political leaders to emulate him and keep his vision for an egalitarian society alive.

Amongst Nigerian lead-

ers at the requiem mass were the Senate President, Dr. David Mark. Senate Leader, Ndoma Egba, Deputy Senate President, Ike

Ekweremadu, Sen. Domingo Obende, and Sen. Ifeayin Okowa, Sen. Uche Chukwunerije. Others include Governors Em-

manuel Uduaghan and Akume, Ovuozorie Macualy, SSG Delta State, Speaker Delta State house of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Assembly member Talib Tebite, Commissioners

Frank Omare,Newworld Seifugha, Barr. Omo-Agege and Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo. Those who spoke to newsmen at Ewu described the exit of Senator Pius Ewherido as a big political setback to t he Urhobo

Jonathan, Sambo, Amosun Anyaoku bid Abati’s mother farewell •President’s spokesman weeps

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

P

RESIDENT Good luck Jonathan and Ogun State Governor,Ibikunle Amosun were part of the dignitaries that converged on Abeokuta,the Ogun state capital yesterday to give the last respect to Madam Maria Taiwo Abati, the mother of the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the President, Reuben Abati.

The Funeral Service which was held at the Saint John’s Anglican Church, Igbehin in Abeokuta,also had in attendance Vice President Namadi Sambo who was represented by Mallam Umar Sanni and former Secretary General of Common Wealth, Emeka Anyaoku.

Dr. Abati publicly betrayed emotion when he was paying tribute to his mother who he said did everything to make him succeed in life.

Abati could not hold his emotion again anymore when he recalled the two most loving songs his mother liked singing every time.

But, President Jonathan who was represented by his Chief of Staff , Chief Mike Ogiedomhe said the deceased lived a fulfilled life, evidenced in the life of Dr Reuben Abati, adding that she didn’t just produce an intellectual who according to him, later turned a journalist,she also produced a geologist, chartered accountant and civil servant.

The President further said that Mama Maria Abati’s life showed how much she was dedicated to her family life and upbringing of children which he said is the primary responsibility of parents which according to him, parents are failing in that “ is responsible for crimes and all forms of social ills

that bedevilled our country, today.”

He said “the deceased has led a life of example, a life that needs to be emulated so we are here today to celebrate because God did not just give her 70 years but gave her an additional 11 years . We have every reason to celebrate and I can understand why my brother Reuben started with those celebration songs that are w o n d e r f u l . ”You can see today,that there are no political differences. All political representations are here, even religions. We have muslims right here in this Church.”

Governor Amosun in his remarks said,”we are here to celebrate Mama because Mama lived up to 81. Yes, we would have wanted mama to live beyond 81 to be with us till probably 100 years, but I think Mama lived well.”

In his sermon tittled

‘Motherhood’, the Diocesan Bishop of St John’s Anglican Church, Emmanuel Adekunle traced many of the problems in the country to the product of the evils in the home .

Adekunle urged women and mothers to be careful in the upbringing of their children and put them on the right part in order to benefit the society.

While citing examples of good and devilish women in the bible and how their actions and inactions shaped the society, the cleric urged mothers to continue to be truthful to the society by producing offspring that will make the country proud but not the ones that will destroy it.

The cleric said “the testimony for the deceased is the legacy she left behind which is evidence in the success of her children adding that a true mother just like the late Madam Maria Abati should be a good house wife, house keeper, matron”.

nation. Those who spoke include; Chief Solomon Ahwinawhi, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, Mr Edoja Akpodiete and Chief Ovis Uto. On his part, Chief Solomon Ahwinawhin, a former member of the House of Representatives said the news of the death of Ewherido came to him as a shock and said they would miss him greatly.

Senate President, Senator David Mark said the late Senator Pius Ewherido was known for his braveness in the National Assembly.

Mark who spoke during the funeral mass at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Warri, Delta State said; “in such an occasion, it is almost impossible to find the appropriate words to express one’s condolence.

“I know Pius before he came to the senate. He came on the platform of opposition but started working for Nigeria the moment he reached the senate. That is why Senators wept for him.

“Today , we have come bid our friend and brother farewell. Pius demonstrated patriotism. He was known for his nationality, his passion and braveness in the National Assembly. We listen to him attentive whenever he speaks. We believe he will rest in the blossom of The Lord.”

8 SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

FG loses power to regulate hotel, restaurant businesses in S tates BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

T

HE Supreme Court sitting in Abuja yesterday held that it is only a State House of Assembly that can make laws on tourism, licensing and grading of hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses in a state.

Dismissing the case filed by the Federal Government challenging the powers of Lagos State government to regulate hotels and restaurant businesses in the state, the apex court held that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, only empowers the National Assembly to regulate on tourist traffic not on hotel registration or licensing.

Therefore the Supreme Court declared that both the Hotel Licensing Law of Lagos State (as amended) and the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law of Lagos State, were valid laws, while the offending sections of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Act were declared null and void.

The Lagos State government had argued during the hearing of the case that the National Assembly reserves the power to legislate on the Exclusive Legislative List in Schedule 2 to the Constitution relating to the regulation of tourist traffic, which only pertained to immigrations and the issuance of visas.

In its contention, the Federal Government through its counsel, Mr. Tunde Busari, argued that the phrase was enough to cover all tourism subjects and that the NTDC Act had therefore covered the field. Mr. Busari therefore called on the court to invalidate the Hotel Licensing Law and Hotel Consumption Tax Law of Lagos State.

However in its judgment, the apex court ruled in favour of Lagos State in the subject matter and also in another relevant case consolidated by the court.

Justice Suleiman Galadima who read the lead judgment rejected the submissions made by Busari on behalf of the Federal Government in both cases, and dismissed the case.

It would be recalled that

the Lagos Sate Government and the Federal Government had been embroiled in controversy over the question of proper authority to license and grade hospitality establishments.

This had resulted in the NTDC and the State Government setting up parallel registration and regulation structures to the annoyance of businessmen in the industry. By dismissing the case of the Federal Government, the apex court has put paid to this controversy and paved way for State Governments to take full charge of tourism regulation and development within their respective jurisdictions.

P

OLICE in Delta State have arrested four suspects, including the chair and secretary of a vigilance group, who allegedly abducted a three-year-old boy, Destiny Osanebi, from his parents’ home at Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State four days ago.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the arrest of three of the suspects, Thursday, gave their names as Oyibosochukwu, Goddy and Uzor.

He said they were nabbed with two guns and subsequently led police detectives to where the victim was kept.

Little Destiny, whose

father, Mr. Lucky Osanebi, is the elder brother of the member, representing Ndokwa East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Osanebi was released, unhurt.

Hon Osanebi, who confirmed the release of Destiny to Saturday Vanguard, Thursday morning, commended the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr.

Commenting on the judgment, Mr. Disun Holloway who is the Lagos State Commissioner for

•Unveils Police housing estate in Lagos

By YINKA KOLAWOLE & EVELYN USMAN

T

HE Federal Government is committed to improving the welfare of security

Ikechukwu Aduba, for his swift response to his call to track down the kidnappers and effect the release of his elder brother’s son.

“No ransom was paid and no ransom was collected”, a visibly impressed Hon Osanebi said, adding, “The police carried out a commendable operation and I commend the Commissioner of Police.”

personnel in the country to encourage them in carrying out their duties more effectively.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the assurance, yesterday in Lagos, at the commissioning of a housing estate built in Idimu, for officers and men of the Nigeria Police on owner occupier basis, named ‘Goodluck Jonathan Housing Estate’.

“It is noteworthy that for the first time in recent memory the Nigeria Police Force, through its own efforts and initiatives, is working hard to improve welfare of its men through housing. We commend the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar

NDO State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has declared that his government will continue to build markets for traders to further consolidate on its resolve to create the enabling environment for market operators in the state to thrive and also enhance the government’s urban

Supreme Court for upholding the tenets of Federalism.

renewal drive.

Mimiko reiterated his position on yesterday, preparatory to the grand commissioning of the rebuilt former Akure NEPA market which at commissioning next Tuesday will get a new name.

The Governor had on Tuesday commissioned

and his team and the developers for fast delivery of the project, which the IGP told me took only eight months to complete. This estate represents another successful outcome of the public-private partnership, PPP, initiative of this administration to complement government efforts towards meeting the infrastructure needs of our people. With the successful outcome of this PPP initiative we are witnessing here today, I encourage other government organisations to partner with the private sector to meet the housing needs of their employees,” he stated.

Jonathan said his administration placed a high premium on the provision of affordable housing in the country. He

noted that this prompted the decision of the Federal Government to facilitate the establishment of a Mortgage Refinancing Company before the end of the year, for which the government has secured a $300 million (about N48 billion) liquidity facility from the World Bank. The President said he agreed with the IGP that the provision of barracks for the Police and other security arms of government was very important. Recalling the recent renovation of a Police barracks, he said that it cost a lot of money to achieve but added that government would continue to mobilise available resources to continue on that path, in order to make life better for security operatives across the country.

Group commends Delta govt for restoring peace A SOCIO-CULTURAL group, Warri Rebirth Initiative, WRI, has

Why we will build more markets —Mimiko

O

Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations declared the judgement as a landmark and commended the

FG committed to welfar e of security personnel — Jonathan

Kidnap of 3-yr-old boy: Police arrest vigilante group chair, scribe, 2 others

BY EMMA AMAIZE, Warri

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (left) listening to an explanation from Jose Maria Figueres, former President of Costa Rica at the Wealth Creation and Poverty Reduction Summit held in Government House, Port Harcourt.

the rebuilt Moferere market in Ondo town even as two Neigbourhood Markets in Irun -Akoko and IwaroOka and the Igbokoda International market have also been slated for commissioning on the 23rd and 30th of this month.

commended the Delta State Government for its effort in restoring a lasting peace that will attract foreign investors to Warri and other parts of the state, despite the recent killings in one community.

Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the group, Mr. Kes Agbosa said, “the state government has commenced a restoration process which is paying off as more investors are coming to Warri”

To this end, he commended the ethnic groups in Warri for sustaining the peace and urged them to continue to be hospitable.

He said that the Warri Rebirth Initiative is building on the foundation of peace to bring various ethnic groups of Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko,Igbo, Yoruba etc of Warri together under one umbrella as brothers of one family.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 9

Why I was in Kano for Al-Mustapha — Fasehun *Asks govt to fish out Kudirat’s killer

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

D

R Frederick Fasehun, founder and President of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, yesterday took on his critics, especially the Yorubas, who criticised him on his support for Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan over the brutal killing of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Fasehun who spoke on his role on the non guilt verdict passed on the former Chief Security Officer, CSO, to late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha by the Court of Appeal, said he played the role to defend justice and equity.

At a press conference attended by some Ijaw youths, led by Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Comrade Joseph Eva in Lagos, Fasehun said the evidence and the judgment of the appeal court clearly vindicated his earlier position that AlMustapha was a victim of “some power that be.”

He argued that contrary to the position maintained by his critics, he had supported Nigeria’s progress and democracy, as well as Yoruba interests than anybody else in the region.

He noted that facts abound that he always had sympathy for the Abiola family, especially the children of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who he said, “joined OPC at the dawn of the group, and actively encouraged the growth of OPC. We worked together in NADECO.” He said however, going by the evidence before the court and uncoordinated evidences from the prosecution witnesses, there was no doubt that AlMustapha and his coaccused knew nothing about Kudirat’s death.

He therefore charged the government to look for Kudirat’s killers rather than waste taxpayers’ money in further prosecuting the case.

He said: “The real killers of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola is still at large, out there. A fresh hunt must be launched to unmask her real killers, as well as those responsible for killings of Bola Ige, Harry Marshall, Alfred Rewane, Funso Williams, Odunayo

Olagbaju, Ogbonnaya Uche, Theodore Agwatu, Barnabas and Abigail Igwe, Bisoye Tejuoso, Aminasoari Dikibo, Philph Olorunnipa, Ayo Daramola, Olaitan Oyerinde and MKO Abiola” Speaking further on AlMustpha’s freedom and why he went to Kano, Fasehun said, “I went to Kano to hand over AlMustapha back to his people safe and sound, through Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero. It was a request AlMustapha made, and one I was too glad to grant. ”Something frightened me about Kano –the crowd.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have seen crowds in my lifetime but nothing I ever saw compares to the huge mass of humanity, that turned out to welcome AlMustapha back home to Kano. ”It justified everything I did to fight for this Military officer. Can you imagine if this man had died in Lagos! How would that crowd greet the news of his death? What degree of reprisal wouldn’t they have unleashed on the millions of Yoruba people in their midst? Would we not have sentenced our kinsmen to certain death – avoidable death? Today, the Yoruba in Kano walk tall. ”In Kano, Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso described me as the ONLY BRIDGEBUILDER Nigeria has ever known. When I left Kano last Sunday, 45 Northern dignitaries escorted me to the airport.

Such appreciative gestures not only compensate for all the insults I received over the Al-Mustapha case, they indicate that I had achieved my quest for a-handshakeacross-the-Niger.”

On the trial, he said what culminated to the freedom

of the accused persons were: ”the inordinate delay of the trial, and retracting of supposedly confessional statements erstwhile made by principal prosecution witnesses.”

He said the case would easily rate among the longest in the annals of Nigeria’s justice system.

He noted, “several para-

A

customary Court sitting at OdodeIdanre in Idanre Local government area of Ondo state has dissolved a 20year old marriage between a 48 years old driver, Eric Akinola who accused his wife of sleeping with his apprentice.

The wife of the driver Omoyokun Akinola had approached the court seeking for the dissolution of the marriage on the ground of drunkenness,

examination, failure to tender any ballistic report on the murder weapon, the inability to provide the actual murder weapon and absence of a voluntary confession from AlMustapha.”

He therefore called on Nigerians to now”put Mustapha case behind us and forge the way into the future. The Lagos government must stop wasting taxpayers’ money and immediately dismantle the team it assigned to prosecute the case.”

Group hails global recognition of Nigerian film maker

BY GAB EJUWA

A Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio and Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, after a meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja recently.

Three teenagers docked for armed robbery Count one of the charge

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HREE teenagers have been arraigned before a Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, over a threecount-charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.

They are: Jamiu Saka 18, Chukwudi Onwuharanye 18, David Onokpise 19, and Yusuf Lateef 20.

It was gathered that the

defendants entered a church during a vigil service and robbed God’s children of their valuables.

According to the charge, the defendants robbed a clergy, Apostle Nelson Opara, of his handset and money, and one Okon Esther was robbed of two Visafone phones and one BlackBerry Curve 3, during the vigil service.

Court dissolves 20yr-old marriage because of infidelity beat the apprentice to the

BY DAYO JOHNSON Akure

doxes cropped up in the course of the trial to show that the Prosecution actually was taking not just AlMustapha but the entire nation for a ride.”

He also listed contradictions in the case to include : “Conflicting witness accounts, prosecution witnesses’ refusal to return for cross-

threat to life and lack of care.

But a mild drama was introduced to the matter when the husband told the court that his wife is a serial adulterer who has been caught severally sleeping with his apprentice on their matrimonial bed and other men outside.

Akinola told the Court that he caught his wife sleeping with one Morufu who was his apprentice on their matrimonial bed.

He said he was so infuriated that he had to

point of death before releasing him. ” I caught my wife sleeping with my apprentice on our matrimonial bed and I nearly killed the boy because I cannot imagine how my wife will be making love with my apprentice in my home. ”My wife is promiscuous. When I suspected her , she denied until she was caught in our bedroom with my apprentice making love to her.”

reads: “Jamiu Saka, Yusuf Lateef, Chukwudi Onwuharanye, and David Onokpise, on 19 May, 2012, at Sowers Ministry International No. 64A Kirikiri Road, Olodi Apapa, Lagos State, in the Lagos Division conspired to commit felony to wit: armed robbery.”

All the defendants live in Ajegunle, and had the charge read to them in English and Yoruba languages.

The plea of 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants was taken in English language, while the plea of 4th defendant was taken in Yoruba. They pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them by the State of Lagos.

The prosecutor, Mr O. Soetan, informed the court that the alleged offence was contrary to Section 295 (2) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

He therefore asked the court for a trial date to enable his witness to be in the dock for his evidence, stressing that he had agreed with the defence counsel on 29th and 30th of September.

The presiding judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, subsequently adjourned to September 29 and 30 for continuation of trial.

Lagos-based sociocultural group, Iwere Knights Association, has commended the election of a Nigerian film maker, Mr. Alex Eyengho, as the VicePresident of the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF).

He was elected to the position in May 2013 during the last General Assembly of FIAPF in Cannes, France.

The group, in a statement made available to newsmen, said the election of Eyengho, who is also the President of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), into the global motion picture outfit, had boosted the global recognition of the Nigerian movie industry.

The statement, signed by the association’s President and Secretary, Mr. Taiye Ajiyen, and Mr. Tosan Clarke, respectively, hinted that the election of Eyengho as the first African and Nigerian to that exalted position confirmed the superiority and global recognition of Nigerian movie industry.

The group also noted that the election of the politician cum film maker had brought pride to Iwere land in particular and Nigeria in general. ”As an association, we believe as an illustrious and hardworking son of Itsekiri, he deserves the new recognition. We are also confident that he will use his position and experience to add value to FIAPF during his tenure,” the statement said.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

AL-MUSTAPHA, SHOFOLAHAN ACQUITTAL

Criminal case needs proof beyond reasonable doubt, says lawyer WHEN the Court of Appeal overturned the death sentence passed on Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, setting two of them free, the nation was gripped by shock. Mixed reactions from a cross section of Nigerians poured in. Even the Clergy, civil society groups and political class were not left out.

The duo were condemned to death by hanging on January 30, 2012 by Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos High Court in Igbosere for the alleged murder of Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1996. But dramatically, the whole scenario changed when the all-female Justices of the Appeal Court, Lagos Division, who heard the appeal, discharged and acquitted them of complicity in the heinous act.

Nigerians seem split over the judgement, with some saying justice has been done, and others insisting justice was miscarried. However, the final arbiter is the Supreme Court, if ever the Lagos State Government would appeal the judgement. Saturday Vanguard sought the opinion of an enterprising lawyer, BARRISTER MERCY O. AMINAH, on the verdict. Excerpt:

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO

H

ow do you feel about the judge ment?

Before I comment, I want to say I have not read the full details of the judgement.

But suffice to say, I am just offering my opinion as a Nigerian on the street. I want to say that I am amazed at the whole proceedings, beginning from the High Court even to the Appeal Court. I am bewildered at the judgement. After 14 years in prison for a murder charge that took a long process of investigation, the prosecution cannot get it right. When will our justice system be seen to be right and fair? It is amazing.

Should the prosecuting authority be blamed for doing a shoddy job at the beginning which eventually led to the discharge and acquittal of al-Mustapha?

I don’t want to say the prosecution did not do its work properly. However, when somebody has been charged for committing a crime but you bring so many persons along over the matter, it could cause some confusion in the process of prosecution. It may be difficult at the end for justice to prevail.

Undoubtedly, there is rot in the entire system – executive, legislative and judiciary; in fact all three tiers of government. The whole thing is nauseating. I mean the entire system is rubbish. Something must be done to clean up the system for we cannot continue this

way. Some people have called for a revolution. I am scared about the future of Nigeria.

In this Al-Mustapha case, from the very beginning, the

Justice or no justice, 14 years after he was incarcerated, we are seeing the wheel of justice still rolling. Was the case against him cooked up?

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha...

prosecution did not get it right. Hence it has ended this way.

Do you see justice done or injustice in this case?

Justice or no justice, 14 years after he was incarcerated, we are seeing the wheel of justice still rolling.

Was the case against him cooked up? Did he confess to killing Kudirat Abiola?

Were confessions made under duress? Did he do it?

These and other questions have to be considered and weighed before judgement was to be passed.

The Honourable Justices of the Appeal Court must have carefully looked at the whole matter and given their verdict based on merit.

This is a criminal matter.

Aminah ...I am surprised and bewildered at the judgement

And there is a standard in this respect – a criminal charge must be proved beyond reasonable doubt, unlike a civil case which depends absolutely on evidence. If it’s a civil case, you will begin to pile up evidence until they tilt in your favour.

You need not prove your case beyond reasonable doubt in civil proceedings. But not so in criminal cases. There is a standard, and the standard is that you must prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. There must not be room for doubt.

Once there is doubt whatsoever, it is usually resolved in favour of the accused person.

From what I read of the judgement in newspapers, there were contradictions in

the evidence of the witnesses which the lower court had ignored before passing the death sentence on the accused. Based on the proceedings of the High Court, the Appeal Court judges believed there was no evidence to convict the accused.

So this brings us to the issue of prima facie which was not sufficiently established against the accused in the first place during proceedings at the lower court. So the prosecution could not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. In such a situation, the Appeal Court had no option but to acquit and discharge the convicts. he George Zimmerman acquittal by a jury in the US over the killing of a black youth, Trayvon Martin, was because the prosecution was unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

There were contradictory evidence and so the jury ruled in favour of Zimmerman who could have been convicted of second-degree murder or manslaughter. But he was cleared which caused outrage in the US, leading to massive protests across major cities in America.

Many people, especially Black Americans, felt there was no justice in the case.

But taking an incisive look into the Zimmerman verdict, the prosecution could not prove its case of murder beyond reasonable doubt as the accused said he shot Trayvon in self-defence when found in the neighbourhood in suspicious and questionable circumstances.

T

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—11

Al-Mustapha's acquittal is unjust — Olalekan Abiola

BY EBUN SESSOU

O

lalekan Ishau Abiola, the first son of late Alhaja Kudirat and Moshood Abiola, in this interview, insists his mother's killers are still living large and walking the streets freely. Excerpt: What's your take on the Appeal Court judgement which freed Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan?

In our religion, we were taught that speculation is the worst kind of speech.

Unless you are in a room with the conspirator, it is very difficult to say there was conspiracy to jeopardise the case. I think the Lagos State Government did the best it could under extremely difficult situations.

The killing of my mother happened during the Abacha regime, which means that those investigating the murder were investigating the people that perpetrated the act.

One of the things the Appeal Court said was that there was no police report.

Probably, the police did not investigate the case in the best way. So, that was the major problem that the Lagos State Government had in pushing the case forward. But we were fortunate that the principal actors, the person that shot my mother, Sergeant Rogers, admitted it; the person that drove the car admitted it, people that were present when the order was given admitted it. Their confessional statements were written in the dailies.

But the weakness in the Nigerian judiciary system that allows the defense lawyer to delay cases, adjourn and make all kinds of motions, delayed the case and within that time, it was messed up.

The same Sergeant Rogers and every other person that confessed, initially, reversed their confession that they were under duress to confess because of the delay in the judicial system.

Besides, it was not only my mother that Sergeant Rogers confessed to have shot in the head. He confessed to have shot the late Alex Ibru, the Guardian Publisher; he shot at the car of Abraham Adesanya. Unfortunately, all the evidence was buried. The case of late Bola Ige has been buried as well as other high-profile cases. Where are the cases of ex-Governors accused of embezzlement, corruption? None of them have been convicted.

This shows the weakness in the judicial system. Aside that, many witnesses that might have testified in one way or the other might have died, some are nowhere to be found.

So, the weakness in the system has to be addressed for Nigeria to move forward. When my mother was alive, she was receiving threatening phone calls. But she was optimistic that she had a place in Allah’s paradise. And I know that Allah would give her the paradise. So, whether convicted or not, it does not change where she is. But as human beings, we should discourage this act of injustice for the purpose of the future of this country. Right now, the Nigerian judiciary does not convict people enough. We have

The same Sergeant Rogers and every other person that confessed, initially, reversed their confession that they were under duress to confess because of the delay in the judicial system become a nation where anything can happen.I don’t know the kind of signal we are sending as a nation. Nobody has been arrested or convicted for the murder of over 30 students in Yobe State. There are several illegitimate killings going on in the country without anybody being convicted.

It seems the family is not satisfied with the judgement. Are you thinking of going back to court?

We never went to court in the first place. It was the Lagos State government that took the case to court. We never put pressure on the Lagos State government or anybody. All we wanted from the beginning was a fair trial. But, in this case, we cannot say we have gotten a fair trial. A situation where those believed to be involved in the murder of my mother were discharged and acquitted is a total injustice. This means they are telling me I never had a mother or that she never existed? Who shot my mother? I can’t be happy with the fact that all those who had confessed to have been in-

Olalekan Ishau Abiola

volved in the murder of my mother are free.

But I am willing to forgive anyone who did it. As moslems, we are mandated to forgive those who trespass against us. But, in this case, nobody has admitted he is guilty. Those who admitted were not convicted. The only good thing is that Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan spent 14 years in jail. I also appreciate the Judge at the Lagos High Court who was brave enough to pronounce the death sentence on AlMustapha and Shofolahan because they did everything within their power to frustrate justice. The fact that the Appeal Court threw the case out has not changed anything. When the death sentence was passed, it was appreciated by many people. But when the Appeal Court threw it out, people were shocked.

If the Lagos State government decides to go to the Supreme court, I will support it because the Supreme Court started the dismantling of this case.

The first time Mohammed Abacha said was that he had no case to answer.

The Supreme Court accepted that he had no case to answer which was ridiculous. A case that had not been judged at the lower court was hijacked at the Supreme Court. The case has been messed up. But my candid opinion is that going to court is a waste of time.

Do you think Al-Mustapha was actually involved in the muder of your mother? The Appeal Court said there was no concrete evidence to prove he was guilty.

Speculation is the worst kind of thing. I believe the initial confession by Sergeant Rogers about how Al-Mustapha gave the gun and the order to carry out the operation. I believe he was not only involved in my mother’s killing

but in the killings of other people.

So, if he likes, let him go to Kano and present himself as a hero. Let the Kano State Government give him a title or make him Imam of their Central Mosque. But I know that the Almighty Allah will judge the case himself. If he had a hand in it, he should make his repentance to Allah but the chances of his repentance to be accepted by God are very slim because it has to do with blood. He has a case with God and the injured party. In this case, the injured party is dead, so no one can compensate a dead person.

The fact is that they deprived my mother of her life unjustly and of motherly role. Even if they had upheld the death sentence, no governor would have signed it. Since democracy was brought back to Nigeria, the only governor who had the nerve to sign a death warrant was Oshiomole of Edo State. No other person has done that because they are all cowards. So, the case would have been buried. But, if Al-Mustapha had a hand in my mother’s death, I know he will not go scotfree. And whoever had a hand in the killing of my mother will be punished

by God.

What is your position on his status in the Army?

They can make him a General or Chief of Army Staff, I don’t care. But it is very unfortunate. My mother fought and gave her life and she knew that her life was at risk. We were begging her to leave Nigeria but she insisted. This woman fought for the democracy that Nigerians are enjoying today, but it is unfortunate that the present government could not ensure that she got justice. Her fight was successful, but it is a shame that the Nigerian democractic government could not repay her for the justice she deserved.

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

It's an act of God— Clerics FLORENCE AMAGIYA & OLAYINKA AJAYI The groundswell of comments trailing the discharge and acquittal of AlMustapha and Lateef Shofolahan does not seem to be letting up, as Director of Social Com munications, Catholic Arch diocese of Lagos, Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, has described the verdict as ‘an act of God. According to the Cleric, God has, through the court verdict, given both men another opportunity to rededicate their lives to the service of their creator and fellow men.

“I am not a lawyer, but I presume the judges must have good reasons for setting the men free. But if you've followed the court proceedings over the past 15 years, you will surely know that God’s favour was at work. Most people gave up on the two men; they were seen as the living dead because their case was already decided by man. My advice to the two men is to go and sin no more. They should see their acquittal as an opportunity to move closer to God more than ever before."

Taking a swipe at last year’s High Court ruling which had sentenced the duo to death for complicity in the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola; Msgr Osu expressed delight that the court’s judgment was not enforced accordingly. “We have always been against capital punishment in any form. I thank God that the two men are still alive. I am not taking sides, neither am I justifying whatever they might have done in the past. All I am saying is that, like the Catholic Church has always advocated, capital punishment is not the best way out of criminality.

We believe in giving men another chance to atone for their past deeds, just as God is always calling us all to reconcile with him. If He should judge us according to our deeds, no one would be justified,” he said.

Prof. Sagay

Nobody has yet been convicted of political murder in Nigera — Prof Sagay Meanwhile, some are of the opinion that Al-Mustapha should not have been acquitted by the upper court.

Prof. Itsejuwa Sagay (SAN) is of the opinion that impunity has been normal for political killings in the country.

“It has become a culture in this country whereby political murderers get away untouched. We have lots and it is a very sad story for this country,” he commented.

He believes the problem with political killers getting away is, however, not a constitutional issue.

“The problem is the will to prosecute and also the will of the witness to be honest and agree to tell the truth,” he said, adding that an appeal can still be made if the Lagos State government is dissatisfied with the judgment. “The Lagos State government is entitled to appeal as far as the judgment is not satisfactory to her after reviewing it. As far as I am concerned, nobody has been convicted of political murder in this country and those in power are comfortable with it, “Sagay quipped.

A sensitive judgment — Agbakoba Olisa Agbakoba

wants it to take place. Perhaps the man involved has prayed for forgiveness and God has forgiven him. Who is man to judge when God has forgiven him?

They were not destined to die that way

God has forgiven him-

- Imam, Yusuf Abdul Bari Afini, Chairman, Council of Imams

The judgement should be considered an act of God because nothing can happen except God allows it to; nothing can take place except God

Allah has everyone’s calendar in his hands; there is time for everyone to die no matter the circumstance, and if someone is not killed when he ought to have been killed, then that is the will of Allah. The Judge of a case

Bishop Olawuyi, Diocese of Lagos, Methodist church

Gabriel Osu

experience but he wasn’t destined to die that way.

Olawuyi

doesn’t have the final say in deciding a man’s fate to live or to die; even when the case is decided to the man’s detriment.

The terminal period of everyone in this world has been written by Allah.

So if it is the will of Allah for someone to die in an automobile accident, then he will die in it. Allah has planned it in such a way that nobody dies before his time. The case of Al- Mustapha’s discharge and acquittal must have been the handiwork of God. I am saying this because if he was predestined to die that way, then no judge, president or lawyer can change it. Perhaps he was destined to go through that process of stress, trials and near-death

However, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said it would be unfair to comment on the issue since he is yet to read the judgment.

“The only way I can make a meaningful contribution is to study the judgment thoroughly because I have read the decision of the High Court and I would also like to read the decision of the Court of Appeal. I understand the political sentiments surrounding it, but I want to be careful in making comments on sensitive judgements as this,” he stated.

No Comment - Keyamo Human rights activist and political commentator, Festus Keyamo, when contacted on phone by Saturday Vanguard, also declined comment. He however said his opinion would be made known in due time. “I have no comment for now but I will address the press in due time,” he said.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 13

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Al-Mustapha is victim of injustice —Faseun

Court was able to have its head screwed to its neck. And in this case, three heads were better than one.

Why are you sympathetic to the cause of Al-Mustapha?

I am always sympathetic to the course of justice. I am not sympathetic because it is Al-Mustapha. I am crusading for justice because I knew he was suffering injustice. I knew he was up against political giants who do not believe in truth and justice, whose goal is squandering money to suppress justice, and that was what happened.

W

hat was your reaction the day Al-Mustapha was sentenced to

death?

Well, I thought Al-Mustapha would be released that day. That was why I stormed out of the court. On that day, the presiding Judge used some abusive words even before they were sentenced, which was biased. I attended virtually all the court proceedings and even the day after the sentence, the reports in the newspapers were the opposite of what really happened. AlMustapha’s words were exaggerated and that was enough to make him commit suicide, believing that the entire society was mobilised against him.

But thanks to God and some noble Nigerians who had the nerves to intervene.

How about when the case was taken to the Appeal Court?

I never envisaged that the Appeal Court would pronounce justice. But I knew the court is saddled with the responsibility of “sieving the chaff from the grain” and it has done so.

What are the similarities between you and Al-Mustapha, could it be as a result of being a security officer?

I’m not a security officer; neither am I supporting Al-Mustapha because he was a security officer.

Dr. Fasehun

BY ISHOLA BALOGUN, EBUN SESSOU & ADERONKE ADEYERI

A

gainst the backdrop of the recent Appeal Court verdict which gave Al-Mustapha his freedom after 14 years in detention, Dr. Frederick Faseun, President, O’dua People’s Congress, explained the rationale behind his support for the contentious development in this interview with Saturday Vanguard.

Excerpt After 14 years , how would you describe the release of Al-Mustapha?

Democracy is the true manifestation of justice and truth. Al-Mustapha was accused of conspiracy and murder; whereas, conspiracy is an element of at least two people and nobody has come out to say Al-Mustapha conspired with him because nobody can conspire with himself. The witnesses that gave evidence in court initially said Al-Mustapha gave them an assignment to kill Kudirat Abiola. For the C M Y K

first two years of Al-Mustapha’s arrest, no charges were levelled against him. During that period, they were fishing for charges but the Nigerian constitution says “no Nigerian should be detained for more than 48 hours before appearance in court”. It took the Nigerian security system two years to file charges against Al-Mustapha, and when they cooked up charges against him, they brought few witnesses who gave evidence that Al-Mustapha sent them on the assignment to kill Kudirat Abiola. However, three years ago,those witnesses appeared in court again saying they lied against an innocent man.

Perhaps,some political giants promised them houses in Abuja and salary in foreign currencies, telling them their wives would be given N50, 000 monthly for sustenance which was enough reason for them to concur to any arrangement. Also,look at the case of Cazato who earlier gave evidence that he was the one who drove the assassins to the site of the assassination and that he later went back, but

could not recognise the car they drove.

At first, Cazato said it was a 504 station wagon and later Cherokee jeep.

Afterwards, he returned to court inserting his evidence that as at the time of the murder in June, that same year, he was nowhere near Lagos.

The day Kudirat was murdered, AlMustapha was getting married in his village in Kano State. So how was it possible for him to have been invloved in the murder of Kudirat? After the wedding, Al-Mustapha went for his honeymoon and yet, the judge gave her judgment on those retracted evidence.

What were your contributions to Al-Mustapha’s release?

I took interest to look into it and realised what we had was injustice in the decision of the High Court. AlMustapha went to the Appeal Court under Justice Aminat, and the court reversed the High Court’s judgment.

The High Court had written 366 pages of judgment in search of dishonesty, falsehood and lies. But, the Appeal

W

hat is your message to the Abiola family?

We regret the death of their parents, but they should insist on justice. Perhaps, the case can be reopened. This murder case should not be swept under the carpet like some other cases in Nigeria.

Besides, when Chief Abiola was in detention, there was evidence that AlMustapha gave him special treatment which Al-Mustapha himself said in court. He also said there was a time when Abiola was going to be killed by the authorities and when the news filtered to his hearing he had to change Abiola's room. He also testified about how he arranged for Kudirat to see her husband whenever she wanted. When the Americans paid Abiola a visit at the prison, Al-Mustapha was not there. That has been certified by Susan Rice, former Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Nations (UN). When Rice was questioned on that issue, she said, "Don’t ask me, ask Abdulsalam."

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, J ULY 2 0, 2 013—15

So who killed K udirat Abiola?

A

nd so Major Hamza AlMustapha went home last week to a tumultuous welcome after 14 years of incarceration. His daughter who was five years old when he was locked up is now 19. That special father/ daughter relationship that is usually forged in teenage years might be lost for ever. He probably would come home to find a home he doesn’t recognise, a wife who has become independent and children who have to get used to having a father again.

Fourteen years is a long time. There was no GSM for example in 1999. But it is not only the internet and social media revolution that has passed him by. Life itself has moved on—in Kano where he was born, in the Military where he used to hold sway despite his rank, in his family where he was Lord of the Manor, and in the larger society where his name alone sent shivers down many spines. Now, the man they call the lion-hearted has to prove the stuff his heart is made of as he picks up the pieces of a truncated life. Yet, all things considered, the very fact that he is alive to tell of his prison ordeal makes him one of the lucky ones.

Unknown to me, I was put under surveillance during the June 12 struggle. By the time I realised I was being followed, they had known almost everything there was to know —where I lived, some of my contacts, my watering holes etc.

Twice, the evening paper I was publishing then was prevented from coming out.

My printing press could not print for certain pro-June 12 publications for fear of being swooped in on. We worked in palpable fear on a day-today basis. Yet, in spite of my loss of privacy and commercial income, my person was not touched. I am indeed, one of the lucky ones.

Niran Malaolu and Ben Charles Obi had worked with me at different times.

They, together with Kunle Ajibade and Chris Anyanwu, etc, spent years in prison because of trumped up charges. Niran came out to become a Press Secretary, Chris a Senator, while Ben and Kunle became publishers.

They must count themselves, along with those who got top political positions, among the very lucky ones.

Generals Diya, Olanrewaju and Adisa grovelled before a certain Major because he had the power of life and death. They lived to enjoy the freedom of democracy and rule of law. They are among the lucky ones.

General Obasanjo was a Military Head of State who became a prisoner for daring to shoot his mouth. He lived to become the President and tell his story in ‘This animal called man’. He is obviously one of the lucky ones.

Alex Ibru was shot at and blinded.

He survived the experience and lived

for another 10 years or so. He was one of the lucky ones. So was Senator Abraham Adesanya whose car was riddled with bullets but still lived to lead the struggle.

Many left lucrative businesses and young families to flee into exile. Many have not come back since then while some of those who did found it difficult to piece their fragmented lives together again. Many, like Gani Fawehinmi had their premises bombed and lived to tell the story. They all can still be counted among the lucky ones.

For the five or so years that the June 12 war raged, homes were shattered, businesses destroyed, relationships fractured. The Directorate of Military Intelligence became known — and feared— for its ingenious and creative ways of interrogation. People spent days in conditions that even animals should not be subjected to. They emerged with broken minds and bodies.

My late childhood friend Major Akinyemi was one of them. Many disappeared and were never traced. Many were shot for daring to protest.

These were the unfortunate casualties of the inglorious era only because they paid the supreme price.

They, along with General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who was poisoned in prison and Chief Abiola who was poisoned when every body was expecting his release, represented the unlucky ones.

So when Major Mustapha recounts his 14years ordeal, he must remember its genesis. He must remember the days when he co-ordinated a ruthless and clinically effective intelligence network. He must remember lives that were irrevocably altered. He must remember how they played one tribe against the other (some of our Igbo brothers died on their way home), and one interest group against the other all in the name of security. If he indeed mourned the loss of his mother, then he must remember the many people who also lost their parents.

He said he has forgiven his enemies.

He must also seek the forgiveness of the many lives he has participated in ruining—both the ‘lucky’ and the ’unlucky’ ones. Those who say he was wrongly incarcerated for 14 years must also think of the many who were not only incarcerated, but who lost their lives.

They must also ask themselves if the judgement might not have been different if we had a swifter and more efficient judicial system where vital evidences are not easily tampered with—never mind that he has benefited from a judiciary that was not made available to many victims.

So, 15 years after, who killed Kudirat Abiola? Who made her sun to set at noon and her children orphans at sunrise?

There are many things for Mustapha to ponder upon. And if he wants to be at peace with himself and his God, he should tell us what he knows.

,

Now, the man they call the lion-hearted has to prove the stuff his heart is made of as he picks up the pieces of a truncated life

,

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , J ULY 2 0, 2 013

, N

attested to by Governor Fashola’s statements when he appended his signature to the bill.

“Let us remember,” asserted the Governor, “that property owners are privileged when compared to tenants. This law seeks change like it is done in all decent societies by asking the privileged to sacrifice a little so that the underprivileged can have a survival chance”. Speaking further about the bill, His Excellency continued, “It seeks

otice was given earlier in the week that President Goodluck Jonathan would soon announce his interest in contesting the presidential ticket in 2015. Well, I could have sworn he had already done that to the satisfaction, or dismay, of all his actual and perceived foes included, as well as his cronies and lickspittles. Or else what have all the upheavals and alarums been about?

The toe-to-toe stance between him and the Rivers State Governor, Amaechi, emerging from the grounding of the governor’s plane in Akure, was clear for all to see. It even overflowed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State when his own chartered aircraft was suddenly not found airworthy, once the governor was on board. It came to a head with the improper overt attempt to disrupt the Rivers State legislative assembly. The plan “emergency rule”. It is to all intents was not really to install a new and purposes of the same content with leadership in the house, since the situation in the three Northno Nigerian, sane or irrational, Eastern Sates, which are under de jure would be expected to accept emergency rule. The full exercise such a brutish and crude according to the law establishing scenario offering of a democratic rule has been disrupted, “majority” of five over twice though not to the degree that the that number. Of course, a planners of the Port Harcourt invasion n i n e t e e n - t o - s i x t e e n might have wished. But the exercise “minority” had earlier found of democratic freedom has been accommodation in the curtailed, and it irks me personally President’s political that a better way could not have been mathematics. What are we devised to retain the status quo. The talking about, what have we reactions of people all over the been talking about, if not the country have shown, however, that election of 2015? they know what democracy is, and that it is what they want. The invaders may he intrusion of Dame suck into a respite at the moment Patience Jonathan into congratulating themselves for their the unsettled environment, victory, but it is no more than a hollow for instance, could not have victory which may sink to even been set out to disabuse the becoming pyrrhic. mind of the people about what What is happening, though, calls for her husband is heading for. urgent correction lest the miscreants And though it may be in this particular awful drama begin considered only natural that to feel they could wangle some kind of any woman may be inclined immunity to cover their gruesome to promote her husband’s actions. The situation grows more and fortunes, a President’s wife is more serious with each passing day. not just any woman. Even in Three days ago, a mob gathered to the grip of the effort to aid her protest and disrupt the friendly visit •Governor Fashola man’s ambition, she is bound of three governors of states to to observe the limits of Amaechi, their counterpart. Things holds Lagos bound to the propriety in her involvement. are coming to a fair turn when a aspirations of the other Laying herself open to a Nigerian, let alone a governor, may parts of the nation is still charge of “excesses” in her not pay a courtesy call on a friend very vibrant in our life as behaviour would, at the least, without getting harassed. Is that a a nation. That is why one should take a good look at be counter-productive. We dividend of democracy? it especially in the way it have had wives of politicians The National Assembly must come relates the landlord and the tenant as different entities in the society..

The prejudice which nurtured the bill is somewhat universal. It is in the age-old distrust of who were overt participants down and hard on all those had a hand the wealthy man who is in politics in support of their in the attempt to capsize the craft of known to be exploitative, husbands before now, like peace and good governance in Port powerful and usually the Madam Hannah Awolowo, Harcourt, for that was what existed landlord. That notion whose decent reputation there before the hooligans intervened. derives its foundations remained unsullied through And first, that is what should be from the days of serfs and the heat of the most searing tackled right away – the immediate their masters when the campaign. This was clearly restoration of the welfare of Rivers mighty routinely what Wole Soyinka was State in its entirety. Those who are in oppressed the weak. The trying to bring close to those charge of security know what to do. masters were the landpeople who are steadily And we are saying that they should do owners, of course. A lot drifting away from shores of it. This situation must not be allowed has changed from those wisdom and good address. to get worse, or it may not get better. days. Human progress and While the problems of social upheavals have Rivers State are waiting to be narrowed the distance resolved, it might all the The Lagos State Tenancy Bill was between the wealthy and same be worthwhile to note cultivated on a soil of prejudice. It was the poor, especially in the that the decision of the House signed into law in August last year by exercise of individual of Representatives to take the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde rights. But it is not yet all over the legislative duties of Raji Fashola. It would not be square as could be the Rivers State House of surprising if it matured into a template garnered from the Assembly effectively dealt for most of the other States because universal concepts of the State the blow of the history of development which decent societies as

*what we are saying *re-visit the tenants’ law

A society that cannot protect the underprivileged cannot protect the privileged

T

The Lagos State Tenancy Bill was cultivated on a soil of prejudice

,

to protect the poor and the underprivileged. A society that cannot protect the underprivileged cannot protect the privileged. “ Ah, but it can, Your Excellency. In fact, it often does. But be it far from me to probe the philosophical depths of such a dictum against the assets of your erudition.

In fact, the point I am straining myself to make is that a society that seeks to protect the underprivileged, had better also protect the privileged. Both sides are vulnerable, even if the privileged could stand much stronger unaided.

In fact, “the unprivileged” is a classification that tenants have outstripped, especially with the Tenancy Law, in Lagos State.

They had committed a series of hurtful practices in the past, and even now, in the fulfilment of the bond that ties them to the landlords, i.e. the rent payment. One of the

,

measures that the landlords applied for the recovery of their dues in this regard was to demand payment for years in advance. Governor Fashola, with the background of an ancestral home in the Central Lagos precincts of Isalegangan, is of course, conversant with this predicament of landlords in receiving their rents. He referred to the frustrations of the recovery of a property from a tenant who has faulted and disappeared while keeping the property under lock and key. And yes, that exists, but is no less as irksome as the recovery of the rents owed, which may be speaking to months of non-payment, by the time the property is recovered.

The advance rent is also meant to address this problem. The bill does not touch this at all except where the tenant can be apprehended. And then it is the landlord who must bear the burden of going to the court and getting policemen.

The concession made for the benefit of tenants is indeed decent in several areas, but there must be an instrument which constrains them to be responsible. For instance, a house that is locked for three months before any action can be taken to open it up for the benefit of the owner is definitely not too considerate to his own welfare, because the opening up is in fact, the beginning of his trails. But if the landlord already has some rents in advance, for instance, his loss becomes more bearable. The official perception of the tenant as a weakling still toddling his way through a feudal terrain is, to say the least, non-operational. Many tenants know how to manipulate the law in their favour — in fact, many of them are bona fide lawyers (if you’ll excuse me) — and a legal instrument intentionally ab initio fashioned (pardon me again) with a bias in their direction, nimbly becomes a veritable weapon in their hands.

W

hen we talk about sacrifices, we should also remember that the landlord must have made some sacrifice too, if only that of investment. The Tenant’ Bill ought to be revisited, if only to make the landlord a part of the rest, and the tenant a partner of the landlord. Not all landlords are wolves, and not all tenants are innocent lambs.

Time out.

,

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 17

C M Y K

18—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 20, 2013 Dear Aunty Julie, My husband and I have been married for 10 years. We are very happy in our marriage and both know we will live the rest of our lives together.

But I have a problem with his family, specifically his mother.

First, let me start by saying my father-in-law is an absolutely wonderful man who spends lots of time with his grand children. He and my husband are extremely close. But my husband’s mother is a selfish, vain and small-minded woman, and so is his step-mother.

They are alike as far as seeing only to their wants and needs, and can be petty and downright mean toward family members.

Sometimes I feel like shouting at them when they go beyond what I can tolerate.

Should I do that? I would never, ever want to cause my father-in-law grief or anguish, nor my husband, but there have been a multitude of times when they’ve said and done things that have been so downright awful that I’ve bitten my tongue not to say anything to them directly. It’s been like this

He travels a lot

I’d like to shout at my in-laws for long and over the years it gets increasingly difficult not to tell them how horrible they are, how they are directly affecting the relationship between my husband and his Dad, and the fact that it might someday affect the relationship between my kids and their grandfather.

Cecilia, Enugu Dear Cecilia, It is always better for many couples with in-law issues to work as a unit. You have to let your husband fight certain battles by letting him know how you feel. I feel he should be the one to

communicate the issues to his mother, his step-mother and his father. It seems like a roundabout way of dealing with problems, but from what you’ve told us, these women are not going to have a thoughtful discussion about their actions, especially not with you. If you call them out on their bad behaviour, you will not win.

I know you want to scream at them or even sit them down and calmly tell them why they’re awful. But really, it won’t help. It’ll just alienate

Will he ever dump her for me?

Dear Aunty Julie, I’m a compulsive reader of your column and like the way you answer questions. My guy and I were together for four years and broke up at the beginning of this year. I still love him. I haven’t felt a connection like that with anyone else, but we had plenty of ups and downs in the course of the relationship. The last couple of months prior to the breakup were worse than usual, with more fighting and bickering.

This was partly due to stress from my work and because I felt like he didn’t include me very often in his social plans.

Of course, I acknowledge I was to blame, as well. We both had plans for marriage and kids.

There was a moment of infidelity on my part, which was the reason for the breakup. I never tried to justify it, but I was truly ashamed and wanted to work on things. I ultimately respected his wishes and we parted ways. I tried my best to move on, finally going on a few dates, surrounding myself with a few close friends, but I had a hard time getting over him. I still miss him very much. About two months after

There was a moment of infidelity on my part, which was the reason for the breakup. I never tried to justify it, but I was truly ashamed and wanted to work on things breaking up, he contacted me (via email), stating that he was seeing someone but continued to think about us. We agreed to meet at an eatery and were able to laugh together and talk about the good times. We didn’t discuss the infidelity or his girlfriend, but from then on we texted constantly, phoned a few times, and would make occasional plans to get together for dinner/movies. Most recently we had sex, with him initiating the first move.

He has said he doesn’t want to be pressured into a decision about me because he doesn’t want to get back into a situation where we would be unhappy again. This whole time I never pressured him. But I finally made it clear that for

everyone involved, he needs to make up his mind as I can’t continue to put my life on hold while he decides what he wants. It most certainly isn’t fair to her. He indicated to me that he had some commitments with her he felt he had to honour, but remained vague about the details and a specific time frame.

At this point, I feel like he’s just appeasing me by saying he needs more time and I wonder whether he has any intention of ending things with her. Do I have the right to insist that he immediately break it off with her if he’s serious about us? Should I cease communication altogether until his decision is made?

Should I just walk away even

the wrong people. You and your husband are the most important in this situation.

You have to stand together and protect your partnership.

Don’t try to create problems between him and his family.

Try as much as possible to tolerate them, but there is one exception to this rule. If the mother or stepmother’s bad behaviour involves your kids, you’re allowed to sternly explain how you do things in your household. In those situations, you can be the crazy mum.

though deep down I want us to be together?

Helen, Abuja Dear Helen, This whole thing is a mess.

I mean, let’s say he breaks up with her and you guys become a couple again. Would you be able to trust him? Would he be able to trust you? He seems pretty comfortable living a lie right now. Would you be able to feel safe in a relationship with him?

My advice is to really think about why you want him back.

Yes, texts and lunches are fun, but if you become a couple again, the issues will return.

And this time, they could be bigger and smellier. Really, you fought for months before you broke up. Then you cheated. And now he’s cheating.

The history will travel with both of you.

If you’re really determined to keep him, please stop talking to him , stop texting, emailing and meeting with him until he is legitimately single. He’s behaving like a bad guy right now, and you’re helping. Stop!

C O C K - T A L E S

Bride and Broom Two brooms are getting married. Before the ceremony, the bride broom says to the groom broom, “I think I’m going to have a whisk.” The groom broom says, “How can that be possible? We haven’t even swept together!”

Clearly Cheating A man cheats on his girlfriend named Lorraine with a girl named Clearly. Suddenly, Lorraine dies. At the funeral, the man stands up and sings, “I can see Clearly now, Lorraine is gone.”

Dead Again A funeral service is held for a woman who just passed away. As the pallbearers carry the casket out, they accidentally bump into a wall. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the woman is actually alive.

She lives for 10 more years and then dies. They have another funeral for her. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carry out the casket. As they are walking, the husband cries out, “Watch out for the wall!”

Devil in the Church One Sunday morning, Satan appeared before a small town congregation. Everyone started screaming and running for the front church door, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away. Soon, everyone was gone, except for an elderly gentleman who sat calmly. Satan walked up to the man and said, “Don’t you know who I am?” The man replied, “Yep, sure do.” Satan asked, “Aren’t you going to run?” ”Nope, sure ain’t,” said the man. Perturbed, Satan asked, “Why aren’t you afraid of me?” The man calmly replied, “Been married to your sister for over 48 years.”

Aunty Julie, I am in my early 20s and an undergraduate . Right now, I am in a relationship with a 33year-old guy . He lives in Lagos where I am based but travels extensively. Ever since I got into the university, we have been in a long-distance relationship. Because of both of our schedules, we haven’t spent a lot of time together in person, but communicate by phone, text or email every day. He is a wonderful, genuine, and caring person. We seem to be extremely compatible on multiple levels — intellectually, sexually, and we have similar outlooks and opinions on many things.

But as wonderful as the constant technological communication is, it is obviously no replacement for actual time spent together. It’s been particularly hard for me, maybe because I’m not as used to being away from the people I love as he is. As far as the future goes, how realistic do you think it is to continue seeing each other, all things considered?

Prisca, Lagos Dear Prisca, This commitment does not seem realistic but that’s OK. Some long-distance relationships work, especially when you’re in your 20s and busy with education. But long-distance relationships don’t always work, and yours is making you sad. That’s not good.

My advice is to ask him whether he has a plan for the future. Have your relationship defined so that you know what you are into.

What makes a relationship last?

Aunty Julie, I find it hard to have a lasting relationship. I have been dating ladies and breaking off whenever I meet another beautiful one. I’m like what women call players and I don’t like it. I feel very ashamed of myself each time I stop seeing any of my ladies. There was this bad case where two of the ladies I dated and dumped became very close friends. It makes me feel very sick. How do I have a lasting relationship? I am 31 years old and employed.

Simon, Lagos Dear Simon, You are indeed the guy we mothers warn our daughters against. And I wish there was a simple answer to this nagging question you raised. But one thing I know is that if you’re in a happy relationship, it is only natural to want to do something to make sure it will last. The problem is, you just can’t flip a switch and make your relationship strong and lasting. I do know, however, that if you really love someone, you must be honest with her. You must respect her and give her all your attention. If you stay honest with a lover, respect them and their property and space, and pay close attention to them and what they’re saying a little bit everyday, you are way more likely to have a lasting friendship and romance.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 19

C M Y K

20—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

obsessive partner feels a physical need to be with the object of their obsession every day and to know exactly where they are and who they are with whenever they are not together. Negative feelings such as jealousy and paranoia begin to creep into the relationship. The obsessive individual suspects that their partner may be cheating or that everything they do or say is somehow a reflection of how they feel about them.

An obsessive person will spend inordinate amounts of time trying to please their partner in an ongoing effort to ensure he/she does not want to cheat on or leave them. They may place multiple phone calls, send

08052201257 anyagafu@yahoo.com

The line between love and obsession Y

ou’ve often heard about love and obsession, so it's only natural to wonder which of the two defines your

relationship. You meet someone you’d call the man of your dreams; at least you think you have. He is handsome, charming, educated and treats you like a queen. You haven’t been dating for very long, yet he has already opened up to you completely. Your last guy didn’t do that in the entire 10 months you were together.

But this guy somehow seems different. He is thoughtful and kind, sends you love-notes at least once a week and calls thrice a day. He makes you feel special and loved. You’ve only been seeing him for a couple of weeks, yet he makes you feel you are more important to him than anyone or anything else in his life. It seems implausible that you could already be in love with him, but he has said he loves you and you can’t imagine what more you could possibly want in a man. This must be love, right?

Not exactly. Truth is, there is a fine line between love and obsession, and in this case, the

When two people fall in love, they maintain their individual identities and interests

man you are so wild about might just be obsessed with you. Love is a healthy emotion that grows between two people once they’ve invested time and energy into getting to really know one another, warts and all.

Obsession is different. In the

beginning, it may feel a lot like love. It makes your heart race and you can think of almost nothing else except the other person. Obsession is an unhealthy emotion that becomes more and more suffocating over time.

When two people fall in love, they maintain their individual identities and interests. They are not threatened when their partner elects to spend time with family or friends without always including them. They are happy for and proud of their partner’s accomplishments, even when those accomplishments are exclusive of the relationship.

With obsession, it becomes nearly impossible to be without one another. The

countless texts or emails all in one day.

So ultimately, they limit the other’s ability to spend time with family or friends and become angry and jealous when other people are chosen over them.

Often, an obsessive person can become verbally or physically abusive and express great amounts of remorse afterward, yet they consistently blame their partner for bringing on the abuse themselves.

Over time, they reduce their partner to a helpless, dependent individual that is a mere shell of the person they supposedly fell in love with.

The individual who becomes involved with an obsessive partner can grow to realise it, but it is often well after the relationship grows

out of control - though in most

He fathered a child outside our marriage

M

y husband of 17 years has been cheating on me without my knowledge. I only found

recently and have since separated from him. He’d had an affair and has been part of the life of an illegitimate child that resulted all this time. He tried to pay off his fling initially, but the whole situation has snowballed into something else over the years.

Soon he would even be paying more money and acknowledging his son with birthday cards, gifts and large sums of money.

He’s had all these years to get used to this situation, but I’ve had

out

* Clifford, from Imo State, fair, graduate, average height, is searching for a fair young lady who resides in Owerri or Port-Harcourt to settle down with on 08038746925 *Samuel, Medical Anaesthetist,28, based in Port-Harcourt, needs a female friend for a relationship on 08096507762 *Akin, 38, Msc holder, resident in Ogun State , AA, wants to meet a certified professional female of

C M Y K

it all dumped on me at once. He says he loves me and wants to work it out. He’s moved out of the house and nothing legal is being done at this point. At first, I only considered a legal separation but now, I’m thinking of divorce. I don’t know how I’m going to trust him again and know that’s the foundation for any relationship to exist. What are your thoughts?

My first thought, and you may not like this thought, is what a truly loving and caring person your husband is! He could’ve just walked away from his child, but he didn’t. He didn’t want his child to grow up not knowing who his father was, wondering his entire life why his dad left without a thought, and didn’t help take care of him in

good character for courtship on 08053871003 * Emeka, 26, based in Lagos, needs a sexually starved lady in Lagos, for a relationship on 07014332822 *Olalekan, 48, civil servant, from Osun State, needs a lady of 28-47 years for a relationship on 07034752194 Ayo, 28, female, gentle, affectionate,

whatever way he could. I, for one, admire his heart and sense of responsibility.

Now, I can also hear your objections here on why he didn’t feel he had the same responsibility to tell you about the whole thing.

My guess is that he didn’t want this same reaction from you any sooner. He didn’t want to lose you!

From your mail, it doesn’t sound like he has continued with the affair all these years.

It happened years ago and resulted in a child. I don’t know what finally spurred him on to telling you about it, but the fact that he says he still loves you isn’t so surprising. He cannot go back and fix his past decisions and mistakes. He can only

reliable, wants a responsible male aged 30-45 for a trusting relationship on 07064539097 *Favour, 40, single mother of two, based in Abuja, civil servant, needs a decent God-fearing and gainfully employed man for marriage on 07068129308 *Wesley, 38, based in Lagos,

Do you have reactions to our stories or have you any experience you want to share with our readers? Please e-mail,anyagafu2@gmail.com Do you want to be linked?

Neither Chioma Gabriel nor Saturday Vanguard has any relationship with anybody wanting to be linked. We have no agents anywhere and charge no fees. We have no personal information of people who have been linked or want to be linked and therefore, are not answerable for disappointments or embarrassments some people may encounter in the process.

cases, that doesn’t take too long. Once that has happened, it becomes harder to extricate oneself from the relationship, especially without much guilt and possibly danger.

In extreme cases of obsessive love, the obsessive partner may subject their lover to verbal or physical abuse, rape, stalking or even murder.

You are in an obsessive relationship if you are getting too close too fast. This might include having your partner express feelings of deep attraction or even love within minutes of meeting.

If unable to apply reason and logic to the relationship and you know you are pretty incompatible or your partner is cruel but you choose to ignore the obvious signs, then, there is trouble waiting to happen.

Do you drive by a partner ’s home, office or other frequented places hoping to catch a glimpse of them or find them with someone else to validate feelings of paranoia? Or are you unable to focus on anything else, including work, because the obsessive relationship occupies your thoughts and consumes copious amounts of your time? This might mean that even while at work, one constantly tries to reach their partner by phone, sends emails or takes long lunches to stalk their lover.

Are you having feelings of confusion, that is, you know you can’t possibly be in love with them, but you can’t imagine life without them or exeperience increasing feelings of anxiety and depression?

If your partner has an obsessive history, it is likely that your suspicions about their obsession with you are well-founded and you should proceed with caution.

apologise and try to show you

again how important you really are to him, while still not turning his back on his own flesh and blood.

I’m not trying to make him out to be a saint here, but the truth is - none of us are saints!! None of us are perfect, honest all the time, or truthful in every way.

We all make mistakes - some bigger than others, and it does serve us well to remember that each one of us is made of the same stuff. You can forgive if you choose to. You can trust again, if you want to. And you can get through this and continue to spend your life with a man who loves you no matter what mistakes you’ve made in the past too.

needs an understanding and sexy lady for a relationship on 07038511972 * Nedum, female, from Delta State, 29, genotype AA, fair in complexion , needs a man for a serious relationship on 08167967786 *Femi, 46, single father of two, needs a pretty, decent, working class lady or single mother with a good job for a relationship that can lead to marriage on 08179702712 * Owolabi John, male, 27, based in Lagos, needs a responsible woman of 20-27 for relationship and marriage on 08059822017

SATURDAY

Vanguard JULY 20, 2013— 21

, Is it a good idea reverting to an ex?

W

“

hen Wendy rang to ask me if I’d go on a date with her, my first reaction was that she’d gone completely insane,’ recalled Jubril, a university lecturer. “Our relationship was great when we first got together but it ended baldly and since then we’ve only seen each other occasionally.

“I was her first serious boyfriend but called the relationship off because we never agreed on anything.

We were constantly rowing, then making up. We must have worn each other out as she quickly went into another relationship and came out with a child. I’ve had two kids myself but still single, I wasn’t desperate.

I’ve always believed getting back with an ex is a bad idea, and I worried we wouldn’t get on.

O

“It was good fun going out with her again and we went to our favourite restaurant.

After a few drinks, we talked a lot about the past. But the

,

spark wasn’t there. I can’t ever see us getting back together. Too much has changed for us to get back what we had before.”

Re-appearance of choice wines

NE of the so-called dividends’ of democracy is the reappearance of choice wines and exotic liquor on various wine and department stores. On the party scene, no matter how lackluster the party, you can guarantee the appearance of different wines. What you can’t guarantee, however, is the authenticity of such wines as fake ones rub shoulders with gnuine ones no matter how expensive.

But seriously, when that bottle of wine is plunked in front of you at parties, in the restaurant or at home, do you know what you’ll be guzzling? Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay — the names may be familiar, but they can’t tell you what’s in the bottle. Here’s what to expect from some of the most commonly available types of wine from wine experts, Stephen Reiss, author of the Wine Guide: Juice Jargon.

Reds: Carbenet Sauignon, (pronounced cab-air-nay-so-veen’yohn); a heavier wine, often made to improve with age. Merlot, (mairIo); a medium bodied wine. Pinot noir (Pea-no nwahr); one of the lightest red wines; often treated with oak to help it age. Sauvignon blanc/fume blanc,(so vee-n’ yohnd Blahn/Foo-may Blahn) medium bodied, often has a taste like freshly cut grass;great with food, Pinot

There are loads more varieties of course, but the ones listed are some of the commonest. A glass of wine with a good meal is one of life’s pleasure, as a lot of us are now discovering. Reiss pointed out that greater demand had led to tremendous growth in the wine industry, and nowadays, over abundant choices and all the supposed rules about wines can make choosing a bottle intimidating. His advice? Do your thing by debunking some of the wine myths.

Wine myth 1: You have to spend a lot of money to get a good wine. Most expensive wines are pricey because they’re rare, not necessarily because they’re the best. You can get a great bottle of wine for less. If you enjoy a certain wine, write down its name. Keep a list on a small pad and bring it with you when shopping for wine.

Wine myth 2: There is a right and wrong type of wine for different foods.

There are no singular, exclusive pairings for particular kinds of food.

Different wines bring out different aspects of food.

So don’t be afraid to pair red wine with fish, for example. Even if you don’t like the particular wine you chose to go with a certain meat, it’s not a crime. You

Tanning gives wine structure and, because it acts as a natural preservative allows wine to age

grigio/pinot gris, (Pea-no gree-d’jo/ Pea-no gree); a light, simple wine. The Italian name, Pinot Grigio, is the better known. Riesling (Ree-sling); a tart white wine that can range from very dry to very sweet; one of the best wines with any type of food.

C M Y K

It was good fun going out with her again and we went to our favourite restaurant. After a few drinks, we talked a lot about the past.

But the spark wasn’t there

“I did my Higher School Certificate in a mixed school and that was how I met Gabby” recalled Sade, an IT manager. “We were very much in love but whilst I got admitted to a university in Lagos, he went up North. I missed him like crazy the first year but whilst absence could make the heart grow fonder, with us it eventually became out of a sight, out of mind.

“I was in the office when he just walked in. It was a shock to see him. I almost didn’t recognise him. He looked much better than I remembered and has spent a lot of time at the gym because he looked well built. Things were a bit awkward for about an hour but once we got over our nerves, we were our old selves! He took me to lunch and grown-up Jubril was a more intense version of the funny witty man I knew years ago.

“I was amazed by how easy it was to talk to him about everything—work, family and other people we’d been put with. We even talked about our break up without hurling insults at each other. It was obvious the old chemistry was still there and two years later, we got married!”

,

can always try again.

Wine myth 3: You have to be an expert to enjoy wine. Absolutely not!

To enjoy wine, all you need are your taste buds, your nose and a little bit of time.

Wine myth 4: American wines are as good as European wines. Every region offers its own unique addition to the world of wines. Great wines and poor wines can be found anywhere.

Wine myth 5: Corked wine is good, while wine with a twist-off top is bad. Cork is traditionaI, but these days, twist-off caps and even alternatives to bottles (wine in a box, for instance) are becoming more common.

Now, you’ve got an impressive array of wines, do you know how to store them? Reiss advised you keep unopened wine in a cool, dark place, and store bottles on their sides to keep the corks moist. Dried corks shrink easily and allow air to seep into the wine. White wines may also be stored in the refrigerator, though it isn’t necessary. You can simply chill the wine in the fridge two hours before serving.

If you have left-over wine after it’s been opened, replace the cork and place the bottle in the fridge. It should keep for three to five days. If you prefer to drink red wine at a warmer temperature, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature until it warms to your liking. Left-over wine can be used within three to five days after it has been opened.

How to serve wine: White wine is generally best served between 45oF and 55oF, so keep it in the fridge. If it’s too cold for your taste, let it sit on a counter top for about 15 minutes before drinking. Red wine is generally best served between 55oF and 65oF. If the cork breaks in half while you’re opening the bottle, gently

screw the corkscrew into it and pull it out. If the corks shatters, push it into the bottle, then poor the wine through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into glasses or another container to strain out the pieces. Are you familiar with the vino lingo? “Sweet,” “dry”, “oakey” —what does it all o mean? Aroma vs ... buguest: Aroma is the smell of a young wine. Bouquet refer to the aroma a wine takes on after it has aged in the bottle.

Body; the weight of swine in the mouth.

Wines are usually described as being either light, medium or full bodied.

Dry:A descriptive term for wine with no perceptible sugar content.

Finish:The final after-taste of a wine, very good wines tend to have relatively long finishes.

Sweet:A descriptive term for wine with some amount of sugar Noise: A wine term synonymous with aroma (e.g. you might say, “The nose of this wine reminds me of cherries”). Oakey, a descriptive term for a wine that has a pronounced oak flavour, generally as a result of aging the wine in new, small oak barrels.

Chardonnay is often oakey.

Tanning: A group of beneficial compounds in wine that come mainly from the grape’s skins and seed.

Tanning gives wine structure and, because it acts as a natural preservative allows wine to age.

How to serve Your Wine: If you had unlimited space and an unlimited budget, you could buy a different glass for practically every type of wine. But for the rest of us, here’s a simple guide to glassware.

Red Wine: Choose a glass with a broader bowl. This allows you to enjoy more of the bouquet of red wines.

22—SA TURD AY 22—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, JUL Y 20, 2013

(Text Only)

Heels-to-crotch Technique Sitting down with the feet stretched in front of you, bend the knees and turning them outwards, drop them and place the soles of your feet together, hold the feet with the hands,flapping the legs up and down like the wings of a bird in flight a few times.And then hold the bent legs down with the

power of the leg muscles.

Keep the back straight and breathe normally.

Benefits This postures tones the abductor muscles of the inner thighs. It enchances manly vigour. And it facililates ease of birth in women. It’s also a great before-the-baby exercise for the expectant mother.

Yoga exercise for healthy living The Shoulderstand

The Lotus

Technique: Lie on your back with the legs extended. Then bending the knees, place the hands at the hips and quickly raise back off the floor and straighten both legs up. Remain very erect and still and do deep breathing. Remain in the posture for 2 to 5 minutes. To come out of the position, bend the knees and gently let the back roll out. Put the feet down and relax.

Benefits: In the SHOULDERSTAND, the

Technique:

thyroid gland is massaged and brought to its proper level of activity. It stretches the spine, that way helping it become strong and elastic. Because most of the body is inverted, it stops various blood from stagnating in the lower limbs and promotes circulation, helping to ameliorate varicose veins.

It relieves sluggishness and mental lethargy. It helps to cure insomnia.

Sit with both legs outstretched in front of you. Draw the right leg and place the right foot on the left thigh and then drawing the left leg place the foot on the right thigh. Then, crossing the hands at the back grab hold off the big toes.

Benefits: This variant of the Lotus strenghtens the arms and legs. It helps expand the chest for more air intake and lubricate the knee and ankle joints for flexibility.

Yoga Classes The Shoulderstand: By Adewale C M Y K

@ 32 Adetokumbo Ademola, Victoria Island Lagos.

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—23

W

hether you’re in a relationship al ready or just admiring someone from afar, sorting out your feelings can be a real challenge. While there’s no clear, fool-proof way to decipher your feelings for someone, there are however certain ways to make the distinction clearer for yourself. Follow these tips to help yourself know the difference between love, infatuation and lust.

How to recognise true love Examine whether you treat the object of your interest as a person or a thing. You care for this person even knowing his or her faults. You are committed to sticking together even through the most difficult circumstances. You can tell this person anything about yourself, even if the truth doesn’t flatter you, and you know that your partner will accept you.

Evaluate how secure you feel: You know that your partner will stand by you no matter what, and you are prepared to commit to your partner for the rest of your life.

Think about how long you’ve been in the relationship: You have known the person for a long time, and can’t imagine life without him or her.

Observe how sex affects your feelings: After you have sex with your partner, you feel closer to him or her. For you, affection and post-coital cuddling are just as important as sex, although you love to keep the flame alive.

Analyse how you think about the other person: Something funny has happened to you at work, and you can’t wait to tell your partner.

Alternatively, you’ve had a bad experience, and you want to talk to someone who will understand. If your partner is the first person you think about when you want to share your innermost thoughts, then you may be in love.

Look at how you handle conflict: When you have an argument with your partner, you keep working until you’re able to find some common ground. No argument can erase your commitment to one another, and you appreciate your partner speaking the truth even when it’s painful.

Consider your feelings about moving the relationship forward: You feel comfortable with your partner, and have a strong bond of trust.

Moving in together or getting

Ask the Sexpert

Is it love or infatuation?

married feels natural and logical.

How to know if you’re infatuated

Examine whether you treat the object of your interest as a person or a thing. When you experience infatuation, your mind is consumed by thoughts of the other person. You’re thinking not only about the other person but also how you want to reveal yourself to him/her. You have an idealised vision of what this person is like, and your vision may or may not be accurate.

Evaluate how secure you feel: Instead of feeling secure, you are thinking more

My partner’s menstrual cycle has been delayed by weeks. She last got her periods on May 21. Recently, we did a urine pregnancy test at a local diagnostic lab, the result of which was negative.

However, the test was done in the evening.

The report clearly states that a urine test should be done in the morning. Do we require another urine test for pregnancy? We are not ready for

a

about how to impress the other person. Your focus is on how to get the other person to like you, and you feel nervous because you don’t know how the other person feels.

Think about how long you’ve been in the relationship: Your relationship is pretty new, and while you’re constantly thinking about the other person, you’re not confident that he or she has what it takes to go the distance.

Observe how sex affects your feelings: Sex is exciting, but you feel tentative afterward. You worry about whether your partner found you appealing and what the next step

baby.

Repeat the test. If she doesn’t get her periods within 40 days of her last period, see a gynaecologist. If it is a pregnancy, you can work out what you both want.

I am 18 years old. My foreskin is tight and does not slip back. It gets stuck halfway and hurts. My girlfriend wants to have sex but I keep making excuses because my glands are very sensitive. She doesn’t know

after sex will be.

Analyse how you’re thinking about the other person: You think constantly about how the person smiles, says your name or looks at you.

You think obsessively about these details, and try to decide how the person feels about you based on these somewhat trivial qualities.

Look at how you handle conflict: The person you like disagrees with you, and you wonder if the relationship is over. You wonder whether you know the person at all or whether your impressions have been wrong all along.

Consider your feelings about moving the relationship forward: You want

about my problem. Soon, she will figure out and may break up with me. I don’t want to get circumcised.

Please advise.

Slip back the foreskin as much as you can, and apply Betnovate cream. After the application of the cream, slip the skin up and down many times. Do this every day for a month, even with an erection. Fifteen minutes before intercourse, apply Lox2% gel and wipe off the ex-

to ask the person to date exclusively, but you’re nervous about what he or she might say. You’re afraid that asking for commitment may frighten the person away. Your feelings aren’t deep enough for love; you’re probably more in the realm of infatuation.

Examine whether you treat the object of your interest as a person or a thing: If you’re looking to catch someone as a prize or to go to bed with you, you’re treating the person like a thing and probably experiencing lust.

Evaluate how secure you feel: Security isn’t important to you; you’re more interested in the score and how great it feels to be physical together. After you get what you want, you can take or leave the other person.

Observe how sex affects your feelings: You have sex with the person, and even though it’s great, your mind has already moved onto something else. You wonder how long you have to hold the person afterward, and you’re already thinking about scoring your next sexual encounter. Or you want to keep having sex with the person at least, until somebody else comes along.

Analyse how you’re thinking about the other person: You’re trying to figure out what you have to do to get this person to invite you up for a nightcap. Your focus is on knocking down the person’s guard so that he or she will be open to a sexual encounter.

Look at how you handle conflict: Who cares if you have an argument? You can find someone new without the hassle of bickering and fighting.

The sex is great, but it’s not worth the baggage—unless it’s make-up sex after one of those passionate arguments.

In reality, you could care less about getting exclusive with your partner. You’re satisfied to date other people, and don’t care if the other person also has multiple partners. Even

though you may feel jealous if your lover finds another partner, your lack of commitment suggests lust, not love.

Now, seriously speaking, don’t rush into things or you will be getting hurt. Friendship should also weigh into your decision to commit.

Know that there will be bumps in the road. And if you’re truly in love, it won’t matter. Don’t let that person try to change you. Don’t look for someone perfect, because no one is exactly perfect.The only perfect person is the perfect person for YOU. Don’t expect the person to change for you.

cess. You will not feel the pain.

I am a 20-year-old woman. I experience a sharp pain in my abdomen on emptying my bladder. The pain goes away as soon as the bladder is full again. This has been happening after I had intercourse with my boyfriend a year ago. Please suggest m e d i c a t i o n .

I do not think the intercourse is the reason for the problem. Please consult a urologist and do a test.

24—VANGUARD, SATURDAY, JULY20, 2013

I became an apprentice at 17

Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2008. I went further to study at the Leeds Metropolitan University in England where I obtained a Master of Science degree in Corporate Governance and also a P ost Graduate Diploma in Management Consultancy from t h e

CEO Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Dr Obiora Anthony Chukwuka is the Executive Chairman, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Born on July 18, 1963, the native of Anambra State is the last child and the only male member of a family of seven. His arrival years after hopes of having a male child in the family seemed lost, was seen as a miraculous deed within his immediate society.

Born to a school teacher father who also doubled as the Catechist, in their local church, the family income was quite modest and barely enough to take care of everyone. Going through secondary school was really difficult. His later day academic accomplishments served as testaments to his quest for knowledge and also assuaged him for the early educational deprivation that he suffered on account of financial incapacitation. Dr Chukwuka turn 50 years lastThursday, he shares with ESTHER ONYEGBULA, his challenges, aspirations and long journey to success.

Considering your poor background, how did you cope going to school?

Aware that my family’s lean financial resources will not be able to take me through higher institution, I made up my mind while in form four, to start a business soon after secondary school. I remained focused on this vision and did not succumb to series of peer pressure that could have distracted me and possibly made me add to the financial woes of my family.

In 1980, at age 17, after the completion of my secondary education, I traveled down to Lagos to join my maternal cousin as his apprentice selling ladies shoes at Idumota market.

How did you feel, when you were 17 and your peers were preparing to write jamb and you couldn’t because of financial constraint?

It wasn’t easy at all. Even completing my standard six at that time was a huge struggle.

There were times in-laws had to be called to contribute to pay my fees to enable me complete my secondary education.

Although my classmates advised me to take the exams, I felt it was of no use, knowing fully well that if I passed I won’t be able to attend because of lack of fund. I realized my predicament on time and decided to take responsibility

at a very young age.

So what happened when you couldn ’t pr oceed beyond secondary education?

As mentioned earlier , I traveled down to Lagos to join my maternal cousin as his apprentice. In 1983, my cousin then set me up in my own business also selling ladies shoes. In 1984, with the then Buhari/Idiagbon military government demolishing all illegal shops at Idumota, my fledging business came to an abrupt end as all my wares went with the demolition.

How did you cope with this set back?

The huge blow and a terrible setback, offered me the leeway to determine my future business course. I must confess that I never really liked the ladies shoes business but was stuck to it due to the influence that my master in the trade had over me. With a little capital at my disposal, it did not take me much time to decide on pharmaceuticals as my new line of business because of my previous experience as an active member of the Red Cross Society in secondary school. After a brief training in drug business, I started trade in 1985 at Idumota with the name Leton Medical Stores.

This was to metamorphose to

My word to young Nigerians is that there are no shortcuts to success, once you are born into this world it is your right to succeed

Caleb Pharmaceuticals and later in 1995, was incorporated as Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Ltd. After you became a successful entrepreneur did you later go back to school?

Yes I did but much later. I got admission into the University of Lagos where I obtained a

man. I didn’t just end with a Bachelors degree, I went ahead to do my masters. And this has helped me to become an authority in the industry as a trained administrator.

With all you have been able to achieve in the pharmaceuticals, real estate, hospitality, oil and gas sector, what are you doing to give back to the society?

In recognition of the fact that all I have today is God given, I live with the consciousness of seeking to give back through selfless services to God and humanity. This I have done through the auspices of EZIAFAKEGO FOUNDATION which was founded in the year 2003, to improve the quality of human life especially in the rural communities. The foundation provides youth and women empowerment; free healthcare services; provision of shelter and other basic needs for the less privileged in the society .

We also give educational scholarships up to tertiary lev-

Dr Obiora Anthony Chukwuka

same university. I am also a recipient of an honorary doctorate conferred on me by Commonwealth University Belize, Central America, in collaboration with the London Graduate School, England.

Would you say that acquiring a university education has helped enhance you as an entrepreneur?

Yes of course. When I was in Idumota, my business was growing but it lacked the corporate identity that I yearned for. I knew tha t there was no way I could efficiently and effectively administer a corporate business without actually acquiring the necessary skills required. So immediately, I moved my corporate office to Ilupeju. Don’t forget that I have never worked in an office before. I needed administrative skills. So I went back to school and believe me, it really paid off. I noticed that people no longer referred to m e as a money-miss-road business-

el.

At fifty do you feel fulfilled?

Honestly, I don’t know how to express myself because I am more than fulfilled. My greatest fulfillment is being able to touch lives. In Greenlife, we have about 500 members of staff in both industries. These people also have their own dependants, so I am happy that I am able to do that. Most times, I over staff on purpose just to help more people.

What is your word to young Nigerians?

My word to young Nigerians is that there are no shortcuts to success, once you are born into this world it is your right to succeed. But if you misuse a single opportunity, you might have to live with that decision for ever or never be able to correct in one life time. Young Nigerians should learn to plan their lives well; if they do they will enjoy their lives to the end.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 25

08116759764 anozieegole@yahoo.com

Banky W flaunts new girlfriend?

I

F the rumour is any thing to go by,then it would be safe to say there is something going on between EME boss, Banky W and Tinsel actress,

•Banky and friend

Angie-model plans fashion show

By GRACE, EKPENBOR

I

N line with efforts to give models a platform to showcase what they have, Angela Agadan has unveiled “Angie-model”, an agency that recruits a range of bothy male and female models for shows.

Located at the business district of Jos, the outfit seeks to give talented models suitable for catwalk, catalogs, magazines, TV commercials, film, television extras, actor/actresses and music video performers among others, a platform to showcase themselves. Although the agency is new, preparations are in high gear for an award-winning fashion show which will soon debut in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, soon.

The Kogi State-born student of Ambrose Alli University, Angela Agada, who is also the CEO of the firm, said “ we are open to welcome both experienced and non-experienced models, as the company will provide a training platform for all models.”

Andrea Manuela Giaccaglia.

The latter is Chris Attoh’s exgirlfriend but it appears she is enjoying the company of ‘Mr. W’ at the moment.

Yes, because the two lovebirds have been spotted together lately at different social gatherings.

Limpopo bags ‘most popular song of the year’

I

T seems fans and music lov ers cannot get enough of the hit single, “Limpopo”, as they keep stirring whenever the song is tuned.

At the just-concluded City People awards, the single won the Most Popular Song of the Year. The most exciting part of the event was when the singer, Kcee, took the stage to collect the award which fans tuned before he even started singing.

jo u m E h it w s t u b e Owen Hero d M-DURU

BY PRISCA SA erian ubai-based Nig u n A de os si n ge r, wen Hero”, Bolanle, a.k.a “O e music th is set to enter but of his de e th world with le ‘Emujo’, first official sing r. C h id o M pr od u ce d by hit maker). ro ku E s o’ id av (D graduate The 25-year-old e Uniom th of Psychology fr ti,who is ki E do A of versity children, ur the second of fo ty to utiili ab s hi believes in means of exlise music as a otions. Emupressing his em the young to jo, according Afrocentric musician, is an d with a mid party starter lace eady proa st tempo beat and calls on all ch gression, whi dance with party lovers to The singer, comical lyrics. himself as an who described sclosed that di afrobeat act, ‘Emujo’ is his new single , Fela Anod influenced by G ly Parton ol D i, ut K o ap ikul

D

•Angela

and Sade Adu. He is definitely an act to watch out for as his entry into the Nigerian music industry

will shake the industry for good. .

26 — Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 20, 2013

FALL-OUT OF BREAK-UP WITH IYANYA

I wasn’t used and dumped — Yvonne Nelson Now bears Nigerian name, Damilola

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU

For sexy Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, heartbreak is a painful experience best avoided. Not exactly in the mood to relive her sensational breakup with popular Afro-hip hop act, Iyanya, she ended up doing so just to set the records straight. The actress was in the country to premiere her latest movie, “House of Gold” at the Silverbird Cinema, Lagos, yesterday, and opened up on sundry issues.

H

ow are you enjoying your stay in Nigeria?

Did I tell you I’m halfNigerian and half-Ghanaian? I was given a Nigerian name recently which makes me half-Nigerian. My Nigerian name is Damilola. It has been wonderful, I always say Nigeria is like a home for me. When I’m here, I do not feel like going back home again. But it’s just that everything seems to be faster here.

You are in the country to premiere your latest movie. What’s the movie all about?

The movie is titled, ‘House of Gold.’ It is a family-oriented comedy, and I want people

C M Y K

to come and see two of Africa’s music stars Ice Prince and Omawumi make their debut in a movie. I produced the movie in partnership with Media Ghana.

“House of Gold” tells the story of Dan Ansah Williams, a high-flying entrepreneur, business mogul, polygamist and socialite who is battling with cancer and has six weeks to live. With the help of his long-time associate and legal representative, he embarks on a mission to recall all his children, most of whom were born out of wedlock, back home. Dan’s last wish is to have all his children under one roof for seven days so they will get to know one another and bond due to the fact that they share the same blood line. However, that reunion proves a little more than everyone bargained for as each child indeed returns with an agenda, and this sets the stage for the most hilarious and bizarre seven days of their lives.

I’m urging people to come and see the movie because they are going to laugh and have a nice time.

How did you get Ice Prince and Omawumi to star in the movie?

It was very challenging given the fact that they are busy people, always performing at shows. I have my own way of doing things. I spoke to them and they gave me their time and schedules, so I worked with it. We spent about 15 days on set.

Your first movie, ‘Single and Married’ was also directed by Paschal Amanfo, what do you have with him?

Paschal is one of the best directors in Ghana. He is a very straightforward

Vanguard, SARTURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 27

director and it’s very easy working with him. You would like to work with somebody who helps make things go smoothly while on set.

What’s your experience like working with Ice Prince and Omawumi on set?

They were amazing on set. Ice Prince was the one who really shocked me because he had a show a night before joining us on set. He did not even sleep, as he took the next flight to Ghana and the moment he stormed the set, he started reading his script and mastering his lines.

Omawumi was so good that I was tempted to ask her why she’s not into acting in Nigeria. I also had the funniest Nigerian actor,Francis Odega, on set.

Why did you decide to star the duo in your film?

It’s my own marketing strategy as a producer. I believe they have their own fan base and audiences. I wanted to spice up things. When you watch my movie, my cast are usually very interesting. People are sick and tired of seeing the same Nollywood and Ghollywood faces in our movies. I could have used notable Nollywood actors, but I just wanted to spice up things because I don’t think people are expecting what they are definitely going to see in the movie.

Controversies have been trailing your acting career in recent times; from your break-up with Iyanya to accusations that you bleached your body and more recently, an article posted online where you lamented that Iyanya used and dumped you.

Why all these controversies?

Did anybody hear me say that? Nobody used and dumped me. As journalists, you should know that your colleagues are fond of using sensational headlines to drag traffic to their blogs and websites. At the end of the day, I did not say somebody used and dumped me. I don’t remember saying anything like that.

But what actually happened between you and Iyanya?

I guess it is out there. I granted two interviews on this whole thing; Bella Naija and Toolz(The Juice). I don’t want to repeat myself. My interviewers took what they wanted to take away from the interviews I granted them. I don’t have any control over what they decide to publish or put out there.

You have moved on after the break -up?

It happened last year. The reason I granted those interviews was to let my fans know the

truth about what transpired between Iyanya and myself. Sometimes, one’s fans desire to know what’s happening to their idol.

H

ow do you address the allegations of lightening your skin?

Do I look like someone who is bleaching? One thing people should understand is that we use a lot of photo tricks.If you watch our movies, for instance, I look a little bit dark but if you see my pictures, I look fair in complexion. Commonsense should tell anyone that the pictures are treated.

What happened is that I posted my new picture online and people started alleging that I was bleaching my skin.

you become a sacred virgin. There are some special people in my life that I hang out with once in a while. But I’m not in any relationship at the moment.

I just want to take my time. It’s not as if I’m looking for guys. I believe that when it is the right time, they will come looking for me.

But are you not thinking of settling down?

It’s something that I’m thinking about, but I just want to take my time.

More so, I’m still young. However, if it comes my way, why not? But definitely, not with somebody in the entertainment industry.

Meaning that you wouldn’t want to

I guess, everybody go through heartbreak. It’s a natural thing and as time goes on, you get over it. I can’t sit down at home and cry all day-long. I’m occupied with a lot of things; I have movies to shoot, I’m travelling and handling other projects That’s how the whole thing started.

My mum is fairer than me, and my siblings are all fair in complexion. I don’t bleach and I don’t intend lightening my skin.

Do you feel hurt each time you read negative stories about yourself?

I don’t. I don’t even know why they say all the things they say about me.

To some people, if you tell them you can fly, they would believe in you.

Whatever they read in the dailies, they believe in. It’s good for them. So, I can’t go into everybody’s home to tell them, “Look at me, I haven’t bleached before.” I’m happy with myself.

Are you in any relationship at the moment?

Not that fast. I’m now a “sacred virgin,” meaning you are not a virgin but after a long time,

date an entertainer again?

Not at all.

Is it because of your experience with Iyanya?

I guess everybody knows that. It was quite a shocking experience.

E

ven after your break-up with Iyanya, there were some tweets meant to be an apology to you from one of your contenders, Tonto Dikeh.

How did you receive the tweets?

Like I said in my interview with Bella Naija, I hate a situation where you bring a third person into any relationship that I’m involved in. I don’t want to mention names. There are certain things I wouldn’t want to talk about here. I know that those tweets were actually meant for me. There is no problem. I hope she’s happy now because she did whatever she had to do. She advised me to move on, and I wish her good luck.

After reading your interview in Bella Naija, we sought Iyanya’s reaction and he told us you were free to say whatever you wanted to say. Has it got to that extent?

Fine! You guys should go back and read the interview again.

We are in a business where everybody is trying to protect his or her fan base. Most of his fans are women while my fans are basically men. So, I would do anything to protect my male fans just as he was trying to protect his female fans. He can’t run away from the truth. I decided to open up because I didn’t want to disappoint my male fans.

I was ready to talk about it. And nobody could stop me from doing so.

Given this situation, would you turn down any offer to be on the same set with Tonto Dikeh?

I don’t have any

problem with anybody. As a professional, if I get a phone call from a producer and the script is something I like as well as the person directing the film, why not? I will. I’m not fighting with anyone, even though we are not friends. But all the same, whatever tweets she posted were meant for me. It’s okay, there’s nothing wrong with that. We all have our lives to live and were brought up in different backgrounds. I don’t have to respond to anything.

At this point, would you say you were heartbroken?

I once was.

What’s the healing process like?

Just like any other person. I guess everybody goes through heartbreak.

It’s a natural thing and as time goes on, you get over it. I can’t sit down at home and cry all day long. I’m occupied with a lot of things; I have movies to shoot, I’m travelling and handling other projects.

How would you describe Iyanya?

Great guy with great talent. He’s like the best singer I’ve ever known and he gives me good reason to think so.

Before the breakup, were you envisaging a situation where the relationship would lead to marriage?

I don’t know.

But you gave the relationship your best shot?

I’m sure if you are in a relationship, everybody gives his or her best to it.

We all gave our best.

What was the real problem?

The real problem was what I spoke about in the two interviews I granted to Bella Naija and Toolz.

What is it that people don’t know about you?

Back in Ghana, you hardly see me hanging out with any guy. This is because I’m always indoors even when I’m not shooting a film or travelling out of the country. But here, in Nigeria, the reason people get so many stories to tell about me is that each time I’m in the country and they see me in the company of some of my colleagues, they will start drawing conclusions that we are dating. That has been my problem in Nigeria.

I cannot control what people say about me because I don’t live here.

Sometimes, I need these guys to take me around. In Ghana, I drive myself around and do my things in my own way and nobody says anything about me. It looks as if I can’t have friends any more.

If anybody they see me with is going to be an issue, then there is already an issue. Am I the only person that hangs out with friends?

All these things doesn’t disturb me either because I’m a free spirit. I think people should stop linking me with guys. I’m not hiding anything.

If I have a boyfriend I should be proud enough to talk about him.

C M Y K

28— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 29

C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers Transfers Transfers

Man City complete Jovetic and Negredo signings

M

ANCHESTER CITY sealed a £22.4million move for striker Stevan Jovetic.

The Fiorentina ace, 23, is heading to the Etihad on a £120,000-a-week deal. The deal could rise beyond the £22.4m fee agreed if certain add-on clauses are activated.

Also, signed Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo from Sevilla.

Negredo will cost City a reported initial fee of £16.4 million plus addons of up to £4.2m

•Jovetic

Chelsea to make Rooney highest paid player

C

helsea are pre pared to make Wayne Rooney their highest-paid player .The Blues are ready to smash their wage structure and offer the 27year-old a five-year contract worth in excess of £200,000 a week.The club’s top earners are believed to be Fernando Torres and captain John Terry on £175,000 a week, with senior stars Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech, plus Eden Hazard and David Luiz, also receiving a six-figure weekly sum.

Tottenham working on £7m deal for ‘new Neymar’ Neilton S

purs are readying a £7million bid for Santos ace Neilton after being convinced that he is the next big thing to come out of Brazil.

Tottenham scouts have been raving about the 19-year-old, who has already been dubbed the new Neymar, after he burst onto the scene at Santos earlier this year.

And now Andre VillasBoas is willing to splash the cash to make sure he continues his development at White Hart Lane.

Neilton, a quick-silver winger who can also play up front, has

B

C M Y K

that Neilton can also go on to have the same career.

And after Spurs failed to act when they spotted Neymar’s potential as a 15-year-old, they are determined not to miss out on Neilton.

The player is rumoured to have a £5million buyout clause, but it’s

he Liverpool man ager, Brendan Rodgers, has insisted the striker Luis Suárez will remain with the Reds "unless something drastic happens" – while also

B

•Maicon

•Messi

PSG tto o pa payy £2 15m ffor or £215m Messi if...

P

thought that it only applies to Brazilian clubs, and Spurs would have to pay over the odds to get their man.

Spurs are currently looking into the complexities of getting the player a work permit, before making their interest known with a £7million offer.

ARIS ST GERMAIN have threatened to meet Lionel Messi's buy-out clause unless Barcelona call off their pursuit of Thiago Silva.

PSG are annoyed that Barcelona are continuing to try and tempt Silva to Camp Nou despite the club stating he is not for sale and the player saying he wants to stay.

Barcelona boss Sandro Rosell went public with his intention to try and bring Silva on board.

And now PSG have hit back by suggesting that they could launch their own bid for Messi.

PSG president Sheikh Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: "If Barca pay the buy-out clause of Thiago Silva then I will meet Messi's buy-out clause."

Messi signed a new Barcelona contract in December last year that runs until 2018 but the contract contains a release clause of £250m euros (£215m).

Luis Suárez staying at Liverpool T stressing no player is bigger than the club. Although Suárez's desire to leave Anfield this summer has seemed clear from various interviews he has given over the last few

Barcelona turn to Agger

Maicon joins Roma razilian full-back Maicon has joined Roma from Manchester City on a permanent deal. The 31-year-old joined City last summer from Inter Milan but struggled to win a regular place in the first team, making only 11 appearances during last season, just four of those in the league.

The move back to Serie A was confirmed on City's website and the club said: "Everyone at Manchester City wishes Maicon good luck at his new club."

Maicon found competition from Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards for that right-back spot too strong.

become a regular for Santos in recent weeks following the sale of Neymar to Barcelona, and it appears they’ve found a perfect replacement.

Indeed, the pair not only graduated from the same academy, play the same position and look alike, but it’s thought

Transfers

arcelona are weighing up a move for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger. The Catalans have been following the Danish defender for almost two years now, but he was never at the top of their hit-list.

However, with Barcelona failing in their attempts to sign Thiago Silva and David Luiz, they could now turn their attention to Agger. With captain Carles Puyol nearing the end of his career, Tito Vilanova is desperate to sign another central defender • Agger this summer.

weeks, Liverpool have emphasised they do not intend to sell the Uruguay international and rejected an offer understood to be £30m for him from Arsenal.

•Suárez

Marouane Fellaini set to replace Mikel at Chelsea

C

helsea are set to press ahead with a raid for Everton midfielder Maroune Fellaini and in a bid to get the jump on rivals Manchester United and Arsenal will offer the Toffees a player plus cash deal.

The Belgian international was reportedly close to joining the Stamford Bridge outfit back in the January transfer window but the move broke down at the 11th hour and now new boss Jose Mourinho has targeted him as theman who could replace Mikel Obi in his new look squad.

•Fellaini

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 —31

Compiled by

Ephraim Oseji 08023542350

TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers TransfersTransfers Transfers TransfersTransfersTransfers

Man United to bid £60m for Bale

Neymar goal filmed by Brazilian air force drone

T

he Brazilian air force has released footage of a Neymar wonder goal captured by one of its drones. The drone was on a routine security operation, having monitored the arrival

Sports Direct staff set to share £140m bonus pool

S

ports Direct has re ported a record year boosted by the London Olympics and Uefa European Championships, with staff in line to share a £140m bonus

M

anchester United could turn their atten tions to signing Gareth Bale after seeing a move for one of their top transfer targets falter. The Premier League champions saw longterm target Spain Under 21 star Thiago Alcantara choose to leave Barcelona to join former manager Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

But United are desperate to back new manager David Moyes in his title defence and are great admirers of Tottenham winger Bale, who picked up three player of the year awards last season after scoring 21 League goals for Spurs.

Uruguayan defender Guillermo Varela is United’s sole signing this summer, but the club could launch a bid as high as £60million for Bale this month.

But United remain wary of being sucked into a drawn-out summer transfer saga with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy that could result in United

missing out on Bale or paying above the odds.

Wayne Rooney looks destined to leave Old Trafford amid fresh reports he wants to quit the club and United are looking to overshadow his predicted departure with a big signing of their own, with Chelsea leading the chase for the unsettled England striker.

PSG close in on •35mMarquinhos R

•Marquinhos

Migliaccio in the dock over tank prank

A

oma defender Marquinhos is close to agreeing a •35 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The two clubs are in advanced negotiations over the structure of the deal, which is expected to be finalised by the end of the week.

It is believed that Marquinhos has already agreed terms with the French big-hitters and will soon put the finishing touches to the move, with the centreback's brother claiming that a deal had been agreed upon. "We were awake all night trying to

talanta midfielder Giulio Migliaccio is facing an Italian football federation investigation after he was involved in an incident in which a tank crushed two cars.

Migliaccio was riding in the tank with Atalanta fans at the supporters’ annual preseason festival on yesterday in Bergamo when two cars decorated in the colorus of rivals sides Brescia and Roma were flattened.

Migliaccio insists he had nothing to do with the crash and was an innocent party in the prank.

The 32-year-old, said: ‘I only realised when the tank was going over them, and since I could not see •Migliaccio because I was high up and at the back.

C M Y K

of both teams and the presidential helicopter, but happened to be over the Mane Garrincha at the precise moment the Brazil star scored in the match against Japan.

reach an agreement," "But finally we succeeded."

Barcelona had a •20m bid for the Brazilian teenager rejected by Roma this summer, but they look set to have been overwhelmed by PSG’s financial muscle as the French club eye Marquinhos partnering up with compatriot Thiago Silva in defence. The 19year-old is regarded as one of the most promising centre-backs in world football following an excellent debut campaign in Serie A after moving from Corinthians 12 months ago.

Pregnant Olympic runner dies, baby saved

A former Olympic runner, who was eight months pregnant, died suddenly at a restaurant in Hamden, Conn.

Emergency personnel were able to safely deliver her baby at a nearby hospital.

Meskerem Legesse, 26, was getting takeout food from a Chinese restaurant with her 2-year-

old son when she suddenly collapsed and died. Paramedics and emergency crews were able to perform CPR on Legesse until she was taken to the Yale-New Haven Hospital, where the baby was delivered.

The hospital did not immediately respond to calls about the condition of the baby.

Robinho extends Milan deal

T

he Brazilian has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at San Siro. AC Milan have announced that Robinho has extended his contract with the club until the summer of 2016. The Brazilian attacker first moved to the club from Manchester City back in 2010, but his current contract was set to expire in 2014.

AC Milan attempt to hijack Liverpool's deal for Eriksen

Simeone’s son sports shocking hairdo

G

iovanni Simeone has made sure he won’t be forgotten about after being promoted to the River Plate first-team this week – after turning up to training with a shocking new haircut. Simeone, the teenage son of Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone, is rated as a top prospect in Argentina but he is unlikely to be taken seriously on this form.

Young Giovanni rocked up at River Plate’s training base with the bizarre hairdo with the hope of earning a few run outs ahead of the new season.

pool next month. The clothing retailer is also dropping a controversial bonus share scheme for Mike Ashley – founder, majority shareholder and deputy chairman.

A

•Adebayor

C Milan have attempted to hijack Liverpool's move for Christian Eriksen.

The Ajax midfielder, courted

by Europe's top clubs, has already turned down a move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer. He said he would be interested in speaking to Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers is rumoured to be keen on him.

Eriksen, 21, already has 36 caps for Denmark and is one of the stars of the Eredivisie, with Ajax facing a battle to keep him.

•Alcantara

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Tina Turner weds longtime partner after 27 yrs together A

T long last, Tina Turner and Erwin Bach have tied the knot. The “Proud Mary” singer, 73, and the music producer, 57, were recently wed in Zurich, Switzerland. Together for 27 years, reports said that the newly weds had a civil ceremony “a few days ago.”

The couple will reportedly celebrate their nuptials with a Buddhist ceremony at Tina’s lakefront mansion on the banks of Lake Zurich.

This is the second marriage for Tina, who was previously wed to musician Ike Turner from 1962 to 1976. During their turbulent union, Ike — who died from a cocaine overdose in 2007 — often physically abused the “River Deep, Mountain High” singer. Tina chronicled their volitive romance in her 1986 memoir, I, Tina.

The former couple’s marriage inspired the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It, named after Tina’s comeback classic from 1984.

The film starred Angela Bassett as Tina and Laurence Fishburne as Ike.

By IYABO AINA

A

•TinaTurner and her hubby Tina, an eight-time Grammy Award winner, retired from performing in 2009. The Tennessee native became a Swiss citizen earlier this year.

She has has a 55-year-old son, Craig (with musician Raymond Hill), and a 52year-old son, Ronald (with Ike).

Angelina Jolie rocks low-cut camisole

•Angelina Jolie

W

HEN Brad Pitt said Angelina Jolie was “sexy as ever ” following her C M Y K

Kim Kardashian speaks on motherhood

double mastectomy, he wasn’t kidding.

As recently , the Oscarwinning actress, 38, was photographed Monday wearing a black sun hat, lowcut camisole, and loose fitting black pants while scouting movie locations in Oahu, Hawaii, and looked trim and confident.

Jolie whose sons Maddox, 11, and Pax, 9, have joined her in the Aloha State is preparing to direct her second film, “Unbroken,” on the island.

Jolie revealed in May that she had a preventative double mastectomy after doctors told her she carried the “faulty” gene BRCA1, which left her with an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer.

Nine weeks after her initial surgery she underwent “reconstruction of the breasts with an implant.”

“There have been many advances in this procedure in the last few years and the results can be beautiful,” Jolie

disclosed .

While promoting “World War Z” last month, Pitt said it’s been “business as usual” for his fiancée following her big reveal.

MERICAN television personality Kim Kardashian has been noticeably quiet since the birth of her daughter North, but she came out of internet hiding during the week with a post on her blog. “Wanted to say thank you,” Kardashian tweeted with a link.

“These past couple of weeks have been filled with the most exciting experiences of my life,” the 32-year-old told her fans and followers. “I’m enjoying this time to fully embrace motherhood and spend time at home with my family.”

That includes boyfriend Kanye West, with whom she welcomed little North.

The baby girl, the first child for both stars, arrived earlier than planned on June 15.

Since then, Kardashian hasn’t been seen out . Dad Kanye has been spotted out in Los Angeles here and there, but we know that he doesn’t have quite the same relationship with the paparazzi as his girlfriend.

“I’ve been reading all of your messages and want to thank you all for your sweet thoughts and best wishes,” Kardashian said in her post.

“It truly means everything to me. I am so blessed to have the support of my family and

•Kim

fans in this beautiful moment.”

Could Whitney Houston’s grave really be robbed?

W

HITNEY Houston’s death at the age of 48 was shocking, but when the toxicology reports came back on March 29, the results were not. It was determined that the “I Will Always Love You” singer, who struggled for years with substance abuse, had traces of cocaine, marijuana, and several prescription medications in her system at the time of her death. Her drowning was credited to the effects of chronic cocaine use and heart disease.

But recently , a spy who tried to pay her respects to Houston recently, “There is 24-

hour security because the Houston family is afraid of grave robbers stealing the $300,000 worth of jewelry that she’s buried with. No one is allowed to get near her by about 50 feet around, so a

•Whitney

security man ushered me away”he said .

Though Michael Jackson’s grave site, at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Los Angeles, was vandalized with a fan message in 2010, but admirers are still allowed to place flowers outside his mausoleum on the anniversary of his death.

A few celebrity graves have been robbed over the centuries, but it’s not a massive problem ... unless you consider the attempted theft of Elvis Presley’s corpse in 1977, or a similarly planned, and failed, jape involving the late Abe Lincoln in 1876.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20 , 2 013—33

We’ll alle viate plight of disabled with 550 wheel chairs —Mrs. Sarah Pane, Special Adviser to the President

She is one of the women in the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration. Appointed almost two years ago from Gombe State, Mrs. Sarah Pane, Special Adviser to the President on Social Development and Special Duties, told Saturday Vanguard in Abuja that her office has taken major steps to alleviate the plight of the physically challenged and other vulnerable persons. Excerpts

What do you do as a Special Adviser?

Like the name suggests, I am Adviser with particular reference to Social Development.

This means that while the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of Government perform the function of executing government programmes and projects, I am supposed to raise questions and give suggestions wherever necessary.

So, it means that my observations can affect policies and programmes. I know that people have been expecting that actually, we should be doing some executions of programmes.

Well, maybe sometime in the past Advisers did that. But, largely, my role is advisory even though for most Advisers, we also want to be part of affecting the system. We normally look for pet projects. We partner here and there and do one or two things. For example, right now, I have a lot of concern for the vulnerable group, especially people living with disabilities. I have entered into partnership with Nigerians in the Diaspora. We negotiated that for quite some time and I am happy to tell you that right now, I have cleared a container of 550 wheel chairs that have come to me as a donation from the US and very soon, I am going to be distributing them. There are also a few other things, but most of them have not really materialised yet.

I know that in a short while, there will be lots of activities and people will see exactly the benefit of what we have been doing.

Specifically, what is your mandate?

My mandate, specifically, is to keep a view on social develC M Y K

opment as it is being implemented in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and at the end, advise government in terms of policy drive. Which way should the policy be going? Right now, we are in the process of evaluating social development in all the states. That involves looking at what the government has done, what the state governments have done, what the local governments have done and weighing how far we have gone and then preparing government for the next direction. I am also expected to look at the NGOs and Cooperate Organisations that are contributing to social development in the country and aid them where possible to facilitate their getting assistance. I know they are opening abroad.

So I am supposed to look into where those openings are and make it possible for NGOs and the Social Development sector to be able to draw from whatever funds that will be made

,

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU & JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

Pane...My silent prayer is that the flood will not repeat itself again this year are interested in social development and we are going to facilitate discussions between the funders and NGOs. NGOs will be able to showcase what they have done, what they intend to do, where their areas of interests are so that at the end, instead of writing proposals and sending them out, there will be an interaction and it will be easier for them to source funds. Perhaps, straightaway, some of the Foundations from outside will be able to say, ‘Ok, we are interested in these areas.’

Do you include the blind on your list of vulnerable persons?

Yes, but so far you know that wheel chairs are for the cripples. We are still exploring how we can help the deaf, the dumb and even the blind. We are looking for people who have a

So far what government has been doing is creating an enabling environment so that people can be useful to themselves

available to the country.

Apart from the wheel chair assistance from the Diaspora, don’t you have plans to ensure the NGOs get assistance from Oversea Partners?

We are arranging a forum which is supposed to have held in the US but because of cost we are shifting it to Nigeria. We are going to organise many of the prominent NGOs here. We are in the process of compiling them. We are also bringing in Foundations from outside that

,

heart for them and are ready to give us what they need so that they can operate quite normally like everyone else. As soon as we are able to source anything for them, we will also distribute.

Is your office also involved in the welfare of flood victims, especially the children?

My silent prayer is that the flood will not repeat itself this year. The whole thing gives me nightmares. I read an article that already, there are warnings

that the Dam in Cameroon which caused the flood last year is about being released and there are fears. Definitely, nobody would like to see a repeat of what happened, and my fear is that there may be a repeat because I don’t think people have been resettled yet.

I am aware there are efforts to build houses for those that were displaced. But that will take quite a while and the flood is already at the corner.

So, that will give cause for anxiety. I was just discussing with the Minister of Special Duties, and we saw the need to go out and see what is going on. You know that there is a Committee that has been working. Let’s hope that much has been achieved. As we go round, if there is a need to raise an alarm, we would. But my fear is that maybe not much has actually been achieved.

Do you encounter challenges running your office?

Most of the challenges are financial. The office does not have a budget and even movement; there is no way you can move if you cannot foot the cost of your movement. That has been the major challenge, and it has limited our ability to do much.

So, how do you cope?

It has really slowed me down.

But whatever I can spare from my own earnings, I put it to work.

Prior to now, there used to be this decline in the girl-child education. Do you think the situation has improved?

There is improvement because people’s awareness iscontinuously on the increase and they have realised that in the past, there was this notion

that it is the boy that carries on the name of the family, it is the boy that marries and takes care of the family and if they have to make a choice when they cannot educate all of the children, they will obviously educate the male children and leave off the girls who are going to be married. But over time, people have realised that the girls are as good as the boys in terms of parents getting what to fall back on at old age.

Anyway, on its own right, more and more, people have discovered that for you to amount to any thing, you have to be educated and if the men are educated and the women are not, it affects their prospects for marriage also because no person who is educated and has the prospects of really climbing the social ladder will go for a girl that is not educated. So, for, many reasons, there is greater commitment to girls’ education.

What other concerns do you have about your office?

I think we have a basic problem when we talk of social development. I know that at the creation of this office, the expectation of many Nigerians was all the goodies. You know, when government talks about social development and transformation, people tend to feel that there will be largesse that will be shared and it will get to everybody. But it doesn’t work that way.

So far, what government has been doing is creating an enabling environment so that people can be useful to themselves. If government constructs roads into the rural areas, it means that farmers or even people into transportation and all kinds of areas of engagement can do it better and earn a living. Or if government is sinking money into power, that is also creating an enabling environment for people to do small businesses better.

And so, we need to re-orient Nigerians.

There are many Nigerians doing nothing at all. I wish to encourage people to start something no matter how small. We have heard of stories of people that are millionaires, billionaires today. The way they started, you will just be fascinated. So for those that are doing nothing at all, especially the youth, I don’t think it is possible for government to employ all that are qualified to be employed now. So, education has to been seen as necessary and making us function better in whatever we are doing. We have to encourage our youth to have a small start on something. I am sure it will grow.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

A

S the relative peace witnessed in the Actors Guild of Ni geria, AGN, in the past six months looks set for disruption, President of the Guild, Ibinabo Fiberesima, may have decided to wield the big stick by firing some erring members.

Ibinabo, blowing hot during the week, unleashed her ultimate power during a press conference held at the Guild’s national headquarters in Surulere, Lagos.

She said the affected members were suspended from the Guild for offences ranging from anti-Guild activities to corruption and related breaches.

According to her, while one of the contestants of the last Lagos State Chapter election, Don Pedro Aganbi and some of his supporters have been suspended indefinitely for allegedly running a parallel AGN, an offence which she said was totally against the constitution of the Guild, former Secretary-General, Emeka Rollas, has been expelled as well as the erstwhile Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Guild, Mr. Emeka Rising.

Ibinabo disclosed further that a panel has already been set up to probe the former Secretary-General for fraudulent and criminal activities, includ-

AGN: Ibinabo wields big stick!

Expels Emeka Rollas, suspends Don Pedro Aganbi, others ••Ibinabo

Emek Rising

Em

•Emeka Rollas ing forgery and embezzlement.

Also, the AGN president declared former Lagos State Chairman, Emeka Rising Ibeh, as an expelled member of the Guild for anti- Guild offences, corruption and treasonable felony. The leadership of the Guild also announced the impeachment of the National Public Relations Officer, Frank Dal-

las, promising, however, to fill the vacant position as soon as possible. Other members suspended were Chima Doris, Tunde Talabi, Stella Marris Nnaji, Fred Ekata and St. Matthew Emeka.

Hear her verdict: “Concerning the last Lagos State chapter election, the National Executive Council will not tol-

erate indiscipline in this Guild any more. You cannot claim to be a chairman. When you feel aggrieved about the outcome of an election, the best thing to do is to file a complaint and allow the national executive look into it, and not running down the same Guild you want to lead."

"As I speak to you, I have not

received a petition about any election. We are not going to tolerate that any more. As from today,he stands suspended from the Guild."

Rita Dominic is Face of Nollywood 2013

BY ANOZIE EGOLE

S

ultry actress Rita Dominic has always been known to be on top of her game. Her ef forts in the industry have continued to earn her a lot of laurels, and last weekend was not different as she added another feather to her cap when she won the Face of Nollywood award at this year's edition of the City People Awards.

Rita beats the likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Funke Akindele, among others, to win the coveted prize. It would be recalled that she won the Most Outstanding Actress award in 2004.

The recent award ceremony, however, held at Heavens Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, and was graced by who is who in the industry.

Rita, in her usal style, looked stunning in her black outfit which stole the hearts of fashionists at the event.

In her acceptance speech, the Imo State-born actress thanked the organisers of the show for recognising her contribution in the industry. “ I am very happy today. This is the second time I am winning this award. I dedicate this to God Almighty, my late parents and my manager. I am short of words. I don’t know what else to say,” she said.

Other winners were Ghanaian actress, Juliet Ibrahim, who won the Best Celebrity Foundation award, Mercy Aigbe(Best Actress In Yoruba). Singer Praiz won Best Rhythm and Blues Singer of the Year and Kcee’s Limpopo bagged Best RnB singer award, among others.

Among the celebrities that graced the award ceremony were sexy Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson, Benson Okonkwo, Kunle Afolayan and Princess Chineke.

Victor Osuagwu gets N500,000 from AGN

R

•Rita

ELATIVELY, Ibinabo later presented a cheque of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the newly elected chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Guild, Victor Osuagwu and his team.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ibinabo explained that the fund was raised by the national executive for the Lagos State chapter during the revalidation exercise.

According to her, “This fund isn’t a dash or a gift. Rather, it

belongs to the Lagos State chapter because after the revalidation exercise, members who revalidated were mainly from the Lagos State chapter. The National Executive Council realised some amount of money from the exercise as well as the state chapter. So, that is the cheque we are presenting to the chairman of the Lagos Chapter of AGN, Mr Victor Osuagwu and executives."

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—35

Star Spot

Funke Akindele cries out ...

'I'm no t d ivorced!'

C

ONTRARY to news during the week that Funke Akindele’s one-year old marriage had crashed, the actress insists her marriage is intact.

The Jenifa star reportedly sent a personal text message to a top media house in the country after it reported her widely alleged separation from her hubby.

The text message reads in full:“I read in the newspaper yesterday that I am divorced.

What proof do you have? And I am taking this to court because my marriage is intact.

You guys are rumour mongers.

Funke Akindele Oloyede.”

This brouhaha is coming a few days after Funke's husband, Kehinde Adeola Oloyede, allegedly announced his separation from his wife via Facebook and went ahead to maintain she was the biggest mistake he had made in recent times.

He said: “It is with heavy heart that I am announcing the separation of me and my wife, Mrs Olufunke Akindele.

We have both agreed to go our separate ways because of irreconcilable differences. We are still best of friends and we would forever remain good friends.”

The statement, which Funke's husband has since deleted from his Facebook wall, generated reactions among the star ’s fans, who made the issue a major topic on social media platforms.

An unconfirmed source however said while the couple

Mercy on Johns ith flies w baby

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

•Funke have been having unresolved issues lately, such issues have not degenerated to the point of ending their marriage.

The actress is said to have been crying inconsolably since the incident, fearing criticisms by her fans and her clients’ reactions.

A reputable film producer and ambassador of several brands, including telecommunications giant, Globacom, Funke got married to Oloyede 14 months ago in a grand ceremony held in Lagos.

Caroline Ekanem stages comeback E

x-Nollywood actress, Caroline Ekanem Danjuma who has been missing on screen for a while, has staged a big comeback . She's part of a new drama cum reality TV show, The Real Housewives of Lagos.

While her fans can’t wait to see which glamorous women will star in the flick, Caroline’s return to the silver screen will definitely put to rest the rumnour that she has dumped her acting career for good.

HVP gathered that the 33year-old stunning beauty and record label boss is being considered to play a role in the TV drama.

Also starring in the upcoming reality TV series is Oyin, one of the beautiful daughters of business mogul, Otunba Mike Adenuga. Surprisingly,

Oyin has managed to stay away from the news for a long time, but it appears she wants to make a big bang as she enters the spotlight.

Meanwhile, before she left the industry for a quiet life with her hubby, Caroline was one of Nollywood's most promising starlets after her role in Chico Ejiro’s flick, Deadly Kiss several years back..

Famous for her short-lived romance with music sensation, Tuface Idibia, the University of Calabar graduate of Environmental Protection Management and Geography and Regional Planning went into oblivion after her marriage with Musa Danjuma, younger brother of Theophilus Danjuma.

•Caroline

Nollywood diva, Mercy Johnson, seems undisturbed by the recent controversy trailing her person.

The actress, who was stained by fellow actress, Tonto Dikeh’s words that she resumed work two months after giving birth, is having a nice time flying around the country with her daughter, Purity.

The actress was seen with daughter boarding an Arik airplane right from Asaba to

Lagos on Monday, July 15.

The plane was earlier scheduled to fly on Sunday, July 14 but was later resecheduled till Monday due to bad weather.

However, the actress looked unruffled by the delay as she politely whisked off her daughter to a nearby location after several photo sessions with fans.

And when approached to say a word concerning Tonto’s diatribe against her marriage, the actress just smiled.

Documentar y on electricity out

BY Dotun Ibiwoye r led: ‘Electricity Powe is documentary film tit ich wh he true story ’, Situation in Nigeria:T oduced by Project Light pr en be s first of its kind, ha ank Up Nigeria. r of the project, Mr. Fr National Co -ordinato is in a statement made d th Aja Ukpabi, disclose plained that the objective of ex He P. HV to and available ntary was to recognise me cu do e th g in uc y prod ad ste ds ar tow ributing encourage those cont ly in the country. pp su r we po ty a electrici mentary will serve as uting cu do Ukpabi said the ec ex in nd hi be g e laggin wake-up call for thos cts in the public and private oje pr r we po ty ici e tool for electr ning as an informativ sectors, while functio e Diaspora and th Nigerians at home,in . ity un mm co l na tio na er ria’s int e film analyses Nige from Th ’’ m, hi to According ws vie t tion with differen electricity power situa lebrates those contributing ce d an r different people steady electricity powe towards a Nigeria of supply.

A

36 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

who wears MBGN

crown?

D’banj

headlines Hennessy Artistry 2013

BY EKPENBOR GRACE

BENJAMIN NJOKU Less than 12 hours to flag off the grand finale of the prestigious Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria,MBGN pageant, the atmosphere is thick as the question on the lips of everyone is who emerges the next MBGN queen today?

The grand finale, however, is coming barely two weeks after 22-year old Abia State-born Ezinne Akudo was crowned Miss Nigeria in a keenly contested pageant that held at Eko Hotel and Suites,Lagos.

The MBGN pageant holds this evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. As usual, the atmosphere is charged as the 32 contestants are leaving no

stone unturned in their bid to outshine one another and clinch the coveted crown.

Only last week, two contestants left the MBGN camp in Yenagoa - Miss Ebonyi made the move for personal reasons while Miss Gombe was asked to leave the camp for failing to meet with the stipulated requirements by the organisers, Silverbird Productions.

Their exit, however, reduced the number of contestants to 32 who would be vying for the prestigious MBGN crown this evening.

Organisers disclosed that the pageant will be aired live on Silverbird Television from 7.30pm.

MBGN is a pageant organised by Silverbird Group and is aimed at sending representatives to international competitions.

Originally known as Miss Universe Nigeria, it was renamed Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria after news publishers Daily Times lost its license to send delegates from rival contest Miss Nigeria to Miss World and Miss Universe.

The current MBGN title holder is Business Administration graduate Isabella Ayuk from Cross River, who had also competed in 2010 and 2011,and her platform is Typhoid Awareness and Widow Empowerment.

Entertainment group fetes le s sprivileged homes

BY JANET OBOH

I

t was indeed a time to sho w love as the world gathered at Or iental Hotel Lekki recently to showe r gifts on the less- privileged people in society.

The event, which was organised by Eq uit y Co nc ep ts En ter tai nm en ts, witnessed a huge turn-o ut, with over 40 media houses, top comed ians, musicians an d hig h- pr ofi le pe rso na lit ies in attendance.

At the ev en t, sp ec ial rec og nit ion aw ard s we re pre se nte d to me n an d women of honour, includ ing: Chief Opral

Benson, Chief Mrs Adior anma Mojekwu, Chief Mrs Adunni Bank ole, Mr. Gerald Azonobo, Chief Austin Iza gbo, Chief Tunde Braimo and Chief Edwin Igbokwe for their sel fle ss co ntr ibu tio ns an d ser vic es to humanity.

The event gathered over 10 less privileged homes, including Beths ida Homes For The Blind, Little Saint Or phanage Home , Kuth Foundation So Said Ch Heart Of Gold , Ebounoluw arity Home , a Foundation , Nigerian Red Cross Socie ty , Modupe Cole Autism Centre , Joy Succe ss Less Privileged Foundation , See Joy Fo undation, among others.

G

.O.O.D Music recording artist, Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo a.k.a Dbanj, has been declared the headliner for Hennessy Artistry 2013.

Hennessy Artistry is a worldwide musical platform organised by Hennessy to celebrate the vibrant multiculturalism of different genres.

Previous editions had been headlined by top music acts, including Ice Prince, MI, Naeto C, Eldee, Banky W and the legendary Sir Shina Peters, among others.

The platform has produced some very interesting musical videos and club tours in the past few years.

This year, D’banj will be leading a selection of some of the trendiest artistes in the country on a series of club tours across Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja.

But not before the official theme song is released in a few weeks’ time.

Laff 4 Christ Sake goes to church

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

F

ew weeks to the London edition of Crack Ya Ribs show, multiple award

•Julius Agwu

winning entertainer, Julius Agwu, will be staging his annual Laff 4 Christ Sake show on July 28, 2013. For the first time, the show will be holding in the church.

The event will hold at The Dome- This Present House, Lekki, Lagos. The church, led

by Pastor Tony Rapu, has Julius Agwu as one of its members.

Speaking on his decision to move the show to the church, Agwu said he was only obeying the clarion call of his pastor. “This is the first time we are staging the event in a church, my place of worship.

My Pastor, Tony Rapu, was part of the event last year and thought it was fascinating and as such approved that it be brought to the church.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—37

added.

Speaking further, Drenth noted that this year ’s edition would feature 12 participants selected from rigorous screening processes in three geographical zones across the federation. The cities where the screenings will hold are:Lagos, Owerri and Benin.

T

m o b I a Akwr Ultimattee e Gulde gain!

Search a

BENJAMIN NJOKU

A

fter successfully hosting the ninth edition of Nigeria’s first 100 percent local content reality TV show in Usaka community, Akwa Ibom State last year, there are strong indications that Season 10 of the Gulder

Ultimate Search will be returning to the same location.

Mr. Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., announced during the week that against all odds, the the deep forest of Usaka in Obot Akara, Akwa-Ibom State, will

again host the 10th season of the reality show. “Usaka in Obot Akara Local Government Area of AkwaIbom hosted the 9th season and it’s with esteemed joy that I inform you all that the deep Forest of Usaka will again host the 10th season of Gulder Ultimate Search,”

Kcee to drop new single with Timaya …Finally reveals meaning of ‘Limpopo’

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

S

•KCee

o the rumors were right after all. Limpopo King, KCee, will soon be dropping a stunning new single with his ‘partner on the streets’, The Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa, Timaya.

Kcee confirmed this with Timaya during an exclusive ‘meet and greet’ hosted by top Anambra OAP JJ at the popular Blaze FM, Nnewi.

The ‘meet and greet’ which was the highlight of the day for fans came hours before the highly anticipated Star Music Trek concert which held at Beverly Hills Resort, Nnewi and drew thousands of fans from Nnewi, Enugu, Awka, Owerri, Asaba and other

surrounding cities.

And, for his teeming fans who have spent pleasurable hours trying to decode the mystery of ‘Limpopo’, the stylish artiste finally revealed the meaning during the live chat, “Limpopo just means ‘Let’s have fun’, he said. “It’s a ‘feel-good song’ and I really appreciate how my fans have so quickly taken to it.”

The artiste also used the opportunity to clear the air on various issues relating to his work and growth in the music industry and commended the organisers of ‘The Trek’ for the popular platform.

“It’s been an awesome time connecting with fans and playing great music. I’m really excited and can’t wait for the next leg of the show in Asaba.”

to host Walter said.

He made the announcement while unveiling this year ’s edition which has been tagged, “The Search for the 10 th Symbol” during a special media parley held at the NB House in Iganmu,Lagos during the week.

According to Walter, only 12 brave and determined individuals will go into the legendary woods of Usaka. “We will also be bringing back two of the fans’ favourites heroes from the previous seasons as Gatekeepers, and I can assure you that neither the nervous, faint-hearted or weak contestants will make it through the hurdles,”he

he final screening in Lagos, according to NB’s Marketing Director, will produce 12 strong,intelligent,able-bodied young men and women who are determined to go the extra mile to achieve success.

Meanwhile,winners of this year’s edition, forms for which will be available online till 23rd of August, 2013 , will smile home with a whopping sum of N10 million, the highest prize money since the inception of the event, along with a brand new Mitsubishi Pajero 3.0L GLS AT(full option),courtesy of CFAO Motors Nigeria, the official automotive partners of Gulder Ultimate Search 10. The other 11 participants will not go home empty-handed, as they will get various cash prizes ranging from N3 million for the first-runner-up to N1million for the 12th placed contestant. As usual, there will be an additional cash prize of N1million for the best performing female in the competition.

EnnyHollar, Nigeria’s next big star N

igeria continues to turn up talents in the entertainment industry on a regular basis, and fast rising performer EnnyHollar is one of them. Having spent some time in the United Kingdom where she exhibited her talent in no small measure, EnnyHollar is currently in Nigeria where she has played a couple of shows in the last few months.

While still in the United Kingdom, she was profiled by some of the media outfits which cut across different races. Also known as Eniola Ayo, Ennyhollar has been profiled by Surprise FM and UGN Gospel Channel. Her songs have been featured on some international sites including French and even Japanese sites.

The songstress, who recorded a re-election jingle for the President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, honed her musical talent making jingles for corporate organisations. She once recorded a jingle for one of the leading telecommunications operators

in Nigeria before she left for further studies in the UK. Though she performed in a lot of shows here in Nigeria before leaving the shores of the country, it was in the UK that she struck a balance between her studies and the entertainment industry. She also took some time off over there to perfect her skills as a drummer and even performed with a music group in some of UK’s biggest churches as well as social scene.

•EnnyHollar

38— SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

yemisisuleiman670@yahoo.com

Aisha unveils Eternal

Beauty

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

R

ecently Aisha Ugah Igbinovia unveiled her latest collection titled “Eternal Beauty. The label which birthed in 2011 has no doubt created a niche for itself in the industry with her unique designs and art pieces. The new collection ranges from totes, clutches and shoulder bags made from real Crocodile, Alligator, Buffalo, Calf and Snake skin and metal ware. The collection has a piece for every type of girl.

The statement pieces feature a multitude of colourful beads and crystals in different designs and detail. Her designs have become a favourite among Nigerian celebrities like Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Stephanie Okereke-Linus, architect Jumoke Adenowo and more.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—39

08056180112

Prevent job stress: Get started!

What is job stress?

J

ob stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.

It can lead to poor health and even injury.

The concept of job stress is often confused with challenge, but these concepts are not the same. Challenge energizes us psychologically and physically,and it motivates us to learn new skills and master our jobs. When a challenge is met, we feel relaxed and satisfied. Thus, challenge is an important ingredient for healthy and productive work. The importance of challenge in our work lives is probably Job stress and health morale are common what people are referring to symptoms that are quick to when they say “a little bit of Many studies suggest that develop and are commonly stress is good for you.” psychologically demanding seen. The effects of job stress When the challenge has jobs that allow employees on chronic diseases are turned into job demands little control over the work more difficult to see because that cannot be met, chronic diseases take a long relaxation has turned to process increase exhaustion, and a sense of the risk of satisfaction has turned into cardiovascular feelings of stress, the state is disease.Others set for illness, injury and job suggest that f a i l u r e . differences in rates of mental Conditions that may health problems (such as lead to stress: depression and burnout)for •The design of tasks v a r i o u s Heavy workload, occupations are infrequent rest breaks, long due partly to works hours and shift work; differences in job hectic and routine tasks that stress levels. have little inherent meaning, There is a growing do not utilize workers’ skills, concern that and provide little sense of stressful working c o n t r o l .

•Job dissatisfaction and low morale are common c o n d i t i o n s •Management style. symptoms of job stress interfere with safe Lack of participation by work practices and workers in decision-making, poor communication in the set the stage for injuries at time to develop and can be organization and lack of w o r k . influenced by many factors d i s o r d e r s . family-friendly policies. other than stress. Evidence

Evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems

,

• I n t e r p e r s o n a l relationships Poor social environment and lack of support or help from coworkers or s u p e r v i s o r s .

•Work roles.

Conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, too many “hats” to wear.

,

Early

warning

signs

H e a d a c h e , s l e e p disturbances, difficulty in concentrating,short temper,upset stomach, job dissatisfaction and low

is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems—especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological

•Career concerns.

Job insecurity and lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which workers are u n p r e p a r e d .

• E n v i r o n m e n t a l conditions.

Unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic p r o b l e m s .

What can be done about j o b s t r e s s ?

As a general rule, actions to reduce job stress should give top priority to organizational change to improve working conditions. But even the most conscientious efforts to improve working conditions are unlikely to eliminate stress completely for all workers.

For this reason, a c o m b i n a t i o n o f organizational change and stress management is often the most useful approach for

preventing stress at work.

Healthy

workplace

Recent studies of so-called healthy organizations suggest that policies benefiting worker health also benefit the bottom line.

A healthy organization is defined as one that has low rates of illness, injury, and disability in its workforce and is also competitive in the marketplace.

Prevention of job stress •Ensure the workload is in line with workers’ capabilities and resources.

•Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for workers to use their skills.

•Clearly define workers’ roles and responsibilities.

•Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs.

•Improve communicationsreduce uncertainty about career development and future employment p r o s p e c t s .

•Provide opportunities for social interaction among w o r k e r s .

• Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job.

This information may save your life!

Early warning signs of job stress

•Beware of early warning signs of

job stress

Early warning signs of job stress include headache, sleep disturbance, difficulty in concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, job dissatisfaction, and

low morale.

Stress on the job can be damaging to your health, in that job stress is the outcome when job demands cannot be met.

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—41

PHOTO NEWS

The burial of late Senator Pius Ewherido The burial ceremony of late Senator Pius Ewherido was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Warri and Ewu Town in Ughelli-South. Photos: AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE.

Late Ewherido' s wife and Children.

From left: Senator David Mark, Senate President;Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan,Delta State Governor and wife, Roli and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Mrs. Joyce Bozimo (Ewherido’s mother-in-law).

R-L: Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Sola Adeyeye, Sen. Iyang Pwajok and Sen. Joshua Lidani

Sympathizers crying during the interment.

A mammoth crowd at the interment

L-R: Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon and Chief Sunny Emeyese, all members of House of Reps.

Chief Audu Ogbeh, Former PDP Chairman and Chief Tom Ikimi, ACN Leader (right).

Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Speaker DTHA (left), confers with Olorogun Talib Tebite, Member representing Ughelli-South Constituency.

L-R: Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Chief Frank Kokori and Mr. Festus Keyamo

Sen. Ita Enang (right) and Chief Leo Ogor.

Olorogun Emmanuel Edesiri, Former MD, NDDC and Deacon Paul Okogun.

42—SATURDAY

Vanguard, JULY 2 0, 2 013

PHOTO NEWS The funeral ser vice for late Madam Maria Taiwo Abati

The funeral service for late Madam Maria Taiwo Abati,mother of Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media, was held yesterday at St John's Anglican Church, Igbein, beside Grammar School, Abeokuta Ogun State. The occasion was attended by important personalities.

Photos by Joe Akintola;Photo Editor

From left: Senator Ibikunle Amosun,Ogun State Governor chatting with Dr Ruben Abati,Special Adviser to the President on Media

From left: Mr Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief and General Manager Publication, Vanguard Media Ltd; Mr Femi Adeshina Deputy Managing Director, The Sun Newspaper; Mr Kayode Komolafe, Deputy Managing Director, ThisDay Newspaper and Ray Echebiri, Editor-In-Chief BusinessWorld

From left: Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (Operation) and Mr. Labaran Maku, Hon Minister Of Information

High Chief Raymond Dokpesi,Chairman AIT (left) and Mr Ubong Udoh C M Y K

From right: Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, representing President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to the President and Mr Ali Gulak

From left: Dr Reuben Abati, Robert Abati, Lanre Abati and Mr Ralph Abati and others at the grave side

Former Gov of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (left) and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, former Minister of Works

Dr Reuben Abati and wife, Iyabo

From left: Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Common Wealth Secretary General (left) with Maiden Ibru, Publisher of Guardian Newspapers

From left: Mrs Modupe Jemibewon, Princess Bunmi Jegede and Mrs Omolara Adelekan

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 43

Ifeanyi Uba is the beautiful bride of Anamabra politics —Akabueze

Chief Sunday Akabueze is a chieftain of Labour Party in Imo State. He has overtime proven himself to be a strong supporter of Chief Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who is aspiring to be the next Governor of Anambra State come November 2013 on the platform of Labour Party (LP).

In this interview , he said Chief Ifeanyi Ubah is on course and has all it takes to boost LP’s victory in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, should the party nominate him.

EXCERPTS You are from Imo State, why are you championing a governorship cause in Anamabra State?

Chief Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah is not for the people of Anambra State atone. He belongs to Ndigbo and Nigeria generally. Actually, I am from Imo State while he is from Anambra State but irrespective of where I come from, God used this man from Anambra State to turn my life around positively. A lot of Ndi Anambra have also experienced and benefited from this man’s generously. God has used him and is using him and will still use him to turn around the lives of many Ndigbo and Nigerians positively. He is a detribalized Nigerian. He doesn’t want to know where you are from. He doesn’t want to know whether you are an Igbo man, Hausa man, Yoruba man etc. He believes in equity, justice and fairness and that is why many people from various states and tribes whom God has used this man to turn zChief Sunday Akabueze their lives around positively are saying he is good to govern Anambra State. If God can use him to make people from different states and tribes as a private businessman, don’t you agree with me that same God will use him more to make more people as a governor? That is why we are championing his governorship bid in Anambra State irrespective of the fact that we are not from there. All we are saying is that he has a new face to shape the old face of Anambra politics. Frankly speaking, as an Igbo man, we have been following the politics of Anambra State and I can tell job? him up. This apart, this man we are you that Ifeanyi Ubah is the only asChief Ifeanyi Ubah in an orga- talking about sits at top of many pirant on that governorship race nizer, activist, a fighter for the great successful and blue chip comwith a new face and Anambra people rights of men and women, youths, panies. Apart from his Capital Oil need a man with a new face and there and the underage in Nigeria. He is & Gas company that is a major is no other person on the governor- equally a strong committed and player in the oil and gas sector, he ship race with a new face other than spirit filled Christian. is the Chairman of other compaIfeanyi Ubah.

He has prepared and positioned nies.

What do you know about him? himself to save Anambra State He has made a huge impact in I am a successful businessman and from the ruin and maladministra- the fight against poverty and disa chieftain of our great party, the La- tion of yesteryears. The good peo- eases. On work against HIV/AIDS, bour Party. I have known him for ple of Anambra State do not need he has done marvelously well in some time and have been following to search further or any longer be- curtailing the epidemic especially in his transformation agenda right from cause their messiah is here. They the South West and the South East. his oil company, Capital Oil & Gas. It have found out from the tour he He has been actively engaged in is the same agenda that he is promis- organized recently that Uba’s in- organizing and mobilizing men/ ing to bring to Anambra State in gov- vestment is huge, massive and out- women to embrace healthy etiernance if elected as governor. I have standing. quettes and social activities. He is therefore seen, believed and can conThere are students who attend deeply involved in community defirm that this man will be totally com- various schools in Nigeria, courte- velopment and before his aspiramitted to the transformation of his sy of Uba’s sponsorship. He tars tion, he was engrossed in several State for the best. He practised this roads every where. His filling sta- community development efforts in his companies; he is still doing it tions supply fuel free of charge to especially as it relates to women and he is hoping to translate it into motorcyclists in Nnewi every Mon- and children’s health. governance in Anambra State. I be- day. He intervenes in all cases Frankly speaking, the issue of aslieve him because he is a man who where poor people are being dis- piring to be Governor in order to truly means what he says. The only criminated against or marginal- have the opportunity to loot govthing he needs now is to get nominat- ized. He donates money through- ernment and State treasury is far ed by Labour Party, and his candida- out the federation in pursuant of from him. He has seen it all and ture will certainly boost victory for worthy causes. This may be the truly means to serve with sincerity the party at the polls. reason his detractors wanted to of his heart. I am urging the good What gives you the confidence rubbish him recently by framing people of Anambra State who are that he is the right man for the

,

Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah is a successful businessman. He is a fulfilled man, activist, fighter for the rights of men and women, youths, and the under-aged in Nigeria

,

desirous of good things to support and vote for him and Labour Party massively.

What is your take on his choice of Labour Party?

Labour Party is a party with a new face. Just like Ifeanyi Ubah, it’s members have one spirit and one mind. His supporters are supporting a man whose impact in the coming election is projected to be massive and this stems from the fact that he is not budged by the traditional infirmities that affect professional politicians. Don’t you think his backers deserve commendation for bringing this man who is without blemish or stain into a party like Labour party? Labour Party has potentials and these are the positive attributes many people look out for in our messed political terrain. His forte as a businessman has been business and community developments which stands him out in good stead to mobilize those that do not share deep passion for politics and service.

His choice of Labour Party which his backers made is a catalyst, a veritable vortex that will reign in the votes to LP’s side and that is why his choice will boost Labour Party’s victory at the polls. He will be a consummate vote catcher and his clean person will be a great advantage to his party, the Labour Party. He is coming in his own individual value, his own asset and his own self worth, one of which is his strong catholic faith. There is no doubt he will be a big asset to the Catholics and other denominations in Anambra State.

44—SATURDAY Vanguard,JULY 20, 2013

08116759759

Meet the real-life Terminator A

t 6ft 2in tall and weighing 330lb Atlas is a formidable figure. And with 28 hydraulically actuated joints and stereo vision, it is one of the most advanced robots ever. Although the robot, designed by DARPA and Boston Dynamics, is built to help respond to disasters such as the Fukushima nuclear reactor meltdown in Japan in 2011, it looks like it could easily star in the Terminator films. Its potential use in war seems more likely considering the team behind it also designed BigDog, the robotic dog due to be used by the Marines.

Home to world's oldest people I

nside the tropical villages which are home to the longest-lived people in the world: More than 200 residents are aged over 100.

Chinese island community has 200 centenarians —at least three over 110. Chengmai, south China has one of the world’s oldest populations. Long life put down to agricultural work, healthy diet and close families. Chengmai’s centenarians, however, credit the local grain spirit. Communities with a higher than normal percentage can be found across the globe. Discovered on Cuba, Greek islands, in Japan and on a peninsula in Costa Rica, researchers find that they share common traits in the way they live their lives. All live in close-knit communities with emphasis on family lives, their rural locations and tradition means their lifestyles require [physical activity in some way — many are farmers — and their diet is mainly plant-based.

Bull hanged from tree at Chinese ‘luck’ festival

C

hinese villagers have defended their tradition of hanging a live bull from a tree until it dies as part of a ritual to bring them luck and a bumper harvest. The ‘cow-hanging ceremony’ has been carried out by the minority Dong people of southern China for almost 500 years and now attracts hundreds of tourists. The tradition in Baojiang village, Guangxi Zhuang region, is supposed to bring good weather and a full harvest, as well as peace and prosperity.

Rwandan with US citizenship jailed

R

wandan who was given U.S. citizenship is jailed for 10 years for her role in country’s genocide where half a million were slaughtered. Rwanda native Beatrice Munyenyezi, from New Hampshire, remained stoic as U.S. District Judge Steven McAuliffe sentenced her to the maximum prison time. She declined her right to address the court. Munyenyezi, 43, was convicted in February of entering the United States and securing citizenship by lying about her role as a commander of one of the notorious roadblocks in the city of Butare —where Tutsis were singled out for slaughter as they tried to evacuate.

C M Y K

Jobless couple claim £27,000 a year

J

obless couple who claim £27,000 a year benefits want a new council house because they’ve had six children ‘by accident’ while living in a one-bedroom flat. Maggie Flisher, 26, and husband Gavin, 30, who get £27,000 a year in benefits, have not had jobs since the birth of their first child in 2005. Mrs Flisher claims she cannot help getting pregnant and says they have needed a bigger home ever since they started their family eight years ago. She blames repeated failures with the pill, condoms, arm implants and a contraceptive injection for five out of six of the pregnancies.

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 45

We’ll not pander to public sentiments in governance—Afegbua PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA is the Special Adviser to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on Media Affairs and ex-image maker for former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd). In this off-the-cuff interview with GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE in Benin City, he explained the rationale behind the state government’s recent ban on commercial motorcycles ‘Okada’, ongoing construction of the Airport Road in the state, succession planning for 2016 and more. Excerpt The sack of the former Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Secondary Education, Ekpenisi Omonriotomwan, was said by the opposition parties to be the fall-out of an alleged frittering away of money meant for SUBEB. What is the true position?

The explanation of the Governor on the issue is the final position. If there was money stolen or money vanished, it will not be under the leadership of the Comrade Governor or an ACN government; it was only possible during the PDP days that money will just develop wings and vanish or fly through the window. So, money cannot miss and if it is missing just as the Governor said, we will find it. The Governor should be commended for having the courage to sack a Commissioner that he appointed barely two months. That is to tell you the man has nothing to hide. If he had not sacked the Commissioner, the same people raising alarm in the PDP would say the Governor is a beneficiary of whatever money that is stolen, missing or whatever. If things are not done properly, we believe it is our responsibility to do them properly because we place so much emphasis on public education, on government intervention in education, that is why we don’t

*PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA

,

There appears to be a slowdown in governmental activities in the state compared to the zeal of the Governor during his first tenure in office. What is your take on this?

We journalists have a way of throwing up questions and insinuations just to create the news. You see, the Comrade Governor has not slowed down. If you listened to him about two or three weeks ago, he told his audience that he is going to complete the projects he commenced in the first year of his administration - that is, those that are not completed. And there is another phase of projects taking off. Look at Benin City.

You know that there is no shopping mall, no international conference centre.

What you have here are conference rooms of hotels. There are no housing estates owned by government and what have you apart from individual efforts. Now, he has created a Ministry of Rural and Urban Housing to ensure that we create new satellite towns so that the average Edo person would have a good and affordable home. With a little savings over the period of 10 or 15 years, he will be able to acquire such houses. We will create new towns so that Benin City itself can be decongested, bring out the beauty of the ancient city of Benin, enrich its cultural heritage and also make infrastructure that have been put in place durable. Edo State is not getting the kind of money that states like Lagos, AkwaIbom, Delta, Bayelsa and others get. I am telling you that if you come to this state in two or three years, you wouldn’t know it. But even at that, the man is not resting on his oars; he has repeatedly said he will ensure that when he is leaving office, nothing would be left uncompleted. A lot of the projects are over 90 percent completed, some are ongoing.

With the Internally Generated Revenue of the government dwindling as against when the administration took off, some say taxation remains the only avenue to

We will continue to implement that tax law without fear or favour, without equivocation to the extent that every Edo person of taxable age with taxable income will be taxed.

generate funds and this is not being exploited?

Again, it boils down to political will, courage, boldness and a strong commitment to deliver on promises by the Comrade Governor. Even on the tax issue, when we started to implement the PAYE which is a Federal Law, opposition parties in this state took arms against us. They were saying ‘don’t do this, don’t do that.’ Meanwhile, they forgot that the law was made by a Federal Government controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We just said, comply with the tax payment because it was the practice before pre-independence, at independence and post-independence. But now we have tax evaders rather than taxpayers. We tried to ensure compliance irrespective of status in the society. But some families and persons tried to take arms against us as if it was a personal vendetta. Far from it. We will continue to implement that tax law without fear or favour, without equivocation to the extent that every Edo person of taxable age with taxable income will be taxed. The Comrade Governor wants to be held accountable, and that is why he is very prudent, magnanimous and pro-people so that when he leaves office, his legacies will speak for him. We are going to implement the tax law, and we have commenced the process of implementing the Property Law. Even though there are litigation processes, there are ways we are going to approach it so that we will not be seen to be prejudicial to the litigation going on.

,

want anything to slow down in that direction. And so, whatever is happening including the arson on the building in the Ministry of Education, we are looking into that. Investigations are ongoing and once those investigations are concluded, we will have a better view of what actually transpired and take appropriate measures to forestall a future occurrence.

Can you react to the allegation that the construction of the Airport Road, Benin may have gulped over N11billion, yet it has not been completed?

It is very ridiculous when we hear comments like this from the PDP chieftains about the Airport Road contract. When they talk about the contract, they see it as one stretch of road covering certain kilometers. The Airport Road on its own is about eight kilometres’ stretch. The walkways and drains are about 20 kilometres’ stretch, there are streets lights along the road, there are 26 road networks connecting the Airport Road..., there is a primary underground drain of 1.8 diameters to 1.8 kilometres’ length, there is a secondary underground drain of 1.2 metres by 1.2 metres rectangle 83 meters long, there are six kilometres of drainage on appreciated roads that are joining the Airport Road....All these are components of that road. So when they talk about the road, they don’t take into cognisance the fact that all the streets adjoining the road are receiving adequate attention. You can go and take your count, all the roads are here: Esogaban, Ezote, Reservation, Boundary, Akenzua, Ihama, Oni Street, Air-

port entrance, Adesuwa, Giwa-Amu, Igiebor, Benoni Hospital Junction and so many of them. These roads are part of the contract. I don’t know the exact figure for the contract, but it is not in the region that they are mentioning. At any rate, road construction is not the re-asphalting of roads like they are doing on Ugbowo Road. No, road construction gulps money based on the quality you want for it.

What is your reaction to the issue of who succeeds the governor in 2016?

The politics of succession is another ball game altogether, but we would not want to be distracted by thinking about 2016 when we do not know tomorrow.

Anything can happen. Today it is ACN and tomorrow it may be APC. So, the dynamics of political evolution and the interplay of political forces in the state and the nation at large will also take its toll on Edo State. But we are committed to the delivery of those promises we made to the people. The mandate that the Comrade Governor is enjoying now has to be fully transformed and translated to meaningful dividends of democracy for the people so that on performance, whoever emerges the party’s flagbearer in the state in the final analysis will also be appreciated by the people as a continuation of the Comrade Governor’s intervention in the politics and governance of the state.

The recent ban on motorcycle operators from plying local governments in the Benin metropolis has continued to receive mixed reactions. What is your reaction?

I think that government takes decisions based on the factors and issues on ground. And don’t forget that government also has enormous avenues to collate information, particularly security information at the disposal of government from time to time and it tries to analyse before arriving at any decision.

The issue of the ban on Okada was a painful decision taken by government.

But for a man like Oshiomhole who has courage and boldness, we would not have gotten that kind of courage to take such a decision. And our reasons are not farfetched. One, the Comrade Governor shares a lot of sentiments for Okada riders; he loves them so much that he feels his coming to power in Edo State was predominantly because of the support he received from them.

He reflected on the kind of support that they gave to him when he was pursuing his case in the law court. But when you juxtapose that with the kind of security challenges we are facing in the state - not essentially by our own Okada riders, but by those who infiltrate the system from other states - it becomes a problem of trying to sift the wheat from the chaff. So, in order for us to carry out a holistic policy pronouncement, we just had to place a blanket ban on Okada riders in Benin.

Painful, but it is better to take a painful decision than not to take a decision that would thereafter take its toll on the generality of the people. It is not our business to tell the public the kind of information we have at our disposal, but it is our responsibility to protect the average Edo person so they can sleep well in their homes.

46 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Rivers crisis: Perspectives beyond warring factions The House of crisis

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

z Chaos everywhere Expectedly,Nyesom Wike’s faction in the crisis, r eacting thr ough Felix Obuah, the state PDP Chairman, denied that the protesters were mobilised on the platform of Wike’s political interest group, Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI). Obuah concluded that the

,

enultimate Tuesday’s life threatening mace attack on Michael Chinda by a colleague at the Rivers State House of Assembly (RVHA) which heralded the current crisis in Rivers State is still on the front burner of public debate.

While that violent episode of the fractured Rivers Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) saga is still simmering, this week recorded fresh episodes in the diary of the crisis, coincidentally on another Tuesday.

Four Northern governors on a solidarity visit to Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Port Harcourt were allegedly waylaid and stoned by placard-carrying youths, and their welcome party was not left out of the melee which occurred at the Port Harcourt International Airport.

As with penultimate T uesday ’s chaos, the reported stoning of the governors fuelled another round of accusations and counter-accusations by both warring factions and their supporters. The visiting Northern governors, including Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, after a closed-door meeting with Amaechi, issued a statement accusing the police of “partisanship in the show of shame at the RVHA.” The governors, who did not make much noise over the alleged stoning at the airport, however, joined calls for the redeployment of Police Commissioner Joseph Mbu from Rivers State to the extent of threatening to “reconsider our position on financial contribution by states towards funding of the Nigeria Police.”

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Ibim Semenitari who witnessed all the fuss at the airport, said “what happened was worrisome. Amaechi waited for all his colleagues. They were not held hostage. The bus carrying the commissioners was damaged and some other vehicles smashed by the protesters.”

“Politicians think they reserve the liberty to be partisan.

Granted they are fighting a self serving political war, but they are fighting as government; as political officeholder, using government resources

,

protesters were Rivers people, expressing disappointment at the Amaechi government.“You should understand that the visitors who have failed to deal with the menace of Boko Haram up North have no substance to add to resolving the Rivers crisis and could only have come to heat up the polity.”

Layman’s perspective Beyond the hard lines by both warring factions, the Rivers populace hardly classified the raging saga as right or wr ong when Satur day Vanguard measured the street conscience on the crisis in the State Capital.

Celestine Akpobari of Social Action

believes “the PDP is confused. It is no question of one party being a saint and the other a villain. Nyesom Wike is part of Amaechi and both of them are products of Odili. Wike professed he was the Commander-in-Chief and took responsibility for the good, the bad and ugly that trailed the Amaechi struggle while he muscled himself into power.

It does not benefit the ordinary man on the street if the relationship has suddenly gone awry between the two.

“The other way to look at it is that the wife of the P resident, P atience Jonathan who is from Okrika, wants to produce the next governor of the state and no governor, particularly Amaechi, would allow that in the way we do politics in Nigeria. And the President thinks Amaechi’s 2015 ambition stands in the way of his own 2015 interests.

The worry for Rivers indigenes is that if PDP members want to kill one another, they are very free to do so. But they should not allow it swallow the businesses and social lives of the people.

Already, people are worried.”

Like Akpobari, Frank Anwusonye of the Nigerian Democratic A wareness Forum said “I don’t side anybody. What is happening is a welcome development to the extent that it exposes the slavery Rivers people have been under, given the lawless and imperious posturing of its leaders. The PDP has a culture of vindictiveness and lawlessness.

While they were united, the warring factions had enjoyed taming the institutions and resources of government to repress the opposition and critical populace. Pitted against themselves, they are finding it difficult having business as usual.

“I give you a glaring instance of the slavery we have been through. The rul-

ing PDP in Rivers is so zealous in sustaining a 100% PDP state from the local government to state level to the extent that in Oyigbo, an All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) councillorelect has been subdued from occupying the office after winning the council election in 2011, including two emanating re-runs against the PDP opponent in the first quarter of this year.

“In the last re-run, the state Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) issued Sunny Williams, the APGA candidate, a return certificate. No electoral law denies the councillor-elect the occupation of the office - even in the face of repeated litigations by the PDP opponent. He must exercise his mandate until a court proves him unfit.

“So the stage was set recently in May for him to be sworn in. With impunity, the Oyigbo Council boss, F elic Uche Uwaeke, invited expectant Sunny Williams with his supporters to the council hall, only to tell them he could not swear the councillor-elect in because PDP stakeholders were contesting his third successive election victory in court. Like the Amaechi faction is pointing fingers at President Jonathan for instigating the crisis in Rivers, Sunny Williams is convinced the governor has a hand in his denied mandate which may well elapse without anyone occupying the office. This is what we have been faced with in the PDP-controlled Rivers State.”

Ifeke Imoh, an engineer said, “Much has been said about government institutions, particularly the police compromising their role in the matter. This is a political crisis. Who isn’t compromising on the issue really? Who is not partisan? The National Assembly is partisan.Tambuwal is an ally of Amaechi, so Reps spontaneously took over the Rivers Assembly. I read about a Rivers Senator cheering the Lower House on its position. But Mark is the President’s confidant so the Senate preferred restraint. I wonder why the cheering Senator didn’t see any oddity in his Senate’s restraint.

“Politicians t hink t hey reserve t he liberty to be partisan. Granted, they are fighting a self-serving political war, but they are fighting as government, as political office-holders using government resources. As government, they are not supposed to do so. Government is for the Rivers people and not for PDP politicians.

“Last time I checked, the police remains a federal organ. In Nigeria, the police don’t settle political quarrels.

Politicians just fight and resolve on selfdetermined political solutions. Joseph Mbu didn’t bring himself here. He reports to authority. So, he is just playing along. There is nothing to suggest a new Police Commissioner will not be partisan if Mbu is removed. Mbu is just a symptom of the ailment. Removing him does not cure the disease when the President is an interested party.”

Measuring consequences The Rivers people are not divided as to whether the raging crisis is unsettling the state socially and economically. All who spoke noted apprehension is already high enough to depress commerce and investments in the state.

Akpobari, for one, projected that “with the involvement of thugs and cults gradually gaining momentum, the situation stands to degenerate. The minute the politicians mobilise the cults to fight for their interests in the

Continues on page 47

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013—47

Continued from page 46 crisis, we are back to the dark days in Rivers.”

Beyond what the common man fears for Rivers over the crisis, even Governor Amaechi has admitted the situation is distracting him from running the wheel of government properly.

“Look at what we want to do in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. We have plans for phase II of the school. I met them (those in charge of driving it), and they say they are still working on the modalities. But you know me, I would have since pushed them and the contract would have been on. I am not able to do that now because of the crisis in the state,” a disenchanted Amaechi told a forum of development stakeholders in P ort Harcourt.

Street conscience on Rivers dirty politics expedient he meets the President to present his case. “ We also know the President is well meaning. He is our P resident. We are all the President’s men; we are all the President’s governors. We are also saying that he ensures nobody uses him as subterfuge to create chaos or destabilise the state.

“We are ver y sur e the pr oblem we

,

The way out Akpobari proffered: “The PDP should begin to think about development and the people and leave 2015 to decide for itself. They should take advantage of the prime offices they have rigged themselves into and show responsibility.

“They are all opportunists. Jonathan was in Abuja for the PDP Convention towards 2007 to vote for Odili over whoever wanted to be President. He was not in contention, but he became Vice President and now President.

“Amaechi did not contest for election.

He ran to Ghana, leaving Wike to do all the dirty jobs. He returned to be Governor. Each one of them should leave 2015 for now and deliver genuine governance to the people.”

Forty hours after four governors visited Amaechi in Port Harcourt to affirm their support and call for Mbu’s removal, five more governors and three deputy governors from eight states paid a similar visit to the embattled Rivers helmsman on Thursday.

The Governors include: Babatunde Fashola of L agos, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Abiola Ajumobi (Oyo), Ibinkunle Amosun (Ogun) and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti; while the gover nors of T araba, Zamfara and Imo States were represented by their deputies.

On their departure, Thursday’s visiting governors appealed to their host to find the courage to approach President Jonathan and present his case towards resolving the crisis.

Governor Fayemi who led remarks for the visitors at about 1.35pm at the Government House, P ort Harcourt, noted that “we have come to see our colleague, the Chairman of the Governors’Forum, in solidarity over the situation in the state.

“We are supposed to be in Abuja for a National Executive Council meeting, but we have come not because we consider our responsibilities in Abuja less important, but because we owe it a duty to be involved in seeing that a critical issue at hand in one of the states needs to be resolved in the interest of our country.

“What is happening here is not just about Rivers state. It is something that has implications for all of us, for our entire country. We have met and spoken with the governor and collectively advised him to see that he goes to Abuja to brief the President on what is happening here.

“We believe in him. W e hope he would take our advice and that it is

The PDP should begin to think about development and the people and leave 2015 to decide itself. They should take advantage of the prime offices they have rigged themselves into and show responsibility

,

have here is avoidable. We trust he can be on top of the situation. And we know the governor here is in touch with the people, and by meeting with the President, he can resolve the issue.”

On the role of the police, Governor Fayemi said, “ We equally believe the Inspector General of Police should help in restoring the image and confidence of the police in the governor and the Rivers people, taking all the necessary steps it would take to do so.”

Meanwhile, a P ort Har court-based media consultant, Chukwuemeka Eze, believes much progress could be made if leading Christian leaders intervene.

Eze said: “Even as I congratulate Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor on his well deserved re-election as CAN President, let me appeal to him to intervene and find a way out of this madness in Rivers State, seeing that the two political leaders (Jonathan and Amaechi) have much respect for him and may listen to him as other pleas in this regard seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

“Also, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, needs to inter-

vene in this matter as the present faceoff between the two is already threatening Nigeria’ s democracy . Hence, these respected men of God should not watch from the sidelines.”

Anwusonye said, “The ball is still in the governor’s court. The President’s hand may be in the crisis, but the governor remains the commander of the once united house now crumbling. The President will not come to Rivers to throw stones and break a lawmaker’s head with a mace. If the Rivers people say “no” in one voice to the President and his wife, there won’t be any crisis.

“The governor should be less vindictive against those who helped him to the height he is currently enjoying.

Most of the people around him enjoying the political offices today weren’t in the picture fighting to enthrone him.

When he cowed the State Assembly to sack the entire elected cabinet of Obia/ Akpor Council including all 17 councillors over Wike’s dethronement of his state party Exco, he didn’t appeal to the sensibility of the ordinary man.”

Ogoni advances ethnic tone to crisis Advancing an ethnic tone to the crisis, Akpobari, who doubles as Coordinator of the Ogoni Solidarity F orum, contended that the entire situation is being orchestrated to deny Ogoniland the governorship in 2015.

“Check the history of the state since the creation of Rivers. An Ogoni has never been gover nor, never been deputy. We have not been Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, ever. But we have sacrificed so much, losing lives and natural resources while contributing so much and gaining so little in the bargain.

“2015 is the set time we have resolved, and other zones must appreciate it, to take the reins of power in Rivers. Now, we have Amaechi and the ruling PDP trying to throw spanners in the works. And Wike is saying there is no more zoning. Ogonis think this crisis is a conspiracy to deny us the governorship. We are monitoring the situation. MOSOP is on top of it and nothing shall by any means stop us from producing the governor.

Chinda’s attack sways police, public impression of chaos in Assembly When news of five lawmakers allegedly mobilising thugs to the Assembly chambers to fight 27 pro-Amaechi lawmakers and impeach Speaker Otelemaba Amachree first broke, much of the public sympathy fell for the majority lawmakers. This position was further boosted by early video footage of the fracas which zeroed in on the initial aggression put up by acclaimed new Speaker, Evans Bipi, who was said to have started the brawl with a fisticuff against the House Leader, Chidi Lloyd.

But that position changed spontaneously for most residents and watchers when more videos of the crisis, particularly that of Lloyd’s vicious mace attack on Chinda Michael of Obia Akpor II, also went viral. At present, the unlucky lawmaker is having critical health problems and has been allegedly flown abroad for medical attention.

Appraising the dreadful scene, Akpobari said Chinda should be prosecuted because “what he did was animalistic. No human being should exhibit such cruelty towards a fellow human, no matter the level of provocation.

If the victim dies, the story will turn more tragic. “ Akpobari spoke hours before the Police, thr ough the state P olice P ublic Relations Officer, Angela Agaba, declared the suspected attacker wanted for “a case of conspiracy , attempted murder, wounding and wilful damage.”

Expressing his disgust at the conduct of the lawmaker who is still at large, Engr. Imoh queried: “Is this the manner of evil the government is accusing Mbu of not aiding and abetting? The media has been awash with claims that the anti-Amaechi Five brought thugs to fight lawmakers at the chambers.

“I don’t support five aiming to impeach a Speaker, but there has not been any report of any of the thugs laying a finger on a lawmaker, let alone shooting the governor. It was shocking for a leader of the Hallowed Chamber to club a fellow lawmaker with a mace. Mbu might have compromised, but the warring factions are the ones in the habit of playing into his hands. Rivers thugs are thus far more decent and law abiding than some honourable members.”

48 — Vanguard,

SATURDAY JULY 20, 2013

By EVELYN USMAN and UJU MBANUSI

T

HE tranquility hitherto enjoyed by residents of Salawu Street, along Galilee avenue in Iju area of Lagos was truncated last Wednesday, following sporadic gun shots from unknown gunmen. Gripped by trepidation, residents, some of whom were already on their way to their work places scampered in different directions for safety, while those who were jolted from sleep hid in their apartments.

When the dust settled, the body of a man riddled with bullets laid still on the ground;and was later identified as Ayokunle Oluwagbenga Ojo, 40, an Assistant Manager and auditor with the Bank of Industry BOI, Marina, Lagos.

The late Ojo, as gathered, left his family at about 5.45 am that fateful day, with a promise to be home early to attend to some family issues. But little did he envisage that he will not see his family again to fulfil his promise.

How he died Information gathered by Crime Guard revealed that few poles from his building, Ayo( as he was fondly called), stopped, waiting for a commercial motorcycle to take him to the major road, from where he would board a bus to his destination, his assailants surfaced from nowhere and snuffed life out of the

H

e shot the banker at the back of his head, and he fell,while the colleagues took the banker’s bag and mobile phone. It was after they left that we summoned courage to return to the scene. With the aid of a touch light, one of us summoned courage and turned him up because he laid faced down. Then, someone

Murder at dawn!

Who killed this Bank Manager in Lagos? from the crowd shouted, ‘ ah, it is Ayo!’ at that point, others who ran for cover started coming out.”

Widow laments

While that was going on, Ayokunle’s wife was busy with the house chores and also making preparation for the children to go to school. Then, all of a sudden, the news that shattered her entire world filtered in after one of the onlookers who recognized her husband rushed to break the news.

When Crime Guard visit

,

promising man who was only promoted to his recent position, two months ago.

A commercial motorcyclist who claimed to have witnessed the gruesome murder of the BOI auditor spoke on condition of anonymity, saying: “At about 5:45am that Wednesday, I was already up for business. I parked here at this junction (pointing to the spot) when the man walked down from his house and stood waiting for the a bike. Then, all of a sudden, some men dressed in black suit approached him and exchanged greetings as if they knew him.

“We later noticed there was an argument between him and the men. They were close so we could hear what they argued about. The men had demanded for his bag and laptop but he refused, telling them he was not with his lap top. He asked them why they were demanding for his things but they could not give him a reason. At that point, one of them pointed a gun at him and told him that whether he released the bag to them or not, they would kill him. Then one of them shouted ‘ call Mopol’.

“At this point, some of them started walking towards that area ( points towards the direction of late Ayomikun’s ‘s house). Another person started making a call on his phone and immediately, a man came out from nowhere and started shooting into the air, causing all of us to flee from the scene.

•Where Ayokunle stood waiting for a bike, when he was accosted by unknown gunmen.

Further investigation revealed that Ayokule was murdered three days after he returned from an auditing job in Badagry branch of BOI

the widow, Mrs Omolara Ayokunle, she still found it difficult to believe that her husband that left home early that fateful morning was gone forever. Amidst tears, she narrated, “When I heard the

•The deceased: Ayokunle Oluwa

,

gun shot, I assumed since my husband had left the house, he would have gone out of this area at that time. So, I continued with preparing the children for school. Minutes later, there was a loud bang

on our gate and I rushed to see what it was all about, only to hear the most shattering news of my life. I ran to the scene and saw my husband lying in a pool of his blood. We rushed him to Ancillary Hospital, one of the private hospitals around here, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

B - E - T - R - A -Y - A - L

Man masterminds friend’s

By EVELYN USMAN

S

HOCK and disbelief could best describe the expression on the face of Kingsley Ifeanyi, on discovering that his kidnap, two months ago, was masterminded by his bosom friend, Jimoh Olalere.

Ifeanyi’s kidnap sent fears down the spines of his family and friends around Ibeju-Lekki area, as they wondered why anyone could even think of kidnapping a mere bricklayer.

The bubble, however, burst Monday, following the arrest of ten suspected kidnappers by

the Lagos State Police Command, who have been responsible for series of kidnapping at Ibeju-Lekki and its environs.

To the amazement of all, one of the suspects,Jimoh Olalere, confessed to have masterminded Ifeanyi’s kidnap out of jealousy.

According to Jimoh, the quarrel started between him and his bosom friend following the sale of two plots of land by the latter and his alleged refusal to part with some money. “ I sold two plots of land to Ifeanyi at the rate of N550,000 each. At the end of the deal, he was supposed to

pay me some money because he sold the land at a higher rate to the buyer. When I accosted him, he told me to go to hell that he did not get much from the sale. But that has been the custom in my area. This resulted in a heated argument that almost led to a fight. “After that quarrel, we parted ways. I became angry because he went about telling people all sorts of negative things about me.

Besides that, I felt he was also arrogant, and I decided to kidnap him to teach him a lesson. I contacted some of my friends who abducted him and took him to a building behind my house where he stayed for

two days before he was taken to another hideout.

“While in our custody, I visited his parents who told me that some people had put some calls to them demanding for N3 million for Ifeanyi’s release.

Pretending to be helping out, I started speaking with the kidnappers at the end of which we bargained for N500,000 for his release. They gave us a deadline for payment, failure of which they threatened to kill Ifeanyi. During one of the telephone conversations, I told the kidnappers that I would like to speak with Ifeanyi, during which he told his mother where to get N200,000. His parents

Vanguard, SATURDAY JULY 20, 2013

Likely motive

•The spot he was shot (in front of the green kiosk)

The blood was on the spot where he fell for a couple of days before it was washed away by rain. I am still trying to come to terms with that ugly incident,” she stated.

She paused for a while, looked at everyone around, shaking her head in agony and continued: “ He was a very caring husband and good father to our children. No matter how long his job took him away from home, he made it up for the children by spending quality time with them when he was not officially engaged. He was also a very gentle and kindagbenga hearted individual.

A

yo could give you anything if it was within his power to do so. He hated seeing people suffer. We never had premonition of this tragic incident. He only celebrated his 40th birth day on June 23, 2013. We had looked forward to spending more quality time together, only for his killers to steal my joy away. I just hope they find the killers and bring

Further investigation revealed that Ayokule was murdered three days after he returned from an auditing job in Badagry branch of BOI. During his three-day audit visit, he reportedly discovered fraud in the bank’s account, a discovery that was brought to the notice of management of BOI, where the culprit, was arrested and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and prosecution.

“He only came back home from that three days journey and prepared for work next day when he was killed”, his widow who is left with the responsibility of catering for their three children whose ages are between 10, 6 and 4 years receptively, said. Although the Police at Red House station have reportedly begun investigation into the killing of Ayokunle,but they are yet to establish whether it was a case of robbery or assassination as believed.

Sympathizers at the late Ayokunle’s residence were of the view that there was more to the murder of the banker, whom they described as an amiable fellow. A relative who spoke to Crime Guard on condition of anonymity said :”It is obvious Ayo was killed by familiar faces because going by the manner his killers, as told, approached him, it revealed they are familiar with him. But why would anyone want him dead? He was only promoted to the position of an Assistant Manager a few months back and moved to this house last December. He was a jolly good fellow.”

kidnap added the rest and handed a total of N500,000 to me to take to the kidnappers. I took the money to a designated point around Ibeju -Lekki at midnight and handed it over to one of them. The next day, my friend was released and there was jubilation in his family.”

New twist

A

fter Ifeanyi’s release, Ji moh stated that he went to the kidnapper’s hideout, only to be given the sum of N32,000. “ I was angry and when I demanded to know why I should be given that peanut, they said they were more than ten, whereas, we were nine in

•The suspect... Jimoh number. I got angry and threatened to reject the money but they dared me threatening

How police rounded up robbery gang that killed hotelier, 6 others in Lagos ... details of the gun battle that ensued

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

F

IVE members of an armed robbery gang that killed nine persons last Sunday at Ajah and EbuteMetta areas of the State, were at the early hours of last Sunday, gunned down during an exchange of gunfire with the police at Eko Bridge, Lagos Island. The robbers, who also killed two policemen during their onslaught, met their waterloo when operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, confronted them after they attacked Ebute-Ero and Ajao Estates respectively, recovering three automatic pump action guns, five pistols, ammunitions and assorted charms.

Crime Guard gathered that the gang started their operation last Sunday around 1:00am at Ebute-Ero end of Lagos Island, where they opened fire on two policemen leaving one of them dead, while the other sustained severe bullet wounds. The gang went further to rob a warehouse at Ajao Estate, Isolo, around 2:30am, where they carted away cartons of exotic mobile phones, I-pads and Samsung Galaxy tabs. They also opened fire on a team of policemen in a patrol vehicle from Ajao Estate Police that even if I exposed them that I would also be implicated. Out of frustration, I left there with the N32,000 that was not even enough for me to meet my family’s immediate need. To be honest, I did not do it for money, I only did it to teach him a lesson because he is very proud.” The father of four later became sober, apparently regretting his action. In an emotion-laden tone, he said, “ Now, I have brought shame to my family, particularly my children. It will be better for me to die and forget about the shame than to live and keep atoning for my sin. I really do not know how to face my friend, his family, my wife and children,“ the 40-year-old Oyo state- born said, shaking his head in regret.

•Their operational vehicle

,

them to book. That way, I will be happy even though it will not bring back my husband,she said ,crying.

— 49

I left there with the N32,000 that was not even enough for me to meet my family’s immediate need, to be honest, I did not do it for money, I only did it to teach him a lesson because he is very proud

Station, who rushed to the scene following a distress call;killing one of them while others sustained injuries.

Sources intimated Crime that the Guard Commissioner of police, Lagos State, Umar Manko, immediately ordered a clamp down on the gang when he received news of the attacks by the robbers and the officer in-charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, led four teams of SARS operatives in search of the robbers.

I

t was further gathered that a team of policemen went to Ajao Estate where the gang was operating in two vehicles, a Toyota Odyssey and a black colour Honda SUV, in search of them, while others went to Surulere and other parts of the state.

About an hour later, the operatives at Surulere, spotted a Toyota Odyssey matching the description of the car being used by the robbers at the National Stadium and they went after it, but on approaching the vehicle, the occupants

,

opened fire on the police vehicle in a bid to escape and the police responded.

The robbers ran further to Eko Bridge, where the operatives engaged them in a gun battle . Three of the daredevils managed to jump off the bridge before the police could get to them, four were found dead while one other, later identified as Ganiu Menter, was found alive with fatal bullet wounds. A police source who craved anonymity told Crime Guard that Menter, who later died from the fatal bullet wounds he received had confessed to have taken part in the recent gruesome murder at 04 Hotel, Ajah, where they killed the owner, identified as Olanrewaju Subair, and six others, some of whom they raped and set ablaze.

According to the source, the dying suspect also told the police that after the Ajah massacre, they went to a popular hotel along Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta, where they killed two security guards they alleged were police informants.

50 — SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Why PDP has never produced Governor in Lagos —Doherty ...This is not the PDP I bargained for Adedeji Doherty is a chairmanship aspirant for the Lagos State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and organising Secretary for the South-West.

A professional engineer who doubles as Chairman of Dain Group, he recently spoke with OLASUNKANMI AKONI on a number of burning national issues such as the PDP’s internal problems, its chances in Lagos ahead of 2015 and more. Excerpts: are a disappointment to the party and the citizens of the state. The same thing in Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, APGA and others.

However, when a party is in opposition, one has the propensity to make the electorate feel happy and that, I believe, is what is happening in ACN. It is something that I can conclusively say they have at least done well.

As PDP chieftain in Lagos, are you comfortable with the running of your party and how prepared is PDP for the 2015 election in Lagos?

I do not believe that we are prepared at this particular

,

H

ow would you as sess the current political terrain in the country?

I think the political terrain in the country right now is something that everybody can see. Good enough, the democracy in the country is developing. It is reaching a point where the electorate have a good idea of what good governance is supposed to mean and what it is supposed to give them. I believe that if one looks at the political terrain, a lot of things have to change as democracy is evolving. First, the politicians’ mindset needs to change. Whichever party one belongs to, we all know what the dividends of democracy are all about. The dividends of democracy in London, Africa, Europe and any other continent are the same. Affordable houses and quality healthcare, good roads, quality education, youth employment, transport and others are the things that people living in a democratised country should benefit from. I believe that what Nigerians should now learn is to vote based on what they get, what they can achieve from their various candidates rather than what comes into their pocket.

You see Governor Ameachi, Governor of Jigawa and others that are performing excellently. In contrast, we also see some that are not performing as expected. They

Doherty..My own mission is the delivery of good governance the party is the platform the individual uses to achieve his goals towards governing his people.

The party has a constitution and manifesto. So once one wins on the party platform, one is expected to be a representative of the party to the people by executing what is in the manifesto of the party. If construction of roads was listed in the party manifesto, it is the duty of the candidate who has won an election with the party platform to construct roads. If good healthcare was also listed, it is his responsibility to provide such a facility to the citizens. It is the party

I believe that once the leaders of the party come together, they will be able to get ready as a unified force to achieve a good outing in the 2015 elections

time. I think we are just preparing. And I believe that once the leaders of the party come together, they will be able to get ready as a unified force to achieve a good outing in the 2015 elections.

Are you satisfied with governance and party administration?

Well as far as party administration is concerned, one thing we always understand is that the party is the one that wins the election and not the individual, because

,

that creates the manifesto.

So when one is talking about the party as an institution in the PDP, and I am supposed to raise it in terms of the party being supreme at this time, it is about 40 percent.

That, I believe, is what is being addressed now in the party.

Whether in PDP, ACN, APGA and others, the party should have a way of funding themselves to make them independent from individuals. With this, the issue of

democracy can crystallise to favour the electorate whom we represent.

How do you expect parties that are not in control of any state to raise funds?

They have to be able to raise their funds somehow.

Those that have created the party need to invest in businesses. If you do not do that, there is no need to float a party that cannot fund itself.

T

hen we are not through with godfatherism in politics?

Exactly. If you have a party and that party doesn’t know how to generate money and members have to subdue themselves to pay party dues, then the founding fathers should come together, create businesses like hotels, invest in transportation and others that can bring in funds daily to run the party.

The party members have to get themselves involved in empowerment that will create jobs. That is what a viable party should be like. That is what we expect in the PDP. If we are to invest in different businesses, we should create those businesses and let our members be either the GM or the MD, and the business will yield money to fund the party so that the national chairman of the party will also be the chairman of the entire group and will not be subject to anyone, including the president.

The Lagos PDP has all the wherewithal to run the party but it seems the funds are not well utilised?

In Lagos State, we the PDP do not even have anything.

All the ministers that were appointed from Lagos State are not from the state. At the same time they call themselves technocrats, we do not really have any funding. The Lagos State PDP has never had a governor because we do not have anyone funding the party. It is left in the hands of those leaders that have the passion for the party at heart and can donate to the party for the PDP to make any meaningful impact in the state. They play quality roles, they get affordable healthcare. Development of the rural areas is happening everyday but the people of Lagos have been subjected to multi-taxation. These aren’t what the people of Lagos bargained for. Lagos should be an industrialfriendly state, but right now, it is not. And the land mass of the state is not changing; it is constant. What are the agricultural prospects of the state? There are none. We need to be able to convey this and merge it with the ideals of governance to create a vibrant society in Lagos State.

M

y own mission is the delivery of good governance. It is good that the Lagos State government has built a flyover in the state.

But how does that affect the life of the people in the state? The bridge from Bourdillon to Lekki is a good edifice. If you look at some newspaper publications in the country, they showed a bridge in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA made out of wood. The majority of the people in Lagos State live in the Ayobo axis of the state. It is the rich people that will use the Cable bridge in the Lekki axis of the state. The state government has succeeded in using that bridge to increase the property value in Lekki.

But what happens to the poor people in Lagos? What happens to the remaining 13 million people of the state?

Why are we getting it wrong?

We need to take ourselves back and look at whether it is the choice of candidate or whatever else is making the state look the way it is now.

But this is not the PDP I bargained for.

Before 2007, the PDP was controlling almost all the southwest states except Lagos. But suddenly, things changed. What actually went wrong?

Continues on page 51

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013 — 51

champion this call?

I haven’t thought about it but it has to be something that has to be created by our people.

Continued from page 50 Well, I cannot say. But many things went wrong. For instance, Oyo State was lost due to the disagreement between Ladoja, Akala, Adedibu and Obasanjo. Unfortunately, we lost Adedibu and that excluded the PDP immediately. In Ogun State, Obasanjo again and the then incumbent Governor, Gbenga Daniel. This created an avenue for an ACN candidate to win the governorship election, and that is Governor Ibikunle Amosun. In Ekiti State, it is almost the same thing. We had a lukewarm attitude. What happened in Ekiti was that Obasanjo succeeded in removing Fayose from Office for whatever reason and that boomeranged to a weak PDP in Ekiti State. his led to the assump tion of office of Governor Segun Oni which the court later nullified. In Ondo State, everyone knew that Olusegun Mimiko was a PDP member and he later ended up in the Labour Party. This was due to the quarrel between Obasanjo, Olusegun Agagu and Mimiko. I see, basically, that our leaders in the Yoruba land, especially in the PDP, have failed the party and our own generation in their mismanagement of things. Even in the Presidency, the management of what has been zoned to the South-West members of the party has grossly been mismanaged.

And that is why we have recorded a negative position in the hierarchy of running the nation. Right from the Speaker of the House of Representatives downwards, if one looks at the position of the first five citizens of the country today, the Yoruba extraction is not represented. There is no one speaking on our behalf and the reason for this was that our leaders failed to look at handing over to their next generation. When I was in CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Obasanjo was my President. When I became a father, Obasanjo still came back to be my President. My son has gone to school and graduated, Obasanjo was still his president. At this time in the PDP in the SouthWest, Obasanjo still calls the shots; whereas Gowon, Danjuma, Akinrinade, Banjo and other military men including Bode George were all Heads of State, Chief of General Staff and Governors respectively, and they all ruled this country in their 30s. What has created this? I do not

•Doherty.The first thing on the agenda should be total integration

This is not the PDP I bargained for know why our leaders cannot hand over to the next generation.

Someone asked me if President Goodluck Jonathan is about 52 years old. But will anyone from the Yoruba extraction be allowed to rule this country at that age? Will any of our fathers allow a man of that age to be the president of this country? In politics, one has to develop his thinking and look at what is on ground and how it benefits your people. What is on

,

T

W

ple. The first thing on the agenda should be total integration of the various Southwestern states. A common body that must look into the development of political parties in the Southwest and what they are delivering to the people vis-a-vis what the mandate of that people is.

Our agenda as a people is the integration of the entire people of the Southwestern states in terms of road network in all the states, integrating in terms of rail net-

President Jonathan is 52 years old. But will anyone from the Yoruba extraction be allowed to rule this country at that age?

ground now does not benefit the South-West people of this countr y.

How will you rate governance in the Southwest now?

Governance in the Southwest today is developing. I believe that there should be a symposium of Southwest leaders, and this symposium should cut across all parties’ affiliation in the country, where a common agenda must be adopted as the agenda of the Southwest peo-

,

work so that people can live in any state and work in any Southwestern state; in agriculture through buying and selling within ourselves.

There has to be a mandate on housing policy, infrastructural development for the people, health requirement for the people. There has to be leadership and vision for the Southwest region in the country between the years 2013 and 2050.

Who do you think will

hat’s your take on the suspension of Amaechi and others?

Wammako has been recalled. The only person left on the suspension list is Amaechi, and this was based on obvious reasons. In the PDP, suspension can be described as ‘go home and come back.’ It isn’t as weighty as it was reported in the media. If one is suspended from the party, the person will be the one who will call for the next PDP party.

It isn’t a very strong thing at this time in the party. In contrast, that doesn’t mean that if one commits anti-party activities and one is caught, he or she will not be sanctioned. I believe that suspending Amaechi or Wammako is in the hands of NWC and they are looking at it very seriously. I am sure that there might have been miscommunication or misrepresentation in a lot of things that have created the suspension in the first place.

O

n the NGF election, ACN has been pointing accusing fingers at the PDP as the cause of the problems Well, the creation of the NGF is to execute what I am explaining to you, which is integration, looking at different problems like security and others and proffering solutions to them. This should be the job of the NGF. Where I have a problem with the NGF was that it began to overstep its boundary when it got involved in the upcoming 2015 presidential election, an issue still in its incubation stage whereby the sitting president is being questioned whether he will be vying for the next election or not. And out of these governors, they are whipping up the electorate and bringing up new agenda as far as their own candidacy is concerned. I don’t think that it was right for the NGF to start whipping up political discourse concerning the presidency and I wouldn’t have suggested the election at that time. I don’t know if the president has veto power on the forum, but the NGF should have been disbanded. Let each political party have its own Governors’ Forum. And the reason was that all the governors didn’t contest for their post on the same platform. Definitely, their ideology is not the

same. So what happened was bound to occur.

When you merge people with different views, definitely the minority will strive to woo some of the members of the majority into its own circle. And then cross-carpeting starts. That is the psychological attitude of human beings and that in itself has created a problem within the group.

For me, I will advise that the NGF should be disbanded. All the governors should go back to their states and deliver the dividends of democracy to their electorate.

When each party organises their governors’ forum, we will have peace in the country and we will be able to rate the governors based on what they delivered to the people.

Will you consider any offer considering the crisis in the PDP? I am open to the advancement and progress of our people. It doesn’t matter who calls. Once I am called upon, I will answer because it is for the benefit of the people.

Definitely, there are issues that need to be addressed urgently in the Southwest; I can foresee it coming. We have to throw away party affiliations and differences and come together as a single body for the progress of the Southwest region.

How would you assess Fashola’s administration ?

The Lagos government has worked considerably over the years. During the time of Tinubu, we saw him in his first tenure battling with the leaders in his party. We saw in his second term, a situation whereby we had to condemn him. And I am one of those who criticised him for not doing much. Later, he handed over to the executioner, Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was then his Chief of Staff in his second term. Fashola used three years from his first term to execute projects that were already put in place by his predecessor. For instance, the expansion of the various roads-Allen Avenue, Alausa, Lekki, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Adeola Odeku, the Bar Beach and others, all these roads were funded from the taxes paid by the residents of the state. And the tax payers are paying for the road today. This will continue until the next 25 years in terms of toll. If one looks at these projects that were started by Tinubu and executed by Fashola, apart from these, which other project has been created? I mean, which new road has been built in the last 12 years in the state?

52—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 20, 2013

O

LUWATOSIN AGBE TUSIN is not only a Programme Manager with Ericsson Nigeria, but also the first Nigerian to bag a Programme Management (PgMP) certification from the renowned Project Management Institute in the US. In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he recommends the same expertise for forward-looking parastatals, corporate bodies and businesses. Excerpt: What’s your background?

I studied IT and Telecoms, but have my master ’s in Personal and Advanced Mobile Communication Engineering from Lancaster University. I’ve worked in the telecoms industry all my life, starting off with MTN in Nigeria, then Airtel Nigeria.

I’ve worked directly or indirectly with all the operators in the UK – Tmobile, Nokia and the rest of them. Twice, I’ve tried to relocate out of Nigeria to settle in the UK, but I always come back to Nigeria which shows my love for the country. I presently work with Ericsson as a Programme Manager, responsible for managing project managers for our customers within Nigeria and of course sub-Saharan Africa.

Could you tell us a bit about the company, Ericsson?

Ericsson is a telecommunications company. It follows a very strict Project Management framework which has helped in the delivery of its projects to customers. Customers focus a lot on service delivery, and that is why so much money and effort is spent on training the project managers here to ensure we have the right people with the right skills handling the delivery of projects.

According to the PMI Credential Registry, you’re the first Nigerian to be certified in Programme Management?

There are about six PMI certifications; the most common is the Project Management Professional (PMP) which you have so

‘Programme Management gives organisations broad perspectives’ many Nigerians certified in. But the one that is synonymous with me is the Programme Management Professional (PgMP). It’s on a higher level because it requires more experience than the PMP certification. The process of getting the credential is more tedious. I have so many friends and colleagues who have written the exam and failed it. In fact, some never even qualified to write the exam because there are several stages you have to pass through before you qualify to write it. Even after writing the exam, you might not get the qualification because there’s still a final stage called the 360-Review that involves your peers, line managers and subordinates. If they think you’re not competent enough and rate you low, despite passing the exam you don’t become a P r o g r a m m e M a n a g e m e n t Professional. But because it’s what I do day in, day out I was successful at it.

Of course, one thing about PMI certifications is that you can always go online and check. So if you go to the PMI Credential Registry and key in Nigeria as well as the certification and add a hash tag, it will give you the names of everybody in the country with that

project is to build the wings, another is to build the tyre and another is to build the tail;but together, it’s a programme. Now, a programme is not a programme if the projects are not interrelated.

How can organisations and businesses benefit from the PMI certification?

The certification and knowledge of Programme Management helps organisations with their calculations. How does it help? It helps them understand how to benefit management, how to manage stakeholders, how to manage risk. It brings about a very structured framework to handle the

AGBETUSIN: particular certification. I have five out of the six PMI certifications now. I’m working on the final one. As of last year, there were less than five people in the world with all the certifications.

Hopefully, I should join them very soon.

What’s the distinction between Programme Management and Project

Management?

This is a question that many people have been asking. Actually, a programme is a collection of projects that are interrelated. A classic example of a programme is like building a plane. Now, there can be several projects involved in the process. One

deployment of programmes and how to manage resources across programmes. When you have a programme and several projects, there are usually resource dependencies.

Project A needs the resources of Projects B or C or D. Now, there needs to be a Programme Manage-

JigsawDBS launches mobile adv er tising truc ks adver ertising trucks

By Prisca Sam-Duru

J

igsawDBS Limited, an I k e j a - b a s e d p r o m o t i o n a l communications company, has launched first-of itskind mobile advertising and brand activation trucks into the Nigerian advertising industry.

The brand activation truck trademarked Gotcha! which was unveiled to the media and select marketing industry players in Lagos, comes with a safe platform and hand rails, custom-built huge battery capacity to power its on-board public address system as well as illuminate the advert panels even when the vehicle engine is switched off for brand ambassadors on outdoor sales promotion.

Each side of the purposebuilt mobile advertisement trucks is tri-panelled, with the capacity to take three different messages on each

side, making available to clients a total of 12 message options in ultrawave display motion.

All the sides of the Freightliner Sprinter trucks are also lit to ensure visibility of the advertisements at night.

In her presentation during the event, Managing Director of JigsawDBS, Mrs Nsima Ogedi-Alakwe, explained that “the massive audience fragmentation by traditional advertising media has made mobile outdoor advertising very attractive to marketers”, adding that “Gotcha! mobile advertising trucks will guarantee advertisers ‘in your face message’ anywhere the client chooses, moreso, they can neither be turned off nor tossed away.”

L-R:Chairman of Elders Council, Dr. Sylvan O. Ebigwei; Chairman, South-South Ruling Council, Lagos, Royal Highness, Osu Charles Ogodo and Vice Chairman, Royal Highness, Ijaw in Lagos Pere John Asoki after the South-South Traditional Ruling Council, Lagos.

TUC elects SS AEA C of SSAEA AEAC offficer icerss

M

embers of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, have elected officers to run the branch.

The elected national branch officers are Comrade Ajugba A.L— President, Comrade B. Chika – Comrade secretary, Hammed B.M—Assistant Sec, Comrade Henry O f o l u e — t r e a s u r e r, Comrade Ali Cyril - Trustee, Comrade Kamorudeen A.trustee, Comrade James Tugudu-Trustee, Comrade Ezemobi C.B-Auditor, Comrade Dairo Abidemi -

Public Relations/Welfare Officer. Others are: Comrade Taiwo Onabajo V.P Abuja Region, Comrade Olaniyi Y. G. -V.P Osogbo Region, Comrade Akoma E.O -VP Port Harcout Region, Comrade Sahahu Bala-V.P Shiroro Region, Comrade Ashogbon Tokunbo —VP Lagos Region, Comrade Initorufa A.L —V.P Benin Region, Comrade Engr.

Ubawachi C.P—V.P Enugu Region, Comrade A.G Adamu —VP Bauchi Region, Comrade Andrew Odihi – V. P Kaduna.

They were inaugurated

by the President General of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity Workers and Allied Companies and also the Deputy President of TUC, Comrade Bede Opara on July 4, 2013.

The branch President Comrade A.Y Ajugba in his speech welcomed the TCN management led by the Chief Executive Officer, Don Priestman, as he urged them to see the association as a partner in progress. He further highlighted some of the challenges faced by transmission staff ranging from dilapidated and obsolete equipment, working tools, staff

ment which handles how these resources are distributed to make sure nobody suffers. So if you have a properly structured Programme Management, organisations would have someone who looks at the broader picture of all these projects and manages the relationship and overall goal properly. It’s been said that organisations with structured Project Management achieve 70 percent better delivery of their projects than organisations that don’t.

What procedures should the public follow to be certified?

It depends. PMI offers different certifications.

There’s also another body called the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in the UK doing that. You know the British and Americans are always at loggerheads (PMI is American while OGC is British). There are other standards across the world, but those two are the most popular. Other institutes out there offer Project Management training, Risk Management training, Portfolio Management training both in and outside Nigeria. In fact, even universities now offer full-time or part-time courses in Project Management. Of course, the PMI certification would arguably be more popular than OGC, but it depends on the industry. If an individual thinks he’ll work in an industry where they recognise more of PMI certifications, then it would be ideal to go the PMI way. If his company leans towards the OGC, then it might be a good way to go. But, basically, I’m certified in both.

Any advice for the government and corporate bodies?

People should see Project Management, Programme Management, risk professionals, scheduling professionals as a field that leads to professionalism.

Organisations now look for risk experts, planning and scheduling experts, project managers, programme managers. I also encourage government and the various institutions to embrace the structured Project Management processes in their organisations. It helps with timely delivery, it helps with proper governance, it helps provide a clear picture of how projects are deployed. shortage, delay in staff salaries, training, medicare, poor hazard allowance amongst others. “If these challenges are addressed it will boost the morale of the staff and also enhance productivity in the sector.”

The Chief Executive Officer, TCN, Don Priestman, in his response congratulated the association and stated further that they are impressed in the conduct of the association and also envy their highly organized team, promising that these challenges highlighted will be addressed.

Vanguard, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 — 53

C M Y K

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 20, 2013

20 13 World Championships:

Warri Wolves, Rangers agree on Mba No dope fear for Nigerian athletes

W

ARRI Wolves and Rangers International of Enugu have ironed out the contentious transfer of Super Eagles striker, Sunday Mba. Mba will remain a player of the Delta State pampered Warri Wolves, but he will play for Rangers until the end of the season in September, when he will likely move to Europe.

“We’ve taken this important step to enable Mba continue with his young career and not to hinder his

progress.

“Warri Wolves own the player and full transfer rights, the club decided to let him stay with Rangers on loan and return to Warri at the end of the season.

“It’s a significant step in his career and there is no more transfer dispute, row or disagreement with any club,” said Warri Wolves chairman, Mr. Pinnick Amaju.

Back last January Mba believed he was free to leave Warri Wolves for an-

other Nigerian Premier League club “I’ve been hoping and praying for a resolution.

Now I am happy that everything has been resolved,” Mba told BBC Sport.

“Both parties have agreed to a new decision and this is good for my football career.

“I wish to thank both clubs and everyone that stepped in and hope to take my career to the next level from here.”

National youth games events suffer low patr onage N ATIONAL Sports Commission (NSC) director of grassroots sports development, Alhassan Yakmut has attributed the reduced number of events for the forthcoming U-17 National Youth Games, to lack of patronage by participating states.

Yakmut said in Lagos that some states had earlier complained of financial

constraints, which he said, informed the decision to drop some events for now.

“It’s a test run, even at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, it’s not all sports that are in the youth Games.

“Go and check your records and see normally when you are starting, you start on a low scale to be sure of the statistics you

all our athletes are clean heading to the World championships,” said Dr. Anuguje. During the week, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell failed dope tests in their respective national trials.

While 100m and 800m defending champions Yohan Blake and David Rudisha pulled out of Moscow 2013 giving room for speculations on their real intentions.

“The issue of doping is getting serious by the day and we are seeing what is happening. We have athletes pulling out of the championships on account of injury. Perhaps we will have a dope free competition,” Dr. Anugueje added.

Sounding Out... Usain Bolt racing with Nigeria’s Obinna Metu (r) during last year’s London 2012 Olympics.

Don’t blame our juniors for world youth fiasco—Emedolu, Amike

F

Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi other to train, due to lack of standard facilities.

“We don’t have good facilities, such as standard weights and barbells to train with and it is a major setback militating against the upgrading of weightlifting athletes in the state.

“Often times, athletes had to queue up one after the other because of the insufficient facilities

positive to banned drugs, but according to Dr. Ken Anugueje who is AFN’s medical director, that is not likely to happen in 2013 with the Nigeria team. He argued that so far so good all the athletes who made the party to Russia have been given a clean bill based on the last dope test conducted at the Cross River/All Nigeria Championships in June.

“Normally after two weeks of the Championships, we are usually notified if there are any failure. It’s been four weeks now and we haven’t heard anything untoward from the lab.

“And so we assume that

have, then you keep upgrading. “We initially wanted to start with 19 sports but we found out that most states didn’t budget for it, so we had to reduce it to a low scale. And we recommended to the honourable Minister and the DirectorGeneral and its being considered but a few will start.

Then next year, being an annual event, it will be upgraded in number..”

Coach laments substandard weightlifting gyms K OGI State Weight lifting Association (KSWA) head coach, Christopher Nwadei has stated that most Nigerian athletes failed to excel in international competitions because they trained with substandard facilities at home.

Nwadei argued that lack of standard facilities usually affects the improvement of athletes’ skills and also demoralises them.

He said that Nigerian athletes’ inability to win medals in international competitions was also due to stage fright, because the gymnasiums abroad, with modern facilities, were enough to intimidate them.

“Our athletes are good, even better than their foreign counterparts, but the truth is that foreign athletes are groomed with up-to-date facilities, while ours are trained with obsolete facilities,” he said.

The coach said that the situation was particularly bad in Kogi where weightlifters had to queue up one after the

THLETICS Federation of Nigeria officials said they have no fear of Nigerian athletes failing a dope test at the IAAF World Championships billed for August 10-18 in Moscow, Russia.

This is against the background of high profile dope failure by two big names in the sport and also a growing suspicion that many more elite athletes are not running free and there could be more revelations in the coming weeks.

At the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany, three Nigerian female athletes tested

A

available,” he said.

According to him, training and exposure of athletes to good facilities speaks volumes and boosts their winning chances during competitions, because they are up-to-date with standard facilities.

He urged the sports authorities to assist in the provision of facilities, to enhance their training and development.

ORMER Nigerian internationals Henry Amike and Uchenna Emedolu took a retrospective look at the performances of the Nigerian team at the last IAAF World Youth Championships in Ukraine and declared that the outing is a reminder that much work needed to be done, if athletics were to prosper again in Nigeria.

The Nigerian juniors raised expectations after they won most of the gold medals at the maiden Africa Youth Championships in Warri, Delta State. But the athletes, including Divine Oduduru, failed to re-enact their form in Ukraine despite being camped for over a month in Port Harcourt in readiness for the meet, where the likes of Helen Opanachi shone during her hey days.

“I don’t know what happenned to the athletes.

They were in camp for a month or so to prepare, we expected a medal at least

in the relays. But I don’t want to point accusing fingers at the coaches, the athletes or the AFN. We have fundamental problems we must take care of, if we have to do well in the sport,” said Amike who holds the national 400m hurdles

record, a 48.50 seconds he set in 1987.

Sprinter and 2004 Olympics bronze medalist, Emedolu submitted that two months of preparations couldn’t have put the athletes in a competitive mood in Ukraine.

Presidency puts Sydney 2000 gold medalists on hold

M

EMBERS of the Nigerian 4x400m relay quartet had their wishes of kissing the 2000 Olympics gold medal awarded them by the IOC kept on hold, as President Goodluck Jonathan failed to meet the team on July 17 as earlier scheduled.

It was gathered that a mix-up between the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdulahi and the chief of staff to the President, prevented Dr. Jonathan from presenting the medals and perhaps cash rewards to the former athletes at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. However, they will get another

chance on Wednesday July 24.

“We couldn’t meet with the President. He was not properly briefed but the sports minister and the chief of staff have worked things out and it has now be re-scheduled for next Wednesday.” said an official of the AFN. He added that the athletes Jude Monye, Clement Chukwu, Enefiok OdoObong, Fidelis Gazama, Nduka Awazie and the widow of late Sunday Bada, Mrs Sunbo Bada have been holed up in Abuja waiting for their lucky day.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, JULY 20, 2013—55

NFF sacks Flying Eagles’ coaches Nigeria Football Federation technical committee chairman, Chris Green disclosed yesterday, that the resignation of Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh has been ac-

cepted and all his assistants have also been asked to leave their positions.

The national under-20 team failed to progress beyond the second round

CHAN Qualifier: Battle not yet over, Chukwu warns Eagles C

HRISTIAN Chukwu, a former Super Eagles Coach, has urged the home-based Eagles and their handlers not to lose focus as they face Cote d’Ivoire in the return leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier in Abidjan.

The Eagles on July 6 in Kaduna thumped their Ivorian counterparts 4-1 and as the preparations for the crucial tie billed for July 27 reached fever pitch, Chuwkwu who captained the Eagles to the 1980 win of the Nations Cup in Lagos, stated that the Ivorians will come back hard into the game and the Eagles must have to prove that their victory was not a fluke.

“It was an emphatic victory by the home-based Super Eagles over visiting Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the first match and I believe that they would do better in the return leg.

“I knew the first leg match in Kaduna was a bonus for us, but I never expected a wide goals margin. The result of the first leg marveled me.

“The team had raised everyone’s hope with the first leg brilliant result and should strive not to dash Nigerians’ hope in the return leg and the subse-

quent matches,” Chukwu said.

According to him, Chief Coach Stephen Keshi has the right materials. “The Eagles only need further grooming and training to make the country proud.”

Chukwu called on Nigerians to continue to support the national senior team in their building process because “Rome was not built in a day.”

“I recall that this is the first time we are participating in this competition and I want us to utilise it well and convert all our scoring chances,” he added.

He said he believed and also had confidence in the players.

Chukwu added that the Eagles would make Nigerians proud and qualify for the Championship slated for 2014 in South Africa.

Abidjan Showdown … Director General, National Orientation Agency(NOA), Mr. Mike Omeri (2nd left), Chief Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Mr. Stephen Keshi (3rd left) and other members of the coaching crew pose with members of the Home Based Super Eagles after their training exercise at the National Stadium, Abuja last Thursday.

Gambo Mohammed: Fast or no fast, Ivorians will fall CHAN Eagles striker, Gambo Mohammed has assured that the Ramadan Fast might hamper his performance when they take on the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on July 27.

The Eagles hold a 4-1 goals advantage over the Ivorians as both teams head into

the second-leg of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier in Abidjan.

Mohammed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from the team’s camp in Abuja that the ongoing Ramadan

would rather be an inspiration, instead of an obstruction to his performance.

“I want to disagree with anyone who may be thinking that my contribution to the team will not be up to a 100 per cent

Eaglets undergo MRI test in Abuja N

IGERIA Football Federation has planned a mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test to be conducted at the Abuja National Hospital, for all the players of the Golden Eaglets preparing for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirate October 17 to November 9.

According to NFF technical committee chairman, Chris Green, this was to forestall any embarrassment for the country at the tournament.

“We must ensure that only players within the age bracket, as stipulated by world football body FIFA, will wear the country’s colours at the World Cup in the UAE in October.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Wednesday in Abuja there

of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, they lost 2-1 to Uruguay in the round of 16 after a mixed bag of performances in the group stages. Coach Obuh resigned after the team was ousted.

“We have accepted Obuh’s resignation. He is not the only one going, we have relieved all members of the technical crew of their jobs,” said Barrister Green.

Manu Garba... Eaglets coach would not be automatic shirt for any player of the team.

The technical crew is planning to pick some new players to complement the team which won the silver medal at the African Youth Championship (AYC) in

Morocco in April.

“This is because the NFF is desirous of seeing the G o l d e n Eaglets mount the podium as w o r l d champions yet again, since their last accolade in 2007 “I hope you know we are

the best country in the world at the Under-17 level. But it has been a long time we won the trophy.

“That is why we are encouraging the coaches to assemble only the best players who can do us proud in the UAE.

“You must have seen the standard of this team. So, there is no automatic shirt for any player in the Golden Eaglets or in any of the national teams for that matter.

“You must have something extra to break into the team,” Green added.

NFF Director of Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme, also advised the players to be focused in order not to jeopardise their future, “The NFF will not condone any conduct that shows indiscipline in the team.

“And I want to let you know that nobody is sure of his position in this team until the final list is made for the World Cup,” Ikpeme said.

because of the Ramadan Fast.

“I have played throughout my entire career and I have never been affected by my commitment to the will of Allah. This encounter won’t be any different.

“On the contrary, I believe it will be an inspiration for me to perform even more excellently because this period of Ramadan means a lot to my career,” he said.

The striker, who scored Eagles’ first goal in their 41 win over the Elephants in Kaduna, added that he was optimisticthat theteam could re-produce a dazzling form in Abidjan.

“The Ivorians are a good side but we are keeping our focus on doing even better than we did during the first-leg of the encounter.

“Nigerians should be calm P

E

I

A

E

G

W

U

A

P

P

A

S

I B

G

T

B

A

W

A

Z

I

W

A

O O

I

A

B

E

C

H

U

A N

N

D

E

Z

I

K

W

I A

O

E

C

A

L

A

M

I

M T

O

U

U B

A

U U N

D

L

N

Y

E E

W S

A

O W

E

E A

E

H

N G

M

L

L

A

R L

L U

A

I M

W

N

S

N

O K

O T

A

andprayfortheteam.Wehave all resolved collectively to qualify the country for its first CHAN,”Mohammedadded

K

W R

I

E

S

H

E W

E C

L

R

E S

P

Mohammed Gambo in action.

R R

R

I

SATURDAY Vanguard, JULY 20, 2013

Commonwealth Games 2014

NSC drops non productive federations S

PORTS minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, has threatened to drop sports federations that did not win medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, from the 2014

CHAN Qualifier

Games in Glasgow, Scotland. According to him, some federations that participated in the last Games came back without any medals.

“The National Sports

It is a lost cause, but we will fight, says Ivorian coach

BY BEN EFE

I

VORIAN home-based national team coach, Saraka Norbert has admitted that it will be an uphill task turning the table against their Nigerian counterparts, when they meet on July 27 for the second leg tie of the CAF African Nations Championship in Abidjan.

The coach stated that losing 4-1, two key players and the Eagles’ compact defensive activity are a major obstacle to his team getting the result that will halt Nigeria’s quest to play in their first CHAN tournament in February next year in South Africa.

“The second-leg will be difficult for us. Because scoring three goals will not be easy.

“Though in football everything is possible, but I fear the Nigerian team. They play together behind and they abuse stimulation. If we manage to overcome their defence we will be able to rescue one or two goals,” said the coach.

He accused the referee who officiated the first leg of complicating matters for his team by sending off two of his best players.

“Indeed, when you lose a player like Roger Assalé and a central defender in the quality of Gloudoueu Angel, then you can begin to worry.

“My players were brave in the first leg. But I say that arbitration was not correct. The laws of the game were not applied as it should be,” said the coach.

SQUEEZ...Fegor Ogude (L) and team-mate Godfrey Oboabona of Nigeria compete with Steevy Chong Hue of Tahiti during the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group B match between Tahiti and Nigeria. Oboabona is in the heart of the Eagles defence.

Eagles pip FC Abuja in test game N

ATIONAL League side, FC Abuja based in the Federal Capital proved a hard nut to crack for the Super Eagles in Friday’s test match played at the FIFA Goal Project in the city.

The game which was watched by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaya, NFF Technical Committee member, Austen Elumelu and Coach Siji Lagunju of the NFF, among others, was highly explosive and technical with fans

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Orlando Pirates v 6.00 pm

Commission (NSC) will only focus on those that will win medals in Glasgow.

“The 2014 Commonwealth Games is not going to be another jamboree, we want to ensure that any sports federation participating will have a medal for Nigeria.

“Those federations that featured at the last edition and came back without any medals will have to explain why they should attend the Games this time around.

“The commission is ready to sponsor even if it is only one sport that will win medals than to take 10 sports that will not come back with any medals,” he said.

Abdullahi said the meeting was called to deliberate on and plan ahead of the Games and make useful suggestions on the way forward.

He said the federations that did not win any medals would have to give reasons why they should participate this time.

“We want to know how the federations want to prepare their athletes, and how prepared they are to participate in the Games and win medals for Nigeria. “If it is not possible for your federation to win medals in the next Games, then you don’t have reason to be there if you cannot meet the target,” he said.

Leoparde de Dolisie

CONCACAF Gold Cup Mexico v Trinidad and Tobago 10.30 p.m.

Panama v Cuba 7.30 p.m.

on the edge of their seats for the better part of the game.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi, started with his probables like Skipper Chigozie Agbim in goal, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwueke in

the heart of the defence, Benjamin Francis and Solomon Kwambe as wing backs on the left and right respectively.

Ayo Saka, Gomo Onduku and Femi Oladapo were the midfield choices while

CROSS WORD PUZZLE Across 1 Minister of Lands & Housing, Mrs. Ama – (6) 4 Traditional Ruler of Onitsha – (6) 7 South Korean Currency – (3) 8 Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson – (6) 10 L.G.A in Imo State – (6) 12 Former NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema – (9) 14 Monkey – (3) 16 L.G.A in Abia State – (3) 18 Former United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi – (5) 19 Feline Mammal – (3) 21 Akwa-Ibom State Capital – (3) 23 Country in Africa – (9) 24 Country in South-America – (6) 26 Manchester City Striker, James – (6) 27 Frozen Water – (3) 28 Super Eagles Left-back and Sunshine Stars Defender, Solomon – (6)

Sunday Mba played behind the strike duo of Gambo Mohammed and Ezekiel Mba, who started ahead of Etebor Ejiroghene.

The Eagles dominated play in the first half with Mba, Gambo and 1

2

3

29 Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Bello – (6) Down 1 Ghanaian Currency Unit – (6) 2 Czech Republic Capital City – (6) 3 Minister of Science & Technology, Mr. Bassey Henshaw – (3) 4 Former Ekiti State Governor, Olusegun – (3) 5 DR Congo ‘Syli Stars’ Striker, Tressor Lamana – (6) 6 L.G.A in Rivers State – (6) 9 L.G.A in Akwa-Ibom State – (9) 11 Kebbi State Governor, Usman Saidu – (9) 13 Vietnamese Capital City – (5) 15 Vegetable – (3) 17 Purchase – (3) 19 L.G.A in Borno State – (6) 20 Ethnic Group in Botswana – (6) 21 Former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike – (6) 22 Imo State Capital – (3) 25 Untruth – (3) 26 Hebrew Alphabet – (3)

Ezekiel all coming close in the 10th, 20th and 22nd minutes. But it was Gomo’s flash from 32 yards that was palmed into a corner kick that highlighted the half which ended goaless.

4

5

6

7 8

9

10 10

12 12 14 14

11 11

13 13

15 15

16 16

17 17

18 18 19 19

20 20

21 21

23 23

24 24

25 25

26 26

27 27 28 28

29 29

SOLUTION on page 55

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Editor: 08052201257 (TEXT ONLY). Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: weekend @vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com.

Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) EDITOR: CHIOMA GABRIEL. All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K

22 22