Boko Haram: UK, US fail Nigeria

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BOKO HARAM: USA, UK fail Nigeria •FG turns to Russia, China

BY BEN AGANDE

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HE emerging scenario in the fight against terror and the steps Nigeria’s government has taken would have resulted in global sensation during the cold war. The United States would fight to keep their allies. They would never easily lose any of their allies to then Soviet Union as now represented

by Russia which has, although, embraced free market economy. Nigeria, for years, enjoyed close ties with the West and was seen as a US ally. But the seeming snub or nonchalant attitude towards it by its traditional allies has reportedly compelled Nigeria to turn to Russia and China for the training of its military as well as acquisition of military hardware to fight Boko Haram insurgents.

Highly placed military and intelligence sources in Abuja told Saturday Vanguard that the decision to turn to the other two world military powers was an interim measure to roll back the military advances made by the Boko Haram insurgents who have gained some grounds in seizing and controlling some towns and Villages in the north eastern states of Borno and Adamawa.

Already, Nigerian security personnel from the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) have been dispatched to Russia for training as Special Forces to combat the Boko Haram insurgents who are mounting stiff challenge to the Nigerian security services.

According to Saturday Vanguard investigations, following the increasing sophistication of the Boko Haram terrorists, the Nigerian government approached American and British governments to procure arms for its armed forces in order to effectively counter the insurgents but the two western governments have continued to dither, a situation that may have been responsible for some of the gains recorded by terrorists in recent times.

A senior security Source told Saturday Vanguard: “the United States and Britain appear unwilling to provide arms to our armed forces. It is surprising because these are two friendly countries to Nigeria which is under

threat from terrorists. We have no option but to look somewhere else for our needs pending when the issues are resolved at the diplomatic level by our government.”

This remark underscored the current lukewarm attitude of both countries to the Federal Government.

The USA had said that it would not assist Nigeria with land forces and would not also share intelligence with the Nigerian military.

Sources said that they did not trust the Nigerian military which was accused of lacking professionalism and which also had moles within. But Nigeria expected better assistance from USA, Britain and the like. But their support has fallen below expectation.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that one of the options was to turn to Russia which has always been willing to supply weapons and some other logistics to Nigeria when other western countries are not forthcoming.

The Nigeria Air force has several Russian fighter jets in its fleet.

It was gathered that Nigeria has entered into contract with Russian Arms manufacturers for the supply of high calibre weapons to the Nigerian Army to combat the insurgents in the North east and has begun discussion with the Israeli government on possible supply of military hardware.

“When the Chief of Army staff said recently that the Nigerian army would soon take possession of weapons that would reverse the trend in the North east, he was referring to the deal between Nigeria and some Russian arms manufacturers. We are also in discussion with Israeli companies. We don’t want to be held ransom by our traditional allies. That is why we are expanding our sources of supply,” the source said.

As part of the agreement between Nigeria and Russia, a group of Nigerian security personnel are already in Eastern Europe for training as Special Forces with another batch, made up

of the Army, Police and DSS billed to leave Nigeria next month to join the other three batches that are already in training.

President Jonathan recently, at the passing out parade of cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy, said the armed forces would set up a Special Forces Brigade to combat terrorism in the country.

From left Mrs Stella Denloye, Director,Laboratory Sevices, Dr Paul Orhii, DG, NAFDAC and Dr Umar Musa, Director, Investigation and Enforcemen all of NAFDAC during a Press briefing on substandard Ebola Virus sanitizer in theNigerian market.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Synagogue: My survival is a miracle — Church worker * As NEMA puts new death toll at 86

BY EVELYN USMAN

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survivor in last Friday’s collapsed building used as a guest house by The Synagogue Church of All Nations yesterday, gave a graphic picture of his 28 hours experience under the rubbles.

The 28- year-old Business administration graduate from the University of West London, who gave his name as Taiwo Temitayo described his survival as a miracle, adding that while other victims, majority of whom were foreigners died in the debris, a particular woman who was by his side also escaped.

He gave this narration just as the National Emergency Management Agency , NEMA disclosed that the death toll in the tragic incident was 86, as against the earlier figure which it gave as 80. The number of survivors according to NEMA was still 131.

Besides, indication emerged yesterday that the collapsed building was the wing occupied by South Africans.

Describing his survival as a walk in the shadow of death, Temitayo, a worker with SCOAN, said “ I read Business science in school but was privileged to be part of the District Coordinator of the church, which attend to foreigners.

We have a particular time for meals. So on that fateful day, I was coordinating the lunch, with majority of our guests on the ground floor. I later went to get my own food which was sandwich , bread and egg, while the visitors had two meal options; semolina and

egusi and fried rice , fish and salad.

“I left my food and went to get plastic cups which I placed on the visitors tables. Barely had I finished placing the cups and was about responding to a question by one of our visitors than I saw the building caving in. I covered my head with both hands to avoid a brick falling on me. The next thing I saw was a total black out. I had to switch on my phone to brighten the place. When I wanted to move, I could not because of the brick that was on top of the table I hid under.

I heard people praying

in different languages, including English language. Some were shouting Jesus while others were shouting the blood of Jesus. I could not shout because I was saving my breath. All I did was to pray in my mind as we were taught.

I tried making calls to alert people but there was no network.

“At that point, even though I had faith , I prayed to God to forgive me of all known and unknown sins and also asked the Holy Spirit to strengthen me until help would come. The panic under the rubbles alone , was enough to kill one.

But I decided to stay calm,

awaiting when help would come.

At a point I could not breath.

I started breathing through the mouth. When all hope of getting out alive started dawning , I saw an opening and decided to crawl out. In the process, I had my body pieced by nails and other hard objects. But I refused to bow to the pains and continued until I managed to get outside.

By then I was told it was 5.05pm , next day. The woman by my side also managed to come out. I was taken to a hospital around Igando, from where I was discharged”.

... Jonathan condoles Joshua, sends experts to investigate building collapse

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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ARELY one week after the Synagogue incident, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, sent experts to the scene of the collapsed six storey building at the Synagogue Church Of All Nations, SCOAN, to commiserate with the church leaders.

The team was also sent to conduct immediate investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse and report back to the FG. NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade led the FG team who arrived the scene along with other government officials, including experts on building control.

According to

Otegbade, “The team has been mandated to collect all necessary data, samples from SCOAN for further investigation, with the aim of determining the immediate and remote cause(s) of the disaster.

He later conveyed President Jonathan’s condolences to General Overseer and Founder of SCOAN, Prophet Temitope B. Joshua and members of the church worldwide over the unfortunate incident.

FirstNation Airline premises sealed up

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

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HE operational pre mises of First Nation, a domestic airline, has been sealed up by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. This is coming barely 24 hours after the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr. Yemi Adelakum queried a catering company, Skycatering Company Limited for leasing out its facility to the airline.

The reason for the shutting of the facility by the agency remained un-

known as at the time of filing this report, but the management of FAAN may be acting on the directive of the permanent secretary.

Skycatering Company was a subsidiary of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, but like the Skypower Aviation Handling Company, SAHCOL, that was not liquidated by the government in 2003, the company had been operating independently ever since with a General Manager who reports regularly to the ministry.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

BRIEFS

2015: Why Gov Lamido endorsed Jonathan for Presidency *Presidency to refund N15b for Dutse Airport and execute 3 other projects

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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N D I C AT I O N S emerged last night that the leadership of the Northern Governors’ Forum scored a big political point on Thursday by convincing the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido to endorse the presidential ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Competent party sources told Saturday Vanguard that the chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, who is said to have the ears of the Jigawa governor, was given the task to work on Lamido to join the train in endorsing Jonathan.

To get the governor to join his colleagues in giving his assent to Jonathan to fly the PDP flag, Aliyu reportedly told Lamido that Jonathan had accepted to abide by all the commitments that he made to Jigawa people during his electioneering campaign in the state in 2011.

Top on the list of the commitment extracted from Jonathan for Lamido is that the Presidency will refund the sum of over

General manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Abimbola Animashaun flanked by Director and Head Inspectorate and Quality Control Department Ayo Sodeinde (left), and Assistant Chief Building Officer, Divisional Headquarters, Lagos, Adeoye Adeyemi, during the Agency's media interaction at its Ikeja Office in Lagos .

N15 billion expended by Lamido to build the Dutse International Airport, a project which the Federal Government promised to undertake but failed.

Similarly, the Presidency also agreed to undertake the immediate construction of the Auyo Irrigation Project, which was started by the Shagari Administration but abandoned and has remained an electioneering topic by successive presidential candidates and parties.

Besides, the Federal

Government, it was learnt, also agreed to construct a major road in the state to connect the state-owned university at Kafin Hausa, as a means of appeasing the governor and his people.

A top source in Jigawa said that Lamido accepted to support Jonathan’s candidature at the PDP NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday because according to him “there has been a commitment”

by President Jonathan to fulfill his campaign promises to the people of

2015: Be prudent with resources, PDP tells its govs, officials *Congratulates Scotland on Referendum *Calls for unity among Nigerians

BY HENRY UMORU

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AT I O N A L leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, told all its governors, federal and state legislators, ministers, chairmen of locals, all appointed and other elected officials to be prudent in the management of resources if the party must continue to get the votes of Nigerians in presidential and general elections.

The PDP however reiterated its call on Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, religion, region or party affiliation to live in unity and remain peaceful.

The party however urged Nigerians to emulate the people of Scotland who have chosen to preserve their more than 300 years union by voting to stay in Britain irrespective of challenges of ethnic diversity.

According to Metuh, the decision by the Scots has shown that “citizens can indeed push through their

resolve to live together and peacefully as one people with a common destiny despite their differences, perceived or real.

“We might be different in our tongues, tribes and

religious affiliations but, as one people, let us not dwell on these differences but rather magnify those things that bind us together so that we continue to live together in peace, love and unity.”

the state.

“All along, Governor Lamido had insisted that he would only support the president if he fulfilled his campaign promises to the state and not that he wanted to replace him as some persons were insinuating, a top official said.

But the Director of Press to Governor Lamido, Mr. Umar Kyari, who spoke on the phone from Saudi Arabia, pointed out that the governor had never had any disagreement with Jonathan on the issue of running for the same office.

“As a matter of fact, the governor has never declared his intention to challenge Jonathan in the Presidential race but it was only his admirers, who suggested that based on the brilliant performance he has put up in the state, he could replicate same if he becomes the president of Nigeria,” Umar explained.

WHO declares Nigeria Ebola free •First Consultants Hospital re-opens

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HE World Health Orga nization, WHO, yesterday declared Nigeria as an Ebola free-country just as it commended efforts by the Nigerian government to contain the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

WHO made the declaration on a day that the First Consultants Hospital Obalende in Lagos, which had been closed since July was reopened and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State announced that the last Ebola patient in the state has been discharged.

Fashola spoke during a visit to the First Consultants Hospital, which has been

certified ready for operation after the decontamination done for its treatment of the index Ebola patient, the Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer, who died in the hospital after infecting many doctors and nurses.

Speaking during an

Emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on Ebola, on Thursday, the Director General, WHO, Margaret Chan, told participants to take a cue from the stable conditions in Nigeria and Senegal.

Group asks FG to immortalise Gani Fawehinmi

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA, Yenagoa non governmental organisation, Edoni-Iza Freemen Educational Foundation has called on the Federal Government to dedicate a day to be called Gani Fawehinmi Day to give people the opportunity to promote good ideologies and patriotism.

The late Fawehinmi spent the greater part of his life fighting the cause of the Nigerian masses and agitating for good governance and a better Nigeria.

A

Seized $9.3m: Sanction FG, SERAP asks FATF

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HE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the President of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Mr. Roger Wilkins, urging him to “urgently use your good offices and leadership to investigate admission by the government of Nigeria that it hired a private jet to convey $9.3 million in cash to procure arms from South Africa.”

The organization also asked Mr Wilkins to “consider this admission in the light of FATF standards on transportation of cash across borders, and to consider applying any appropriate sanctions and measures to deter this practice in the future.”

In the petition dated September 19 2014 and signed

by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organization said that, “under the mandatory FATF Special Recommendation IX (SR IX), jurisdictions including Nigeria are required to implement measures to detect and prevent the physical crossborder transportation of currency. The FATF has considered this as “one of the main methods used to move illicit funds, launder money and finance terrorism.”

According to the organization, “As the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism, FATF is best positioned to look into the matter. Nigeria is also a member of FATF.” “We believe that this action by the government poses a risk to the integrity of the international financial system. Therefore, your prompt action in this matter would help to protect the international financial system from money laundering and financing of terrorism risks and to encourage greater compliance with the anti-money laundering standards,” the organization also said.

CBN retains MPR at 12%

*Carpets banks for refusing to lend excess funds *As foreign reserves hit $40.7 bn

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, retained the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, at 12 per cent with a corridor of +/- 200 basis points around the midpoint.

Governor of the bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, announced this at the end of the 97th Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja He also said that the public sector Cash Reserve Requirement and the Private sector Cash Requirement remained at 75.0 per cent and 15.0 per cent, respectively.

Mr. Emefiele expressed concern “that banks were holding large excess reserves averaging over N300 billion even when there were ample opportunities for productive and profitable lending to the real sector of the economy”.

He said that the situation was made worse with the injection of an additional N866 billion into the system through the redemption of maturing AMCON bonds in October.

“Given the apathy to lending, banks may be inclined more to placing these new funds in the SDF or use it to increase pressure on the exchange rate”, he said.

Banks were therefore advised to explore ways to lend such excess reserves to the real sector.

He hinted that the monetary regulators could be forced to further tighten monetary policy should the banks continue to defy entreaties to lend to the real sectors of the economy.

His words, “ordinarily, because of the size of liquidity we see in the system today, what we should have done actually is to tighten further but we would continue to monitor the liquidity system, and I can assure you that what we say in our agenda that interest rate would gradually come down is an objective that we would eventually pursue but we would continue to monitor what is happening in the Nigerian economy and all the parameters to determine whether or not we’ve attained the right time to move in that direction.

“We are going to continue to monitor what is happening in the environment. What we have seen is that instead of banks channeling what we call excess liquidity in the system into the productive or certain targeted sectors of the economy, what the banks are doing is either placing these monies in treasury bills or even investing them at the CBN window”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 7

BRIEFS

$9.3m Plane Cash: Group insists on public inquiry F

*Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right) being conducted round by the Chief Executive Officer/ Chief Medical Director, First Consultants Hospital Obalende, Dr Benjamin Ohiaeri (left) during his visit to the hospital, which has been certified ready for operation in the aftermath of the decontaminations done after the treatment of the index Ebola Virus Disease patient, the Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, on Friday, September 19, 2014. INSET: The First Consultants Hospital.

manner? How was the cash sourced? Was the money appropriated by the National Assembly?

“If, as we are assuming, the cash came from the Central Bank of Nigeria, how regularly does this

happen?

Does government just ask CBN to throw its vault open at its (government’s) pleasure?

“What is the total value of the Contract in question?

Was there any advance

2015: Group condemns endorsement of Mark

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

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HE endorsement of Senator David Mark, for another term, by selected politicians in Benue south senatorial zone, ahead of the 2015 general elections has been condemned by a group, under the aegis of the Concerned Idoma Democrats, CID. In a statement issued yesterday in Makurdi the state capital, by the President and Publicity Secretary of the CID, Mr. Sunday Ali and Comrade Dan Onda respectively, the group cautioned against the unpopular endorsement of aspirants.

They insisted that all aspirants should be availed a level playing field to propagate their aspiration in the interest of fairness and equity.

The statement read, “We caution against undue endorsement of aspirants without recourse to the generality of the people who are the ultimate deciders of those who represent them at any level of governance.

“In the light of the above, we condemn the purported endorsement of Senator David Mark by some Council Chairmen in Benue South Senatorial District.

Th council chairmen led by the Ogbadibo chairman, Mr. Sunday Ojo had no mandate of the Idoma people to do so. We reject the claim by Mr. Ojo that there is no worthy Idoma person for the senatorial

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja OLLOWING the controversy hanging over the ferry of $9.3million in a private aircraft to South Africa for arms purchase, a group, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) has demanded a full scale public inquiry into how a government department or agency would carry loads of cash in a private jet overseas, ostensibly to transact official business.

In a statement signed by its executive director, Oyinlola Adeolu, the group said, “ While we do not intend to set an agenda for the proposed inquiry, ASRADI believes the following posers would assist in unravelling how the surreptitious trip to South Africa was hatched and embarked upon: “How often does money get spirited out of Nigeria in this clandestine

Fashola visits First Consultants *Told how Liberian Ambassador Hospital wanted Sawyer discharged

position.

The senatorial position is for the Idoma people and not an exclusive preserve of any individual. All aspirants should be given equal opportunity to exercise their right to represent the Idoma people at the senate.

“The Idoma people will decide who represents them at the Senate as

against the few self-serving politicians.

“We also urge those using Apa State creatin as a campaign strategy to stop forthwith, because the issue of state creation is beyond any individual and therefore should not be used to score a cheap popularity as was the case in the past.”

payment? If so, how was it made? In cash, too?

“Were bids invited for this Contract as prescribed by the Public Procurement Act? Is government aware of platforms like Telegraphic Transfer and Letter of Credit?

“Can a government that has been preaching the adoption of a cashless policy to Nigerians justify this mode of doing business? What guarantees do Nigerians have that our national patrimony is not regularly salted away using this stealthy method?

Continuing it said, “ASRADI believes anything short of a transparent public inquiry would not be acceptable to Nigerians. Heads will have to roll.”

Glo’s network upgrade pays off, pushes network to 2nd position

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HE network expansion project recently carried out by national operator Globacom seems to be paying off as the operator added additional 2,836,996 customers to its subscriber base between February and June this year.

With the addition, Glo’s subscriber base now stands at 27,327,646, making it the second largest operator. Airtel which was at number two position for a brief period early this year is now third with 25,302,160.

This was contained in the latest figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on its website. According to the data, Glo‘s 27,327,646 subscribers gives it 21% share of the Nigerian telecoms market. This places Glo second to MTN with 56,516,759 or 44% market share.

Airtel’s 25,302,160

subscribers is equivalent to 20% market share. Etisalat retains the fourth position with 19,390,285 customers which represents 15% share of the market.

Instructively, while Glo and Etisalat made gains between the last time NCC released subscriber figures in February, and now, MTN and Airtel recorded losses. The figures for the operators as at the end of

February were 57,183,745 for MTN, 26,194,336 for Airtel, 24,490,650 for Glo and 18,119,397 for Etisalat.

In effect, between end of February and June end, Glo added 2,836,996 new subscribers to its network, while Etisalat recorded 1,270,888 new customers.

On the other hand, MTN lost 666,986 subscribers, while Airtel also lost 892,176 customers, the highest loss within the period.

Boko Haram kills one soldier

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI, Abuja

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FTERMATH of the heavy blow inflicted on Boko Haram insurgents

by Special Forces of the Nigerian military, another attempt by the terrorists to infiltrate Benishek, also in Borno state has been foiled by troops.

Over 300 terrorists have been killed in separate confrontations between the insurgents and Nigerian sol-

diers in Konduga which is just 35 kilometres from Maiduguri, with several deadly weapons and ammunition recovered.

It was gathered that when the terrorists discovered that Konduga was a no go area, they headed to Bonishek and laid ambush for troops on patrol duties.

One soldier was killed, four were wounded while some motorcycles belonging to the terrorists were cseized during the ensuing shoot out.

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, announced the discharge of the last suspected Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, patient, who tested negative to the virus, even as he affirmed that both public and private schools in the state should resume operation next Monday, September 22nd. 2014.

However, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of First Consultants Hospital, Dr. Benjamin Ohiaeri, during a facility tour by Fashola to the hospital in Obalende, IruVictoria-Island Local Council Development Area, LCDA, yesterday, narrated how Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria was trying to invoke the right of the patient (Mr. Sawyer) to leave the hospital. And Mr. Sawyer also insisted he has the right to leave.

Ohiaeri, lamented: “This was really the crunch of the matter; there was a patient (Mr. Sawyer) who wanted to leave the hospital and the Liberian Ambassador to Nigeria was invoking the right of the patient (Mr. Sawyers) to leave the hospital. And Mr. Sawyer also said that he had the right to leave.”

“How does one stop such person without violating the law? And one had to counter that in the public good.

That was what we did as an institution and we will like to share some of the other experience. That is the protocol that must be developed.”

Speaking on the loss suffered by the hospital, he said the hospital paid the ultimate price in the fight against EVD in the state, saying “Four of our best staff were among those who died of the virus.”

Ohiaeri explained that among the four were; Dr. Adadevoh who had worked with us for over a decade before she died. The nurse that died, Juliana, started work with us on that day and she also died.”

He lamented: “There had always been a family environment here; an environment where everyone supports one another in their daily activities. And we had to work hard to achieve what we did .

“We would all have been involved in the virus had we allowed the index case to leave the hospital. But we paid the price for the nation. And we are sure that with the governor’s visit, we can expect support. We like to collaborate with the Lagos State Ministry of Health. It was very traumatic,” the CMD added.

Ohiaeri however, said, “It is clear to us that going forward, the state government and the hospital must share in the experience.”

Fashola, in appreciation for the containment of the disease, expressed state government’s readiness to assist the First Consultants Hospital, which attended to the index case, to ease the loss they suffered from the outbreak of the disease in the state.

On how Lagos will assist First Consultants Hospital.

Fashola said that government would help in the replacement of equipment that were discarded in the process of decontamination and would provide other forms of support to help the hospital get back on its full operation.

Ade Ajayi,former VC Unilag buried

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI, Ado Ekiti

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HE remains of Emeritus Professor of History and former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Jacob Festus Ade-Ajayi, was yesterday laid to rest in his hometown,Ikole Ekiti with advice by the officiating cleric to Nigerians to be firm and hard working.

Prof Ade-Ajayi died on August 9, 2014 at age 85.

In his sermon at the well-attended funeral service in his honour at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Ikolle Ekiti, the officiating cleric, Most Reverend Latunji Olaosebikan Archbishop of Ondo/Ekiti, described the late academician as a thorough bred academic giant .

Over 3m Nigerians suffering from avoidable blindness — Expert

BY DAUD OLATUNJI, Abeokuta

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N eye care specialist at the St. Mary’s Catholic Eye Specialist Hospital, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Dr. Daniel Anthony, yesterday, put the number of Nigerians suffering from preventable blindness at 3.2 million.

Speaking during an eye care intervention by a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr. Yinka Mafe, Anthony blamed the development on ignorance, poverty and lack of access to medical facilities, He said: “There are primarily three reasons why people are unnecessarily blind. The first is ignorance of various eye diseases and various medical interventions that are accessible to them. The second is inaccessibility to eye care facility, and the third one is poverty.”

8—SA TURD AY 8—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 20 20, 2014

BRIEFS 2015: It’s Kalabari’s turn to govern Rivers-Dr. Harry

BY SONI DANIEL

UNICEF commends Rivers govt on F fight against Ebola virus

RONT LINE politician in Nigeria, Dr. Pax Har ry, has said that it is the turn of the Kalabari people of Rivers State to govern the state in 2015.

Harry, who was a member of the Justice Kayode Esho-led Rivers Truth and Reconciliation Commission, told journalists in Abuja that the people of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality deserve the right to govern the state since they have not done so since the state was created.

Harry warned that those who were trying to abolish the existing rotation of governorship between the upland and riverine parts of the state, were doing so for selfish reasons and that it was capable of plunging the state into avoidable political upheaval.

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OLLOWING critical and pragmatic measures put in place by the Amaechi led administration in Rivers State to defeat the Ebola virus scourge, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has applauded the Rivers State Government in the fight against the Ebola virus disease in the state.

UNICEF country representative to Nigeria, Jean Gough gave the commendation, Friday, shortly after a private meeting with Governor Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.

She said, despite the sudden outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in Rivers State, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi took bold steps in finding preventive measures to track, trace and control the spread to other parts of the state.

According to her, “The UNICEF team visited the state to know the progress

2015: I ‘ve requisite experience to add value to governance in Delta — Obuh

BY FESTUS AHON, ASABA

A CONSULTATION: His Royal Majesty, Obi Ikechukwu Keagborekuzi, The Dein of Agbor Kindom (left) and Delta State Guber Aspirant, Mr. Tony Obuh when he visited the Dein as part of his consultation in Delta. Photo: Henry Unini and efforts of the government in the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). And from our observation and findings, we are impressed and wish to appreciate the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and

the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker on the steps taken so far.

We sincerely, appreciate what the state is doing in this direction”, Jean Gough said.

UNICEF also appreciated the different roles

played by the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors without Borders, and other technical partners, who inspite of the daunting challenges, ensure a collective action against the Ebola virus disease in the state.

3 feared dead in Edo as another building collapses

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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HREE persons were feared dead yesterday in Benin City, after a storey building belonging to Christ Chosen Church of God located at Usama street, Uzebu quarters in Benin City collapsed.

The Edo state Police Commissioner, Folunso Adebanjo who was at the scene expressed shock over the incident, saying that the Command would investigate the cause of the incident.

As at the time of filling

this report, a dead body was recovered from the debris but two persons were still trapped inside the building which served as offices and residential building to officials of the church.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that nine workers hired at N3000 per day were working in the building but three went out to eat before the building collapsed. Balogun explained that “I immediately called the governor to intimate him and he immediately directed one of the construction companies

working around the area to send a crane which was being used to evacuate the site. Five persons were rescued alive but two were still feared trapped in the rubble”.

The survivors were brought out with broken

Govt College Ughelli Old Boys urge NUT to resume school Monday

By SIMON EBEGBULEM, Benin

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OVERNMENT College Ughelli Old boys Association has called on the Nigeria Union of

Enugu inaugurates Ozom town union

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HE Ozom town union in Agu-Obu Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State has inaugurated its town union with Hon. Kingsley Okolo Okenwa emerging as President-General.

Stakeholders believed that the development will ursher in peace and development.

Before now, pockets of robbery incidents hindered peace and socio-cultural activities in the area especially at Christmas when people flock around for festivity, just as the Fulani herdsmen have also

been accused of destroying farm lands and abusing women.

It was against this back-

limbs. However,angry residents set a bus belonging to the church ablaze and destroyed the main church auditorium. They blamed the church for using manual labour to demolish the building when the church officials could have hired an excavator.

ground that the community inaugurated the Ozom Agu-Obu Owa Town Union early this week.

OZOM UNION: From left Prof. Chike Anibeze, President-General of Ozom Union, Mature Kingsley Okolo Okenwa, Lolo Cecilia Ezeilo and the Commissioner for Rural Development ,Dr. Eric Oluedo during the inauguration.

Teachers (NUT) to heed to the appeal of President Goodluck Jonathan and resume for full academic activities on Monday September 22, 2014.

The teacher’s body had asked the Federal Government to make available basic health equipment in all schools to prevent and detect the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.

President of the Association, Chief Joseph Akpieyi, made this appeal during a press briefing at the Best Western Homeville Hotel to herald the 3rd annual National Dinner of the body in Benin City, Edo State. He said it is noteworthy to commend the effort of the federal government in curtailing the further spread of the Virus adding that the NUT should heed the plea and return to school.

PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, Governor ship aspirant in Delta State, Mr Tony Obuh, recently, said he was equipped with the requisite experience to add value to lives of all Deltans, if elected Governor in 2015.

Speaking when he paid a consultative visit to the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi 1, Obuh said having worked in the State civil service for 32 years from the defunct Bendel State, he decided to retire voluntarily from service as Permanent Secretary to serve the people of the State in a higher capacity as Governor.

Saying that he has the capacity to transform the State and its people, he said; “I am determine to serve Deltans and make the state more hospitable and investment haven for local and international investors.

Onuesoke commends Nigerian troops over killing of 300 insurgents

BY FESTUS AHON, ASABA

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ORMER Delta State Governorship aspirant, Mr Sun ny Onuesoke, yesterday, commended the Nigerian Army for the gallant handling of the Boko Haram insurgence. Onuesoke who made the commendation while chatting with Vanguard in Asaba, the Delta State capital, said the killing of over 300 Boko Haram insurgents by the Nigerian Army troops in the last few days were sign of good military intelligence.

Calling on Nigerians to always avail security agents of information that could lead to the tracking down of the insurgents, he said the military have again displayed that were capable of protecting Nigerians from terrorists attacks.

DTHA 2015: Opuoru’s aspiration is our project, Okere-Urhobo indigenes declare •He is rugged, firm — Okumagba

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EOPLES Democratic Party, PDP, leaders in Okumag ba wards I and II as well as some other Urhobo stakeholders in Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State have thrown their weight behind the 2015 House of Assembly aspiration of Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Special Duties, Mr. Mathew Poko Opuoru, describing the political aspiration of the governor’s aide as their project which must be pursued to logical conclusion. Scion of the Okumagba dynasty and PDP leader in Warri South Local Government, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba while receiving Mr. Opuoru and his supporters in his private residence in Warri summed up his position on the 2015 Warri South Constituency II hopeful thus, “I know Mathew well enough as rugged and firm but he fights like jackals, which means he can fight for the rights of his people.”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 20 20, 2014 — 9

FG provides N213bn facility to boost power generation

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HE inter-agency ini tiative of the Federal Government aimed at ensuring efficient gas supply for power generation and finding a lasting solution to power supply challenges has announced a N213bn facility to help offset the legacy gas debts and address the revenue shortfall in the power sector.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who made the announcement at a joint press conference held by the Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi; disclosed that the facility was tailored to address the three key challenges facing the power sector..

Mrs. Alison-Madueke listed the three key is-

sues plaguing the power sector as identified by the inter-agency committee to include inadequate gas supply for power generation; misalignment between electricity tariff and the true cost of running electricity business; and the inability of power generation companies to reliably produce the electricity that is possible with reduced volumes of gas.

“With most of the operators having just acquired PHCN successor Generation Companies, they could hardly afford the reduced income due to the shortfall in revenues for reasons that I have just set out.

“The newly privatised companies have borne the brunt of these issues and consequent revenue shortfalls in revenue, since handover last November. This is hampering much needed investment in the sector and has slowed down efforts

to improve electricity supply.

“This scenario, which existed for several years has now given way to recent reforms by the Goodluck Jonathan administration and, as a country, we can now address these issues with much more confidence that Nigerians will reap the dividends of increased electricity supply”, the Minister stated.

Outlining the scope of the intervention that the N213bn facility is designed to address, Mrs. Alison-Madueke said the fund will be used to settle the legacy gas debts which stands at N36bn; execution of agreed metering programmes and procurement of transformers by distribution companies; and execution of maintenance programmes and procurement of equipment by generation companies.

The Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo (m) flanked on his left by the Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, Chairman, AETSL/TRIAX LTD, Prince Arthur Eze, Senator Jim Nwobodo and the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Adesola Amosu among others at the inaugural graduation ceremony of Integrated Helicopter Pilot course 1/20‘2, held at Nigeria Air Force base ground, Enugu State yesterday.

Anambra REC admits lapses in voters’ registration exercise

BY VINCENT UJUMADU, Awka

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HE Anambra State Res ident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Professor Chukwuemeka Onukaogu yesterday admitted that there were lapses in the recent continuous voters’ registration exercise carried out in the state recently, saying that he should be blamed for whatever happened.

Speaking during the stakeholders meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commis-

sion, INEC, and some stakeholders in Awka,, Onukaogu promised that such lapses would not reoccur during the seven – day continuous voter registration exercise scheduled to start on Monday in all the 21 local government areas of the state.

The stakeholders meeting attracted security agencies, paramilitary outfits, politicians and civil society groups.

Complaints marred the registration in most centers during the previous exercise as there were report-

ed cases of machine breakdown, while those who registered could not obtain their cards. Most of the registration centres were also not made use of, thereby frustrating eligible voters who trooped out to register.

Onukaogu however said yesterday that the cards of those who registered previously were ready, assuring that those who would participate in next week’s exercise would collect their permanent voters’ cards immediately or at most the following day.

First 42 Helicopter Pilots graduate from Airforce Flying School Enugu

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA/ FRANCIS IGATA, Enugu HE first 42 helicopter pilots, yesterday graduated from the Airforce Flying School, Enugu amidst jubilation, which President Goodluck Jonathan described as a clear demonstration that the Airforce was heading in the right direction in its quest to reposition itself among its

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contemporaries in other countries.

Represented by the Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, the President urged the graduands to demonstrate excellence and professionalism in their duties in order to

help take Airforce and the nation to higher level.

He lauded the Airforce, noted that the Nigerian Airforce “has achieved an important milestone in its history with the success of the international Helicopter Flying School Enugu”.

Rivers schs resume Oct 6

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RIMARY and second ary schools in Rivers state will resume on October 6, exactly 12 days after

schools in other states have resumed. Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker disclosed this yesterday at a joint media briefing between his ministry and the state Ministry of Education.

Dr Parker who said there was no case of Ebola in the state expressed hope that before October 5 the 253 persons on surveillance would have completed the full circle of 21 days to certify them Ebola free’’, he said.

He appealed to parents to keep any sick child away from school premises adding that school regulations will be more rigorous this time around.

More news on page 41

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

What people do in the name of God

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri, LAJU ARENYEKA, OSA AMADI

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tella Nnedum craved for all good things including good health for her fiance, Michael (surname withheld).

She wanted him to know that she cared for him. She also didn't want anything to stand in their way to the altar and so she worked to make him strong and unwavering. But she feared that if Michael adhered to the advice of some people around him he could change his mind about their marriage. And one way to get things done was to lure him to a seer, a prophetess of some sort who would guide them and probably make sure he ignored all distractions that could threaten their planned marriage.

Michael did not believe in seers. He did not even believe in witchcraft, fetish or any voodoo phenomenon.

It was difficult to convince him to follow her to a seer. But like it was in the beginning of time with Adam and Eve, Stella succeeded in luring Michael to the seer in Olodi Apapa Area of Lagos.

“Some people would be against their marriage and they would work for it not to happen,” the seer told them, warning that something bad could happen to them if they did not start praying immediately as some people were already after them. The seer also told them that only prayers could see them surmount the forces against their marriage. She even said that they were not meant for each other but prayers

could change everything “as there's nothing God cannot do”.

And for the back pane that Michael was having at the time, the seer told them that it was the handiwork of his people from the village and that he needed to come regularly for prayers to be healed. Michael and Stella left and promised to return for prayers.

Did the seer succeed in creating fears into this couple so that they could always visit and sow seed during prayers?

If Stella fell for it, Michael did not.

When they got home, Michael bared his mind to Stella: “I did not give any background to the seer on my back pain and she goofed big time. My back pain is as a result of an old sports injury that

comes and goes from time to time. And here was somebody telling me that my people in the village were sending pains to me? And all the story about the forces against the marriage is for us to be coming regularly for prayers after which one must make offertory. This is how these people operate. They live by creating fear into people, prophesying falsely and reaping victims off ” Michael never went back there. He was strong-willed not to fall to these so called seers who do many things in the name of God . Although he had problems with Stella after marriage he strongly believed their problem was more attitudinal than spiritual. They have all moved on.

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—11

Continued from page 11

HOW CHURCHES AND FALSE PROPHETS ESCALATED few churches were known to be operat ing before the Nigerian civil war, which lasted between 1967 and 1970. Things started changing after the war. Churches started mushrooming in all the towns.

All manner of names were given to these post-civil war churches. The situation was such that in a school, all classrooms became churches on Sundays.

With the rise in the number of churches, all manner of individuals, irrespective of their level of education, started establishing churches. Midway into the life of these new churches, internal wranglings rear up. The disagreement naturally mid-wives splinter group in the once united church and soon another church is born.

Now, ownership of churches has become big business, and mostly family business for that matter. A man is usually the General Overseer (G.O), while the wife and children become members of the Board of Trustees. The church is incorpo-

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‘How the escalation of churches and the prophets began’ rated as business empire. Most of them are people who have failed in on enterprise or the other, and then fall back to establish churches. They make it if they have the gift of oratory.

A man in Owerri, Imo State capital, narrated how a selfstyled prophet and head of a church brought trouble into a once peaceful home: "My family was about the most peaceful until our father died in 1997. Not too long after, my younger brother brought in a woman he chose to call his wife. I am not worried that this woman, who from all indications, is a good example of a woman married by hire purchase, dragged my brother into one of these new testament churches.

"Before I knew what was happening, the prophet of the new church accused us of being largely responsible for his poor economic status.

My wife and I were also accused of changing the sex of the babies in his wife's womb.

They bought the prophecy totally and since then, the family has never known peace."

There is also a general overseer of a church in Owerri who invites all manner of sick

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Many Nigerians are not as strong-willed as Michael. And that may be the reason they easily fall prey to moneyhungry prophets and prophetesses in the country.

Many Nigerians do terrible things in the name of God. They thrive largely because people are gullible especially when when ti comes to religion.

Only few months ago, a man wearing a vest that identifies members of a church in Lagos stormed out of Vanguard office in Apapa, Lagos, swearing against a man he called his uncle. A seer in the church had told him that his uncle, a lawmaker in the National Assembly in Abuja, was blocking his progress spiritually. He was in Vanguard wanting his story to be published. He had been so brainwashed that he appeared to be out of his mind..

He claimed that his uncle always turned into a bird and trailed him wherever he went.

He was guided out of Vanguard office. Outside, as he sighted a bird perched on a tree, he screamed, pointing at the bird and claiming that his uncle was prowling after him again.

In Benin, Tina and Eyimofe were happily married until a pastor told Eyimofe that he would have been richer but for his mother in-law who through witchcraft has denied him not only riches but also the fruit of the womb, claiming that the mother of his wife was not happy at her daughter for not taking care of her. This sort of story is common in Nigeria. In market places, in offices and even in political gatherings, enmity creeps into relationships following warnings and revelations from false prophets. In all, the victims are miracle seekers.

Stories had it that the self-styled pastor went to the Agomuo family home to remove "an evil charm" he claimed was buried in one corner of the compound, but ended up trying to insert a charm into the hole he and his acolytes were trying to excavate

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persons to his church for prayers and claims to have powers of healing. But when he took ill, he quickly rushed to South Africa for treatment.

Just recently, the timely intervention of operatives of Abia State Vigilante Service saved 20-year old Blessing Okechukwu who claimed to be a pastor. He would have been summarily lynched by angry villagers of Umudinkwa community, Ubakala, in Umuahia South local council area of Abia State.

Okechukwu, a native of Mgboko in Obingwa local government area of the state, claimed to be superintending over Divine Church located in his country home, Mgboko. He had allegedly gone to Umudinkwa on a "deliverance mission." The trip turned sour when he tried to outwit his host family but was caught in the act.

Stories had it that the selfstyled pastor went to the Agomuo family home to remove "an evil charm" he claimed was buried in one corner of the compound, but ended up trying to plant a charm in the hole he and his accomplices had dug.

In the course of digging the hole, the fake pastor smartly brought out a padlock carefully wrapped in a piece of cloth from his pocket and threw it into the hole he and his fake prayer warriors had painstakingly dug with clinical finesse.

His game plan was that he would carefully bring out "the exhibit" after muttering some incantations.

Nemesis however caught up with him as unknown to the fake pastor, a member of the family, Engr. Chinedu Agomuo, was watching the "religious drama" as it unfolded, while other members of the family were engrossed in the anticipated outcome of the deliverance.

Chinedu was said to be one man that is not very pleased with the antics of new testament pastors and prophets. As soon as the fake pastor had dropped the padlock, Chinedu quickly disrupted proceedings.

The confrontation started like a slow motion picture but later gathered speed. Voices were angrily raised and when the fake pastor realized that his game was up, he capitulated

Continues on page 12

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Continues from page 11 and brought out the padlock he had wrapped carefully. The singing and speaking in tongues stopped abruptly.

According to Engr. Agomuo, the fake pastor would have succeeded in creating serious crisis in the family if not for his vigilance.

"The fake pastor would have possibly ended up accusing a member of the family of burying the alleged charm. This would have instigated the family members against each other and permanently created a gulf amongst brothers," Engr.

Agomuo fumed.

There was another pastor that floated a crusade in one community in Imo State.

During the event, he announced that he had seen about five women in the congregation that had fibroid, adding that he had prayed for them and would want them to come to his church after the event for more prayers.

In a crowd of more than 500 people, one hardly needs a seer to tell that there may be up to five women suffering from fibroid. Childlessness is another problem in the society and these fake preachers exploit it to the fullest.

Reacting to the antics of these fake pastors, the former Imo State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu said: "Any prophecy that tries to put asunder what God put together is an orchestration of Satan to undermine the integrity of God and His word, as well as create confusion in the society. Such prophecies must be condemned."

Speaking also on the issue, the Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Akwakuma, Rev. Dr. Kevin Ugoamadi, said there is this new spirit of grabbing, which is worldly, very mundane and has filtered into the church and has in fact, almost overwhelmed the church.

"People just wake up one day and start a church.”

All kinds of things have been said about these churches: They do whatever they like; They don't care; They have no code of conduct and no creed; They pick up any chapter of the bible and begin to read; So, there is dis-orderliness, lawlessness," Ugoamadi said.

While saying that man is a religious animal, Rev. Fr. Ugoamadi however said that "the God we serve is also a God of order and interestingly every person wants to be rich."

He fumed that the get- richquick syndrome has caused a lot of problem in the world and in the church.”

According to Fr. Ugoamadi, "the establishment of churches has become an oil refinery and as long as you can convince people with your sweet tongue, people will follow you.”

"The idea in today's world has made them to thrive, to expand, to grow. People are suffering and they want solution to their problems and these so called men of God are simply playing out the American wonder, the more you look, the less you see,"

‘They have divided families, communities and caused brothers to be in enmity’

Fr. Ugoamadi said.

Continuing, the fiery priest recalled that even during the time of the prophets, there were a lot of false prophets, adding that today, the number has increased geometrically.

"They are playing on the intelligence of the people. They have divided families, communities and caused brothers to be in enmity.

One person false prophets could not play on her intelligence wasEdith Adenike, a 14 years old girl attending a church service for her dead father. “A prophet came and told me in the presence of my grandma that I will run away from home soon; that I will leave my mother's house,” Edith recounted. “Immediately, I told my grandma who I was actually living with that the prophet didn't know what he was saying.

That was the beginning. We had a family friend whose family almost broke because of fake prophets. The wife was looking up to God for the conception of her second child, and she was told by a prophet that she couldn't conceive again. Her husband believed, but she didn't believe the prophecy. So he sought the prophet out for prayers, and he was told that unless he took another wife he would find it hard to leave any offspring behind as his little girl was asthmatic then and she might die soon. The prophet even went as far as picking out a lady for him, he would have married her if his wife hadn't fainted one day and she was

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12— SATURDAY

Every name has been given to these churches, they do whatever they like; they don't care, they have no code of conduct and no creed. They pick up any chapter of the bible and begin to read. So, there is disorderliness

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rushed to the hospital-where he was told she was some months pregnant. It was then he had a rethink as regards everything the prophet told him.’’

A couple of years after her first experience, Edith followed her grandma to a church where a prophet asked to pray for her alone. “He actually made passes at me,” she said, “he was even trying to quote the Bible to me, but I retorted with another verse of my own and he was really angry that he told my grandma that I was possessed.

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case to discipline the woman.

He told us about how many fake prophets had destroyed the lives of so many ignorant people. I would have fallen victim if I hadn't questioned her prophesy but there are so many out there who were not privy to the knowledge I had and could not question such prophesies.”

Way back in time, a certain family was not so lucky in the hands of another false prophet called Muonso, which means Holy Spirit. Only God could tell the number of families he had broken before he was charged to Aba high court by the department of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Imo State. By Sunday, January 31, 1988, when the prosecution counsel, Barrister Mbonu Amadi, Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Imo State, narrated the story of Muonso to his children, the criminal proceedings against this Aba-based false prophet cum fraudster had been on for at least two months.

How did it

his experience made me wary of prophets so much that from that day I countered anything said by any prophet.

As I was about leaving secondary school, an elderly female prophet who sounded literate told me to tell my parents to wash my head with some concoctions just before I could gain admission to the university. I tried to justify her prophesy based on the Celestial doctrines which I had been taught earlier and I found out that the concoctions she asked me to use were to deter men from approaching me. So, I told my grandma who didn't believe me at first, took me to an elderly prophet Rev. Dr. Kevin who knew his Ugoamadi guns. It was he who confirmed what I said and took up the

Continues on page 13

SATURDAY

happen? Well, this is how Barrister Mbonu told the story: One of the daughters of an Ababased millionaire, simply called Mazi, was lured into Muonso’s church. After prophesying for and brainwashing her, the daughter in turn brainwashed her mother who also became a member of the church. Then, the mother travelled to the United States of America where her other children were studying and brought them down to Aba and all of them became members of Muonso’s church. Finally, the millionaire himself, the father and head of the family, joined the church!

Having hemmed them in like cows in a pen, the false prophet began to milk them.

The ‘milking’ came to a head when Muonso claimed that the Holy Spirit said the family should donate all their wealth to the church. It was then that the scales fell off Mazi’s eyes and he became alarmed and decided to pull his family out of the church and from the grip of the false prophet.

To his amazement, Mazi’s wife and children refused to leave Muonso, and even supported that their father donate everything they have to Muonso as the Holy Spirit had instructed. In the heat of the argument between husband and wife and children, the woman and his children left Mazi and went to live with Muonso!

Realizing that water don pass garri, as they say in a pidgin proverb, Mazi took recourse to the law. Until around March 1998 when Muonso was convicted, Mazi’s wife and children who were charged along with him always bowed their heads to him at the beginning of each day’s proceeding in the court.

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ne of Mazi’s houseboys, Anayo, told a heartbreaking story of something that happened to Mazi on one of those days on a street in Aba. Mazi was driving one morning and saw his little daughter who was about 8 years old walking down the street. She was among his children who had relocated to Muonso’s house with their mother.

When Mazi saw the little girl he asked his driver to stop. The driver stopped and parked the car. Mazi came down and hurried down to his daughter, calling her name. Immediately the girl turned and sighted her father, she ran off, screaming.

Mazi pursued her and caught up with her and held her hand, repeatedly calling her name and pleading with her to hear him out. But the girl would not stop the struggle and creaming.

Soon, people gathered and seized Mazi, accusing him of attempting to kidnap the little girl. “If Mazi had been an ordinary person," Anayo said, "they would have lynched him that day. What saved him was that someone in the crowd recognized him and confirmed that the little girl was his daughter.” As soon as the little girl was set free, she ran away, no doubt back to Muonso’s house, while Mazi shuffled

‘They claim ability to give children to childless couples’

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013—13

False prophets have been known to put a knife on the cord binding husband and wife, wife and mother in-law, brother and sister, and things have fallen apart between these people

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back to his car, slumped into the seat and wept as he had not wept before in his life.

Today, false prophets in the caste of Muonso have multiplied and are in every corner of every street where they have either built churches or rented lockup shops as worship places.

They manufacture prophesies for a gullible mass of miracle seekers. Their false prophesies aimed at profit making have been known to tear families apart as it did to Mazi’s.

A certain young man and woman in Lagos were married for 5 years without having any child. Then the woman went to her village in the east and begged her elder sister to give her one of her female children to live with her in Lagos since she had no children of her own. Her elder sister gave her youngest daughter who was 7 years old to her on the condition that her daughter must attend school. The sister returned to Lagos with the 7 years old girl and registered her into a public school.

According to Pastor Praise Ehiemere, who narrated this story, the man of the house, a trader at Alaba International Market, was loose at morals and the wife was unemployed. The man kept late at night, drinking and going to bed with different kinds of women every night.

Within a space of 2 years, the man’s business crumbled – there was no more money to buy goods.

Hunger came. Things in the family went from bad to worse and the woman began to look for solution to their problem and ended up in a church of which her friends told her that the man of God in charge “na’hu’zo” (a seer).

And indeed, the man of God saw. But unfortunately, what the man of God saw not in the interest of the 7year old girl (who was by

then 9). The prophet told the woman that the little girl living with her was the source of both her bareness and the crash of her husband’s business. The woman told her husband and they believed the prophet.

First, they withdrew the little girl from school and locked her up in the house for several months before the prophet advised them to bring the girl to the church for deliverance. In the church, the little girl was tortured by the prophet and the woman in an effort to get her to confess that she was a witch.

Eventually, words of what was happening to her little daughter got to the mother of the little girl in the village. She travelled to Lagos and found her flesh and blood battered by her own younger sister.

She took her daughter away with deep sorrow in her heart and swore that her relationship with her younger sister had been broken forever. False prophets have been known to put a knife on the cord binding husband and wife, wife and mother in-law, brother and sister, and things have fallen apart between these people. They have advised pregnant women, of whom several scans and medical examinations had shown that normal delivery will not be possible, to disregard the doctor’s advice; that the Holy Spirit has told them that they would have normal delivery.

At the end, those pregnant women had either lost their babies or their lives entirely.

Pastor Edward Olumese, the

Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace Church in Kano said: In the New Testament, God never designed us to be guided by prophecy of man. That is why he put his spirit in us. We are supposed to be guided by the spirit of God. Today’s prophets are supposed to confirm something God has put in our spirit, not to put something contrary. The issue is that a lot of believers don’t grow themselves to the point where they can hear God for themselves; they are too lazy to pray and study their bibles, and they need someone else to do the work for them. What will bring an end to this will be for people to take out the time and discipline to strengthen their own personal relationship with God. These prophets capitalize on the ignorance of people. I have come in contact with a number of people who fell victim of false prophets. By the time we got together, sat and talked, we realized that there was no way what the so called prophets said could have been true. This is a time where there are so many challenges facing the average Nigerian today: terrorism, kidnapping, sickness, as a result people are just looking for anything that looks like a solution. We need to have knowledgeable about God and His word. The bible says that those who know their God will be strong.

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

BY EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO, ISHOLA BALOGUN, EBUN SESSOU, ANOZIE EGOLE & ADERONKE ADEYERI

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fter the ever bubbling Synagogue Church of all Nations, SCOAN, was dramatically thrown into a simmering confusion as a result of the collapse of the Church’s foreign guest house building where more than 80 people have been reportedly killed, people from far and near have continued to throng the place to see the extent of the damage.

While some were there to find their friends and loved ones who either are members of the church or workers in the vineyard of God, others have come to show solidarity to the man of God. As some foreigners were seen waiving their country’s flags in solidarity for the founder of the church, Pastor TB Joshua a middle aged woman made a desperate dash from one corner to another in search of her son trapped in the collapsed hostel building when we visited Wednesday. She mumbled just a few words in prayer: ‘God forbid he was there’ as the tractor pulled out some

We gathered that some friends and relatives of the hostel workers who saw them before the incidence had called their telephones lines but without success

debris laced with human clothes.

Fears, tension was in the air as wailing and shout of ‘Jesus’ took over the area. Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the surging crowd just as rescue work continue day and night.

However, the last may not have been heard about the figures of bodies recovered from the debris of the building. Before press time, Saturday Vanguard gathered that over 30 Church workers who were cleaners and house keepers were still trapped in the building. These workers were said to have gone into the building early on Friday morning to carry out their daily duties and since have not been found.

We gathered that some friends and relatives of the hostel workers who saw them before the incidence had called their telephones lines but without success.

Some of them were seen with their hands folded to their chest even as they combated the stench that oozed out of the rubble.

A by-stander perceived to be member of the church said over 50 young men and women work in the building daily, adding that no fewer than 30 of them had gone inside the building for their usual house keeping before the collapse that Friday. He added that none of them has been rescued.

“We have tried to call the telephones of some of them but their lines were not going through. I think they are still trapped in the debris,” he said.

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Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013—15

Continues from page 14 When asked to say more on the workers, he said the atmosphere was tensed and could not say anything further. “ Most of these people you are seeing here are relatives and friends of the church workers searching for their loved ones.

“Some of them went into the building to work on that faithful day but have not returned since then and their dead bodies have not been seen, so, talking to you would be difficult for now. It is possible that they are alive.”

As at the Wednesday, the death toll had risen to 80 with the recovery of additional 17 victims comprising of 12 women and five men, bringing the total number of survivors at 131.

Since rescue workers have not gone to the last level of excavation, more bodies could still be recovered.

As the caterpillars excavated the debris, oozing stench rent the air, lending credence to the assumption that more victims are still trapped under the rubble.

During the excavation Wednesday, our reporters saw clothes and other personal effects belonging to the victims in the debris.

Wise man Christopher

Wise man Daniel

The collapsed building Saturday Vanguard gathered that the hostel which was basically renovated to accommodate more members have the capacity to accommodate 400 people. We also gathered that no fewer than 200 people mainly foreigners would have been trapped in the rubble.

Further investigation revealed that registration processes for accommodation in the building were done online and the payment made annually. Informed sources disclosed that after registration, assessment of the individual would be done for security purpose before approval is given.

Tenancy is reviewed annually, source said.

It is no longer news that the collapsed building was a two-floor building before more floors were added, a development many said could have caused the collapse.

TB Joshua’s four Wise men Close source and member of the church disclosed that Pastor TB Joshua’s only duty was to preach in the church while issues about miracles

Wise man Harry are carried out with the aid of those he called the fourwise men. The identity of these four wise men are not known but source indicated that two of them are foreigners. According to him, they are Wise man Racine Bousso, Senegal, Wiseman Daniel Emelandu, Nigeria, Wise man Christopher Orji, Nigeria and Wiseman Harry, Greece.There duties are to lay hands on people, carry out some healing with the anointing of Pastor Joshua himself. He stated that the Pastor delegated the duties

Wise man Racine

Since rescue workers have not gone to the last level of excavation, more bodies could still be recovered

after founding these men worthy of carrying out miracles.

Thousands of miracleseeking people flock to the Synagogue of All Nations every week. They come from home and abroad. Many visit for healing and vision.

Pastors also throng the place, seeking power of anointing and healing.

Accommodation business The tragedy may have opened another revelation to the accommodation problem in the area and how people

eke out living from their properties. We gathered that apart from the Church controlled hostels, landlords have turned their houses and apartments into chalets for rents to miracle seekers who come from afar to the church.

We gathered that worshipers seeking accommodation outside the church-controlled hostel pay as much as N4000 to N3000 per night while those who cannot afford the money sleep on the floor of the Segun Irefin street, outside the church building.

We gathered that the business booms for landlords as many of them were said to have abandoned their other source of livelihood to rent out apartments and rooms to worshipers. Some of them who spoke to us confirmed that it was a thriving business in the area.

“The collapsed building has not affected the business. Many people still come seeking accommodation” One house agent who simply identified herself as Mama Chichi, said: “the business has never recorded any low patronage. The building collapse did not affect any business in this area. We have been going about our normal businesses. People still believe in the man of God and they still come for their services,”. “ It did not even affect the prices of the accommodation. The least house we have here goes for N3000 for a night.”

Again, on Opeloyeru Street, in the neighborhood, there are two guest houses named Villa Bound Pilgrims Hostels situated at the beginning and at the end.

They were all quiet and seemed deserted without guests. It was gathered that some people who came from far and near to worship at Synagogue checked into the hostels. It was dull as many residents were unwilling to talk.

Other businesses A food vendor said that they recorded a lot of sales last Sunday as the church did not offer their worshipers the normal meal they used to serve during Sunday services because of the tragedy. “We sold very well that day. Most people that came for worship came to us for meal because, the building that was affected, part of it was used for their canteen. When we saw what happened, we quickly prepared enough food knowing that the church will not be able to serve

Continues on page 48

16—SA TURD AY Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 16—SATURD TURDA latterers have abounded down the corridors of history. They lurk in the shadows or dare the glare of public awareness in various forms and shapes. They grovel on the floor as toadies, or crawl on all fours as creeps, or put on the bold face as full-blown lickspittles. Whatever their colour, they are distinguished by one fell purpose:cupidity.

It is, to say the least, a shameful pastime. It creates a disgusting, nauseating sight, when grown-up men and women publicly bend and fawn before others who are not necessary better as human beings but are in position of power, from where they can pour largesse on those who have turned themselves into praise singers of filthy lucre. They do not espouse any admirable cause; “#Bring Back Our Girls” neither do they exert to “Bring Back … themselves to promote any whatever” particular ideal because it is We may now all very worthy of their support, nor well criticise the tardiness do they even consider the of President Goodluck overall eventuality that Ebele Jonathan in might arise from their nefarious efforts. Their principals derive great pleasure in being lauded to the skies for these accomplishments, no matter the quality of genuine respect they fail to acquire, or how poorly they actually perform with the powers they undeservedly obtain.

They adversely affect their period. And they do have a period. They thrive when the estimation of selfesteem depreciates to a very low level in the society; when success is measured by acquisition, not by accomplishment; when profit overwhelms propriety. That is the season in which we now find ourselves: the season of sycophants. The country is now awash with the patrons at this time of impending elections to high office. The chief patrons, of course, are those who are aspiring to the highest positions—those of State Governors and, of course, the President.

F

*a season of sycophants *the black scorpion at rest

olitics has become the most profitable of all occupations in Nigeria now, and normal ambitions have deteriorated to the point where they spawn desperate endeavours, and motivate dangerous enterprises. It need not excite the wild passions that now beset us, but such environments are created by the tenor of the leadership which dictates and directs the temper of the storm..

It might have been interesting, even inspiring, if the grip of the desire on the mind of the thespian had not risen to the height of an obsession. This is the main danger of the drama that is playing out and spinning out of control, right before our eyes. We are faced with a protagonist in whose efforts to attain of the fulfilment of the role he has cast for himself subverts almost every other consideration of decent and humane value. That culminated in the harrowing embarrassment of the transformation of

•"The President-Patron" distancing himself from that insensitive, obscene billboard which featured the parody of a heartrending plea by representatives of a diverse humanity, grieving over the abduction of the Nigerian schoolgirls spirited away from Chibok some 30 weeks now. We might, at the same time, wonder what we did about it?

Could it be that there has been such proliferation of the obnoxious materials for presidential campaign that they had become crushed by the surfeit?

But, in fact, campaign materials of this nature are not supposed to be so widely publicised at this time for, at least, some three months before it was set up.

Other activities that openly pre-empt the regulations about hustings at this time are already in vogue. There are, for instance, the rallies that publicly

beg him to say the word.

One could have easily been fooled. The gentleman has said it in a multitude of ways short of directly opening his mouth in public. And we all know it. It is like taking the bend even before the race had started.

I

n extolling the virtues of their hero, the sycophants blandly ascribe credits that are questionable.

They compare Jonathan’s virtues as a purveyor of change with those of Martin Luther King, Lee Kwan Yew, Nelson Mandela and even Barrack Obama. The nerve!

Of course, the recipient laps it up. The sycophants increase their blandishments to unlimited degrees since they know that they have the protection of their powerful patron. Apart from the favours gained in this manner, their guaranteed shelter from any manner of reprisal is another source of danger.

It is dangerous because it swells the ranks of these

describe himself as a “Lion” who had tamed a “State Leopard”. It is an example of unbridled impunity the like of which has developed in

,

P

request, even demand, the declaration from the President that he has a desire to retain his position within the structure of the nation’s government. Some of these supporters actually

miscreants. The police and other security agents look away from them or, even more, disturbing, enthusiastically join forces with them. We have the recent case of a Commissioner of Police who took on the State Governor, and got promoted to boot. He then went public to

however, is the goods it eventually delivers. The endproduct, in any event and on all occasions will be one of bland mediocrity.

Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle died peacefully in his house at the age of 78. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter from the hill.”

He was the most successful soldier of the Civil War which is said to have been fought to keep Nigeria together as one sovereign country. He acquired the reputation of a fearless warrior more than as a nationalist. He probably saw himself as a combatant first and last anyway, for he was not given to an inordinately high opinion of himself. But he believed in high achievements to which he was totally committed as a soldier.

Not many people had the benefit of knowing him intimately. He was never anxious to expose the inner man,. The personal “Benjie”—warm, witty and generous to a fault. I was favoured with a close, though not prolonged, contact with him. He was a great mimic who, for instance, could make you roll on the floor with his impersonation—in carriage and speech—of his erstwhile Commander-in-Chief, General Yakubu Gowon. He had a stock of such diversions. His knowledge of the great battles in history was vast, covering tactics

The greatest danger of this season of sycophancy, however, is the goods it eventually delivers. The end-product, in any event and on all occasions will be one of bland mediocrity

this era of glorious sycophancy. Other instances occur in various directions of government activities. The era has spawned myriads of praise-singers whose number is said to have risen to more than a thousand. They credit their president-patron with a houseful of achievements like, improved security, better electricity supply, good highways, blooming agriculture and glowing infrastructure, among other unseen phenomena.

The greatest danger of this season of sycophancy,

,

and strategies extending to biblical times. And so was his passion for the “music of the masters”— Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, Wagner—stuff like that. And I remember him most of all—for stuff like that.

He also possessed many other sterling qualities, like loyalty and steadfastness.

However, it was for his military efforts that people remember him. The Black Scorpion is now at rest.

Time out.

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—17

W

hat image comes to your mind when you hear that a Christian Group is coming to town and what would be your reaction? In all probability, it would be the image of a boring group of Scripture Union adherents in long, loose fitting attires, probably made of dull colours. And if the group is of the Pentecostal bent, in sharp, well cut suits. Either group would wield the Bible like a sword and use honeyed words to pierce our conscience. So the only wound that could be inflicted on us would be spiritual at best. There is no physical harm whatsoever and we can choose to ignore them.

Now, what image comes to your mind these days when you hear that an Islamic group is coming to town? Your mind races ahead to the violence that could be unleashed on the community as you think of

C M Y K

Fighting in the name of Allah an unwieldy group carrying bayonets and cutlasses. You immediately make a mental note to stay at home or if possible, leave town for them because you know the harm that could be done goes beyond the spiritual. You also know you cannot choose to ignore them.

How did it happen that two dominant religions, both preaching the salvation of souls, both preaching life after death, both preaching the tenets

and commandments of one Supreme God, both rooted in the ancient Jewish traditions, and more importantly, both preaching peace, have completely different perception in people’s mind today? How did it happen that the perception that one believes in the use of force and compulsion while the other believes in moral suasion to win converts has now been strongly re-enforced in people’s minds?

Many of us who have Muslims as friends or even benefactors, know that an average Muslim is peace loving. Those of us who grew up and went to school with Muslims know there is really no difference between them and us.

They are as good or as bad as the rest of us. But tell that to a man who has never had to live with a Muslim; whose knowledge of Islam is what he sees on TV and reads on the internet. It would seem to

him that all the flash points of the world are fuelled and managed by the Islamic faithful.

Boko haram, Al Shabbab, Al Qaeda and now the ISIS are all variants of Islamic terror groups. They have links with each other and compete with each other in brutality and viciousness.

Even animals do not kill so wantonly, so needlessly.

And they kill, they say, in the name of Allah.

It would be completely misleading and wrong to call these people Muslims just as it would have been wrong to call Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin Christians. Or Chairman Mao a Buddhist. Theirs were twisted minds who managed to find ideological pegs for their atrocities.Unfortunately, unlike Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini who really didn’t hide under Christianity, their modern day clones claim to be fighting for Allah. Allah does not need

anybody to fight for Him. The Creator of the universe does not need anybody to avenge for Him. He says clearly ‘Vengeance is mine’. So who are these people fighting for?

It is not a coincidence that they thrive on chaos and in areas where law and order have broken down. That is why you find them in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Chad and lately,Nigeria. Their ready made recruits are the disenfranchised, the disgruntled, the aggrieved and the extremely poor.They lure this group, along with another group which comprises the young and the impressionable; those looking for meaning and affection in a seemingly callous and apathetic world, with promises of justice and purity of religion.

They promise opium to hopeless minds and purpose to drifting souls.

Many of these recruits are then radicalised to the extent that they genuinely believe that they are fighting for justice and doing Allah’s will who will in turn compensate them with places in His bosom. I don’t however, believe for a second that the leaders from Osama bin Laden to Baghdadi to Shekau believe a word of what they dish out. Their goal is more demonic—the pun is deliberate—and more sinister. It is to reduce the power and influence of the Western world; to acquire money, influence and power of their own which they can use as bargaining chips.

So it is no surprise that no territory captured by these people practices what they preach. They do not practice or believe in humanity which all great r e l i g i o n s espouse.Unfortunately, they find sympathies and funds from some world leaders who have axes to grind with established norms.

As it is in the Arab world, so it is in Nigeria. People who should condemn the evil they represent think they see some phantom good which can be exploited. Many main stream Muslims and free thinkers had supported them in the past because they thought these groups were fighting the excesses of the West especially America.

Now,more and more discerning minds find there is nothing pure or altruistic about these terror groups. In fact, their definition of justice is worse than anything the world has ever seen. The West that is being accused is more accommodating of foreign religions, beliefs and cultures than the accusers.

It is time to realise that these people are worse than Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse Tsung and Mussolini put together and if allowed, will actually destroy world peace and order. We should stop feeding this monster which camouflages as religion and join hands to exterminate it if we don’t want to lose our common humanity. Worse, a great religion could be stained forever.

18—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 —19

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

Would you mar marrry someone who used to be a rrobber? obber?

The truth is bitter Vannessa Nzediegwu, Actress

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was wondering what ladies think about dating a former thief or robber. While some may argue that change is the only constant thing, and that people shouldn’t be judged by their pasts, others would insist that just as a dog goes back to its vomit, a thief would remain a thief. What do you think about dating or getting married to a former robber? Is it unthinkable, or would you let the past remain in the past and move onto the future with him. Here, some female celebrities share their opinions:

A thief would always be a thief - Mensah, Actress

Ella

Vannessa

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o, I won’t. A thief would always be a thief. Even though, everyone deserves a second chance in life. I don’t pray for one though and that’s not my portion.

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t’s complicated because ‘Used to be’ is in past. It’s easier to say ‘No, I won’t date/ marry’, but the truth is bitter. How do you really know who is good or bad. If the person has come clean, his/her new personality can make you fall in love. The truth is, we have pen robbers that people celebrate and make role models.

They are the worst robbers you can think of. They cripple our economy and push the less privileged to the wall.

Sandra

It’s ver y very complicated - Sandra Bassey Bassey,, Model/ ess Actr Actress I

am in no position to judge any human being. However, if he is changed and has been rehabilitated and we love each other, nothing is impossible.

Nothing is impossible - Munachi Abii, Munachi

Singer/ Model

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can’t say, because it’s very complicat ed. Firstly, if we get married, I wouldn’t want to have a child who has the blood of a thief running in his veins.

There will always be the tendency that my kids may take after him and I wouldn’t want to take that risk. On the other hand, change is the only constant thing, so people shouldn’t be judged by their past. We all have a past.

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA

08061644307 email: daise4000@yahoo.com

The fame e e T a Flutis t! c a M

O

attended Rudolf Steiner School, Primary and Secondary, passed his A level subjects at the Burgholf School in St. Gallen, and went to study economics at the prestigious University of St. Gallen. Eventually, Tee Mac mastered the flute in 1969 after studying music for twelve whole years. Tee Mac learnt something early in life from his paternal uncle J.J Derendirger. He learnt that you can lose everything you have, but you cannot lose your education. Tee Mac ended acquiring 3 different degrees from the University. He returned to Nigeria in 1970, worked as a manager at a Swiss company known as UTC as

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EE Mac was born on 17 May, 1949 in Lagos. His mother is a princess from Itsekiri named Suzanne Gray Fregene and his father, Theo Manfred Iseli, was a Swiss Diplomat sent to Nigeria in 1946. His dad became very successful in business but his life was shortened by an assassin in 1951 in Lagos. Tee Mac and his two sisters went sent to Switzerland to start life all over again.

At age 8, Tee Mac got his first flute and began private music lessons until he entered the Music Academy. He was studying music and other subjects at the same time. He

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NE time PMAN's chairman, Dr. Omatshola Oseli, aka Tee Mac, is {MFR) an accom plished musician who is more famous abroad because of his style of music. He made so much money arranging and conducting for super famous star, Shirley Bassey who did the soundtracks for some of James Bond movies, 'Diamonds are forever and Golden Finger'. He also has deep interest in various businesses, especially solid minerals.

Although, partly Caucasian, he was born in Lagos, Nigeria. Tee Mac had an unfortunate experience as a child when his dad was assassinated, he was only three years old. In this edition, we introduce to you, a grand Flutist who has taken his band virtually everywhere in the world and rakes millions of naira. against working for his step-father as his mother has remarried and given birth to three other children.

While working at UTC, Tee Mac formed a musical band called Tee Mac and Afro Collection with notable artistes like Tunde Kuboye on bass guitar, Berkley Jones on lead guitar, Laolu Akins on drums, Johnny Haastrup on keyboards, Friday Puzzo on congas, Steve Black and Lijadu Sisters on vocals. His band was later joined by the world famous drummer, Ginger Baker, who came to Nigeria to jam with Afro Collection in 1972 at their base on Broad Street.

Tee Mac landed in London with his

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•Tee Mac and his dogs big dream of making a name in the music world amidst making so much money, but he was at first disappointed because money wasn’t coming as he had expected. He concluded that his step-father may just be right, that music cannot put money on the table. So he planned to return back to Switzerland and possibly become a banker and rake in the millions he had always dreamed of. He was having that thought when he and his producer recorded a couple of singles under the name of Silver Convention. The name was derived from his silver flute. His two songs became instant hit: Get up Boogie and Fly Robin fly.

It became a blessing in disguise because he toured several countries extensively

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 21

and glory of

with his new band. Along the line, he became an arranger and conductor for Shirley Bassey, a notable female performer who also has Nigerian roots that he had always admired. The great Shirley Bassey released her world hit songs, Gold Finger and Diamonds are forever. With Shirley Bassey on board, Tee Mac got exposed to lot of money and fame.

Tee Mac returned to Nigeria so wealthy that he bought over Surulere Club and renovated it. He also opened another club in Yaba. As a true lover of music, he pumped money into record investments and formed another band called Tee Mac Collection.

With his new band, Tee Mac toured the whole of Nigeria and recorded his First TV

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•Tee Mac beside one of his cars

Mac

's fa vou

series on NTA known as Tee Mac show. He left the shore of Nigeria to Hollywood, Los Angeles where he worked as a composer for Cidi Croft Enterprise.

Investments Tee Mac, like his late father, has head for good business.

•Famous musician Shirley Bassey

rite S UV

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•Tee

This is evident in his several investment projects.

Today, he has 11 mines, and he is the chairman and major shareholder to notable companies and investments. He is the owner of Allied Minerals Limited with office in Apapa. Tee Mac has concentrated on mining of solid minerals and took up leases of zinc, lead, tin and copper since 2001.

Tee Mac has used his platform as a notable person in Nigeria to meet with people in government and got himself introduced to emirs who are the custodians of lands rich in minerals. Tee Mac also has a multi- million naira factory in Jos, Plateau state.

Charity Tee Mac is indeed a lover of children and through his foundation has sent and still sending more than a thousand children to various schools and endeavours.

Properties He has quite a few properties both in Lagos Island, in Ikoyi and on the main land. He is also the owner of the office complex where Allied Mineral Limited is situated in Apapa. He also has another impressive property in Okota.

Cars Tee Mac is a lover of blue colours, which may be a carry- over from his boyhood or because the colour of the sound produced by the flute is described as blue by music theory. It is no wonder, therefore, that more than 50% of his SUVs come in blue colours. He has a blue SUV Fore runner, a Mercedes SUV and others, too numerous to mention.

Pets/Wears/ accessories/ style Tee Mac loves dogs so much, in his house alone he has about seven Alsatian dogs living with him.

He also loves wearing simple traditional wears despite his mixed blood. He is crazy about native Nigerian clothings that he has been designing by himself since 1987.

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

Cynthia Morgan not dating Dammy Krane — Manager

Cynthia Morgan

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Don’t Break My Heart crooner, Cynthia Morgan, has probably had her voice gone hoarse trying to convince fans that she is not romantically involved with Afro-pop sensation Dammy Krane after a rather amorous pictures of the duo surfaced online couple of days back.

The light-skinned diva who once told Showtime in an interview that she could not quit music for her relationship revealed exclusively to Showtime through her representative that there is nothing untoward between her and the singe, saying they are only industry friends.

“She is not dating Dammy Krane, they are just friends, Industry friends. They are nothing more than friends,” her rep- resentative said.

Cynthia Morgan is currently working on the video for her song, am taken.

It’s an honour to have Don jazzy bless me—Tolu

Aramide

Davido’s Ekuro gave me a voice in the industry—Aramide

Tolu Adesina

T

years back he suave Tolu became famous N’s MT on ant test when he was a con ce could voi ose wh e dud The e.

Fam Project me wti Sho h wit t cha a calm frayed nerves in rs after yea few to, up s wa he at wh d highlighte ind Don Jazzy blessing project fame and the tale beh him with a beat. ord deal or support is “Being an artist without a rec nt, there’s the tough because beyond the tale uires funding and business aspect of it all that reqfor an artiste to promotion that’s way too much handle,” he said. y he worked with Don Commenting on the reason wh er, Tolu said: “Don Lov My gle jazzy on his latest sin d producers in Africa.

Jazzy is one of the most talente e to have him bless ileg priv and It’s truly an honour I am truly blessed. I me with a beat and endorse it. eo for My Lover. My vid the on g am currently workin surprise guest fans should look forward to a ” eo. vid sic appearance in the mu yo Makun, popularly known as AY, a prolific and A successful standup comedian opens a luxurious Nightclub in the highbrow city of Lekki Phase1 to advance

his entertainment business.

Named MVP Lounge an acronym for Most Valuable Player, the club is billed as an exclusive Club house with bar, restaurant, game room, karaoke room, gold and diamond rooms with an all-purpose lounge occupying the penthouse floor of Omisson Emporium Mall situated at the heart of Lekki Phase 1.

According to AY in a chart with media, “The Friday opening event will be strictly on invitation, but will go on till Saturday and Sunday to accommodate the general public who may not find seats on that day.”

Ayo, who was in a high spirit said, it is a dream come true.

“Now Lagosians, mover and shakers of entertainment industry including industry captains and tourists have got a place they can hang out to dine, wine and enjoy popular jokes from ace comedians with good music,” he said.

The club will be featuring Friday MVP Club Night, Saturday Nightlife and Sunday Karaoke and Comedy Shows for families and general public. “What we are doing different is the non-smoking club. This is to maintain the health and safety wellbe- ing of our members; hence we create a special smoking room to meet the need of smoking clubbers,” he said.

AY turns club owner Chris Onuoha

Baseline Music is fast becoming a home to Nigeria’s finest entertainers. Quintessential musician, Aramide, last week became the newest artiste to sign under music label Baseline Music; home to sensational Pop artiste Saeon, and multi talented musician Skales, and Producer Mr. Chido. Her remix of Davido’s Ekuro became her claim to fame and made her a bonafide performer.

Speaking with Showtime, Aramide explains how Davido’s Ekuro gave her the leverage she needed to make her inroad into the mainstream music scene. “The song has a beautiful melody and is very well written. I remember first hearing the song and wishing I was the one that wrote the song. That is how much I loved the song at that time. I am glad I did it, because that was what sort of gave me a voice in the industry,” she says.

“A lot of burdens have been taken off my shoulder to allow me focus more on the creative side of my music after signing to Baseline. My genre of music is not going t o change but I am hoping to learn more from the team to deliver great music to my fans. I am also aiming for the international market.

I intend to make my mark in the industry by making evergreen music, music t h a t people will still want to listen to 20 years from now,” she added

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

I’m in trouble, Maheeda cries out C

aroline Sam, known in the music industry as Maheeda is a woman renown for her knack of courting controversies like it is some dinner or buffet to her. On Tuesday, the self acclaimed prostitute turned gospel singer posted a status message on her Blackberry that got many wondering what was amiss with the mother of one. “ I am in trouble” she wrote.

Curious as ever, Showtime sought the cause of her trouble and the singer replied by sending a link to a story which chronicled a protest by prostitutes led by a female prostitute, Patoo Abraham on the rights of prostitutes to ply their trade legally like other professions. According to the story, the protest held sometime in Lagos and the commercial sex workers wore T-shirts screaming “Sex work is work, we need our rights.”

So, how could this get Maheeda in trouble? We asked her. “Don’t you know that very soon this group may be asking me to come and deliver a speech?” she answered. The groups are operating under the names; Nigerian chapter of African Sex Workers Alliance (ASWA) and the Women of Power Initiative (WOPI). Of course, if the groups would be needing a resource person, who is better qualified than Maheeda who has had both local and international experience on the job.

Yemi Alade Ready to unveil King of Queens

A

Yemi Alade

channeling her creative energy towards producing high-life inspired mainstream sounds. The Effyzie Music’ Group first lady is currently promoting her forth coming album on the social media set to drop later this month.

She took time out on Instagram to explain who her forthcoming album is meant for. “This album is for the exceptionally different; those who strive for excellence and success; the Kings in their fields.” She explained.

Day my boobs came bubbling off on stage —Rita Edmond Olamide

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gunine Rita Onyekachi Edmond is a fast-rising songstress in the Nigerian music industry. The pretty entertainer signed to Bigspin Entertainment has revealed to Showtime in an interview that she once had a wardrobe malfunction during a performance.

In her words: “I remember having a wardrobe malfunction once at an event.

I wore a lovely tiny-straps-halter-neck Betsy and Adam’s dress to be precise.

As the show got hotter and exciting, I was dancing so bad I didn’t realize one of the straps of my dress had given way, showing off my bra and boobs.”

“It took courage of a guy sitting next to me to point out the mishap. I was in shock with a dropped jaw, holding my boobs and rushing at the same time to fix the strap. Please don’t remind me of this, it’s one crazy day I won’t forget in a hurry.”

Rita Edmund

nyone who is a die-hard fan of Johnny and Tangerine sensation, Yemi Alade, knows for sure that there is something on her mind right now other than her King of Queens.

The diva’s profile has been on the rise ever since she released her hit song Johnny, and

Olamide, Wande Coal, Dammy Krane and others thrill at Industry Nite

It was a gathering of some of Nigerian’s biggest names in the music and entertainment industry as weekly showbiz networking event - Industry Nite - hosted urban and lifestyle radio station, Beat 99.9 FM as it marked its 5th anniversary.

Held on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at the Spice Route, Victoria Island, the event witnessed a large turnout of celebrities, artists, business executives, top media personalities and fans alike who came out in their numbers to celebrate with the radio station. To kick off the night’s activities were DJs for the night; DJ Spinall, DJ Caise and DJ Snatch who didn’t disappoint as they took turns to thrill guests. They dished out hits upon hits to the delight of music lovers in attendance. The night witnessed over 20 performances from artists present such as Olamide, Saeon, Harrysongz, Patoranking ,Black Magic, Skales, Wande Coal, Jaywon, Tekno, Blink, Shaydee to mention a few.

Celebrities in attendance included P-Square, Lynxxx, Latasha Ngwube, Wande Coal, Iyanya, Dj Neptune, Show Dem Camp, Ty Mix ,Olu Maintain, Uti Nwachukwu, Sound Sultan ,Vector, Latasha Ngwube, General Pype, Capital Femi, Bracket, Dammy Krane, Loose Kaynon, Harrysong , Skuki, Ketchup, Samklef, Emma Nyra amongst many others.

24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

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he sounded absolutely distraught, and utterly disconsolate. Her usual exuberance, the bonhomie which she wears like a badge of honor was missing both in her voice and in her demeanor. She was inconsolable, pained and emotionally devastated. She had every reason to feel that way. For over six years, she had given her all to a romance that had been celebrated, touted and written about as one that was made in heaven. For six years, they had projected the image of a blissfully happy couple that could do no wrong.

Her boyfriend of six years– the one that is famously referred to as the ‘Nollywood bad boy’, Jim Iyke has finally acted out his moniker and it is not pretty at all.

“These days, I ask God: Why has thou forsaken me? How can a man with whom we had gone through the highs and the lows-a man who had professed so much undying love for me over the past six years just walk away like that?

I don’t know what happened and I wish I could put a finger on it,” Keturah had told me, sounding sad and exasperated.

Their romance was strong, and Jim had spoken severally of plans to walk down the aisle with her.

He had told me a number of times that in Keturah, he had found “a perfect mate – someone who was “sexy, intellectually curious, exotic and edgy.” Keturah was known all over the world as Jim Iyke’s girlfriend - a wife in waiting. They had traveled round the world together, and she had stood by him through most of the scandals that have continued to trail his professional and private life. Not even when another woman claimed to have dated Jim Iyke and later accused him of battering her and a business deal gone awry which was amplified in the media, she didn’t threaten to end the affair.

Keturah Hamilton, the Jamaicanborn actress, model and business woman was the partner tailormade for Jim Iyke. She had accepted and tolerated all of the actor’s ‘foibles, issues and challenges’ and was determined to stick with him through thick and thin.“And then...Just when we thought the wedding invitations will soon be mailed out; just when we thought the loving duo had reached a point of no return in their relationship, the news broke out that the story book romance had ruptured; that the center of the relationship could no longer hold. Jim Iyke had ‘bailed’ out of the affair and appeared to have acted out some of the elements in their joint reality show “Jim Iyke Unscripted.” He was said to have ended their six year-old affair in a most emotionally callous way. He simply walked away “without even a phone call” recounted

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Real reason Jim Iyke dumped me, Ex-fiancee opens up!

•Says she wasted six years of her life with him

Jim and Keturah: When the going was good.

tearful Keturah.

“He took away six years of memories, of support of love and all that I did for him-just like that. How mean and callous can one get?

Keturah also recounted how Jim Iyke used and dumped her. “Jim was supposed to come to New York and stay for six months, during which time, he would go to an acting school here in New York and then we would move to Los Angeles and get married and pursue our acting dreams. I was looking forward to that with eagerness and then he just walked away.”

Asked what could have been the reason for such a change of heart, Keturah said “We had problems like normal lovers do, but we always resolved them amicably. I know there was something Jim asked me to do, which I didn’t want to do right away.

But that should not have made him to do what he did.”

However, when pressed to reveal what it was that Jim wanted her to do, she said it was personal.

Keturah said she feels used and dumped. “I played along in the reality show as if I truly was a jealous and crazy lover. It was an act, but now I feel as if Jim set me up. He is a wicked man. I stood by him through all his troubles and

tribulations. I helped bring him to the limelight when the light of his career was dimming. He is an ingrate and I leave him to God.” One thing that seems to have pained Keturah more than anything else is the rumour making the rounds that Jim left her for the Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari. “That is the rumour I have heard and I know

it is not just a rumour. They have been hooking up in Ghana. They were together at Tuface’s wedding and appear to be everywhere together.

I just can’t believe Jim would be this ungrateful – after all I have done for him. I have not been able to accept this and I am truly in a state of shock. If Jim could treat me the way he did, after six years of being there for him, supporting him, encouraging him in all that he did, then I wish Nadia the best of

luck.”

Meanwhile, Keturah has moved on with her life. “I am a strong woman and I am moving on with my life. God cannot give you that which He will not provide you the platform to stand and deal with. I wish him the best in his life.”Efforts to reach Jim Iyke for his own side of the story was abortive as his telephone lines were all switched off. But we will strive to get his own side of the story next edition.

Nollywood movies awards unveil nominees to night Munis, chairman of the panel, who rganisers of the prestigious O alongside his team brings a high leve Nollywood Movies Awards (NMAs) l will this evening of professionalism

formally unveil the nominees for this year’s award cere mony tagged, “centenary edition.” The eve nt is billed to hold at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The shortlist of contenders in the award categories including the Life32 time Achievement Award has been carefully drawn after a general call for entries was announced for movies produced, premiered or released between 1st of February, 2013 and 31st of April, 201 4.

Entries were received from home and diaspora. Results will be deliberated panel of credible judges led by Dr by a Kola

into the process.

In addition, the Popular Choice Awa nominees for Best male and female rd and Best TV and Web series will be available online and via SMS short code portal to allow millions of Nollywood followers to cast their vote s.

Final results will be announced at the Nollywood Movies Awards amid pom and pageantry on the 18th of Octobe p the prestigious Intercontinental Hot r at el, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the eve nt will be graced by notable Nollywood players, celebrities and esteemed sponsors.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 25

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More American babies for Nigerian celebrities

NFVCB swoops on sellers of uncensored films

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he National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), in a bold step to enforce its classification decisions recently clamped down on sellers of pornographic and unclassified movies in parts of Ikoyi, in Lagos State.

The raid which was carried out in collaboration with the men of the Nigeria Police attached to the Dolphin Divisional Police Station, took place in Obalende, Dolphin and Awolowo Road areas of the State. The raid met with strong resistance by the film sellers, particularly in Obalende, resulting in the arrest of six of the film sellers by the Police. No fewer than two thousand copies of unclassified, mainly multiple in one films, both local and foreign and pornographic materials were confiscated by the staff of the Board, in collaboration with the Police.

Prominent among the unclassified films seized, according to a statement by the Board included; Season 5,Arab Money, Estate Runs , The Wrong Target, Ritual Men, Ashawo Umunede, Blood Tonic, Strippers in Love, After the Sex among others.

Speaking on the raid, the South West Zonal Head of Operations, of the Board, Mr. Chinedu Azi, said the raid was informed by the desire of the Board to rid the market of pornographic movies. According to him, it is illegal for anyone to display pornographic movies since they violate the laws of the land.

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•Nuella Njubigbo

espite the United States government efforts at tightening the noose on Nigerian pregnant women who have formed the habit of travelling to the US to deliver their babies, more pregnant celebrities are steadily jetting out of the country to do so. The latest celebrity who has joined the train is actress Nuella Njubigbo.

She’s currently having swell time with her beau, Tchidi Chikere, in the US, where she is expected to deliver her first child.

Nuella and her beau travelled to the US few weeks after actress Uche Ogbodo returned to the country with her baby. Two years ago, actress Mercy Johnson was in that country where she delivered her daughter, as well as Annie Macaulay Idibia among others. Interestingly, by birth, these babies become citizens of the US as they are qualified to enjoy all the benefits of US citizenship. Those in the know say, Nuella is in the first week of her last trimester and that she would remain in the US until their bundle of joy is born.

The couple is said to have been spotted at different stores in New York, shopping for their first baby together few days back.

Though the sex of the unborn baby is yet to be ascertained, this is Tchidi’s 4th child and Nuella’s first child.The couple got married about seven months ago.

Behold! Project Fame finalists T

*Confistcated films

his year’s edition of MTN Project Fame is indeed getting to the peak, as we witness the final elimination show. This means we would not be saying goodbye to any contestants as we are left with the final 8 contestants. Daniella, Shola, Christian, and Geoffrey who made his first appearance on the probation list were announced as the ones who would have to fight their way back into the Academy.Without further ado, they each stepped on stage to perform in a bit to escape elimination. Christian was up first, singing TuBaba’s Africa Queen. It was obvious the young man

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head of Sunday, October 5, launch of Africa’s biggest reality show, Big Brother Africa, organisers have revealed three housemates for season 9 of the show, tagged “Hotshots.” They are Alusa from Kenya, Ellah from Uganda and Butterphly from Zimbabwe.

The show was initially scheduled to commence on the 7th of September, but had to be postponed due to a fire outbreak on Tuesday, September 2., at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa where the show usually takes place.

According to the organisers, three Big Brother housemates will be introduced on a daily basis starting from the 18th of September. This will be followed by regular updates on social media.

“We are breaking new ground and the website and social media are the perfect platforms to engage with the fans in real-time”, says M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa) Wangi MbaUzoukwu. “The show will go on, and both fans and housemates are in for some riveting television, coupled with all the drama, intrigue and heart-stopping twists that have long become synonymous with the reality show”.

Ellah from Uganda

was not about to give up without a fight. He perfectly combined his charms and skills in this performance.

Geoffrey’s second shot at TuBaba’s ‘Only Me’ was so astoundingly perfect that it left the Judges at a loss for word.Daniella was up next, she also gave her best as she again performed ‘True Love’ by TuBaba. A performance the Faculty described as ‘passionate and believable’. Lastly, Shola also impressed everyone with his performance of ‘For Instance’ by TuBaba. He even jumped into the audience, blowing everybody away as he delivered an energetic rendition.

Just before the fate of these 4 fighters were determined by the Judges, Faculty, and the contestants not on probation; Monica Ogah, Season 4 winner got us all dancing with her performance. Our conviction that she deserved the crown in 2011 was further reinforced; her performance was nothing short of fantastic. After Monica’s performance came the moment of truth. Amidst huge tension, the Judges saved Christian from elimination, Geoffrey got his second chance from the Faculty while the contestants not on probation saved Daniella again, this time chosen over Shola.

*The last 8 contestants standing

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26 — Vanguard, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

What intimacy means to Yvonne Nelson!

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Yvonee

fter her painful break up with the Kukere crooner, Iyanya, Ghanian actress Yvonne Nelson has rarely been seen talking about the four letter word, l-o-ve. But recently, the sexy actress took to her Instagram account to share her thoughts on what Intimacy means in a relationship.

According to the actress, “Intimacy is not about allowing someone to touch you. Rather, It’s about being emotionally close to your partner, sharing your dreams and fears together. Intimacy is also giving someone your attention when ten other people are asking for it, she wrote.

Recall that the Single, Married and Complicated producer was recently rumoured to be having secret affairs with top Ghanian actor, John Dumelo. Though nothing contrary has been said about the relationship.

Harmony

Why I disobeyed my dad to do music— Harmony

I want a suger boy — Cossy Orjiakor I

f you are desperately in search of a sugar mummy, then search no more as controversial actress turned singer, Cossy Orjiakor has come to your rescue.

The busty actress said, her male fans wouldn’t let her be, as they want her to be their sugar mummy.

On that note, the actress has reeled out some criterion for considering them.Yes they have actually been disturbing me for that. But I told them that if you must be my sugar boy, there is need for you to be a good cook, a good house boy and a driver. I have even asked some of them to send a picture of themselves, cooking in the kitchen and what they are preparing. But they weren’t sending the picture I want. At the moment, none of them is qualified to be my sugar boy. If they had qualified, I would have employed at least three of them and placed them on salary,she said.

Rodney out with Baba Loke B

arely few months since he emerged the winner of the first edition of Naija Street Champ, Rodney Brown Edemhanria, a.k.a, 1Rodney the Monster has shown that he has come to stay in the Nigeria music industry. The latest kid on the block has just debuted with his hit single, 1Baba Loke’.

The single which is expected to be a club banger was produced by ID Cabbasa and released under the record label,Unmissable Music.

The talented singer described the single as a message showing appreciation to God and all his fans for facilitating his success at the Naija Street Champ competition.

Speaking on Rodney’s debut single, the Project Manager, Naija Street Champ and Producer Unmissable Music, Oladehinde Fajana, stated that Baba Loke is the result of the intensive grooming and mentoring by the three producers Terry G, ID Cabasa and D Tunes who were guest judges at the competition.

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Rodney

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alented singer, Emike Ekwe a.k.a Harmony is gradualy making her mark in the Nigerian music industry with the release of her debut single, Chocolate which will soon become every DJ’s favourite.

The sensational singer, who has joined the likes of Zeez and Boobie FC at HF music has promised her fans, not to let them down. The talented singer, dancer, performer and songwriter who started her musical career as early as seven years old, said that the title of her single, Chocolate was intended to portray the beauty in an African woman. I decided to do music despite my dad’s refusal because, as a grown up, I know that it is in music that I found favour in. I am promising my fans more better music ahead. The challenges have been very much but by the help of it, I will get over then, she promised.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 27

Busola Oke features LKT others in new album “Emimimo”

BY IYABO AINA

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usola Oke a.k.a Eleyele, a gospel singer, who has been absent from the music scene for a while has returned with a release of a new album titled ‘Emimimo’ which translates to ‘Holy Spirit’ in English language.

The album contains 5 tracks of melodious songs, like ‘E Jeun Jo’ and features LKT, Artquake and other budding artistes.

The music diva in a chat with the press said she decided to bring in artistes from the secular music sector into her gospel track because music has a universal language. She also disclosed that the album which a lot of people have been looking forward to will be launched on Sunday, 21st September, 2014 Recall that Busola became a household name after the release of ‘Eleyele’ which turned out to be a hit track

•Dr. Alistar Soyode (CEO Ben TV) presenting Award to Mr. Shina Peller

•Busola Oke

Quilox CEO honoured with African Entertainment Personality of the Year Award

Kcee, Harrysong, surprise Nazareth Jesse on birthday

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.E.O and owner of Africa’s number one luxury nightclub Quilox, Shina Peller, has been named African Entertainment Personality of the Year at the recently concluded African Business Leadership Awards which held at the Le Meridian Hotel, Piccadilly London, on the 5th of September 2014.

The African Business Leadership Awards was instituted to reward exceptional practices and outstanding achievers especially in Africa’s private sector.

Other recipients at the awards ceremony were: Dr Paul Orhii OON, Director General of NAFDAC, Mrs Dupe Atoki – Director General, Consumer Protection Council and Engr.

Oladele Amoda – MD/CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

The ceremony was witnessed by various icons in the business community such as Alexandar Amosu, Mr & Mrs Abiola Peller, Captain Nasir M. Saulawa (CEO Aquashield Oil & Gas Services), Dr Paul Orhii (DG NAFDAC), Dr Tahir Akhtar (Chairman, Adam Global Holdings) and many of others.

Shina Peller joins past outstanding recipients of the African Leadership awards including, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, President of Tanzania; Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone; H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia; H. E John Kufour former President of Ghana, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice president of Nigeria.

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EAUTIFUL and sexy Nollywood actress, Nazareth Jesse Bako, who has featured in over 50 films added a year on Monday, September 15th, but chose Sunday, September 14th to entertain a few friends at a soiree she intended to keep as close and simple, as few friends and close associates like her Godfather.

According to her, she wasn’t expecting anything elaborate and definitely wasn’t expecting anything grand.

But when the likes of Kcee, Harrysong, Gordons and others showed up, she knew she had an occasion on her hands. And was she happy about it?

She was gleeful, but quick to add that it was her Godfather the singers came to see and confessed that the relationship between her and Kcee or Harrysong is anything but close.

Doing something new was a bit scary, Omoni Oboli confesses, thanks fans A

Omoni Oboli

FTER a successful two weeks in cinemas ‘Being Mrs Elliott’ the highly anticipated movie from Nollywood actress, director and producer, Omoni Oboli has lived up to expectations in the cinema with high box office sales.

Speaking on the acceptance rate of the movie at the cinemas, Omoni said “the rate at which the movie was accepted is overwhelming. It was really worth all the sleepless nights and hard work, just to see the way ‘Being Mrs Elliott’ was accepted. During the premiere, the cinema release, I felt so loved and appreciated.

According to her “I couldnt have done it without all lovers of Omoni. Doing something I had not done before was a bit scary. But seeing the love, acceptance, encouragement, prayers and calls, I know that I am on the right path. Even at the cinemas, people were always telling me “Omoni, you did well”, “congratulations” “way to go girl”, and I am indeed grateful.”

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

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ne of Ghana’s reigning queens of the screen, Kafui Danku, has come, seen and looking to conquer. And she may be very well on her way as she has proved a good actress and looking set to do same as a producer.

In this revealing chat as our Showtime Celebrity, the darkskinned sexy beauty talks about her career, marriage, love and other issues.

What inspired you to go into acting?

I love the art of storytelling.

Stories are a major medium of disseminating information and also educating and entertaining the society, and this is what I have always wanted to do; to share what I have learnt with my peers or people who haven’t gotten the chance to. I believe everything that is driven by passion is a calling. And I am being driven by passion for the arts. So here I am, telling stories; that is, acting.

Weren’t your

parents against your choice of profession?

Initially, my dad was against it but he later understood it and came to terms with it. For my mum, she never had any problem with it.

How my h influence — Kafui D

Would you say acting has been good to you and why?

Yes, it’s a career I have chosen to pursue and it has been good, especially now that our works have been recognized and acknowledged. Thanks to God for our awards and recognitions so far. We’re happy we’re achieving our aims, that is, to educate and entertain our people; we pray to get better by the day

Says; “I m harassed in a way or the other by producers/ directors. I thank God that I didn’t have to go through that.

Who has been the most major influence?

That’s a bit tricky to answer now, but there are a host of people who have encouraged and supported me.

Among them are Abdul Salam Mumuni of Venus Films, S a m i r a Yakubu, R o g e r Quartey, and others. I really appreciate their

Have you ever been a victim or have you experienced one as a secondary victim?

No. I always say I’m lucky.

What of lesbianism, because that seems to be getting rampant in Nigeria now?

Really? I’ve not had any experience. It’s against my moral principles; I’m a have played in the past?

No. Do you consult him before picking a role or you just go with your gut feelings?

Yes, I always discuss my roles with him before going on any location.

h e l p and support in diverse ways.

How did a c t i n g facilitate you meeting your husband and marrying him?

He met me as an actress/ producer. He loves and respects my career. It hasn’t affected him in any negative way, it’s all positive.

Has your husband ever had any objection to any role you

What attracted you to him?

His intelligence and also, he is a perfect gentleman.

We have seen a lot of hot photo shoots you have done, with much sexuality oozing out of them. Does that mean you believe that flaunting sexuality is important to the showbiz?

Not necessarily. My photo shoots are very simple and modern. I’m not here to flaunt sexuality or my femininity. I would say people are different and thus interpret concepts differently, but flaunting sexuality is not a must for showbiz.

How do you see injection of soft-porn into African movies? Some say they make the romantic scenes more real. What’s your opinion?

No comment.

,

By AYO ONIKOYI

My photo shoots are very simple and modern. I’m not here to flaunt sexuality or my femininity. I would say people are different and thus interpret concepts differently, but flaunting sexuality is not a must for showbiz

How far can you go in interpreting a romantic scene?

As far as it makes me comfortable, it must be descent.

Just how much can you reveal on screen?

Not much, once it is descent, it’ll work for me.

Is there sexual harassment also in the Ghanaian movie industry?

None I could recall.

Personally, I haven’t experienced any, but I’ve received messages from young women aspiring to be actresses complaining about being

,

Christian thus my religion disapproves of it.

Do you believe the Ghanaian movie Industry is as good as Nigeria’s or how do you compare the two?

They’re both still growing, we’re doing better. I see growth What has been your worst experience on set and why?

No, I can’t recall any now.

What are the things you consider before picking up a role?

The story must be a fantastic one with lots of moral lessons.

What would make you reject a script and why?

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 29

husband es my career Danku

married as a virgin” I will reject the script if the story doesn’t make sense or convey any positive message to the public.

Have you ever regretted doing a movie and why?

Yes, there are times I feel my performance wasn’t the best.

Sometimes, I feel embarrassed either by the role or the way I interpreted the role.

I sincerely must accept that roles were not put across perfectly.

What has been your most challenging role and why?

My role in my upcoming movie ‘Happy Deathday’. It’s a very emotional story. It was challenging, we shot in the forest, we had a coffin as props etc. It was a little depressing filming the coffin bits, but thank God we’re done. It’s a must-watch movie, It stars Nigeria’s hottest, Alex Ekubo, Ghana’s freshest, James Gardiner, Elikem Kumordzie of Big Brother Africa Fame, Toosweet Annan, Ben Brako, Salma Mumuni, myself and other talented actors.

What could make you walk out of your marriage and why?

I mentioned earlier that my husband is a perfect gentleman; I don’t think anything will make us part ways. We’ll be together forever.

What are the high points of your career?

I can’t really tell now, we’re grateful for our awards and recognitions and all I want to do is get better and make great impact.

Who do you look up to in the African movie industry?

I don’t look up to any individual in the African movie industry. I only look up to God but there are people in the industry I admire and respect for their hard work. My list keeps increasing by the day.

Which movies would you consider as your best to date?

I believe you are as good as your last job. So, I will go for ‘Happy Deathday’ Please give us an insight into your childhood I had the best childhood ever. I was

lucky to grow up with both my mum and dad, all my siblings and it was so much fun. My parents and siblings are amazing; I had everything that I wanted.

You seem to have the knack for taking up bad girl roles. Why? I think most directors like me to take up challenging roles, because I’m a very calm and quite person.

Which role you wouldn’t ever think of picking up I’ve rejected lots of scripts but not particularly because of the role but for other factors as well.

So, I can’t state just one thing, it all depends.

How do you see the future of Ghanaian and Nigerian movie industry?

I would say both have been working hard, we’ve produced some really good movies that have been recognized internationally, we are not there yet but since we haven’t given up, there is hope that we will get more organized and better.

30—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Lifestyle

Turn the clock back on yourself

Soften those elbows There’s not a lot you can do about loosened skin on your elbows with age, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of long sleeves and coverups. There’s nothing worse than dry, ashy skin on your elbows—which might be one of the most neglected body parts.

The skin on the elbows is thicker than most places, which means the area needs a little extra tender loving care.

Exfoliation will help slough off dull, dry skin, and flakiness (ick). Make sure to use a good scrub to

•Age is a thing of the mind...you can always relish a joyous moment

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don’t leave the house without a pair of gloves. Whether you’re driving, gardening, or golfing, your hands are exposed to the sun’s UV rays, which some experts say cause up to 90 percent of all aging.

HILE we’re busy obsessing over our crows’ feet and gray hairs, and attacking our age spots and wrinkles with weaponsgrade anti-aging potions, we often forget it’s not just our faces that betray our age. Do you know which of your body parts reveal your true age, regardless of how taut your faces is? Here are some simple ways you can rejuvenate the-subtle signs of aging on all parts of your body.

Protect those hands We often forget that our hands can be front and centre just as much as the face. We shake hands when we first meet someone, talk animatedly with them, and yes, they’re exposed to the elements as much, if not more, than our faces. Grab a floppy sunhat before a day at the beach, make sure you

•The beauty of aging gracefully

many compliments way back when you work with what you’ve got. Make sure you’ve got a face-flattering cut, something that frames your face so it stands out, rather than a heavy style that hides your features. If thinning hair is your nemesis, go for layers that add volume and dimensions to your look. Besides, any straight-across haircut looks harsh.

Layers give a softer look.

Have a good hair day You might have noticed your hair isn’t quite as thick, silky, or shiny as it used to be in your heyday. And don’t even get us started on the greys. As we age, the rate at which our hair, slows down a bit. Some follicles even stop producing hair entirely, leading to thinning. Others will stop producing as much melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color.

Part of fighting the aging processes going with the flow and accepting you don’t have the same things to work with.

We have to break it to you, but it’s time to finally part ways with the 80s perm or 90s hairstyle that got you so

exfoliate. When you’re all smoothed, apply a emollient cream, probably something a little richer than what you’d use all over your body. You can even use Vaseline.

Don’t neglect the neck

While you’re busy slathering on face creams, in upward circular motions or whatnot, all over your pretty face, don’t forget the neck. Oh, yes. Avoid the dreaded “turkey neck” and remember the skin on your neck is actually more delicate than the skin on your face, which means, you should be putting it first. You should be giving the same care to your neck as you do your face. Make sure you’re applying moisturizer (and sun protection) to your neck too. Look for ingredients like vitamin C and collagen in your skincare products as these boost cell turnover and keep your skin supple.

SATURDAY

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itting for long hours on the couch or behind a desk raises the risk of chronic health ills like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, along with premature death— even among those who exercise regularly. In a recent Australian study, people who sat 11 hours or more a day had a 40 percent increased risk of dying over the next three years compared to those who sat for fewer than four hours a day.

It is being said that if everyone sat no more than three hours a day, the average life span would rise by two years. There’s a consistent association between sitting and health.

But we are not designed to be sedentary.

Sitting or lying for hours at a time inactivates the body’s large muscles, especially those in the legs and back, triggering a cascade of harmful metabolic changes.

Sitting disrupts blood sugar levels, lowers the breakdown of harmful cholesterol and reduces calorie burning.

Getting up and moving has the opposite effect. In a new study of almost 5,000 people, ages 20 to 79, from the University of Alberta in Canada, taking more than 10 activity breaks a day was associated with a lower waist circumference, lower triglyceride levels, blood pressure, glucose, insulin and systolic blood pressure, and higher “good” HDL cholesterol.

A higher frequency of breaks in sedentary time or sitting per day was associated with lower risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—31

Don’t sit yourself to death ...We’re not designed to be sedentary especially at old age.

Simple ways

•Move around the house when checking text and e-mail messages.

to get moving At home: ·Get off the couch and walk around the house as often as you can. ·Stand to read the newspaper or get dressed. ·Move around the house when checking text and e-mail messages on your cell phone. ·Do your own yard work and wash your car by hand instead of using acar-wash.

At work: ·Stand and take a break from your computer every 30 minutes.

·Walk to your colleagues’ desks instead of phoning or emailing.

·Drink more water—going to the restaurant and toilet will break up sitting time

·Stand during phone calls. ·Use a height-adjustable desk so you can work standing or sitting.

32—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Oseji Ephraim 07032769933

HIGHES HIGHESTT-PAID AFRICAN FOOTBALL PLA YERS OF 20 14 PLAYERS 201 Samuel Eto’o ($90 million) The wealthiest player on the continent, and the recipient of four African Player of the Year trophies, this Cameroonian striker is sheer wonderment. When he played with Anzhi Makhachkala from 2011 to 2013, he was the richest African kicker as well, earning about $25 million a year. He’s played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and now Everton.

Didier Drogba ($70 million)

Edinson Cavani on Arsenal radar

A

rsenal are ready to make a move on long-term target Edinson Cavani.

The Gunners did sign Danny Welbeck on transfer deadline day as Olivier Giroud picked up a serious injury, but Arsene Wenger are still on the lookout for a world-class striker.

Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani is reportedly one of the first names on club’s hit-list and the Gunners have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of the Uruguayan.

Namely, the striker is reportedly unhappy at being played out of position at Parc des Princes and he is looking to leave the club either in January or next summer.

Chelsea boost!

Costa set to start against City D

iego Costa will return up front for Chelsea against Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday as Jose Mourinho tries to manage the striker ’s fragile hamstrings.

Mourinho opted to select the Spain striker, who has scored seven times in four Premier League matches this term, only as a substitute in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Schalke in Champions League Group G. The £32million summer signing

from Atletico Madrid is not ready to play more than one game a week, according to Mourinho, after a hamstring problem recurred while on international duty earlier this month.

“Everybody ’s ready to play,” Mourinho said.

“Diego is not in the best conditions, but he will start the game. He plays this game, he cannot play against Bolton. It’s as simple as that.

“I know clearly that we have to try to protect him until he gets completely fit.”

Balotelli ‘wanted Milan exit’ A

C Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has confirmed that Mario Balotelli wanted to leave the club and join Liverpool this summer.

Balotelli, who moved to Milan from Manchester City in January 2013, completed a £16million switch to Anfield last month after much speculation had surrounded his future.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with an exit this summer following Milan’s failure to secure European football and a number of Premier League clubs were re-

ported to be keen.

Balotelli netted his first Liverpool goal in the midweek 21 UEFA Champions League win over Ludogorets and Galliani has wished him well for

the future, believing he can continue to develop as a player.

“We have a good relationship but at a certain point I understood he wanted to leave,” Galliani told Corriere della Sera.

Bastia’s Brandao banned for six months

S

C Bastia striker Brandao has been banned for six months for headbutting Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Thiago Motta in the tunnel. The incident occurred in the players’ tunnel at the end of a heated August 16th Ligue 1 fixture between the teams. Brandao filmed waiting for Motta to emerge. The 34 year-old forward then instigated contact with the PSG star with his forehead, before scarpering away to his own team’s dressing room – prompting a mob of angry players to form outside the door.

Another prominent member of Côte d’Ivoire’s “Golden Generation,” this striker did not earn a big move until he was transferred at the age of 26 to Chelsea, where he was paid $170,000 a week. He is the club’s fourth-highest goal scorer ever, and was No. 1 scorer for foreign players on the team. He's now back to the Bridge

Ya y a TTouré ouré ($65 million) Formerly a Barcelona star, he signed a five-year deal with Manchester City to the tune of around $40 million. His combined earnings for his all-star international performances amount to roughly $15 million annually.

Emma Adebayor ($27 million) The Tottenham Hotspur striker is Togo’s top scorer of all time. He earned a reported $268,000 a week with Manchester Unitedand signed a loan deal to play with Real Madrid

Michael Essien ($25 million) He used to be Africa’s wealthiest soccer player with his 2005 transfer from Lyon to Chelsea, a signing that gained the Ghanaian midfielder around $40.5 million. After eight years with the British club, Essien signed onto AC Milan in January of 2014 for a one-and-a-half year contract.

K olo TTouré ouré ($18 million) The Ivorian central defender has played for some of England’s biggest clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City, and now Liverpool, where’s he’s on contract until 2015. Kolo has a money-raking sponsorship deal with Adidas. He’s the wealthy sibling of the even wealthier footballer, Yaya Touré, and the late player Ibrahim Touré, who died in June at age 28 following a battle with cancer.

John Obi Mikel ($15 million) His career started with the Norwegian club Lyn Oslo, but this Nigerian midfielder became famous for his playing with Chelsea, despite the infamously extended contract embroilment between the two clubs and Manchester United which took place in 2005. Mikel ended up with Chelsea, and will play with them on a contract until 2017.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—33

EBOLA:

affiliates. There is no evidence to suggest that the employee has been infected.

Under the Ministry of Health guidelines, the employee is being monitored on a daily basis and will continue to do so for a period of 21 days.

During this time the employee will be absent from work.

ArcelorMittal Liberia is providing all support necessary to the employee and his family during this very difficult time, and our thoughts are with them."

The company newsletter issued another letter on July 25, 2014 announcing Sawyer's death.

The announcement was signed by one Antonio Carlos reads:

More revelations on Patrick Sawyer HIs lamentation on dead sister

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

hen he arrived Lagos aboard a Togolese Asky Airlines aircraft on Sunday July 20, 2014, Patrick Sawyer, the late American-Liberian was on the threshold of history.

The chronicle of events following his disembarkation at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and subsequent admission at First Consultants Hospital, Obalende underscore why his name has become synonymous with the spectre of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. Sawyer will never be forgotten as the importer of the dreaded infectious Ebola virus into the country. He was the first ever confirmed case and

No.1 fatality of the incurable Ebola virus disease in Nigeria.

Two days before Sawyer embarked on his odyssey to Lagos from Monrovia, his sister, Princess Christina Nyennetue, had died of the dreaded disorder. Not too many people knew it, but following his sister's demise, Sawyer who had been with her during her illness until her eventual death sent out a disheartening email to a number of close friends and associates as well as a senior official at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.

Saturday Vanguard intercepted the online communication obtained by FrontPageAfrica. The email, entitled "Ebola Struck Close to Home" offers a glimpse into the mind of the late

•Father and daughter....separated forever by Ebola

•Patrick Sawyer’s late sister, Princess Sawyer and what he was thinking prior to his now controversial death in Lagos.

In the email dated July 10, 2014, Sawyer described the death of his sister as "Promising Young Life Cheated".

The email reads…..

From: Patrick O. Sawyer, Date: Thu, Jul 10, 2014 at 6:09 AM; Subject: Ebola Struck Close to Home To: Benetta Tarr < "H. Urias Harrington" Dear All, My junior sister, Miss Princess Christina Nyennetue (Age 27) died on Tuesday July 8th at the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. At my request, the Ministry of Health agreed to extract blood specimens from her body in search for cause of death and the result just came in this morning...she died of Ebola Disease.

Princess was the only girl child of my mother's five children...this make (sic) it particularly difficult for us especially for my mother who lives alone in Southwest Philadelphia . If you Facebook searched my late sister Princess, you will soon realize that death has cheated a promising young life.

Thanks to you all once more for your many messages of condolence and best wishes.

Good day. *Patrick Oliver Sawyer / Head *ECOWAS NATIONAL OFFICE* *MINISTRY OF FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT PLANNING * Following Sawyer's death on Lagos on July 25, his widow, Decontee, implied on a social media site that her husband came to Nigeria to

seek treatment because he had a distrust of the healthcare system in Liberia .

According to Decontee : "Patrick went to Nigeria for help so that he can get properly diagnosed, and not misdiagnosed in Liberia. And if it came back that he did have Ebola, he trusted the Nigerian healthcare system a lot more than he trusted the Liberian's. His action, as off as it was, was a desperate plea for help. Patrick didn't want to die, and he thought his life would be saved in Nigeria."

According to findings, the day after Sawyer sent out the email about his sister's death from Ebola, a notice of the development appeared in The Satellite, newsletter of ArcellorMittal, the mining company where he (Sawyer) was a consultant.

The notice is republished here: Important Ebola Notice to All Employees and Contractors "A family member of an ArcelorMittal Liberia employee died on Tuesday, July 8th, in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus. The employee had minimal contact with the victim, at the state where the virus was infectious. Doctors say the risk of potential transfer to any member of the ArcelorMittal staff or contractors is very low. The employee has submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical examination for possible Ebola infection, and has also requested the Ministry of Health to make the result available to ArcelorMittal Liberia and its close

Ebola Statement Dear colleagues, I am writing to inform you that today ArcelorMittal received information that the employee whose family member died on Tuesday July 8th in Monrovia due to a confirmed case of the Ebola virus has died today, from a suspected case of Ebola.

Results of the Ebola test are awaited. The first thing I want to reassure everyone is that the employee, Patrick Sawyer, had very limited contact with his ArcelorMittal colleagues since his contact with the victim and therefore we do not believe anyone working at ArcelorMittal will be at risk. Patrick was last at the Buchanan site on 9th July when he informed us about the death of his sister. We are speaking directly with those who met Patrick on this day to reassure them of this fact.

Having informed us of this news, Patrick was submitted to the Ministry of Health for a medical observation and isolation and requested not to return to work until he had passed through the incubation period.

He has not been at the Buchanan site or in any ArcelorMittal office since that time. Our thoughts and support are with his family at this very difficult time. In the meantime, we continue to urge every employee and contractor to take the greatest level of care with regards to their health. As you are all aware, ArcelorMittal is using Thermoflash scanners to measure the temperature of each employee as this is a useful initial screening sign for Ebola. Any employee or contractor with a high temperature will be referred to medical personnel who will examine and, if necessary, direct the individual to a secure area. We recognize this is difficult news, particularly for those who knew Patrick, who was a very committed and valued employee. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your head of department."

Antonio Carlos.

34—SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

I'm not feeling this guy Aunty Julie, Thanks for the good work you are doing. My name is Funmilayo and I am in my early 40s. I'm also dating a guy who is in his 40s. We have been dating for a number of months.

I like him and he seems to like me. My friends tell me that he is very much into me, but I am not feeling it. He doesn’t call much and he doesn’t seem eager to see me. Instead, we

seem to have settled into a routine and there seems to be not much excitement. We are both professionals but I'm not much of a young lady to be wasting time on a guy who does not care about me. I love him so much and he says he loves me too but we appear to be too busy for each other. Please advise me.

Funmilayo, Lagos

Dear Funmilayo, When a man loves you, he will call and be eager to see you. Since he’s not, he may not be that into you. Perhaps he’s dating you because you are easy to be with, nice enough or safe. If you want to form a relationship based on those feelings, great. But if you continue forward with this relationship as it is, you could ultimately feel as if you are missing out.

Let me explain more. People are typically on their best, most romantic behaviour at the start of a relationship. So what you are seeing right now is his best behaviour towards you.

And you are already feeling like something is missing!

This means as you go forward, you will either feel the same, or as if even more is missing.

Some people believe that as a relationship deepens, there will be more romance, more affection, and this is true, but that is only when there is ro-

mance and affection and “into each other” feelings to begin with.

If your relationship continues, the two of you might even get married, but the relationship will be based on milk toast sort of feelings about each other.

You will likely not reach the “in love” And if that is okay with you, keep going, because you may develop a steady, safe relationship. But, if you are already craving more, consider how much more you will crave as time goes on. But know that you cannot change who you are dating, nor can you change his or her feelings.

Sure, you can pay him more compliments, do more for him, accommodate him more, give him more and ask for less. And he might fall in love with those actions or words, and that may make him stick around more. But his feelings for you will not change, so his behaviour change will be temporary.

But you can try to shake up your situation: Consider spending less time with him.

Skip those dates and events where you feel particularly unwanted and have more of a sense of being settled. For example, I would not watch TV with him, as you are not an old married couple yet. I would eat in less and go out more.

And if he ever seems bored with you, I would immediately make an excuse and end the date.

If you spend less time with him and remove yourself when he’s not appreciating you, he might notice that he misses you and reach for you more.

Or, he may notice that he’s fine with less time with you.

In either case, you can make a better choice on what to do next.

You deserve to be with someone who cares about you. If these don't change him, you may want to end the relationship and find another who cares about you.

Am I under a curse? relationship and that he had two little kids. He left his wife and moved in with me. But he decided that it was too costly to leave the marriage and so he returned.

I equate my bad choices in men as a fact that most men are bad, especially when you’re in your 40s. I know I should have run away the minute I found the red flags. The problem is, if you are a hungry person, you might be tempted to eat food that is laced with poison.

What should an intelligent, attractive, 41-year-old professional female do to meet a compatible bachelor nowadays? I am getting of tired of wanting.

Sienne, Port-Harcourt

Dear Sienne, You have an interesting relationship history but I am sure when you were younger, you were more optimistic about men. However, I am going to bet that your childhood taught you that men are bad and relationships don’t work out. You may not even recognize this as true right now, as these were

Haunted from the grave

A

most likely hidden, subconscious beliefs. Even though you were optimistic as you went out into the world to find a mate, your choices and relationship behaviour were mostly driven by these hidden beliefs, because when it comes to relationships, all of us without exception act from our hidden beliefs. But hidden or not, our beliefs inform our brain what to select for us to see and experience.

You only got to see bad men.

As you said, you were starving and felt that poisonous relationships are better than no relationship, so you went ahead and had bad relationships.

You ask how to meet a compatible bachelor. By compatible, I think you really mean a good guy who can finally make you happy. Actually, chances are you won’t meet him at all, until you change what your brain selects for you.

In other words, you have to start believing that there are

,

Dear Julie, I have been in three marriages. I married the first time at 19 after dating the guy for four years. The marriage lasted for nine years before we divorced. Then, I married a man whose wife had died, leaving three boys without a mother. I later found out that he was an abuser and that his wife died from the intense stress of living with him. Our marriage lasted for three years. He lived with his late wife for 18. My third marriage was not out of love but to help someone acquire his American green card.

He needed to be married to get that. He died soon of cancer.

You would think I would give up by then. But I dated two other guys. One ended up revealing he had a two-year affair before filing for divorce and that was why he could not marry again. The other was temporarily separated from his wife.

Then I met was a co-worker who presented himself as unmarried. I found that he was married four months into the

I equate my bad choices in men as a fact that most men are bad, especially when you’re in your 40s. I know I should have run away the minute I found the red flags

,

plenty of good men out there before you can meet one. And not just pretending to believe it. You actually have to instill this belief deep inside you, so that it becomes stronger than your belief that all men are bad. And let’s be clear. I am not saying you have to look at

C O C K - T A L E S

n old man and woman were married for years even though they hated each other. When they had a confrontation, screams and yellings could be heard deep into the night. A constant statement was heard by the neighbours who feared the man the most. "When I die, I will dig my way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!"

They believed he practiced black magic and was responsible for missing cats and dogs, and strange sounds at all hours. He was feared and enjoyed the respect it garnished. He died abruptly under strange circumstances and the funeral had a closed casket. After the burial, the wife went straight to the local bar and began to party as if there was no tomorrow.

The gaiety of her actions were becoming extreme while her neighbours approached in a group to ask these questions: Are you not afraid, concerned, worried that this man who practiced black magic and stated when he died he would dig his way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life?

The wife put down her drink and said, "Let the jerk dig. I had him buried upside down."

The villager who lost his donkey A villager went to the city to visit his son.

He had no money so his donkey was his only transportation. When he reached the city he went to pee at the corner at the street, but while peeing, the donkey ran away. The old villager spent all day looking for his beloved donkey, but as the night fell, he decided to find a place to rest. As he had no money, he went to a hotel where he found an open room and laid under the bed to rest.

Later on that night, a couple came into the room and proceeded to make love on the bed.

The man compliments the girl and says: "In your eyes I can see the whole world" On hearing this, the villager jumps out from under the bed and says: "If you can see the whole world, can you see where my donkey is?"

men you consider “bad” and say they are “good.” You actually have to believe that there are other men out there who are wonderful, loving and looking for a great relationship, and that they have been simply invisible to you up until now. It is possible that perhaps your current beliefs are not an accurate reflection of reality. I mean, cant you judge all men based on a handful of your own experiences and a small number of famous men whose bad behaviour shows up in the media?

Next, start looking around for good men. How about men known as faithful and loving husbands? Seek out other evidence that there are good men out there, even if they are married. That will be a good start for you.

Then, be careful before deciding on the next guy so as not to end up like the rest. The truth of the matter whether you believe it or not and irrespective of your experience is that there are good men around.

Blonde mother

T

here are three moms. A bru nette, a redhead, and a blonde. They were all talking one day and the brunette says "Oh my gosh y'all I went through my daughter's purse the other day to get some gum, and I found an ounce of weed. I cannot believe she smokes weed" They comfort her, and the redhead says "Yeah, well I found a fake I. D. In my daughter's purse. I cannot believe she has one". So they all comfort her.

Then the blonde says "That's nothing. I found a condom in my daughter's purse. I just cannot believe she has a penis"

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20 20,, 2014—35

What to do when he won’t take no for an answer

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t’s really common problem—you have a brief fling with a man.

At first you thought he was great, but you went off him.

He was far more interested in you than you were in him. You told him how you felt, but he’s pestering you with texts and calls and has appeared at your door a few times with presents. You don’t want to hurt him. You know it was your fault for leading him on but now you feel threatened. How to really get rid of him for good?

‘It is cruel to be kind’ might be a good approach here, but is it a kind one?

“It might not even produce the result you want,” said Jenny, who’d gone through emotional trauma trying to get rid of a difficult ex-tobe. “If you say: ‘It’s over. I never want you to be in touch ever again. If you so much as ring me, I’ll call the police. Goodbye!” You will risk driving him mad with misery, a madness that could turn all too easily into rage and violence.

“Your best bet here is to invent another man. But whatever you do, you need to let him know there is nothing in any future

relationship with him. Be completely honest and say that you shouldn’t have leapt in quite quickly, and apologise. You could even say you’ll like a couple of months with no contact but that you would not like to stop being

friends in the long term, unless he’d prefer to call it a day. It’s kinder go give him that option, because then he would feel that he had some power over you and he would now decide he’d prefer a total

separation. Then he could kid himself that, in the end, he had taken the decision to end it completely, rather than you.

“But if he won’t take this route— and sadly, I bet he won’t— then rather than cut off, just very, very slowly withdraw the emotional support, as it were, only answer every other e-mail, and then one in three.

Keep your replies short and friendly. Text could be reduced to single words like ‘Excellent...” or ‘Not really...’ At this juncture never, ever accept gift from him, no matter how expensive. Slowly, he will learn to survive on his own. He’ll know that you’re still there, listening to him and occasionally responding but that you’re never going to be the mainstay of his life.”

Could a disinterested lover being staked by her love-struck boyfriend be enjoying the attention?

According to Carolyn who once took an ex back out of pity only to bitterly regret it: “Having someone more interested in you than you are in him, and offering attention and presents could be flattering. Were it not for the fact that you’re secretly enjoying being pursued by someone you find or found attractive, you would have long since barred him from your phones and sent him and his presents packing.

If you are serious in regarding him as a past, you can’t afford to be kind. You must have tried the ‘nice’ options. So, then write him a note saying that you wish him to stop contacting you in any way but I suspect that if you simply ignore him, he will go away. Your signals must be entirely unambiguous.

“However, if he’s a decent chap who is just head over heels in love, you still owe him nothing.

Only a hermit can avoid being hurt. Being hurt is part of life. Move on, and do not feel guilty. You have done nothing wrong.”

Be warned, Paracetamol has no effect on back pain prescribing paracetamol to alleviate low back pain, there is no high-quality evidence which shows it works, according to Australian researchers.

T

hey carried out their study on 1,652 people with acute lower back pain in Sydney. The volunteers, who had an average age of 45, were divided into three

,

T

aking paracetamol has no effect on lower back pain despite being the treatment most widely recommended by doctors, according to a study.

Paracetamol is the first-line treatment for doctors dealing with acute attacks of the most common form of back pain. But a major trial shows the painkiller does not help sufferers recover more quickly, reduce their pain levels, or improve their sleep or quality of life.

The research suggests advice and reassurance can do as much good for back pain patients as regular doses of paracetamol. Lower back pain is thought to affect two in five people at some point in their lives, being triggered by bad posture while sitting or standing, bending awkwardly, or lifting incorrectly. In many cases it gets better within 12 weeks, with sufferers taking painkillers and keeping mobile. Despite universal advice to doctors about

(dummy pills). The study found little difference in the number of days it took to recover between the treatment groups, with the placebo group having an average recovery time of 16 days, a day faster than the other two groups.

Paracetamol also had no effect on short-term pain levels, disability, function sleep quality, or quality of

Research suggests advice and reassurance can do as much good for back pain patients as regular doses of paracetamol

groups. One group received regular doses of paracetamol three times a day for up to four weeks. They were given up to 3,990mg per day.

Another group received up to 4,000mg of paracetamol per day when required, and the third were given a placebo

,

life, says a report in The Lancet medical journal. Study leader, Dr. Christopher Williams, from Sydney University, said paracetamol was effective in treating some acute pain such as tooth extraction and post-operative pain. But the study findings

threw into doubt the role of paracetamol in treating low back pain, he said. ‘Simple analgesics such as paracetamol might not be of primary importance in the management of acute lower back pain,’ he said.

The results suggest we need to reconsider the universal recommendation to provide paracetamol as a first-line treatment for low back pain, although understanding why paracetamol works for other pain states but not low back pain would help direct future treatments.

I

n view of the quick time frame in which participants in our trial improved

compared with other cohorts, it would be interesting to see whether advice reassurance, as provided in our trial, might be a more effective than pharmacological strategies for acute episodes of low back pain.

But Dutch experts, Ben Koes and Wendy Enthoven, from Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, also writing in The Lancet, said it was too early to change clinical guidelines. They said: •’Although the findings from this high quality trial are clear, the content of guidelines should not be changed on the basis of a single trial; more robust and consistent evidence, including verification of the results in other populations, is needed.’

Paracetamol works by blocking prostaglandin enzymes in the brain and spinal cord involved in the transmission of pain.

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

J

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Hey pal, eyes up here!

Women dominated Brazilian town woo bachelors!

I

t’s like the opening gambit of an advert for cheap deodorant.

A Brazilian town populated only by women

has made an appeal for eligible bachelors.

More than 600 women live in the town of Noiva do Cordeiro, south-east

Brazil. And most of them are aged between 20 and 35 years old.

How they have extended an invitation to potential

suitors. But don’t start packing your bags just yet —but men have to understand that this corner of the Brazilian countryside is very much a woman’s world.

Some of Noiva de Cordeiro’s women are already married and have families, but their husbands—and any sons over 18—are made to work away from home and only allowed to return at the weekends. It means girl power rules in the rural community, with women in charge of

apanese porn stars bare their assets for ‘Boob Aid’—and invite members of the public for a hands-on experience (... but it’s all for a good cause).Pair porn stars with charity work and it’ll turn heads.Make it interactive, and it’ll

raise more than eyebrows.

Stop!AIDS,a charity in Japan which raises awareness of HIV and AIDS,holds a yearly event that puts Japanese porn stars in touch with their fans. But it’s not a standard meet-and-greet.

In exchange for a donation, participants can give the actresses a little squeeze.

The name of the livestreamed event, which ran for 24 hours on August 30, translates loosely to “Boob Aid.” Needless to say, images from the event contain nudity.

HIV and AIDS affects millions of people worldwide, including at least 2.1 million adolescents in 2012. Visit UNICEF to make a donation to help children living with AIDS.

every aspect of life—from farming to town planning and even religion.

And residents say their town is that much the better for it. The lack of eligible batchelors has now led the community’s many single young ladies to woo interested men —but only those willing to adapt to living in a women’s world.

Ms Fernandes said: ‘We’d like to get to know men who would leave their own lives and come to be a part of ours.

‘But first they need to agree to do what we say

and live according to our rules.’ In 1940, an evangelical pastor, Anisio Pereira, took one of the women, aged 16, to be his wife and founded a church in the growing community.

However, he proceeded to impose strict puritanical rules, banning them from drinking alcohol, listening to music, cutting their hair or using any type of contraceptive.

When Anisio died in 1995, the women decided never again to let a man dictate how they should live. And one of the first things they did was to dismantle the male-biased organised religion he had set up.

Rosalee Fernandes said: ‘We have God in our hearts. But we don’t think we need to go to church, get married in front of a priest or baptise our children. These are rules made up by men.’

Minnesota waitress vows winning $12 million lottery won’t change her, returns to work

A

waitress who won an $11.7 million jackpot is doing the last thing anyone would expect, and returning to work after her big lottery payday.

Rhonda Meath, 51, of Bethel, Minnesota, says nothing is different now that she, and retired husband Joe, have a lot more bucks in their bank account.

‘Have to still mow the grass and get mail and put grandkids on the school bus,’ the incredibly sensible and down-to-earth mom of four said after her big win.

And a big part of keeping things the same for Meath is getting back to work at the Lake Elmo Inn in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. ‘I actually really enjoy my job,’ Meath, who may now be one of the wealthiest waiters in all the world, told KSTP-TV.

‘I have great friends here and a great boss, and it’s just really a fantastic place to work, so I have no plans of leaving.’

The couple, who will actually get to keep all their winnings because Hot Lotto pays their state and federal taxes, don’t even plan on any making any big purchases or splurges with their newly acquired funds, saying they will make a few charitable contributions and get a new car.

Even more impressive, the two also plan on starting a college fund for the teenage clerk who sold them the ticket.

The waitress does admit, however, that while the money won’t change her, there is one major perk to being a newly minted multimillionaire. ‘Oh, I

think the kitchen staff is going to be a little nicer to me,’ she joked.

And as anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant knows, that just may be worth all the money in the world.

‘They 're trying to take advantage’

A

California man who gambled away $500,000 and is suing the Las Vegas casino in which he lost it has explained why the gambling palace is to blame for his loss.

Retiree Mark Johnston says the Downtown Grand Casino served him so many drinks that he has no memory of

playing table games all day.

‘I believed that they were just trying to take advantage of a player,’ Johnston told CBS News. ‘If you’re intoxicated, you’re not allowed to gamble. They’re supposed to stop you.’ A lawyer for Mark Johnston says his client was so drunk when he lost the money that he couldn’t see his playing cards.

Johnston is suing the casino, citing Nevada gambling laws, which forbid ‘permitting persons who are visibly intoxicated to participate in gaming activity’ and ‘complimentary service of intoxicating beverages in the casino area to persons who are visibly intoxicated.’

He’s not willing to take responsibility for being ‘blackout drunk’ either.

SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—37 SATURD TURDA

Ondo Dep. Go v’s wif e celebrat es 70 Gov’s wife celebrates

The celebrant, Alhaja Olanusi with her husband,Alhaji Alli Olanusi (right) and Mr. Bayo Fatusin, Chairman, Joseph and Abraham Company.

IT was celebration galore for the Deputy Governor of Ondo State ,Alhaji Alli Olanusi last Saturday in Akure when his wife, Alhaja Bejide Olanusi celebrated her 70 th birthday. Dignitaries from various walks of life were in attendance, including the State number one citizen, Dr Olusegun Mimiko who led other cabinet members to grace the special occasion.

While deluxe refreshments were been dished out from various culinary sources, legendary Juju musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey was on standby to provide entertainment.

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey performing at the event

Nollyw ood act or w eds Nollywood actor weds former beauty queen

T Bayo Fatusin and Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Ondo State Labour Party, Dele Akinyele, Yemi Makajuola, Bayo Fatusin and SSG, Ondo State, Dr. Aderotimi Adeola

L-R: Chief of Staff to Ondo State governor, Yekini Olanipekun, Kola Ademujimiand former Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sport.

Lekan Olanusi (left) and Mr. Gbenga Atiba.

he traditional marriage between Nollywood actor, Lawrence Onuzulike popularly known as Lurrenz and his beau, Patience took place on the 9th of August 2014 at the bride’s father’s home at Ochibitako, Kogi State.

Lawrence has featured in movies like The Blind, Troubled King, A Cry for Husband, Soul of a King, Escape from South, Blood on the Throne, just to name a few. He is also the lead actor in both of the following soaps, Chico Ejiro’s Tru e Heroes and Zeb Ejiro’s Classique which is being shown four days of the week on African Magic.

As producer, he’s the brain behind films like Market Babes, Charles and Sidney, Bloomsberry hotel and many others. Patience Yisa Onuzulike is a chemistry graduate of Benue state University. She is former Miss Glo Benue State, and former Miss Culture and Tourism Benue State.

Ugoc hin wujo w eds Kingsle e Ugochin hinyyere A Awujo weds Kingsleyy Ek Eke

F

ormer Miss Ugochinyere Awujo and her heart-throb, Mr Kingsley Eke consummated their love relationship in a Holy matrimony recently. Guests were treated to refreshment at Oakwood Park Hotel, Lekki Lagos.

Mr and Mrs Kingsley Eke.

Members of Umuduruaku Daughters Association, UDA, at the wedding.

The couple, Lawrence and Patience Onuzulike with Patience's mother and younger brother.

The couple with Patience's grandmother.

38—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

YETUNDE AREBI

Re: Is polygamy really bad? her husband over to the other woman. If this woman has not harmed her up till the moment she discovered, I doubt she would, now that she is already a wife by traditional standards. Yetunde, thank you for your thought provoking articles. More grease to your pen.

Ajibike

Hi!

A

Before answering this question, I want you to take a look at the family of Chief Razak Okoya, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Tejuosho, Oba Akiolu of Lagos and those of many rich and even not so famous men with three or more wives. Is polygamy bad for their wives and their children? I agree that they will all have their own peculiar problems but that is the way life goes.

Every relationship or marriage will have their own problems, whether monogamous or polygamous.

However, as in the families cited above, the richer the man is the greater his capacity to take care of the women and their children. And so the better the game for them. In my own opinion, polygamy is simply the game of the rich. If a man cannot afford it, then don’t venture into it. On Bisola and Akin’s situation, she will be making the mistake of her lifetime if she hands

,

few weeks ago, I published a story about a friend who recently discovered that her hus band was raising another family besides theirs.

Typically acting like a normal woman would, or rather is expected to, Bisola began threatening hell and brimstone, wailing as if her world had collapsed. Akin had betrayed her love and their marriage vows and she would disgrace him. How? I had asked. Has Akin done anything extraordinary? If his other family would affect their marriage, would it not have done so all these while? Why is she suddenly now afraid of this stranger that has been her husband’s friend for several years and had done her no harm until she discovered her existence? So, what really were Bisola’s fears, polygamy or something else? I therefore asked our dear readers for their opinion on Bisola and Akin’s problem as well as other questions especially if polygamy is really a bad practice. As usual, I received quite a number of mails and as promised, I intend to publish as many of them as possible, if not all. Who knows, some of the articles might even trigger another angle to this discussion. Please feel free to do so, if you still wish to participate in this debate. Do have a wonderful weekend!

I can’t but thank you wholeheartedly and sincerely for your thought provoking, robust, incisive and exemplary response to Bisola’s unreasonable complaints. I’m a Lawyer by God’s grace and a practicing one with specialty in family and matrimonial matters. I strongly believe that it is high time we all realised the import of our differences in beliefs, reasoning and perception about life, relationship and interactions.

The reality on ground today gives everyone to live life as he or she wants and when the after effects of our actions or in-actions come to play, we should be bold to accept the outcome. No doubt, the problems between Bisola and Akin started long ago and the effect of the crisis was made known to Bisola when she found out that Akin had mistresses. The time has come for us to face the realities of life occasioned by greed, lust and economic in-dices. We all pray that we will be truthful in our dealings with our relationships so that when the unexpected finally happens, we would be ready to bear the consequences.

To me, polygamy is not bad and should not be condemned. Thank you so much.

E. Olu-Alade.

A man enjoys having multiple sexual relationships, or since a man is more likely to cheat on his wife, if a man is allowed to have as many wives as he wants, he will have no, or less, need to practice extra-marital sex

,

Hello!

First of all, almost all men like having as many female partners as possible. They have that natural penchant to be with scores of women. If we forbid it because of some Bible teaching, we only create problems, including unfaithfulness, because men, generally speaking, will still go out to satisfy that desire to be with many women. Let’s give men the unhindered chance to do what they enjoy doing – keeping many women as partners.

Second, polygamy promotes individual rights and freedom. It is obvious that everyone wants to be free to associate, choose, decide and so on, and this applies to the practice of polygamy. The decision to practice polygamy should be left with the individual; it is a personal decision that no person or institution should interfere with. If a man wishes to practice polygamy, or if a woman wants to live in a polygamous marriage, the decision should be left with the person. No one should deprive that individual of this right. To do otherwise is to trample upon the right of the individual to choose what is good for him.

Third, polygamy helps to prevent or minimize adultery. Since, generally speaking, a man enjoys having multiple sexual relationships, or since a man is more likely to cheat on his wife, if a man is allowed to have as many wives as he wants, he will have no, or less, need to practice extra-marital sex. Having only one wife creates a condition for the temptation to cheat to flourish. Polygamy can help solve this problem.

Fourth, polygamy is part of some culture. By practicing this form of culture, the people feel proud and dignified. Why should some people feel that their one-man-one-wife culture should be more acceptable, or is better, than a one-man-many-wives culture? Is this not what we call ethnocentrism? It is this ethnocentric tendency that has caused many unique cultural practices to be destroyed completely.

We must not allow this to happen to polygamy. We must protect our culture.

Fifth, polygamy was practiced by great men of both the Bible and the Koran. Abraham had more than one wife. Jacob had more than one wife. David had more than one wife. Solomon had more than one wife. Mohamed had several wives. God did not condemn or punish any of these men for practicing polygamy. In fact, the Koran puts it clearly – a man is allowed to have up to four wives. Those who think that polygamy is wrong because Adam had only one wife don’t understand that Adam had no choice. If God had placed several Eves into the Garden of Eden or somewhere near it, forget it, Adam would have taken them all as wives.

Sixth, polygamy helps to reduce the number of unmarried women in a society. In other words, it brings hope to the single women among us. If polygamy is enthusiastically welcome and promoted and accepted, the number of unmarried women in our society will be less. We all know what problems most unmar-

ried women face, don’t we? Polygamy can help solve these problems. You see what joy and balance polygamy can bring to a society?

Seventh, polygamy helps men with leadership ability. Most men and women know that women are one of the most difficult creatures to deal with in this world. So, for a man to control a home of three or four wives with different backgrounds and behaviour, for example, is a great leadership responsibility.

And if a man can successfully manage this, then he’s most likely to manage great institutions or people. If one can understand and deal with women easily and successfully, then he has great management and leadership skills.

Eighth, polygamy teaches a man to learn how to be patient. Many of us know that patience is a great virtue. Most of us also know that women do all kinds of things that annoy, infuriate or frustrate men. As mentioned in the previous argument, women, generally speaking, are troublesome creatures. If a man who has two or three wives can learn to keep them in his life for years, in spite of their troublesome nature, then that man has obtained one of the greatest virtues of life. Do we need impatient people in our society, or patient people?

Ninth, polygamy is good in that it proves that men have a humanitarian spirit in them – they want to help others. We all know that, as experience has shown, it is the man’s responsibility to provide for the home.

So, imagine a man who has four wives, each having three children. If this man can willingly, readily and ably provide food, clothing, shelter and other things for the four women and their children, isn’t he helping to sustain humanity? Isn’t he a humanitarian?

Do you know what would happen to those women if they had no one to help them? This is the humanitarian side of polygamy, and it is another reason why we should support it and encourage both men and women to welcome and promote it.

Finally, polygamy, like prostitution, is an ageold normal human practice. Polygamy has been with us for ages. It started long before the Flood of Noah came. Some say that the first man to have ever practiced polygamy was Lemech, a man who married two women. It has been practiced since that time. Let’s not frustrate its continuation.

To conclude, there are many good reasons why polygamy is a fantastic practice, but because of time and space, only ten reasons have been proffered. Indeed, supporting polygamy is a sensible thing to do because men already like having many partners, it enhances personal freedom, helps to prevent or minimize adultery, is an integral part of some culture, was practised by great men of Christianity and Islam and other religions, helps to decrease the number of single women in society, helps men with leadership ability, it indicates that men are humanitarian, and it is a normal human practice.

Olugbenga Oguntayo

If you wish to have your contributions to issues raised on this column, write to me via email address: yetty5050@yahoo.co.uk Cheers

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

D

isclaimer: Notwithstanding the appellation, I do not see older women who date or marry younger men as cougars (predators) because the young men went into the relationships with their korokoro eyes. Technically they are consenting adults, unless they are saying the mamas bewitched or hypnotized them.

Many of us grew up seeing relationships—marriages, courtships, sugar daddies—where the men were older than the women. The opposite was rare and where it existed, the difference in age was often negligible. Not anymore; we have entered an era when men in their 20s are marrying, or romantically linked with, grandmothers in their 60s and marriage, procreation, there is 70s. When the trend started in a question mark in a postthe western world, I knew it menopausal woman marrying was only a matter of time a young man in his 20s. Child before Nigerians, who have bearing is certainly not part of become very adept at the plan. In America, where following global trends in a childlessness is often a choice, world that has shrunk into a it is understandable. But in global village, will follow suit. Nigeria where childlessness While I have not heard of any has put enormous strains on of such marriages within some marriages and torn Nigeria, desperate young couples apart, where mothersNigerian men have married in-law and extended family women old enough to be their members pile unbearable grandmothers in Europe and pressure on couples over America for citizenship, child-bearing, the young men fortune or whatever. However, involved need to tell another we have heard of women in story, beyond love, to justify their 60s who are romantically this self-induced linked with young men in childlessness. Night and day their 20s within our shores, do not cohabit, but matters of although it always seems to be the flesh are a different kettle a hush-hush affair. Recently, of fish. But that still does not the Vanguard Newspaper take away the gulf between reported the arrest of 31-year- sunrise and sunset. old Adio Opeyemi Michael Relationships, where there is who defrauded a 72-year-old a vast difference in ages Dutch woman of about N40m between the couples, naturally in a romance scam. attract attention. Even women, Viewed strictly from the who marry much older men, primary purpose of matrimony, are often looked at with which is companionship, you suspicion. The husbands’ cannot fault the married children from previous liaisons couples among them. But and other family members when you throw in the second often see the young women as most important reason for gold diggers. Love is a

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 —39 no-strings-attached, strings get attached over time because you are dealing with feelings and emotions not rationality.

Many women in these relationships confess that they are enamoured by the physique and the boundless energy of the young men and the relationship makes them feel young. They also say the sex is great. Undoubtedly the combination of an experienced mama and a young man in his 20s with youthful vigour looks tantalizing on paper; only if you can just take the sex in isolation. Unfortunately it does not work that way. While you are at liberty to live your life the way you want, you have your spiritual life, family, friends, position and other things to consider.

Cougars and toy boys complicated issue and you never know what drives people, but suspicion will continue to trail relationships with vast age differences. This is especially so because, in most of the cases, the older party is either very famous, rich or both. Many people have, however, grudgingly accepted relationships and marriages between older women and men who are few years younger. ne of the challenges women who marry or O date younger men face is the

immaturity and insecurity of their male companions. Some of them have problems “growing up” and fitting into the circle of friends of these women. Sometimes the women’s friends and families neither accept nor respect them. They often look down on the young men and make degrading remarks about them. They are often seen as gold diggers. These guys find the situation offensive and become resentful.

Unfortunately, the women are often rich, which aggravate the situation.

Sometimes, the guys were picked from the gutters and brushed up. Incidentally, in many cases, the old saying that you can take a pig from the slime but you cannot take the slime out of the pig is never far away. In the last 10 years a number of women in such relationships have been killed by their younger lovers out of jealousy, greed or rage. The last celebrated case was 31year-old Kelechi Mojekwu (His name and age vary in the newspaper reports) who allegedly killed his rich and older lover, 39-year-old Lizzy Njideka-Nzewe. These guys do not seem to know how to keep their insecurity and immaturity in check.

These women also do not help matters. They want the best of both worlds: keep these young men for the “mindblowing sex” while also keeping other male lovers for connections, power, business, money, prestige and public show. It is a dangerous, delicate and high stake game and some of these women who are not adept at playing it have paid dearly. Even if, ab initio, the relationship is defined as

was watching an American reality show I when a woman in her 40s

stormed out of a party in anger after finding out that her 72-year-old mother was dating a 27-year-old man. A twenty something year old man coming down on your seventy something year old mama certainly is an unpalatable meal for many family members, including liberalminded Americans, mama’s feelings, rights and opinions notwithstanding. For many people, it is a taboo.

Ultimately, our ability to balance all the contending areas and issues in our lives and be attuned with our creator is the mark of true success and fulfillment. Or what do you think?

(Text Only)

Exercise for stress-relief

The Plough

The Plough Benefit:Stimulates the activity of the thyroid glands; of great help to those with sluggish digestion as it stimulates the peristaltic movement of the bowels. Also an effective cure for constipation.

Fingers

to

Toes

Technique: Sit down flat on the ground; stretch your hands gently to touch the toes.

Remain still for a period of 15 to 20 second and repeat thereafter for two or three times.

Benefits:This exercise stretches your back muscles and enable you move freely at all times.

The shoulderstand Though the classic shoulder stand is executed without a prop, the variant under discussion here is done with

the aid of chair.

Technique: Place a chair on the practice mat at one end.

Lying on your back rather close to the chair, raise both legs and rest them on the chair forming a neat slant from feet to shoulder. Place the hands a little away from the sides.

Breathe in slowly, rhythmically and deep into the abdomen. A minute or two will do at the initial stages. Follow that up with the dead man’s pose of lying completely still on your back.

Benefits: The shoulder stand affect the thyroid gland which normalizes metabolism and the

production of heat and controls the heart rate.

Triangle Pose Technique: Standing with the feet rather wide apart, turn the trunk to the left and lowering it, place the palm of the left hand flat down on the outside of the left leg while raising up the right hand and straightening it at the elbow.

Breathe normally and retain the position for about 10 or I5 seconds.

Benefits:The triangle stretches the leg, spine, and trunk muscles.

It promotes flexibility of the hip spine and legs. It tones the nerves of the spine and the abdominal organs. It reduces pain in the lower back and invigorates the circulation.

Triangle Pose

•The shoulderstand •Fingers

to

Toes

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

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

40—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Do we have a govt? Egypt Air must be brought to book A Nigerian medical student returning to school in Ukraine recently recounted his ordeal at the hands of Egypt Air officials who wrongly flew him to another country, kept him in seclusion for three days without food, tore his passport and deported him back to Nigeria. Saturday Vanguard sought the view of members of the public on what the position of the Nigerian government should be on the issue.

BY JULIET EBIRIM

NIGERIANS REACT: We don’t value lives in Nigeria – Mrs. Stella Okonkwo

People usually fall victim to this kind of thing and nothing is done.

That’s the Nigerian system. I know someone who has suffered similar misfortune with a different airline and nothing was done. Do we have a government? As far as I’m concerned, we don’t value lives in Nigeria.

zMrs Stella

zErnest Egweji

zKelly Obele

That airline should be sued - Kelly Obele

Nigerians are usually given the second-class treatment everywhere.

That airline should be sued, if the boy’s parents can’t afford to sue the airline, a non-governmental organisation should take up the matter. We have human rights, so they have to pay for damages for detaining the boy. The aviation minister should take up the issue and put a stop to it. For the officials to disrespect our passport by tearing it, the president should also look into it.

We don’t really have a government, because if we do, the government would have sent a message or grounded the airline and then carry out investigations to find out how it happened. The airline should be brought to book.

Government should make sure he’s compensated - Ernest Egweji

Our government should look into the matter and do something about it. They should make sure the boy is compensated. Cases abound where Nigerians are ill-treated by foreign air officials, this is because our government doesn’t take issue like this serious.

,

Airline should be grounded – Hassan Abdul

zDr Ayo Shonde

We don’t really have a government, because if we do, the government would have sent a message or grounded the airline and then carry out investigations to find out how it happened

,

zRev Tope Popoola

Tearing up his passport is an insult to the nation - Rev. Tope Popoola

This issue is a diplomatic one and should be taken up by the federal government. Any government that is sensitive to its duty to citizens should do that without any pressure. It’s the responsibility of any decent government. The Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine should be informed, the airline that took him to a different country should be sued. The federal government should take it up and the airline should be held liable.. Tearing up his passport is an insult to the nation, that alone justifies government involvement. You can’t do that to an American.

The government should take it up - Nneka If he was wrongly transported to another

zHassan country, then it is the responsibility of the airline to make sure he’s compensated. The government should take it up if he was deported, because it wasn’t his fault at all. It was very wrong of them to tear his passport.

Government and human rights commission should do something about it - Dr. Ayo Shonde

His family should approach and report to the human rights commission. The Nigerian government should take it up in conjunction with the human rights commission. It wasn’t the boy’s fault, it was a case of pure negligence on the part of the airline.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 — 41

Scotland referendum Compiled by ADEKUNLE ALIYU

Ebola: We can’t say if Zmapp Tears, fears as Scottish independence bid defeated works — US Doctor S D

The duo also revealed

BY VERA SAM-ANYAGAFU & that the deadly Ebola Virus Disease is difficult PRISCA SAM-DURU to control at the moment IRECTOR of Cen due to fear, lack of adetres for Global quate information, large Health (CGH) at the population, inadequate Centres for Disease Con- medical facilities as well trol (CDC), Dr Thomas as weak diagnostic facilKenyon has disclosed ities in affected counthat it was difficult to as- tries.

“There is tremendous certain whether the Zmapp used on some stigmatisation of Ebola Ebola patients, was effec- survivors and we appeal to the media to dissemitive.

Dr Thomas Kenyon nate adequate and corwho spoke along side the rect information that will Special Assistant to Pres- help correct misconcepident Obama and Senior tion about the disease so Director for Development as to eradicate it. We and Democracy, Nation- know Ebola Virus broke al Security Council, Gay- out in 1976 but this is the le Smith, via telephone first real epidermic conference, stated that across population reach“Zmapp is therapeutic ing on the scale never and very difficult to pro- seen before, so we need concerted action to curduce.

It takes longtime to pro- tailing the spread of the duce and the bottom line virus. While we comis that we don’t even mend the efforts of know if it works. We can- health workers and Ninot say for sure if it is ef- geria’s quick response, fective because some pa- we advise that we need tients took it and died to find patients quickly, while some survived. It is isolate them and commence treatment immejust a trial drug.”

C M Y K

diately to save lives.”

In controlling the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus, Dr Kenyon noted that, “it requires the collective efforts of governments across the globe, NGOs, health institutions and importantly, the media. People are so afraid that the earlier adequate information is passed across to them, the better. Facts will not only curb their fears, but will help fight stigmatisation of survivors of the disease.”

Governments of affected countries have been tremendously transparent in the fight against the out break of the disease. Liberia is the worst hit as in a day about 60 bodies were picked up for burial. This is the most striking explosion of disease and we commend people who have put their lives on line to stop its further spread.

Ebola Virus is preventable and the best way is not to touch a sick person and also the dead must be buried safely.

UPPORTERS of Scot tish independence reacted with bitter disappointment on Friday as their hopes of breaking away from Britain were dashed, with some breaking down in tears in the streets of Edinburgh.

Many had stayed up all night in the hope of a new dawn for their nation but instead had to accept defeat on a grey, rainy morning in Scotland’s capital.

“My feeling was just crushing, quite devastating,” said 16-year-old Charlotte Darroch, who was at Edinburgh’s main counting centre wearing her school uniform, her tie pinned with “Yes” badges and a Scottish flag wrapped around her shoulders.

“We all felt it was going to go the other way. I genuinely thought the feeling on the ground was different. I don’t think people realised quite how important this was,” she added.

Pro-Union supporters celebrate as Scottish referendum polling results are announced at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, Scotland yesterday. Scotland appeared set to reject independence on Friday with 23 out of 32 voting areas declared .Photo: AFP One of thousands of under 18s given the vote for the first time ever in Britain, Darroch pledged not to give up hope after 1.6 million people, more than a third of the electorate, voted for independence.

“This isn’t the end of the ‘Yes’ campaign,” she said.

Outside the Scottish Par-

liament, “Yes” voters Paddy Burns and Rikki Maclean were walking home after spending all night at a friend’s house watching the results.

“They (the ‘No’ voters) have said we’re not up to the task of governing ourselves and that kills me,” said Burns, a 23-year-old barman.

42—SA TURD AY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 42—SATURD TURDA

L

ike the Biblical passage, “from the valley of the shadow of death,” came out five out of the nine victims that recovered fully from the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, that has continued to ravage some countries in the West Africa sub region.

Following, several days of severe battle with the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, at Isolation centre in Yaba, the five survivors on Thursday evening met with Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State as well as some members of the state’s Executive Council led by Commmissioner for Health, Dr Jide dris, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina to recount their narrow escape from the jaw of Ebola death.

The atmosphere was serene as newsmen and government functionaries at about 5 pm on Thursday, started walking into the conference room of Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the unveiling of five survivors.

Although, there are nine survivors altogether, four declined to honour the invitation by the state government for the public presentation.

Governor Fashola had earlier promised during a media chat to present the survivors in public to share the experiences.

The survivors include; Dennis Akagha, fiance of late Justina, Nurse at First Consultant Hospital, Dr Fadipe Akinniyi, Dr. Ibeawurhi Morris, Dr. Adaowa Igowoh and Kelechi Enemuo, wife of late Dr Iyke Samuel Enemuo, who died of Ebola disease in Port Harcourt.

Three of the survivors, who are staff of First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos Island, contracted the disease from the first index case, late Patrick Sawyer, an American Liberian who brought imported the disease into Nigeria on July 20th, 2014 when he arrived from Liberia.

Before the survivors walked into the venue, journalists and few government officials were scared of physical contact with the survivors.

They would have their interview from a distance, one said.

One of the commissioners, (name-withheld) avoided passing through the side where the survivors were seated.

In an emotion laden speech before the anxious crowd at Governor’s office, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Igowoh, a young and articulate lady, who should be in her early 30s, was the first to take the bold step forward to recount her ordeal, which she described as traumatic.

Dr, Igowoh, clad in flowery top and a jean trousier narrated thus: “Today is a glorious day; it’s a day of Joy. I want to say that we are here today because of God. We survived. We are privileged to see this day, to be here with everybody, its an honour. Thank you so much Governor Fashola. We can’t thank you enough for everything.

We, at First Consultants Medical Centre, took a risk. We risked our lives because we wanted to ensure the safety of Lagosians, Nigerians and humanity because we are a global village. From a small village it can spread to the world and we knew the implications, but we said we would risk our lives and we would not let the index case leave the hospital.

“We remember the people that we lost, the wonderful people who risked their lives. We would never forget them, we can’t. Our lives have been changed, every one of us who went through this ordeal, we know that we are better for it. Everything happens for a reason and we must find out the purpose and the reason why we went through this.

“We want to say thank you very much to the Lagos State Government, and the Ministry of Health as well as the Federal Ministry of Health. The Centre for Disease Control. I was a full witness to the efforts to contain the virus. In fact there was a time I asked for Chicken and Chips, I was at the Isolation Centre, and it was brought, I was surprised. I asked because I wanted to see if they would honour my request and they brought Chicken and Chips to me, I was amazed.

Dr. Akinniyi, also should be in his 30s briefly narrated:

C M Y K

OUR EBOLA STORY:

How a foreign doctor saved our lives –Nigerian survivors

EBOLA SURVIVORS— Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos(4th left) with survivors of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, during a visit to the Governor in Lagos, yesterday. From right: Dr. Adaora Igowoh, Dennis Akagha, Fashola, Dr. Ibeawuchi Morris, Dr Fadipe Akinniyi and Dr Enemuo Kelechi.

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BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

It all happened like a dream because I have read a lot about Ebola even while in school. We had a lot of things on haemorrhagic virus.

How it wreck direct havoc on human beings, bleeding and all that. You continue to bleed until you are dead

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“I am most happy to be here today because as matter of fact, when everyone was running helter-skelter, I told myself I only opened the door and by the virtue of that, nothing should happen to me. I never knew I was deceiving myself until the day I recorded my temperature and there was a kind of spike. And I asked myself what is going on?

“I used anti malaria drugs but nothing changed, rather it was getting worse. Eventually, I went to a private hospital to treat myself because I did not want to admit it was Ebola.

I felt they would be able to proffer solutions to all my problems but it wasn’t to be so. Rather, it was becoming terrible and I started stooling and vomiting. I summoned the courage and called the doctors at the monitoring units that my temperature has been persistently high.

“They told me not to worry that they would come pick me up. In another four hours, they came with ambulances and before I knew it, I found myself at Yaba Isolation centre. It all happened like a dream because I have read a lot about Ebola even while in school. We had a lot of things on haemorrhagic virus. How it wreck direct havoc on human beings, bleeding and all that. You continue to bleed until you are dead.

“I was very devastated but I kept the faith. I remember Dr Adesina telling me when we got there that I would leave this place. That no matter what happens, I would leave this place.

She said as it is, people survive the virus, that I should not mind that I would survive the disease.

“So, I kept my faith and with the help of God. I am very grateful to Dr. David who was the initial doctor who attended to us before our doctors who were on strike finally emerged.

Dr David really tried. He really tried. He committed himself totally to us and if I should have a time to meet him again, I think I will tell him he is a very brave man, leaving his comfort

zone to come and treat us here in Nigeria.

Knowing that with these people, after a couple of time, you could actually contract the disease. It is not easy.

“I thank God because with time, things got better. The vomiting stopped, the fever subsided and eventually, I was declared Ebola negative. I was very happy to reunite with my family and everything changed back to normal” Dennis (Lost his two moth old pregnant fiancee, Justina, who was a nurse at the First Consultant Hospital) Dennis, intermittently, was laughing because he could not still believe he actually lost his dear one to Ebola and he also survived it. Dennis narrated thus: I really want to appreciate and commend everything you (Lagos state government) have done. My case was different, I wasn’t among the doctors. My fiancee, Justina Echelonu Obioma happened to be one of the nurses that cared for the index case.

She had contact with the index case. When she came back home, she told me. We didn’t know what was happening because she was having symptoms. She was two months pregnant. She was feeling feverish. In fact that was her first day on the job, it was her first day and her first patient was Patrick Sawyer. She just resumed that day, I encouraged her to go to work, but she was reluctant because of her situation, I had to convince her to go and tell them in the Hospital about her condition so that they can give her more time.

That was just the first day. When she came back, the following day she went to work again, then the next two days, she was off. We were just at home when the case was announced, the case of Sawyer and she told me that she cared for him at the Hospital and I asked her if she was sure about what she said.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—43

National Assembly

National Assembly to probe Egypt Air

We’ve had several cases where Nigerian students are killed in the *For dehumanising a Nigerian student, tearpremises of ing his passport and wrongly deporting him some

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE ”Recently, immediately after Patrick Sawyer imported Ebola into our shores, a Nigerian HAIRMAN House Committee on family traveled all the way to Srilanka to attend foreign Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa a wedding ceremony, they were all deported has vowed to get to the roots of how a without undergoing any test. universities 17- year- old Nigerian medical ”It is rather unfortunate as some of the family student based in Ukraine, Master Joshua Kunle members came all the way from Britain, the US and not Abdulazeez was wrongfully deported and and other parts of the world to attend the dehumanised by the Egyptian authorities last wedding of a family member but because they August. were Nigerians they were ridiculously ridiculed. even an Apparently disturbed by the young man’s ”This trend had to stop but the bodies narrative of how he was traumatised, starved involved in the fight against such ordinary for four days, his Nigerian passport torn to dehumanisation and maltreatment shreds in last Saturday’s Vanguard, meted to Nigerians are not funded, condolence Dabiri-Erewa vowed that “we will invite so what do you expect?, she all the parties involved to the House to wondered. explain why a 17 year old boy should ”Nigerian students in Eastern letter was go through such a trauma for no fault Europe too go through unnecesof his”. Said she: sary stress particularly those in written to ”Vanguard is a credible newspaper Russia. You won’t believe it, but we will still hear their own side they beg fellow students from families of of the matter and ensure that justice Liberia and Ghana for is appropriately delivered. survival. always warned Nigerian ”Some even beg in superthe victims ”I’ve parents in different fora to markets to survive because

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beware of foreign universities they pay high fees and even because if you compare the pay as much as $300 cost of private universities dollars to register courses Hon Abike here, it is almost the same”. at the beginning of a Dabiri-Erewa ”Although some like the session. university of Legon and a ”What about Nigerians few others are well organised, it is still better to rotting in Brazilian, Malaysian and Chinese jail try our private universities. houses without fair trial? ”We’ve had several cases where Nigerian ”Just last month, the son of an NTA staff was students are killed in the premises of some sentenced to death without fair trial and several foreign universities and not even an ordinary others that are not reported in the media. condolence letter was written to families of the “The issue here is how long will Nigerians victims. continue to suffer this malady that has re” A case in point is that of a Cyprus university mained largely unabated”. where a Nigerian student was killed last year and the school authority did not bother to send a Background: condolence letter to the family of the young A Nigerian medical student returning to school man. in Ukraine, Joshua Kunle Abdulazeez in last ”We had to stop Cyprus from further recruitment Saturday Vanguard, gave an account of how he of Nigerian students as a warning to other nearly died at the hands of Egypt Air officials countries who come here to scout for students. who wrongly routed him to Moldova, never gave ”But this case of Abdulazeez would not be him food for days and called him bloody treated with kid gloves, like I said earlier we Nigerian before deporting him back to Lagos must get to the bottom of this case.

The student who is lucky to be alive said on ”And to be candid, not until our authorities here Friday, August 15, 2014 my mother and I went to start practicing the doctrine of citizens supremaEgypt Air head office at 22B Idowu Taylor cy, this trend may just continue.

Street, Victoria Island, Lagos to book a return

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ticket for me to go back to school to continue my studies at Dnepropetrovsk Medical Academy, Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine. This was about 11:15 am.

On entering the Egypt air office we met Mr. Tony Nzan on counter 1 to attend to us and we asked to book a ticket to Kiev, Ukraine. Mr. Tony Nzan explained to us the itinerary for the flight going to Ukraine after which we went to the bank to withdraw money and returned to pay for the ticket and obtained two printouts, so that my mother could have my return itinerary from Kiev next year.

We reviewed the ticket itinerary before leaving Egypt air’s office and immediately observed that the airport code indicated on it was different from what we were familiar with, having traveled to Kiev before. The ticket indicated an unfamiliar airport code.

We immediately brought this discovery to another ticketing officer’s attention who was seated at Counter 2, as we were informed that his colleague, Mr. Nzan, had stepped out of the office. This ticketing officer restated that the ticket was full economy and for Kiev, Ukraine with all the segments confirmed. However, we remained unconvinced, given that our prior experience indicated that the airport code for Kiev, Ukraine would usually read “KBP”.

Abdulazeez went through hell for a fault that was entirely not his but he was lucky. So many Nigerian students had died in different parts of the world that the committee on Diaspora led by Hon Abike-Dabiri-Erewa had brought to the notice of the Nigerian government that are still being investigated.

Last March, members of the House cried out condemning the manner in which Nigerian students were being killed in nearby Ghana, Malaysia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirate,UAE. Dabiri-Erewa in a motion which she sponsored under matters of national importance, entitled, ‘Killings of Nigerians abroad,’ had enumerated and explained how Nigerian students were killed overseas.

She painted a gory picture of how Nigerian students were being murdered in cold blood and sent to their early graves abroad.

The Lagos lawmaker had argued then that “the alarming increase in the number of Nigerian students murdered abroad in search of education has made them an endangered specie.

Egypt Air was callous— Lagos Lawyer

BY OKEY NDIRIBE Several Nigerians have already reacted to the inhuman treatment meted out to Joshua Kunle Abdulazeez, the 17 year old Nigerian boy studying medicine in Ukraine who was flown to Moldova, instead of Ukraine by EgyptAir Airline.

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer Mr Malachi Ugwumadu expressed outrage over the incident.

Speaking to Vanguard in a telephone interview last Tuesday, he said: "I am joining others who have condemned the unjustifiable attack on Joshua Abdulazeez, a fellow Nigerian citizen.

What led to the young man being flown to a country different from his destination was not his fault but due to negligence on the part of those who sold the wrong ticket to him. It was the mistake of somebody who was not competent to do his job. Whatever was the case, the type of treatment that was meted out to this young man was callous."

Ugwumadu maintained that the fundamental human rights of citizen Abdulazeez as stipulated under Chapter Four of the constitution, had been attacked by the action of the Egyptian officials.

Said he: " Abdulazeez could therefore file an action in court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights which would entail the perpetrators of those acts including the airline being sued".

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Abdul Azeez

Egypt Air

Aviation stakeholders want Egypt Air sanctioned for barbaric actions on Nigerian student

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

They have accepted liability by issuing a boarding pass. Egypt Air should compensate him and pay damages for their breach of customer’s right

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viation stakeholders have reacted angrily to the maltreatment of a Nigerian passenger, Master Kunle AbdulAzeez, by Egypt Air. Abdul Azeez bought an Egypt Air ticket on his way back to school in Ukraine and was wrongly routed and given wrong country destination code by the airline.

Despite his protest that the destination code was wrong, Egypt Air insisted the code was right. He was taken to Maldova instead of Ukraine. At Maldova , he was sent back to Istanbul where he connected the flight from Cairo. In Istanbul Egypt Air officials subjected him to mental torture and tore his passport, treating him him as if he was a criminal.

In Cairo he was detained, brutalized and deported back to Nigeria even when he volunteered to pay his way to Ukraine from Istanbul and even bought a ticket to proceed to Ukraine.

Commenting on the incidence, an official of Discovery Air, a domestic airline in Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Yusuf, said it was wrong for Egypt Air to treat AbdulAzeez the way they did. He said it was the responsibility of Egypt Air to make sure the boy got to his Ukraine destination since they had given him a boarding pass.

Yusufu said “ They have accepted liability by issuing a boarding pass. Egypt Air should compensate him and pay damages for their breach of customer ’s right.”

He also added that Egypt Air should have listened to the passenger when he pointed out that the destination code was wrong. Yusufu however blamed Kunle AbdulAzeez for accepting the ticket when he was sure the airport code was wrong.

Also speaking on the maltreatment, Mr Mbotie Etuk, who resides in United States of America, USA, blamed the

Nigerian aviation authority and the Federal government for the way Nigerian citizens are treated by foreign airlines.

Etuk contented that Egypt Air cannot do what they did to Kunle AbdulAzeez to the nationals of other countries because they know they will take immediate action against them.

Etuk who recalled his own personal experience with Air France in 2006, said Nigeria government does not protect his citizens against maltreatment. He said he and other Nigerian passengers were detained on board Air France from 11.00pm to 5.00 am in the morning while the airline officials claimed they were changing the tyre of the plane at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when they were about to take off to USA. He said despite his personal protest, the airline did not take them to an hotel for the night as some government officials also on board the Air France , just sat and did nothing.

Etuk has however commended the courage of Master Kunle AbdulAzeez for documenting his ordeal with Egypt Air and urged him to fight for his right so that other Nigerians will not go through this same experience.

An aviation analyst , Mr Ime Akpan said “The ill-treatment of Nigerians in other countries, especially African countries, would continue unabated if the federal government continues to play the big brother role instead of issuing stern warnings to some of these countries and taking action where necessary. Nothing stops the federal government from summoning the Egyptian ambassador to Nigeria or the aviation authorities from demanding an explanation from Egypt Air representatives in Nigeria.

“The airline would not subject a Chinese or an Indian for instance, to the type of treatment it meted out to the 17-year-old

Nigerian, Abdulazeez. Egypt knows that the Chinese and Indian governments will not tolerate abuse and discrimination against their people. No country would like to offend the Chinese or Indian government.”

“In 2007, the federal government adopted citizen diplomacy which de-emphasises the old ideology of Africa being the centre-piece of its foreign policy. Citizen diplomacy aims at protecting Nigerians and reacting against nations which are hostile to them. Unfortunately, since the idea was mooted, it seems there is no structure on the ground for its logical pursuit. I suggest Nigeria should, this time, invoke the spirit and letter of citizen diplomacy policy engineering so that other countries would learn.”

Mr Ayo Ayeni, another stakeholder said Egypt Air should be sanctioned by the aviation regulatory authority, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, for maltreating a passenger. He believes that most of the foreign airlines maltreat their Nigerian passengers because they feel they can escape the regulatory authority’s sanctions. Nigeria should make the airline tender written apology for tearing Kunle AbdulAzeez Nigerian passport. They should also pay compensation to him.

The Managing Editor of Aviationline margazine, Mr Moses Kolosi was furious that Egypt Air with their years of experience in Nigeria could treat a Nigerian shabbily the way they treated Master Kunle AbdulAzeez. He said only severe penalties will deter the airline from maltreating Nigerian passengers in the future.

According to him “ what Egypt Air did has racial colouration. Could they have done this to an American ? They breached a passenger’s right, brutalized him and are reluctant to pay compensation. NCAA should let them know there are laws in Nigeria.”

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 20 20, 2014 — 45

46—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

*Oil spill in Ogoniland

How FG plans to disburse funds for Ogoniland clean-up exercise —Alison-Madueke · MASSOP President wants transparency, pledges support as execution of UN report begins soon

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carefully reviewing the HYPREP structure to determine the best way to rejuvenate the programme to fully restore Ogoni land as it is envisioned in the report,” she added. On the renewed commitment of the government to the project, the minister said: “As you can see, we brought all scope of stakeholders in the Ogoni restoration efforts here including UNEP who actually put forward the guidelines and what we intend is that out of this will come the answer to some of the questions.

“I do not feel that it is proper that those funds will be disbursed through an agency of the government, that is through a ministry, as you know, we

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he federal government has said that it is now ready to fully execute the cleanup of Ogoniland as recommended in the environmental assessment report submitted to it by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke said in Abuja that the government in its renewed commitment to the environmental restoration effort, will review extant framework set up to undertake the process.

Alison-Madueke said at a stakeholders’ forum on the restoration efforts that the structural review was necessary for government to guarantee appropriate and accountable restoration programme. She also admitted that the implementation effort may have started late but that it was in an effort to enthrone due process in its execution.

The minister explained that parts of the structural adjustments in the implementation efforts will include the setting up of an independent body as recommended in the report to deploy and disburse funds meant for the restoration exercise.

The UNEP assessment report which was undertaken at the instance of the federal government had recommended amongst others the contribution of $1 billion by the government and oil industry as cost of the cleanup and which will be managed by an independent authority with a fixed initial lifespan of 10 years.

Alison-Madueke however said: “Let me make it clear at this point that HYPREP (Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project) is not the body that will handle funds or deployment of those said funds regarding the Ogoni restoration efforts in tandem with UNEP. “It is my expectation that one of the outcomes of our discourse here today is in fact, the appropriate structure or entity that should be put in place for the deployment and disbursement of the funds for Ogoni restoration.

“Upon consultations with the people of Ogoni land, it has become clear that the community and relevant stakeholders have not been properly consulted or incorporated into the implementation processes of the UNEP report.

“Accordingly, government has been deliberately cautious by solely and

The minister explained that parts of the structural adjustments in the implementation efforts will include the setting up of an independent body as recommended in the report to deploy and disburse funds meant for the restoration exercise

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have appropriated budget every year and we handle our projects through appropriations from the national assembly and so a fund that is coming in from multinational organisations, even though, NNPC will also participate in putting money into that fund, should be deployed and disbursed through an independent body that is not actually a federal government body. I think that in the discussions today, along with UNEP, the answers to this will be known.”

She further said: “We started off very well, even though we had knotty issues with HYPREP which we are trying to unravel as we speak because due process is due process in the federal government and it must be followed to the letter of the law.

“This is a critical discourse that we are having here today, it is true that we could have had it earlier but now that we are all together and have spoken

honestly and transparently, we will move forward in a very aggressive manner.”

“I think that with UNEP and other multilateral bodies and Ogoni people and community organisations, we will clearly create a major steering committee and we will face the restoration process in such a manner that people will actually see and feel what is happening.

“We have a lot of aggressive work to do over the next three months because we are going to be extremely aggressive so that it becomes quite clear that the federal government is fully behind this and putting all efforts and weight on it,” Alison-Madueke added.

But irrespective of her pledge of government’s commitment, communities who are impacted by the environmental pollution said that they will cooperate in the restoration effort as long as government exhibits convincing sincerity to the project.

President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Legnorsi Saro Pyagbara said that it was necessary for the government to match its words with tangible action on the project.

Pyagbara said: “I must say with all sense of responsibility that this meeting

today will need to consolidate on the gains of August 8, 2014 where MOSOP had the honour of facilitating the consultative meeting in which the young, the old, the lame, the dumb and all strata of Ogoni people participated and came out with a very strong fivepoint resolution.

“Ours is the feeling that it is the starting point for us to create a new focus and chart a new direction in the implementation of UNEP report. The resolutions of that meeting are to find a strategic way forward.”

“From MOSOP and from Ogoni, we believe strongly in partnership, we believe strongly in collaboration, we believe strongly that by coming together we can chart a new way for the protection of Ogoni environment. I can assure on behalf of MOSOP and Ogoni people that we are ever ready to collaborate, to partner and to sustain every genuine effort to drive the process of the implementation of the UNEP report. For the Ogoni people, we are not prepared for any half measure in implementing this report. For the Ogoni people we feel that all that is needed should be put in place for the full implementation of that report. I think this is where the Ogoni people stand and as I said MOSOP is very prepared, Ogoni people are very prepared to follow you as long as the process is genuine, the method is transparent and so long as there is effective consultation that respects the equality of every stakeholder in this process,” he added.

R-L; UN Special Envoy, Mr. Erik Solheim, President MODOP, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, His Majesty KingGbenemene E.K Giniwa, Minister of Environment, Mrs. Labara Mallam and GMD NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha during a stakeholders forum on Environmental restoration of Ogoniland held at the Transorp Hilton held in Abuja

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—47

Glo Xchange moves town hall meetings to Onitsha, Warri, K ano, o ther cities Kano, other

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Molit brings international standard home H

otels, guest houses serve different purposes for differnt results especially in modern society like ours. But one thing is certain, for you to offer the best customer service delivery in hotels and guest house business outfits, professionalism, standards and experience must follow hospitality to compete favourably locally and internationally.

A trip to Molit Guest House, Victoria Island can testify that. It also shows that Nigerian citizens

especially Lagosians can now enjoy quality service delivery offered by Molit as obtained abroad. It is a unique environment that offers unique style, comfort, peak hospitality, all for the executive’s choice.

According to one of the directors, Chris Aba, Molit Guest House is established to offer high level of quality and responsive services to our customers and our focus are corporate and business clientele who appreciate high level of service

delivery.

However, our up to date facilities and amenities meet world-wide international standard of a guest house, business centre conference facilities, gym facilities, car hire services etc. We also offer restaurant facilities with the excellent continental and delicious Nigerian dishes. We offer all the necessary quality services needed in any best guest house.

lobacom, in partnership with four partner banks, First Bank, Ecobank, Stanbic IBTC and Zenith bank recently moved its on-going Glo Xchange Town Hall orientation programme to five more cities in the country.

The meetings held at Top Rank Hotel, Onitsha; Maxin Lotus Hotel, Effurun Warri; Tahir Guest Palace, Kano; Nondon Hotel, Enugu, and Spices Eatery/Event Centre , Abeokuta.

According to the Head of Mobile Money Department in Globacom, Mr. Esaie Diei, the event took place in all the five different locations around the country simultaneously. He also disclosed that the meetings are open to individuals and registered businesses.

“Anybody who wants to join Glo Xchange Network and learn how to make more money in the Mobile Money Revolution is free to attend the town hall meetings in any of the cities”, Diei said.

The purpose of the town hall meetings is to create awareness and give an orientation to those who wish to know more about mobile money and how to operate the Glo Xchange network business. It will also give prospective agents the opportunity to ask questions and sign up as Glo Xchange agents immediately.

So far, the Town Hall meetings have been held in several other locations including Ibadan, Benin, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ikeja and Lekki in Lagos, with thousands of excited participants taking part.

During the meeting in Ikeja on Saturday, September 6, the prospective agents who attended praised Globacom for the mobile money super agent platform, saying that mobile money would make business transactions very easy and that Glo Xchange would improve the earnings of Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in the country.

Globacom, in collaboration with Mobile Money Operators, also said the agents could start the business with as little as N30,000 and earn up to twice their investment as commission monthly, depending on their volume of transactions.

We are not left out in global trend of development—Tecno

By Princewill Ekwujuru

Above is a standard dinning for convenience and comfort while left is e n o u g h decorated space to serve your conference and other purposes.

Eshoppaz unveils iconic gospel singer, Buchi as Brand Ambassador

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shoppaz, Nigeria’s fastest growing online retail store that launched its platform in march this year, has been making a tremendous progress in its ecommerce activities in Nigeria a healthy and risk-free one.

Again, it has announced charismatic gospel singer, Buchi as its first brand ambassador. The stylish singer is set to be the face of eshoppaz.

The CEO, Darlington Onokerhor, who has been part of the e-commerce business since

inspection in Nigeria has a lot to render to e-commerce world and making online shopping in Nigeria an easy.

Darlington at the unveiling said, Buchi is one of the most respected celebrities in the country, for the quality of his music, his message, and his charitable work.” We are tremendously excited to have him on our team, and he represents all that we stand for at eshopppaz excellence, passion and people.

Buchi ambassadorship has officially

kicked off, as we are so pleased to announce his charitable gesture to be the face of eshoppaz.com just as eshoppaz prepares to commence nationwide cash on delivery of products.

With non-stop promos and deals up its sleeves, eshoppaz promises to wow Nigerians and keep them coming back to www.eshoppaz.com for more.

s battle for supremacy in the mobile phone A market intensifies, Tecno mobile says it’s not left out in the global trend of unique brand

development, affordability and improvement, as it plans to build plant in Nigeria in 2015.

President of Tecno Phone Dealers Association in Nigeria, TDAN, Mr. Onuigbo Anthony, made this disclosure at its Dealer Conference in Lagos, saying that the Tecno brand is one of the brands that has successfully tapped into a market where people would rather pay less for a good product that performs same functions like others that go for a much more higher price.”

He pointed out that the Tecno brand entered the Nigerian market six years ago with the vision to giving Nigerian consumer value for their money at a time established brands offered products at exorbitant prices.

Condemning the importation of substandard Tecno phones, Mr Onuigbo said: “that a product is affordable compared to other products doesn’t make it substandard. Every brand has its own pricing strategy, and “Tecno has risen in product range, features and specifications at a pocket friendly price thereby becoming the darling of the Nigerian consumers,” he noted.

He pointed that as a result of the rising profile of the brand in the market some individuals intend to push the brand out of the market by importing substandard Tecno brands which have caused disaffection on the minds of Tecno mobile users.

Continuing he said: as dealers of original Tecno products, we believe that Tecno devices in the market have met all requirements prescribed by the regulatory agencies of government.

“We hereby assure Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON of our continued compliance and cooperation and the Tecno products will continue to meet with all standards set by SON and Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC.”

48—SATURDAY

Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Continues from page 15

members because of what happened.

Pastor Joshua should admit his fault — Atilade, South West CAN Reacting to the development, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South West, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, opined that if Pastor Joshua were a member of CAN, the association would have encountered him with facts. We would have told him the truth.

Atilade maintained that, the church was located in a swampy area, adding that the terrain could have caused the collapse.

Neighbours react A man lamented that some enemies of Pastor Joshua were at work.

Although, I am not a member of the church I watch the man on television and see what he does. He is the messiah of our time. I am a member of Charismatic Renewal Church, but I believe in this man and I love his Ministry. He has been empowering people and changed the lives of the less privileged including the poor, widows, physically challenged among others.

At Segun Irefin Street, another resident expressed shock, accusing the devil of being responsible for the disaster. “Satan does not like the good work the church is doing here. So they want to spoil and damage it. But God won’t allow evil to triumph over good. I was not in the church last Sunday. I’ve come to see the place. But the police prevented me from entering the site.

Satan is a liar,” the young woman concluded.

An engineer who resides in the area said: “I believe it was a structural failure.

When you overload a structure with additional ones, it will sink. The base gave way and the building collapsed. If there was a plane which hovered above, that should be left to the aviation authority to find out.”

It was in reaction of Joshua’s claim that a terror attack might have been responsible for the collapse, saying that a plane had hovered around the complex before the collapse.

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ogolese Jean-Claude Kibondzi is one of the thousands of worshippers who crave to see TB Joshua. He said that he is based in Sweden and that he has not been able to meet TB Joshua since he started coming to Nigeria in 2012. He calls himself a prophet and predicts that more buildings at the Synagogue may collapse. He speaks in a manner that casts doubt over his sanity. Excerpts.

BY EBUN SESSOU AND ADERONKE ADEYERI You said God revealed things to you.

What were they?

T.B Joshua is a messiah. He is not a real human being. He is a special creator from God and it is only God that knows why he chose to use that body. There is likely no man of God who is spiritually endowed. It is only those who are filled with the spirit of God that can understand him and that is why demons tremble when they come close to him. Again, I want to say T.B Joshua is the fulfillment of the promise of God in Mathew 21 verse 42 to 44.

You said God revealed the building collapse to you. Which other revelation has God shown you that has come to pass?

God has shown me many Prophecies like the fall of the Catholic church and the fall of the Pope. I sent these prophecies via mail to SCOAN. I even call the church but nothing tangible has come out of it.

Why did you send it to SCOAN and not the catholic church?

Well, I sent it to SCOAN because I had contact with them and I told some Pastors in Sweden but they did not believe me. I told them about the missing Malaysian airplane but they never listened to me. My Challenge in Sweden is racism.

Have you been able to speak with TB Joshua since Saturday?

No, his security officials were very arrogant. They go as far as pushing and treating you like a dog. They did not want me to talk. I was detained on Sunday around 8am till 9:45pm in a room with no water or food. My family did not know where I was. At 9:45pm, they told me to come back the next day that I will see the man of God. The next day, I was at Gate 5 as agreed.

They began to push me here and there and when they saw that some people were attracted to the scene, they carried me into the same room and locked me there. It was when I was released that my wife told me it was someone who saw us when we were walking into the church premises that told her and she began shouting and this led to my release.

Why do you think God sent you instead of somebody close to TB Joshua?

God has sent me to America to empower a man of God. I also got a revelation about President Obama and other pastors in Sweden prayed for him for two weeks.

Have you met TB Joshua in spirit?

I met him in the spirit and in the throne of God. How? It takes a spiritual person to understand who this man is. For me, I have to know you in the spirit to confirm whether or not you are a man of God. If TB Joshua were a white man, I believe, we will be paying nothing less than $10,000 to go and visit him. But, here in Nigeria, people don’t believe him and I am giving

TB Joshua will not die but will suffer — Congolese Prophet •Says: I’ve been searching for TB Joshua for 2yrs them another five years and they will know better when this man’s mission will be accomplished.

Are you are saying, he has a mission to be accomplished in five years time and will be taken away like Enorch?

God will take him and everyone will see it. Then, the people will know. But, until then.

Is that a fresh revelation?

It is not like a fresh revelation, but, the consequence of the threatening of his life. He will not be killed but he will suffer.

Are you saying all these to get the man’s attention, perhaps when the story is out, he will call you over?

No, I am not. I spoke with one of the man’s wise men called, “Wise man Daniel and made him understand that he was a prophet of T.B Joshua while I am a prophet of the Almighty God. He apologized immediately because he knew I

was not kidding. I told him I will put the power of God to test in his presence so as to know that I am not an ordinary man. God will always rescue TB Joshua from any trouble but I am more concerned of the lives of the people that may perish if no preventive measure is taken. I am not in government but a spiritual leader, and whether people like it or not, I will be going back to my country. I have told God that, this would be my last time in Nigeria and I will not come back.

And what if God sends you to people like Adeboye, Kumuyi among others?

I don’t take a contact of someone I don’t know in the spirit. Many people call themselves men of God but in the real sense they are not. I can’t talk or authenticate someone who I have not met in the spirit.

What will happen if you are not able to see him?

This is my seventh visit to SCOAN and everything God has shown has happened. So, if I can’t get him this time, I will not come back.

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—49

,

One-by-one, all the blocs and stakeholders in the PDP have adopted or endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole candidate for the presidential polls billed for Valentine Day, February 14, 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan

SOLE CANDIDATURE:

PDP govs, stakeholders leave Jonathan without option

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

T ,

he coast is now very clear for President Goodluck Jonathan.

He has little or no option in the matter. He has been nudged to a point of no return. His declaration to seek re-election is expected in a matter of days ahead of the sales of presidential nomination and expression of interest forms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) beginning on October 27.

As it is, he is the only one expected to collect the forms, a move that ultimately will rob the ruling party of income. The PDP presidential forms will cost N22million, so more presidential aspirants would mean more income.

One-by-one, all the blocs and stakeholders in the PDP have adopted or endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole candidate for the presidential polls billed for Valentine Day, February 14, 2015.

It started with the PDP chapters in the six geo-political zones, which endorsed President Jonathan for second term followed by the party’s governors’ forum led by Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, the Board of Trustees (BoT) and now the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The crisis in the PDP recently, which made some party leaders, lawmakers and members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) only paved the way for an easy passage for the president.

Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido,

who appeared as the major or only obstacle to President Jonathan picking the PDP ticket has joined the Jonathan for 2015 wagon.

consummated, Governor Lamido joined Governor Aliyu Muázu of Niger State to adopt Jonathan on behalf of PDP governors.

PDP BoT, NEC, govs’ endorsement

Two hurdles before Jonathan

The party’s BoT on Thursday morning unanimously adopted President Jonathan as the sole candidate of the party for the 2015 presidential polls The decision of the BOT, according to the former Minister of Information and member of the Board, Professor Jerry Gana was an affirmation of the position of the PDP governors who had on Wednesday taken such position and presented same to the board.

Prof Gana said the endorsement of the president as PDP’s sole candidate for the 2015 presidential race was unanimously done by BoT members with a standing ovation after chairman of the PDP governor’s forum, Akpabio, briefed them that PDP governors had unanimously endorsed Jonathan as the party’s sole candidate for 2015.

Professor Gana quoted the Akwa Ibom governor as saying that the PDP governors agreed that none of them will present themselves for the position of president in the PDP primaries, which means no PDP governor would be interested to contest the office of president with Jonathan.

Indeed, at the NEC meeting where another endorsement move was

With the development, Jonathan has only two hurdles to scale if he wants to remain in Aso Rock after May 29, 2015.

The first hurdle is Jonathan himself. He has to declare his re-election intention, which ultimately will be ratified at the December 6 presidential primaries of the PDP. The second hurdle is the challenge expected at the February 14 election from the opposition parties led by the APC. Consequently, all eyes are now on President Jonathan, who said he was humbled and overwhelmed by the endorsements and would not disappoint.

Will he declare? When? If not, why?

Jonathan’s endorsement raise dust in South-East

The endorsement of President Jonathan for second term by PDP stakeholders and some groups is raising dust in the SouthEast On the front burner mainly is the recent declaration of the apex Igbo socio-cultural association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo by its President-General, Chief Gary EnwoIgariwey that the body would back Jonathan for re-election and is not interested in the participation of Ndigbo

Continues on pages 52

50—SA TURD A Y Vanguard , SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 50—SATURD TURDA

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—51

52—SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

Continues from pages 49 to produce the President of Nigeria in the 2015 election.

WIC kick

Deliberating on the issue, the World Igbo Congress (WIC) opposed the endorsements. In a communiqué by Ichie Larry Udorji (chairman) and Chief Cyril C. Nwaguru (secretary general), it resolved that the Igbo should contest the 2015 election because President Jonathan has not yet declared an interest in seeking his party’s nomination for president and has not declared an interest in presenting himself for re-election as President; and the Igbo have thousands of women and men who can serve Nigeria as President.

It urged political parties in Nigeria to give serious consideration to nominating an Igbo as its presidential candidate for the 2015 election to address decades of deliberate and systematic punitive exclusion of Ndigbo in presidential politics.

Jonathan’s re-election ‘ll ensure political stability – NCSN

However, another Igbo group, the Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) said apart from performance there were more compelling reasons Jonathan should be allowed to continue.

NCSN President, Chief Udo Udeogaranya, said: “Away from the debates of pros and cons of President Jonathan’s performance, political stakeholders need to underscore one infallible fact, that as it stands today, only Jonathan has a constitutional limitation of one term of four years. Any other Nigerian seeking the office of president, if elected, will definitely go for eight years regardless of any form of agreement of one term of four years.

“Another very important consideration is that Nigerians seemed to have come to terms with an unwritten agreement that geopolitical zones of the country are

Governor Aliyu Muázu

entitled to a complete tenure of two terms, since South-West took their turn. This is the practical reason no serious political party will consider fielding a candidate from the South-West for now.

“Therefore, any attempt to obstruct any zone from maximizing a complete set of two terms, may add that zone to the list of zones threatening to make Nigeria ungovernable. So, a wise counsel dictates that the re-election of Jonathan is indeed a necessity for stability of our dear country as four years in the life of a nation is not much.”

Ohanaeze has betrayed Ndigbo –Okorie

Commenting on the issue, National Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie, whose party has zoned its presidential ticket to the South-East, said Ohanaeze had betrayed Ndigbo by endorsing Jonathan.

“The statement credited to the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey, stating in clear terms that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is not interested in the participation of Ndigbo to produce the President of Nigeria in the 2015 Presidential election is heart-rending and the unkindest cut of all,’’ he said.

Noting that Ohanaeze Ndigbo was designed as a non-partisan socio-cultural Pan-Igbo organization for the propagation, promotion and preservation of Igbo cultural heritage, education, economic and welfare of Igbo people in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, he said the least that is expected of the leadership of Ohanaeze at this time is to appreciate and commend the UPP for zoning the presidency to the South-East.

“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by the reckless statement he has made regarding the interest of Ohanaeze or lack of it in an Igboman vying for the President of Nigeria in 2015 is a grievous act of ingratitude to UPP, as well as the betrayal and sabotage of the Igbo collective aspiration. Neither Afenifere nor Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ohanaeze counterparts in Yoruba and the North, will ever be caught undermining the

Governor Sule Lamido

collective aspiration of their people. We demand the General Assembly of Ohanaeze to disown the statement credited to its President General and reassert their commitment to the well-being and welfare of the Igbo race in line with the vision of the founding fathers of Ohanaeze,” he added.

At last, presidential aspirants emerge

IT was slow, very slow in coming but at last, though reluctantly, the presidential aspirants have started emerging.

At the last count, nine prominent Nigerians have been mentioned in connection with the 2015 presidential election that is less than five months.

Those said to be interested in being the chief occupant of Aso Rock include President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar of the APC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (APC), Mr Sam NdaIsaiah (APC), Musa Kwankwaso (APC), Rochas Okorocha (APC), Senator Bukola Saraki (APC), Hon Aminu Tambuwal (APC) and Mr. Sam Nwanti of the Mega Progressive Peoples Party, MPPP. Among the lot only Nda-Isaiah has publicly declared his aspiration. Atiku Abubakar will declare next week, specifically on September 24. Nwanti will also declare next Wednesday in Owerri.

The rest are still consulting and speaking in hush tones.

President Jonathan, who has been endorsed as a sole presidential candidate by all arms of his party is yet to tell Nigerians whether or not he would seek for re-election although he promised not to disappoint those urging him to run.

Now that the aspirants have emerged...

Now that the aspirants have started emerging, almost too close to the election, the electorate want the political atmosphere to be electrified. They want to know what their would-be president can offer. What is their pedigree? Can they do things differently? What are their programmes and policies for education, job creation, economy, healthcare, taxation, energy and power supply, industrialisation, provision of basic amenities, etc? How will they check the flickering flames of Boko Haram insurgency?

,

Chief Chekwas Okorie

At the last count, nine prominent Nigerians have been mentioned in connection with the 2015 presidential election that is less than five months away

,

SATURDAY Vanguard, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014—53

Obuh unveils self: Says “I want to be servant to Deltans”

A

prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Delta state, Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh has unveiled partly why he wants to contest in the 2015 governorship elections.

Obuh, who recently retired as Permanent Secretary, after 32 years in the civil service reaffirmed that he was willing to further serve as a servant to the people of Delta state.

The governorship aspirant, at a well attended media luncheon in Asaba on, said “I want to serve further as a public servant.

A servant to the people of Delta state that I have always served.”

During the interactive session, he promised to make a formal declaration at the end of his ongoing wide consultation across the state.

“If in the course of consultation, it becomes obvious that majority of our people want me to serve in that capacity, I think the choice I’ll have is to say, “To God be the Glory and Amen!”

He introduced himself this way: I am Mr. Anthony Obuh from Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state. I just concluded my civil service career with a voluntary retirement as Permanent Secretary in August 2014 after 32 years of meritorious service. I am a pensioner but I am still looking for employment somewhere.

I find it necessary because of my service career to meet with some of you and it’s nice for us to interact.

Congratulations on your successful retirement. Why have you chosen to meet with us today? Are you celebrating?

I’ve known all of you and putting together the experiences we’ve had together and the fact that I’m looking for employment

is not wrong. There is the need to chat together and to exploit the possibilities that exist in our environment.

As an Anioma son, What is your opinion about the creation of Anioma state and what position have you applied for in the course of your search for a new job?

Creation of new states have become a national issue and in fact, the National Conference has already accepted to give the people Anioma state if it is possible to create one. I don’t think that I will stand on the road against the wishes of the people of Anioma.

Second, whether I have applied for an employment?

Like I said, I’m somebody who believes and lives by popular opinion. Much being that people are saying so many things and circulating my credentials in the media. So, which ever becomes possible, I will be available.

What necessitated your recent visit to Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark?

It is true that I was in Kiagbodo to see the Elder statesman, a distinguished Nigerian who has made his mark and has remained topmost in contributing to the development of Nigeria and Delta state in particular.

I am somebody who has been in the public service for 32 years until my retirement. So like I said, I’m looking for further employment. The nature and type of employment, when it would come, is something that would make me consult wide from top to bottom across the spectrum of Delta state.

I went to Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark to also let him know that I’m in the labour market.

Question: Deltans have been inundated with posters bearing your name as a governorship

Sir Obuh...I want to serve further as a public servant aspirant, come 2015. What is your impression about these posters or is it part of the job process you are looking for?

Answer: I see the posters as messages of goodwill, an indication for further service and expression of the people’s desire. It is possible that in the course of my consultation and discussion with my family, elders, my record in service and on retirement may be a little prompt to what they are asking for, what I’m looking for and what God will make available for me.

So, to me, all you have been seeing are all messages of goodwill. I appreciate them.

Question: It is a known fact that majority of Deltans, including the Anioma people of Delta North Senatorial District have insisted that you would do very well in governance. Will

you choose to disappoint them or concede to their calling?

Answer: I think I have been unequivocal about the fact that I need further employment as a servant. If in the course of consultation, it becomes obvious that majority of our people want me to serve in that capacity, I think the choice I’ll have is to say, “To God be the Glory and Amen!”

Apart from the call by Deltans from different ethnic groups, urging you to contest in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, have you personally made up your mind to contest? And why would you want to contest?

I am looking for employment.

I want to serve further as a public servant. A servant to all of you. A servant to the people of Delta state that I have always

served. By the time I finish with my consultations, I will make a public statement and formal declaration and tell you what I have in mind, what I can do and what I expect from all of you. I will seek your indulgence to give me time to continue on that part of consultation.

Have it in mind that I am willing to further serve as a servant to the people of Delta state.

Recall that during one of his recent consultative visits, where he told Elder Statesman, Chief E. k Clark at Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of his intention to succeed Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as the Governor of Delta state, Obuh affirmed that, “My governorship project is not propelled by any individual but a product of a well-thought out consideration.”

Tony Obuh eminently qualified to be Delta Governor, says PDP Chairman he State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief He urged Obuh not to be deterred whenever he came oriented projects and policies that would improve the state’s T Peter Nwaoboshi says for the sake of equity an Anioma across such hurdles, but to forge ahead in his pursuit economy. He said for his aspiration to be achieved he son or daughter should emerge as governor of the state in which he said was very feasible.

2015.

Chief Nwaoboshi stated this when a governorship aspirant, Mr. Tony Obuh paid him a consultation visit.

He said the race for the governorship position was open and stressed the need for Anioma sons and daughters to aspire for the top seat. The Delta State PDP Chairman said he was in support of what God has destined, stressing that Sir Obuh was eminently qualified , like every other Anioma son, to vie for the position of governor.

Chief Nwaoboshi said though the political terrain was known to be tough and rough he believed in Obuh”s ability to weather the storm, especially as the terrain was akin to slander, backbiting, betrayal and other vices, which he described as necessary obstacles to refine and define a true leader.

The PDP Chairman later prayed for Sir Obuh and asked God to grant him his heart desire.

He thank him for the support he had given to the party in the past, adding that the Obuh family had always been supportive PDP, especially the late Chief Ben Obuh who was until his death the vice chairman of the party. Earlier, Sir Tony Obuh told the PDP chairman that the visit was to inform him of his intention to run for the position of the governor on the platform of PDP, having been a card carrying member since 2011.

Sir Obuh said his venture into politics just after retiring from the state Civil Service was to add value to the life of Deltans through sustainable and people

needed the support of the state PDP chairman and stakeholders in the party, stressing that he was committed to flying the party’s flag. The retired permanent secretary said though the dream of becoming the governor of the state was a tall one, he believed in the ability of the PDP chairman and stakeholders to make the burden light by oiling the machinery that had seen the state remain under the leadership of the PDP since the advent of democracy in 1999. Sir Obuh said having served in the state civil service for over thirty-two years he had garnered enough experience over the years which would be handy in placing Delta State on a stronger footing and higher pedestal in its match to greatness. Sir Obuh was accompanied on the consultation visit by members of the project Tony Obuh International among other dignitaries.

54 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

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X-international Yisa Sofoluwe is a man of very few words. He seldom speaks. Rather than speak, he allows his action do the talking for him. During his time playing for Nigeria, Sofoluwe was a no-nonsense defender. He was feared by the opposition strikers, most of whom could barely come close to him to contest the ball. They feared he was going to clinically take the ball away from them.

Little wonder he was nicknamed the “Minister of Defence” for his timely tackles and strong defensive performances.

He won 40 caps and scored 1 goal for Nigeria and was their regular left back between 1983 and 1988. He featured for the Eagles at the 1984 and 1988 African Cup of Nations, winning two silver medals in both finals. After the 1988 season, he left his then Nigerian club Abiola Babes, to seek the proverbial greener pastures n Belgium, where he went into oblivion.

He later returned to Nigeria and later quit the game. Sofoluwe has been quietly going about his thing, without much fuss. He lives a normal life but has remained close to the game that shot him to limelight without the attendant fortune. .

These days, Sofoluwe, an assistant coach with NNL side, Gateway United, religiously follows the national team. He monitors the strides of the current set of Super Eagles players and like other football fans, watched the opening match of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying series between Nigeria and Congo in Calabar.

Congo inflicted a 3-2 defeat on the reigning African champions, a result that Sofoluwe said does not surprise him Speaking in an interview with Saturday Vanguard Sports, Sofoluwe said that “in the first match against Congo, our players took it very easy with their opponents. Their approach, especially in the first half, was most unprofessional. They thought that they were playing against their juniors.

“They were not serious at all in the first half and that made the Congolese the edge, which they utilised and scored the goals that our team had no answers to. Our players mindset was that because they were at the World Cup in Brazil that they were going to whitewash Congo.

But before they knew what was happening, they had been hammered and there was not way back for them”, added Sofoluwe, who also offered his expert view on Eagles second match against the Bafana Bafana in Cape Town on September 10.

T

he match ended in a barren draw and So foluwe felt that the African champions were lucky to earn a point against the new-look South African side.

“In the second match, they were lucky to get a draw because the South Africans were in control of the game but lacked the finishing in front of goal. Our players, despite raising their game above what they showed against Congo, did not do enough”.

Sofoluwe said Nigeria failed to record in both matches because of poor preparations and bloated egos.

“As African champions, our players think that they have arrived. They think that getting to the second round of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was a ticket to beating Congo and South Africa.

They think that things are still the same.

“They are surely living in a fantasy land because things have changed and the realities are different from what they are still perceiving. They need to be serious because things have changed and the sooner they come to to terms with the new song, the better for them”, Sofoluwe said with a note of authority.

The weakest link in the Eagles appears to be the midfield, which is supposed to be effectively marshalled by Chelsea defensive midfielder, John Obi Mikel. In the game against Congo, Nigeria lost the battle of the midfield, likewise in the

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN match with the Bafana Bafana.

Mikel has been on the receiving end of harsh words from soccer experts, most because he is not playing in his team of whom feel that he should be dropped (Chelsea), that does not mean I cannot

by Coach Stephen Keshi from the up- use him in my team, that is the choice of coming match against Sudan on Octo- the coach.

“But in my team, if I think that he is ber 10. But Keshi has remained adamant in his preference for Mikel to anchor the good shape, with the wealth of experience he has, all his years in the Chammidfield of a struggling Eagles side.

Keshi still retains the belief that Mikel pions League, I think he’s very imporis a vital element in the Nigerian set- tant for us in the team, and we just have up, stating during the week that “Just to make the best of the situation.”

But responding to Keshi, Sofoluwe said that “even though I do not want to single out any player or talk about Mikel, I still feel that Mikel is not s special player. This is a national team, where all the players are supposed to have equal opportunity, so I do not know why one player is seen to be special”.

S

ome Nigerians have been playing down Nigeria’s chance to qualify for the 2015 AFCON but Sofoluwe said it was up to the players to reply their

critics by returning to winning ways next month. “Only the players can answer that question on our chances to qualify.

They need to wake up from their sleep and start winning matches”.

On Emmanuel Emenike’s lack of goals in recent matches for Nigeria, Sofoluwe said that “it is not a big deal that he is not scoring. I feel that he will soon find his form and start scoring again. These things do happen at times to players.

Even at the World Cup, it happened to Brazil. Let us give him time”.

SATURDAY VANGUARD, SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

— 55

Van Gaal: Man U may buy Ronaldo L

OUIS van Gaal would be interested in bringing Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, but the Manchester

CAF decides AFCON 2019, 2021 hosts F

IVE nations and two editions of the Nations Cup will be the focus for the Confederation of African Football this weekend when a vote is held to decide who will host the 2019 and 2021 tournaments.

Caf ’s executive committee will assess final presentations from Algeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea and Zambia for the 2019 finals, while Algeria, Ivory Coast and Guinea are fighting it out for the right to host in 2021.

The decision will be taken in Ethiopia, with each of the 14 committee members casting one vote and the first contender to receive at least eight votes wins.

Should several rounds be necessary, the country with the fewest votes after each round drops out.

The two winning nations are to be announced during a ceremony at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Zambia’s package for the tournament in five years’ time

includes matches played against a backdrop of the spectacular Victoria Falls.

They were awarded the 1988 tournament only to be replaced by Morocco because

they lacked the required funds.

This time around Zambia have proposed six venues including Livingstone, a town

that overlooks the waterfall on the Zambezi river which divides Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the seven wonders of the world.

Mourinho: I’m surprised Lampard joined City

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HELSEA manager Jose Mourinho says he was “not expecting” to see former Chelsea star Frank Lampard end up at Manchester City, as the Premier League leaders prepare to travel to champions City on Sunday.

The Blues’ record goalscorer signed for MLS side New York City in the summer before agreeing to a short-term loan deal with the Manchester club.

Sunday ’s fixture at the Etihad sees two of the favourites for the title going head-to-head, but Mourinho insists the match is just “one more game, three more points.

“I’m surprised that Lampard chose to join Manchester City”.

Moses Continues from BP weekend as they suffered a 40 loss against Manchester United.

The Potters, meanwhile, have faired only marginally better, having drawn against Hull after opening the campaign with defeat to Aston Villa, although they managed to overcome Portsmouth 3-0 in the League Cup before shocking English champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

However, Mark Hughes’ men were unable to maintain that momentum as they suffered a 10 loss to fellow newcomers Leicester City last weekend, leaving Stoke 14th in the standings with four points, two places and one point better off than QPR, who themselves are only one point clear of the relegation zone.

In team news, Rangers will hand late fitness tests to midfielders Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch, but Adel Taarabt is out with an ankle injury.

Some good news for the London side, though, is the fact Eduardo Vargas is available for selection, despite having required stitches in a head wound.

Stoke are expected to be without Jonathan Walters (calf) and Marko Arnautovic (foot), but Stephen Ireland has overcome a rib injury while Mame Biram Diouf is also available.

United manager does not think Real Madrid are willing to sell him.

When asked whether he could bring Ronaldo back to United, where he enjoyed six successful years, Van Gaal said: “Yes, but it’s always a discussion in the papers, and I don’t think the media shall buy Ronaldo.”

When pushed on the matter again, the United manager said: “It is possible.

“That’s what I have said with Falcao. Players like Ronaldo give a lot of extra to a team, but I don’t think Real Madrid shall sell him.”

Wembley to host Euro 2020 final INSPECTION........From left, leader of the CAF Delegation Amadou Diakite of Mali, President of the Zambian Football Association and African soccer legend Kalusha Bwalya and veteran Nigerian journalist Paul Bassey inspecting facilities in Zambia, one of the countries bidding to host the 2019 Nations Cup.

We have nothing to lose — Inzaghi P

IPPO Inzaghi admits he’d rather face Juventus later in the season, but says whilst Milan ‘have nothing to lose’, they aren’t already beaten.

The Rossoneri host the Bianconeri at San Siro tonight for a Week 3 clash between two sides currently on maximum points.

Despite the equal records heading into this encounter, Milan’s Coach has looked to make clear who the favourites are.

“It will be a great game, I am happy for my team. We can play having little to lose,” Inzaghi has told reporters in today ’s pre-match Press conference.

“We know of their strength, but we have the advantage of playing at San Siro, the fans can help us. We will need to

play the classic perfect match and we will give it our all.”

It was put to Inzaghi that Milan’s experience and his in having already faced this Juventus in pre-season would be an advantage.

“In the Trofeo TIM we played them at our maximum. I do not know if it is an advantage because that was a particular tournament.

“We played with great spirit, a true team, and that should be our strength.

“I look at the growth of my team and say that perhaps it would be better to deal with them in a few months, when we could have a greater certainty.

“Juve are stronger, they have not conceded a goal since April 28. We do not know how far behind Juve we are, but we do know where we have started from’’

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EMBLEY has been selected to stage the final and semi-finals of Euro 2020, while Dublin and Glasgow will also host games.

UEFA president Michel Platini made the announcement at a ceremony in Geneva yesterday.

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Today’s Fixtures

OPR

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Stoke

Moses to lead Stoke’s assault

CAF decides AFCON 2019, 2022 hosts — Pg.55

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UEENS Park Rangers and Stoke City will lock horns at Loftus Road tomorrow, with both sides desperate to jump start their respective Premier League campaigns, with Nigerian striker Victor Moses angling to lead Stoke’s attack.

Rangers have endured a tough return to the English top flight this season, having lost both their opening two league matches, against Hull City and Tottenham, before they crashed to a 1-0 loss at Burton in the Capital One Cup. However, Harry Redknapp’s men did manage to bounce back to see off Sunderland 10, although they were brought crashing back down to earth last

Continues on Page 55

EPL Stoke Arsenal Sunderland Hull Southamptom Liverpool

QPR Aston Villa Burnley Newcastle Swansea West Ham

v v v v v v

Diportivo Athletic Bilbao Atletico Madrid Espanyol

v v v v

Augsburg Hamburg Paderborn Schalke Stuttgart

BUNDESLIGA v Werder Bremen v Bayern Munich v Hannover v Frankfurt v Hoffenheim

Cesena AC Milan

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SERIE A Empoli Juventus

5pm 7:45pm

Marseille Lorient Metz Nantes Toulouse

v v v v v

LIGUE 1 Rennes Reims Bastia Nice Caen

4pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

LA LIGA Real Madrid Granada Celta Vigo Malaga

3 pm 5 pm 7 pm 9 pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm 2:30pm

Van Gaal: Man U may buy Ronaldo— Pg.55

•Moses

Mikel isn’t special — Sofoluwe •Pg.54

Derby d’ Italia: We have nothing to lose — Inzaghi •Pg.55

CROSS WORD PUZZLE

•Mikel

12:45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 5:30pm

Across 1 Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Dr. Musa – (6) 4 Minister of Science & Technology, Mr. Abu – (6) 7 FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph – (3) 8 Cereal – (4) 9 Minister of Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru – (6) 11 Traditional Ruler of Benin – (3) 12 Former Deputy Senate President, Mr. Ibrahim – (5) 15 Bayelsa United Media Officer, George – (5) 17 Burkina Faso “Stallions” Midfielder Wilfred – (5) 20 Fabric – (5) 22 L.G.A in Bayelsa State – (5) 25 Chairman, Nigerian Electrical Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam – (5) 28 Igbo Word for “Tortoise” – (3) 29 Ghana “Black Stars” Midfielder, Mubarak – (6 31 Lesotho Currency – (4) 32 Carpet (3) 33 L.G.A in Gombe State – (6) 34 Country in Africa – (6)

Down 1 Colombia Capital City – (6) 2 Enyimba International FC Coach, Zachary – (6) 3 Greek Alphabet – (5) 4 Gambian Currency Unit – (5) 5 Former PDP National Chairman, Chief Solomon – (3) 6 The Oba of Lagos, HRH Oba Rilwanu – (6) 10 Former Ugandan President, Idi – (4) 12 Niger State Capital (5) 13 Nigerian currency – (5) 14 Former FCT Minister, Mr. Jeremiah – (5) 16 Super Eagles Midfielder, Sunday – (3) 18 Sphere – (3) 20 Benue State Governor, Mr. Gabriel – (6) 21 African Deciduous Tree – (4) 23 Ogun State Governor, Olusegun – (6) 24 Former Chief of Naval Staff, Joseph Dele – (6) 26 Cameroun “Indomitable Lions” Striker, Patrick – (5) 27 State in Nigeria Known as “The Big Heart”? – (5) 30 L.G.A in Abia State – (3)

SOLUTION on page 55

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