B/Haram blames infiltrators for ceasefire failure

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2 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

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4 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

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B-I-Z-A-R-R-E B/Haram blames infiltrators for ceasefire failure •Says armed robbers, thugs, others responsible •Plans to release Chibok girls, meet FG on Monday •Military in doubt, expects deadlier attacks

BY UMAR YUSUF

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ELF-acclaimed Secretary General of Boko Haram, Mallam Danladi Ahmadu, has blamed armed robbers and hired assassins among other criminals, he said had infiltrated the terrorist group for breaching its cease fire agreement with the Federal Government, saying that the agreement was on course.

Ahmadu spoke in an Hausa Service programme of the Voice of America, VOA, monitored in Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday.

Ironically, Boko Haram has killed over 12,000 people, kidnapped many young girls and women, attacked and looted homes and banks in the last four years.

However, Military sources said that the intelligence reports in their possession indicate that Boko Haram was plotting deadly attacks across the northern part of the country.

“Boko Haram is planning simultaneous and coordinated attacks in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Taraba states, the sources said, pointing out that the Islamic group had plans to further carry out the same pattern of attacks in Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, apart from Plateau, Benue and Niger states, using several fronts and disguises in a bid to create serious instability in the country.

“We are in receipt of intelligence reports heralding simultaneous attacks across the north with the aim of bringing the region down at a go. They intend to make it wide and to stretch us beyond capacity with deadly attacks across the north. We are in receipt of other details about their fortified capacity and movement across Mali, Niger, Libya, Somalia, Cameroon and Chadian axes to get us on all angles.

“Many confessions of those we arrested at different battle zones and entry points into the country corresponded with the intelligence reports at hand,” the sources said.

We’ll finalize cease-fire agreement on Monday – B/Haram However, Boko Haram’s Ahmadu stressed that the final meeting between the group and the Federal Government to finalize the

ceasefire agreement has been scheduled for Monday in Ndjamana, Chad to be supervised by the Chadian leader, Idriss Derby.

He stressed that the Chibok girls would surely be released on Monday to the Chadian President, Idriss Derby for onward presentation to the Nigerian government.

According to him, an enlarged meeting of the group has been fixed for the weekend to prepare ground for the Monday’s meeting with the Federal Government, even as the final ceasefire and the release of the Chibok girls remain promises that will surely be fulfilled by the group.

He further said that the Federal Government was in close consultations with Boko Haram over arrangements for the Monday meeting in Chad, pointing out that all

things being equal, the issue of confrontation between the Nigerian military and the

insurgents or vice verse would soon be a thing of the past.

On the latest kidnap of

over 40 women and girls in the border villages of Adamawa and Borno states, Ahmadu maintained that as far as the Boko Haram was concerned, it was not aware of the incident, pointing out that although the matter was being

From left: Mr. Biodun Sobanjo, Chairman, Tryoka Holdings; Mr. Sam Amuka, Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper Ltd; Prof. Duru Oni of DVC Management Services, UNILAG and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, former President, Guild of Editors, during the Christian-wake for late Dame Oluwaremilekun Oyo, at the NAN Media Centre, Lagos, Thursday. (The Photograph was wrongly captioned in our publication yesterday. We are sorry for the error in our caption yesterday)

investigated, the latest kidnap incident or attacks were carried out by many anti-social groups that had infiltrated Boko Haram.

Ahmadu stated that political thugs, armed robbers, kidnappers, hired assassins and other antisocial groups now parade themselves as members of the sect, but quickly added that if the cease fire agreement was sealed all the groups would fizzle out.

Last week, the Federal Government announced a cease fire with Boko Haram following agreement that the abducted Chibok girls would be released but the hopes were dashed about 48 hours later when suspected members of the sect carried out fresh rounds of attacks killing several Nigerians and abducted another set of 50 women and girls in Adamawa and Borno states. The abductors reportedly freed the old women among the captives and married off about 40 girls.

Consensus Candidate: APC may dump Atiku for Buhari •To hold a mini convention to effect plan

BY LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU ARRING any changes, the All Progressives Congress, APC is set to adopt former Head of State, Gen. MohammedBuhari(retd)as its consensus candidate for the2015presidentialelection.

Saturday Vanguard’s

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investigation, yesterday, revealed that the issue featured prominently at the October 17, 2014 National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party.

It was gathered that the party’s national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in the course of the meeting,

openly declared his support for Buhari as against the expectation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, another presidential aspirant who was present at the meeting.

A source at the national secretariat of the APC said Tinubu’s open support for Buhari was hinged on the

popularity of the former military ruler.

According to him, Tinubu wasbitterthathisearlieradvice to aspirants from the North to agree among themselves for aconsensuscandidatewasnot heeded To that end, he chose to queue behind Buhari’s candidature.

The source added that Tinubu, who was excited by

2015: Ambode declares interest in Lagos guber race

BY GBENGA OKE FTER weeks of consultation, Finance and Management czar, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has finally declared to contest the Lagos 2015 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ambode, who served in several capacities in Lagos for 27 years, including as permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance and auditor-general and voluntarily retired in 2012, said his mission to govern the state is to secure and create a prosperous Lagos with vibrant economy and quality service.

Declaring to his ambition to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN)

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in style at Onikan Stadium, yesterday, he vowed to protect the interests of all Lagosians irrespective of tribe or tongue, if elected.

As a measure of his popularity, the stadium was packed as various artistes and actors sang the praises of the man considered to enjoy the backing of APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A host of federal and state legislators from Lagos, local government chairmen and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu and virtually all the first class Obas in the state attended the event.

As early as 9am, thousands of party supporters had thronged the venue singing and dancing in support of the man they see as the next governor of Lagos.

At exactly 11.37am, Ambode arrived with his wife and hordes of supporters.

Clad in a white Agbada with a blue cap to match, he marched majestically around the stadium to thank jubilant supporters, who raised and waved brooms in salute.

Why I’m running Speaking on why he wants the number one seat in Lagos, Ambode said: “I have resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind.”

He continued: “We will work to create opportunities

for all and offer selfless service. As we proceed we will leave no one behind.

What our great party stands for is change, positive change. We will create wealth. We will create new jobs. We will challenge ourselves to make Lagos a better place. We will take Lagos to the next level. We are going to do it together.

“I call on all Muslims, Christians, and people of other religious persuasions to come out en masse and ensure we vote a candidate that has the interest of Lagos and Lagosians at heart. A candidate that is passionate about Lagos, A candidate that truly understands the needs of the ordinary people. I am that candidate,” he said.

Buhari’s 12 million votes in 2011 presidential elections has decided to bankroll Buhari’s campaign to any length it will take to win the votes of the majority of Nigerians.

He stated that the party believes it is only Buhari that can give President Goodluck JonathanoftherulingPeoples democraticParty(PDP)agood run for his money.

He also stated that most national leaders of the party who are loyal to Tinubu do not welcome the idea of primary election to choose their presidential candidate.

“Tinubu said it openly that day that he would support Buhari.Hetoldeveryonewho was present,” the added.

To pave way for Buhari, the party may not conduct primaries as Atiku is said to have the structure to win delegate election.

Mini-convention So,theAPChas scheduled to hold a mini convention on next Wednesday to enable it amend some portions of its constitution that are incongruous with the electoralactonpoliticalparties primaries should a party decide not to conduct such.

It will be recalled that Lai Mohammed, APC’s national publicity secretary told Journalists at the end of the NECmeetingthatthepartywas goingtoholdamini-convention.

6 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

BRIEFS Boko Haram sponsorship: No secret trial for Ndume —Court

Former NBA President, regains freedom after 13 days in captivity T

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri & Jimitota Onoyume

*Police confirm release of Oke Wali

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HIRTEEN days after he was abducted in Port Harcourt by unknown gunmen, the immediate past National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, on Thursday night, regained his freedom.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad said he was released Thursday night.

It would be recalled that the former NBA president was taken hostage 14 days ago in his Rumualogu area of Obio Akpor Local Government area, Rivers State. He was on his way to see his brother when he was allegedly abducted.

In a statement he issued in Abuja yesterday, his successor in office, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, disclosed that Wali was released from captivity around 11pm.

“I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale, hearty and in good spirit”, Alegeh stated.

He said that Wali expressed his thanks and

L-R: Wife of Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji; Speaker, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji ; Dean Emeritus, ArchBishop of Lagos, Anglican Church Communion, Most Reverend Adebola Ademowo; and his wife, Oluranti during the Speaker’s courtesy visit to Ademowo in Lagos, yesterday. appreciation to members of the Bar and Bench, the security agencies, friends and family for their concern, support and prayers during the period of his ordeal, even as he thanked God for his safe release.

The NBA President commended members of

the legal body “for keeping calm throughout this period and not taking any steps that may have directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release which have now yielded positive results”.

Though Alegeh failed to disclose how much the

Fayose swears in Judge who headed his impeachment panel

By Gbenga Ariyibi, Ado Ekiti

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KITI State Governor, Mr Ayo Fayose yesterday stunned the people of the state when he swore in as a judge of the state the man who in 2006 headed his impeachment panel.

Fayose equally announced the promotion of an official of the state Ministry of Justice,Mr Lawrence Ojo who signed his warrant of arrest papers at Ikoyi Prisons during his murder case to position of Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry.

Speaking during the official swearing in ceremony of Justice Bamidele Omotoso, the governor said he went against some of his supporters who felt he should take his pound of flesh.

Omotoso,an Ado Ekiti based legal practitioner, was cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC) to be made a judge in the state but was refused to be sworn in by the regime of Dr. Kayode Fayemi led government.

Fayose said the inauguration of Omotosho as a judge after two years of being cleared for the post by the

National Judicial Council, was a demonstration of a forgiving spirit.

“Few days after my inauguration, some people came to me and reminded me of the role played by Omotoso during my impeachment saga. They said I should not swear him in as a judge of the state High Court “I am not here to revenge,vengeance belongs to God. “If you want to report anybody to me bring the person here,otherwise I

will invite the two of you.”

At the ceremony which was attended by the state Chief Judge,Justice Ayodeji Daramola and the Speaker of the state House of A s s e m b l y, F a y o s e stretched hands of friendship to the legislator and judiciary.

“I plead with the other two arms of government that Ekiti should come first. You may not like my face and I may not like yours, but Ekiti should be number one.”

kidnappers collected as ransom to free the abducted ex-President of the association, he however thanked security agencies for the efforts they made towards Wali’s release.

“The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services [SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo states who worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.

“While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali we must hasten to reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of insecurity in Our Country is cause for great concern.

Traditional rulers are not competing with politicians — Sultan

*Asks politicians to respect traditional institutions

By Bashir Adefaka

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HE Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the traditional rulers in the country to discharge their duties honorably and pleasantly whether the law backs them or not.

He spoke in Enugu, Thursday, at the opening ceremony of the Southsouth/Southsouth Traditional Rulers Retreat.

The Sultan said that the traditional rulers should

continue to serve their people with or without security votes. Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu had called for security votes to be extended to traditional rulers.

“That is why we are so much delighted as traditional leaders to continue serving our people in different capacities with or without security votes,” the Sultan said.

“Having heard so much from so many people, I know that Chief Iwuanyanwu must have captured so much on what

you are here for, even though as a politician, and you know we are not politicians but we are the fathers of the politicians.

For our politicians we must guide them aright. We must not allow them to derail and whatever we should do to bring peace and stability as traditional leaders, we must do so. We must never shy away from talking to one another,” the Sultan who was accompanied to the event by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahya Abubakar among others said.

HE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, refused an application for the trial of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume who is accused of sponsoring the Boko Haram sect, to be conducted in secret.

The application was filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN. The Federal Government had alleged that Ndume who is currently representing Borno South Federal Constituency in the Senate, was the one that hitherto furnished the sect with information that aided their terrorist operations in Nigeria.

He was among other things alleged to have furnished them with the telephone numbers of top government officials and Judges, among which included the phone number of the AGF himself.

The sect was said to have called some of those whose numbers were given to them and threatened to visit them with ‘fire and brimstone’.

The government had earlier tendered a proof of evidence that indicated that Ndume who is answering to a 4-count criminal charge, made contacts with the Boko Haram sect 73 times.

Though some call logs and three digital video discs (DVDs), containing call-data records, as well as documents containing findings based on investigations carried out by a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) set up by the Department of State Security, DSS, were previously admitted into evidence by the trial court, it was subsequently expunged from the trial record on the order of the Appeal Court in Abuja.

Meantime, following the decision of the Federal Government to produce two more witnesses to testify against the accused lawmaker, it urged the court to order a closeddoor hearing on the matter.

Negotiate or crush Boko Haram, Kwankwaso tells Jonathan

*Says he won’t defect to PDP even if he fails to get APC ticket

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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ANO State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps to arrest worsening spate of insecurity in the country by either negotiating with the insurgents or crushing them.

Kwankwaso, who is one of the All Progressives Congress presidential aspirants, told journalists in Abuja yesterday that the inability of the present administration to check rising security challenges was giving Nigerians serious sense of hopelessness.

The governor noted with concern the attempt by the ruling party to introduce politics into the raging insurgency rather than boldly confronting the insurgents and their backers in the overall interest of Nigeria.

“As far as I am concerned, Nigerians would be more interested to see an end to insurgents instead of talking about who is in support of it or not. What we need to do is to take appropriate military step to stop insurgents and protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria or we sit down and negotiate with the insurgents.

“Nigeria has gone past the stage of trying to accuse who is supporting Boko Haram or which party is not.

What is needed as a country is to crush both those supporting it and the elements killing and maiming people in parts of the country irrespective of which party,religion or tribe they may come from,” the governor said.

2015:Ndoma-Egba faces huddle to return to senate

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

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HE Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba is facing serious huddle in the realization of his re-election bid to the senate in the 2015 elections.

Senator Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, represents Cross River Central Senatorial district and is serving his third term in the senate.

But the recent declaration of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. John Owan Enoh, representing Obubra/Etung Federal Constitution to contest the senate seat for the Cross River Central Senatorial district was an indication that Senator Ndoma-Egba will be facing a serious challenge.

During the Enoh’s declaration, apart from the allegation that Governor Liyel Imoke was backing him, five out of six Local Government Council chairmen that make up the Central district adopted him, while six caucus leaders of the councils also endorsed the Etungborn politician for the senate seat in 2015.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 —

Terrorism: Army sends GOC to office

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

*Major General Alli is new GOC, 3 div

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S the military onslaught to dislodge Boko Haram enters a new stage, and the agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram sect is breached severally, the Army High Command in Abuja has removed the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 division Jos, Major General Mohammed Zaruwa.

General Zaruwa, according to sources would be posted to the Defence Headquarters where there are vacancies for top army generals following retirements of three generals, two of them after 35 years in service, and one compulsory retirement.

Meanwhile, a new GOC,Major General F.O.Alli has been appointed for the 3 armoured division of the Nigerian Army.

General Alli was until his appointment, the Director of Operations at Army Headquarters. He has served as the Brigade Commander in Yola prior to his posting to Army Headquarters and had battled the terrorists previously. He was also at a time, the Principal General Staff Officer to the minister of defence.

General Zaruwa who had been in the forefront of the battle to recapture communities taken over by the terrorists in Adamawa and Borno states personally led the onslaught that wiped out hundreds of the terrorists in Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff,and during the advance on some communities in Bazza, Michika, and Gulak last month and early this month.

The Senior officer, who was the Military Adviser

Members of Believers’ Council led by Comrade Reuben Izeze, a House of Assembly Aspirant presenting donation on behalf of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to mark the Governor’s birthday to St. Anne’s Orphaage Effurun recently.

of Peacekeeping operations to the Minister of Defence before his appointment early this year as GOC, is highly rated in the military circles When Saturday Vanguard sought to find out why the GOC was recalled, a source disclosed that it was a routine ‘Change of Guard’ posting which cannot be attributed to any shortcoming.

It will be recalled that shortly after the

announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the Federal Government and Boko Haram sect; the terrorists breached the agreement by attempting to catch Nigerian soldiers unawares in Damboa, a strategic community close to Maiduguri, hoping that the directive by the Chief of Defence Staff not to attack will be heeded.

Saturday Vanguard was however told that despite the directive to ceasefire, military

Jonathan to declare on Nov. 11

By Ben Agande, Abuja

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HE Chairman of the Presidential Declaration Committee, for President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Haliru Bello, has revealed that the committee has fixed November 11, 2014, for the formal declaration by President Jonathan to seek re-election in 2015.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the committee’s

inaugural meeting at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on yesterday, Dr Haliru said the venue of the declaration would be decided at the next meeting of the committee.

He said: “the President gave us the task to organise the modality of creating a platform for him to meet Nigerians and announce his response to the various calls for him to

Diamond Bank appoints Uzoma as CEO •Otti resigns

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Board of Diamond Bank Plc, has announced the appointment of Mr. Uzoma Dozie as Managing Director/Chief Executive following the voluntary resignation of Dr. Alex Otti, from the bank yesterday. The appointment of Uzoma is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In an official statement released by the Bank’s C o r p o r a t e Communications Department, Chairman of the Board of Directors, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, announced the

commanders were told to use their prerogative to defend their positions if attacked.

Hence the plot by the terrorists toattackDamboathinkingthat soldiers will fold their hands and allow them was quickly understood and they were repelled.

Since then, the terrorists have attacked communities in Adamawa State, abducting women andyoung girls while detonating of bombs in Bauchi and several other places in the North East.

changes in management.

Speaking on the outgoing GMD/CEO, the chairman said he would be sorely missed, adding that Dr. Alex Otti’s achieved enviable landmarks during his time. He described his tenure as, “the brightest years of Diamond Bank’s 24 year-history”.

“Dr Alex Otti is a fine gentleman with an outstanding career in the Nigerian Banking industry. We are pleased with the time he spent at the helms of affairs of Diamond Bank Plc and wish him every success in his future endeavours,” Igwe Achebe added.

Under Dr. Alex Otti’s stewardship, Diamond

Bank made a remarkable return to profitability and has continued to record growth across all performance indicators year-on-year.

After writing off toxic risk assets which resulted in the loss of N16 billion in 2011, the Bank posted a profit before tax of N28.36 billion in 2012 and N32.5 billion Naira in 2013. The Bank also saw its total assets rise from N564.9 billion in February 2011 to N1.18 trillion by December 31, 2012 and N1.52 trillion on December 31, 2013. He is credited with creating the office of the Chief Risk Officer and designating an Executive Director to head the department.

declare his interest in the presidential election.

“The President has not said anything yet but it is like multitude of Nigerians have called on him. It is our hope that he will say yes to the demand of Nigerians.

“We expect he will say yes but we cannot say yes for him. We will wait for him to speak.

“The date that is fixed is Tuesday, November 11. On that day, there will be a forum for the President to meet Nigerians to announce his decision.

“The venue is yet to be decided at our next meeting.

“If he says yes, it will be yes. If he says no, then it is negative. But you are aware that our party, PDP from the caucus to the Board of Trustees, NWC had decided that President Jonathan should be given the first option of refusal with the PDP ticket.

“If he is going to contest, the PDP will give him preference. As the President, he has performed and we are satisfied with what he has done,” he said.

Dr Haliru said as long as the president is interested in contesting, PDP will give him preference over other aspirants.

BRIEFS Agbaso joins Imo Guber race

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BY CHIDI NKWOPARA, Owerri

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gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Martin Agbaso, says the events of the last three and a half years have shown that Imo people read Governor Rochas Okorocha wrongly.

Chief Agbaso, who stated this in Owerri, after declaring his gubernatorial ambition in Owerri, also lamented that the rule of law has come to its knees.

"Under the present state administration, the rule of law has come to its knees. Disobedience to court order is now the order of the day", Chief Agbaso said.

According to the fiery politician, from the establishment of an unconstitutional fourth tier of government, through the dissolution of elected local government executives to the recognition of traditional rulers, despite subsisting court cases, are starring Imo people in the face.

"How do we explain the expenditure of state funds on white elephant projects that add no value to the economy of the state? Again, how does any right thinking person explain the erection of gates that protect nothing", Agbaso asked.

Addressing Governor Okorocha's mantra, Chief Agbaso described it as hollow, stressing that "records show that Imo children now occupy the unenviable last but one position in academic performance in the South East geo-political zone".

Fashola wants Archive Centre in Lagos

By Chris Onuoha

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AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola has urged the people of Lagos to contribute to building archives to ensure that history is properly handed down to future generations.

Fashola made this call at the presentation of the book, Possessed: A history of Law and Justice in the Crown Colony of Lagos 1861 – 1906, by Olasupo Sasore (SAN) at the City Hall, on Friday, June 17.

According to Fashola, “it is important that Lagos should have a record and archives bureau centre where if you have any memorabilia, any document, we would gladly receive it, acknowledge it, and keep it for posterity.” And that is why we created the Lagos State Residence Registration Agency (LASRRA), to take care of that.

Sasore, the author of the book, is one time Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State.

In his remark he said, “The intention in writing the book was not to preach ethnicity. Anybody who lives in Lagos has the right to call himself a Lagosian, only if he loves Lagos.”

Speaking further he said, “The later settlers before amalgamation described themselves as Lagos Africans because not all of them were indigenous to where they live and we still have that phenomenon in Lagos today. It is one of our strengths that in 1850, we had 20 thousand people, but today, there are 20 million from all sorts of background.”

2015: BoT unites Kaduna PDP ahead of polls *Anenih urges members to support Yero

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HE Board of Trustees, BOT, of the Peoples Dem ocratic Party, PDP, has settled the misunderstanding between members of the party in Kaduna State ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Speaking at a meeting with key stakeholders of the party at Government House, the Chairman of the BOT, Chief Tony Anenih said, “we have visited many states for the zonal rallies singing one song of unity, understanding and performance. By the grace of God we are happy that this is the first time the party is having a sole candidate for the presidential race. This is because of the understanding of you people here and your colleagues in other states.

“We have come to Kaduna State to make peace among ourselves to be able to accommodate even those that are sitting on the fence, so that at the end of the day, our load will be very light. Even when you are chewing your tongue, the teeth and tongue remain together.”

Anenih called on members of the party to unite in support of Governor Mukhtar Yero, who he described as a ‘’performing Governor,’’ adding that “I want to appeal to you that he needs to succeed, he is a young man and the sky is his limit; but he needs a solid foundation built on unity, hard work and loyalty.

“I am very pleased with what I saw on arrival this morning and also from the conduct of the meeting. I am satisfied that all is well in Kaduna State as I return to Abuja.”

8—SA TURD AY 8—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , OCTOBER 25 25, 2014

BRIEFS My vision for Delta State —-Oyibode

S-Court sacks lawmaker representing Ughelli North Constituency I ...orders him to refund salaries, allowances since 2011

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

THE Supreme Court, yesterday, sacked a member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Ughelli North Constituency II, Mr. Edoja Akpodiete, saying he should within 90 days, refund all the salaries and allowances he had collected since 2011.

The court specifically directed that the funds should be remitted back into the coffers of the state, in view of the fact that Akpodiete occupied the seat illegall.

Besides, the apex court, in an unanimous judgment by a 5-man panel of Justices, declared one Mr. Jenkins Gwede of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, as the legitimate person to occupy that legislative seat.

The lead judgment was prepared and delivered by Justice Walter Onnoghen.

It was the verdict of the court that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, wrongfully issued the certificate of return to Akpodiete despite being aware that he had ceased to be the sponsored candidate of the DPP more

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O V E R N O R E m m a n u e l Uduaghan yesterday put smiles on the faces of orphans as part of his diamond birthday celebration with donations of various food items including cash.

The donation to St. Anne’s Orphaage Effurun was made on behalf of the Governor by members of the Believers’ Council led

by Comrade Reuben Izeze, a House of Assembly Aspirant.

Izeze while presenting the items said that the gesture was in line with the Governor’s belief in giving succour to children.

“We are here today to celebrate with our brothers and sisters who were not privileged to attend the grand celebration.

“This gesture is part of Governor Uduaghan’s birthday celebration as our father and grand patron.

We are here to celebrate a man who believes in free health care and education for children.” Izeze stated.

The Ughelli-South

N the build up to the 2015 general elections, a Delta State governorship aspirant, Hon. Gabriel Chukwuma Oyibode, said he has a vision that will transform the state and restore its dwindling fortunes. He said his vision matched those President Goodluck Jonathan had for Nigeria and this had inspired him to enter the governorship race of Delta State, because it was people oriented.

According to Oyibode, “I am a man of my word. What I have worked for throughout my life has been for the welfare of the people. I have never for one day thought of myself but the people. The people are my priority. I love the vision of President Goodluck Jonathan. He has a vision to bring Nigeria back to its lost glory. I will work towards that. I am God fearing and will never do anything to hurt the people”, Oyibode, said, adding, “If I have the blessing of my President and the people of Delta State to run for the elections, I will show the world what youth can do in the country”.

Voters Registration Exercise to commence in Edo Nov 7-Edo REC

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

T Foundation laying ceremony for the joint border post at Sem e-Krake border between Benin Republic and Nigeria. Pix: From left, President Goodluck Jonathan, Interior Minister, Com Abba Moro, Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Aminu Wali, Head of EU delegagation in Benin Republic, Joseph Coll and President Yayi Boni of Benin duirng the ceremony. Photo: State House

than 45 days before the state House of Assembly election was held on April 26, 2011.

Justice Onnoghen described the total conduct of INEC in the matter as “highly worrisome”, just as it awarded a cost of N650,000 against both INEC and Akpodiete .

Justice Onnoghen held that the INEC had by its

action “foisted on the electorate of Ugelli North Constituency II of Delta State House of Assembly a pretender to the seat who not only withdrew from the election in writing but collected the deposit he paid to the 4th respondent (DPP) for the said election.”

It therefore ordered that, “The 1st respondent (INEC)is hereby ordered to

issue the said appellant with a certificate of return in respect of the said House of Assembly election held on April 26, 2011.

“The 2nd respondent, Edoja Rufus Akpodiete, is hereby ordered to vacate the seat of Ugelli North Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly forthwith.

Uduaghan celebrates birth with orphans BYAKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

BY GABRIEL EWEPU

House of Assembly aspirant said the group has made similar donations in Asaba and Isoko as part of activities to celebrate a Governor who has achieved so much.

Receiving the items, Tina

Godspower commended the group for their magnanimity and prayed for the Governor.

“We are grateful to the Governor and the group who single out the orphans, it is remarkable that you are

giving to the children, may God bless you.” Tina added. Items donated included several bags of rice, cartons of tin tomatoes, several cartons of Indomie, Tissue papers, cartons of vegetable and cash.

Petroleum Minister inaugurates Multi-Stakeholder C’ttee on Ogoniland

E

FFORTS by the Federal Government to seek an enduring solution to the issue of environmental restoration of Ogoniland as proposed in the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP Report, received a major boost on Friday with the establishment of the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Ogoniland by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The 14-member Committee which is expected to hit the ground running is saddled with the immediate responsibility of proposing a focused engagement and

implementation plan with clearly defined steps. The group is also mandated to advise the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, (HYPREP) Advisory Council on the manner in which assets and funds of the project may be held and utilized.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee, Mrs. AlisonMadueke stated that the establishment of the Committee is a direct response to the yearnings of the Ogoni people and other stakeholders for inclusion in the effective engagement by government to activate an enduring and robust

environmental restoration of Ogoniland.

“It is based upon the further recommendations of the HYPREP Advisory Council, that I have reached out to patriotic Nigerians from within and outside the Ogoni community to constitute this Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Committee,” the Minister said.

Mrs. Alison-Madueke further stated that it is expected that this Committee will brainstorm and develop suggestions for a clear and actionable roadmap for the restitution of the Ogoni people and restoration of the environment for healthy living conditions.

HE Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Mr Baritor Kpagih, yesterday announced that the commission would commence the distribution of the Permanent Voters Card in the state on November 7, 2014.

Kpagih who disclosed this to Newsmen at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, said that the exercise, which would last for three days, would take place at designated polling units across the state.

He explained that the PVCs would be distributed from 8am to 4pm to voters who registered in 2011 and who had their names on the INEC voters’ register in Edo, adding that eligible voters must collect the PVCs personally at the appropriate polling units, as the cards would not be collected by proxy.

Voters who misplaced their temporary voters’ cards, according to him, are to visit their original units of registration to fill an attestation form in order to get the PVC, while uncollected PVCs would be transferred to INEC’s local government offices for subsequent collection by the affected persons.

Desmond Dudu: Kidnappers demand N80m ransom

BY GODWIN OGHRE THE kidnappers of Sapele based lawyer, Desmond Dudu, who was kidnapped last Sunday along Abraka/Eku road in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, have established contacts with his family, demanding N80m ransom for his release.

A close family source, who preferred anonymity, told Vanguard yesterday that the kidnappers established contact today (yesterday) after the Nigeria Bar Association, Sapele branch, demonstrated on major streets in Sapele, against the kidnap.

The lawyers had before the protest boycotted the courts since Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

FG’s poor funding won’t stop me from developing Rivers—Amaechi DESPITE poor funding to states by the Federal Government, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ forum Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said, he is determined to complete most of the projects started by his administration.

Governor Amaechi expressed confidence that the reserve fund in the state coffers amounting to N19billion that was approved by the State Assembly would be used judiciously especially to complete ongoing projects before the end of his tenure.

Amaechi stated this during an inspection tour of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium ahead of the APC Mega rally in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

According to him, “it is so alarming that we cannot pay salaries and even complete our projects. But, we will shame those people who think we cannot complete our projects. We promised to work on Oyigbo roads, complete Elioparanwo road, and also work on Rumuagholu road and several others. We will also furnish our primary schools, carry out renovation of our secondary schools.

But, we are starved of funds by the federal government, so, how do we complete our projects? That is why I said, we will work until May 29, 2015 before leaving office.

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Ojukwu knew Obi would dump APGA —Obiano’s aide

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

F

ORMER Governor Peter Obi’s recent defection from All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is still causing ripples, with Governor Willie Obiano’s senior special assistant on inter party affairs, Chief Ben Obi saying yesterday that the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu knew that the former governor would dump APGA. Addressing reporters in Awka, Ben Obi, who also served as SSA to former Governor Obi said that it was in his presence that the late Ikemba Nnewi asked Obi three times if he would leave APGA to which the former governor vowed that such a thing would never happen.

He said: “I saw his defection coming because I worked with him as SSA on inter party affairs and throughout the period he was in court fighting to get his mandate back.

“We grew up together and attended the same

school and I knew that Obi is very crafty, which sometimes fail him.

“During his tenure, we were at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha when Ojukwu fainted. I had to carry him in my Hummer Jeep to the nearby Waterside Hospital for treatment and as I was singing a song to him, Obi came in. At that point, Ikemba raised his head and asked Obi if he was sure he would not leave

APGA and he answered yes. Ojukwu repeated the question two times and this made Obi to swear with a bible he was holding that he would never leave APGA to any other party.

“Ojukwu asked this the question because he suspected that the former governor would dump APGA as soon as he (Ojukwu) was no more. It was unfortunate that he he did not keep to that promise.”

He (Obi) once said that leaving APGA to PDP was like going to Iraq, adding that by eventually joining PDP, he is in Iraq and he knew the consequences.

He also said that it was unfortunate that the former governor castigated Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State for leaving APGA when he too was planning to do the same thing as soon as he left office.

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 9

TB Joshua to testify on Nov 5

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH & BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

P

ASTOR Temitope Joshua, senior pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nation, SCOAN is expected to appear November 5 before the coroner inquest set up by the Lagos State Government to investigate the September 12 collapse of a building within his church premises.

The coroner court

Police quiz Fintiri over alleged contract scam

BY UMAR YUSUF

T

HE sacked Acting Governor of Adamawa State and Speaker of the of the state house of Assembly, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has been quizzed by detectives from the Force headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Abuja over alleged contracts inflation.

The detectives stormed Yola yesterday and invited the Speaker to the State Police headquarters where he was quizzed for over

four hours. The former Acting Governor was alleged to have awarded contracts for projects in Michika and Madagali the two local governments that have been under the control of the Boko Haram insurgents since August this year.

He is also accused of inflating contracts for the electrification of street lights in Yola, the state capital from N 283m to N 2.3 Billion, while other contracts were awarded by his Transition Government did not follow the normal tenders process. The

speaker, who appeared before the detectives with volumes of files was however released after he was questioned for hours.

The State House of

Assembly Committee chairman on Information, Mr. Adamu Kamale confirmed the development to newsmen Friday in Yola.

presided by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe gave the date after it directed that rather than mere representation, Pastor Joshua must also appear to give his own account of the incident.

Some South Africans lost their lives when the building which serves as a guest collapsed.

The people of South Africa were represented yesterday at the proceeding by the country ’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Louis Mnguni.

The Diplomat had expressed his confidence with the process been adopted to ascertain the cause of the building collapse and that there is no diplomatic rift between Nigeria and South Africa over the incident.

Funeral Mass held for Late Dame Felicia Oluremilekun Oyo former M.D. of NAN, former president Nigeria Guild of Editors at St Dominics Basilida Church, Yaba, Lagos. Pix Photos: Biodun Oyelese.

From left: Mr Tolu Abudiore Son in Law, Mrs Oke Abudiore Daugther, Mr Vincent Oyo Husband, Mrs Nkem Oyo Daugther in Law , Mr Otome Oyo Son and Mr Femi Oke, Nephew.

From left: Dr Kayode Fayemi former Gov of Ekiti State, Chief Duro Onabule, Mr Wole Coker and Mr Seun Sonoiki.

From left Mrs B Ohaeghu, Mrs Yetunde Shabi and Alero Edu.

10—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCOTBER 25, 2014

Rich Churches, Poor Members •Has the modern church abandoned its duty of care?

•What with private jets of pastors in the midst of poverty?

I

n the early days of Christiani ty in Nigeria the church was at the forefront of society’s development building schools, hospitals, vocational skills acquisition centres, farms and cottage industries, among others. They offered scholarships, gave free books and teaching aids, and gave food, clothing and shelter to those deprived of these necessities. Notwith-

standing that the central theme of sermons was on preparing for the life after death, the church tried as much as possible to ensure that members and those who dared to come into God’s house had a good life before death. The satisfaction of the church was the welfare of members and the success of the church was seen in the number of lives touched and it therefore offered safe haven to people in various distress situations such as those needing food, clothing, accommodation, financial relief, treatment of debilitating illnesses such as leprosy

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BY NKEM JACOBS, CHIOMA ONUEGBU, PETER DURU, JULIET EBIRIM, EMMANUEL EDUKUGHO AND ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

Pastors saved money for social development projects by living modest lives usually behind the church, riding bicycles and working their own farms in a clear example of storing up treasures in heaven as the Bible recommends

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and mental disorders and several others. As the church ministered to the needs of members and their lives got better they brought the proceeds of the works of their hands in form of tithes and offerings to God at Sunday services, thanksgiving and harvest ceremonies. With these, more cathedrals, mission schools, orphanages, maternity homes and farms were built. Also more scholarships to even higher levels of education were awarded as the house of God indeed became the house of plenty. Pastors saved

Continues on page 11

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—11

‘Early churches helped the needy, now members minister to their needs’ money for social development projects by living modest lives usually behind the church, riding bicycles and working their own farms in a clear example of storing up treasures in heaven as the Bible recommends.

Fast track to 2014, members minister to the needs of the church paying through the nose to fund broadcasts on television and chain of businesses including universities, publishing houses, nursery, primary/ post primary schools, as well as buy flashy cars and private jets. They are reminded daily that givers never lack.

In a bid to please “God” and achieve the elusive breakthrough parishioners squeeze themselves dry to contribute to various projects in the house of God. But surprisingly their situation never changes. The more they give the poorer they become and the richer the church. Today’s church is an epitome of modernity operating from state–of-the– art, imposing edifices fully air-conditioned and complete with evolutionary camera, klieg light and other stage facilities for live broadcast from the pulpit.

Yet poverty ravages the

same establishment. Due to this religious paradox discerning Nigerians have begun to ask a pertinent question - has the modern church abandoned social service that the old church used so effectively to warm itself into the hearts of many?

Take this: July 6, 2014 in a church in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, a priest held the congregation spellbound with his homily. His delivery was superb. Emphasis was to shift to appreciating what God has done for all by been generous in the Harvest contributions.

He started by calling on those who wanted to appreciate God with N200,000 to come forward for special blessing. From N200,000 it fell to N150,000, N100,000 and to N50,000 to N5,000 and below. Although nobody came out for a supposed N200,000 blessing, the priest at the end of the day asked the entire church to stand for general blessing.

To the conservative Catholics it was taking revenue drive too far. The scene at the Amuwo Odofin church is common in Catholic churches in the country now. Before now, the pentecostal churches

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Continues from page 10

He started by calling on those who wanted to appreciate God with N200,000 to come forward for special blessing

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appeared to enjoy the exclusivity of megabucks from members. Some church leaders even flaunt their wealth. Even in their jerrycurl hair style they defend their affluence on the grounds that “my God is not a poor God.” The message is apparently for members to strive to be like them as they claim to enjoy the benevolence of God. And so the craze for miracles that could create rags to riches phenomenon is unabated in our churches. Although the pentecostal churches are in the lead for revenue drive that see churches embark on big projects only a few of them have programmes to help the poor. And it is in this area that the Catholic Church stands out. The programmes of their Saint Vincent De Paul Society are geared towards alleviating problems of the poor in their various parishes. They visit, hospitals, prisons, charity homes to donate items to them. They identify with the poor in their parishes and lend a helping hand. The Church is known for their contributions in education and health care that is affordable by the poor. But unlike before, the Catholic church in Nigeria appears to

have joined the race to grab and grab from church members or parishoners.

The harvest period in some churches last up to six months. The mass is usually longer for speeches and announcements that plead to members to appreciate God. Although members, in many cases, attest to what the church does with the money, the pressure on members to offer resources during harvest is unChatholic to many.

Mr. Gabriel Bolade, an accountant in a commercial bank who attends Baptist Church, Yaba believes the church has abandoned its members. He lamented that the church of today has abandoned the noble role of taking care of the weak and vulnerable in the society.

His concern arose from the clear unwillingness to help enhance education in the country.

“Most of the private universities are owned by well established churches who charge fees far beyond the means of ordinary members who contributed to the establishment of these higher institutions.

Fees in the region of N1.5

Continues on page 12

12—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

‘What with private jets of pastors in the midst of poverty’

Continues from page 11 million to N3 million per session are charged which can only be afforded by the wealthy.

The ordinary members who helped in donating materials, cash, labour and even by praying and fasting for the universities cannot afford such fees for their children and wards.”

But exorbitant fee is not the exclusive preserve of Pentecostal churches. Mission schools handed back by government to the churches that established them some years back as part of strategies to improve education in the country have now been caught in the web. The schools owned by Methodist, Catholic, Anglican, CMS and other churches that were reputed social service providers have now been hijacked by greedy capitalists. Their fees are no longer affordable, just like private universities.

Mr. Emmanuel Onyeji, past chairman of the Laity Council at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Okokomaiko, Lagos put the problem at the door step of “churches that are mainly interested in making money” and not in the welfare of their members.

“Pastors of churches often preach about the primacy of giving at least 10 per cent of

their income as tithe and more as offering to the church. Their focus is on prosperity mainly”.

But Pentecostal churches have faulted this claim about church members contributing towards the establishment of educational institutions. In fact, Pastor David Oyedepo of Living Faith Mission (Winners Chapel) who is Founder and Chancellor of Covenant University was quoted as saying that he did not build the university with tithes and offerings of members. But he is yet to reveal the sources of funding. His denial, however, does not explain why majority of Winners Chapel members cannot afford the fees charged by a University owned by their church or senior pastor; yet he owns private jets - Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G450, Gulfstream V and LearJet with combined valued of $98.3million (N15.9billion).

T

he situation is not different at the Redeemers University (RUN), owned by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). While fees are also as high as that of Covenant University, RUN claims to have established a scholarship scheme for indigent students.

The scheme involves school fees discounts of between 10 % and 80% for children and wards of

the university’s staff, children of pastors and some indigent members of the church. Like Winner’s Chapel Senior Pastor, the General Overseer of RCCG Pastor E.A. Adeboye owns a private jet – a Gulfstream V. That owned by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ayo Oritsejafor has just been involved in a scandal in South Africa. It flew $9.3m cash into South Africa where the money has been seized by the home country although the man has explained that he leased the aircraft to another company and that he knew nothing about the transaction. . Nigeria’s government claimed responsibility, saying that the money was meant for the purchase of arms to fight terror and that cash payments are sometimes effected in such deals. Ayo Oritsejiafor has admitted owning the aircraft and also admitted leasing it out to a company he has substantial interest. Nigerians want to know how this has this helped evangelism? Critics will be quick to answer that materialism is better for it than evangelism.

Mr. Daniel Ede, a banker who worships with the Anglican Church expressed worry that the present day church has deviated from the practice of the early church in terms of assisting those in need and he recom-

mends immediate change.

“The early church in Acts of the Apostles sold their belongings and gave to the needy. Some of the wealth being made by our churches should be used for the sick, poor widows, prisoners, etc. Churches ought to create more welfare programmes for the indigent and needy in their midst. They should have schools and hospitals that the poor can afford”.

A worker in a Pentecostal church in Lagos, who spoke to Saturday Vanguard on condition of anonymity said churches in Nigeria are not doing enough to help the poor and indigent and asked for remedial action. “The Nigerian churches are not doing enough. The church can begin a revolution of wealth creation and the development of education.

We need to give in such a way that those given will not need alms again. Education funds should be created for those who are eligible to attend university, but are indigent. If churches build schools, they should dedicate a certain admission percentage slot for indigent church members. Of what essence is a church that doesn’t give back?”

He added that “churches should help fund businesses for church members and may also establish food banks, where indigent members of the church can access food in times of food shortage. They can also generate funds for small busiContinues on page 13

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—13

‘High fee no more exclusive preserve of Pentecostal churches’ nesses to grow, as well as train the owners of such businesses”.

Speaking to Saturday Vanguard, the Benue State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Arch Bishop Yiman Orkwar sees nothing wrong in churches establishing schools and running them in a professional manner, without sentiments. While he is not against churches granting scholarships to children of the poor, he insists that there is no way all members of the church could be exempted from paying fees as a matter of policy as this could harm the institution’s ability to run the institutions properly and meet the demands of staff.

Sociologist Dr. John Akposibruke disagrees with those suggesting that the church has abandoned its social service role to humanity like poverty alleviation.

“Some of the Pentecostal churches being accused of collecting tithes and offerings without giving back to the needy members have commendable welfare/ poverty alleviation schemes.

“I know of a church that pays rent, school fees, medical bills and even wedding costs of its indigent

members, but how many people can they do this for with their limited resources?”

He explained that their efforts are not being felt because the magnitude of poverty and deprivation in the country is so high that what is done pales into insignificance.

“In some churches those who need help are up to 60% of members and with the worsening level of unemployment the rate is growing; how do you attend to everybody?”

H

e points out that some members have developed unrealistic expectations from their churches one of which is that their children should attend a church-owned university free of charge simply because they gave tithes and offerings when the universities were being built without asking themselves the percentage of these contributions to the cost of setting up and running such schools.

“Tithes and offerings are gifts to God and the church, and like every gift they are not returnable either in form they were given, or by extending discounts and privileges.

“Since tithes and offerings are pooled together to carry

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Continues from page 12

Since tithes and offerings are pooled together to carry out various projects in the house of God it is difficult to determine who gave what and on that basis extend any privilege

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out various projects in the house of God it is difficult to determine who gave what and on that basis extend any privilege; how can you be sure that your own portion of the contributions was not the part used to decorate the church or buy musical equipment and not used to build a school?”

Investigation by Saturday Vanguard revealed that some churches are indeed engaged in one form of welfare/empowerment scheme or the other. Daystar Christian Centre runs a leadership, entrepreneurship and skill development training for members to empower them. While the leadership programme is meant to impart leadership skills, the entrepreneurship class is a case-study based executive business education that takes potential entrepreneurs from idea to business plan, start up and fund sourcing. The vocational skills development teaches members various skills such as maintenance of generators, photography, cake and confectionery making, bead making and video production among others. The church also runs a benevolence scheme under which foods, clothes and shoes are distributed to the needy whether they are members of the church or

not. The Senior Pastor’s wife has also established a Real Woman Foundation to care for the female folk. The foundation operates an orphanage and a street women rehabilitation centre which imparts vocational skills and education to any level. Inmates of these centres are given the kind of care and support that should have been provided by their families.

Saturday Vanguard also found out that The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) has established a number of schemes to help members beat poverty. Among these are “Career Academy” - an after school touch up for graduates to help them secure employment and “We Care” under which the church pays rent, medical bills, and gives foods and clothes to indigent members. It is also involved in rehabilitation of street girls through its “Rehobot Homes” programme. The church also offers scholarships to intelligent but indigent members of the church under the Bishop Mike Okonkwo Scholarship scheme which runs from secondary to university.

Further investigations also revealed that several other churches run one form of poverty eradication scheme or the other to empower members but the impact of such schemes has remained minimal.

However, Dr. Joseph Antyo of the University of Mkar, a private university in Benue State owned by the Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) believes that poverty issues in Nigeria cannot be effectively addressed at different levels (family, community, state and nation) in isolation from the churches. He recommends that “churches should see poverty eradication as a part of their mission of evangelisation, since not only spiritual but also material salvation is needed to truly free someone. Some of the money that some churches have should be made available to their members in form of loans and other poverty alleviation measures, and the churches should be able to build on their greatest strengths which are trust and commitment rather than dependency. Churches should also motivate their members to work or to help create employment, since the lack of it is probably the greatest bane of Africa today.”

14—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

‘How civil servants sell govt land’ z Nduese Essien, former minister blows hot on why Housing programmes fail z Says Nigeria should have no business with po ver ty oreign pover verty ty,, fforeign

BY SONI DANIEL,

Regional Editor, North

N

After 35 years of service to your father land, do you feel fulfilled or are there things that you are still looking forward to doing?

Somehow, I will say, I feel fulfilled with the services that I have rendered and with the role that I have played in my community, the state and the nation. But you know that having served for 35 years, there must some areas that you would want to treat differently if the opportunity arose again. Now, I have reached a maturity level, which makes me to look at certain things differently. But since I cannot reverse what has passed, I just thank God for arriving at where I am today.

In all of the positions that you have occupied over the

Nduese Essien...Nigeria should have made more progress than it is today

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duese Essien, former Lands and Housing Minister, former Chairman of SouthSouth Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly and a delegate to the last National Conference was last week honoured by the Eket-speaking people of Akwa Ibom State to mark his 35 years active service to the community and Nigeria.

In this interview, Essien insists that given Nigeria’s rising oil wealth, the country has no reason to be poor and to seek foreign loans for its development. He also speaks on a number of other burning national issues and Akwa Ibom State politics.

Excerpts:

I tell you, in most cases, land acquired by government for public purposes is sold by civil servants after the government might have used a very small portion

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years, what has been the guiding principle in your life?

My guiding principle has been that one should take decisions with an open mind because when you have tentacles around you, commitments here and there, your decisions will tend to be influenced or you may not even feel free to take a position on issues because if you do, you will hurt one tentacle or the other. What I have tried to do all along is to keep myself free from entanglements that could impede my decision-making.

I am saying this because I have come to see that some of the commitments that people make because of some situations turn out to influence them against a better position they would have taken at an appropriate time.

You started as the secretary of the Eket community in your area in Akwa Ibom state and you know what has transpired in the relationship between the oil producing company and the communities. How were you able to forge a cordial

relationship between the warring oil communities and the oil company there?

My entry into community service was soon after my graduation, when I was appointed secretary of the village union and then the Eket Union. It was on that basis that I got involved with the various activities between the companies producing oil in our area and the communities.

You know, the company, Mobil, had just come into Akwa Ibom state and established in Eket and at that time, the people where not really interested in what the company was doing. But after ten years, it became clear that Mobil had made some wealth and where moving ahead, while the communities where still lagging behind. In 1979, there was a protest and I was invited to join in the negotiations between the community and mobil.

It was then that we told the company that it has left us behind, while it was far ahead in terms of development. We pointed out to the company that it was wrong for them to be building

housing estates, flying in their staff and contractors from Lagos into Eket to work for them while the local people had nothing to gain from their operations.

We asked them to try to provide infrastructure, do other things and employ our people. So we succeeded in a way to get them to engage the communities.

Then, in 1989 there was another protest that resulted in Mobil coming back to construct several roads in the area in addition to providing electricity for the people as part of their effort to connect with the communities. Then in 1998, there was a military governor that was there and there was a protest because the company had again abandoned the community.

The governor mistakenly said that the people of Akwa Ibom state did not have qualified persons amongst them to serve in positions in their company. He said that the people only study Religion and History and cannot work in an oil company. That infuriated the crowd to boo the Yoruba

Continues on page 15

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—15

governor and deface his official car. That also led to a major protest that led us to enter into negotiations for four months with the company resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU. We were able to stabilize relationship with the oil companies and I think it is a good omen for the state. I was a member of the MOU committee while still being secretary of the Eket community.

Have you ever thought about it in the course of your work, that Nigeria is not making progress commensurate to its potential?

Well, Nigeria is a very complex society. We have attained various stages in our march to succeed as a nation.

Nigeria should have made more progress than it is today. Why do I say so?

During the agitation for the end of colonial rule, it was people in the ages of 30–45 that led in the agitation with the elders backing them and of course the youths serving as activists.

That worked out and we were able to get the colonial masters to go. But soon after that, the military came.

Again, it was people in the age bracket of 30-45 who were appointed military governors, the Head Of State himself was 32 years old.

These people had a vision for this country. While they were at the forefront, they employed experienced civilians and other people to assist them and we made tremendous progress and became the envy of other nations of the world. Nigeria was highly respected globally. But since the democratic dispensation came, a dichotomy has risen, pitching the youths against the elders.

Now, the youths are saying that the period of the elders has since expired and that they should quit the scene for them alone. In other words, the youths do not think that the elders have any wisdom or idea to impart to them in the running of the system.

O

n the other hand, some elders who have been there for far too long are not prepared to relinquish the seats and allow the youths to gain the experience while they advise them. That is one level of setback that we have been having in this country.

The next one is that Nigerians have become so inclined to accumulating wealth, wealth that they can never use in their life time, wealth that is stored away in foreign countries and in most cases we lose it when they die. We should begin to feel that there is the need to develop our own country and make it good enough for us to stay. It amazes me that many top Nigerians who have been travelling routinely from the country to

other parts of the world and who have been seeing the way other countries organise public facilities, still come back to Nigeria and do the opposite.

They see the development in those other countries but they come back home to find a stinking airport, absence of road network and other vital infrastructure. When I went to Malaysia in year 2000, I saw shopping malls and was amazed, not having seen such back home in my country. So, you can see that many Nigerians are not really keen staying back in their country and doing the best they can for the nation.

They rather want to accumulate wealth and store abroad.

They only think of taking the wealth from here and going outside; otherwise, how do you explain our current state when, since 1970, Nigeria has been having an increase in oil production on a yearly basis?

At a certain point a certain Nigerian leader was telling the rest of the world that the problem of Nigeria was not money but how to spend it.

So I wonder why have we made so much money but are still wallowing in poverty and still asking for foreign loan as if it is mandatory to receive foreign loans?

Nigeria has no business asking for loans. And the Nigerian government is always talking about lack of money, insufficient funds to do projects despite all the oil revenues and all the loans that were taken. So, there

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Continues from page 14

So I wonder why have we made so much money but are still wallowing in poverty and still asking for foreign loan as if it is mandatory to receive foreign loans

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Essien...We should begin to feel that there is the need to develop our own country and make it good enough for us to stay

‘Nigeria has no business with poverty, foreign loans’

have to be some solutions to this situation.

Let me take you to your brief tenure as minister of Lands and Housing. You knew that Nigeria had a housing deficit of 17 million and sadly there was nothing much you could do to help.

What happened?

There is no way that I could have cancelled the housing deficit within the 13 months that I stayed in office as minister. Is it not so funny to be hearing of Nigeria having 17 million deficit every year as if nobody is building any house? For what I know, houses are being built on a daily basis and the 17 million figure cannot still be the same till date. When I came into office, I saw a programme that was to produce 500 houses per senatorial district of this country and we hailed the programme and announced it for local and foreign investors to take advantage and build more houses for Nigerians.

Within a short time, a lot of foreign developers came in at that time because the property market in Europe and US had crashed. Many people were interested in coming to invest in Nigeria.

So I believe that with that interest of property investors into the property market, we would be able to achieve the target of building the 500 houses per senatorial district. But unfortunately, it took me six months in office before I could get a document

showing me where the Federal Government land was available and this was a printed document that I obtained from outside the ministry. So you can now see the level of impediments against the development of housing for Nigerian by the government.

When I got that list and wanted to verify it, I realised that most of the plots of land that were said to be owned by the government had already been encroached upon by either the owners or the civil servants who had sold them. I tell you, in most cases, land acquired by government for public purposes is sold by civil servants after the government might have used a very small portion. So since I couldn’t stay long to take care of the problem I couldn’t help the situation.

You were a member of the just-concluded National Conference. Are you satisfied with the outcome of the national conference?

At the end of the conference, you could see that Nigeria has the potential to remain a strong, united and developed entity, because all the cries and rumours that had erupted at different times in the country all collapsed in one day when we agreed that the status quo should remain and that we should continue. And then, you also find that the recommendations of the conference covered a lot of

areas that if implemented, could bring about a prosperous nation that will be the envy of other nations.

Tell us more about this your reception by your people. Some may suspect that it is a platform to push you into the 2015 election.

What is the reception all about?

From what I gather the reception is nothing more than an appreciation of the services I have been rendering to my community, state and the nation for a period of 35 years.

The uniqueness of it is that this time around, various other groups in the state joined to organise the reception and I am looking forward to the outcome. But in all honesty, it has nothing whatsoever to do with politics.

Let me tell you, in 1999 when I ran for the Federal House, I didn’t show interest to contest, I didn’t join any political party but it was my people, who came to me in Calabar and invited me to come and contest based on my relationship with them. So I came and they ensured that I won the election. I did not really put in much. In 2003, apparently because of my performance during my first term, I also won re-election to the House of Representatives.

Thereafter, it has been a different story.

What is your philosophy in life?

It’s to live and let others live and assist people to move on.

16—SATURDAY Vanguard , OCTOBER 25, 2014

express our limitless admiration for our health workers—the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, cleaners and all those whose daily duties brought them into close contact with the patients. Indeed, some gave everything.

have no place outside anything that is wholesome or pleasant.

The Federal Government should not be blamed for falling line, hook and sinker, for the so-called “ceasefire” which has turned out to be a bad joke. The authorities had never been faced with this type of enemies

•Late Dr Adadevoh

*like ebola, like boko haram *snafu

J

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala Among them was Dr. Stella Adadevoh whose personal sacrifice virtually prevented an extensive spread of the disease in Nigeria. She deliberately took the fall for her innocent compatriots though no less innocent herself. To perpetuate that supreme offer in a visible form would be a way of constantly reminding ourselves of the importance of keeping our guard up against Ebola and other dread diseases.

It should not be a halfhearted gesture or a belated one. It is a duty that must be done now while it is still all fresh in our minds so that it might be well and truly etched

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ust a week ago, the nation was agog with the news of two breakthroughs, one factual while the other was uncertain even on the face of it. In the first instance,the World Health Organization declared Nigeria free of the onslaught of the dread Ebola Virus Disease, and only one other news could have been as welcome as that. The nation had also been under the menace of the Boko Haram terrorists who had become a massive thorn in the flesh of our security.

And the second breakthrough reported was that a cease fire had been declared and negotiations that could lead to the release of the two hundred and more young girls abducted from Chibok would follow immediately. It turned out to be a case of good news and a bad news. First, the good news.

The World Health Organization’s declaration was based on the fact that no Ebola case had been reported for six weeks, the period during which the disease would have erupted if it existed. It was therefore ruled to be no longer a danger to the community. The situation subjected to what seemed brought a lot of cautious relief like hoarding tendencies. because this is a disease that All efforts should be made has proved very difficult to to meet any threat of this manage. There has been no disease head-on in future. vaccine developed for it and It is not unlikely to erupt the degree of its again. That is more than a infectiousness is extremely mere possibility. We high, being transferable at a should not therefore only mere touch. It has proved heave a breath of relief and deadly against the health forget all about its danger. officers working against it It is still present. with the same ease as the On the heels of the patients themselves. Swift as declaration of freedom it is to kill, it does not lend from EVD arose a claim itself to quick identification made for those who should since its symptoms are be congratulated for the synonymous with those of feat of removing this awful common fevers. These are menace from our lives. Of some of the causes for its course, the Federal being able to take hold in West Government should be Africa where it has wreaked commended for, at least, its havoc on lives in some demonstrated concern as countries where its danger displayed by the daily has not yet abated. pronouncements of the But beyond that, Ebola was Minister of Health about not regarded with any the developments as they sensitivity about the occurred during the dark dimensions of its extent at the hours. They helped to keep initial stage at this its resent the nation focused away coming. It had indeed from the disquieting appeared before but not with influence of irresponsible so much force, and not in the rumours which are apt to West African region. ‘Some be aroused during such a kind of vaccine should have period. The Lagos State been developed against it Government also has a before now. That is yet to claim to a chunk of the happen even at this time, encomiums along those though a lot of effort is being same lines. The visit of made now because of its caution to the Synagogue frightening strike force. The of All Nations gave a drugs that were called into timely warning to such play were described as institutions of spiritual “experimental” even after the healing which abound on efficacy of one or two of them the periphery of Christian had proved considerable. And worship in our midst. And, then the most efficient was of course, we should

who have no sense of honour or self-regard. We had been clamouring for a breakthrough in the deadlock of our negotiation to recover the schoolgirls spirited away by the bandits who claim to be a religious sect. But it seemed we were not able to accept the reality of the odious situation.

We are at war; we have always been at war, with these godless people who see themselves as an extension of a world-wide movement to establish their corrupt form of a government by war. The only language they speak is through extreme violence which openly discounts the value of human lives,

All efforts should be made to meet any threat of this disease head-on in future

in our psyche, as it should be.

Some have rightly suggested the award of a national honour, which is quite befitting. It is said, however, that national awards are not given posthumously in Nigeria. That point really need not be debated at this time. Even more befitting would be a statue of this heroine at a public place like the frontage of a General Hospital in Lagos or Abuja. And, by the way, her great-grandfather, the father of Nigerian nationalism, Herbert Macaulay, has no less than two of such symbols of acclaim in Lagos. Stella Adadevoh deserves no less.

And now,the bad news. Boko Haram and all it its connections and connotations

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including their own. They are ruthless and implacable. We must, and can only prevail against them by degrading, then and diminishing them, and destroying them. Like Ebola.

Anything goes. Nigeria is a great country in its own way.

Here we have an extravagant series of presidential campaign on behalf of a candidate that, for a’ long time, seems to sit on the touchlines watching the drift of the game. Little comment is made, and less notice seems to be taken of the fact that the entire carnival is really outside the time-limit prescribed by law, although everyone talks

glibly about the importance of “the rule of law”. It is all part of the obsession of the gentleman himself about winning an election he holds everyone in suspension to declare for.

A famous television star, and one of the best features creators that the media has known in this country, seemed to have strayed into the “politics of a sure thing” summoning her multi-talented gifts as also a lyrical singer to involving her dignity in praise-singing for the candidate. And why not?

With a sound university degree in the arts, she has enough to be appointed a directorgeneral to boot— or which came first, the jingle performance or the post? No matter.

Anything goes. We now have a ministry for “stomach infrastructure’, or is it merely an advisory position? We have already had offices that describe the holders as no less than court —or official-jesters, anyway, and tax-payers ha1dly took notice or questioned why.

And no election can start and end with the polling exercise itself. The horrors have to be extended to the tribunal stage, no matter the position in contention, whether it be for a governorship or football chairmanship. The way some evidently successful contestants still carry on after their victory, one would have thought the race was still on.

But all is well. As the Minister of Finance and the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has assured everybody, the nation is not “broke”. That makes us all happy, if she says so. This she says in spite of the diminishing revenue from falling oil prices accompanied by a lower output in production. Ominous as that may seem, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is sure that we have contingency plans to cope with any concern, especially as it may tend to affect the 2014 Budget.

This might translate actually into our cutting down on our expenditure (as notated in the budget?), we may also have to tamper with our fiscal policy and seek to resource for more revenue, albeit, in a onecommodity (oil) dependent economy. We may also rely confidently on the facility—that is debt—of over one billion dollars which will be owed to foreign market at much lower terms than could be attainable in the domestic finance market.

The monthly revenue allocation that should be shared by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee was put on hold because the funds were not available for the exercise. But we are not broke.

There used to be a military term for such a situation during the Second World War... if you will pardon the reminiscences of an octogenerianA. It went under the acronym, SNAFU— Situation Normal, All fouled Up!

SATURDAY Vanguard Vanguard,, OCTOBER 25, 2014—17

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stumbled across an advert on NTA last Sunday with the theme:‘They Lied To The World’. It was centred on the campaign for the release of the Chibok girls who were captured some six months ago. The leaders of the ‘Bring back our girls ‘ (BBOG) campaign had told as many people as cared to listen that they had no political agenda, that they had no political affiliation and that whatever issues—if they had any—with the Jonathan administration, could wait until the young girls were brought home alive. In other words, their primary issue, their overriding concern, was the release of those girls who were daughters of Nigerians and Nigeria. For this, they had sacrificed time, money and convenience. For this, they had been roughened every turn, despite the repeated up by security agencies and denials of the campaign ‘counter campaigners’. For this, leadership, Aso Rock apologists they had suffered indignity and accuse the campaigners of a abuse from government hidden agenda. apologists and even some Last week, because success ordinary folks who felt ‘them has many fathers, and own too much’. Their politicians will be politicians, steadfastness has amazed me another set of politicians and indeed many Nigerians claimed that some of the and foreigners who believe leaders of BBOG came from Nigerians love their comfort too their party. Hence the hastily much to sustain any put together advert which ran inconvenient campaign. on NTA last Sunday. BBOG has

step. Until they can prove that the BBOG lied to the world, they should shut up. And the only lie I would accept is if the girls were not abducted.

BBOG is a child of necessity.

It would not have been born if the government had acted swiftly; if it had been alive to its responsibilities. BBOG leaders are heroes, not villains.

Lying tto o the w orld? world?

t is therefore no surprise that the Jonathan administration and some voluble PDP leaders believe that the campaigners are dancing to the tune of some hidden orchestra; that they are puppets in the hands of a deft puppeteer. Politicians who are used to renting crowds; politicians who are not used to not doing something for nothing; politicians who see personal opportunities for enrichment in every unfortunate situation, cannot believe that any campaign can be altruistic. Those who have made tons of money from the five-year war against Boko Haram cannot believe in a labour of love. That is why at

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Government was too little, too late and if LAGS had waited for the money before doing anything, the Ebola story could have been different. But this is not to say that the FG did not mean well. It did not mean that the FG did not play a part in the curtailment of Ebola or deserve some credit. The same thing could be said of the BBOG campaign. APC might have meant well; participated even in some of the rallies. It

The Boko Haram saga is a sad chapter in the history of Nigeria

again denied any political leaning not to talk of political manipulation. But that does not cut any ice with those who are prepared to tar the campaigners with any dirty brush. But to any rational observer, the fact that APC, or a chieftain in APC claimed that the leadership of BBOG is from their stock does not necessarily make it so. After all, does Jonathan claiming credit for the containment of Ebola necessarily make it a fact? The 200 million Naira given the Lagos State

probably gave some logistic support. But did it seize the initiative? Or did it in fact initiate the campaign? I doubt it very much. In any case what does it matter who seized the initiative. PDP could have seized the initiative if it was smart and forward looking enough. The Chibok girls are not politicians. They are young girls who became pawns in a deadly chess game. They are daughters just like my daughter; just like Jonathan’s

Plateau 2015: Jang swaps positions with Senator Pwjok *SSG, Best is running mate

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & MarieTherese Nanlong

G

OVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State has sidestepped his deputy, Ignatius Longjan and is to swap positions with the senator representing Plateau NorthSenatorialdistrict,SenatorGyangPwjokintheforthcoming round of elections.

The decision to anoint Senator Pwjok from Plateau North, the same senatorial district as the outgoing governor is bound to elicit concernsfromthosewhohadcanvassed for the rotation of the governorship to Plateau South, the only senatorial district that is yet to produce a governor in the Fourth Republic. Supporters of the governor’s decision, however, say that Plateau South produced a governor for the state in the person of former Governor Fidelis Tapgun in the Third Republic and before then, also produced Chief Solomon Lar in the Second Republic.

Pwjok who was Chief of Staff to Governor Jang until 2012 when he won the byeelection to the Senate according to sources is to vie with theSecretarytotheStateGovernment, Prof. Shedrack Best as his running mate.

The governor’s decision,

nonetheless, Longjan is himself set to proceed with his gubernatorial ambition and would contest the Peoples Democratic Party, gubernatorial primaries against Pwjok it was learnt.

Sourcesclosetothegovernment disclosed that Governor Jang who had desired to retire along with Longjan to the Senate gave his deputy his permission to contest the gubernatorialprimaryevenifhe, the governor, would support Pwjok against him.

News of the governor’s decision to support Pwjok for the

gubernatorial primary Vanguard gathered was revealed during a stakeholders meetingpenultimateFridaywhere Mr. Jang was said to have praised Senator Pwjok for his gentlemanly decision to surrender his Senate seat for him, the governor. Sources present said the governor had at that meeting hinted that it would be an exchange ofofficebetweenthetwomen.

ThemainstreamofthePDP in Plateau is said to be still confused over the development and is yet to articulate a response to what some see as Governor Jang’s last minute joker.

What are the terms of Reference for cease fire —Coomasie

By Henry Umoru

F

ORMER InspectorGeneral of Police and Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie, IGP, rtd said yesterday that for the Federal government and members of the Boko Haram sect to have a genuine ceasefire, there must be the involvement of a neutral and international body.

Speaking with Vanguard yesterday, Coomasie who served on the just concluded National Conference was however sceptical of the ceasefire, just as he asked of

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the persons involved in the process, adding that the insurgency has gone out of hand, which would need a genuine and sincere handling.

He said, “the issue of Boko Haram has gone out of hand, when it started we, asked for amnesty, nothing happened, what are the terms of reference for the ceasefire, who are those persons involved, who is brokering the peace, is it an international body, are we talking to the right people; we have lost many lives.

If there must be ceasefire, we need an international body that must be neutral.”

daughter. But PDP chose to play the ostrich. It was first in denial; then it started the blame game.

Even a sympathy visit could not be arranged. I believe it is mischievous to ascribe political motives to the BBOG campaign.

I believe it is indecent to call the campaign leadership liars. This campaign started from outrage in the silence and seeming indifference of the government.

It grew globally and enlisted the support of some of the world’s most visible personalities.

Unfortunately, it also exposed our under belly as a nation steeped in corruption and revealed our disdain for the poor and defenceless. The Chibok saga showed the world how we fumble and wobble in our running of the country.

T

he Boko Haram saga is a sad chapter in the history of Nigeria. But it could have happened under any government. But the Chibok episode could have been better handled. This government deserves no kudos for the way it has handled the situation. Even if the girls were released today, it would have been six months too late.

Meanwhile, the advert boys have brought to the front burner, an issue they will do well to side

THIS LIFE….ONLY ON A CANVAS ‘Only on a canvas’ is a work of fiction that was the runnerup in 2012 LNG literary award.

It was written by a man whose talent and versatility had held me spell bound for years. It was written by Architect Sola Olugbesan whose body was committed to mother earth three weeks ago. Sola Olugbesan studied architecture at Unilag but he practiced many trades. He was a carpenter, an engineer, a welder and a musician. His company, the ‘House of Design’ was apt because he designed many things. He was an artiste. He was a scientist.

He set up one of the earliest digital studios where people like Bisade Ologunde (Lagbaja) incubated. Some of his enduring musical works include ‘Me I like my country’…’MKO is our man o’ ….’Ist Bank na baba’. Yet despite his many achievements, he was soft spoken with a somewhat deprecating sense of humour that put you at ease. His death has once again set me thinking of this life we slave and struggle over. Naked we were born and naked we would go— except for works which could outlive us. Fortunately, Sola OlugbesanSholay—left several behind. He was 61.

18 — SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Why I keep my husband as my manager — Lara George By: ADERONKE ADEYERI

Lara George began her musical journey in her alma mater school choir - Queens’ College, Yaba, Lagos. Years later, she transformed into a professional whose inspirational style of delivery helped define the new sound and direction of Nigerian gospel music.

While studying Architecture at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lara joined the fellowship music team on campus, where she met Ty, Emem, and Dapo. The bond tightened, and further yielded the group KUSH. The group eventually split. In spite of all the challenges encountered after the breakup, she re-launched her music career with a solo debut album titled ‘Forever In My heart’ with Hit Single “Ijoba Orun’. The much-celebrated album earned Lara several nominations and awards such as ‘Voice of the Year 2008’ Nigeria Music Awards, as well as ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Female Artiste of the Year’, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards 2009.

Lara who is now in the United States putting finishing touches to her new video talks about her career and also the home front:

Do you engage in other things other than music?

I certainly do. I have always been involved in real estate.

How does your husband cope with his law practice and being your manager?

Both roles are inter-related actually. Being a manager has to do with looking out for your client’s best interests and as a husband, he has to see to my happiness which also means seeking and protecting my interest jealously. It is only an added bonus that he knows the law. That is the secret and I am happy he is my manager because no man can understand me better.

Has there been situations when you have wished he were not your manager?

Yes, I feel that way sometimes.

The proximity between us as husband and wife can make working together a little bit too intense . Sometimes, he may be looking at a situation from a professional point of view while I will be overwhelmed by emotions. It can be challenging for the most part though but I C M Y K

have to say that it’s the best thing to have my husband as my manager.

What effect does this have on the home front?

The negative part of it is that we sometimes bring the strain of inability to agree on modus operandi to the home front. It’s a constant struggle to keep things going but we ensure that we work things out between us no matter what the origin of the issue could be.

How do you cope with your responsibilities as a wife, mother and an artiste?

I try not to take too much at a time and I have and will always involve my husband in my work. It helps us to bond and carries the family along.

Do you agree that the early musicians composed meaningful songs than the present day musicians?

Yes, we had a lot of meaningful songs written in the earlier days but even in those days, there were a lot of innuendos as just as much as the razzmatazz that we have now. I think the difference is what today’s media have chosen to promote. In those days, people like Christy Essien Igbokwe got plenty of airplay for their songs, but if you do a song with that kind of content today where your video does not have butts and boobs, your work is sort of relegated to the background. Even my inspirational songs which are not necessarily “churchy” are already placed in a category like ‘oh it’s gospel,’ without people

•Lara George

even taking time to listen to it.

At the end of the day, it’s all about choice. When the media decides to promote meaningful music then we will discover we have many beautiful and meaningful songs in today’s Nigerian music scene.

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hy did you wait till 1997 to play professionally after singing for many years at the secondary school?

Well, the truth is that I wasn’t even trying to do music professionally because it never occurred to me that I could succeed as a singer. I sort of stumbled on the opportunity to actually record the first album in 1997 and as God would have it, everything fell into place.

Some Nigerians need to be taught on how to treat the gospel artists that sing to build and inspire us with respect and a little bit of dignity

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Would you say you are fulfilled as a musician?

I am on the road to fulfillment.

Life is a journey and I certainly feel like I am traveling my own God-ordained route and so I am happy. I love my life.

Some musicians leave their homes or loved ones before they get inspirations to compose songs, is it the same with you?

I don’t feel the need to leave the comfort of my home before I can write music. As a matter of fact, most of my best songs were written at home.

Many gospel artistes use titles like evangelist, pastor etc.

Why is Lara George not using one? (smiles)I don’t really know any who does. My own people in the music industry do not use titles. I believe that only God can anoint . Any other name we

give ourselves is simply our own hype of our own selves.

How would react to gospel artiste turning into secular musicians?

If a gospel artiste becomes a secular artiste, I will not judge him or her. I think it is a sad thing though but I think our society needs to be checked on how we treat those who choose to be gospel artists. Some Nigerians need to be taught on how to treat the gospel artists that sing to build and inspire us with respect and a little bit of dignity.

What is new about you?

I released a single about a month ago, titled “you alone oluwa medley”. It’s a 10-minute long medley and is available for free downloads on You Alone Oluwa Medley . I also released a mini-album on the 4th of September which was my 10th wedding anniversary. It is a love album and the lead track of that album is titled “love Nwantinti” just like I described earlier. I just finished the video shoot in America and I hope to release the video at about the same time.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—19

JULIET EBIRIM 08137897935

What would you do if you had a violent and physically abusive spouse?

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t is sometimes assumed that men are the only people who tend to be violent towards their spouses and partners, but this is hardly the case as women sometimes resort to violence. A worried husband once confided in me thus; “Once in a while, my spouse and I have a disagreement that gets out of control. At such times she says the meanest, most irrational things about me, including “I hate you.” I have always remained calm and have never responded in kind, but this only enrages her to the point of violence. She throws all sorts of objects at me, even tries to hit and kick me in the crotch. So far I have not suffered serious injury, but I worry about what might happen if there were a knife or some other weapon handy. She’s a pleasant and loving woman most of the time, which makes it difficult for others to believe me or take my situation seriously. I am very confused and don’t know what to do.” Saturday Vanguard spoke to some celebrities on the issue and here are their responses:

I’ll pra or him prayy ffor from a distance — Bharay McNwizu, Actresss

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f we have kids, it would be difficult but wise to leave the house and inform family members about the situation. I’ll pray for him and seek counselling for him from a safe distance. In all honesty, I’m sure my spouse didn’t set out to be abusive, something from his background and upbringing made him that way and counselling can help him.

I will run away — Senat or Senator or,, Comedian

I’ll run as fast as my legs can carr carryy me - Angela Okorie, Actress

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f I have a violent wife, I will first and foremost report her to her family, so they can know that their daughter has turned me into a punching bag. If she continues, I’ll run away, before the title LATE will be attached to my name.

If she starts throwing things at me or hitting me with dangerous objects, Ahhhh, I go run o, I swear. Me wey no like wahala!

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f my husband is violent and abuses me physically, I won’t waste time with him at all. I will run away as fast as my legs can carry me, before he turns me into a punching bag.

It’s in a woman’s nature tto o fight —Mike Godson, Actor

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woman is designed to be loved and not understood. No matter what men do, a woman will always be a woman.

It’s in their nature to fight us and hit us with whatsoever, but we men were designed to love and ignore them. There is power in silence.

C M Y K

20 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

With FLORENCE AMAGIYA 08061644307

email: daise4000@yahoo.com

SEN. VICTOR NDOMA EGBA:

Taking service to the next level! …spends millions on education yearly

T

he Senate Leader, SEN VICTOR NDOMA EGBA (San), is no doubt a man with a heart of gold, who is indeed grateful for all that he has been given. The Honourable Senator has gotten to the stage of contentment in life where his needs are few and his service is more.

A true leader, to him, is one who is ever ready to serve, and that is what he has been doing for over a decade. Senator Victor cannot forget in a hurry an experience he had while growing up.

He needed only 3 pounds to stay in secondary school during the war and his father was caught up in the war and was out of job; he was going to leave school, but for the timely intervention of a benefactor, he was given the money. Today, his story is different because someone paid his school fees.

Through his office as Senate leader and his scholarship scheme he commenced since 2003, he has spent several millions of naira sponsoring over 600 Youths to different Schools and different field of endeavours. Some of the youths were sponsored throughout their undergraduate programs, some others for Masters’ programs at prestigious Universities and others for doctorate programs. Through his computer training projects, he has succeeded in training and empowering more than 80 persons in his constituency and even non- indigenes were not left out.

The Senate leader doesn’t believe that true wealth is about buying expensive cars, having a battalion of escorts as entourage, and living in opulent mansions. He believes that one is blessed to be a blessing to others. This, he has showed in the projects he is handling, both in the past and in the present. The Senate leader hasn’t invested in real estate as he has just one property in Ikom and one in his village, but he has invested in lives. He believes so much in education and the future of the Nigerian child, which to him, is the ultimate gain. He may not have appealed to so many, especially to those who do not know him and to those who do not have godly intent, but one thing is certain: he has put smiles on faces of so many people in Ikom LGA, Boki LGA, Oburra LGA, Abi LGA and some other places in Cross Rivers State.

Documented evidence shows that the Senate Leader has single-handedly sponsored 39 Bills into law. He has built schools, rebuild hospitals and health centres in Ikom and its neighbouring towns. In this edition, we present to you an icon who became who he is today because somebody gave him a helping hand, someone who has nothing to live for but to give helping hand to people who are in need of it.

Read on…

C M Y K

Senator Victor Ndoma Egba(SAN) Early life Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (San) was born in th Ikom, Cross River State on 8 March 1956. His primary education was at a Catholic primary school called St Martin’s Primary school, Ikom. He started his secondary education at Government Boys Secondary School in Ikom and finished at Mary knoll College Okuku in Ogoja, Cross Rivers State. He refers to himself as a transition child because his parents were one of the first set of people from his part of the world to receive western education.

They were both traditional and western at the same time. He grew up in very local evironment, did the same thing every child does, fetched water from the stream, went to the farm, but had the benefit of having parents who were educated. His mother was the first woman to become chairman of a local government area in Ikom, while his father was the first lawyer and judge from his part of the world which was like eleven Local Government Areas in one.

He had the privilege of not missing a day of school despite the Nigerian civil war, right from his primary education through Law school. He was probably the first person to have graduated before the age of 21 at time in his area. He graduated from the University of Lagos as a lawyer in 1977 and was called to bar in 1978. He is a member of the famous 1978 set. The 1978 set is the set with highest number of Supreme Court Justices and Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The Senate leader

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 21

Job transition

The Senate leader extensively practiced law in all the Superior Courts of record. He holds two National honours: Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). He had extensively practiced law in all the Superior Courts for several years. Senator Victor was appointed Commissioner for Works and Transport in Old Cross River State, the then Cross River, and Akwa Ibom state at the age of 27 and concurrently acted as Commissioner of Justice. The Senate leader pioneered the

which is now an Act and much more.

formal structure put in place.

The scholarship board deals with them and he only meets them during their work. And this has been on since 2003.

Investments

The Honourable Senator believes in investing in lives as his needs were met early in life. He has a very elaborate scholarship scheme with over 600 students who have benefited from the scheme.

People often think that it started when he became a senator. “My scholarship scheme started in 1981 and since then it has grown. Today, some of the beneficiaries are even medical doctors.” When society has been that gracious to you, the least you can do in return is put back." For him, he is a product of somebody’s spontaneous generosity, inspite of his background, he had difficulty going to secondary school, which was during the civil war. His

Service

•Senate Leader with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan •Senate Leader with David Mark and Ike Ekweremadu

Chief Executive of the States Directorate of Foods Roads and Rural Infrastructure, he also served as Director of Cross River Basin Development rd Authority in the 3 Republic and as chairman of Boards of Companies in the private sector with interest ranging from banking, construction, and manufacturing.

In 2003, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba was elected into the Senate to represent Cross River Central Senatorial District; he was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2004. Senator Victor Ndoma was the only one so far from the National Assembly who has outside legal practice and academics. He was reelected to the Senate in 2007 and 2011. He had served as the first Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Deputy Senate Leader (6th Senate) and is currently Senate Leader of the Nigerian Senate who is credited with 39 bills including the Freedom of Information bill

parents could not raise the 3 pounds that was needed for him to go to secondary school.

His father was caught up in it and his mother was out of work. For months they were trekking. His Uncle gave him the money he needed to pay his tuition fee. The impact of that has never been lost on him. It wasn’t about the amount but that was exactly what he needed at that point in his life.

“When you intervene in people’s life, it is not necessarily about what you do but because of what you did.” Senator Victor Ndoma Egba is well travelled and experienced.

He is of the school of thought which believes that real estates should be erected in lives of people because they produce better dividends at the end. He believes that the world would be a better, safer place where you wouldn’t need a lot of security if we invest in these lives like someone did in his. The Senate leader in his yearly scholarship scheme has invested several millions of naira in education and he is proud to say that a lot

of students have seen the light of day because he was there as he is still there. He has rebuilt schools and has single-

,

subsequently obtained his LLM from the University of Calabar and various certificates from the Irish Development Institute, Shannon Ireland, Stanford and Havard Universities in the United States of America.

A true follower of God is not only about prayer and thanksgiving; it is also about service.

•Senate Leader with Nollywood practitioners

•Car gifts to some youth leaders in his constituency handedly built a four- storey building at the Faculty of Law in the University of Calabar (UNICAL), known as the Law Faculty Building. Many years ago, before he joined the Senate, the honourable Senator was returning from a trip abroad through Lagos; he was in a queue expecting his passport; he was singled out of

The other bit of his life was when he qualified as a lawyer.

He had the option of working anywhere in the world, but he opted to practice in his home town. His people reciprocated by giving him opportunities that were rare and unusual.

He had a domestic experience as a child which made him have a pact with God at the age of eleven. He does not accept injustice of any kind which is why he ended up in the legal system.

According to him, “one doesn’t only worship and praise God, but you also serve him by serving humanity, most especially the weak and downtrodden”. For him, being a true follower of God is not about

the queue and given his passport out of turn. He was a bit embarrassed and when he asked the young man why, he explained and said he went to school through my scholarship fund. It happens every now and then. For him, the more gratifying aspect is that he doesn’t get to know them personally because he has a

,

having a life of prayer and thanksgiving; it is also about service. When your needs are met like mine, then you should consider yourself privileged. It does not necessarily have to be because our needs are met but because subconsciously, you believe you do not have any wants. He has reached the point of his life where he does not have anything to prove personally. He has had the opportunity to serve and attained the pinnacle of his profession. All he sees himself doing now is serve and does it with all his heart. Serving, for him is a commitment and not a choice.

Properties/cars

The Senate leader has a house in Abuja, one in Ikom and his village. The honorable doesn’t believe in lots of cars as he is modest.

He virtually drives himself till date.

C M Y K

22 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

KEHINDE AJOSE 08024212530

17 years after, Fela is still regarded as people’s champion Pictures By SHOLA OYELESE

•Foreigners at the festival

Lady Arisen performing on stage

•Don Carlos

T

kulakpo HE enviable place of Fela Ani music e abl not Kuti as one of world’s day, Sun t las rted legends was re-asse Don r, sta gae reg ary end when Jamaican leg s, ste arti ign fore and al loc g Carlos, leadin ual ann the of clo sed thi s yea r’s edi tion ration”, writes lab “Fe ged tag t cer con l sica mu U BENJAMIN NJOK

*Reggae star, Raymond ‘Aima’ Moses and Don Carlos.

*The crowd at the event..

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ago. But every Fela died seventeen (1997) years ss the world acro s ker year, thousands of fun see ja, Lagos, to Ike in , ine Shr ca throng the New Afri no exception. keep his legacies alive. This year was Know Go No ho Celebrated under the theme, “W strong the ed cho re-e Know” this year’s Felabration on. s live but s die belief that Fela never d last Sunday, The week-long festival climaxe Afrika Shrine but not without funfare. At the New ival, it was a fest the venue of the final night of a. Leading Fel of es tim and celebration of the life tional artistes to other notable local and interna on the world celebrate the man whose impact Don Carlos. ary end leg music scene lives on, was in Nigeria. e tim t firs the for Don was performing ambiance and However, enticing with its décor, legacies of Fela, the historical reflection of the pm when the 9 the shrine came alive from in Republic Ben from d Gangbe Brass Ban

•Femi Kuti on stage

an band, which opened the concert. The eight-m invigorates and mixes traditional Benin idioms a number ed form per s, them with jazz harmonie of Fela, son i, Kut i Fem h wit of Afrobeat songs, t. rt due joining them on stage for a sho ance, notable form per ting tiva cap ir the r Afte Plus, Olaitan l Sty ing Nigerian artistes includ d, Eda O tan Ban dz win avy He Adeniji and his e (Ol um ide Ban d, Ore zi, Isla Ka uch i, Harrysong, em Bamigboye), Weird MC, Oritsef ce as he gave ien aud the and Kcee (who stunned seekers that fun two to e priz out $1,500 cash ition) took turns excelled during a dance compet to thrill the audience. ontrollable But the crowd erupted into unc Don Carlos n whe am 5 12.4 ctly excitement at exa ce and energetic came on stage. His stage presen a resounding him performance, even at 62, got seekers who fun of ovation from thousands legendary the ir the old beh to waited patiently reggae star perform on stage. cess singing Carlos who had his greatest suc formed in he trio gae reg with Black Uhuru, the nis and Den h olp Rud nds frie 1974, with two m the fro nDe rric k “D uck ie” Sim pso excited was n, gsto “Waterhouse” district in Kin tion of bra cele the of t par to be in Nigeria and a .

Afrobeat legend

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 23

By AYO ONIKOYI, 08052201215

‘Fela wasa true African champion’ “It is an honour to be in Lagos Nigeria to celebrate Fela, a true African champion and Afrobeat King. Fela was a prophet and a legend of our time. He was like Bob Marley,” he remarked.

Among Fela’s songs, Carlos picked Water No get Enemy, as his favourite, adding “The song conveys a powerful message.”

The legendary reggae star performed alongside fellow reggae star from Dominica, Raymond ‘Aima’ Moses. The energetic reggae star opened the gig for legendary artiste,who later launched into his repertoire. Backed by Femi Kuti’s Positive Force Band, Carlos reeled out some of his evergreen songs, leaving fun seekers with memories of time past.

The legendary reggae star kept the audience on their feet dancing to his root rock reggae *Femi Kuti’s dancers music for 45 minutes. Rendering songs such ge sta on i fem itse e Or * as Spread Out, Harvest Time and Day to Day Living, Carlos made a triumphant appearance at this year’s festival. Root reggae with passion and strength was his gift to the audience. He was exciting and inspirational, while Femi’s band kept a steady ‘riddim.’ Interestingly, Femi Kuti closed the night with an electrifying Afrobeat session.

Over 100 established and emerging stars performed at the week-long music festival organized to celebrate the life and times of the late Afrobeat King, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. It was a week of fun at the New Afrika Shrine and the Freedom Park, another venue of the event in Lagos. Those who graced the event still believed *Omo Baba that Fela was the true man of the people who *Harrysong on stage stood for justice and was critical of the ruling class. the years, the festival attracted many heavyweight Apart from 1999, Felabration, which idea was from the United States, Great Britain, France and musicians from all over the world. The roll call Senegal to perform at Felabration under the banner, conceived by eldest child of Fela, Yeni in 1998, include Hugh Masakela, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, African Express. This year ’s festival featured has become a yearly ritual. Currently, the festival Awilo, Baba Maal, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, has grown into a mega week-long musical event exciting line ups of artistes who truly whetted the Lagbaja, Asa, TuFace, Seun Kuti and many others. which attracts thousands of visitors annually to appetite of music lovers.

In 2008, over 50 international artistes came together the New Africa Shrine from all over the world. Over

‘Why we brought Don Carlos to Nigeria’ R

•Don Carlos

EPRESENTATIVE of Exodus and Promotions, the agent that facilitated Don Carlos’ recent visit to Nigeria, Raheem, narrates how they were able to bring the legendary reggae star to grace this year ’s festival.

“We have been in Lagos for the past five years promoting reggae music on radio. We have a show on top Rhythm F.M 99.9 and on High Groove radio .com. I have also spent a reasonable period of time in the Shrine. During that time, Don Carlos is a name that a lot of people in the Shrine kept talking about. So, when the plans were laid out and the theme for this year ’s Felabration: “Legend: Who No Know Go Know” announced, I

couldn’t think of any other person than Don Carlos. I sold the idea of bringing Don Carlos to the planning committee and they embraced it.

Don is one reggae legend who supports up and coming artistes.

Reggae star, Raymond ‘Aima’ Moses is today supported by Don Carlos. He opens shows for Don in the United States. We were able to negotiate with them, and it was comfortable to bring the reggae artistes to Nigeria to grace the Felabration stage. Right now, we need to start having live music shows in Nigeria; reggae music as well as Afrobeat music respectively.

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24 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

08111813022

Mimi gives back to society O

ne of Nigeria’s fast-rising actresses, Miram Orjiekwe, better known as Mimi, recently gave back to the society when she donated food items to the Heart of Gold orphanage home, during her visit to the home.

Heart of Gold is an orphanage that focuses on long-term care for displaced families.

Mimi, who came to the limelight after starring in the movie, Royal Madness in 2009, said, “I like to visit and support the SOS Children’s Villages in the world because I have seen that the children are growing up in a safe and loving environment.” She spent more than an hour playing and getting to know the kids. It was great excitement not only for our kids but for our staff as well,” Executive director of the orphanage confessed.

The “Lekki Husband” star kissed and hugged children and also played with them and crawled around on the floor to entertain them. The actress has made no secret of the fact that she is keen to providing and helping more children.

Andy has overtaken my real name, Kenneth Okonkwo cries out

*Picks PDP nomination form

P

opular Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, is currently worried. This is not because he’s no longer getting scripts as an actor, but simply because the character he played in that foremost movie, Living in Bondage, is seriously posing a big challenge to him.

Kenneth opened up at the just concluded Best of Nollywood Awards which held last week in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. He said that after playing “Andy” in that classic movie, people hardly know him any more as Kenneth Okonkwo.

This, he said, has become a very big problem to him, even as he has declared his intention to go into politics. “I will have to sensitize the voters and make sure that they are familiar with the name Kenneth Okonkwo and not Andy before the general election.”

Kenneth joined the long list of Nigerian entertainers venturing into politics, after he picked up the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, nomination form during the week. He wants to represent the people of Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2015. After obtaining his form, excited actor posted on his online campaign site: “Join me in thanking God for assisting me obtain my nomination form of our great party PDP to contest for the House of Representatives to represent Nsukka/ Igboeze South Federal Constituency. To Him be all the glory.”

The actor who is also a lawyer expressed optimism that he will defeat his opponents at the polls.

Other celebs that have joined politics include Bob Manuel, Desmond Elliot, Kate Henshaw, 9ice, Tony Tetuila, and Julius Agwu, among others. Kenneth was brought to limelight following the role he played as ‘Andy’ in the movie, Living in Bondage, released in 1992.

Film on malaria hits the big screen By

A

*Mimi

CHRIS

ONUOHA

n innovative TV series that addresses key health concerns facing all Nigerians including malaria and family planning premiered at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos last weekend.

The film titled New Man Street is definitely a new dimension to raise the bar as far as film making is concerned in Nigeria.

It starred notable actors including Bimbo Akintola, Fred Amata, Sani Danja, Bimbo Manuel, Sani Mu’azu and Emma Ayalogu among others.

According to the producer, Bond Emeruwa “We are using the power of entertainment in collaboration with foreign agency to produce this film.”

In the film, you will meet Andy, a handsome barber and aspiring Afro hip-hop artiste fighting the uphill battle to fame.

Andy is a young Nigerian with big dreams who strive to overcome the harsh realities of city life to achieve happiness, fame and fortune. Another character, Mama Ejiro, is a seamstress who aspires to get additional

training that will enhance her business by dreaming of clothing the high and mighty in her quest for fame.

New Man Street is produced by Nollywood Concept Promotions and the Center for Communication Programs Nigeria (CCPN) supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID/PMI), United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA), the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs (JHUCCP) and UK Department for International Development (Ukaid).

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 25

08111813022

‘I am happy to be part of BBA Hotshots’ E

Nkem Ike stranded in PH? *Nkem

F

ast rising actress Nkem Ike is not known to be one who is quick to anger or loses control over her emotions. But last Friday morning at the Port-Harcourt International Airport, the Enugu State-born actress proved to be one.

Nkem, who broke into Nollywood with her role in the movie, Relection, lost her patience after it became clear that she wasn’t going to join her colleagues to fly back to Lagos on that fateful day. She was one of the Nollywood stars that graced this year’s Best of Nollywood Awards, which held in Port-

Harcourt.

The actress arrived the airport alongside other attendees, but when it was time to board the flight, her name was missing on the roaster. She was seen vibrating and making calls at random. To compound the problem, none of the organisers of the event was at the airport to address the matter. She, however, spent hours at the airport before she finally flew back to Lagos. It was uncertain whether she got a new ticket or somebody came to her rescue. But one thing is certain: it was a bad experience for Nkem.

victed Nigerian Big Brother housemate, Lilian Afegbai, who was officially welcomed back to the county yesterday, has expressed happiness that she was part of this year’s Big Brother Africa - hotshots.

She was evicted from the “Hotshots” house last Sunday alongside Uganda’s Esther and Sabina from Kenya.

Lilian was representing the country with Tayo Faniran.She was expected to survive eviction due to her twerking antics. She told host IK that she was shocked by her eviction and many Nigerians are obviously sad to see her leave the house.

The trio were sent home after gathering the fewest votes from Africa over the course of the week, of the nine nominated housemates. The first housemates to be evicted were Zambia’s Resa and Mozambique’s Mira who said goodbye to the house last Sunday, October 12.

Lilian would be remembered for such memorable moments as when she got a butt massage from Namibian housemate, Luis, when she got into an argument with Tayo and when she announced her addiction to twerking. Since the

*Lilian Afegbai, beginning of the Hotshots, Lilian entertained her fellow housemates with her twerking moves. While explaining to Alusa and Frankie, she stated that she needs to twerk at least 20 times a day. “I am happy to be part of this year’s Big Brother Africa reality show. It has been wonderful and I don’t pretend, I was actually myself throughout,” Afegbai said.

This is the first time in the history of the show that a Nigerian has been evicted so early, just two weeks in. Nigeria has won the show thrice.

azobia FM’s electrifying Lolo1, W presenter, Omotunde AdebowaleOmalicha, David, a.k.a Lolo1, alongside Rhythm ace presenter, Anita Isedeh, better others to host FM’s Mr. Ibu bags Best Actor award known as Omalicha and Tochukwu ‘Elajoe’ Nwosu, one of the unsung Nigerian hipth Nigerian hop heads, are the hosts for the 5 edition on his birthday of the yearly Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Broadcasters Awards (NBMA).

OHN Okafor popularly known as received on behalf of Mr. Ibu at a The Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards Mr.Ibu turned 54, last Sunday ceremony organized by the group J Merit Awards (NBMA), as the name implies, is an award and the comic actor rolled out drums in Abuja. ceremony organized to celebrate, honour, Okafor is one of Nigeria’s most to mark his birthday in grand style.

2014 and appreciate past and current talented comic actors. His acting He threw a birthday bash that had broadcasters, as well as those who have passed on; who have distinguished themselves as role models, mentors, and propagators of social change in society. These great people have had a memorable impact on their listeners and viewers over the years through their programmes, as they educate, inform, entertain, and promote peace.

NBMA, the pioneer of the prestigious awards for TV/ Radio broadcasters and onair personalities comes up on Saturday, November 15, at the Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Seasoned broadcaster, Femi Sowoolu, who is the NBMA’s patron, is expected to welcome all the invited guests, and on the wheels-of-steel is effervescent DJ Unbeatable of Rainbow 94.1FM.

*Lolol

all the trappings of a five star event in Owerri, with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State in attendance.

Rochas was represented at the event which held at Rock View hotels, by one of his Commissioners,Hon. Uche Nwosu.

Also, in attendance were Nollywood stars including Chinyere Winfred, Offialagu Mbaka, Dauda, Jericho, Emeka Rollas, Ajebo, Kakaki,Chinyere Udoma, Dunhil, Adin Williams and one time John player world dancing champion, Issac Chinagorum. Popular musicians like Xbuster and Ibeh Chukwuneke a.k.a MC Chuks thrilled the audience with their scintillating tunes and performances that held the audience spellbound.

Interestingly, at the event, the comic-actor was presented with the Best Movie Actor of the Year award, by the Peace Ambassadors Of Nigeria.

Presented to him by Mr. Okey Nwuzor popularly called Don Singles, the award was earlier

is often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp disconnection from reality.

•Mr. Ibu

26—Vanguard, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014

anozieegole@yahoo.com

08116759764

Why I featured in Ikwokirikwo

Ice Prince preaches love and patience in new single S

uper talented rapper, and Chocolate City artistes, Ice Prince is really ending the year on a good note as he drops another hit track That Could Be Us. The single produced by ace producer Legendary Beats, follows up successful hits likes, Shots on Shots, Can I Talk and N Word Remix all released this year.

Ice Prince who was nominated three times at this year’s Headies award shows his versatility as he flexes his vocal prowess on a greatly composed and highly melodious beat.

The hit track talks about the beautiful things that could have been in past relationships if the two partners exercised patience, a situation everybody can relate to. The singer preaches a strong message on love and patience. He also releases a collaboration with Terry G, titled, In The Morning, a song that takes a street and groovy flow and it sees both artists do justice with brilliantly composed lines.

— Dillish Mathew W

hen BBA -The Chase winner, Dillish Mathew was spotted in a musical video set with Nigerian-born high life musician, Flavour for the musical video of Ikwokirikwo earlier this year, tongues statrted wagging that there is something going on between the two. But just like every other celebrity relationship, both parties did not say anything about that.

The Namibian model who hosted a lot of questions through her twitter handle recently, spoke on her reasons for featuring in Flavour’s Ikwokirikwo. “I featured in the musical video because, the singer is my male celebrity crush. He is hot. The graetest achievement I would say that I have recorded, including winning the Big Brother Africa, is taking care of my family,” She said.

*Ice Prince

Orezi acquires new Betcolony Africa berths in Lagos amidst fun

O

ne of the country’s leading sports betting company, Betcolony Africa, recently, held close friends to a cocktail party for an executive launch party of the brand and its new packages. It was indeed, an evening of fun, and excitement as popular comedian, MC Abbey, gave a good account of himself. Speaking at event, the CEO of Betcolony Africa in Nigeria, Lekan Saka, said that brand seeks to bring betting not just to some group of people,

but to every sports lover and also to export the idea to other African countries. “ We intend to export the idea to other African countries. It is in South Africa right now. We are trying to donate to the industry as much as we can. Betcolony has the best point when we started and we have been trying to maintain that. We still maintain the highest point in the market. We have been in existence for about 2 years now. This platform have vision for young people. It helps and encourages people to go into business especially young people. This platform has made young millionaires. The problem we have in this country is that a lot of people want to make money without investing and that is very bad. I think this is the place for them to invest and make more money,” he advised.

ride!

A

s the year is gradually coming to an end, Nigerian artiste Orezi seems to be celebrating the end of the year in a grand style as he recently celebrated the arrival of his new car via his Instagram page recently. The sensational singer, has acquired for himself, a brand new red, Rang Rover and posted the photos on his instagram page on Instagram with Wizkid and music producer Del B who were there to share in his

*Mc abbey *Orezi

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happy moment. The Rihana crooner, also went ahead to share that he is much wealthier since he dropped his version of Shoki. “S/O to Popito Baron for making dt shoki Beat !!! Plenty Alert don Enter since we dropped dat jam .. S/O to d fans Once again God go dey bless of Una for me .. God Bless #Sprisal , God Bless ma Team #Yougarrit #Rihanna gbogbo won Lon sanwo lowo yi #Gratefull”.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 27

BY IYABO AINA

08184172548

Kesha accuses producer of sex violence …claims the abuse began when she was just18 years

A

merican singer, rapper and songwriter Kesha, has finally sued her super producer Dr. Luke, a longtime collaborator and founder of her record label Kemosabe Records, and accused him of sexual assault and battery, TMZ reports.

The 27 years old pop singer, alleges Luke, born Lukasz Gottwald, 41, made her use drugs and forced himself on her sexually for years, beginning when he first signed her at age 18.

According to the suit obtained by TMZ, Luke gave Kesha what he called “sober pills” after forcing her to drink with him. The next afternoon, Kesha claims she woke up naked in Luke’s bed, sore and with no recollection of what transpired the night before. The suit also alleged that Luke verbally abused Kesha and repeatedly insulted her physical appearance, contributing to her struggle with an eating disorder.

In a statement to TMZ, Kesha’s attorney Mark Geragos said the following: “This lawsuit is a wholehearted effort by Kesha to regain control of her music career and her personal freedom after suffering for ten years as a victim of mental manipulation, emotional abuse and an instance of sexual assault in the hands of Dr. Luke.”

According to TMZ, Luke has responded to Kesha’s allegations with a lawsuit of his own, claiming the singer is lying and tried to extort him. TMZ reports that Luke filed suit just hours after Kesha, claiming that she and her mother made up the abuse allegations against him in an attempt to get her out of her recording contract.

*Kesha and Dr. Luke

Charlie Sheen officially ends engagement with

fiancee T

he “Anger Management” actor Charlie Sheen announced he has called off his pending nuptials to former adult actress Brett Rossi.

Recall that the couple became engaged last Valentine’s Day. Shortly after the engagement, Rossi said she was changing her name to leave her “porn past behind.”

In a statement, the actor said his former fiancee was a “terrific girl” and they crossed a lot off of their bucket lists, but he added, “We’ve mutually decided to go our separate ways.” Sheen said, “I’ve decided that my children deserve my focus more than a relationship does right now.” The actor added that he wishes Rossi “all the best.”

*Charlie Sheen and fiancee

Mariah Carey continues her tour of Terror …as her dress busts on stage

A

*Mariah Carey

merican singer cum actress Mariah Carey, recently set pulses racing as she took to the stage at the Hongkou Soccer Stadium in Shanghai, China on Sunday night in a barely-there outfit.

At the age of 44 and with two young children, the singer proved she’s not yet ready to cover-up as she poured her curves into a black latex one-shoulder dress with slit up to the hip on one side, exposing her

entire leg.

But unfortunately, the songstress busted out of her black latex-like dress as she hit the stage in Shanghai, China on Sunday night as she tours with her ‘The Elusive Chanteuse Show’.

In good company: The singer was joined onstage by several scantily-clad backup dancers, who appeared to be dressed as high school cheerleaders

MOMENT IN HISTORY Most awards won by a single film These 3 films share the honour of 11 Academy Awards Ben-Hur (1959): Starring Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griggith and Haya Harareet. Produced by Sam Zimbalist and directed by William Wyler.

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Titanic (1997): Starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet. Produced and co-directed

by James Cameron The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003): Starring Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian Mckellen, Viggo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom and Liv Tyler. Directed by Peter Jackson.

28 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

How a s saved m from a suicide mission

— Sandra If •Sandra Ifudu

BY JULIET EBIRIM AND KEHINDE AJOSE

2

4-year-old Sandra Ifudu, niece of legendary singer, Dora Ifudu, is looking to outdo her aunt in the craft of music by bringing out something special in herself even when she had decided that her genre would be inspirational and gospel music. She had tasted the waters with a release of a single ‘Let it Go’ which may very well put her on the gravy train to fame.

But unlike most gospel singers, the English graduate of Madonna University doesn’t intend to carry herself with the air and style of Mother Theresa, she’s ready to unleash a bit of her womanhood, without going overboard or flaunting her sexuality. How would she do it? Hear her story and how she intends to sell her gospel to the secular market: Why did you choose gospel music?

It’s not just gospel music. I just do positive, meaningful music with meaningful lyrics. There are so many things to talk about; love, peace and so on. I just want to inspire people.

What are you working on now?

I just released a single, Let it go. It’s been out on the blogs and right now, I’m doing radio promotion.

What’s the song about?

Let it go as the name implies is a feel-good song for people to let go of

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A8—SA TURD AY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 A8—SATURD TURDA

More Nigerians will die in Dubai — Aisha Falode cries out *Writes Jonathan over sons death

ollowing the deaths of F young Nigerians in Dubai, the United Arab

Emirates in controversial circumstances, the last being the death of Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the son of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, in the same city; ace broadcaster, Aisha Falode whose son was also murdered has warned the federal government that many more of such cases would happen unless the government demand for justice.

On February 15, 2014, Toba Falode, was allegedly pushed to his death from a high-rise apartment block in Dubai. In the same vein, last week, 32year-old Oyamuyefa Alamieyeseigha, the son of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was murdered in cold blood in the same city.

Aisha Falode, in an open letter to President Jonathan made available to Saturday Vanguard said: “We cannot stand by and watch our youths being down played over business interest with a country that hates us with so much passion, that they are cutting down the lives

Oyamuyefa

Toba of our young ones in cold blood crudely and viciously and yet we seek “partnership and collaboration” in investment with this same country.”

The letter reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I read about the death of the son of Chief Alameiyeseigha on the streets of Dubai; an incident that immediately jolted me back in time thanks to the bizarre similarities to that of my son as regards “cause of death”.

My son was said by the Dubai authorities to have jumped down from a balcony, dismissing it as “suicide”, same with Chief Alameiyeseigha’s son.

I am saddened that this has

POLITICAL NOTES.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

God’s Will is right in Akwa Ibom The Tuesday declaration for the governorship by erstwhile secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel at the Uyo Township Stadium was by every dimension, a remarkable gathering. Though the outgoing governor of the state, Obong Godswill Akpabio was conspicuously absent, his spirit was overwhelmingly present throughout the ceremony.

Mr. Emmanuel left his job last year as an executive director in Zenith Bank to take up the job of SSG in the state. His rapid transformation from the conservative geared banker to a populist mobiliser of the masses was so obvious that one had to ask if Emmanuel had ever been a banker.

Besides, if there was any doubt as to the inclination of the governor, the presence of his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio as the head of the cheer leaders that day quickly removed any such doubt.

The crowd was not just massive and intimidating, but also very passionate in their vociferous chant of Udom is Right at the

happened despite my nationwide campaign to put an end to this again by putting all relevant government agencies on notice.

For the record, my son was thrown from the balcony of a 17th floor apartment in Manchester Tower in Dubai. A Saudi boy resident in Dubai confessed to the murder; he had my son’s blood on his tshirt, he had my son’s blood on his knuckles and boasted about serving time for 25 years in prison if it comes to the worst.

The suspect name is Faisal Aldakmary Al-Nasser.

There were witnesses to this murder, they have written statements verbally and orally

corroborating what the suspect said. I have put all this together to make this easy for the Nigerian government to help me get justice for my son in Dubai. “I warned the Nigerian government that Nigerian youths were being killed in Dubai on a daily basis as confirmed by our embassy in Dubai. I also warned parents about the danger of Dubai.

I also stated that if justice was not gotten for my son that another murder will happen.

Indeed there have been many more after my son although not mentioned because they do not have a voice. But now, there is one so close to government that has been struck.

“I did not have to be a soothsayer to know this. Many more will happen until we get Justice for Toba Falode, and all those who have been murdered in cold blood in Dubai. We cannot stand by and watch our youths lives being down played over and above “collaboration and partnership” with a country that hates us with so much passion, that they are cutting down the lives of our young ones in cold blood crudely and viciously and yet we seek “partnership and collaboration” in investment with this same country.

ceremony.

The adoption of the Arsenal FC loving former banker is Governor Akpabio’s own human response to what the people of Eket Senatorial District in the state say is the history of injustice to their people in the production of governors for the state. For that reason and for those who agree on the choice of Emmanuel, God’s will is always right on such issues.

Pursuing Fayemi’s shadow in Ekiti The move by the new administration in Ekiti State to discredit Comrade Kayode Fayemi’s legacy of populist activism with revelations of allegedly ostentatious furniture and fittings in the new Government House has raised debate among the citizenry within and outside the state.

While some have expressed concern over the alleged purchases whose prices have yet to be independently confirmed, others are of the opinion that the new administration may simply derail itself with the pursuit of Dr. Fayemi’s shadow.

Some recall when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu first took the mantle in Lagos and took more than usual interest in the affairs of his military predecessor, Gen. Buba Marwa. It reportedly took the intervention of some concerned eminent Lagosians to refocus him and help him realise what turned out to be his legacy.

Is it the end of the road?

For many contemporary political office holders in

“Our ambassador in the UAE, Ambassador Ibrahim Auwalu, must be called back to Nigeria to answer to every young soul that has been lost to Dubai unaccounted for due to his lack of responsibility in office.

“The Foreign Ministry also, must be asked questions on what they have done about Toba Falode’s case 8 months after. It took Israel less than 48 hours to act on the loss of their three youths.

8 months after Toba Falode’s murder, we are still waiting on the Nigerian government to give us any kind of reaction on the loss of a young lifeToba Falode in Dubai.

Even after submitting every evidence, our protest, police reports corroborating the fact that my son was murdered, we still have gotten no response at all from the Nigerian government.

And the Nigerian Government for once should start acting like a big country with so much might and power that it is in the continent and indeed in the world and go after Dubai for justice for every young soul and every Nigerian life that has been cut short in Dubai.

We send our sympathy and condolences to DSP Alamieyeseigha.

The family and friends of their son, we empathise with them because we have been through and are still going through it and it is nothing we wish for any parent which was our concern from the start.

This, is one death too many.

May it not happen again.

Aisha Falode.

the country, the fear of their governors has always been the primary source of wisdom. But not necessarily for some with moral and political fibre. One of the later would be Rep. Bitrus Kaze representing Jos South, Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State. Against the desire of some from his constituency and associates of Governor Jonah Jang, Kaze had championed the agenda of power shift away from his own senatorial district to Plateau South senatorial district on the basis of what he termed equity.

Against advice from secret and open admirers not to offend the political sensibilities of the governor, Kaze was strident saying fair is fair. It was no surprise that Kaze is not in the line up of possible candidates drawn up by the powers that be on the plateau for PDP tickets. In fact, his present seat has been earmarked for a former bureaucrat in the Government House who has just resigned.

But that is not the end of the road for the legislator. Apparently a reflection of his own political reach, on Thursday he was listed in the committee to prepare grounds for President Jonathan’s formal declaration for a second term, a position that could prepare him for higher prospects in the near future.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 29 some sexually explicit roles?

No, I won’t accept that. As a gospel artiste, I don’t want to confuse my audience by doing gospel songs and then doing a different thing elsewhere. I’m going to be very selective as an actress.

So where will you draw the line?

I think I will know where to draw the line.

Kissing is make-believe and it’s okay. But there’s isn’t going to be any form of nudity.

song me

Are you in a relationship at the moment?

No. What’s your ideal man like?

It’s normal to be attracted to the physical appearance. I like good-looking men, it doesn’t matter if he’s tall or short, as long as he’s good-looking and God-fearing.

same time not to be totally selfish. Make everybody happy.

A lot of gospel artistes do dance tracks, what’s going to be unique about your own kind of songs?

I don’t think there are a lot of people doing gospel dance tracks in Nigeria.

But even if there are, I’m going to be different and I’ll stand out. I’m going to bring my uniqueness to the table with my lyrics and style.

There are things that are not considered gospel that I infuse in my lyrics. I use the word ‘Baby’ and other side attractions to spice it up so it’s not boring.

Won’t you consider the size of his purse?

If he’s good-looking and has a bright future, that is, if he’s educated and there is hope that things would get better in the future, then it’s fine. But if there is no hope, then it’s a No-No. Where do you hope to see yourself few years from now?

I hope to be very popular not just within, but outside the country. I hope to have a very strong fan base. I want to fall among the top ten artistes in Nigeria. I really want to be relevant in the industry.

Is this your first song?

Yes, it’s my first single.

I’m promoting it now. I may shoot the video now or just go straight to do another song. But right now, I just want to use the song to introduce myself.

fudu their worries, be happy and trust God to take care of all their troubles.

What is going to distinguish you from other artistes?

A lot of people see gospel music as boring and that’s why it’s not really selling, especially in Nigeria, because Nigerians like party songs.

I want to instruct, educate and entertain at the same time. I’m going to put the Nigerian market into consideration by giving them something they can dance to, but the lyrics will be gospel.

Does that mean you will be doing more of the fast-paced songs?

I’m versatile, I can do the slow songs, but I want to consider Nigerians and the Nigerian market. Nigerians like danceable songs.

Personally, I like slow gospel songs, but to be considerate, I’d like to infuse the party songs with good gospel lyrics.

Don’t you think that by so doing, you won’t be staying true to yourself, doing songs for the Nigerian market and not what you really want?

The fact that I’m doing gospel and inspirational songs is being true to myself. If I wanted to totally please people and not please myself, I won’t even do gospel, because gospel music doesn’t sell in Nigeria. I’m doing gospel because I want to be true to myself, but at the

B y inspirational, how do you mean?

Inspiration can come from anywhere. You can be an inspirational artiste and sing love songs. You can inspire people in different ways and with different things. You can inspire people to be good, to love and do different things. As an inspirational artiste, every issue is worth talking about. It’s broader than gospel, that’s why I don’t want to be classified as just gospel.

Can you feature a secular artiste in your songs?

Yes, provided the lyrics are good and decent. It all depends on what they say in the song. The fact that they do secular songs doesn’t make them devils. Most of them have gospel tracks. They’re not anti-gospel because they do secular music.

Besides doing music, do you hope to do other forms of entertainment?

Yes, I’m an aspiring actress. I’ll love to do a few movies along the line. Acting is my first love. I fell in love with acting years before I knew I could sing.

What if you were required to interpret

Don’t you think that would contradict what you represent?

In the Bible, Jesus Christ said he came for sinners, not the saints. He was always seen with tax collectors and prostitutes. Why will I not go to the club to do my music, if Jesus Christ could mingle with such people? At the end of the day, what you want to achieve is to reach out to people. So, why will I reject an opportunity to do that? As long as I’m going there to do my song, I don’t see why I shouldn’t.

,

n

•Sandra Ifudu

What’s the motivation, is it a calling or a career choice?

Right from childhood, I had always wanted to do music.

Music is my passion. I recently decided to do gospel music because there are a lot of issues to talk about. I grew up thinking I was going to be an RnB artiste, because I was inspired by Maria Carey, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson and I thought I’d be doing their kind of music. But as I grew older, I discovered that I want to talk about meaningful things, do positive, peaceful music that will inspire people and so I chose to do gospel/inspirational music.

If you were invited to perform in a club or a secular show, would you go?

The fact that I do gospel/inspirational music doesn’t mean I’m a saint walking on earth or an angel. I have my own shortcomings. If I’m invited to a club to do my gospel music,why not?

I want to instruct, educate and entertain at the same time. I’m going to put the Nigerian market into consideration by giving them something they can dance to, but the lyrics will be gospel

,

A lot of artistes started out doing gospel and along the line, they got distracted and started doing other kinds of songs, how do you intend to remain on the path you’ve chosen for yourself?

I’m passionate about it. I thought about it very well before going into it. While I was growing up, I was mostly inspired by meaningful, positive and inspirational music.

There were so many times I was down while growing up as a young girl. These songs motivated me a lot. So I said to myself that I wanted to use my music to help and motivate people. There was a time I felt like committing suicide, just giving up and I listened to a song and it was as if the singer was talking to me and it helped me from such depressing moments. I want to do that for someone else.

Could you share some of those moments when you felt like giving up While I was growing up, I was bullied a lot because I was ugly. I didn’t know how I was transformed, but I knew and I was also told that I was ugly. I was teased a lot at school and I felt there was no hope for me, because I was very big and very ugly. I hardly went out and was under house arrest most of the time and my sister was so beautiful and slim. I felt like killing myself, but when I listened to these songs they really motivated me.

How were you able to conquer that feeling?

I was growing and I guess my appearance began to change and I started working on myself. My self-esteem also improved. Even if I go back to whatever I used to look like, it won’t be that bad. I was a kid then, I didn’t know how to handle issues, but I’m grown now.

Are you related to the 70’s, 80’s singer, Dora Ifudu?

Yes, she’s my aunty, my dad’s younger sister. She was really great. She was popular those days alongside the likes of Christy Essien Igbokwe and Onyeka Onwenu.

What should people expect from you?

They should expect positive songs with good lyrics which is really lacking in Nigeria.

C M Y K

30—SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Born to be alive T

resuscitation, kangaroo mother care for preterm babies, and the prevention and treatment of infections.

These interventions can be implemented for an annual cost of US$1.15 per person.

Providing quality care at birth yields a triple return on investment, saving mothers and newborns and preventing stillbirths. It also protects babies from disabilities.

About half of all stillbirths and deaths among mothers and their newborns occur on the day of birth and almost all are preventable. Birth is

he day of my birth was very nearly the day of my death. Don’t let it shock you, because, even as a newborn, I was weak, frail and sickly. Years later, I got to know my mother never saw me or hear my cry. She didn’t cuddle or nurse me because she didn’t even know I had been born. She was dead before my birth. No one expected me to survive, but I did. Alas! my mother, God rest her soul, didn’t make it. She gave up her life giving me life. I was her firstborn and also her lastborn. Doctors said I should have been born dead and told me how lucky I was to be born alive.

Every day 800 women die in pregnancy or while giving birth like my mother. Every day, still, 145 women of child bearing age die of pregnancy-related complications. Every two minutes, the death of a mother traumatises a family and threatens wellbeing of other children in the family. I learned early in life that children who lose their mothers at birth are less likely to live to see their second year of life. But I surmounted the odds. I was lucky.

Millions are not as lucky.Every day, 528 newborns die at birth.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF says these deaths represent a quarter of all deaths of children aged five years and below. The foregoing summarises the Nigerian situation today. The country accounts for nearly one-quarter of Africa’s maternal and newborn deaths. Too many women are dying giving life and too many newborns are not staying alive long enough to have a life.

In 2013, 260,000 babies died in Nigeria in their first month of life and an additional 295,000 were stillborn. In Nigeria, where newborns currently account for more than 33 percent of all deaths of children under age five, majority of the deaths are from preventable causes.

They include prematurity, complications during child birth including •Every day, 528 newborns die at birth related to the health workforce, asphyxia, and severe financing, and service delivery. infections.

Children are the world By addressing these challenges, thousands of lives can be saved and mothers are their substance. The message in the next decade alone.

At a high-level advocacy event is clear: Save the mother, in Abuja the Call to Action on the save the baby.

By 2025 Nigeria could Nigerian adaptation of the Every save as many as 375,000 Newborn Action Plan, NENAP was enacted. Tagged the lives of mothers and National Newborn Health babies each year if the Conference where The Lancet’s country develops and Every Newborn Series, was implements effective launched, it was convened to strategies to improve build synergy and commitment maternal and newborn toward ending preventable health, according to Every Newborn Series—a newborn deaths and renewing publication of The Lancet. the momentum for newborn Nigeria ranks second in survival. State health profiles were released; enabling Nigerian the world as having the greatest potential to save health officials have a also the time when comparative assessment of the newborn’s chance of survival the lives of women and newborns face the greatest and highlight the steps that their babies and prevent health status of mothers and risk for disability. Babies newborns in each of the 36 must be taken to end stillbirths with high born too early or too small states. preventable newborn deaths. coverage of quality care. are most vulnerable and “The time to act is now. Nigeria New analyses indicate that A systematic assessment more than 80 percent of shall stop housing the greatest three million maternal and of challenges in highnewborn deaths occur burden of newborn deaths in newborn deaths and burden countries— among small or sick babies..

Africa,” said Acting Minister of stillbirths can be prevented including Nigeria— “There is tremendous Health Dr. Khaliru Alhassan.” each year around the world revealed that the most opportunity and we know The Lancet Every Newborn with proven interventions— common barriers to what needs to be done to including the promotion of improving survival were Series findings present the ensure every baby has a clearest picture to date of a breastfeeding, neonatal healthy start,” said Professor

Joy Lawn of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Series research lead and senior health adviser to Save the Children.

Deputy Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development in Nigeria, Julie Koenen, argues that “At a time when people wonder if we can still come together to accomplish big things, I say we can, and we are showing the world that this is possible. But we need to do more. With a strong and sustained commitment from all of us, we can end preventable

maternal and child deaths within a generation.”

“We commend the Nigerian Ministry of Health and its partners for its commitment to identifying and taking forward specific opportunities to advance the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) and improve newborn health and survival in Nigeria,” said Dr. Mairo Mandara, Country Representative, Nigeria, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The ENAP, co-led by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, is based on epidemiology, evidence, and global and country learnings from the Series and sets a framework to end preventable deaths for newborns and stillbirths by 2035 as part of the A Promise Renewed effort. It was launched 30 June 2014 at the 2014 Partners’ Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa after endorsement at the World Health Assembly.

SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—31

Detoxify your bowels with prune fruit juice W

hen we talk about the benefits of fruits, many think all fruits are the same and benefit the body the same way. Nutritionists say this is not so, and that, depending on your health status, there are fruits that the doctor may warn a patient against. For instance, pineapples may benefit someone with sound health, buy is a different ball game for the diabetic.

There are fruits that give more health benefits than one, what with their rich nutritional contents that tend to nurture the body, in the process of which they also detoxify the entire body system.

One such fruit is the prune. Though this fruit is not necessarily native to Nigeria, it is available in upscale supermarkets, while its juice alternative is also available on demand.

A nutritionist, Dr. Remi Omotunde, says prune juice aids digestion. He warns that the digestive system is very important when it comes to meeting nutritional needs, but that many factors, including age and unwise dietary choices, affect the way our digestive system works, hence the need to aid its function by eating fruit such as prune or, better still, taking the juice as a regular part of our daily diet.

“The digestion process slows down as we age, and that is why many old people become malnourished at certain point because their foods are not broken down the way they used to be when they were young.

“To save the day, they need digestive support in the form of digestive enzymes, which the prune juice can readily provide.”

Prune juice is made from pulverised prunes steeped in hot water. The prune, as a fruit, provides

•There are fruits that give more health benefits

easy-to-digest carbohydrates, soluble fibre, potassium, iron and antioxidant compounds – all of which benefit the body significantly. “And even as juice, prune retains significantly higher amounts of the dried fruit’s nutrients, benefitting the body immensely in return, especially as a remedy for constipation,” he enthuses.

Hyman Ilonze, Business Development

Director, MA&J Vitalife Products, and a prune juice user, the potassium content of prune juice helps in normalising blood pressure, while it also helps in reducing the risk of hypertension when taken regularly.

A little cup of the juice per day is enough to guarantee nonheme iron – the type of iron that is exclusive to plants and is easily absorbed in the presence of vitamin C,

which is also found in prune juice.

As rich as this juice is, Omotunde says, it can prevent the development of osteoporosis. “This is because it contains the trace mineral, boron, which is very essential to bone health.”

Indeed, Ilonze says that daily use of prune juice can prevent disease because as a plant-based food, it is an essential part of a healthy diet, and it contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

“The phenols – a type of antioxidant – found in prune juice protects the cells from damage that is caused by harmful free radicals. When your body is rid of free radicals, you are unlikely to develop certain chronic diseases such as cancer and heart issues,” a General Physician, Dr. Kemi IloriGbadebo, adds.

Ilonze says he now takes prune juice religiously after he suffered from haemorrhoids for several years and had become despondent when all the medications he was given simply didn’t help.

“This nurse introduced me to the prune juice; and the very first time I took it, my symptoms were relieved almost instantly.

“Before then, I had great difficulties whenever I wanted to relieve myself, as I had to labour to push out the waste.

By the time I started taking the prune juice, my digestive system improved, my haemorrhoids was healed and I have never stopped taking it more than 15 years since then.”.

Regular consumption of a fruit juice such as prune, which contains high dose of potassium, in addition to conscious healthy dietary habits, may work the wonders in helping to lower the blood levels significantly and thus save you from the risk of developing stroke.

The nutritionist adds that soluble fibres such as found in prune juice helps in slowing down the rate at which the body uses sugars, thereby helping the body to normalise its sugar level.

This fibre content inherently helps the body to stimulate insulin production, thereby reducing an individual’s risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.

32—SA TURD AY 32—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25 25,, 2014

L

ondon-trained, Nigerian designer turned blogger, Emmy Collins, is a fashion designer who has carved a niche for himself within and outside the country with his fashion brand. In this chat with Esther Onyegbula he talks about, how it all started, why he decided to take his craft to the next level with the ecommerce platform, his new online store and other sundry issues.

How did fashion begin for you?

Emmy Collins is a designer label that originated from Umuahia in Abia State several years ago while I was a student at Federal Government College.

I was in form one then. I would go to Ariaria market in Aba to purchase fabrics. So fashion designing was a talent I discovered in Nigeria but the European environment helped me nurture it and take it to a different level. It gave me the opportunity to take courses to work with good people in the industry. I had mentors like David Jones who believed in me from the beginning and has been very supportive of my career.

Why did you decide to open an online shop after closing your outlet in Ikoyi?

I used to have a showroom at Awolowo road in 2007/2008, but I had to shut down the showroom due to staff challenges. Some members of staff didn’t share the same idea that I have.

Apparently, I was spending millions every year to keep the shop afloat but the staff I had were not in tune with the vision.

How would the e-commerce platform impact on your brand?

Luckily enough, Nigeria has evolved into a new direction.

Why my business is going online —Emmy Collins That is where the e-commerce comes in. The e-commerce is a department that actually affords me the opportunity to get my clothes and my collections out to my client in Nigeria without actually owning an outfit or having a residence in Nigeria. As you know, I am an international designer; I have visions, aspirations and dreams. And my dreams and aspirations go way beyond Nigeria. With regards to the e-commerce or online store, it has been on for a while, but we just republished it to allow people based in Nigeria to shop from it and we deliver to all locations in Nigeria. Very soon we are going to be linked to the GTB market hub as well.

Our online store is called emmy collins shop.com.

How would you guarantee the same quality associated with the brand?

The idea of our online store is actually made to fit with the same standard our brand is known for. It has the same standard that I was trained to live up to and that is the standard I will uphold and that is the standard that I preach everyday and pray that every single designer will operate within that standard. That is the standard that is respected all over the world. The Italians, the Americans respect that standard. Having an online store that caters for Nigerians affords me the opportunity to sell in Nigeria. When I had

that showroom along Awolowo road, I was limited to people living in Lagos. But with the online store, there is no limitation to client. It has given me wings to fly as high as I want to.

Fortunately for us, clients from the Nigerian market would have to order, make payment to the bank and we deliver the product once we receive the bank alert. At the moment, the bank system is the only option available. But we deliver to any location free.

We have two lines; we have the Emmy Collins London which is the one that is sold on our online store.

The second one is the EC by Emmy a more affordable brand.

How did it feel the first time you sold your collections to Italians considering the fact that they are awesome designers?

The first time I sold to an Italian store, I remember writing on my facebook handle that I just sold snow to the Eskimos because basically, everybody knows that the Italians are great designers.

Aganga for Africa Fashion Reception A ll arrangements towards the successful hosting of the Africa Fashion Reception (AFR) in Paris is in top gear as Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with the African

• Olusegun Aganga C M Y K

Union, Nigerian Embassy in France and the city of Paris, awaits the arrival of nominated designers from 24 African countries. The AFR comes today at the prestigious Salle Wagram in Paris.

Nigerian dynamic Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga will be leading the Nigerian delegation to the event. He is also billed to give the keynote address on behalf of his colleagues from across the continent. His choice to be the one to give the keynote address is as a result of his immeasurable contribution in placing Nigeria as a force to be reckoned with in matters of trade and investments globally.

While in Paris, Aganga is

expected to sign a bi-lateral trade agreement with some European major fashion players in manufacturing, production, training and distribution. The distribution agreement Is expected to create a market for Nigerian fashion products in Europe and boost foreign exchange for Nigeria in the process.

The Africa Fashion Reception is put together with the full collaboration and partnership of the African Union Commission.

And it is aimed among many objectives, to attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the social economic growth of the continent’s garment/textile industry.

•Emmy Collins

And the fact that my brand was a British label didn’t matter as the Italians were excited to buy from me.

People all over the world respect British quality, which is what I am offering Nigeria. In every collection, our style, the cut, the workmanship that you find online be rest assured that it is the same brand quality.

I just hope that with this online service we are able to satisfy the needs of our existing and prospective clients, because I don’t believe that there is need for the discerning Nigeria man or woman to have to travel to London or America because they couldn’t be sure they were buying the same brand quality from Nigeria.

Why are people skeptical about brand quality from Nigeria?

Basically a lot of people are afraid of shopping locally because you can buy a Gucci bag at the original price unknown to you that it was made from China. So a lot of

people are very skeptical to shop locally. The problem is that you can go to any fashion outlet that stock high end product located anywhere in Nigeria to buy a product, how are you sure that what you are buying is the same quality? But our online stores in Nigeria would have the exact quality we have in London.

It is like buying directly from an Emmy Collins store in London.

How do you see the ecommerce platform in Nigeria?

E-commerce is the way forward now. If you are following the advent of the online stores in Nigeria like the Jumia and Konga, you will notice that they don’t retail high-end, but being a designer I understand that fashion is not about how much. You can still get your good clothes from anywhere, the point that I am trying to make is the progression of online stores in Nigeria over the years.

And this would tell you that the future is now online business.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—33

or o care ffo Ways tto ed your tangl h u m a n h a ir 1. Give the human hair weave a conditioning treatment by applying a natural oil such as coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil or grape-seed oil along the entire length.

Alternatively, apply the moisturizing conditioner to the hair. Leave either the oil or conditioner in the hair for 30 minutes under a shower cap.

2. Wash the human hair weave with a moisturizing shampoo. Use your fingers to carefully clean the scalp between tracks and rinse thoroughly.

I

t was a blissful hair experience for Lagos hairstylists and other lovers of quality hair when leading hair product merchants Bliss Hair launched its fabulous product bouquets to the Nigerian market. The event, held at the Banquet Event Centre Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday 14 October, was attended by over 500 hairstylists, beauticians and leading hair product merchants in the country. The Bliss Hair brand is a range of 100% human hair weaving, virgin hair and lace closure already making waves across the global hair market especially in China, France, South Africa and West Africa including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and here Nigeria.

The product is famous for its Gold Virgin Hair, Gold Remy Hair, our Brazilian Neon which is the most affordable human hair weave-on in the history of the Brazilian hair reign yet having the finest texture and long lasting quality. According to Stone Jiang, Managing Director, Bliss hair, even though the brand is also known for her lace wigs and closure, “yet we keep bringing new ideas and innovations to change the hair industry. Our effort has won us numerous praises from customers owing to the strict quality control we apply on every procedure and product.

C M Y K

We are also famous for the professional OEM service and impressive high quality products and services that we provide for well over 100 famous hair companies, salons and brands across the world,” he enthused. Other products on the Bliss table include the Bliss Gold Virgin Hair, Bliss Gold Remy and Bliss Brazilian Neon.

The Bliss Gold Virgin bouquet which highlights the user ’s luxury identity features two distinct collections namely the Weaving and the All-inone. While the Weaving includes the STW, the Body, the Natural and the Incredible Curl, the All-in-one parades the Unique Roll 3, Fabulous 3, Unique Roll Jumbo, Luxury STW 3+1, Glamorous 6, Fantastic Jerry 3 and Xclusive Body 3. According to Stone the Bliss Gold Remy made of 100% human hair and moisturized for elegance comes in three types namely the Natural, the Loose Deep and the Italian Curl. And our Bliss Brazilian Neon features five types namely the STW with fringe, the Natural, the Body, the Deep and the Water.

Also in the range are other products namely, the Bliss Bundle and the Bliss Extension. The Bliss Bundle includes the Bundle Virgin Hair, the Bundle Human Hair and the Lace Wig/Lace Closures while the Bliss Hair Extension features the Clip Hair, Fusion Hair, Tape Hair and the Micro-

ring amongst others.

On ground to test the quality and affordability of the new products were top executives of the Lagos State Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (LABHCA), some of who weaved some Bliss hair products on the beauty models during the event. One of the models, Sinmi Emmanuel, remarked that the Bliss Golden Virgin hair had very good texture that makes her feel comfortable wearing it just as another model, Demilade Wickliffe, who got the Bliss Unique Roll weaved on her hair said she preferred the curl of the Bliss Unique Roll compared to others of its type. The LABHCA top executives endorsed the new range of hair products as suitable for the comfort, luxury and elegant looks of Nigerian ladies.

3. Apply moisturizing conditioner from scalp to hair tips and apply extra conditioner to the ends.

Allow the conditioner to sit for two to five minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

When rinsing, cautiously undo any tangles in the weave with your fingers or with a comb.

4. Apply a deep conditioner and leave on for 15 minutes or more.

Wear a shower cap to trap heat and aid in the conditioning or sit under a dryer. Once conditioned, rinse thoroughly, use fingers to untangle and squeeze out all excess water.

5. Comb out the hair and allow it to air dry for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Apply a moisturizing product along the entire length and apply extra to the ends. Also apply a dimesized amount of thermal product to protect hair during the styling process.

6. Blow-dry hair with low heat using a comb to aid hair drying. Follow up with a brush to straighten.

7. Style hair with a flat iron for a straight hair look or with a curling iron to produce curls and waves.

Start from the front of your head and work backwards until entire head is completed.

8. Wrap a silk or satin scarf around your head at night to keep hair from drying out on cotton pillow cases and bedsheets.

Alternatively, use silk or satin pillowcases and bedsheets.

34—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 oan and John were attending different churches when they met and started dating. They were deeply in love and wanted to make the relationship permanent. But there was a snag: Joan is the “typical Catholic girl” and could “not imagine leaving the Catholic Church and …told John in very certain terms.” Love-struck John did not see any big deal in denominational differences; “after all we are all Christians.” It was on that basis that Joan agreed to go ahead with the marriage. When Joan told her parents John had proposed to her and she had accepted, the parents raised the issue and Joan told them it had been sorted out.

During the preparations for the reverted to the status quo and normalcy wedding, both families squabbled has returned. over which church the wedding Changing pre-marriage agreements should take place. John prevailed on and circumstances is one of the his family and they grudgingly common reasons marriages run into accepted to do it in Joan’s church and problems. Unfortunately, many of us thanksgiving in John’s church. As seem to be guilty of it. A friend narrated agreed, John allowed Joan to how he told his wife to stop putting on continue going to her church after trousers (nothing to do with their wedding, while John continued Deuteronomy 22:5) due to pressure with his church. When they started from one of the groups he belonged to having children, John, for in his church. That was dumb and convenience, allowed Joan to take unreasonable, because the first time he them to her church. met his wife, she was putting on trousers and throughout their his continued until something courtship, she regularly wore trousers snapped and John suddenly felt and he never complained. Expectedly, that Joan was “challenging his authority as the man of the house” and the “anomaly of my wife attending a different church from mine.” Both families were sucked into the crisis. When it became obvious that the marriage was headed for the rocks, Joan’s parents, her reaction was rigid, like when you who were scared of a divorce, want to put a car going at 100km per prevailed on her to follow John to his hour in reverse gear. He beat a fast church. retreat. He knew the battle was not Joan agreed and joined John’s winnable and even if he won, it would church, but John now had a new be a pyrrhic victory. Have you seen the problem in his hands: a very unhappy mouth and face of a big cat after killing wife. The reality of the cliché that you a porcupine? While the porcupine’s can force the horse to the brook, but death was swift, the big cat dies a slow, you cannot force it to drink soon painful death from the infected wounds dawned on him. They have since the spikes of the porcupine inflicted on it. That is why experienced lions and

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Shif ting the goal pos Shifting postt af aftter…

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leopards walk away from porcupines no matter how hungry they are. In marriage, as in other aspects of life, it helps to know the “battles” to fight and those to walk away from.When his friend lapsed into the same hypocrisy, he quickly reminded him that he was there when the wife (then fiancée) was coming around to visit. His friend never complained about her putting on trousers. He advised his friend not to bring it up now because of pressure from some church group.

Just to satisfy the curiosity of those who are wondering why they wanted to stop their wives from wearing

In marriage, as in other aspects of life, it helps to know the “battles” to fight and those to walk away from

,

trousers, they belonged to groups within their churches who wanted a distinct identity and advised female members and wives of male members to refrain from wearing trousers, using lipsticks and make-ups, and sticking to their natural hair (no weave-on, attachment or wig. There was no Brazilian hair then).

Incidentally, I once discouraged my wife from using weave-on because we were told that some of them were

demonic and since I could not discern which weave-on was demonic, the best option was to refrain. My wife “obeyed” but simply abandoned her hair. A female friend who saw her “looking disheveled” at a party drove straight to the house to confront me: “No be the fine girl when we follow you go marry for Warri be this? Wetin you do am? I stated my case. “Shebi you say you be prayer ministry member? Cast away the damn demon from the weave-on and let my sister look nice...” Honestly I felt so embarrassed because she made sense.

There are very few occasions when I have felt more stupid. Marriage is an unbelievable school.

So what is the way out? I strongly suggest that core issues should be sorted out during courtship, as I said in this column earlier this year: intending couples should be conscious of their core values during courtship. “Core values are principles and qualities that guide your internal conducts and determine how you relate with the external world. Core values define who you are; they go to the root of your existence. They are sacred to your being and nonnegotiable. They might be ethical, religious, intellectual, social, appearance related, etc. The question is do you share common values? If you do not, then it is not advisable to continue the courtship. But if you do, but not all, you need to check how acceptable or unacceptable what is lacking is to you or your partner?” Are you prepared to live with or without them for the rest of your life? You must decide before you exchange marital vows because once the match has started, it is not proper to shift the goal post. For those of us whose matches have already started, if we must shift the post, it should be by mutual consent, not spousal fiat.

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(Text Only)

Body P ower:Floor Pla Po Playy

•Spread Eagle(lying)

P ostures Postures

Spread Eagle

Benefits: The Spread Eagle stretches both the harmstrings and inner thigh muscles.

It helps tone up the muscles of the abdomen and also impoves the posture.

Technique: Sit down and spread the legs as far wide apart as possible and keeping the trunk very upright place the hands on the shin and breath normally for 10 to 15 seconds. Rest and repeat.

•Spread Eagle (seated) 1.

The TrunkRaise

Technique ie flat on your belly with hands along the sides.Now, breath in deeply and raise feet,hands,head and chest off the floor. Hold the position for 3to 7 seconds,rest awhile and repeat ....

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•The TrunkRaise

Benefits: The TrunkRaise strengthens the muscles of the back,buttock and shoulders.It also helps improve a double chin.

C M Y K

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

9.00am — 10.00am on Saturdays

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 25, 2014—35 Dear Julie, A guy I dated in the past who ditched me for one of my friends is asking me to date him again.

I’m having a little trouble finding the answer. To stumble twice over the same stone like they say is a proverbial disgrace. I’m not comfortable with being just friends with him let alone having a love relationship. I need help.

Hadiza, Auchi

Dear Hadiza, The truth of the matter Hadiza is that there is no one answer that will fit for every person or every situation. In fact, there are as many reasons to stay friends with an ex as there are to sever all ties.

juliecoker100@yahoo.com

Should I date him again?

You didn’t state the circumstances under which you parted ways the first time.

All of it depends on the two of you — how you feel about each other, how much pain you are

feeling from the break up, and what feels right for you.

Sometimes, break-ups are mutual: a parting of ways that feels right for both people.

Often times, however, one

person wishes to remain in the relationship while another wishes to exit.

Being friends is usually more feasible for someone who is feeling little or no pain about the relationship ending. Why might this be? For a person wishing to end a relationship, staying friends meets her or his needs.

But for a person wanting more, being a friend usually doesn’t cut it. Not only does it not meet one’s needs, it can serve as a painful reminder to a grieving person that she or he no longer has the type of relationship that they desire with the former partner.

Contact with an ex is often very bittersweet, depending on what happened the first

time. Sometimes, contact can feel good during the conversation, but can create pain after the fact.

It can leave you wanting more; it can re-open wounds that have started to heal.

Even hearing about your ex or seeing a facebook update from them can ruin your day.

If you notice this happening, it may be time to take some space.

If, however, conversations don’t leave you feeling worse and you don’t feel yourself needing recovery time after you see or hear from her or him, it may mean that friendship is workable for you. But I will be worried about another relationship which you should be in a better position to understand.

many people’s fears begin to surface and demand attention. Have you told your boyfriend about your feelings?

He might appreciate your honesty. Consider sharing how you feel with him and

what that means for the future of your relationship. It may also be helpful to talk with someone you trust in your life like a friend or family member.

Could this be love? companionship and respect.

Think about the qualities and characteristics that are essential; reasonably important; and luxurious in your ideal relationship. In your situation, ask how you

Dear Aliya, First of all, it sounds as if you and your partner are in a healthy relationship. You get along great and have a lot of fun and laughter which are qualities that many sexually passionate relationships are missing. You have been together for four years, so it’s likely that you know by now if you’re well-suited in terms of interests, values, energy levels, lifestyles, temperaments, and personalities. Ask yourself: Does this relationship enhance who I am or diminish who I am? Do I genuinely like my partner? Do I respect my partner? Do I even admire my partner? When happily married couples have been asked to describe their relationships, it’s not love or sex that they mention, but

You can pay him more compliments, do more for him, accommodate him more, give him more and ask for less

Clean Restaurant

Tom and Oscar, are hanging out next to a dumpster enjoying a snack. “Hey Tom” said Oscar to his friend, “You know that restaurant down the block? I went there yesterday to pick up some scraps, and I couldn’t believe how clean it was, I could practically see my reflection through the shiny waxed floor.”

“Oscar” hollered Tom spitting the food out of his mouth, “please not while I am eating!!”

Pregnancy

Brian’s stress level was at unsurpassed levels. His wife Maggie was in labour and C M Y K

would feel after ten years of marriage and great sex, but ten years devoid of laughter, fun, or other shared intimacies.

When the time for commitment draws near,

I’m not feeling this guy

,

Dear Julie, I have been going out with my boyfriend for nearly four years and we are both approaching the engagement decision. We get along great and never lose the ability to have fun and laugh together.

The only problem is that while he wants to engage in intimate activities often (we are still both virgins), I am not that interested. I love him, but I still don’t get physically turned on with him as I do while fantasizing about other guys.

Is it wrong to marry someone whom you don’t feel a total passion for?

Aliya, Edo

,

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 romance 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.

C O C K - T A L E S Brian was sure it was time to head to the hospital.

Breathing heavily, Brian grabbed the phone and called the doctor. “MY WIFE, SHE’S READY, SHOULD WE COME?” The doctor tried to relax the poor fellow, “just try to relax, now tell me how much time elapses between the contractions?”

“SHIRLEY!” Brian screamed on the top of his lungs, “HOW MUCH TIME IN BETWEEN THE CONTRACTIONS? TEN MINUTES? OK, TEN MINUTES IN BETWEEN!” “And is this her first child?” Questioned the doctor.

“NO YOU STUPID NITWIT, THIS IS HER HUSBAND!”

Losing weight

There were no two ways about it. Rosie was fat. Very fat. “Martha”, said Rosie to her best friend, “it was terrible what happened yesterday after the birthday party. You know how half of the birthday cake was left over?

Well, I knew Bob would be fuming at me for eating it,with my diet and all, but I couldn’t help myself, it started with just a small nibble and before I knew it the whole cake was gone!.”

“Oh my!” clucked Martha, “was Bob really upset?” “He never found it”, responded Rosie with a full double chin smile, “I just baked another cake and ate half of it!”

36—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

08 116759 759 081 6759759

Chinese ‘mistress’ stripped naked and beaten by mob for cheating spouse

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he was violently stripped naked and beaten senseless by a mob of women on a busy shopping street ... but the police never came.

Indeed, nobody intervened as Lin Yao Li, 38, was kicked in the groin and breasts as she writhed screaming in agony on the pavement. The reason, onlookers said, was that it was an ‘argument of the heart’— she didn’t deserve help because she had slept with another woman’s husband.

It is only the latest in a number of similar incidents in which it seems there is placid acceptance in Chinese society of such humiliation, as long as the victim is seen as deserving in having caused a man to cheat on his partner. On this occasion, Li, 38, was ambushed by four women as she walked home from the shops in the city of Puyang in eastern China’s Henan Province.

Punching and kicking her to the ground while she writhed in agony, her attackers then ripped her clothes off and continued the beating, pulling her hair and kicking her in the breasts and groin.

The sickening attack they said was carried

out by the scorned wife of the man Lin is accused of sleeping with, and her three friends, and it was watched by passers-by who did not think it was their duty to help the defenceless woman.

Local man Jun Feng, 30, who helped the woman after spotting her lying on the ground after her attackers left told local TV: ‘This type of thing is becoming quite normal.

‘Angry wives and girlfriends get their revenge on their cheating men by attacking the

AIDS:Dozens of Romanian women furious at lover's funeral

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ozens of young women in a Romanian town are awaiting the results of an HIV test after discovering at the funeral of a local Romeo that he had been suffering from Aids.

And the funeral of Daniel Decu,24, which was attended by many of his lovers when he was buried this week turned into an angry shouting match when it was revealed he had contracted the disease.

Although he was registered as living with the condition it only became known to the public when an autopsy was carried out and a coroner ’s report published.

And incredibly, it was also revealed that when a local doctor in the town of Segarcea, in south-eastern Romania’s Dolj County, tried to warn people he was suffering from the disease, he was threatened with a lawsuit by the man’s mother.

Doctor Cornel Stanciu, their family physician, knew that Daniel was HIV positive and tried to make his health condition public after the 24-year-old had a relationship with his daughter.

But when Daniel’s

Still burning bright

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he 101-year-old who’s worked at a light fixtures store since 1941 turns 101 and REFUSES to retire. Herman ‘Hy’ Goldman turned 101 this weekend and won’t quit after 73 years working at the same New Jersey job. Goldman still shows up four days a week at light fixtures company Capitol Lighting in

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mother found out what the doctor was doing, she had threatened to sue him unless it stopped.

The doctor said: ‘I knew he had a lot of female friends but there was nothing I could do about it.’

Some of the women had found out before the funeral that he had been living with Aids, and at least two of them have

so far been confirmed as HIV-positive. In total 40 women have applied to have the test done and are awaiting the results, said prosecutors.

Although it is impossible to take any action against the dead man, those who knew about his condition and said nothing, such as his mother and other family members, are being investigated.

urglar caught because he had sex with a TEDDY BEAR during break-in - leaving his DNA behind for police to check A burglar coming down off amphetamine was caught after having sex with a teddy bear at the property he broke into.

Paul Mountain couldn’t resist the stuffed toy, Blackburn magistrates court heard. Police took DNA from inside the teddy bear which matched with the 38-year-old. Mountain told police he was coming down off amphetamine and felt an ‘overwhelming need’ for sexual relief.

Mountain, of Darwen, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to burglary of a shed near Darwen, with intent to steal. He was remanded on

other woman.

‘People don’t tend to get involved because they see it as being an argument of the heart,’ he said.

The woman was later taken to hospital where she was being treated for cuts, severe bruises and shock after begging someone to call an ambulance.

A police spokesman declined to comment, saying they had not received any complaint from any of those involved.

East Hanover. He says working is what keeps him young. ‘It gives me a reason to get up in the morning and go,’ Goldman told News 12 New Jersey.

His co-workers celebrated his birthday with him on Monday.

Aside from a brief absence to serve in the U.S. Army in World War II, Goldman has worked at Capitol Lighting since 1941. The store says he was first hired to sell items and stock and clean the displays. ‘He was very devoted to his wife, who was a wonderful lady who also worked for us,’ store co-owner Max Lebersfeld told News 12. ‘She passed away, but he came back from that.’

He worked for a number of years as a store manager, but recently is happier in his workshop, where he reconstructs fixtures. Co-worker Sandy Ronco says Goldman specializes in rebuilding items that were damaged or unusable.

‘Each one is a challenge and that’s it,’ he told News 12.

‘Each one gives you something that the last one didn’t.’ Goldman lives in nearby Whippany and still drives himself to work in a 1999 Ford Contour.

Burglar caught because he had sex with a TEDDY BEAR

bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Dominic Howells, prosecuting, said the owner of an allotment found the shed had been broken into and the contents scattered around outside it.

Among the wreckage she

found the teddy bear. The teddy bear was then passed to police, who recovered DNA from inside it. Mr Howells said Mountain told police: ‘He was coming down off amphetamine and felt overwhelming need for sexual relief.’

SA TURD AY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—37 SATURD TURDA

When W arri APC leader ed Olu of W arri Warri leaderss visit visited Warri

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eadership of the Itsekiri caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from Warri South, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs, recently paid a courtesy visit on His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse 11 (CON) The Olu of Warri.

They were led by the state Vice Chairman of the party, Snr Apostle Yemi Omaghomi.

Vanguard’s accountant buries mum

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olleagues, friends and a number of wellwishers followed Samuel Iroegbulam, Vanguard Media Limited accountant, all the way home to Ahiara Ahiazu, Mbaise, Imo State for the burial rites of his late mother, Madam Ezinne Cecilia Iroegbulam who passed away at the age of 90.

After lying-in-state at her compound the body of the deceased was moved to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ahiara for the funeral service, before interment. The event held between 11th and 14th of September, 2014.

L-R: Prince Emiko (sitting) and Apostle Omaghomi (standing) addressing the Olu of Warri

The Iroegbulam family at the funeral service at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Mbaise

L-R: Barrister Robinson Ariyo, Valentine Egbe, Chairman, Warri South, Barrister Omasan Agbajoh, party leader, Prince Yemi Emiko, Senatorial hopeful and Chief Brown Mene of the Olu’s palace.

State Vice Chairman, Apostle Omaghomi (standing), with other party members before the Olu of Warri.

Samuel Iroegbulam, Accountant, Vanguard Media Limited, with wife, Isabella Iroegbulam and members of the Iroegbulam family

Some ward chairmen of the party.

some women leaders.

Wedding bells ffor or Uloma and Lazarus

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ormer Miss Agatha Uloma Oti and Mr Uba Lazarus Okehie formalised their relationship with matrimonial rites at St Paul’s anglican Church, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.

The couple flanked by Venerable and Mrs Levi Opara.

L-R:Deacon Felix Okehie; Mrs Christiana Okehie, groom's parents; Mazi Charlie Oti and Mrs Rosemary Oti, bride's parents

L-R:Ven. Obi Nwakerendu; the couple, Mr and Mrs Lazarus Okehie and Ven Sam Uhie

Representatives of Vanguard Media Limited with Mr and Mrs Samuel Iroegbulam

Members of the Iroegbulam's family with officiating ministers of the funeral service C M Y K

38—SA TURD AY 38—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25 25,, 2014

bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

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Is it easy to be faithful in a polygamous relationship?

VEN if there was a blue print for having a healthy relationship, chances are it wouldn’t work for each individual the same way. Man meets a woman and a relationship develops, and within weeks, you are in seventh heaven. Your man is the ‘soul mate’ you have always dreamt of —you virtually live in each other’s pockets and you can’t stop pinching yourself on how lucky you are. Then the relationship starts fraying around the edges —its collapse imminent. When it eventually happens, you bawl “why me?” Well, when things were going your way and you were as happy as a lark, did you ever stop to ask: “why me?”

Most people ask more from relationships than relationships can deliver. For many of us, they ’re the last refuge for redemption, the place we go to be saved. We come across people who are happily married, and it’s like a mystery—a rather wonderful mystery. Why is this? Because it is so unusual. To be realistic, one has to acknowledge that a commitment relationship, even a good one involves a great deal of efforts and hinges on how well you can manage frustration.

That’s why most of us tend to believe that whether we find a good relationship or not has to do with luck. But does it?

Recent findings have shown that if you want to be one of those people who glide through life, whom everyone calls ‘born lucky’ your partner has an affair, the simple thing like falling in love because things just seem to go big question here is can you can be in this part of the world. right for them all the time but are forgive your partner’s affair? If Before going into any already thinking, ‘that could yes, then how many affairs are relationship, be it monogamous never be me all of the time’ you’d you willing to forgive? In the or polygamous, you must know be better off stopping such society, as we have it today, to what extent you’re prepared thought in its tracks. According to affairs are so common place that to stretch your loyalty. There is the findings, rather than being they almost pale into no relationship without its something you’re born with, good insignificance in assessing a amount of pain and the pain of luck is a quality anyone can good marriage. And it is no acquire. That there’s a big thanks to the society being a difference between ‘luck’ and dominantly polygamous one. ‘chance.’ Chance covers things Even—when you dream of that happen without your input monogamy, friends and relatives such as finding a N1,000 note on seem happy being second, third the street. But luck is something and fourth wives that they would you can generate by maximizing be the last to have your betrayal is always as raw as it every opportunity. So forget sympathy when your man strays. gets. There are four different leaving your general well-being The other side of the coin is emotions you go through which to fate and start stacking the odds when you’re third or fourth wife, last anything from six hours to in your favour by virtually taking would it be right to expect any weeks. Take as much time your destiny in your hands. What form of faithfulness when the six as you to go through each do you want out of life and a love of your life is entangled feeling,need you can’t stop them but relationship, and how hard are with more women than he could you will emerge a much you going to fight for it? What cope with? stronger person, well able to things can you give up in the You can now begin to cope with the reality of your process? The common of the relationship dampeners is when understand how stressful a situation.

The first feeling is that of humiliation. “How could this have happened to me?” you raged. Don’t worry, this is common. A few women have confessed that if other men had propositioned them the day they felt betrayed, they would have said yes—simply to get over feeling rejected, and maybe get their own back.

You’ll also reach a stage of denial when you want to believe your man hasn’t cheated on you and you want to get back to how things once were because you still love him. But as you begin to realize this is not the case, you’ll get angry. How could he do this to you when you have put so much into your relationship? Finally, you even feel guilty. Had you behaved differently, would this ever have happened to you?

How to cope: The most important thing is to give yourself time to work through all these different emotions, experts believe. Treat yourself with care; eat well; go for a massage; pamper yourself. Get family and friends to look after you. If you feel strong enough, get anger out of your system by

Most people ask more from relationships than relationships can deliver

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going to the gym. Plot revenge against your partner but only carry it out in your head, or you’ll regret sinking to his level.

Although you’ll be up and down emotionally in the first couple of months, gradually, you will feel ready to move on with your life. Be patient though, as the length of time

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Now’s time to give your love-life a make-over!

ow the year has almost ended, I N thought readers should revamp their sex life (if indeed it needs revamping!) by

to enjoying sex. You have to resolve conflict, don’t bottle things up. Ask him: “Can we talk about it?” Solve the problem, then you’ll be able to enjoy each other. Everyone has their favourite things in the bedroom— whether it’s having their ears nibbled or their feet tickled. But they’re almost always too embarrassed to tell. So how do you discover your partner’s fantasies? Look at what they’re doing to you! For example, someone who loves having their ears nibbled with nibble on their partner’s ears.

Pay attention to your man’s moves and you’ll get an idea of what he wants you to do to him. - Kate Taylor, relationship expert

following these experts, top tips on how to keep the spark in your relationship. Rekindle and improve your love-life up to and including the New Year!

Lead separate lives: Try to think of your partner as independent from you — you’re not joined at the hips. Imagine them at work, playing a sport or doing something well without you. See them as the vital and interesting individual they are when they’re not with you. This is far sexier than the claustrophobic familiarity that can kill attraction when all you see is the socks left on the floor and your partner slumped on Don’t worry, be happy: These days, sex the sofa. is just another lifestyle product and another way for people to make money by selling us Learn to read secret signals: If your things we don’t want or need. But you don’t relationship is full of hostility, you won’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations. A have a good love life. Your anger is a barrier

good sex life is one that makes you feel happy and comfortable, whether you’re doing it ten times a week or ten times a year, it’s quality not quantity that counts. When you make love, focus on your partner’s pleasure, not on your own. The better you are as lovers, the more enjoyable they’ll get from sex and the more likely they open up and tell you what they require. Do they want more foreplay? Are you picking the wrong time for sex? Suggest that you bathe together or give them a massage first. Ask for feedback during sex and give them time to become aroused. -Tracy Cox, sex expert.

Hit the spot: Strip naked together and take it in turns to run your hands slowly over your partner’s body, loving it for every wrinkle, fold and flaw. As you do so, tell them what makes them sexy. Remember a time when you had great sex and talk about it.

this takes is different for everyone. In the mean time, remember what a fantastic person you are —your current betrayal could be just a dress rehearsal for something better. Now that the toxic waste of rejection had been flushed out of your system, you need to move on for the sake of your health. Do you still want the relationship? Does he still want you? The inability to manage conflict is at the root of most failed relationships.

Someone once observed that: “wedding vows should be changed to include ‘I agree to disagree with you for the rest of my life’— unmanaged conflict leads to frustration. Frustration, and disagreement is a sure route to infidelity, which is probably the biggest source of frustration amongst middle class marriages. he goal at this juncture, is to start talking and keep talking.

Read relationship books.

Talk with other couples and attend workshops to get therapy If you need it. Show appreciation by telling your mate what you like about him. It could be how he remembered to call your mum on her birthday and followed it up with a present; or the perfect way he kisses you.

Give appropriate criticism, the experts continue. Always include a constructive request for change. Say what you want to say instead of what you don’t want, to share new information with your man. While it’s alright to do so excitedly over the phone with your friend, you shouldn’t forget to keep him up to date on changes in your life. Instead of bottling up puzzling questions, ask him —otherwise they will grow into huge misunderstandings. So, ask and never assume.

Admittedly it’s not easy to talk with someone who doesn’t see the reason why, keep at it but don’t be aggressive.

Whatever you do, don’t forget to be in touch with your feminine side. Flirt outrageously! Lust is known to work in bizarre ways. If you want to renew your man’s passion for you, slyly capture the eye of another man. Men become more attentive and turned on by their partners when they see them being desired by other men. Take good care of your appearance and wear flattering clothes when you’re out with him.

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SATURDAY

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—39

YETUNDE AREBI

Infidelity: Chop and clean mouth!

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i, A couple of months back, news broke on the social media of a high ranking Prophet of the Cherubim and Seraphim church movement, somewhere in Egbeda area of Lagos who was caught pants down while engaged in an adulterous relationship with one of the church members. The hot news quickly spread like wild fire, and to make it even juicier, names of some society women who were known to have worshiped or sought spiritual assistance with the said Prophet in the past, were linked with the story, which I found very distasteful. The fact that he had such a relationship with a particular woman does not mean that he has same with all the women he prays for. Haba! But the story had several high points. First, was the high ranking of the prophet in the church. Indeed, he was the head of a parish and therefore held in very high esteem. The woman was also a church member of many years. Unfortunately, she was also a married woman and mother with over 20 years of partnership in a matrimony, holy or not.

And it is this contract that pronounced her guilty of the adulterous act. For, the duo were caught while in the act, by no other than the husband, right on their matrimonial bed. The lovers had been tipped off by suspecting neighbours who were convinced that something unholy took place in the apartment anytime the Prophet came to pray. Rather than discuss things through with his wife, the angry husband, obviously blinded by jealousy and wounded pride, decided to set a trap for her. And boy, what a big catch he made!

He refused to listen to all entreaties by the erring lovers and dragged them out of the apartment, naked, for the world to judge and cast aspersions on them.

My take is that he got the help of the interfering neighbours because going by the sizes of the lovers, he couldn't have had it so easy, dragging both of them out in that state of undress, alone. News hounds and candid videographers swung into action and thus, the woman and the prophet became celebrities overnight, albeit for the wrong reasons. You may find this a bit twisted, but there is something rather queer about the naked body. No matter how much we love to stand in front of the mirror to admire our nakedness or take photographs in various seductive poses, once it is not done by one's volition, the body takes on this disgusting ugliness, such that only the sick or depraved can find it worthy by any ramification at that moment.

Being forced into a state of nakedness and then paraded in public like an animal in my opinion brings a human to a state lower than the animal's, it takes away the soul and leaves one with the carcass, a useless body. It is this part of the story that I found repulsive about the action of the cheated husband. What could have propelled a man to strip his own wife and mother of his children, naked and then parade her on the streets, like a common criminal, simply because he found her in the arms of her lover? This is a woman he had lived with, loved and cared for, for over 20 years.

Besides, he did not suddenly walk in on them, he had known all along with the help of the nosy neighbours and probably church members too, he had enough time to think things through and work out a plan that will be suitable for all concerned, most importantly, the children of the union. But no, the lion had been wounded and defeated, on his own turf too. He must take his revenge by bringing down the jungle without

Married or single, aspersions are cast at her, she is stripped of respect, her worth and self esteem questioned, simply because she has dared to share what she'd promised another man with someone else

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regards for casualties.

On the flip side, one may ask why the lovers had chosen to carry on their unholy alliance right in the home and bedroom of the more vulnerable of the duo.

A neutral place or worse still, somewhere under the control of the man would have been a more sensible place for such a deadly game one would naturally think. However, for a very discerning mind, the lovers had the perfect spot, the woman's home, where she reigned as the queen and could call the shots to a very large extent. No one would query why she lets anyone in, or demand what their mission there was, except her husband who had been placed in the dark by any spurious story the clever woman can weave together. In fact, had she been privy to the suspicions of the neighbours, she would have beaten them to the game by being the first to tell him about their suspicions regarding their godly prophet and fatherin-the-lord's regular visits to their home. The poor guy would have simply dismissed the nosy barkers when they came with their tales. "My darling wife has already told me of your evil plans to destroy our home", he probably would have told them. Such is the power of the woman over her territory and which made it the perfect place for her to satisfy her lustful desires. Only she did not know how to play the high profile game. Nevertheless, nothing justifies the reaction of the husband.

Whenever a case of adultery is busted, the woman at the centre gets the brunt of everyone's anger, criticism and ridicule. Married or single, aspersions are cast at her, she is stripped of respect, her worth and self esteem questioned, simply because she has dared to share what she'd promised another man with someone else. Instantly, she falls from grace to grass, her status will determine her loss and in most cases, her punishment is the end of the relationship.

Only in very few cases does a man whose partner or wife has been caught cheating decides to forgive and forget, reinvesting more time and resources into the relationship. In this instance too, the man might be called names if he does not handle the situation with care. More often, men simply find it too difficult to forgive a cheating wife and continue with the marriage as if it's business as usual. Considering the fact that the chances of men cheating in relationships are rather high compared to women, one would naturally think that when it happens the why ought to be given serious consideration rather than the what.

Besides, men cheat all the time and their wives forgive them, so, why can't the same rule apply when it is the turn of the women? Is there any secret code written somewhere that says women are not allowed to cheat, no matter what?

According to Paula Hall, an author and relationship counsellor with Relate, husbands find it much harder to forgive infidelity than wives do because men are more concerned about the sexual aspect of infidelity than the emotional. "For men, the sexual components of their wives affair are very important". While a woman may want to know if her husband was in love with his lover, a man is more likely to ask how the sex was with his wife's lover. It is assumed that men react more to what they see, therefore, sex can be spontaneous and detached from their emotions, but the general assumption is that women are more emotional and base their relationship on how they feel about their men. So, for her to have had a sexual relationship with another man, she must have had some level of

emotional attachment towards him which will make the sex great for them. Therefore, a betrayed man feels it is an insult on his manhood, the core of his being as the head and master of the union. Another man sleeping with his wife is a challenge to his authority and so, he feels defied and defiled. He is jealous and outraged, someone has stolen his lolly and knows how to lick it better than he does!

For most men, once they decide to take a wife, they are assuming that in some twisted way, they have helped her off the streets and husband market, she must therefore be eternally grateful and loyal to them.

By giving her their names, they have provided a platform for social respect and reckoning, shelter, food and other responsibility over them and their children.

So, why is it so difficult for such a woman to keep the place for him only, no matter what?

They often forget that their women have also had to sacrifice a few things, if not a lot to build a home with them. Most women turn a blind eye to the activities of their cheating husbands, not even bothering to question why, while some others just forgive over and over again, in the process, losing all their pride and self esteem. This is because, once married, many women find it difficult to contemplate living on their own again.

They are afraid of being labelled and ostracised by family, friends and society. Some cannot afford the economy of caring for themselves and maintaining a suitable, if not similar standard for themselves and their children. So, they will rather remain married to the guy even if they are not really happy in the union.

Where the perks are good with regards to access to power and money, many women would endure anything to keep the men. So, why is this so difficult for men to reciprocate when it is the turn of their wives to cheat?

The truth is that there is a lot of ego tripping and double standards when it comes to the issue of infidelity. Infidelity is viewed from different angles depending on the sex. It is assumed that males have raging hormones, are prone to promiscuity and are naturally polygamous.

Most times, a man is allowed to continue sowing his wild oats as long as his activities does not disturb the woman at home. But this is not the same for the woman. As a young girl, she is expected to keep her body for the man who will eventually honour her by giving her his name, even if the name is hardly worth the ink its written with. Once married, it is expected that she becomes loyal and docile. She is placed on a very high pedestal by her man and society, forgetting that no one is perfect. She is expected to be more emotionally tough and display higher sexual morality, be more resilient and cool headed than the man. And God forbid that she makes that one mistake, of getting caught, cheating, and all hell is let loose. She becomes a whore and an ingrate that must be punished.

However, even though attitude towards infidelity by women remains hostile, feminism, educations, financial independence and sexual equality and liberation, as well as the advancement of women in businesses and leadership positions have given women the inclination and power to become as unfaithful as their husbands.

Many have so perfected their acts that can carry on right under the sterile noses of their husband and they would get away with it. For these women, they have simply perfected the art of "chop and clean mouth!" Do have a wonderful weekend!

40—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 41

C M Y K

42 — SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

C M Y K

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 43

C M Y K

44—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

2015 ELECTIONS:

Lagos CP wants politicians to surrender illegal weapons z Arres ts 1100 00 cultis ts, begins Arrests cultists, operation against criminals z Plans to give police a

new face in Lagos

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ewly posted Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti paints grim pictures here, makes hopeful gestures there, proffers solutions and ends up very optimistic as he speaks on his assignment in Lagos. He bared his mind exclusively to our Crime Editor, Emma Nnadozie.

Excerpts:

In specific terms, how are you going to do it?

One, I have started by talking to my officers on what I believe in and how I want them to key into it. It starts from me at the top, down to every single officer. From officers on patrol, field patrol, regular patrol, motorcycle patrol, etc.

They must be able to assist the good people of Lagos state.

From morning during the peak

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How did you feel when your name was announced as the new Commissioner of Police, Lagos?

I felt fulfilled, fulfilled in the sense that it is one deployment that every serving officer looks forward to,and I felt a bit challenged because it is a call to duty. I feel that I now have a platform or the opportunity to actually translate my training, all the trainings that I have got both internationally and locally, and bring them to bear to serve Lagos State. I believe that the people of Lagos State deserve better police service, that is why my vision here during my tenure is to collaborate closely with the community. I believe that is where the problem lies. We are a little bit detached from the public, and it has not done us any good. It is just like having a Berlin Wall between the police and the community and this Berlin Wall is what I intend to dismantle.

I am going to emphasise that human right is sacrosanct and they have to respect that

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hours to the evening when they are returning back, we should be there; we should not create any room for anybody to harass innocent, hard working people of Lagos State, robbing them, stealing their handsets, and other personal effects.

Also, I want to unlock Lagos, I want to make sure that Lagos moves from all these traffic gridlock. If we unlock Lagos, then the economy of the state will be enhanced, and a lot of people would be able to do their businesses and get home safe. If we are unable to unlock Lagos, then miscreants will have the opportunity to harass innocent people. I am also of the view that we should have zero tolerance to corruption and bad attitude. I have told them that if I should get any report of corruption against any officer in any division, that station officer is gone, that DPO is gone, and I have effected it in one or two stations. I want to be with them, I want to carry them along and I believe that when I get my ideas across, my task becomes so easy to accomplish.

They know what to do, how to carry out their responsibility. I believe that the welfare of these officers should be catered for; the IG has directed that we should do everything possible to talk to them and make them know the effort he is making at the Force Head quarters level to improve the welfare of these officers. I believe that it is the lack of communication that is the cause of the mistrust. So, when you are open to your officers and when you are very transparent with them, in the way you communicate with them, they will understand.

And that is what I have been doing within the past few days.

Elections will be coming and I

have already asked them to play by the books, get conversant with all the electoral laws.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Cornelius Kayode Aderanti

Are you referring to your officers?

Yes. Also this Friday (yesterday), I am meeting with all the political parties in the state and I am going to have a discussion with them and I will let them know the rules that are acceptable by the laws and actions that will not be tolerated. If you recall that the second week after I came on board, I made a statement that all illegally acquired weapons should be submitted to all the area commands. We have indesk in all the area command headquarters to receive their illegally acquired weapons.

What is the level of response?

Continues on page 45

SATURDAY

Continues from page 44

Quite a lot. Are you doing this based on past experience?

A lot. You will recall that I have experience. You know my pedigree which I don’t have to state here, and I don’t want to disappoint the people of Lagos State because the stake is so high.

They have been looking forward to a competent officer. I believe that they have one now. We will not disappoint them. I don’t sleep; I have to wok 24 hours and I have asked all my DPO’s to work round the clock. I mean it. And luckily, I am blessed in this command because I have very good security architecture in place and we have a state government that is very supportive of the police. Throughout the federation, I can’t figure any command that has the support of the state government like Lagos State. That is why I want to make sure that we don’t disappoint people who believe in us, people who are investing in us. And the private sectors are involved, they are investing seriously through the Lagos Security Trust Fund and this translates in the patrol vehicles and other facilities that we need.

So, we have to ensure that resources that are deployed to us are well utilized and that is one area that I am going to focus on. You have the vehicles, you have the fuel and the new vehicles are been maintained by Lagos State government, so nothing is preventing us from performing.

I believe that for us to actualise intelligence policing

CP Aderanti...Everybody should be treated equally and be respected. I intend to drive the boat and be in full control of that particular boat

And that is where I have spoken to them at the headquarters level and the command levels. I would also be at the division level. I will work day and night to ensure that officers are on their duty posts. They should know that we have a duty to do in Lagos state and I don’t want to disappoint the people of my state. My office remains open to members of the public, because I can’t do it alone.

These are some of the ideas. We have challenges but I have told them that which ever challenge that we have is not enough to over ride our sense of service to the people. The way we look, the way we dress should matter to us. I have told them that I have given them two weeks to change these black uniforms. I don’t want to see officers wearing them on Lagos roads.

We have to change our image, we have to change the perception because Lagos is the epicentre of the country and we cannot run away from that.

The IG alone cannot do it, the force CID cannot do it alone. I want to also focus more on training. I am

‘Plans to give police a new face in Lagos’

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The response has been low, but I believe that my message has been well received because it means that if by tomorrow my men should get you with any weapon that is dangerous, you are going to pay for it because we have warned them.

We have told them that we cannot tolerate people being in possession of illegal weapon that is not licensed by any of the statutory bodies. When you look at these illegal weapons that we have all over the place, they are doing more harm than good and if we don’t do something quickly about it, it means that during the coming elections campaigns we will have problems. You will find most of all these politicians hiring thugs who will reign terror on innocent people.

Political killings may start.

Possession of illegal weapon is prohibited. If you are arrested, I will treat you like an armed robber. I am not going to take it easy with them; I am going to pass this message across on Friday to the politicians. I will tell them to surrender the illegal weapons of their thugs if they have any. We want a clean and clear national campaign. We cannot afford to burn Lagos, because the people of Lagos are hard working, peace-loving people and we have to do everything to ensure that we do the right thing.

Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—45

We are not going to tolerate officers going out there to mount road blocks; they will be arrested and tried

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that everyone is craving for, we have to be intelligence-based in order for us to perform. I don’t think that we can actually perform that much without the people. Going back to where I started, that is being transparent with members of the public, the people that we serve. That is the platform that we need to operate from. If you don’t trust me, you won’t come and give me any information no matter how minute. If I am not there to help you in the time of need, how do you come to me to report that something is happening somewhere. It is not possible. So, the first thing when we talk about community policing, intelligence- based policing, is that we have to partner with the people. We need to remove that lack of trust. We should be able to allow people trust us, have confidence in us. They cannot help us if we don’t render service to the people. We have to render service to the people, when they come to the station, how we talk to them, how we see them, how we attend to them, how we take all the challenges. They should know that their problem is our problem. We are only fortunate in the sense that they come to us to lodge a complaint and that is a big responsibility placed on us, that is the way to go.

All these elderly people can help us with information that can help us combat crime. But if we are always harsh to them, how would they come to us? So, that is where I intend to start.

meeting this afternoon with a group of NGOs that are going to organize some training for my officers on elections, human rights, use of force and other issues. All our past laws, we just have to keep reminding officers about their roles. I am going to emphasise that human right is sacrosanct and they have to respect that. Human right is the constitution and everybody has right to live and all these tend towards a kind of behaviour, they have to stop it. They should not turn complainant into a suspect and a suspect into a complaint. They should be fair to everybody, low or high. Everybody should be treated equally and be respected. I intend to drive the boat and be in full control of that particular boat.

I emphasized that road block is banned permanently. They now ask how they would go about search for stolen vehicles. I tell them that they have a specification of the brand of the vehicle. If it is a Toyota, a Honda, a Kia, so you don’t have to stop all the vehicles.

If a complainant says a vehicle has been snatched, you have to create a scenario of the type of vehicle, the colour, the make, the plate number and announce the description to everybody, so they go out there and be specific about what they are looking for.

So, when the IG said that

road block is banned, he means every word of it.

Road blocks remain banned.

We are not going to tolerate officers going out there to mount road blocks; they will be arrested and tried.

How are you going to synergize with other security agencies?

That is going to be my second phase. At times when you get to a place, you watch how things are being done. Let me see my officers first, one good thing about our officers is that we have been interacting with other security agencies in the state and we are part of the Security Council.

What is your message to criminals in the state?

I have announced it times without number that this is a state that has zero tolerance for criminals. This is a state that is not friendly to criminals. And take my word for it, this state is not a state for criminals.

What is your advice to members of the public?

Let me assure all Lagosians that they are in for a very good deal. They are going to have a police force that would be friendly with them, they are going to have a commissioner of police that will be open and transparent to them. The commissioner of police that will open up, that will accept mistake when he is misled and that is accessible all the time. My facebook account and phone are open. People can call me from all over the world and I can assure them that I am going to collaborate with them. Because I believe that without them, I cannot succeed. I need to have them beside me. We need to have them as our partners; we need all stakeholders to be part of this. It is a success story that we are about to start and without the good people of Lagos state, we cannot achieve our goal. We are going to be proactive. We are going to round up all the known cultists and gang members that hibernate in notorious areas of the state. What they are doing now is silently going after all these cultists, gangs every day and every weekend. We are after them; we have arrested about 100 of them. Sincerely speaking, Bariga, Shumolu, Mushin, everywhere, I am aware, because I don’t intend to allow them grow beyond what we can cope with.

Lastly, at the end of your tenure as the CP Lagos, what would you like to be remembered for?

Well, I think I should leave that one to historians and you people, the journalists to be able to judge me at the end of my tenure. But one thing that I know is that I am going to give my all to this job. And I hope that history will be fair to me by the time I exit from this office.

46—SA TURD AY 46—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , OCTOBER 25, 2014

That Uduaghan’s Birthday!

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he atmosphere in the church turned emotional when Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was invited for his testimony and thanksgiving speech.

The wife accompanied him.

He spoke briefly, dramatically invited a musician whose song summarised his story, saying the service would not end if he was to recount all that God has done for him.

It was his 60th birthday and many had gathered at the First Baptist Church in Warri to join him in the thanksgiving service on Wednesday, October 22.

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor had commended the Delta State Governor for always glorifying God with thanksgiving and had asked everyone to always do

same and help the poor. You may have issues with Oritsejafor but one thing you cannot take away from him is his delivery when preaching. He amazed everybody in the church with the word of God. He preached on the rewards of thanksgiving, admonishing all to always help the poor and warned the wicked to stop evil acts or face doom. But he also entertained people.

He interjects humour in his preaching and did so in Warri.

While preaching, the wife approached him to whisper something and he went “thanks so much, it’s so good to have a wife. I’m sorry for you if you do not have a wife.” Laughter followed.

But the laughter was louder and more hilarious when he said that he did not intend to

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By Onochie Anibeze & Festus Ahon

I have been raised from nothing to something and I get stronger and wiser as I age

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From Left; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, Toritseju Uduaghan, Mrs. Orode Okpu and Mr. Ryan Okpu spend a long time preaching “so that the governor will have time to attend to the guests early and have enough time for the REAL BIRTHDAY with his wife.

“I have been raised from nothing to something and I get stronger and wiser as I age,” Uduaghan said in his testimony.

One of the pleasant surprises presented to him was organised by his Director of Protocol, Godwin Abigor. And it was the invitation of the star gospel musician, Frank Edwards, without the knowledge of the Governor. Frank’s gospel music is so melodious and rich in lyrics that it could thaw one’s frozen heart and transport one to a state of communion with God. It sends the worshipper to a higher plane. Uduaghan loves Frank Edward’s music and sings it often. Abigor recognised this and thought it would be great to invite the musician to play on his Principal’s birthday.

It made Uduaghan’s day and equally thrilled those who attended the thanksgiving service.

Frank was called to perform after the opening prayer and it was a pleasant surprise to Uduaghan to watch his favourite artiste perform and play a track he hums regularly.

Frank got everybody dancing and singing Mma Mma to God. The song is all about thanking God for His blessings.

It’s a moving song. Uduaghan got on his feet, the wife joined him, and the entire church could not help dancing along.

“I’m not Ibo but the song is so sweet that I know all the words and how to sing it,” a woman beside this reporter said with excitement. It put everybody into a suitable spirit of worship for the day.

Even royal fathers, in their regalia, were caught dancing, and Oritsejafor remarked on the striking colours and the delightful dance steps of all including the royal fathers.

Towards the end, Uduaghan was invited for his testimony and thanksgiving speech. He made a few remarks and invited Frank to perform again, saying that his song captured his mind and would appropriately tell his story.

Frank did not disappoint him. Emotions overwhelmed all. He delighted with Mma Mma, a song with lyrics in English and Igbo. It was a moving melody. It rose to a high-pitched tenor, with electrifying chorus, and fell again in tempo compelling more dancing. There was another level of excitement when Daddy Showkey and Sammie Okposo joined the stage to perform. Abigor worked behind the scene but he made everybody happy.

He actually blazed the trail in the Uduaghan at 60 story, when he narrated how he met the governor many years ago during the governor’s days in his private clinic in Warri. Abigor told an interesting story of how Roli, Uduaghan’s wife, had a shot in party politics before the

Continues on page 47

SA TURD AY SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , OCTOBER 25, 2014—47

That Uduaghan’s Birthday!

Daddy Showkey (left) leading other artistes on stage He pointed out that the more issues are discussed, “the more we are able to manage them and the anger they generate.”

He reiterated the need for leaders in all spheres of life to live exemplary lives that should be worthy of emulation by their followers and other Nigerians, saying “when leaders show good example to their followers, their followers will follow suit. This is the challenge we have as leaders. What are you telling your followers? What examples are you showing to them?” he asked.

Calling on leaders to do more to enhance the living conditions of their followers, he

admonished the followers to be patient and support their leaders for the good of the nation.

In his address, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III noted that leadership was a trust from God, adding that it was all about service to the people.

While stressing that all leaders would account for their actions to God Almighty and to the people who elected them to serve, he enjoined Nigerians to continue to dialogue on issues that affect the nation and seek reconciliation.”A forum like this brings us together to talk to one another as Nigerians on issues that affect us all, it brings us as Christians, Muslims, northerners

A cross section of traditional rulers

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Continues from page 46 husband. Abigor portrayed Uduaghan as a God-fearing man with a prayer-warrior wife, a consummate leader who goes out of his way to touch lives; a brilliant and intelligent politician whose listening virtue has helped to better understand the feelings of people. Abigor described Uduaghan as a family man and revealed that “as a governor, he still attends the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) meeting and visits the children on days marked out for visits. It was then no surprise that the topic for the lecture to mark his 60th birthday was not on politics but on a subject in humanity – Anger and Its Management. Professor Benjamin Okaba and Catholic Bishop, Mathew Kukah, did a pretty good job in their lectures in Asaba to begin the celebration on the eve of the birthday. They spoke at length on what causes anger, the expression of it and management. They captured the individual, domestic, and political angles to the causes of anger; the various ways people express it (some of which could be violent), and the management of it which could be political.

Although emphasis was on the individual and family, there were political angles to the topic. It was a topic Abigor said portrayed the thinking of Uduaghan in the area of humanities.

The galaxy of eminent personalities from the length and breadth of the country that graced the lecture to mark Uduaghan’s 60th birthday spoke volumes about his personality.

And the theme for the lecture was apt for a man who has worked tirelessly to make peaceful co-existence and dialogue a veritable tool for conflict resolution the hallmark of his seven years and five months sojourn as the state governor.

From the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, to Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Professor Benjamin Okaba and Chief Olu Falae who spoke during the lecture, the need to live exemplary lives and continue to dialogue so as to seek solutions to the nation’s problems was emphasised.

In his remarks at the lecture, Governor Uduaghan called for dialogue on the issues that propagate anger in the society.

He reiterated the need for leaders in all spheres of life to live exemplary lives that should be worthy of emulation by their followers and other Nigerians

,

and southerners to talk about some home truth about our nation, Nigeria,” he said.

The Sultan added: “Why wouldn’t people be angry when they feel things are not going the right way in the country? Why do we still have insecurity in the country? People are hiding from the truth and giving it all sorts of colouration. I wish to remind you that insecurity affects us all, whether Christians or Muslims, northerner or southerner, we have to dialogue with ourselves and seek solution to this problem in order to have peace.”

He commended Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for organising the lecture, given its importance and relevance to Nigeria’s reality today and called for continuous communication with one another so as to seek solution to our problems.

Bishop Kukah canvassed the need for children to be taught anger management in school and how to tolerate one another and dialogue with themselves so as to engender love and unity.

Chief Olu Falae, former presidential contestant and one of the discussants at the lecture, said that anger can be positively managed to bring about progress in the society.

The lecture was attended by members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, traditional rulers, clergies, top government officials, and other eminent Deltans.

48—SA TURD AY 48—SATURD TURDA

Vanguard , OCTOBER 25, 2014

AKWA IBOM 2015:

How sponsored thugs attacked us — Sen. Esuene

*Says violence will not intimidate her

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

S

C M Y K

Senator Helen Esuene...The country belongs to all of us

,

enator Helen Esuene (PDP, Akwa Ibom South) is one of those angling to succeed Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Last Wednesday, she embarked on consultation visits to the local councils of the state but she was attacked alongside the Chapter Chairman of the party, Mr. Friday Udo and some of her supporters by thugs said to be sponsored by political opponents at Essien Udim Local Council PDP secretariat.

Asked if she was scared by the development, she said: “At this stage, we live by the grace of God. I am a very calm person and I was so happy that even the people that went with me still followed me to the next place that we had to visit the next day. Even those with bandages on their legs still came joined me. So I am not going to withdraw to my shell. I am not going to be intimidated to withdraw.”

Narrating her ordeal, she said: “I started my tour early last week and we have gone to a few local governments. On October 15, it was a Wednesday, we had scheduled to visit three local governments in Ikot Ikpene Senatorial District. The first was Obot Akara, we got there about a little after 10 am. Normally, when we go like that, the party executive will be there, they will also invite some of their elders in the community, women and youths. So the chapter chairman was there with his exco members, elders, women and youths and we did the talking, trying to market ourselves normally.

“The other place was Essien Udim Local Government and we got to the place at after 3pm, to a very rousing welcome. The chapter chairman was there to receive us and an array of elders, party exco members, women, youths and what really added colour there was because they have a beautiful hall as their party office. They have a very conducive environment. We were all very relaxed, in fact they added to the reception by bringing in a cultural musical group which sang songs and everybody enjoyed it.

“Introductions were made and I stood up and addressed them and at the end, I gave them copies of my manifesto. The chapter chairman was invited to make a response. He didn’t speak for up to two minutes when we saw a group of young men coming from outside. At the high table, the main door was directly opposite us. About 20 of the men came in, I thought maybe they had something to say.

“We were all seated, both the VIPs and the party people and they came, walked up straight to the stage where we sat and the next thing was that the chapter chairman was attacked, phones and all the things on

The party is ours, there is freedom of movement, there is freedom of lawful assembly and nobody should be allowed to threaten anybody

,

the table, including the plastic table were lifted and they were just flying everywhere. That was when people rushed me through the back door behind us and we went to the car. Things were broken-the chairs, television and the rest were broken.

“These people came with guns, you could see some with two in their pockets. That wasn’t all, as we entered the car; I think my car was like maybe number three or two. They were attempting to shut the gate, so people struggled with them and opened the gate and we sped fast out of the place. But some were not all that lucky, some had to jump the fence and abandoned their cars and took off. Others, as they came, their cars were searched; money was demanded from them, phones were collected from them. Even one woman, they collected her car particulars and shoes. That was how we managed to leave the place. The party chairman had injuries on the head and the back. Some people who scrambled to leave had injuries. I lost my spectacle and phone which were on the table.

But thank God, by 1:30 am that night, the phone was returned to one of my supporters, a retired general. He didn’t ask the man how he got it or where he took it from, he just collected the phone and said ‘thank you.’ And the person who brought this phone, interestingly, is the PA to a Senior Special Assistant to the governor.

The boys that came into the hall; people recognized them. They were not strangers to the environment.

“And as I talk to you, this thing happened on Wednesday. Up till now, the chairman of Essien Udim Local Government has not put a call to me, to find out what actually happened, as the Chief Security Officer of that particular local government. But he has gone on air to say I

wasn’t the target but that it was a mere misunderstanding, to quote him, ‘a mere misunderstanding between the boys and the chapter chairman.’

“And I ask myself ‘a mere misunderstanding and people are wounded, a very peaceful assembly disrupted, the house vandalized, posters vandalized and you say it was a mere misunderstanding? If it was a mere misunderstanding between them and the chapter chairman, why didn’t they wait for me to leave? Why didn’t they go to his house? He lives with them, why did they have to come while visitors were holding a lawful meeting in a party office?

So these are the questions. I don’t think there are any arrests yet. I’m still waiting.

But in a nutshell, that was what happened.

Issues of money have been spoken about, the people that came in were not part of what was happening in that hall, they came from outside, they did not make any statement, they did not say anything. They just came straight up to the stage and attacked us. . “The country belongs to all of us. The party is ours, there is freedom of movement, there is freedom of lawful assembly and nobody should be allowed to threaten anybody. The chapter chairman has spoken to the press in Akwa Ibom State and what he said was that he was told not to receive me. He said a day before, the local government chairman told him not to receive me and that they should only receive the person that the governor wants. .“If this type of thing is not properly addressed it may continue as some people think that they own Nigeria. There must be no sacred cows.”

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 25, 2014—49

Glo ttak ak es mobile akes money to Sokoto, Katsina, other otherss

You need experience, skills to perform well in business — Nnadi

F

or Dr. Fon Nnadi, Managing Director, Scodex Health Services Limited, herbs provided by God for human consumption and cure is still the best way for healthy living. Genesis 1:29, Änd God said, behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; ...to you it shall be for meat.”

However, his 33 years of experience in the business of herbal practice has positioned him to administer effectively and efficiently on patience using natural herbs with tremendous results and with little financial returns, but what matters most is human lives”, he said.

In this interview with Saturday Vanguard Business, he speaks on his knowledge of the healing power of herbs even as he advised some orthodox doctors to refrain from condemning herbal remedies. Excerpts: Tell us the mission and vision of Soredix Health Foundation...

Our mission is to introduce quality curative herbal remedies and the vision is to see it gets to everyone everywhere to help provide good health.

Since you ventured into herbal remedies through training, what has been your achievements and target?

For the achievement, there will be no greater achievements than securing health, helping to provide good health and saving lives. That is the aspiring landmark for Soredex. A lot of people testify to the good result of the products we supply out there.

That I count as a big achievement. Asking about those that need it, everybody needs our product in one or the other. If you don’t need it for malaria, you will need it for Thyfoid, BP, diabetes, strokes etc. Otherwise, you need the product to maintain your health. So we try to ensure that it’s not limited to the rich alone but it gets to everybody unlike the foreign networks we see today where only the rich can afford

H

them.

With your knowledge in herbal remedies, is your products approved by NAFDAC? Yes! Majority of products are NAFDAC approved. And so many have testified the efficacy of our products and that is our adverts. The elderly man you see walking out of this place has her daughter working here. If these products are not working and she is not convinced, she would not have directed her father here for treatment. We work on recommendation, testimonies. You come for treatment, you get your result, you would be able to tell other people. Even though it’s a very slow method for business but at the same time, we love it because when you are coming, you are coming with assurance in the sense that somebody who had used our products and testified led you to the place or introduce you to the place. Just like the Hausa man will always ask you when you tell him that a product is good, he will ask you if you have used it, if you say yes, he will Nnadi follow you to get the product.

When and how long have you been in herbal Before then I have been in the treatment section of it since 1982 as practice? a profession combining it with my secondary education at 17.

I have been in this How did you acquire this? business for 33 years now.

I learnt it from my grand parents. My grant father did it and he But I started producing in was known in my community and beyond. My grant mother was a a packaged form in 2004. traditional birth attendant and she was well known all over the places. I took over from them after undergoing some training with them even though they saw the sign in me naturally and drew me closer to train me in it. After my secondary school, I went further to

Inf inix tak es tto o e-commer ce Infinix takes e-commerce for quality ser vice deliv er service deliver eryy nfinix Mobility has taken to business”. marketing its InfinixZERO I Shobanjo said, InfinixZERO mobile device on e-commerce, saying it is already paying off. The company has sold about 20,000 units of the device within three weeks, after its launch in Nigeria two months ago.

Officials of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in a chart with journalists in Lagos on the updated version of the phone, said that, the e-commerce platform, Konga.com, afforded them opportunity to offer customers 45% discount on each phone purchased.

Brand manager, Mr. Adebayo Shobanjo, said research has proved that through online sells, customers enjoy up to 20% discounts on retail, distribution, wholesale and advertisement respectively. He added that plans are underway to launch versions of InfinixZERO with embedded local applications; a measure that will encourage local content developers.

He said, Konga app is fused into the phone right from the lab. The number of sales, that is, 20,000 units within the 3 weeks we launched the phone, shows the level of acceptability among Nigerians.

Before InfinixZERO was launched, we carried out a survey and Nigerians, especially youths were amazed when we told them that the phone costs N23,900, when you buy through Konga.

“We are continuing with ecommerce as our marketing platform, because we are sure Nigerians have embraced online

comes with six months warranty for the glass. There is no OEM that gives that currently. We are offering a one year warranty on the phone itself. So, screen replacements are claimed by Infinix within 6months of purchase if users crack their phone screen by accident and can be replaced at Calcare Service centre.The essence is to allow the users have value for their money.

On the other hand, we trust the technology used in building the phone”.

While explaining the features of the “ reloaded” InfinixZERO, Head of Marketing, Infinix Mobility Company Limited, Mr. Peter Zhou, said that, with ‘Over The Air (OTA)’, referring to the ‘wireless system update’ service, through 3G or WiFi, the InfinixZERO service does not end on purchase as the team will upgrade the device monthly. He said this will be based on customer feedback and Google Android Operating System update.

Zhou said that the brand is set to dwarf others in the market in terms of performance and technology. “Imagine the superior picture quality of a 13MP camera with Sony sensor, the speed derived from the powerful OctaCore processor, the latest Android 4.4.2 kit kat and Gorilla glass 3 technology, this device has to offer it along comes along with 16GB Rom+2GB RAM.

undreds of participants are being expected to throng the Katsina, Sokoto, Ebonyi and Ekiti state venues of the Glo Xchange agent-recruitment exercise that is presently going around the country.

The recruitment will take place at town hall meetings to be held in Prosperous Royal Hotel And Resort Iworoko Road, Ado Ekiti, Bye Pass Road, Tamaje, Sokoto, Motel, GRA Katsina and in Grace Court Hotel, Abakaliki.

At the Town Hall meetings, Globacom and partner-bank experts will give orientation about mobile money and how to operate the Glo Xchange network business. They will also give the participants the opportunity to ask questions for further clarifications, after which they will be given the opportunity to sign up as Glo Xchange Agents.

Head of Mobile Money and Financial Business, Esaie Diei, said he expects the attendance in the above mentioned states to outstrip the attendance in the previous locations.

“Following successes recorded in more than 24 cities that have hosted the town hall meetings, the people in these states are eagerly waiting for the Glo Xchange train to arrive in their areas” Diei said in a statement.

Those who have attended the earlier meetings have hailed the network as a great money-making opportunity offered by Glo. They said that the network will grow small businesses while making financial transactions flexible. study it. Right now my first son is 17 and he has already started.

Does it mean that this trade is hereditary in your family?

Yes! That is what I’m seeing.

Some orthodox practitioners always have issues with herbal remedies on dosage, what is your takes?

Honestly they are not being frank. They are only judging from the business angle of it. Like Bob Marley said, “Tell the children the truth because one day they will count on you, not too long from when you said it.” What I mean is this, if they keep dribbling, playing this hide and seek because they want to protect their business, for how long will that be done? As you are saying it people are getting wiser everyday. As you are telling us to shy away from herbs, that it’s poisonous but the people you are talking to are not daft. They are getting to know that you told them that if you drink bitter leaf it will damage their liver and they happened to come across an old man of 85 years who told them that he has never visited any hospital in his life and they asked about bitter leaf and he told them he has been drinking bitter leaf since his childhood. So, when you hear that then you weigh the two statements and know who is telling the truth.

One said, bitter leaf damages the liver and the old man told you he has been taking it for the past 75 years and his liver is in tact. They should learn to embrace the truth.

The truth is that God gave perfection to what He created and threw it out to man to use. So if you have the knowledge and know how to apply these things, apply them for good of humanity. Nobody should sit there and begin to condemn what God has given humanity because he is not in that section of practice, so that people will run away from you. No! How many would you scare away from the truth and for how long would you do that? They should advise people who want to use herbal medicine to approach doctors who have a good knowledge of it that can blend it well so that you don’t cause yourself a harm. The abuse that is in herbal medicine is also attained in Orthodox medicine because if I give you Paracetamol to drink and you refused to follow the instruction because your headache is severe. Instead of taking two, you take three or four at a time and instead of waiting for three or four hours you take again after one hour because you want the headache to go fast. You are taking over dose and if there is anything that would cause side effect in that Paracetamol it must surely affect you. It is the same thing with herbal medicine.

50—SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

L

IKE the storming winds knocking trees against each other in the forest, the argument whether or not the Delta State governorship ticket has ever been zoned is knocking politicians in the state against one another, particularly those of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. More worrisome is the position of some persons in the state who are making statements to the effect that the governorship has been zoned to the Delta North and should be left for only PDP members of Delta North extraction to contest. Democracy is interesting when all interest groups are represented in a contest.

Delta State, irrespective of senatorial or ethnic affiliation is one constituency meant to be governed by a detribalized politician and not an ethnic bigot.

This agitation for zoning is only out to disunite the political class and the three senatorial districts meant to be together by God’s design. It is on record that the governorship has always been contested by the Delta Central, North and South since the creation of the State in 1991.

In 1993, the governorship was contested for by the three districts in the primary elections of the Social Democratic Party, SDP and the National Republican Convention, NRC. At the general elections, Olorogun Felix Ibru from Delta Central who flew the SDP flag locked horns with Chief Eric Opia of the NRC from the Delta North.

It is on record that Olorogun Felix Ibru was elected as Governor in that election not because the governorship was zoned to the Central, but because he won the said election in accordance with the then electoral guidelines. And everyone in the State knows that Olorogun Felix Ibru, until his government was truncated by the late General Sani Abacha, governed as a detribalized Deltan who started the development of the capital city of Asaba.

Again, on return of democracy in 1998, the three brothers (Delta North, Central and South) also threw their hats into the ring for the contest of the governorship seat where Chief James Ibori of the PDP was elected on the 9th of January 1999 and sworn in on May 29th same year.

Those who ran with Chief James Ibori were Mr Afam Okonkwo of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, AD, Mr Moses Kragha of the defunct All Peoples Party, APP, and a host of others.

And in 2003, Chief Joshua Elueme and Chief Ifeanyi Onwukamike from the North contested the PDP primaries with Chief James Ibori but he (Ibori) won not on the basis of zoning but on the basis of acceptability.

In 2007, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Chief Godswill Obielum, Prof Fidelis Oditah, Chief Simon Ebonka, Dr Ngozi Olejeme, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta North and late Chief Pius Ewherido, Chief Charles Obule, Chief O’Tega Emerhor, Hon Napoleon Gbinije, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Mr Sunny Onuesoke, Hon Ejaife Odebala, Olorogun Oscar Ibru,

2015:

Gbagi

Orubebe Omo-Agege

Okowa

Olejeme

Ochei

Obuh

Much ado about zoning of Delta governorship and Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege ran against Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Same scenario played out in 2011, the governorship election was not also left for Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; he emerged winner in the elections by dint of his hard work and acceptability not because the governorship was zoned to the Delta South.

From the above analysis, it is very clear that the governorship of the State has never been zoned; zoning only promotes mediocrity and therefore not good for a growing democracy.

Therefore, the PDP like it was in the past should open the governorship to all ethnic groups and senatorial districts for Deltans to elect a governor of their choice that is not anchored on zoning.

Any credible candidate, provided is a Deltan can emerge governor irrespective of his or her senatorial districts. Luckily, we have very many credible Deltans across the three senatorial districts in the race.

As at today, we have the likes of Mr Victor Ochei, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Mrs Esther Uduehi, Dr Ngozi Olejeme, Mr Ndidi Elumelu, Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, Mr Tony Obuh, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Mr David

,

BY FESTUS AHON

Any credible candidate, provided is a Deltan can emerge governor irrespective of his or her senatorial districts

,

Edevbie, Elder Godsdey Orubebe, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Clement Ofuani and a host of others.

All these persons should be allowed to contest and a level playing ground should be provided for them and whoever emerges amongst them should fly the PDP’s flag and be supported by all. It is only when this is done that whoever emerges will win for the PDP and all Deltans; not for only a senatorial district and a microscopic few lazy and greedy elements hiding under the guise of zoning.

Interestingly, secretary of the PDP in the State, Chief Solomon Ogba recently affirmed that the party has not zoned the governorship when Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi paid a consultative visit to the State party leadership in Asaba.

Elder Godsdey Orubebe when he visited the State party Executive also vowed to resist zoning and any form of rigging and called for a level playing ground for all of them to test their popularity.

Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege on

Elumelu his part has consistently maintained that he was not in the race because he is an Urhobo man but because he is a Deltan who is moved by the desire to govern and add value to governance.

Mr Tony Obuh is not far from this position also. When he visited Chief E.K Clark, he said he is not running because he believes it was the turn of the Delta North to produce the State Governor in 2015, but because he wants to serve Deltans using his years of experience in the civil service.

At least three contestants representing the three senatorial districts have agreed or seem to have agreed that there is no zoning of the State Governorship. Chief E.K Clark who is revered by all politicians in the State has also maintained that he would support any credible person that emerges in a free and fair primary of the PDP, insisting that he and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan alone cannot decide who the next Governor of the state should be.

The State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has also said; “only God knows who will be Governor but I know those who will not be Governor,” maintaining that Deltans would decide who their next Governor will be.

Therefore, those clamouring for zoning or insisting that the State 2015 governorship has been zoned to Delta North should carry out a serious research as to when and where the governorship was zoned.

Deltans should therefore be allowed to make a choice on who should govern them in 2015 or PDP could risk losing the State to opposition.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014—51

BY DAPO AKINREFON

D

r Tola Kasali is a former commissioner in Lagos State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In this interview, he says that choosing the next the governor of Lagos State should not be based on religion. He also talks on his plans for the state if he emerges the standard bearer of the APC in the governorship race in the state. Excerpts: How did you get into politics?

I got into politics through the encouragement of my father. He came to me one day and said, ‘You look like someone who is not living in Nigeria, a foreigner.’ But we are from a very rural background. Ibeju-Lekki used to be the most rural part of Lagos State. So, he said, ‘We can’t have a son like you here and be living in this kind of situation. I want you to join the people who are directing the affairs of the state, particularly our local government.’ I told him that what I gathered was that they kill people in the area and he said, ‘I have never killed anybody in my life and I have never done anything wrong to anybody’s children, so, God will be with you. Join politics and do something to better the condition of our people.’

That was how I joined politics and I decided that I would do it with zeal. Even in my hospital, I treated indigenes of Ibeju-Lekki free and gave them transport fare to return home.

I was making money because then, I had retainer-ship with Texaco, Union Bank and Afribank.

So, I was making money and I was supporting people who were doing politics in Ibeju-Lekki, thinking that was where we could have a local government that is completely rural.

Then, in 1998, when the new dispensation started, the people said, ‘You told us that local council can provide electricity, then come and contest the chairmanship seat.’ It was so difficult for me because before then, my younger brother was the vice chairman of the council. So, I wondered how I could become the council chairman. Is it the Kasali family they are trying to worship? And the people said no. Eventually, I accepted. That was how I ran for local council chairmanship election in 1998. The election was held on December 5 and I was sworn in on June 2.

Dr Tola Kasali

Lagos 2015:

Dr Kasali recalls how Tinubu wanted him to be governor *says religion should have no place in Lagos politics On what party’s platform?

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but it was called All Peoples Party (APP) then.

You were persuaded to vie for the governorship ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) then by the likes of Chief Dapo Sarumi, which was before the disqualification of then candidates, but you refused.

Can you share the reason and considering the intrigues then, would you have won the election?

I would have won because we were holding series of meetings then and my name was on the lip of everybody.

All our leaders in Epe division were saying if I had been picked, they would have supported me. They also told Alhaji (Lateef) Jakande that I was their man but I told them I would rather become a councillor because then, I had never

taken up any political appointment.

You have attributed your political journey in life to destiny, why?

Eventually, we (in SDP) picked Yomi Edu from our group, and we lined our followers behind him. He won the primaries against Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, but he eventually lost the election (to Sir Michael Otedola) and people were saying if I had accepted to fly the party’s flag, I would have won the election. That one went away.

When I became the council chairman in 1999, I did a lot of rural electrification projects in Ibeju-Lekki. I did a lot of road projects and many other things. When the then state governor, Senator Bola Tinubu, was touring local governments and he came to Ibeju-Lekki, he began inaugurating my projects at 10.00 a.m. and

when it was 7.30 in the evening, he said, ‘no, we have to go.’ This is because we did massive rural electrification projects in 22 places, did high tension that covered 32 kilometres and reconstructed many schools.

We did all this with the amount the council was earning.

Then, in 2002, our tenure expired and we left the council because there was no election. A caretaker committee was put in place.

In 2003, we had the general election and Senator Tinubu won his re-election. The same week, I went to greet him at Marina and as he was seeing off some people, he called me to his inner room and said, ‘I know your people want you to go back to the council, but I want you in my cabinet to do all the things you did in IbejuLekki in all the rural areas of Lagos State.’ He then asked: ‘Do you agree?’ I said, ‘your wish is my command.’

He travelled and he came back, but I didn’t see him until the announcement was made. That was how I became Commissioner for Rural Development in Lagos State. In 2005, he (Tinubu) said, ‘I feel like handing over to you as the next governor of Lagos State’ and I said, ‘Oga, do you know I am from Ibeju-Lekki?’ He said, ‘Yes. Is Ibeju-Lekki not part of Lagos State?’

After two weeks, he called me again and asked: ‘What about what I told you?’ It was then I started consulting the elders of the party and that was how I was drafted into the governorship race. Then, it got to a point when everybody thought I was going to be the governor, then the (Babatunde) Fashola issue came up and at the end of the day, he was picked.

When Tinubu looked at you and said he felt like handing over to you and at the end of the day, he went for Fashola, did he explain his decision to you? And how did the development make you feel at that time?

We had a lot of discussions then, which I would like to keep secret because I am an honest and loyal man. I did what I did in the interest of our party, in the interest of Lagos State and in the interest of my area, and that was it. It was without bitterness. I took it as my destiny, an act of God. I looked at it this way: if I had forced myself on the people and I become governor and died the following day, what would I have achieved? The situation is different now.

Senator Tinubu is a Muslim, so also is his successor. You are also a

Muslim. What do you make of that in view of the yearning of a section of the people for a Christian as the next governor of the state, for a change?

Recently, too, at a book launch, the Oba of Lagos said it must be Akinwumi Ambode and not any other person...

(Cuts in) My answer to that is that all power belongs to God. He gives power to whoever He wishes. Religion has no place in Lagos politics, even in the politics of the SouthWest. In politics generally, religion should not play any role. If you look at the history of Lagos State, when Jakande was governor, Jafojo was his deputy. Both of them were Muslims.

Nobody talked about religion then. Even if you look at it closely, you will find that the dominant people in the state are Muslims.

We should not play on religion. There was a time in this country when we had Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket, that is, M.K.O Abiola and Babagana Kingibe.

Nobody raised an eyebrow and they won the election. If that election had not been annulled, they would have been declared winners. So, we should not introduce something that will jeopardise the future of our people. We should not introduce something that will bring conflict. We should not introduce something that will start affecting the consciousness of the people. We shouldn’t put in the people’s consciousness what they were not thinking about before.

So, I don’t see any issue in that, Lagos is for everybody.

In Lagos, being a cosmopolitan state, everybody has a stake. We don’t talk about indigeneship because we have a lot of other people in Lagos, and the state is accommodating. You can’t compare Lagos with Ogun, Oyo or any other state.

If you look at the past governments in Lagos State, we have a cabinet of 40 members and if we analyse the cabinet, we can hardly find half of the number being Lagosians. It shows the type of accommodation we have for others in Lagos. It shows the type of interaction we have in Lagos. It shows the type of politics we play in Lagos. So, we don’t discriminate. People should not bring such item into the consciousness of Lagosians because if we start talking about religion or indigeneship, somebody from Lagos State will not be anybody in any other state.

Our situation is different; we are a cosmopolitan state and we accommodate ourselves in our cabinet.

52—SA TURD AY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25 52—SATURD TURDA 25, 2014

Lagos tr ains tr aditional healer trains traditional healerss on treatment of hyper yperttension, HIV/AIDS, other killer diseases STORIES BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

L

agos State Government has concluded a two-day training programme for traditional medicine practitioners in the state on how to manage and offer treatment for six priority diseases in West Africa using traditional herbs prescription method.

The six identified priority diseases are: Malaria, Hypertension, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Anemia, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.

Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, one of the resource persons, explained that the training exercise was part of the resolve of the West Africa Health Organizationsm WAHO, to further stem the spread of the diseases using all available means.

He assured that the method of traditional medical care that participants were exposed to, are those with scientific backing and well

Gov Fashola researched by renowned scientists which had been put to test in other African countries. Omoseyindemi said

that the involvement of traditional practitioners in finding cure to those identified diseases would be done in conjunction with the modern day medical practitioners, especially in the areas of medical analysis and laboratory test to diagnose the nature and intensity of the ailment in order to determine prescription and dosages.

While debunking the common belief system where persons suffering from any of the aforementioned ailments are regarded to be under spiritual or supernatural attacks by their adversaries, he advised that any sign of discomfort in the body system should be brought to the knowledge of medical personnel who would determine what went wrong in the body rather than relying on common knowledge or superstitious beliefs.

The training programme which started in Alimosho area of the state will be extended across all the divisions to incorporate all traditional practitioners.

LSPWC completes rehab of Dopemu collapsed road section .as motorists want pot holes on road fixed

R

esidents and motorists along Lagos Abeokuta expressway may now heave sigh of relief as Lagos State Government through its agent, Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has concluded maintenance work on the collapsed section of Alimosho road by Iyana Dopemu BusStop.

However, motorists, while reacting to the completion of the road, urged Federal Road Maintenance Authority (FERMA) or relevant authorities in the state to fix myriads of pot holes on the other side of LagosAbeokuta road as the road is lined up with deadly potholes described as “death traps”.

It will be recalled that for over four five months, there had been traffic gridlock in which motorists spent at least two hours to get through the axis due to the collapsed section along the road.

The fixed section is an opened median created as an alternative route to those going into Alimosho area following the closure of Dopemu Link Bridge which was just rehabilitated.

However, as a result of public demand, government decided to leave the opened median for use by motorists but due to high volume of vehicles making use of the road, the section became degraded causing terrible traffic.

The maintenance work which began on the night of Tuesday 14th October 2014 and ended on Friday 17th October, 2014, was carried out using a 24-hour approach in order to hasten its completion.

Executive Chairman LSPWC, Mr. Gbenga Akintola, in his reaction explained that “Prior to the intervention of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, the road had become almost totally un-motorable due to perpetual retention of water on that axis which is responsible for the damage.

“In the light of this, the use of interlocking paving stones was employed instead of Asphalt premix which might be washed away in due course owing to the ineffectiveness of the drainage network in

Lagos moves to improve tr anspor transpor ansportt sy syss t em LAGOS State, with an estimated population of 22 million people is currently faced with the challenge of mass transit due to ever increasing population.

Consequently, government embarked on massive upgrading of its inter-modal transport system which comprises of roads, water, rail and recently, Public Private Partnership (PPP) cable-car initiative.

The state government is proposing seven rail lines network for Lagos in the continued search for an enduring public transportation system for mass movement of people. Of these seven, two seem to be critical. They are the Blue, Red rail line corridors covering major axes of high commuter traffic demand.

The blue rail line, to run from Marina, Lagos Island to Okokomaiko, Ojo Local Government Area has reached advanced stage of completion.

The second line, the Red Line is anticipated to operate with 12-car trains between 2010 and 2015. It is expected to begin as a double line at Marina and runs through Ebute Ero ending at Iddo. It then runs northwards via a reverse curve to reach Ebute Metta. It then runs straight to Yaba, Mushin and Oshodi before reaching Ikeja.

At the Ikeja station, the Red Line is expected to link the line from the international and domestic airport terminal. From Ikeja, a single line will run to the airport terminals. The Red Line then moves as a double line further northwards from Ikeja to pass through Agege, Iju and finally reaches Agbado.

Initially, the Blue Line will carry 400,000 passengers daily with capacity increased to 700,000 passengers daily when the rail route becomes fully operational. To incorporate the use of EMUs, a depot including power generating plant has been proposed for construction at the final western most station, Okokomaiko.

Fashola accuses FG of frustrating red rail line project

A section of Alimosho road during rehabilitation by Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC). the area, especially along the adjourning Lagos-Abeokuta express way which is under Federal jurisdiction.

“Lagosians are however, reminded to continually observe proper use of roads by shunning various habits that lead to untimely damage of roads.”

He also urged residents to take ownership of the state roads, guarding them as their heritage and protecting them from getting damaged.

Akintola stressed that residents should consider the job of road maintenance a joint effort between themselves and the state government.

According to him, people have the right to challenge any member of the public engaging in the act of illegal digging or causing damage to the road and report offenders to the police or relevant authorities.

Akintola stated that tax payers’ money that could have been diverted to cater for other pressing needs of residents is used to repair damaged roads caused by human error, adding that dumping of refuse in drains, burning of tyre on road and cooking

on road leads to further deterioration of roads.

He said further that the damage on some Lagos roads as a result of the heavy down pour of July 10 is a far cry of what took place in China, Pakistan and some other parts of the world “the citizens of those countries did not blame their Government but rather looked for ways they could assist their Government in combating the problems, this should be emulated by Lagosians.”

Commenting on the deplorable state of roads under Local Government jurisdiction, Akintola credited this to lack of funds available to maintain those roads but promised that the agency would partner with local government authorities to provide palliative measures for road users.

Akintola explained that the corporation in its determination to reduce to the barest minimum inconveniences experienced by road users during maintenance work, has scheduled maintenance work on some major roads to take place at night and during the weekend when vehicular activities is presumed to be less.

MEANWHILE, Governor Babatunde Fashola, while addressing large crowd at the commemoration of his 2,700 days in office and account of stewardship of his administration within the last 100 days in Ikeja, attributed the failure to commence work on the red rail line to uncooperative posture of the Federal Government.

The red rail line project is proposed to run on the existing Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) corridor from Iddo to Ikeja and terminates at Agbado.

“We are yet to commence work on the red rail line because of the slow approval process of the corridor by the Federal Government. As soon as we get the approval we will commence work on the roject.”

Fashola who also reacted to the recent statement released by the Federal Government which put the debt profile of Lagos at N160 billion as loan obtained by the state from the World Bank, challenged the FG to return the sum of N51 billion that the state government expended on federal roads, nothing that the debt burden of the state will be less and that the state will have less to burrow if that money is returned even as he stressed the state maintained a healthy debt profile.

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014 — 53

C M Y K

54—SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 25, 2014

Bitter last days of Muhammed Ali His tongue as fast as his fists but today Ali can barely walk - ground down by Parkinson’s and beset by a venomous family feud •Ali with David Beckam

B

ack in his imperious heyday, Muhammad Ali was acutely aware that he was carving his place in history.

A fearless champion of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War protest, as well as the boxing ring, he was one of those rare sportsmen who have shaped the course of world events. Determined to ensure he would be remembered as he saw himself and not as others saw him, Ali — who was never short of self-admiration — therefore embarked on an extraordinary project designed to burnish his image for posterity.

When he was away from home — which was very often — he would wire the phone in his hotel room to a whirring, spool-reel tape-machine, dial up one of his nine (acknowledged) children and record their rambling, intimate conversations.

Knowing this so-called ‘audiodiary’ would become a key primary source for future chroniclers of his story, he was particularly keen to present himself as a devout family man, which couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Even Ali’s most loyal defenders wouldn’t pretend that his personal life has been anything other than a protracted trainwreck. Three bitter divorces, a series of affairs, two illegitimate daughters, and a procession of other children who claim him as their father stand testimony to that.

Until now, few outside Ali’s inner circle were aware the many hours of tape-recordings existed.

But after he began to suffer Parkinson’s disease, the fighter entrusted them to one of his daughters, Hana, 38, and now she has permitted them to be used in a new biographical film, I Am Ali, released this week in America and due in British cinemas next month.

‘History is so beautiful, but at the time we’re living it we don’t realise it,’ the legendary fighter remarks during the movie, by

way of explaining why he was creating the tapes.

Perhaps so, yet the film serves largely to remind us of the sad shadow of a man Ali, ravaged by

Parkinson’s for 25 years, is now.

Indeed, the state of his health has become the focus of an intense public debate between members

of his family in recent days.

Recently, the veteran British boxing promoter Frank Warren wrote in a newspaper column that

he had been told Ali’s condition is more serious than it has ever been. Contrast this with the era

•Continues on page 55

•Ali throws a punch

SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 25, 2014—55

•Ali roars when he was young and vibrant

•Ali stands after flooring an opponent

•The way Ali is now.

•Ali with the torch at Atlanta Games in 1996.

Bitter last days of Muhammed Ali •Continues from page 54 when Ali made the tapes — his rich, Deep South voice as beautiful as his Adonis physique.

The Louisville Lip is silent now.

Those rapier-quick rhyming couplets that reminded us he was ‘the greatest’ (and so ‘pretty’), and predicted the precise round in which he would dispatch his opponents, are lost beyond hope of recall The most lyrical and vibrant vocal cords any sportsman has possessed are so brittle and thin that on his worst days, despite recent surgery, he can’t raise a whisper.

Whether at his Kentucky home or his gated mansion in Arizona, he spends hour upon hour propped in a huge leather armchair, watching old Westerns and re-runs of his epic fights.

The epoch-making ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with George Foreman, and the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ which saw him beat his arch-foe, Joe Frazier, after 14 of the most brutal rounds boxing has witnessed, are relived time and again.

Painfully frail, his face an expressionless mask, he usually communicates his needs via a series of grunts and gestures comprehensible only to his fourth wife Lonnie and her younger sister Marilyn, who serve as his carers. Mercifully, however, on some mornings his voice makes a very brief and weak return, according to friends.

Then he will ask to be connected by Skype to his

favourite grandson, Jacob — the 15-year-old son of his daughter Khalilah Ali-Wertheimer — and attempt to communicate with him.

Ali, we can assume, wouldn’t wish these painfully laboured phone-calls to be tape-recorded.

It is all he can do to express his love for the boy (who has been raised as a Jew by dint of his mother’s marriage, despite Ali’s devotion to Islam) and summon an amusing word or two.

Sometimes he tries gamely to affect that aghast, pop-eyed face he made on the Michael Parkinson chat show — a trademark of his wit.

Ironically, the new film — judged an entertaining but blatantly selective and sugarcoated hagiography by America’s top critics — has also reopened the bitter divisions that have long riven the dysfunctional, factionalised Ali clan.

When it was premiered in Hollywood a few days ago, 72year-old Ali was notably absent.

Asked why the great man wasn’t there to witness the unveiling of a story he had been so eager to create, his younger brother Rahman — who attended the glitzy event with other friends and family members — said he was not well enough.

‘He is sick [and] he doesn’t speak too well, but he is proud we are here for him. He has given this film his blessing,’ said Rahman, 71, who last year created a major stir by announcing that his brother didn’t have long to live — a

statement that he later recanted.

Since Ali was to be found on a business trip in Virginia, with his wife, and also appeared at an awards ceremony staged by his humanitarian charity about a fortnight ago (a taxingly long event at which he sat, motionless, on the podium as Lonnie gave an address on his behalf), his health seems an unlikely explanation for his absence from the film premiere.

Moreover, the couple’s spokesman Bon Gunnell gave the assurance that Ali is ‘doing very well’ — and on Thursday he tweeted a new picture of Ali, attempting a smile of sorts, as he posed with fans at his Virginia

The most lyrical and vibrant vocal cords any sportsman has possessed are so brittle and thin that on his worst days, despite recent surgery, he can’t raise a whisper

hotel.

So why wasn’t he at the film launch? Mr Gunnell insists that he simply couldn’t find time in his hectic schedule to travel to the West Coast. However, Ali’s cousin, Charlotte Waddell, 67, offers a very different explanation.

She is convinced that Lonnie will have decided her ailing husband should not expend any energy to promote the film — because they weren’t involved in the production.

‘Lonnie controls everything he does — it’s sickening,’ Mrs Waddell said angrily from her Kentucky home. ‘I can’t stand to be around her. It wouldn’t take me two seconds to spit in her face!’

Strong words. Intriguingly, Mrs Waddell also revealed that the boxer’s second wife, Belinda Boyd — now known as Khalilah Camacho and said to be working as a nurse in Florida — is writing her own ‘tell-all’ book about Ali. She claims it will contain ‘juicy’ new details about his life with Lonnie.

The fourth Mrs Ali has been a hate figure among sections of the Ali family ever since she took up the reins of his chaotic life, some

30 years ago.

Hearing how he had fallen ill with a then-undiagnosed illness, Lonnie — who had adored the boxer since she was a little girl living opposite his parents’ home in Louisville — abandoned her promising career with Kraft foods, upped sticks and moved to California, ostensibly to become his nurse.

But she quickly replaced his third wife, Veronica Porsche — a flighty model who had caught his eye in Manila when he was training for the showdown with Frazier — and married him in 1986.

At the time he was going broke, having squandered his fortune on women, spongers and failed business ventures (largely conducted via the U.S. fundamentalist sect Nation of Islam). But Lonnie, instigating a rescue plan she called ‘Corporate Ali’, restored not only his wealth — about £60 million at the last estimate — but his reputation.

In doing so she ruthlessly froze many people out of his life, including his only natural son, Muhammad Ali Jr, now 41, whom I tracked down two years ago.

Source: Daily Mail

SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 25, 2014

NFF crisis: Court to hear Stay-ofExecution case October 29

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

AWC Final:

Kickoff: 7pm

HE Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation led by Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has filed a Stay of Execution at the Federal High Court, Jos Judicial

History beckons Falcons

BY BEN EFE, Windhoek

N

•Deborah

•Oshoala

IGERIA will attempt to win a record seventh Africa Women’s Championship trophy today when they confront Cameroon in the final at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Super Falcons emerged tops in group A without dropping any point. With excellent ball possession and passing accuracy, they made their opponents look like fish out of water. While Cameroon on the other hand relied on their physical strength to plough their way into the final and they are equally aiming to out muscle the Super Falcons.

Their coach Enow Ngachu believes the

Super Falcons have not been tested in the tournament..

But his Nigerian counterpart Edwin Okon said he was confident that his ladies would emerge champion today.

Midfielder, Asisat Oshoala has been wonderful and will be hoping to add to her two goals tally in today ’s game.

Cameroon will look up to Deborah Enganamouit to deliver up front, having scored three goals so far.

Division over the court’s ruling of Thursday, 23rd October setting aside the elections of 30th September, 2014,whichbroughtthebody to office.

NFF’slawyerswenttowork immediately the ruling was made on Thursday and were able to file for the Stay of Execution on Friday. The courthasnowsetWednesday, 29thOctober,2014forhearing of the Stay of Execution.

On Thursday, there was serious apprehension across the nation that the country could be in for severe sanctions from world football –governing body, FIFA which had issued a stern warning earlier that they would not take kindly to any interference with the NFF’s electoral process.

Meanwhile, a member of the Chris Giwa’s faction, Yahaya Adama told newsmen that they have dissolved all the committees the Amaju Pinnick board set up and

that they were also recalling Stephen Keshi as Eagles coach. “ The board nullifies all decisions taken by the Amaju Pinnick team that had usurped the NFF since September 30. All committees appointed by the said illegal NFF board are dissolved”.

The Giwa-led faction also appointed four committees to assist in the running of the game till the end of the season.

•Pinnick

Today’s Matches EPL West Ham Liverpool Southampton Sunderland West Brom Swansea LA LIGA Almeria Real Madrid Valencia Cordoba

v v v v v v

Man City Hull Stoke Arsenal Crystal Palace Leicester

12:45pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 3pm 5:30pm

v v v v

Athletic Bilbao Barcelona Elche Real Sociedad

3pm 5pm 7pm 9pm

•Blatter

Ebola: Enyeama wants CAF to cancel AFCON S

UPER Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama hopes the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations is cancelled to help stop the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

Hosts Morocco have asked the Confederation of African Football to postpone the 17 January to 8 February event but the organisers have refused.

Enyeama said: “I really hope it doesn’t happen.

It is risky, in Africa everyone is hugging you and shaking your hand.

“But if Caf says it will happen I will play - if Nigeria qualify.”

Moroccan officials are set to meet with Caf on 3

November to discuss their request to postpone the tournament.

The Ebola virus has already claimed more than 4,500 lives since the outbreak in west Africa in March.

Caf has already approached South Africa, Ghana and up to five other countries about hosting the event should Morocco withdraw.

Caf officials are scheduled to meet in Algiers on 2 November to discuss the situation regarding the tournament, which has never been postponed since its inaugural edition in 1957.

CROSS WORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1)Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu – (4) 3)Former Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim – (8) 7)Super Eagles Midfielder, Sunday – (3) 8)Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman – (4) 9)L.G.A in Kano State – (4) 10)Musical Instrument – (5) 12)Flying Eagles Winger, Kelechi – (8) 16)Argentina Premiership Club – (5) 19)The Igwe of Nnewi, H.R.H. Kenneth – (5) 20)Warning Device – (5) 22)Former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Rotimi – (9) 25)State in Nigeria – (5) 27)Ghana “Black Stars” Striker, Asamoah – (4) 28)Sixth Month of the Year – (4) 30)Place where animals are kept – (3) 31)Super Eagles Assistant Coach, Daniel – (8) 32)Number – (4)

DOWN 1)Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Marc-John – (8) 2)L.G.A in Kogi State – (5) 3)Former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Buba – (5) 4)Former Super Eagles Player, Yisa – (9) 5)Former Kogi State Governor, Abubakar – (4) 6)Cross-River State Commissioner of Sports, Mr. Patrick – (4) 11)Greek Alphabet – (3) 13)France “Les Bleus” left-back & Manchester United Defender, Patrice – (4) 14)Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Victor – (5,4) 15)Enugu State Governor, Sullivan – (5) 17)Nasarawa United Striker, Victor – (4) 18)L.G.A in Lagos State – (8) 21)Zodiac Sign – (3) 23)Italian Prime Minister, Matteo – (5) 24)France Premiership Club Side – (5) 25)Palestine Capital City – (4) 26)L.G.A in Kwara State – (4)

SOLUTION on page 55

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